Ways To Make Extra Cash

These days I can use all the cash I can get.... and I'm sure that you can too! Here are some good ways to make some extra money.

1)eBay: You know that dress you bought, with the tags still on it that you never wore? List it. What about those super stylish skinny cargos that just don't fit right? List em. On eBay you can sell just about anything and people WILL buy. At first it can be a little hard if you don't have any feedback scores but the more you sell, the easier it gets. Start off selling lower-value items at super bargain prices and people will be more likely to take the risk of buying from you.

2)Get crafty: Are you super artsy? If so, put it to use! Make some extra cash by creating something and selling it to your friends, at an art show, or even on eBay (or etsy.com). I make super cute picture frames that I sell a ton of online.

3)Put up a flyer to babysit/housesit/petsit: You'll be surprised at how many calls you will get and how much money you can make! It helps if you get a Red Cross certification!

4)Donate you blood/plasma: Simply do a Google search to find a donation center in your area. You can make money and save lives!!!

5)If you've got it, use it! Search online for local modeling jobs. You don't have to be Giselle to make money off your looks!

6) Learn to save. Don't buy things you don't need and always look for the best deal. A penny saved is a penny earned!!!

Breast Cancer Awareness: Best Products

October is breast cancer awareness month! My mom is a breast cancer survivor, so I always make sure I do whatever possible to help. This is the perfect time to score some fabulous pink products (who doesn't LOVE pink??) && to support a great cause.Here are some of my fav products that support breast cancer awareness/research::
*SONY Vaio Laptop: &1079.99: $75 from each purchase donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation : Availible at SonyStyle retail locations. You'll have the cutest laptop on campus!

*Pink Ribbon Berries: $59.95: 10% Donation to Susan Komen for the Cure: Availible at redenvelope.com: Send these to your mother/best friend/boyfriend/whoever & they will lovvvve you! Or just send some to yourself! *Too Faced Betsy Baby Eyeshadow: $17: $9 from every purchase goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation: Availible at Sephora.com: This eyeshadow is so fabulous! It makes my hazel eyes pop! *KitchenAid Artesian Series 5-Quart Mixer in pink: $299.00: $50 to Komen Foundation with every purchase: Availible at Macys.com: OMG LOVE LOVE LOVE. I've been wanting one of these since FOREVER. Now they have it in pink and support breast cancer. I'm buying this ASAP! You should too!

*Bobbi Brown Breast Cancer Awareness Lipgloss & Lipstick Duo: $44.00:$10 from each purchase to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation: Availible at Macys.com: This combo is amaze! You can wear them together or individually (I wear them together) and they will give your pout the prettiest pink color. Bobbi Brown makes fabulous makeup and this combo is no exception!

St.Ives Apricot Wash > Chocolate

I'm just going to say it. St.Ives Apricot Scrub is better than chocolate. And man, I love me some chocolate.

I have been using the St.Ives scrubs/cleansers since highschool. Every once in a while I switch it up and try something new but nothing I've used so far has even come close to giving me the results I get with St.Ives. Right now I use the 'Blemish Fighting Apricot Cleanser' and it is fabulous for my 20-something year old, acne prone, combination skin type. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and clean and keeps away blemishes. I get compliments all the time on my "glowy skin".One of the best things about this product is its value. You can get it from any drugstore for about $4.

I've also use the 'Blemish and Blackhead Control Apricot Scrub' and it is amaze as well. The scrub is more of an exfolient but I had no problems using it daily. I also like to use the scrub on my body because it makes my skin super soft.

I def encourage you all to give this product a try. Your skin will thank me.

Indulge.

I haven't posted anything lately because I have been so busy, which actually inspired this post. Young women today are busier than ever and we often forget to take time to actually enjoy our lives, to indulge in life. The majority of us spend our time working hard at our jobs and/or at school. We work hard to improve ourselves to make things better for ourselves in the future. What about now? Too many of us starve ourselves of indulgences which we truely deserve. Okay, so obviously we can't just quit our jobs and move to St.Lucia but there are small ways to squeeze a little something special into every day. I'm going to share some things that add a little special spice to my everyday life, I encourage you all to try some of them out!

• Take a bubble bath. Bonus points for candles and a chilled glass of Moscato.
  


• Get a spray tan. You'll instantly feel prettier and skinnyer. And at least you'll look like you just had a tropical vacay.
  


• Eat a fancy piece of cheesecake.
  


• Add whipped cream to your morning coffee beverage. So what if it adds an extra 100 calories, that's what makes it special!
  


• Buy the expensive lipgloss. True, Maybelline's does the same thing for 1/4 of the price... but you'll feel giddy evertime you swipe in on.
  


• Put down whatever you're studying (it CAN wait) and instead read your favorite magazine cover to cover. In bed. In PJs.
  


• Do something unexpectedly nice for someone. Nothing beats that oowy gooey do-gooder feeling.
  


• Wear sexy lingerie every day. Why wear cotton when lace is just as comfy?
  


• On occassion, get something new and trendy to improve your home's decor. A candle, picture frame, lamp shade, whatever. Beautiful surroundings= beautiful life.
  


