Saturday, February 14, 2009

Food Storage


When you start out on your own, you aren't really sure about expiration dates on foods. Your parents generally took care of this, and you are beginning to realize that the food you buy, won't last forever, as you walk into your apartment one day and realize by the smell that most of your food has gone bad. This is a great little cheat sheet that will help you to know how long to keep your food, and when to throw it out.
  • First: have a labeling system. Buy a labeler (or just some masking tape), and whenever you buy an item write down the date you bought it. Time can get away from you fast, and with as much food as you may buy, you may forget to throw something out. 
  • Apples: 3 weeks: Store them in the refrigerator, unwrapped. Also, don't touch them! 
  • Grapes: 1 week: Store in the refrigerator in a vented plastic bag. They often come in bags like these, and for a reason! 
  • Berries: 3 days: Keep them in a ventilated container in the refrigerator
  • Onions: 2 months: Store in a cool, dry, ventilated place. 
  • Carrots: 3 weeks: Remove the green and store in a plastic bag. Limp carrots can be resuscitated by soaking in ice water for 30 minutes.
  • Raw Chicken: 1-2 days: Keep refrigerated at 40F or lower. Always observe "use by" dates.
  • Cooked Chicken: 3-4 days: Refrigerate in shallow, covered container
  • Ground beef: 2 days: Keep refrigerated and observe "use by" date; freeze if use more than 2 days from purchase.
  • Eggs: 3-5 weeks: Keep on a lower shelf in the refrigerator- not the door.
  • Pizza: 3-4 days: Put in refrigerator within 2 hours of delivery or else throw it out. Keep it wrapped and refrigerated otherwise. 
  • Flour: 6-8 months: Store in a sealed container in a cool dry place. Keep out moisture. 
  • Dry pasta: Up to a year: Store in a cool, dark place in a sealed container to keep away mold and weevils (tiny, grain-loving bugs)
  • Whole Coffee Beans: 1 month: The flavor is best within the first 10 days. Store in a cool dark place in a container.
  • Ground Coffee Beans: 2 weeks: same as above.
If you are anything like me, and work retail, and are on your feet for 8 hours, you don't always feel like making anything for dinner. And on some nights money could go to waste if your food spoils in a matter of days. So, if your recipe calls for something that spoils within days, esp meats, pick it up on your way home. You can't know exactly how your day will go, even the day before, so it is best to buy expensive food that spoils fast when you know exactly how you will feel. 
It is best to buy in bulk. You get more for each individual penny. But it doesn't make a difference if you only use about half of it. Don't buy a huge thing of coffee, if you are the only one who drinks it in your house (unless you drink a cup every hour). Gage how much you really use. But always remember these dates in order to eat the freshest possible food, and stay as healthy as possible. 
And for even more go to: www.realsimplereallife.com/television/browse-by-topic/food-recipes/how-long-last-00000000005600/idex.html?iid=rs.comhp

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Sportsmanship


For those of you not into basketball Tobacco Road is a series of about 4 colleges in central North Carolina all situated within hours of each other. Two of the schools are situated less than 10 miles from each other. This is arguably the number 1 college basketball rivalry of all time. DUKE and UNC! Considering the first game of the season between the two teams is tonight, let me go over good sportsmanship. 
  • Remember! The other fans have feelings! Don't make fun of the other teams players (on the outside). The other fans are fans of the other team for a reason. Respect their reasons (even if in your opinion they are wrong). Remember that they are people, and in many cases your friends.
  • Cheer! You are watching sports! Clap your hands, whistle when appropriate. But don't boo! Don't yell out when the ref makes a bad call (although grunting is expected). It makes you look bad. 
  • Congratulate! One team is going to win, and hopefully the better team. But one team will lose. And there is a chance that the losing team will be yours. You don't have to run around shaking hands as soon as the game is over, but if you have a friend who is a fan of the opposing team, tell them "Good Game!"
  • Most importantly: If the better team (your team) does win, don't get in the opposing fans face. Their team, and often pride and joy, just let them down. They are upset. Getting in their face could cause problems. Tell them their team did a very good job. Maybe even site one point when you thought the game was over. Offer to buy them a beer. 
  • And of course Go DUKE!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

How to reuse ordinary household items

Everyone has certain items laying around their house, that are simply going to waste. Everyone also has needs for special items. But what if you were able to figure out away to use your items that are going to waste, instead of buying a new item? This blog will help you use your items you have lying around the house, or help you save money so that you don't have to buy a brand new item. 
Below is a chart my dad found that has a list of common household items.


The above photo can be found larger at

More can be found at Breaking the Chain
  • Puffiness under your eyes... use preparation H
  • Congestion... chew a few altoids
  • Splinter... put a tab of Elmers Glue on it, let dry and peal off
  • Stinky wet dog... wipe down with a dryer sheet! 
I found the following uses for paper towel tubes on another blog
  • Stuff with grocery bags and store in your car- great for dirty clothes, wet bathing suits, and trash
  • Papers you want to display, but not yet, can be rolled and safely stored in one 
I found even more as a yahoo answers question
  • If you buy expensive (or sometimes less expensive) liquor and have a pretty bottle, reuse it! Stick a bottle pourer in it (great for parties for their intended use as well) and use it as a very attractive soap dispenser, or for bubble bath.
  • Reuse plastic sprayers by filling them with water and vinegar and spraying down your shower after you shower. Or with just vinegar as a natural weed killer
Simply googling household items uses or some version of this will help you find many more uses for your house hold items that will go to waste. 

Monday, February 9, 2009

How to Make Your Home Instantly Grown Up!

As you decorate your apartment, you have to buy things that you will like for years to come, because furniture isn't something most people can buy as the seasons change. Despite the fact that many of us just graduated college, we have to put our hs and college decorating sense away, and learn how to have a more mature decorating sense.
  • Get a neutral sofa. As the seasons change, and styles go in and out of fashion, simply change your throw pillows. If anything, buy inexpensive slip covers. I'm purchasing the below sofa and matching chaise lounge from IKEA in the next few months. IKEA also has slip covers that go with their furniture. 
EKTORP Sofa bed
  • Get a comfortable ottoman! It can be used as a comfy place to rest your feet, and also as a coffee table. 
  • If you get a rug, get one that is big enough! Most apartments have carpeted floors, but if you are lucky enough to have wood floors, a nice rug is a great accent. But make sure it is big enough to go under all of the furniture. The room will look more pulled together!
  • Make a conversation area! Arrange your seating to face each other, and not just your TV. If you don't have a lot of room, arrange the main pieces towards the tv, and one or two beside the TV. It would be best to have an entertainment center that can close.
  • Hire a designer! It is a waste of money to make mistakes. But if you don't have a lot of money, recruit a friend! With this economy most interior designers aren't getting a lot of business. So you may be able to get a friend to do it for a small fee. 
  • Get a round dining room table! These are more inviting, and they also take up less space in a small apartment.
  • Get a big mirror! It gives your room the allusion more space!
  • Get double use pieces! Buy pieces that can be used for decoration and storage! Old suitcases are great for this, as well as many ottomans! 

