No Excuses

By Allison Sass

This might be the key factor preventing you from landing your first post grad position. Excuses plague our everyday lives, "I can't do this because of this" or "I can't do that because of that". One of the first steps towards landing your dream position, or getting anywhere in life really, is to stop making excuses for yourself.  Not to sound like a cheesy self-help book, but stop saying "I can't"!

For example, many recent graduates focus their job search online. We make the excuse that a certain position is too far away to travel to, so we instead stay in our computer comfort bubble and email about the position. It's understandable that you might not be able to stop in at the office, but why not step out of your comfort zone and pick up a phone to make yourself stand out from the other applicants?

Another common post grad excuse for unemployment comes hand in hand with rejection. You might think after a few unsuccessful interviews that you've tried "everything possible" to land a position. The truth is, if you don't have a position- you haven't. Rejection is an inevitable part of life and pitying yourself will not get you anywhere.

Take steps out of your comfort zone, ask around about employment, and above all consistently  get yourself out there. I'm sharing this tidbit of tough love because I have been there. Sometimes I still fall into the rut of making excuses for myself when I should really be facing the music of everyday post grad life. Don't fall into the excuses trap! Stay true to yourself and push forward- you will eventually get to where to want to be.

Speak Up! How to Be Assertive at Work - DivineCaroline

You can't be a pushover and be taken seriously. Read on...

Speak Up! How to Be Assertive at Work - DivineCaroline.

Eggs-cellent!

By Shikole Struber

Eggs are a great source of protein and can be used with a plethora of other foods to keep you happy and full. We all know about scrambled and sunny-side up, and the special omelette,but many overlook that you can hard boil eggs too! This is ideal for a breakfast on the run. Peel, add salt, go! Or, you can make egg salad from hard-boiled eggs. Instead of the basic lunchmeat sandwich you can add this concoction to your bread. Eggs are also great added to potato salad and are a vital part of fried rice (recipe to follow soon).

What else do you use eggs with?

Don't Settle

By Allison Sass

There has been much talk in the media lately about celebrity matchmaker and Bravo Tv star Patti Stanger calling off her engagement because her fiance did not want children. At 49 years old, Patti knew exactly what she wanted from life and was not willing to compromise this part of the relationship. Since I have watched Patti in action on her television show many a time during my elliptical sessions at the gym, her focus on not settling really hit home with me.  In the post grad world- I think it's important to set a bottom line not only in your personal relationships, but also with the job you accept.

In the month between graduation and landing my current job, I was a country club waitress for a grand total of one day. My first night consisted of managers ignoring me, my coworkers either being outwardly nasty towards me or ignoring me, and getting yelled at by the kitchen staff for standing cluelessly in the busy kitchen since no one would tell me what to do. Thankfully, I met a sweet girl who was also fairly new who helped through the night. She even gave me some useful advice in reference to the country club, "if you can, don't work here"

It was that night that I realized my bottom line career wise is feeling comfortable and respected where I work. I expected the managers who promised me a lengthy orientation to follow through on their word, and I wanted to at least be civil with my coworkers. I quit the country club the following day after never quitting a job, or anything for that matter, in my life (besides horseback riding in 7th grade, and sometimes I still regret that decision).

There's no question that us post grads have to climb our way up the working ladder. But take some advice from Patti and I: figure out what matters to you most about your position and set your bottom line. If your employers fall below this, take steps to secure yourself a new job and move on. Don't settle for unhappiness. Although most post grad jobs might not be ideal, they should at least satisfy your basic requirements.

Have you ever ditched a job because it fell beneath your bottom line? Leave us a comment and tell us your story!

3 Things Worth Spending More On

By Shikole Struber

No I don't mean in stocks and bonds. Post grads don't usually have THAT much spare cash. But after graduation there are a few things worth investing larger than usual sums of money in or splurging a little on for piece of mind.

1. A bed/mattress. Both are important. You spend a lot of time in bed so your mattress should be comfortable. It's acceptable to spend a little extra for it. And the bed frame itself is also important. Why buy a piece of shit Ikea bed that takes 2 hours to assemble and then falls apart as soon as there is a little vigorous activity on it? Invest in something sturdier.


2. Shoes. Whether male or female you should invest in some sturdy shoes. You can't just take them off at work if they are bothering you. So make sure you spend a little extra for comfort and durability.


3. Car/transportation. Once in a while it's ok to call in late because your car/bike broke down or the metro/bus is late. This excuse is not acceptable all the time though. Invest in whatever transportation you use. Make sure your oil is changed, tires are safe and aired, buy that iPhone app that has the bus schedule and delays on it. Being on time is more important than ever now, don't let transportation make you late.

Are there any other things a post grad should be willing to invest in?

Make the Most of Your Lunch Break

By Allison Sass

Your lunchtime is the recharge portion of the day that keeps you flying through the afternoon until 5pm. Why not make the most of it?

Here are a few unique ways to spend your lunch break- that won't break the bank!

-Go for a walk. Bring a pair of sneakers to work and take a leisurely stroll during your lunch break.

-Eat outside! This only works if it's nice out, but if it is nice outside, try to find out if there is a park or even a bench near your job where you can sit, relax, and enjoy a sandwich.

-Go for a drive. Driving helps me to ease stress, and sometimes on my breaks I will cruise around the neighborhood where I work.

-Meet a friend! If you and a friend work near each other, coordinate your lunch breaks and meet up to discuss your day.

What are your favorite ways to spend your lunch break?

What Was Your “Holy Crap, I’m An Adult” Moment?

The Frisky knows how we feel...

What Was Your “Holy Crap, I’m An Adult” Moment?.