• Give yourself a pedicure. With glitter nail polish. It will take you back to childhood.
  


• Invest in high-count sheets. Everytime you get in bed you will feel like you're at a 5-star hotel. Pure bliss.
  


• Make a pitcher of homemade lemonade. So delish.
  


• Call an old friend. You'll likely be laughing for hours after about old times.
  


• Take a weekend road trip somewhere new. Explore.

Saving Money On Textbooks

Back to school time! Yayyyy! Everyone knows that one of the worst things about college is the cost of buying textbooks!! Over the past 3 years I have developed a textbook strategy that now saves me a lot of money so that I can purchase more important things {such as shoes, jewelry, make-up :)}.

• Rule #1: Skip the bookstore. 99.9% of the time you will find the book cheaper online. Ebay, Half.com, and Amazon are all great.


• Rule #2: Buy older editions. Usually the changes between editions are extremely minor. Not to mention it is very likely that your professor used an older edition when he/she made the exams. This will save you a ton of cash!!


• Rule #3: Consider renting. Personally, I don't usually rent my textbooks because I will inevitably spill coffee on them, lose them, forget the deadline to return them, etc. Also, I'm a highlighter freak and some renters don't allow you to highlight. HOWEVER, I know a lot of people that are more responsible and less clumsy than I am and they love renting.


• Rule #4: International Editions are basically the exact same book at a much cheaper price. The past few international edition books that I purchased simply had different cover art. You will come across international editions a lot on sites like eBay and they are def. the way to go.


• Rule #5: Wait until after you go to your first class before you buy your books. Often the syllabus will state that a book is required but when you go to class the professor will tell you that you don't actually need it. Just wait.


• Rule #6: Re-sell! But NOT to the bookstore. The bookstore rips you off big-time when it comes to selling back your books. Instead, open an eBay account and sell your books that way. True, it is more of a hassle but it's so worth it. Sometimes I have gotten more from selling my books than I originally paid. (This is another reason that I'm not really into renting.)


• Rule #7: Buy something fabulous with all the money you've saved!!

$14 Outfit Alert!

Sale Time! I'm a huge fan on getting clothing at a great price. In high school my best friend and I had a mantra: "If it ain't bargain, we don't buy it!". We were also two of the most stylish girls at our school (if I do say so myself). The junior's store Rue21 is a hidden gem for sales. It can take some effort to find the good goods because a lot of their clothing is tacky and poorly made but there are certainly stylish, fun items mixed in.



On my past trip I found:
A pair of cutoff jean shorts $3
A vintage looking printed shawl $4
A pair of heels $5
A statement necklace $2
Total damage: $14

Simply add a cami and you have a complete outfit for under $15. Wow.

Tips for shopping Rue 21:
-Head for the back! Like most stores, Rue has their sale racks in the back.... this is where you want to be!
-Check back often.... their sale prices change regularly
-They usually give you coupons that can be used on future dates when you checkout, these typically don't apply to sale items. I have found they aren't worth using.
-Don't forget to look for the shoe and accessories sales. I've gotten cute shoes for $2 in the past.
-The checkout girl will try to sell you one of their fragrance for $10. Don't. They smell good but fade almost instantly.
-The men's side also has good sales, pick up something for your man!

Hot Tools 1" Curling Iron

So, to start off: LOVVVE it. I have been having such a problem finding a curling iron that actually gives me curls that last throughout the day. I am so excited that when I use this iron (in combo with BigSexyHair Spray& Stay hairspray) my curls withstand the hottest, most humid Alabama summer days. They also come in pretty colors (I got a pink one) and they are decently priced, $40ish.

I bought mine from Ulta (God's gift to women).... but I'm sure you can find them lots of other places.

Link to Ulta: (They are on sale for 20% off this week!!)http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2116719&productId=xlsImpprod1080006&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=17920offstyletools&categoryId=cat1000003

Vactation Destination::San Juan, Puerto Rico

I haven't posted any blogs the past few days because I have been on vacation with my boyfriend in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We had an AMAZING trip and I am already planning my next San Juan adventure. San Juan is truly an overlooked Caribbean gem.
Some practical reasons for going: no need for a passport (if you're US citizen), very decent pricing, use of American dollar, and most people there speak both Spanish and English.
The beaches are stunning, the night-life is thrilling, and there is a TON of history.
We stayed at La Concha Marriot Resort in the Condado area of San Juan. I highly recommend this hotel. We booked through Priceline and paid a few extra dollars to upgrade to an ocean-view suite. It was def worth it! The suite had a kitchenette so we were able to cook breakfast every day to save some money. The view from our balcony was breathtakinggggg. The staff was warm & welcoming. We had a great time at the casino and at the bar in the lobby of the hotel.

My only disappointment was that we didn't get to go to the rainforest because it was still closed down because of Hurricane Irene, but that just means we have to go back :)!!!