This is an article found in March 2009 Cosmopolitan. My favorite magazine! 

Recipes

McDonald's Snack Wrap
  • White tortilla shells
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Grilled or fried chicken strips
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Dressing of your choice
  1. Take a tortilla shell and squirt an even layer of dressing on the shell
  2. Add cheese and lettuce
  3. Add chicken to the middle
  4. Fold your tortilla shell up about 2 inches
  5. Wrap it up from each side
  6. Enjoy! 


Teriyaki Chicken and Seafood Sauce

White Rice
  • 1 package white rice
  • water
  1. Prepare rice according to manufacturer's directions. This takes about 20 minutes
Seafood Sauce- this is the white dipping sauce I get at the mall at Japanese restauants
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (this was a bit much, next time I'm cutting in half)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 3/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 3/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  1. Mix all ingredients together and store in refrigerator
Teriyaki Chicken
  • 1 package of pregrilled chicken
  • Teriyaki Sauce
  1. Spray your skillet with pam and warm it up
  2. Put unfrozen chicken in your skillet
  3. Pour a little teriyaki sauce on the chicken, enough to cover it
  4. Stir the chicken as it fries (stir-fry). After a moment pour a little more teriyaki sauce on your chicken. Stir fry your chicken for a few minutes, until it is warm
To make this a complete meal, add some vegetables to your stir-fry, such as carrot slices or chopped onion.

Rigatoni
Mueller's pasta has great recipes on their boxes. They are very simple and easy. And anything can be added as you see necessary. These are great to make in the beginning of the week, and then bring to work to save money for days.
  • 16 oz Mueller's Rigatoni
  • 1 lb bulk Italian sausage
  • 3/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped or 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 (26 oz) jars pasta sauce, any flavor
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 3 cups (12 oz) shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
  • Chopped parsley or garnish (optional)
  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Cook and drain Rigatoni according to package directions
  3. Cook sausage until browned in a large skillet over medium heat
  4. Stir frequently, breaking up sausage into small pieces
  5. Drain off fat; add onion and garlic; cook and stir until tender
  6. Add pasta sauce and Italian seasoning
  7. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes
  8. Combine Rigatoni, cooked sauce and 1-1/2 cups cheese in a large bowl
  9. Spoon into a lightly greased 13"x9" baking pan
  10. Cover and bake 35 minutes or until hot and bubbly
  11. Uncover; top with remaining 1-1/2 cup cheese
  12. Bake 8 minutes longer or until cheese melts
  13. Garnish with parsley, if desired
To make this a complete meal, add a salad. To make it easy, buy premade salad in a bad with everything you need. Add croutons, or there are premade salad additions. 

Easy Tuna Casserole
  • 3 cups cooked maceroni
  • 1 (6 oz) can tuna, drained
  • 1 (10.75 oz) can tuna, drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups french fried onions (or plain chips)
  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. In a 9"x13" baking dish, combine macaroni, tuna and soup. Mix well and top with cheese
  3. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes, or until bubbly. Sprinkle with fried onions (or chips) and bake for another 5 minutes. Serve hot
To make this a complete meal, add a salad. To make it easy, buy a premade salad with everything you need. Add croutons, or there are premade salad additions. Or you can add a vegetable. 

Sunday, February 8, 2009

What to keep with you!

Now that you are independent from your parents, you will have to take care of everything on your own (don't forget that if you have questions your parents will always be there to answer them. You can't be expected to know everything). Here is a list of things you should keep with you at all times to hopefully get you through your everyday.

Wallet
  • Cash! It is always good to keep some cash with you. First of all, it is much easier to keep track of your spending if you keep cash with you. Also, some services only allow cash payment, or a minimum of a certain amount for cash. For instance, if you have to get towed by AAA, they will tow you a short distance at no charge, but you have to pay by the mile beyond this. And they charge to a card a minimum of about $30, unless you have cash. To be sure of the amount contact your AAA, or other similar service. 
  • Credit Card! Unless you have a problem with self control, it is a good idea to keep a credit card with you for unexpected charges. Most unexpected charges are known in advance (doctors appointments, car repairs), but it is a good idea to prepare for the unexpected.
  • Photo ID! Preferably a driver's license, this is always good to keep with you. It is required to drive, purchase tobacco, alcohol and pseudo-ephedrine. And also for proof of name or address. 
  • Emergency contacts! If you are in an accident (heaven forbid), the important people can be contacted. Typed will be easiest.
  • Important medical information! If you are in an accident, doctors cannot automatically know what prescriptions you are on, what medical conditions you have, what allergies you have. Once again, typed will be easiest. Type all of your medical conditions, prescriptions and drug allergies. Also add your doctors names and phone numbers. 
  • Health insurance cards! Make sure you have them all, including prescriptions... if you have them. Make sure you know the difference!  I am a pharmacy tech and you have no idea how many times we get a doctor's or dentist insurance card, something we can't do anything with! 
  • AAA! You never know when you may have a flat tire, or your car break down. It is a good idea to have this and so that you have the phone number and your account number. 
Purse
  • Daily Medication! If you are on any daily medication, carry a few with you at all times, just in case you don't make it home. Especially if this is a medication you cannot go a day without, ask your pharmacist if you can pay out of pocket for a few, and carry them in a little pill box. Any small, sealable box will do, even an extra pill bottle. Make sure it is sealable, and will stay sealed. For instance, small jewelry boxes are pretty, but made for show and they may open back up fairly easily.
  • Pain relievers, decongestants... Anything you feel as though you may need when you are out. If you get headaches or other pains at all, keep some Ibuprofen or Tylenol with you. If you have a sensitive stomach keep something for your tummy with you. Anything you think you may need. Many of these have travel size bottles. Most Targets have a section devoted to travel size.
  • Pepper Spray! Anyone, especially females can be subjected to random acts of violence. If you are ever walking through an empty parking lot or parking garage, or just get a feeling, pull it out and hold it until you reach your car and lock it! And leave immediately. If you are the type to write down your transactions down and sit in your car for a few minutes, get out of this habit. Even in the middle of the day someone can carjack you. Pull your receipts out, place them in your lap, or somewhere you will remember, and copy them down at home where you are safe. 
  • Female products! Keep a few spare ones available for surprises, or for friends. Many women track their cycles, but if you are anything like me and can't remember, or you have an unreliable cycle, keep some with you. 
Car
  • Insurance! It is a good idea to keep a copy of your insurance information, as well as contact information, typed and in an envelope, in your car. Keep several copies. This is a good idea because what if you are in an accident. Even if it isn't your fault, you should still exchange information 
  • Registration! You never know when you may be pulled, or drive through a check point. Make sure you have this handy and up to date! Mark this on your calendar when your registration needs to be updated! Some officers won't do anything if your registration is recently expired, a simple warning, but this is a ticketable offense. Make sure it is handy. Remember that the officer is vulnerable, and often not very liked, out on the road or highway, he or she doesn't want to be out there long. 
  • Cell phone charger! You never know when you will need your cell phone. It would be very bad if you were to run out of gas or pop a tire and be left with a dead cell phone. I have had a phone that had a little battery inside that is only activated during 911 calls, but don't count on this. 
  • Umbrella! Even if you are like me and think that umbrellas are too much to worry about on most days, what about those days when you spend a lot of time on your hair and make-up for a nice dinner and everything cooperates, and the weather decides not to cooperate. Toss it in the back of your car (or there is space in the drivers side door in Jettas?). 
  • Maps! With the prevalence of smart phones today, these aren't as necessary, but it is always a good idea to keep a map in your car of your state, especially if you just moved.
  • And more can be found here!
It is always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. With this guide you will hopefully be able to get through almost any situation. But everyone is different and may need a few more things. If you think of anything else you need add a comment to help the rest of us! 