5 Things I Love About Being a Post Grad

By Shikole Struber

Allison got her turn, now it's mine. Post grad is not all hard times. I've been having lots of fun too! Here are the 5 things I love most about being a post grad.

1. The people I'm meeting. I have a new job, I have to do things and go places because of this job, my circle of friends is shifting with everyone moving and there are new additions being made. I love the friends I had through college, and am still in touch with most of them, but I'm loving all the new people in my life too.


2. Sunday is now lazy laundry day. Instead of scrambling to get homework done on Sunday's I relax on the couch and do some laundry! Not exactly exciting, I know, but better than homework.


3. I'm going to concur with one of Allison's and say I also love the possibilities. Nothing is holding me back from doing anything I want, anywhere I want. The possibilities really are endless.


4. I actually need to go shopping. I need clothes that are appropriate for work. I cannot look like a bum and I sadly cannot wear sweat pants. Therefore I need to go shopping and have a legit reason to do so.


5. I can read books for fun! There are so many books I've been wanting to read but never had the time because I needed to read what was assigned to me. Now I can enjoy what I read and do it at my own pace. I'm not sure why I didn't list this as number one because it's the best part!

What else is there to love about post grad?

5 Things I Love About Being a Post Grad

By Allison Sass

There is a lot of depression swirling around recent post grads at this time of year. The next few weekends are "move-in" weekends for colleges across the nation- with classes already up and running at many. It's at this time of the year that we get teary eyed walking through the "back to school" sections of stores, and inwardly hate every freshman family we see picking out twin X-long dorm sized comforter sets.

So let's snap out of it post grads! We can't go backwards. Here are five things I love about being a college graduate. Stay tuned for Shikole's five favorite things about post grad life, along with the views of a few contributors!

1. No homework. My "homework" in post grad life is my job, which I do for eight hours every day and get paid for. It's amazing to go home after work and have an entire evening free, and Sundays have taken on a whole new meaning!

2. A new location. While I miss Geneseo, I was ready to move out of the college town scene by my senior year. I love living in a city, being able to walk to things (other than class!), and experiencing a new way of life.

3. The chance to pursue my interests. This goes along with the no-homework thing, but I am loving that if I want to, I can take a workshop class on anything I desire (pottery anyone?) and not worry if it's going to improve my college resume.

4. Feeling responsible. Though I am not entirely financially independent, I'm paying for more than I did while I college. Paying my rent, utilities, health insurance, etc makes me feel that I am on my way to becoming independent.

5. Not knowing what the next four years hold. College can be fairly predictable.. class, party, extra curricular club, resume building, bar, internship, repeat. In the next four years I can do anything, or go anywhere I want to. The idea of endless possibilities is so exciting.

Comment with your five favorite things about post grad life!

Bet on Yourself

By Shikole Struber

If only I knew this existed the past four years I might have actually cared a little about my grades. There is a website, that allows you to gamble on your grades. 

For example, you are a C student and want a B+ in history this semester.You put down $20 on yourself betting that you can accomplish this. If you do, you get paid $100. (This is just basic, there are obviously more complicated aspects.)

Combining gambling with money and grades is the best idea ever created for a college student! They usually need money, have a tendency to bet, and should probably work towards good grades. Us post grads missed out on this one. We could've graduated with a tad less debt and better GPA!

It's Really Over

By Shikole Struber

I'm beginning to realize that graduating is a lot like a break up. At first it doesn't sink in that you're done. It's just summer, like any other summer. You've been apart for many summers before this one. But then you get your diploma in the mail, and it's like college is giving you back all your stuff. It's really exciting to see what was sent to you, after you waited for so long to receive it, but then you remember all the good times you had and almost want to give it back.

Then there's the rebound. You need it quickly to take you mind off of things and get on with your life. It's the complete opposite of everything you had previously. You aren't sure how it happened and you don't know how long it's going to last. The first job after grad, whether it be at a retail store, or a desk, or on the hill, is still a rebound job. You just got out of a 4 year (at least) relationship and now you need a replacement.

And through all of this you miss it. Break ups are hard. This one is no exception. And it's time you realize that it's really over. But keep your chin up, your next big life adventure is just around the corner.

Emergen-C

By Allison Sass

As a post grad starting a new career, the last thing you want is to come down with a horrible cold during the first few months you are working, especially if you don't have paid sick days! Emergen-C packets are vitamin supplements that work wonders for me. They are so easy to use:

1. pour glass of water

2. empty packet into water

3. stir and drink!

Easy enough? The trick with Emergen-C is to use the packets before a full-fledged cold actually hits. If I'm feeling a little under the weather or start to experience signs of a common cold, I take one of these packets right away. They provide you with 1,000 mg of Vitamin C per serving along with tons of antioxidants and electrolytes.

Check for Emergen-C in the vitamin aisle of your local grocery store and be sure to stay healthy!

Not Just Any Old Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese is a staple for both college students and post grads. But it doesn't have to be the same thing every time. Spice it up!

Amazing Additions:

• Salsa. Make it Mexican mac and cheese
• Hot dogs. Cut them up first. Brings you back to childhood.
• Peas. Heat up some frozen peas to add to your bowl. Veggies are important! (any other frozen veggies also acceptable)
• Melt in some more cheese. Add some mozzarella or cheddar to whatever came in the box.
• Croutons. Adds some texture and flavor if you use the flavored ones.

Any other ideas?

No Faith in the 20-something

By Shikole Struber

The New York Times published an article this morning about the state of 20-somethings. It is extremely condescending and not at all appreciated by the post grads who are trying hard to make a life. The article claims that it is taking longer and longer for us to reach "adulthood." They reach this conclusion because so many of us are forced to move home, or change jobs, or can't get a job, or don't want to settle down and get married.

