As
the last days of summer slowly come to an end, people everywhere are gearing up
for the fall semester of school. Whether you’re enrolled in classes online,
moving into a new apartment, or settling in at an on-campus college, check out these
unique back-to-school gifts that will surely help anyone feel more at home.
1. Twirl
& Scoop, Unite!
It’s
no secret that many college-aged students opt for quick, delicious meals like
Ramen’s Cup-o-Noodles. However, this delicious, almost-instant meal can be
tricky to enjoy: do you twirl with a fork or do you scoop with a spoon? Why not
both? Try eating this slimy yet satisfying meal easily with a stainless-steel
spork. The spoon-like scoop plus
tines of the fork make twirling and sipping this delicious snack even easier!
2.
Maximum Chill, Miniature Size
If
you’re prone to all-nighters full of endless energy drinks, can’t open your
eyes without a Starbucks double shot, or find yourself having frequent
must-have-Ben-and-Jerry’s cravings, you’re the perfect recipient of a mini
fridge/freezer. These compact units are ideal for any room and can be easily
stored under lofted beds or discretely underneath desks. Also, you can control
the settings to either keep leftover pizza warm, or chill ‘soda’ and other
beverages.
3.
Shoot ‘em Up: Toy Marshmallow Shooter
You’re
never too old for toys. In fact, what’s better than a toy and a snack at the same time? This fantastic toy Marshmallow Shooter
combines play time and snack time with its rapid-fire marshmallow shooting
capabilities. The Shooter can easily fit up to 25 mini-marshmallows, or 20 foam
cubes. Whether you’d like to give unsuspecting friends a treat or hone your
aiming skills, the Marshmallow Shooter is the perfect, tasty gift!
4.
A Foreman for Everyone
If
your student is like most college-aged kids, their diet most likely consists of
soda, late night take-out and other unhealthy, yet quick options. Give the gift
of a lean, mean, grilling machine like this George Forman Grill. The Forman
line of portable grills is guaranteed to reduce the fat on most products, and
offers the added convenience of non-stick cooking. It’s small, portable and so easy
to use; it’s perfect for anyone, and cooks just about anything from sandwiches
to veggies.
5. It’s Electric!
A
cell phone charger, computer power cord, iHome and desk fan are just some of
the appliances the average student has plugged in at any one time. In order to
avoid shorting out appliances and potentially losing the unsaved draft of those
last minute ten-page papers, invest in this
expandable power strip. The strip, which provides 6 sockets, can
expand and contract, and has the
ability to fit those annoying three-pronged plugs.
6. Building Blocks
If
your one of the millions of people with an iPod, you’ve probably purchased a white
speaker system with changeable faceplates. Want something different? Even if
you aren’t a Lego or Linking Logs devotee, these retro iPod block speakers are compact,
sturdy and colorful. With these speakers, you’ll no longer worry about mixing
up whose speakers are whose.
7. Conformity is the Spice of
Life
When
your mother told you being different was good, she lied. Well, no, she didn’t.
Being different is great, especially when it comes to decorating your room.
Motivational posters are ubiquitous and a thing of the past. Purchase an
atypical poster like
Conformity to decorate your walls; it’s a guaranteed conversation
piece and potential hide-the-hole-in-the-wall cover.
8. Say ‘So Long’ to the Sniff
Test
We’ve
all been there, done that: it’s early morning, your laundry is in heaps, and
you can’t distinguish between your clean and dirty piles, so you sniff your
clothes to determine its wear-ability. With these "Wash" and "Wear" laundry
bags, you’ll not only stay organized, but also, no longer have to suffer
through Psych 101 wearing last Saturday night’s shirt (again) by accident.
9.
Delivery, Please
Does
this mantra sound familiar: “If it’s not delivery, it’s not for me”? Then check
out this handy take-out menu organizer. With enough space for 60 delivery
menus, plus tabs for quick searches, this binder is ideal for the stay-at-home
diner. This organizer also comes with a tip sheet, so you’ll never over or
under-tip again.
10.
Dolla, Dolla Bill, Ya'll
This
gift hardly needs explaining: students, parents, kids…everyone loves, wants and
needs money. But when students are focusing on their schoolwork and rarely have
time for a part-time or weekend job, their spending is limited. So, when in
doubt, offer to donate some dough on behalf of their studious cause. If you’re
concerned about where cash will go, give gift cards to local pizzerias, the
school bookstore, or a favorite clothing shop.
Are
there more gifts you’d like to see on this list? Add a comment and let us know
what you think!
