Surviving College Life

Quick Fixes for Winter Break Bummers

Let’s face it–two or four full weeks with the fam can get a little rough sometimes. Sure, time flies when you’re having fun, but what about those sticky situations that make everything just a little… lame. Here’s how to deal so you can enjoy these homework-free weeks of winter break!

Bummer: Your mom has jam-packed every day with three hundred activities, and you have no time for your plans.

Fix: Have a little heart-to-heart, and explain that you’re excited to be home, and had hoped to be able to spend time with friends AND family. Ask your mom which activities are most important to her, and ask her which days you can skip out to meet your friends to catch a movie and wax nostalgic. The key is being willing to participate in the most important stuff (and have a good attitude about it–brownie points!).

Bummer: Your family’s plans are, frankly, non-existent.

Fix: Take matters into your own hands. There are all kinds of activities going on this time of year–some cool, some dorky (my hometown does an annual dry boat parade… I’m serious…)–so get your siblings out of the house and go do something. If they won’t join you, round up some high school friends to go instead.

Bummer: Mom and Dad are cracking down on the “House Rules” now that you’re home for a few weeks.

Fix: While it’s reasonable that they have some house rules that must be followed, see if you can bend or stretch the ones that are really cramping your style by talking it out (and, obviously, talk to the more lenient parent!). For example, if your ‘rents insist that you’re home by ten, explain that you’re usually out later at school, you’re careful and cautious, and you’re willing to call in a few times between ten and (insert your reasonable but later curfew here) so they know you’re safe. If they’re still being stubborn, see if they’ll up the time if you have people over instead of going out.

Bummer: You miss your significant other who’s back home, too.

Fix: First: you’ve got technology, so use it! Make a Skype date for a night or two (or more) during the week, and take advantage of email, phone calls, and text to share whatever goofiness is going on at your place.

Second, get old-school romantic and write a love letter or two. It may sound cheesy, but I submit that there is nothing as heart melting as getting a hand-written letter from someone totally crush-worthy.

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2 comments December 16th, 2010 Jamie
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Cheap-or-Free Dates for the Holidays

Winter is one of the most romantic times of the year–all that cold weather leaves lots of excuses to snuggle up! Here are a few inexpensive ideas to treat your crush this holiday season.

Bake-Off. Mix up some of your favorite wintertime treats (I’m a sucker for frosted sugar cookies or a good batch of fudge) and see whose come out yummier. Food fights are encouraged, and taste-testing is a must. If you’re feeling generous, you can hand the goods out to family and friends.
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Kid Flix. Pop some popcorn, snuggle under some blankets, and watch one of your childhood favorites. Some of my go-to kid-friendly movies for the holidays are Home Alone (1 or 2), Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and anything Charlie Brown.
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Scarf it Down. Bundle up for those cold winter nights by outfitting each other for warmth. Scout out a cute scarf (Old Navy has them starting at only $5) or mittens for your sweetie. Feeling gutsy? Learn how to knit or crochet together and swap when you’re finished. (It takes a real man to be comfortable crocheting in front of his lady. )
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Wrap it Up. Make gift wrapping fun by making an evening of it. Gather your supplies (wrapping paper, tape, scissors, and ribbon for starters), grab some snacks, and wrap gifts in front of the fire (but not too close). If you need a little something more to keep you entertained, throw on some music or a cute holiday-style romcom (I love the classic While You Were Sleeping).
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Color Me Yours. Still looking for the perfect gift for your super sentimental mom/grandma/crush? Head over to a ceramics painting spot (like Color Me Mine) together and spend an evening making something special yourself. You’ll love seeing how artistic your sweetie is (or isn’t!) and you can tick one more gift off your list.
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Let it Snow. Don’t hide away indoors when the snow starts falling–call up some friends and have a huge group date outdoors. Bundle up and prepare to relive your childhood: building snowmen, making snow angels, and the grand finale–a huge snowball fight.

Happy holidays!

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Add comment December 13th, 2010 Jamie
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DIY Holiday Gift Roundup - Gifts for Everyone!

I’ve come across so many great DIY gift ideas for this year that I thought I’d share one more roundup of awesome make-it-yourself goodness before we move on. I hope you’ve found something for everyone on your list. Don’t forget, there are lots of DIY gifting ideas in the archives, too–just scroll down to DIY!