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Advice

I am here to offer you advice. If you have any questions or issues with any part of life, I can give you any advice I can. If you have relationship issues, roommate issues, apartment issues, budgeting issues, job issues... ask me about it and I will give you some advice. Just post a question in the comments or e-mail me at rfwarlick@vzw.blackberry.net and I will reply ASAP. 

Friday, February 6, 2009

How to dress your new age!

So now you are out of college, with a closet full of clothes from Hollister and Abercrombie that push your boobs up and out. You are suddenly at a new stage in life and need clothes to match this stage. This is a blog that may help with your decisions when you get up in the morning. As you go shopping, try to pick out clothes that you can wear day to day and at work. This would mean less laundry and less clothes- less money! Also, I do not have the best fashion sense, so do not base your wardrobe 100% on your blog. This is just what I am going for. Here are two fashion on a budget blogs I follow: The Budget Fashionista and The Budget Babe. Also, Shop Style is a great website for style. It has a lot of clothes that are several hundred dollars, but if you adjust your search results you will find some great bargains! 
  • Tops: Button up shirts are definitely more grown up. A satin button-up blouse paired with dark wash jeans and black pumps, or a white button-up blouse paired with dark wash skinny jeans and brown boots look great. Also, slight hints of lace are nice. Such as lace on the shoulders. Guys have it a little easier. Day to day guys look fine in a nice t-shirt. But going out at night, once again a button up shirt. The photos below were taken from forever21 (female) and hudson belks (male).



























  • Bottoms: Dark wash jeans are always great (at least in the past few years). You ladies should have some skinny (for boots) and some flair (for heels). Also, destroyed jeans have been fashionable for awhile now. On men, tighter (not like cowboy tight, but not sagging) slightly destroyed jeans look good. Now, the jeans that I am describing are the jeans that are $100 plus. I bought a pair of big star jeans that start at $90 and only go up for $45 from plato's closet! Go check out here, especially for jeans! The female stirrup jeans (great for boots) are from wet seal. The other two are from buckle. 

























  • Shoes: To me, the most adult shoes for women are heels. There are great heels that aren't very high. I would say at least get black pumps. It takes awhile to get your feet, back and knees used to wearing heels all the time, so don't wear them to the mall your first day. I would actually suggest breaking in new shoes while drunk. I would also suggest brown boots. Beyond this, be careful! Color shoes take practice. Luckily, flats are very in style right now, so wear these as much as possible! But I still like my heels (there is a reason guys like them: they make your butt and boobs stick out the way they make you stand). As far as guys, no more tennis shoes! Never! Always dress shoes. The women's shoes should be simple enough, but I have included a pair of nice mens day to day shoes below from Belks (although I believe this may be a North Carolina based store). 













  • Make-up: This is only for girls (sorry, you emo boys may be attractive to some girls, but in my opinion, not the sign of a mature 20 something- to each his own though)! Natural. I cannot say this enough, go natural! By this I mean don't wear bright blue and green faded eye shadows unless you want dollars in your g-strings. Use browns and blacks, earthy tones. Use light to medium browns during the day, and light, medium, and dark browns and a little black at night. The smokey look is very in right now. Here is an example of great smokey eyes. Tone it down during the day, but this is great for night. And don't expect for it to look perfect the first time! Try it out on your own, and tweak it until you create a look perfect for you! 
  • Nails: This is for girls and guys! Keep your nails trimmed, or at least smooth. Do not bite your nails! Let's get specific: Guys: your nails should be trimmed, below or at the end of your finger. You don't need a manicure, but it is nice to keep a manicure kit hidden away. This goes for your toes, too! Clean your feet! Trim your toenails! Girls: Don't have those crazy long nails! It's not hygienic or professional. Or crazy nail colors! Natural nails or fake keep them just past the tips of your fingers, and keep your colors nice. Reds and pinks, or french tips. Either way, you wear nice clothes, clothes that could get pulls and runs if hang nails get snagged. Always carry a nail file, because you never know what happens! 
  • Don't forget! Accessorize! Putting thought into your outfits will show maturity and professionalism. Not only necklaces and earrings, but the appropriate shoes and belts. And even jackets. Just because it's 50 degrees outside doesn't mean you can't wear a nice jacket over it. If one item in your outfit is nice, all the items should be. As you buy outfits plan them out, don't just hope you will find something that goes with it, because you may not! It's better to regret buying something for a season than to buy something and run out of money, and then never even wear it!