Food::
-Latin Star ::Condado:: We tried some local food at a restaurant called Latin Star. DON'T GO. I had the roasted pork and it was some of the driest meat I've ever eaten. The service was horrible, the prices too high, and the staff was unfriendly.
-The Latin Roots :: Old San Juan:: Now this was some good eating! My boyfriend was dead set on having Lechon (whole roasted pig) and this was the perfect place to do it. The atmosphere is upbeat with fun music and great service.
-Blessed Cafe:: Old San Juan:: OMG, this place was my favorite of all. This was my first time having Jamaican food and I was absolutely impressed. I had the Garlic Shrimp and my boyfriend had the Jerk Chicken. Both dishes were perfect! We waited about an hour for our food but it was totally worth it!!
-Tayzan Bar & Grill:: Condado:: This Chinese restaurant was just down the street from our hotel. My boyfriend and I both agreed that this was the best Chinese food we've ever eaten. We actually ended up going back for a second time and ordered the exact same meal. Pork eggrolls for our appetizer, Sesame Chicken for me, and General Tso Chicken for him.
-Voga:: Condado:: This Italian-American restaurant was located in our hotel. The prices were high, the view was extraordinary, and the food was decent. We had frito misto calamari for an appetizer, it was cooked perfectly. I ordered salmon wrapped in proscuito, it was just okay. My boyfriend had a rib-eye with a lobster-cake. I definitely had order-envy when he got his food! Both the steak and the lobster cake were FABULOUS. For desert we had cheesecake lollipops which were creative but not exactly delish.

Tips:
-Bring high SPF sunscreen or you will get burned!!
-When paying for meals, pay attention to your bill.... many places include gratuity automatically
-Make sure to visit the forts in Old San Juan (el Morro & Castillo de San Cristobal), some of the most breathtaking views I've ever seen.
-If you choose to rent a car, be careful driving.... they are road maniacs!
-I would personally recommend staying in the Candado area
-The local beer, Medalla is amaze.... a must-have.
-Buy your liquor at a grocery store or CVS... the liquor stores in the Candado area are way over-priced.
-If you stay at La Concha, ask for a room with a jacuzzi bathtub when you check in. They aren't in every room.
-If planning to go to the rain-forest or other out-skirt areas, it will likely be cheaper to rent a car for the day.

Reebok Easytone Shoes

i have been wanting reebok easytone shoes for the longest time and finally got a pair last week.

pros: i felt sore after wearing them walking to and from classes on campus. soreness=they work. plusss they are really cute.

cons: although i was able to run in them, i felt off balance (i think that's the point) so i had to reduce my running speed.

i think these shoes are great to wear while shopping or while walking around campus but when you're going on a serious run/jog, skip them.

i work as a cocktail server and wish they made a solid black non-skid version so i could wear them to work. :)

Make Your Own:: Coffee!

i'm a full time student so i am alwaysss looking for ways to save some cash.... in my blog i will be periodically posting some money saving strategies i use to make sure i have money left over for shoes!

make your own coffee. $3 for an energy drink $6 for a frappachino? not coming out of my wallet! it's summertime in alabama right now (avg day= 95 degrees) so i like my energy beverages icy cool so here are some tricks........
-for a simple iced coffee: {need:coffee, coffee maker, pitcher, sugar/splenda, milk, ice}(start the night before) brew a large pot of coffee, unplug your coffee machine and let the coffee cool. pour the pot of coffee into a pitcher and place in the fridge. in the morning simply pour the coffee into a glass of ice (add cream, sugar, splenda, whatev).
-for a fakeachino:{need:coffee, coffee maker, pitcher, blender, ice trays, chocolate syrup, sugar/splenda, milk} follow the same steps as above to get your pitcher of cooled coffee. this time however, you will need to make coffee ice cubes.... just pour cooled coffee into ice trays and freeze.... throw about 6 coffee ice cubes, about 1.5 cups coffee, about 1/2 cup milk, sugar/splenda to taste, and about 2 tbsp chocolate syrup into your blender... you may need to add more liquid or more ice cubes depending on the consistency you prefer.... whahlah! top with whipped cream if desired :)

Lash Blast Fusion Mascara = No Bueno.

In basically every beauty magazine I've opened this year there has been a recomendation to use CoverGirl's Lash Blast Fusion(the one in the purple tube) because it's supposed to be the best thing since the invention of the internet. "It volumizes". "It lengthens". WRONG. It sucks! I might as well of left my lashes naked. Don't be fooled by the hype. This is a waste of your hard-earned moolah!

CoverGirl does offer a great mascara that is actually cheaper than the Lash Blast line. Covergirl Professional Super Thick Lash Mascara (in a red tube) is the bomb. It makes my lashes full and perfect and doesn't clump. AND it's one of the cheapest mascaras available.

MAC VivaGlam Gaga Lipstick

Rundown: $14.50, maccosmetics.com, inspired by lady gaga, light-warm beige;;

this lipstick is completely AMAZE. i have been looking for the perfect nude lipcolor for ages. it looks perfect with a bold eye and is very long lasting.

note:i also tried on the lipglass version at the mac counter.... not so hot.

100% of the profits from this lipstick go towards the MAC AIDS fund. it's basically like getting a treat for your donation!