They characterize the psychological profile of "emerging adulthood" as: identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling in-between and a having “a sense of possibilities." While us post grads can relate to most of these things, they are not at all limited to describing 20-somethings. Most people explore their identity throughout their lives. And that feeling of "in between?" Any person, 20-something or otherwise, can have this. Especially if in between jobs, which is happening a lot lately because of the economy. I also don't understand why the article talks about having a sense of possibilities in such a negative tone. Being optimistic about life is a blessing and should not be taken for granted, and should also not be confined to us post grads.

I'm also really pissed that the article lists the 5 stages of the traditional transition to adulthood like they are requirements for our lives. Just because a 20-something is single without a child should not mean they are not an adult.

The article did have one good point about adulthood, no one can seem to decide when it should kick in:

People can vote at 18, but in some states they don’t age out of foster care until 21. They can join the military at 18, but they can’t drink until 21. They can drive at 16, but they can’t rent a car until 25 without some hefty surcharges. If they are full-time students, the Internal Revenue Service considers them dependents until 24; those without health insurance will soon be able to stay on their parents’ plans even if they’re not in school until age 26, or up to 30 in some states. Parents have no access to their child’s college records if the child is over 18, but parents’ income is taken into account when the child applies for financial aid up to age 24. We seem unable to agree when someone is old enough to take on adult responsibilities. - Robin Marantz Henig

The article concludes with a question: "Does that mean it’s a good thing to let 20-somethings meander — or even to encourage them to meander — before they settle down? That’s the question that plagues so many of their parents." What they don't understand is that it's not the parents decision. It is solely our decision if we would like to "meander." None of us should have to settle down. These statements are treating us like children who can and need to be controlled. How are we supposed to "grow up" if the people assume our parents still decide how much we "meander?"

I resent that the NYT article is accusing us post grads of delaying adulthood. If they knew the struggles any of us were facing they would know that being in an unstable limbo, not knowing where your next paycheck will come from, forces us into adulthood even faster. Thank you NYT for having no faith in our generation to grow up.

Online Dating

By Allison Sass

"Recent studies show that 1 in 5 relationships begin online". You've probably heard this statement blaring from your television during a match.com commercial and thought "not my relationships!!". I know I did before last November.

To me, online dating only represented negative things. 1. it meant that the people who joined these sites were clearly desperate. 2. it inevitably included creepy moustached men who lied about their age and had hidden dangerous agendas. And.. 3. online dating just seemed so impersonal. People judge you based on a picture and a paragraph about yourself... need I say more.

I remained on my "too good for online matchmaking" horse until last November when a few friends joined Okcupid.com just for fun. At first, I was completely against the idea, and then in a sudden revelation thought "why not just try it?".

I signed myself up, and you know what? I realized that on top of all of my apprehensions, having an online dating profile is actually pretty entertaining. I didn't ever take my experience too seriously, but did end up meeting someone great who had never tried online dating before either. 7+ months later, and we are both very happy we chose to step out of our comfort zones. :)

For post grads who are new to an area and looking to get out and meet some new people, or who are searching for a special someone (it's okay to admit that readers!!)- I urge you to at least try online dating before you knock it. Some popular sites include okcupid.com, match.com, eharmony.com, and zoosk.com- but there are many more, google it.

Of course, be sure to use caution when meeting anyone in person that you've been talking to online. Don't meet for the first time in a private place, and take caution when getting into cars with strangers. Use the same precautions you might use if you met a potential mate at a bar or party. Get to know this person before trusting them.

But also remember to have fun! Meeting new people is always an experience. If you are looked down on by friends or family, brush it off and simply remind them that with a closed-off judgemental  attitude, they could be missing out on something great.

Back to School Time

By Shikole Struber

It's that time of year. When everyone is heading back to school. The sad part is that we will not be joining in all the fun this year.

All my undergrad friends are coming back into town and television is filled with nothing but back to school commercials. At first I get excited thinking it's time to embark on another new semester. Then reality kicks in and I realize that graduation meant that I have to sit this one out.

The thing I miss most is an excuse to buy some new clothes/supplies. I LOVE going to Office Depot and seeing all the cool new gadgets that seem to have been made specifically for me to go back to class. But alas, I cannot buy that neon green 5 subject notebook with built-in folder dividers this year. Well, I could, but I'd have no use for it.

There's also that first day of class when it's still full of potential. I might learn something interesting, or meet a really cool professor, or figure out what I want to do with my life. I'm a dork, I know, I've accepted that.

What do you miss most about going back to class?

After Midnight in a White Room

By Shikole Struber

I realized today that we have ignored a crucial part of post grad life so far. MUSIC. We have included books and movies and food and one post about Pandora, but music has been almost entirely left out. No more.

I'd like to start the first music post by saying that music can have the most dramatic affects on mood. And right now it's time to chill in bed with a book at the end of a long, long day. Therefore I am listening to Eric Clapton.

His music is mostly chill and does not resemble all the top 40 chill music of the day. He sings about a huge variety of topics and will likely bring most post grads back to childhood when they were forced to listen to their parents' classic rock station on car rides. I can now appreciate the songs as much as my parents did when I was younger.

Whether you are looking for some Bell Bottom Blues, a Forever Man or some good old fashioned Cocaine, Clapton has it. He also branches out with some Tears in Heaven and Bad Love while looking Wonderful Tonight. I don't think he has a song I don't like. Try it out.