City Style Anorak





Dressing your age is very important. At 23, trying to be an adult also means looking like an adult. If you are anything like me and do not look your age (I am constantly mistaken for a high school student, college at best) it is even more important to dress my age. Not everyone feels like dressing up everyday, I constantly have days where I run out in sperry's and a t-shirt, but the way I see it, you never know who you will see that you want to impress (your boss, an attractive member of the appropriate sex...) so it is important to dress the way you want to be perceived. These are just suggestions based on the fashion I see and I like, but fashion is different everywhere and with everyone. I would suggest not dressing totally for someone else, you should always be comfortable and confident in your clothes! 

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Getting everything done!!!!


Sometimes it just feels like there isn't enough time in the day to do everything you both want and need to do, and unfortunately the things you need to do usually come first. But in order to get everything done you usually need a routine. I've already done a blog about scheduling (the second half of the blog). This blog will be a continuation of that, but also tips and tricks on setting up your routine. 

Routine:
  • Cleaning: It takes time to clean your entire apartment. This is why it should be cleaned everyday. Make a habit of cleaning major parts of your apartment everyday. For instance, your toilet on Mondays, your shower on Tuesdays, vacuum on Wednesdays... But every night make sure your counters are wiped clean and dishes are all put away. Create a music playlist of some of your favorite songs to play during this time. Make it long enough to get everything (30 minutes plus), and do work until its done! Find things that need to get done! But, once the play list is over, stop (well, finish your task)! If you continue with something you don't want to do you may get burnt out and not want to do it for awhile= a messy living space :-(. 
  • Projects: Do something around your apartment everyday to better it. For instance, if you just moved in over the past few weeks you may not have unpacked everything, such as dvds or shoes (it took me a month to unpack my sandals because I moved in winter), spend a little time everyday doing these things. Sometimes they do cost money, such as doing decorative crafts for your apartment. But if you go to a craft store you can buy things from scratch, spend more time on them, and have less time for a new craft. This could be time you would have usually spent watching tv. You will feel much more accomplished and sleep much better knowing that these things are done, and you'll end up with a great looking apartment! 
  • Bills: Get into the habit of putting your bills in a specific spot as soon as you walk in. If you set them on the counter with the rest of your mail, they may end up being thrown away with the rest of your junk mail- not good! So go ahead and put them here. Then pay them by the end of the night. Make a habit of glancing over as you straighten your apartment to look at your bills and then pay any that haven't been paid. It only takes a minute, but it's better than having bad credit! 
  • Laundry: Do your laundry on a set pattern, whether it be once a week or once every two weeks. Do it in a set way. For instance, I do it when I go to the gym. I put it in, go work out, come back and move it, shower, and by the point that I'm ready it's about ready. And put it away immediately! 
  • Exercise: Exercise is very important, but the excuse that some people use is that they don't have time. It's actually that they don't make time. There are desk exercises you can do while you work, but if you prefer to go to the gym you need to work it into your routine. Do it every time you have a day off, or a shorter work day, if you work shift work like me. Or, if you work a set 9-5 job, work out one or two weekend days, and then one or two more days after work. Maybe keep a few sets of workout clothes in the trunk of your car (but wash them after every use) so that you don't get tired or wrapped up in something else when you stop by your house. Do it every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, or every day you have set. Also have a set time. For instance, I go at noon every time, because Desperate Housewives plays at noon on weekdays. 
Scheduling
  • Doctor's Appointments: There are those things that you have to schedule, that can't become part of your routine. Things such as doctors appointments. Write down the date that you would like for them to be, and make a note of when you should make the appointment. For instance, if you had your last dentist appointment in mid-January, make a note mid-May to make an appointment for mid-July. Check you work calendar to make sure there aren't any business trips or important meetings already set up. But check to see the last date you can cancel your appointment without penalty, because trips and meetings come up! Some offices also have weekend and evening hours. It's not common, but if you find one, go here if asking for a few hours off is an issue. 
  • Friends, family and relationships: Write all of these down in your planner! Make all of these official. And make time for each group once a week. For instance, make room for at least one friend (preferably more, but at least one for your own sanity), make time for your family once (I have spaghetti with my parents every Sunday, but unfortunately not everyone lives near family) and make time for a significant other once a week (if you don't have one try to go out on a date at least a few times a month, for your own sanity). 
It is very necessary to have a routine in order to get everything done, just as necessary to be organized to pay your bills. Having a routine allows you to get used to things, allowing you to do things. A routine isn't for everyone, but it sure does help me get everything done! 

Monday, February 2, 2009

Relaxation!!!


After a long day of work, or a bit of drama, everyone needs to relax. Increased or constant stress can harm us, and it is best to find something to do that will help us relax. 
  • Exercise: If anyone ever angers you, either at work, in a friendship or a relationship, having it out with them when you are still angry can only cause more problems. If they are trying to talk to you, explain to them that you are angry, and are afraid of what you may say. Then go take your frustrations out on gym equipment that won't take anything out on you. 
  • Television series: If you have a very stressful job, think of something you can look forward to. Record a tv series every day and then when you come home turn it on. It will give you something to look forward to every day! I watch Desperate Housewives on Lifetime. At least where I'm from it plays at 12 and 1 everyday. It's already several seasons in, so you can either wait for it to start back over, or rent them to catch up.
  • Movies: Have a good stock of chick flicks (or action movies, depending on your preference. You could always rent a movie, but having one already at home is easier. Target and Wal-mart often have dozens of movies that they switch out that are only about $10, but these movies are usually a few years old. Go home, put on a comfy outfit, pop in your dvd and watch a great movie.
  • Books: Get a good girly book (Nicholas Sparks is great and constantly writing) and curl up and just read. Movies are great because they take us away from reality, but books do the same! And they take longer to get through. A good movie takes a few hours to get through. But a book usually takes days, sometimes weeks to read. You get more connected with the characters. 
  • Bubble bath: Take a lovely, candle lit bubble bath. Put some candles on the side of the tub and around the bathroom. Put some bubble bath in. As far as scents, lavender is very relaxing. Get a washcloth, wet it and put it on your forehead. It will cool off quickly and it will feel really good. Play your favorite slow songs (create a playlist). Afterwards, get dressed in something comfy and play your favorite girl empowering songs and dance around! 
  • Clean! Often time when you get mad at people or a situation, you don't feel as though you are getting anything done. If you clean, you will feel very accomplished and empowered once you are done. Getting something done will help clear your head and may help with the original situation. 
  • Eat! Everyone has a comfort food, usually expensive and fattening fast food. Do what you want (EAT!) because holding yourself back will only cause more stress. But, make it yourself, and alter it! Making it yourself with save money, and it will give you a sense of accomplishment. Alter it so that it is less fattening! If you really like burgers, get a George Foreman grill that drains the grease- healthier! If you like asian cuisine, learn how to make it yourself. This stuff can get really expensive, but I love it! So I will be posting recipes that cut the costs! 
Relaxation is very important! Stress can cause harm on your body and it is important to relieve the stress. If you are ever fighting with a friend, coworker or significant other, explain to them that you don't want to say something you don't mean, and then do one of these for a little while. Or if you just have a hard day at work, give one of these things a try! 