Moving into your new dorm room is both exciting and daunting at the same time: on one hand, you’re moving into your own space that you control; but on the other hand, you probably have to do some serious downsizing. And don’t forget the task of blending style with function. Keeping things organized to maximize space is crucial, but you definitely do not want your room to look like a display from The Container Store or Ikea. Finding a harmony between creativity and functionality is what you should aim for while living in a dorm room.
While the creative, more decorative side of styling your new room may seem a much simpler task than the realistic aspect of downsizing, it is no less important. Check out these creative, yet practical items that will help organize your new digs.
Grid Lock - A grid system is perfect because you can easily see the usefulness and creative aspects of this wall piece with hooks for whatever you need as well as shelves that can easily store anything from pictures to snacks.
Opportunity (for creativity) Knocks - Despite what your mother has always said about hiding things under your bed, this is the time to do it! Doors provide a great space for creativity. Tape posters to your door, or tack up a dry erase board. A board provides a space for friends to leave messages, or a forum for a one of a kind art show. If you don’t like either of those options, buy over-the-door racks for shoes, or a door rack that provides extra shelving for books, movies or even clothing.
Disobey Your Mother - Don’t underestimate the helpfulness of under the bed storage. Buying stackable or rolling containers or baskets to store clothing, shoes, or books is a huge asset to a small room no - matter what! For the ambitious, buy clear containers and paint them to match a theme or color scheme in your room.
De-Clutter Your Desk - Your desk will undoubtedly serve many purposes. Keep your school supplies organized on the shelves above your desk with upright magazine files and sectioned drawer organizers. Use the drawer space for clothes, movies or food. A cascading file folder can hold papers for each of your classes and be hung from a hook next to your desk for easy access.
Milk It Up - Milk crates are great for storing everything, and can be stacked in a corner or fit neatly under your bed.
Though these tips prove invaluable to first-time college students moving to a traditional campus, many of these tips can be applied distance learners as well. Just because you are studying from the comfort of your own home does not mean organization can be neglected! All of these tips can be applied to students studying online looking for organization solutions to their school supplies, or even for work or home supplies!
College is a time to grow, learn and… emulate the greats? Of course it is! Hollywood films have been glorifying the college experience for generations. From the newfound independence to the forum-type classes, every high school student couldn’t wait to move to universities after seeing any of the top 10 college movies.
1.Animal House – In 1962, the Delta house is the worst fraternity at Faber College, and Dean Wormer is determined to expel them for good, if only he can stop their hilarious hi-jinks from continuing. In the words of Dean Wormer, “Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.”
2. PCU – After pawning off a visiting high school senior on his housemate, Droz, a seven-year student at Port Chester University goes about his daily activities, which include disrupting a political rally and throwing meat at vegans. Most memorable is the worldly advice Droz gives to Tom, his visitor: “Well, here's all you need to know. Classes: nothing before eleven. Beer: it's your best friend, you drink a lot. Women? You're a freshman, so it's pretty much out of the question. Will you have a car? Someone on your floor will. Find them and make friends with them on the first day.”
3. Old School – After a bad break up with a cheating girlfriend, Mitch moves into a house on a college campus, a perfect solution to the problem his friends currently face: how to reclaim their college years while still being adults. As they create their own fraternity of students and middle-aged men, Mitch and his friends remind audiences of the glory days of college, “because this is a very big idea my friends. We're talking about a non-exclusive egalitarian brotherhood where community status and more importantly age have no bearing whatsoever.”
4. Revenge of the Nerds – This 1984 classic shows the degrees of vengeance nerds will go to to get back at the jocks who humiliate them. The high-tech warfare waged by Gilbert and Lewis at Adams College is just what’s needed for nerds everywhere to take back their freedom from the hands of all jocks. Jocks beware: “Those nerds are a threat to our way of life.”
5. Back to School – “When I used to dream about going to college, this is the way I always pictured it.” This is what Thornton Melon states just as he’s about to embark on his college experience – with his son! When millionaire Thornton Melon enrolls at university with his son, as a way to convince him that college is a good idea, no one expected him to become the Big Man on Campus, but is that the best way to pass college?
6. Rudy – Rudy spent his whole life dreaming about leaving his small mill town to play football for Notre Dame. Unfortunately he’s smaller than all of the other players, and his athletic skills are considered sub par. Rudy knows that “having dreams is what makes life tolerable,” and with endless energy and determination, Rudy makes his dreams become reality as he gets the chance of his lifetime to play for the Fightin’ Irish.
7. Dead Man on Campus – Cooper and Josh are in danger of flunking out of college. When they hear about an urban legend implying that any student whose roommate commits suicide receives straight A’s due to their grief, the twosome goes on a man hunt looking for the perfect roommate. Eventually, just like every other college student, they learn that “there's only one thing that can save you now. You need to study.”