Groupon.com

By Allison Sass

I had a meeting with my boss yesterday to discuss marketing strategies and he brought up this excellent new-ish website called groupon.com. Not exactly related to marketing- but this website offers great deals for those living in metropolitan areas.

How does it work? The groupon deals are always significant - up to 50% off the normal price of a product (food, jewelry, clothing) or service (spa treatment, car inspection). But, they require a certain number of people to buy each coupon before they are put into effect.

For example, in Rochester, NY the deal for today is to pay 5.00 for 10.00 in food from the Classy Cookie Deli, which is actually a really cute place to eat down the road from my apartment. In order for the deal to go into effect, the deli required that at least 100 sign up and purchase the 5.00 coupon for it to go into effect. 100+ people signed up before 8am today.

Sound confusing? Check out groupon.com for more explanations. As a post grad with limited funds, this website has become part of my daily morning check email and blogs ritual. Check it out and start saving today!

Flood Waters Rising

By Shikole Struber

I woke up this morning, not feeling like P. Diddy, but to a text from one of my roommates telling me the basement was flooded. Yes, legit flooded. Water coming through the windows and up past my ankles. Flooded.

First thought: Uh OH

Second Thought: FUCK

Third Thought: Now what?

Part of living on your own, especially when in a house, is dealing with these freak accidents/problems. They happen, all the time, to everyone. They suck, but it will be ok, promise. If you have amazing landlords like we do they be will over immediately to help.

If ever you are in this situation, make sure to unplug everything that the water might get to. Even consider shutting off the electric entirely for that floor. The only thing worse than a flooded basement is a flooded basement full of dead bodies that were electrocuted trying to fix it.

Next you should focus on removing all the stuff from the floor that could be ruined. Bring them to a dry part of the house, but put them on towels or something so you don't flood the upstairs too.

You should then focus on getting the water out. Whether it be unclogging the drain outside or calling service people to pump it out, the water needs to go. This will be hard if it is still coming in, but which is worse: the water getting higher and ruining more things like the walls, or having to continuously empty it to keep it at the level its at?

Finally, after you have removed the water from the basement you need to get it dried out. If there are carpets they likely need to be torn up. Use fans and lots of them. Keep doors and windows open for ventilation. If it doesn't dry out all the way before you put stuff back it will get moldy and smelly.

With all the rain in DC this summer I really hope this is the only time our basement is flooded. Good luck to the rest of you. Stay dry.

Get Outside!

By Allison Sass

I wrote an entry previously about walking after work, but I just got back from a run and am on an exercise high, so I was inspired to write another about the importance of getting outside. Even if you don't like to exercise, take some time to sit outside after the workday and enjoy this beautiful summer weather.

I know from first-hand experience that it's tiring to start your first full-time job. The main thing on many post grad's minds is getting out of the office, heading home, and laying in bed.

If you live in the Northeast like me, you've only got a few more months before you are sprinting in freezing air from your warm car to your apartment after work.

Sunshine= happiness. So sit outside on your deck, read a book or magazine outside, go on a walk, or even a run if you're feeling ambitious. Enjoy it while you can!

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities?

Just When You Thought You Could Handle it...

By Shikole Struber

You get that damn letter from Direct Loans and want to cry. Mine were forwarded from home in NY yesterday and I was completely overwhelmed, like most post grads when they are faced with the enourmous amount of debt that is looming. This letter includes 4 things you don't want to see:

1. Your name


2. A very large amount of money owed


3. A date that is waaaaay too soon


4. Payment options with lots of amounts you can't afford.

I'm going to be spending the next few days trying to make sense of the consolidation options, pay back schedules, the types of payback plans, and what I can do to stop freaking out. I doubt it will work because this notice doesn't even include my private loans, or my Perkins loans. FML. I will keep you updated.

Eat, Pray, Love: Movie Review

By Allison Sass

When I saw the preview for Eat, Pray, Love, I was ecstatic. The movie (based on the best-selling book by Elizabeth Gilbert) seemed to combine my hopes and fears about relationships and life in general into one tidy package.

The movie itself follows Elizabeth Gilbert on her journey overseas to Italy, India, and Bali where she takes a year out of her life to explore pleasure and devotion. Gilbert was recovering from a failed marriage and failed post-marriage affair, and needed time to figure out who she was, without male attachment.

On her journey she comes into touch with her deepest emotions through meditation and the amazing people she meets in each country.

While this movie has all of the ingredients of a major chick flick, I wouldn't consider it one. It is more of a "journey" movie, focusing on the process of self discovery. It is a fantastic film for post grads who might be wondering if they are allowing their lives to pass them by. It certainly inspired me to examine certain parts of my post grad life.

At times, the movie was slow-moving and it's fairly long (almost 2 and a half hours). Aside from the length, I would recommend this movie to post grad guys and girls alike!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Relax Friday Night

By Shikole Struber

Not every Friday night needs to be filled with excessive alcohol, too much time getting ready and lots of energy. There are plenty of ways to spend that time that are a lot more relaxing. After 5 days in the office and too little sleep, trust me relaxing is a blessing.

• Board Game night. So much cheaper than going out. In the comfort of somone's home. There can still be beer.


• A movie. I highly recommend Inception.


• A movie at home. Rent one! So cheap. And you get your own couch to sit on!


• Read a book. I have a stack I'm dying to read but can't seem to find time. Why not on a Friday night? In bed. With candles. And wine.


• Hang with friends at home. Why go to a noisy expensive bar? Invite people over. Serve some chips and dip. And relax.

These are just a few suggestions. What other ways can you relax on a Friday night?

Dear Wendy: "I'm Having A Quarter-Life Crisis" | The Frisky

Some excellent advice for any post grad

Dear Wendy: "I'm Having A Quarter-Life Crisis" | The Frisky.