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Debt: Your Worst Nightmare

The picture to the right is definitely not the right idea! But, many early 20somethings are in debt. Either from having to find ways to pay for school, or from getting their first credit card and deciding to look fabulous. But hopefully by now many of your have realized your mistakes, and have decided to man up and decided to do something about your debt. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you on your quest to becoming a debt free 20something! 
  • Don't go into debt in the first place! If you are about to get your credit card... def take this advice! And if you are already in debt, do this as well. I have mentioned this several times. Take the money that you are allocating for various expenses (food, clothes, gas...) and divide it by four. Only spend this amount in the week. But to make sure you do, go one step further. Withdraw the amount of cash you have allocated for the week, and only spend this. Leave you credit cards at home, and enjoy being one step closer to better credit! 
  • Knowledge! Know what you are up against! The best way to do this is to compile all of your information together. A great website that I have discovered is www.mint.com. It allows you to compile all of your different accounts, and categorizes them (with some help from you) so that you can tell exactly how much you spend on fast food, on clothing, on your utilities... It also compares this to the average in various major cities, against each state, and against the entire US! (I am below average for just about everything... except food :-(. But it gives you something to work towards. You are also able to set up a budget, and tell exactly how much you are over. It's an amazing website that will help you manage your expenses and put your debt right in front of you to deal with! 
  • Eat in! Don't eat at convenient fast food restaurants all the time. Eat in, or bring a healthy, inexpensive snack. Those fast food places are very expensive, and very unhealthy. You will be doing your wallet and your waistline a favor if you stop eating out so much! Also, learn how to make equivalents to foods that you eat out. Learn how to make teriyaki chicken that you buy at the mall. Learn how to make Zaxby's chicken! Spend less money in the grocery store and don't waste the gas! 
  • Budget! Create you budget and stick to it! Be realistic. Don't set $50 for clothes and $200 on food, if you know you are obsessed with new clothes and eat in 99% of the time. Think about what you usually spend, and decrease it proportionally. Use www.mint.com so that you can tell how close you are to budget without managing it yourself. But make sure you factor in hundreds of dollars towards your debt! 
  • Pay it! Pay your debt off in hundreds of dollars, more than the minimum. The minimum generally just pays the interest. Ask you bank how much interest you are accumulating a month, so that you know how much beyond the minimum you need to pay to make a dent. 
  • Ask! Ask you bank to lower you interest rates. It would definitely help you pay off your debt, and the worst that could happen is for them to say no! 
  • Get help! If you realize you can't manage this on your own, get help! There are people out there who cost, but who are there to professionally help you. Try to find a personal banker, or financial specialist. They may cost, especially the good ones, but the will be worth it in the end! 
  • Auto-pay!!!! If you can't remember to pay any of your bills (including credit card) set up auto-pay! The set amount you choose, or the cost of your bills, automatically comes out of your account on a certain day each month. This way your bills won't be late! Because late bills contribute to bad credit! 
Paying off your debt fast is very important. You will have more money sooner, rather than some money for a long time. It also improves your credit which will help you get a nicer house, car and apartment, for less in some cases! Do your best not to go into debt, but once you are, get out fast by living like you are actually making significantly less! 

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

A fresh month

It's getting to be the end of January, we are all about to begin February. Think of this as a fresh start. Think of each new month in this! I know it is only the second month of the year, but I have read studies that say that the majority of New Year's Resolutions have already been given up by now. Don't wait for next year to make new ones. You could do so much damage by waiting around for the next time for resolutions. Make new ones at the beginning of each month! Here's some of what I'm talking about