8. Legally Blonde – After being dumped by the love of her life for not being serious enough, Elle Woods decides to show her ex just how wrong about her he is – by getting into Harvard Law School! Warner is surprised to see Elle at Harvard, not believing that she, of all people, would get in. When Elle glibly responds with, “What? Like it’s hard?” everyone knew she’d be the top dog in her graduating class. Though Harvard is a far cry from Beverly Hills, Elle is determined to come out on top.
9. Road Trip – Josh and Tiffany have been together practically forever, but when he makes an inappropriate tape with another girl and accidentally mails it to his girlfriend, hi-jinks ensue. Josh and his friends decide that that only way to stop Tiffany from seeing that tape is to take a road trip and get to the video before she does. Guys laughed through this movie as girls wondered, “Are there any guys out there who are just normal?”
10. Higher Learning – A group of students from a variety of races, religions, and backgrounds are forced to integrate as they all matriculate at Columbus University. All of them face adversity and discrimination in a multitude of forms. They learn, in the words of their professor (quoting Frederick Douglass) that “without struggle, there is no progress.”
If you think we missed something, or if you disagree with our choices, leave a comment to let us know what you think should be added or removed from this list!
We’ve all been there. Sitting online, staring at the Facebook page of someone we don’t even know, or shopping online when we’ve sworn we wouldn’t spend money until our next paycheck arrives, or just wasting time on our PCs. Like everybody else, we’re capable of partaking in idiotic activities online. When you to think of all of the silly things you’ve done online in the past, and you become red with embarrassment all over again. But then again, aren’t there some things you’d hands-down admittedly do online if you could? Like order a cheeseburger and have it delivered to you immediately by the internet gods to your hands? We’ve created a list of the “shoulds” and “should nots” of what to do online.
- Should: Be able to vote. Though election days are few and far between, the voting process would be so much easier if we didn’t have to scramble to make it to our district’s polls before they closed. Plus, who really feels a sense of privacy behind that flimsy curtain? As you stand there pondering which lever to pull, you’re worrying about the people in line behind you thinking you have no clue what you’re doing because you’re taking so long. Online voting not only eliminates the need to rush to the polls, but gives you a sense of privacy and anonymity. Online polls should be available through your e-mail provider and the sites of all major news papers.
- Should not: Spam. We’ve all received the “pass this on to find your true love” emails. Nobody likes them, yet somehow, despite a top of the line spam-blocker, they find their way into our inbox. Instead of racking your brain to come up with a list of friends, family and exes to forward these junk e-mails to, you could be more productive, spending more time playing Soduku and perusing tmz.com. Computer and internet programs should notice spammy e-mails as they’re being constructed and block them from being sent.
- Should: Renew expired drivers’ licenses. Just like going to the polls is a hassle on Election Day, heading over to the DMV to renew an expired or almost-expired license is no one’s cup of tea. Not only is it time-consuming to sit at the DMV for upwards of an hour before being helped, you always get that half-smile half-grimace from the person behind the console. License renewals online should be easy – fill out a quick form with your information and request that your current picture from the database remain on your new license or upload an appropriate one from your Facebook profile.
- Should not: E-mail or IM above a certain BAC. We aren’t allowed to drive with a Blood Alcohol Count above .08 for good reason: alcohol impairs judgment: Similarly, we shouldn’t be able to e-mail or IM when we’ve had too much to drink. What we drunkenly perceive to be casual flirting is in reality a bunch of gibberish with a few “I love you”s and “I miss you”s thrown in when they shouldn’t be. Just as your friends have learned to take your phone away from you, they should put locks on your computer to save you from embarrassing yourself with an ex or a current flame.
- Should: Be able to primp online. Finding time to get in a massive work-out or get a hair cut can be difficult when we work full time and prefer to spend our weekends relaxing with friends and family. And everybody dreams of having the body of their favorite celebrity whether it’s Madonna’s or Brad Pitt’s. How great would it be if we could get it all done online while we’re at work? Having the virtual you work out at the online gym or make an appointment with the internet esthetician could save us time, and money, and especially pain! Our virtual selves would do all the work while we reap the benefits: burn the calories, lose the weight and get the fabulous hair without having to miss work or family time.
- Should not: Be allowed to download bad music. It’s always so upsetting to learn that a friend has horrible taste in music, a curable addiction that is only being fed by the always-growing selection available on iTunes. And you would rather have your ears chopped off than listen to cheesy soft-rock songs on the radio when every other station seems to think that an over-abundance of commercials is just what their listeners want. There should definitely be a computer program that blocks the downloading and listening of bad music; this includes boy-band revivals and migraine-inducing heavy metal.