Cheap Getaway

By Shikole Struber

I feel like I need a vacation on a daily basis. One cheap weekend getaway for a post grad to consider is camping. Note: only cheap if you already have or have access to a tent.

Most camp sites only charge $20-35 a night for a tent. Split that between 6 friends and that's a really cheap stay. Now you will need other supplies for camping like flashlights and bug spray and food and alcohol of course. However, you would be spending money on food and alcohol whether you were home or camping. And camp side food tends to also be cheap when split 6 ways. Get some hot dogs, potato salad, chips, bagels, marshmallows.

Don't look down on camping either. It might not be glamorous but it might be exactly what you need. You'll be OUTSIDE instead of in an office. Imagine that, fresh air! It's also a great bonding experience with whoever you go with. Last time I went camping it should've been recorded. Me and one other female friend, who had never before set up a tent, embarked on the journey. It was too windy to light a fire to cook our food. And we didn't find the bathrooms until the last few hours of the trip. So we cooked hot dogs by wrapping them in tin foil and putting hookah coals on top. And got a lot of bug bites on our asses from peeing in the bushes. The same bushes the bathrooms were hidden behind.

Moral of the story is that you CAN afford a short vacation. Round up some friends and some bug spray and pitch that tent!

Get Involved!

Hi readers, what do you want us to write about next? Leave us a comment with any questions or article suggestions that you might want to learn more about and we will answer them all! As always, feel free to email us at therealpostgrad@gmail.com!

Take Time to Remember

By Allison Sass

As we become "grown ups" it's easy to forget about our lives before college. Remember those middle school days filled with braces and unfortunate outfits? Remember that secret crush you never had the courage to talk to, and the best friend that stood by you through anything?

Make sure you allow yourself some downtime to reflect on your past as this next phase of your life is getting started- it will help you put things into perspective.

To reflect, I often read over old journal entries from my middle school and high school days. I laugh at myself as I read about my worries at the time, but I also love reliving the feelings that go along with the everyday ups and downs of a young girl's life.

If you never kept a journal growing up, sift through a few old photos or take some time to relive memories with old friends or family.

Although we are beginning new chapters of our lives as college graduates, remember to remember the 21+ years that came before.

Grown Up Parties

By Shikole Struber

Have you ever noticed that if the host of a party provides food the party seems classier? Even if it's just chips and dip, or cheese and crackers, you tend to think more highly of the host and treat the party as a classier affair than one without food. 

In post grad world this principle is key. No longer do we cater our parties to getting completely smashed until all hours of the morning. Instead we give the excuse of food. BBQ, dinner party, pot luck. Don't get me wrong, these parties still have plenty of alcohol involved, but the food seems to make it more "Grown Up."

Instead of starting at 10pm, post grads start their parties at 7pm. Instead of a bowl of alcoholic Jell-O, there's a big bowl of potato salad. Instead of 30 racks of Natty Light, we now serve cheap wine or a slightly better cheap beer, like Blue Moon, my personal favorite.

Beer Popsicles

This recipe was just brought to my attention because of the genius that it is. Beer Popsicles. You will need red solo cups and plastic silverware and some paper plates.

Ingredients:

• Beer (any kind you like, I choose Blue Moon)
• Honey (or agave nectar like the other recipe says, but I prefer honey)
• Orange Juice (or lime juice as the other recipe says. Orange goes better with Blue Moon)

Pour the beer into the red solo cups. Add a table spoon of honey and some fresh squeezed orange juice. Stir until blended. Poke a hole in the center of the paper plate. Stick platic silverware through. Place on top of red cup. This is how we get the stick to stay in the center. Place in freezer for at least 4 hours, overnight is best.

The popsicle should slide right out of the cup when done, if not run it under warm water for a few seconds.

And enjoy!!

Sticking Around

By Allison Sass

A year before I graduated college, I had my heart set on breaking free from my small college town and running to the lights of the city. Any city. As long as it was huge and well-known. I was thinking Boston, NYC, Austin.. anywhere where I could "start fresh" and land that awesome design/writing gig that I and millions of other recent grads knew we would be perfect for.

Around February reality set in, as I realized that in order to actually secure a job in one of these cities, I would basically have to move there blindly, find an apartment, and then look for work. I certainly didn't have the money to afford rent for even the smallest of apartments in these cities and began to think that it was time to consider more realistic options.

SUNY Geneseo is located about a half hour from Rochester, NY, a city known for the Eastman family (founders of Kodak), and for having lots of contact lens company headquarters. Not exactly the glam life I was intending on living post grad. So, I did a little research on the city. Since Rochester is close to Geneseo, it was easy to spend a day finding new and exciting things in the city. I even got the chance to walk around my current neighborhood before moving into my apartment.

Now that I'm in my affordable Rochester apartment, I love it here. I love that there are tree lined streets everywhere, people are outside walking rain or shine, and that my apartment has at least 20 shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife within walking distance. Rochester has more festivals and free concerts than I would ever expect a city to hold, and although it might not be well known, it's the perfect fit for me right now.

I'm thankful that I was able to explore this area while in college, and encourage other recent grads to do the same. Don't count out what's right under your nose!

It may not be the "glamorous" lifestyle you imagine, but you may find a city or town that offers everything you need, why not wait a few years to rent that Manhattan apartment so you can afford to enjoy living in it?

TGIF

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Freeze your AC Costs

By Shikole Struber

We've written before about how to cut back on the costs of utilities. Until now we have ignored one huge option. If you have central air, you can control the settings. You can decide if you want the AC to be at 72 during the day, but go to 74 at night because it's cooler. Or maybe no one is home during the day and t doesn't matter if it's set at 75 from 9am to 6pm.