Budgeting!!!! 
  • Credit Cards! I know I have said they are great in the past. Let me clarify how to use them in a good way. Get a credit card with a low limit!!!!! like $500 low. Pay this off every few days and write these amounts in your registrar!!!!!! Don't get a huge credit card unless and carry it around for emergencies, then on a shopping spree! 
  • Pay off Credit Cards! Let's say you have already maxed out several credit cards, as I'm sure some people have, and are thousands of dollars in debts. Or let's say you are in debt because of school. The simplest piece of advice would be to take it one day at a time, and set aside as much as you can. Get professional help if you are far in debt. The more professional, the more expensive, but the more they can help. But even if you are making enough to live a fairly cushy lifestyle, cut your expenses significantly, budget wisely, and pay off your payments fast to get a better credit score! And don't forget! Those minimum payments may only cover your interest, you may not actually be making a dent in what you owe! 
  • Budget week by week! Set aside the right amount of money for your set expenses in the beginning of the month: rent, utilities, insurance, payments... The rest is for your changing expenses: food, clothes, entertainment... Divide the money into 4 (for four weeks in a month) and spend this amount each week, but no more. If you have problems (like I do) try withdrawing this money and spending cash each week. Then once you run out, you run out and don't spend anymore. 
  • Keep looking! Keep the cost of all your bills out, and their due dates! Make sure they are all paid in full on time. Some you can even pay in advance! Make sure you have enough for all of your bills, because this is the most important thing. You may be living paycheck to paycheck for a few years (hopefully you then get that huge promotion, or that huge wedding ring...) and you can finally move up in life. But you can't if you have bad credit. 
  • Save! The economy :-(. It's not doing well, as everyone hears about daily, but it's the truth. I have heard that it should be doing better by the summer, but you never know. Keep your portfolio and resume ready just in case. And keep some money set aside to get you through if something does happen. It is wise to keep at least 2 months saved up, of daily living expenses. I've heard as much as 9 months should be saved up. But do what you can. Because once your income goes, you can't really do anything. 
  • List! Make a list of everything you WANT! This is help you save for these things instead of blowing it on spur of the moment small purchases! Put on there your barstools, and those hot $150 jeans your dreaming of! (Or maybe this is just my list) But make a list, and maybe put pictures up in a few strategic places to entice you to save up! 
Health!
  • Exercise! It's never too late to start exercising! Don't be ashamed to exercise. What's the worse that could happen? People make fun of you? No one will! Esp not in a crowded gym! They would get their butts kicked by all the in shape people! You fall off the treadmill? I've done it! Maybe that hot nice guy will see you and realize you're human and check to make sure your ok! Its better to do it now, than 20 years and 40 pounds later! 
  • Eat healthy! It's cheaper first of all! Think about how much you spend at McDonald's or Moe's everytime you go. Then think about how much you would spend on a casserole, and how many servings you would get out of it. Also think about how much healthier this is. Everything for lasagna is about $30 (this one is a bit expensive). I usually get about 8 servings out of it, this is less than $4 a serving. And most of the things that go into it you already have! 
  • Vitamins! Take a multivitamin everyday made for women (or men if you are a man). This will give you an extra boost that will help you out. It only takes a minute to take and you will feel much better! 
Personal
  • Job! Now I'm not going to tell you to quit your job, esp in this economy. But I will tell you to do something to improve it! If you don't like your position, think about what you could do to get a promotion. If you actually dread coming into work, begin putting your portfolio together so that you can be ready if another position comes up. But stay realistic. Don't expect to become the CEO anytime soon if you just graduated from college. 
  • Relationships! This goes for both romantic and friendship. Relationships are a two way deal, each side has to give and take. Make sure you listen to all of your friends! And make sure they are listening to you. If you think you aren't getting what you deserve, talk to your friend. It's better than blowing up at them down the road. Getting your feelings out may create a tense situation, but think about how tense a situation would be if you blew up at her during brunch because she's going on and on about her stupid dog (not a real life event hopefully) 
Think of each new month as a new beginning, and do what you can to improve yourself. Most peoples New Years Resolutions don't last but a few weeks, an average of 3. Think about if you did this for 3 weeks each month. If you ate well, budgetted well, and exercised for 3 months out of the month? That's 3/4's of the year you would be doing good, instead of 3/52's. Who knows, it may even become a constant habit! 

Monday, January 26, 2009

How to go grocery shopping


Grocery shopping is something everyone has done by the time they are our age. Most of us have done serious grocery shopping by now. This blog will give you more tips and tricks to going grocery shopping effectively, and hopefully not have to make another trip out an hour later.
  • Make a list: Through the week write down things you need as you run out of them. This is most easily done on a dry erase board you can keep on your fridge, or somewhere else easily accessible. Then, on your grocery shopping day transfer this to your list! As for the rest of the list, it would be best to plan out your menu for the next week, to save gas on multiple trips a week. Write down all the ingredients you may need and buy them then. 
  • Make a menu: At the beginning of each week write a menu for the rest of the week. Add these things to your list. Include, or don't include, date nights. I listen to Cosmoradio on Sirius, and they talked about one girl who would arrange her dates in the beginning of the week and then write her menu to save money. 
  • Take your list! Make sure you make a list and take it with you! Otherwise, you may forget something. Organize your list based on your grocery store, to avoid having to double back. 
  • Coupons!  Before you go, gather up your coupons. Check expiration dates, and pick up staple items that are about to expire even if you don't need them. I'm talking about paper towels and tissues, not chicken broth. 
  • Eat! Don't go to the grocery store hungry. At least buy some fast food on your way, if you really have no food at home. Otherwise you may buy things that look good, but that normally you wouldn't actually buy.
  • Check prices! Buy the less expensive brand, unless you really like a certain brand and are willing to pay extra. But things like rice, buy the store brand. 
  • Check expiration dates! Before you buy something, check the expiration date. Think about when you plan on using it, and try to figure out if it will be used before the expiration date. 
  • Double check your list! Before you leave, run back through your list and check for everything. Make sure you got everything you needed. 
  • Pull out your card! I usually save dollars, as much as $10, just on food for me between my coupons, and my membership card. They usually don't sell your info (I have about 10 different cards and have never gotten anything, but I have heard some do), they just want to know what you buy. So make sure you have one to every grocery store you may shop at.
Make sure you bring you list everytime you go shopping! It will be your life saver. And if you don't know what you want to get because your new to grocery shopping (like me) base it on what you have coupons for. 