- Should: Enroll in an Online program. Though it's already available, earning your online degree is one of best uses of your time! Beginning a program online enables you to work at your own pace, complete the coursework from the privacy of your own home, and eliminates the extra finances associated with driving to an on-campus program or hiring a babysitter in order to get out of the house. Whether you're interested in business, teaching, healthcare, or technology, be sure to check out all available specialty areas available to find one thats right for you.
Rainy days can be such a drag – especially in the summer when all you want to do is spend your free time outside in the sun. Instead of going to the movies or moping around with nothing to do, why don’t you get creative? Do-it-yourself projects are a fun and crafty way to pass away the long hours of a rainy day. Head over to a local garden supply store for the resources you’ll need for a few summer-inspired craft projects, and get busy!
1. Sake-box planters. These planters, made from sake boxes and plastic wrap can double as home or garden planters, as well as mini greenhouses – great for giving to your friends as gifts. Make sure you cover your workspace with newspaper, though, as this project involves vermiculite and can get a little messy.
2. Pebble pots. Spruce up your indoor planters with pebbles! Instead of having to look at plain old fertilizer and dirt when you water your plants, bring some Zen into your home and flora with Zen-inspired pebble designs at the top of your planters.
3. Twig coasters. The next time you set a glass of water down on a surface, make sure it’s protected by a hand-made coaster. Twig coasters are all natural and beautiful. Your friends will be amazed when you tell them you made them yourself.
4. Shell candles. For a seaside-inspired dinner party, set the table with shell candles. Many garden and craft stores carry both man-made and natural shells in bulk. Fill the hollow shells with wax and a wick and enjoy the glow of the flames from your brand new candles.
5. Shell planters. Why buy terra cotta potters when you can use large conch shells to house your plants? The planters are naturally beautiful and look great in the garden, or in the house, and make great center pieces for outdoor cocktail parties.
Planning a family vacation can be difficult in the summer, especially when you're juggling summer camp and your busy work schedule. Quick weekend getaways are the perfect solution to the problems involved in planning family vacations: it’s easy to choose a place only a short car ride away and just far enough to escape the confines of your home. Looking for a few starter ideas? Here are five of the best family getaway spots in America.
1. Bar Harbor, Maine. The largest community in Maine, located on the eastern coast of the state, Bar Harbor is home to incredible beaches and great hiking trails. Spend a few hours in Bar Harbor KOA hiking, canoeing, and kayaking through the privately-owned camp grounds.
2. Savannah, Georgia. Founded in 1733 and situated on the beautiful Georgia coastline, Savannah is full of historic landmarks, museums and great food. Check out Food Network chef Paula Deen’s restaurant The Lady and Sons for some traditional Southern cooking before heading off to Tybee Island for some fun in the sun.
3. Aspen, Colorado. World famous for its winter ski trails, Aspen is just as beautiful in summer as it is in winter. Spend a weekend enjoying live classical music at the Aspen Music Festival, or take a gondola ride up the mountains for spectacular views and a great walk down the snow-less ski trails. The more adventurous should try white water rafting or mountaintop horseback riding.
4. San Luis Obispo, California. This picturesque coastal city is perfect for a family getaway. With activities from bike tours to ocean sports, everyone in the family will find something fun to do. Spend a day at the beach or the newly remodeled Children’s Museum. Mom and Dad should visit some of the beautiful SLO vineyards and wine tastings.
5. Seattle, Washington. Home of the Space Needle, University of Washington, and the setting of ABC’s hit show Grey’s Anatomy, Seattle is the perfect city for a weekend away. Take The Underground Tour and discover old Seattle, or go kayaking in Moss Bay; Seattle is overflowing with entertaining activities for everyone in the family.
Monster.com asked members to send in stories of their worst summer jobs. The massive list of mail-ins was narrowed down to the
top 5 worst summer jobs ever. After reading these horror stories, you'll definitely be grateful for your
degree from an accredited college or university!
Hundreds of women across the nation entered their toilet paper- yes toilet paper- wedding dress creations into the 2008 Toilet Paper Wedding Dress contest, hosted by Cheap-chic-weddings.com.
Judges from Ripley's Believe it Or Not!, Charmin and Cheap-Chic-Weddings deliberated and nominated this dress, designed by Katrina Chalifoux as the 2008 winner. Chalifoux, a native of Rockford, Ill. was awarded the first place $1,000 prize for the gown.