Utilizing these control functions on your central air can cut down costs dramatically. Be careful, though, our AC randomly resets itself to 85 degrees sometimes. Not fun to come home to.

Stay Stylish After Grad: Shoes

By Shikole Struber

The Cap and Gown are out. Now what do you wear?

Sweat pants, tee shirts and hoodies might have worked fine for class, but they won't get you hired. They might get you fired, though. Pajamas in public seem less acceptable post grad too.

For Women:

These shoes are cheap (Payless) and comfy. They are a step up from flip-flops but nothing too fancy. Perfect for work and even for play. They also come in grey/silver so they will fit all your needs.

For Men:

Men have fewer options for cute shoes. But these are affordable and basic so they can work well for a post grad. These particular shoes are sold at Sears.

No matter what you put on your feet, make sure it can't come back to kick you in the ass. You don't want your boss to see you in those shoes that are so old the soles are flopping around...

Where do you buy your affordable shoes?

Obsession of the Week: Christmas Tree Shops

By Allison Sass

When I was younger, I used to have a hissy fit whenever my parents would drag me into the Christmas Tree Shop during our mall excursions. Absolutely nothing in the store interested me, and I hated dodging old ladies pushing their carts like maniacs to get the best deal.

Fast forward 6 or so years. When I got my first apartment in college, I heard from a friend that the Christmas Tree Shops were a great place to look for essentials like cookware, decorative pieces, and even food and toiletries. I decided to give the store another shot.

I walked into the store and wondered why I had resisted for so long. The store is filled with things that I like to call "extras". Finishing touches for your apartment, great gifts, and even exotic snacks. I think I spent about 20.00 my first visit and got a mirror, candles, curtains, a wall hanging, and a small rug.

Everything in this store is super discounted- they even have trendy jewelry that costs under 2.00! I would recommend this store for any post grad who is strapped for cash and looking to furnish their apartment, or in need of a gift.

Christmas Tree Shops are located across the country. If there's a shop located  near you, grab a cart, put on your game face, and show the other shoppers that you aren't afraid to fight for a deal! (non- violently of course)

What are you favorite places to shop for deals?

5 Best Movies about Post Grad

By Shikole Struber

You are not alone in your quest of fulfillment! There are plenty of movies that follow the lives of post grads on their adventures and misadventures. Try watching these in all the spare time you have while unemployed.

1. Accepted. Great message. You should learn what you WANT to learn in college and go on to do what you WANT to do.



2. Into the Wild. Drop it all and hitch hike.



3. Lost in Translation. Marry an older man. Travel with him to Japan. Try to figure out what you want in life.



4. The Graduate. No one knows what they want to do after grad. Until they screw and older woman and fall in love with her daughter.



5. Post Grad. Graduate. Move back home. Sounds familiar...

Ginger Peanut Stir Fry

Stir fry is one of the simplest dishes to make. This recipe is really only going to tell you how to make an awesome sauce because the rest is up to you. Choose either rice or asian noodles. Cook according to directions on package. Choose your meat, also cook as directed. Choose a plethora of vegetables. (Might I suggest mushrooms, onion, peppers, water chestnuts, and snap peas.)

Now for the sauce, which I'm sure you've noticed is my favorite part of every meal.

Ingredients:

• Fresh ginger, sliced thin. Cook in with the rest of the stir fry.
• Soy sauce. use enough so that your stir fry is coated.
• Peanut butter. A tablespoon should be enough.
• Peanuts. A handful of actual peanuts add a nice texture to the otherwise soft dish

The peanut butter won't mix in well until hot. After all your meat and veggies are cooked add the peanut butter and soy sauce. Stir until there are no more chunks. Also add the peanuts.

Pour over your rice/noodles and enjoy!

Pop Tarts

By Shikole Struber

They aren't just for kids. They also come in handy for the post grad who needs to grab breakfast while running out the door. There is a new store in Times Square in NYC dedicated to the sugary concoction. They aren't the most healthy treat but they do work. Here are some other ideas for breakfast on the go:

• Granola Bars. Chewy, Nature's Valley, TLC. There are tons of options. With yogurt, with chocolate, with fruit. Pick one you like.


• Fruit. Bananas. apples, peaches, pears, grapes. All good grab and go food.


• Hot Pockets. Microwave for 2 minutes and you have a warm portable breakfast.


• Smoothie. Robeks has great smoothies that are filling and you can drink on the go.


• Yogurt in a bottle. A couple of yogurt brands have put their product in a bottle so that it's drinkable.

What do you eat on your way out the door?

Eyes of Chocolate

By Allison Sass

When working in the "downtown" district of a city, it's likely you'll see some interesting people roaming the streets near your office. Normally, if a pedestrian makes me feel uneasy, I tend to practice the NYC trademarked "avoid eye contact/ walk very fast" maneuver. Honestly, if you look like you're on a misson, who is going to get in your way?

Unfortunately, lots of people.

It's important to use caution when interacting with strangers, we learned this in kindergarten, but it's also important to remember that all contact with pedestrians doesn't have to be scary or threatening. One day, while walking back into my office after a lunch break, I noticed a man sitting in his truck near the self storage business located in the bottom of the building where I work.

I could feel his eyes on me, and decided to perform the classic "I'm on a mission, don't mess with me" walk. Unfortunately, I looked up from the ground too quickly and made eye contact with this fellow. He looked at me, smiled a huge toothless smile, and said "hey sweetie, your eyes look just like morsels of Hershey's dark chocolate, Mmm mmm" while patting his belly.