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Stocking your kitchen

I am a very picky eater (worse than a 5 year old). So when I found a recipe book called 4 Ingredient Dinners by Betty Crocker, I got very excited because this meant very bland, and easy foods. As I was sitting down to look through this, I found a list of foods to keep in your kitchen. Here, I share them with you, but first a bit of advice: don't go out and buy all of these! It's just a suggestions. If you don't like an item, don't buy it just because this says to. What I would suggest doing, is as you make a recipe buy the items, and if you like the recipe, keep the items in your kitchen! 
Produce:
Fruits:
Apples, pears, bananas, grapes
Citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges)
Vegetables:
Carrots
Celery
Onions
Potatoes
Ready-to-use salad mix
Tomatoes
In the Fridge:
Breads and Dough Products:
Pita breads
Ready-to-eat pizza crust
Ready-to-use garlic or cheese breads
Refrigerated doughs (biscuit, breadsticks)
Tortillas (corn, flour)
Condiments:
Chocolate syrup
Chopped garlic
Hummus
Prepared horseradish
Prepared pesto
Dairy:
Alfredo sauce
Butter or margarine
Cheese (grated, shredded, sliced)
Cream cheese
Eggs or egg substitutes
Milk
Sour cream
Yogurt (plain, flavored)
Meat, Poultry and Fish:
Bacon
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Deli meats (ham, salami)
Fresh or frozen fish steaks
Ground meat
Ready-to-cook seasoned mean and poultry products
Sausage (smoked, hot dogs, bratwurst)
In the Freezer:
Desserts and whipped topping
Dough (bread, pizza)
Fruits (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
Ice cream and frozen yogurt
Juice concentrate
Pizza
Ravioli (cheese- or beef-filled)
Vegetables (corn, green beans, any favorite combination)
Bakery:
Breads (sandwich bread, rolls, bagels, hamburger and hot dog buns)
Cookies
Prepared cake (angel food, pound)
Off the Shelf:
Baking Basics:
Bisquick baking mix
Cake mix
Canned frosting
Chips (semisweet chocolate, peanut butter)
Corn syrup
Dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, raisins)
Evaporated milk
Flour
Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios)
Shredded coconut
Sugar (granulated, brown, powdered)
Canned Basics:
Beans (garbanzo, kidney, black, white northern, refried
Black olives
Broth (beef, chicken, vegetable)
Canned tuna and shrimp
Fruits (cranberry, pineapple, cocktail)
Green chilies
Mushrooms
Pasta, pizza sauces
Soups
Tomato products (sauce, paste, stewed, diced, seasoned)
Water chestnuts
Cereals and Snacks:
Bread crumbs
Cereals
Corn meal
Crackers
Croutons
Tortilla chips
Condiments and Sauces:
Asian (hoisin, peanut, duck, sweet-and-sour and stir-fry sauces)
Barbecue sauce
Chili
Cocktail sauce
Honey
Ice-cream toppings
Ketchup
Maple syrup
Mustards (Dijon, spicy brown, yellow)
Peanut butter
Pimentos
Preserves (jam, jelly, marmalade)
Salsa, pecante sauce
Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce 
Worcestershire sauce
Dressings, Oils and Vinegars:
Cooking spray
Marinades
Mayonnaise, salad dressing
Oils (vegetable, olive)
Salad dressings
Vinegars (balsamic, cider, white, red white)
Herbs, Spices and Dry Mixes:
Bacon flavor bits
Bouillon granules or cubes
Dried herbs (basil, chives, dill weed, fennel seed, mint, oregano, parsley flakes, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme)
Dry sauce mixes (cheese, gravy white)
Dry seasoning mixes (meat loaf, sloppy Joe, spaghetti)
Dry soup mixes
Herb or seasoning blends, regular or salt free (Italian seasoning, lemon, Cajun/Creole)
Instant unflavored gelatin
Pepper seasoning
Salad dressing mix
Salt
Sesame seeds
Spices (chili powder, cumin, curry powder, garlic and onion powder or salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmet, paprika)
Pasta, Rice, Grains and Potatoes:
Couscous
Instant potatoes
Noodle and pasta mixes
Pasta (long, short and tube types)
Potato mixes
Rice (white, brown, long-grain and quick-cooking)
Rice mixes

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Creating your third life

When most people go to college, they often leave behind one life, to create a new life at college. A new life usually involves new things. So here you are, graduating from college, with two lives, ready to begin a third. What can you do to combine your two pasts to create your third life? The picture here is a photo of all my clothes and shoes I threw out when I began my third life. 
  • Furniture: What furniture you have is the most important, because by reusing furniture you can save money. You will most likely look at your pre-college life for this. Some things that may be helpful include a desk, dresser and bed. Even if these items were originally bought during a flower and pink phase when you were 13, things can be done to them. You can paint such items, or hide them. But just think about the money you would be saving by reusing them. If you really don't like your furniture, think hard about how much a new piece would cost. Go ahead and use your old furniture and save up for a replacement item. 
  • Clothes: Any clothes you purposefully left at home (not based on season) should probably go. You will be beginning a new life, and this means new clothes. Keep anything that you wear often, such as jeans, sweaters and jackets. Throw out those jeans that don't quite fit you, but you say you will grow into. Throw out those t-shirts from summer camp every summer (except one for memories). Keep your nice pants and blouses that you only wear to church, they will be great for interviews and jobs. Throw out your flip flops with the rhinestones, and the ones with flowers... and keep one conservative pair. You get the point. Keep your clothes that you wear often, and your nice clothes, but throw out most of you clothes that you keep for sentimental value. I would suggest first taking your clothes to Plato's Closet, where you can get money for clothes you don't want. But, as I have said before, they don't take all of your clothes. Take the rest to Goodwill where you can fill out a form and get a tax ride off. 
  • Nik naks: This is the majority of what will be thrown out. Some of the things you should keep are pictures (but take them out of the frames), heirlooms, and other sentimental things. But throw out the majority of your stuffed animal collection. As you go through you items, think about what you would be proud to show off in your new apartment. Of the other things you want to keep, think about what you have thought about in the last year. If you haven't thought about it in the last year, chances are you won't again. Buy one or two crates (however many you can store) and only put enough childhood nik naks you can store in here. Hopefully our new apartment will have space for storage, but not all do, and think about what your roommate may bring as well.
Overall, it's very important to begin your new life with a fresh start, but by using your old items you can save a lot of money. Keep what you will be useful, but don't keep all of your coloring books from kindergarten. 
  • Items to keep: Furniture, clothes that you wear daily, nice clothes that you wear on special occasions, family heirlooms, very sentimental items, photos, items you have used over the last year...
  • Items to toss: Clothes that don't fit, clothes you don't wear, items you haven't thought about or used in the last year...
  • Remember to try to sell anything you don't want anymore, or give it to Goodwill for a tax ride off. 

Friday, January 23, 2009

HELP!!!!!!