For Kiddos

Rose Petal Tutu - A quick (under an hour) project that will get any little girl twirling, this cute tutu is filled with rose petals and accessorized with a nice big bow.
Padded Roll Up Cushion - Perfect for a reader or outdoor adventurer, this padded cushion rolls up for easy carrying between rooms (or forts) so it is always on hand.
Strawberry Pillows - Maybe I should have put these under gifts for ladies, because I totally want a crop of strawberry pillows to call my own!
Satin Flower Headbands - These adorable headbands are perfect for girls of all ages, and they look like way more work than they are!
Child’s Tool Belt - Great for playing pretend or helping Dad around the house–just add a couple of plastic tools and you’re good to go.
Animal Puppets - A quick and easy tutorial for super cute felt animal puppets. If you’re not a whiz with the whole sewing thing, fabric glue should work pretty well on these, too.
Glove Stuffed Animals - Pick up a $2 set of gloves at Target and you can whip up one of these adorable little animals yourself.
Felt Fishing Set - Felt fish + magnets + mini magnetized fishing poles = hours of fun.

For Ladies, Sistas, Mamas, & Girlfriends

Flower Bib Necklace - I love how simple and flirty this fabric-and-chain number is!
Modge Podge Bangle Bracelets - Make something custom and chic AND play with modge podge? Win-win.
Easy Breezy Scarf - Four simple steps, and you’ve got this awesome accessory all ready for gifting.
Custom Heart Plate - This custom plate tutorial has a lovey-dovey twist, but you could make it up any way you want. (For example, how cool would it be to make your own version of this?)
Uber Cute Menu Binder - An ideal gift for the cook-with-your-wallet type. Why not add some takeout menus to get her started?
Stenciled Animal Mugs - Super cute (and super quick to make), these animal mugs will brighten up any gal’s morning.

For Guys, Bros, Pops, and Boyfriends

Mason Jar Herb Garden - Some guys like to cook, some like to eat, but most like their food to have killer good flavor–enter this mason jar herb garden. Fresh herbs taste way better!
One Hour iPad Sleeve - Someone feeling a little protective of his new iPad? Whip up one of these one-hour sleeves to keep it safe.
Kindle Urban Camouflage Case - Is it a book? Is it a Kindle? No, its both!
Han Solo in Carbonite Chocolate Bar - If you thought that Star Wars fans get tired of creative ways to see Han Solo in carbonite… you were wrong. Plus–chocolate. Yum.
Pinhole Artwork - I love the subtle-but-artsy vibe of this DIY artwork. Pick your giftee’s favorite subject and get to work! (Photo above from Design*Sponge.)
Pocket Watch Wall Clock - Looking for something fun and quirky? Look no further–this pocket-watch wall clock should do the trick.
Super Sweet Eye Chart - The perfect way to say I Love You (yeah yeah yeah), in a modern-simple-clever way.

Add comment December 9th, 2010 Jamie
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Cramming 101: Making it Through Last Chance Study Time

The last few days before a final always seem to creep up on us way too quickly, but when it’s time to cram, don’t just head to the library and drive yourself crazy. Here’s your finals week guide to effective studying.

Evaluate. I’ve written a lot about studying practices in the past, and now’s the time to honestly evaluate which style works best for you. If you work best alone, skip out on the study groups. If you’re a daytime studier, don’t waste daylight hours sleeping! And if you remember things better when you write them out, turn off the computer and pull out your pencil. Now’s the time to get serious.

Plan. I’m a huge advocate of making a study schedule–it will not only help you stay on track, but also helps you feel more in control during a very stressful time. Plan to focus study for your closest tests first, but intersperse your days with different subjects to keep your brain fresh. If you can, give yourself an extra couple of days for overflow in case you get behind.

Study. It sounds simple, but it’s not. Finals week is prime time for procrastinating (I used to excuse myself from studying by cleaning my room, rationalizing that it was so productive). So log out of Facebook, cut off your chatting, and if you can, turn off your internet connection completely. Don’t make excuses, just study.

Move. Exercise is an awesome tool. It helps keep your brain active (while giving it a rest from all those flashcards), lets your body stretch, gives you a kick of adrenaline and endorphins, and is even thought to help ward off depression. When you take your study breaks, be sure to get up and move, even if it’s just taking a brisk walk outside for a few minutes.

Rest. Sleep deprivation is already a problem in college, but finals week it gets exponentially worse. If you don’t feel you can afford a full 8 hours (which is optimal for most people) indulge in some naps during study breaks to keep you going. Sleep helps keep your brain sharp and lets your body recharge (for a new day of grueling studying…).

Nourish. Your body needs energy–especially when you aren’t letting it sleep enough–so don’t give up lunchtime to study. Eating healthy, regular meals and snacks will help you get more out of your study sessions, so head over to the caf (take your books if you must) and get your three meals a day.

Hydrate. One of the symptoms of dehydration is sleepiness, so kick that extra drag on your energy by drinking lots of water. Stay away from sugary drinks or coffee, which give you a rush of energy and then a potential energy crash, and (obviously) alcohol, which actually dehydrates you (in addition to dulling your studying skills!).