I couldn't hold it in. I burst out laughing, said an awkward "thank you", and continued to book it towards my building. This little encounter certainly helped me to ease up around strangers, but I still am sure to use precaution.

Remember readers, if you EVER feel threatened while walking to work, you don't have to answer, or even acknowledge, anyone you don't feel comfortable around.  It might be a good idea to place some key contact numbers on your speed dial as well (the police, your place of work, parents). This way, if you are approached in a negative manner all you have to do is push one number on your phone.

Whistles, pepper spray, and hairspray (any girl who has accidentally sprayed herself in the face knows that this HURTS), are a few other essentials you might want to consider carrying with you if you work in a city environment. If you're worried about theft, consider splitting up your cash, credit cards, and other important cards into two different wallets, and leave anything you can at home in a safe place.

Do you have any funny stories about random street encounters, or any tips for our readers on how to feel comfortable around strangers?

A Quick Buck

By Shikole Struber

If you can't find a full time job or something you want to pursue as a career there are other options for making money in the mean time. They may not be glamorous, but you will be paid (well) for them. And most don't take that long either.

• Babysitting. Families still tend to need babysitters, recession or not. Depending on your area you can make a lot of money watching tv with a small child. In a city or any affluent area you can charge up to $12 an hour for 1 child. For regular people you might want to charge closer to $9/hr.


• Yard Work. You might not be a professional, but if you charge just a little less than a professional you can get a lot of business. Mow some lawns, trim some shrubs, plant some flowers. Yard work pays well too. A lot of people are willing to pay between $10 and $15/hr.


• Dog Walking. As long as you aren't allergic to pet dander grab some leashes and take a stroll around your neighborhood. And get paid for it. Most people pay a daily rate for 2 walking sessions a day.


• House sitting.  Know a neighbor who is going on vacation? Do they happen to have a pet or a lot of plants that need caring for while they are gone? Easy $30-$40 a day.


• House Cleaning This works well only in affluent areas. But just like with yard work, if you charge just a little lower than the professionals you can get a lot of business. Small houses go for about $60.

Most of these can be found on craigslist. They can also be posted there. Your school's website is also a gold mine for jobs like this to tide you over until real employment.

Stretch Your Health Insurance

By Allison Sass

As Shikole mentioned in a previous post, living without health insurance can be scary and costly if you don't have the strongest immune system. But even when you receive the "golden ticket" of health insurance from that first full-time job you land- you're not out of the woods.

For those of you who have relied on your parent's insurance plans, you might be unfamiliar with the idea of copays, or paying for any type of dr.'s visit for that matter (believe me, I was in the same boat until I made the decision to work after graduation instead of attend grad school.)  Don't be fooled by ignorance- medical related costs can add up!

Here are a few ways to make your current health insurance plan stretch!

Read up! - Know what your copays are so that you are prepared when visiting a doctor. Specialist copays are normally twice as much as primary physician copays, so choose the type of doctor you plan on seeing accordingly.

Check with your local gym- The gym I'm about to join actually has a perk where your sign up fees are waived if you have an insurance card. Perks like these will save you money, and working out regularly will preserve your body.

Don't think you can afford a gym membership? Consult your insurance company and see if they will cover all or part of your yearly membership. Blue Cross Blue Shield covers up to 300 dollars in fitness related expenses.

Prevent, prevent, prevent!- On many insurance plans, basic dental visits are covered in full under insurance, but fillings and additional surgery are only half covered, or not covered at all. If you remember to brush your teeth and maintain your personal hygiene you will end up saving yourself money in the long run.

Take care of your entire body, and you will be healthier and have more cash to spare!

Get Healthy...Financially

By Shikole Struber

Budgets are boring. We all know this. But they are now something we need to consider. Rent, cell phone, credit card payments, student loan payments, car insurance, cable/internet, food, the list goes on and on. There are a lot of expenses a post grad has. And limited income. It's time to keep track of where your money goes.

Fidelity has a great tool that maps out where your money goes and compares it to how much you make.

Once you can track where your money is going you can start cutting back where you need to. Maybe be aware of the overage on your cell phone bill and save that $30 every month. Or recognize that you're spending too much on cable and cut back on the premium channels. You can get most shows online now anyway.

The Golden Rule of personal finance is to pay yourself first. Put $50 a month into your savings account before starting to pay your bills.

"Before you pay your bills, before you buy groceries, before you do anything else, set aside a portion of your income to save. The first bill you pay each month should be to yourself. This habit, developed early, can help a person build tremendous wealth. I wish I’d understood this when I graduated from college." - JD from getrichslowly.org.

After that your focus should be on decreasing your debts. Whether it be the credit card you lived on while unemployed or the student loans you need to repay, decrease your debt. Interest payments can be killer.If at allpossible, pay more than the minimum balance due. Even if it's $20 more, it will help with the interest. Also, instead of paying your credit card bill monthly, pay it bi-weekly. You can still pay off the same amount, the more often you make payment, the faster your principle balance decreases, and the less interest you will be paying.

And the most important personal finance lesson, which may seem obvious: Spend less than you earn!

An Apple a Day

By Shikole Struber

Health insurance is kind of important. Now that we have graduated we don't have the option of health insurance through school. The bill passed by congress allows us to stay on out parents health plan for a while longer, but what if our parents don't have health insurance either? Then what?

I have personally been without health insurance for about 2 years. I couldn't afford it, even through my school. My mom hasn't had it in forever either. When searching for a job health insurance was one of the top requirements I looked for. Luckily my immune system is amazing and I rarely get sick, and the only medication I take regularly is my birth control. Not having health insurance hasn't killed me. But I'm the exception, not the rule.