So you are out on your own and you don't know what to do now. There are so many big issues to be faced, insurance, turning on utilities... This blog is all about getting these things done. And if there's something I don't know how to get done, I will tell you who to ask.
  • Parents! This is the first thing. If you have any questions and don't know where to turn, turn to your parents. Your parents both have experience and know your taste better than anyone else. So while they may have cut you off financially, as some have at our age, they will never cut off advice. 
  • What you need! Whenever you call a utility or insurance company to get something turned on or transferred to your name, you need three things in front of you. 1. Your address. Not everyone has their address memorized, so it would be best to have it written down in front of you when you call. 2. Your checkbook. Sometimes utilities require an immediate payment. It is best to go ahead and get your checkbook with your account information in front of you so that you can go ahead and make this payment. 3. Blank paper. Before you hang up, ask how much the first payment will be (with electric you may not know, but some companies bill the average of the complex). It is wise to right this down so you know what to expect! Also ask when to expect your first bill. Depending on the time of the month, it could be up to two months before you get your first bill (and this one could be even more expensive). Companies send out all of their bills at the same time, and if it's past this time, it may be awhile before you get your first bill. 
  • Utilities: Utilities need to be turned on, or transferred to your name. When you first put your apartment on hold, you should get a list of all utilities you need to take care of and their phone numbers. A list of possible utilities include, electric, water/sewer, cable, and gas. Call each of these a few days before you move in. Two days for the general utilities, because they are generally already turned on, they just need to be changed to your account. If you would like you can ask your apartment office what they would suggest. Call your cable a week in advance, because it usually takes a week to get a cable person out to hook up your cable. 
  • Services: For most utilities, you have two options, on or off. And in many apartment complexes you only have one choice, on. These would be for the necessary utilities such as electric. Then for insurance and cable you have more options. It would be best to speak with someone who works for the company and ask them prices, because this will be the deciding factor. You should do research and figure out exactly what you want, and visit the websites to see what is offered and prices. When you contact them, ask about specials. I got an extra 100 channels on cable thanks to a special. But the people who work at these companies are there to help you out.
  • Transferring: Most people already have car insurance, car registration and cell phone service before they graduate from college. All that needs to be done is for the service to be transferred to your name. Especially during that time of year, insurance companies get calls about this all the time. They know exactly how it works. As far as car registration. You local DMV's website will have all the necessary information. If you would rather, you can call or head down to your local DMV to ask questions, but be prepared for a long wait.
  • Cell Phone service: You will have to start this on your own. Do research in advance, although the service you had with your parents may still be active, so you may have service for a few more months. A great site that compares your top choices would be here. Google cell phone carrier reviews to find more. If you can't decide, stop by a store and get pamphlets to see what is offered. A great question is how easy it would be to get out of the service if you are unsatisfied. If you still can't decide, look at the phones offered. Once you decide on your carrier, you have to decide what services you want. Ask your parents how many minutes you spent and how many texts you used. Also, if you have a smart phone you usually have to get a data plan. Some services have an unlimited plan, which is usually the way to go. Sit down with all of this information and with the prices of the plans your chosen carrier has. Once you have picked this out, go in, get your phone and sign up for a plan! 
  • Health insurance: If you are getting health insurance through your work, it is best to speak with Human Resources about this. They will know the details, and will be able to answer your questions, or at least point you in the right direction. It's why they're there! If you get it through an insurance company, ask the company. Ask the company about what they have to offer. Just make sure you have health insurance! 
  • Taxes: If you are only doing taxes for yourself, you may not need a professional. Quicken is a great program for your computer that will help you with your taxes. Or you can ask your parents, as I intend to. 
  • Address: You need to change your address to many places. Your job, your bank (as well as change your job), your magazine subscriptions, your drivers license... Anything that could be mailed needs to be changed to your new address. As things go to your parents, change it over! 
Bills are very important. They need to be paid, but they also need to be started. Representatives are trained and prepared for people who are on their own for the first time. They know exactly what is going on and can answer any question you may have. Just be prepared with all of your information and something to write with so you can write down your answers! Don't be scared, everyone goes through this! 

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Decorating on a Budget

Since writing this post I have had a lot of new experiences in decorating and a lot more advice. In addition to this post I would encourage you to read other posts such as Making a House a Home for additional information on decorating on a budget.

When you first move out on your own, you often have only what you used to decorate your dorm or prefurnished apartment in college, sometimes you childhood furniture. But this is usually not enough to decorate an entire apartment. On top of having no decorations, you generally have no money. This blog will help you in your quest to create a comfortable place to live that you love showing off to your friends!
  • Roommate: If you have a roommate, you have an additional income, but also additional taste, that hopefully matches. But it would not be wise to purchase a major item to decorate the common areas of the apartment without consulting your roommate, or without a returnable receipt. Also, make sure all the items you purchase you really do like, and don't just go with this decorating theme, because once you two separate, which will happen one day, you have to decorate your next apartment or house with these items.
  • Paint: Few things will make your apartment more unique and comfortable than painting it. If you can, getting a professional painter will be best, but make sure the carpets are covered if you do it yourself. Also, check to make sure the apartment allows this. At mine, if it's a dark color I have to put a layer of primer before I move out, but many complexes repaint the walls anyway before the next tenant.
  • Stores: There are a lot of stores out there that sell a lot of decorating items geared towards people our age that are less expensive (and often less quality). Target is one. Target is constantly changing what's on their sales floor. But they have everything you may need. Some more are Bed Bath and Beyond, and Linens N Things (if one is still open around you, they are going out of business). What would not be suggested is to order furniture online. The S&H would probably be $100 plus, and you could go to a nice store and buy really good furniture for the price of this S&H. I would suggest going to the stores and picking it up yourself, maybe even renting a UHaul for a few hours and driving it yourself if you or a friend don't own a big SUV or truck. Great furniture stores would be IKEA, Ashley furniture, and Rooms to go. Especially right now, many places have low or no interest for a long time.
  • Second-hand: Much second-hand furniture is second hand for a reason, because it is no longer stylish, but there are things to be done about this. Goodwill and other stores have furniture for very low prices. Also try yard sales and flea markets. Sometimes you can find antiques that look great. And you can often haggle with these guys. To spruce up wood, try painting it, especially white. If it has doors that are missing glass, or the glass doesn't look good, take the glass out and put lace in instead. As for couch's and chairs, buy slip covers. If you are not a smoker, smell it very closely, because a smoker may have owned it previously and it's nearly impossible to get that smell out.
  • Creativity: Getting creative is the best way for you to decorate on a budget.
  • Hang your necklaces on the wall. It's easy storage, and it decorates your bedroom. Add a mirror and write on it using dry erase markers.
  • Buy some fabric you like and hang it as curtains. Hang panels of it! Borrow a sewing machine from a friend and simply fold over the edges to keep them from fraying. Then take scraps about two inches wide and about six inches long, fold the edges, and then fold them in half and sew them along the top to actually hang with.
  • Buy posters, and then buy really inexpensive poster frames and hang these. From a distance they look really good.
  • Keep it simple, but use color. Having things everywhere looks tacky. Putting a picture frame or two on a side table, a candle set on your coffee table, just a few things makes it look put together. But decide on a theme, and try to stick to this theme.
  • Look up apartment websites such as Rental Decorating Digest and Apartment Living for more ideas. These ideas will cater to apartment living, with non permanent decorating ideas.
I hope this helps in your quest making your apartment your own. It is very important to feel at home once you get home. It helps you unwind from work or shopping. Do everything you can to decorate your apartment the way you want to, but don't go out a max out your credit card. You may have a relaxing place to live, but that will change once your bill comes!