Good luck!

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Add comment December 6th, 2010 Jamie
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DIY Holiday Gift Roundup - Gifts for Guys

Don’t worry, I wouldn’t leave the guys out of this gift-giving season (see girlie gifts here!). Here are some DIY presents to pass on to the boys!

For Little Boys

Plush Owl Toy - Cute (and green) this repurposed scarf-to-owl toy is perfect for animal-crazy toddlers.
Eye Spy Bean Bags - Remember Eye Spy books from when you were a kid? Throw in the squishiness of a bean bag and you’ve got this fun toy.
Super Hero Cape - Pretend is not just for girls. This super hero cape will keep kids running around the yard for days.
Dinosaur Playmat - This dino playmat is cool, but a little sewing-intensive. For an easy no-sew version, pick up some canvas fabric draw out your map with fabric markers.
Kid’s Work Apron - For the artist or handyman, this work apron is helpful and fun.

For Boyfriends/Brothers/Guys

Fabric-Covered Moleskines - For the thinker or the artist, these fabric covered moleskins are a perfect gift. (Just be sure to choose some nice, manly fabric).
Cassette Tape iPod Case - I love the concept of a cassette tape iPod case (might want to make yours less pink, though, huh?). Clever.
Mini-Terrarium in a Lightbulb - Awesome for some dorm zen for your favorite nature lover, these lightbulb terrariums (pictured above) are inexpensive but pack a lot of visual punch.
Freezer Paper Stencil Tee - Make the ultimate custom-tee with this freezer-paper stencil tutorial.

For Dads and Granddads

Neck Pillow - I don’t know about you, but my dad is all about catching catnaps whenever he can. What about scaling up this comfy neck-pillow so he can nap during half-times?
Car CD Holder - My guy is all about having tunes in the car but our CDs always get lost or scratched. If your Dad hasn’t moved into the iPod zone yet, why not whip up a CD case for his car? (Again, might want to shoot for some more manly fabrics…)
Papercut Portrait - Artistic and just plain old cool, this papercut portrait tutorial will help you make a personal, meaningful gift.
Custom Ball Cap - For the traditional grandpop, skip the tie or socks and make him a customized baseball cap. I bet he’ll wear it even if it says “#1 Grandpa.”

1 comment December 2nd, 2010 Jamie
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DIY Holiday Gift Roundup - Girlie Gifts

It’s that time again–save your budget and get your DIY on with these inexpensive DIY gifts for family and friends!

For Little Girls

Dress-Up Tulle Tutu - Cheap, easy, and ballerina-beautiful, this tutu couldn’t be more perfect for playing pretend.
Ruffled Parasol - Go the extra mile and pair this with the tutu above for tons of dress-up fun.
Felt Dinner for Two - This one will take some time, but it is awesome if you’re hungry for some pretend dinner!
Hair Clip Holder - Thrifty and pretty, this would look great in any girl’s room.
Soft (& Cheap!) Floor Pillows - These bath towel pillows are inexpensive and extra soft–perfect to cuddle up with.
Super Cheap Pom Pom Lamp - I can’t believe what this combo of tule and dollar store items turned into! Dreamy!

For Girlfriends/Sisters/BFFs

Anthropologie-Inspired Scarf - Want to give the gorgeousness of Anthropologie without the painful pricetag? This simple scarf tutorial is a great place to start.
Quick & Easy Sketchbook - A simple sketchbook for the artist in your life (guys would like these too!) that won’t break your budget.
Paper Mache Party Lights - What’s a dorm room without funky lighting? These cool party lights will be a spunky addition to any bedroom.
Blue Sky Thinker Pillow - Classy and understated, this is perfect for a girlie girl OR a tomboy. Win-win.
Easy Feathery Headband - This sassy headband (pictured above) is perfect for girls night OR date night. So pretty!

For Mamas & Grandmamas

Teatowel Apron - Minimal sewing & maximum cute, this teatowel apron is perfect for getting Mom to whip up a batch of those brownies you looove.
No-Sew Fabric Wreath - A little bit of no-sew decor, this super cute wreath is sure to please the decorator in any girl.
Silhouette Art - An awesomely inexpensive (and surprisingly sentimental gift) all you need is some paper, scissors or an x-acto, and a frame.
Spa Set - The holidays are tough on our baking/decorating/entertaining moms and grandmas–and this DIY spa set is a great way to help them chillax.
Hexagon Glasses Case - Young fresh fabrics make this case mama-chic.
Mocha Cocoa Mix - Girls love chocolate, so this cocoa mix with a kick of mocha is a sure-fire winner.