Any person with asthma, or diabetes, who wears contacts, has anxiety or depression, needs a lot more medical attention than I do. So what are the options?

• Short term medical insurance. ehealthinsurance.com lets you compare short-term plans from Aetna, United Health Plus, Celtic, and more. They cost anywhere from $45/month to a couple hundred depending on the coverage you are looking for.


• Stay on your parents plan.


• Find a job that offers health insurance.


• Go without, except the basics. CVS has a minute clinic for problems such as strep throat, or pink eye. Any minor problem will be covered. It costs about $60 a visit but no insurance is needed and they will give you prescriptions.

What we learned most in college was survival. Now it's time to put that to use.

Email Address

By Allison Sass

You might think that your email address is the last thing potential employers care about. It certainly doesn't speak to your qualifications and is nothing more than a way to contact you online... right? Wrong.

If your resume is professional and your contact email address is partygirlxox@ wherever. com, or catlover363.. there is no doubt that employers will take you much less seriously.

Here are some tips to land yourself a professional email address that screams "hire me!"

-Keep it simple- The most professional email addresses are first and last name addresses. For example janedoe@hotmail.com, or sallymiller@gmail.com. It's also acceptable to abbreviate your first and last name and have your email address me jdoe@hotmail.com, or smiller@gmail.com.

-Avoid including interests- While potential employers do care about the interests outlined in your resume, you don't need to include these in your email address. iluvshoes@gmail.com is not going to be getting any email follow-ups from employers.

-Know when to abbreviate- If you have a very long first name, or it is spelt in an unusual way, consider abbreviating your email address. It would be unfortunate to miss out on an email from an employer because they accidentally misspelled your name!

There are tons of free email website out there (Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, etc)- so if your email is something like sparklygirl101 (yes, that was my email address through the 9th grade....) it's time to switch things up!

The Lost Symbol

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Amazing. Everything about it is amazing. No part is boring. It makes you think. I might be a little biased because it takes place in DC, where I happen to live. But even if you don't know the landmarks of the city personally, the book should still be intriguing.

I am not a big fan of religion in general, but Brown's book presents it in such a mysterious fashion that it caught my attention. The mystery surrounding the religion, and how it ties in with the science is incredible.

Which brings me to the scientific mystery of the book. I had never heard of Noetic science before. And now I can't know enough.

Overall rating: 4.99/5 stars

(I will never give anything the highest rating because I believe there is always room for improvement)

Spotlight on Kelly Cutrone

By Allison Sass

Whether you are a loyal viewer of MTV's The City, the Bravo series Kell on Earth, or a PR geek like me who idolizes succesful women in the industry, Kelly Cutrone, founder of People's Revolution, has certainly become somewhat of a household name in the past few years.

The Real Post Grad loves Kelly Cutrone. Why? Because after loyally watching her appearances on television, she has proven to us that she takes chances on 20 somethings she sees promise in, and truly believes that they are capable of getting the job done.

This is so refreshing for young job hunter- to see a supervisor that cares to help you grow both in the business world and as a person. Although her life seems to be busier than we could ever imagine, Kelly puts her all into her company and we admire her for it.

 Are you a Kelly Cutrone fan? Leave us a comment and tell us why!

Liven Up your Water

By Shikole Struber

Allison posted yesterday about the importance of hydration and drinking plenty of water. I am definitely one of those post grads who tends to drink nothing but caffeine and alcohol and really needs to work on the whole water thing. It's just so bland! There are a few simple ways to liven up your water, though.

• Add lemon


• Add lime


• Add cucumber


• Use it for tea


• Popsicle count as water, after the sugar is gone


• Add kiwi


• Add sliced strawberries

How do you drink your water?

ISPs for Dummies

By Shikole Struber

I work at an IT Consulting firm. (Still not sure why) But I'm picking up a couple tricks of the trade while here. Like which Internet Service Providers are better than others. Most locations are only serviced by a couple, but it's still good to know what you will be getting. Now that you live on your own, dealing with the internet is all on you.

My Ranking:

1. Comcast. Customer service is the 2nd best of all the ISPs. It's a little more pricey than Verizon but so worth it for the service. They also service a large scope of places, both residential and busniess.


2. Speakeasy. This one is very pricey and meant for business connections. However it's easy to get around the business stipulation at home. Their customer service and technical support is THE BEST I have evr experienced.


3. Cox. While getting ahold of them for assistance is a pain, once you have a representative they do well for you. Price is around the same as Comcast but they service less locations. Most of DC doesn't qualify for it but VA does.


4. Verizon. I personally cannot stand Verizon. Their customer service line is horrible. You can almost never get a person. You are on hold for long periods of time. Once you get a person they decide it's not the right one and transfer you, causing you to be on hold again. They are a bit cheper than Comcast but not worth the trouble.


5. RCN. Not one of our clients uses this ISP. I think that speaks for itself.

I have also lerned that rebooting your modem will fix most problems with your internet. Try that before calling anyone. Here is a video that explains how to do so.

Chelsea, Chelsea Bang Bang

Chelsea, Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler

Hilarious. And not just for girls. This book has wit and hilarity for both the sexes. I have a really good male friend who just finished it after my recommendation. And no he's not gay or metro sexual in any way. He's a man's man, and still read and liked the book.

His only qualm was that Handler told the story as fact, but in reality there was no way she could've remembered such minute details and conversations. I tried explaining that the book is simply BASED on her life, and that she gets some lee-way as a writer, but he wasn't having it.

The book was typical Handler. If you've ever watched her show on E! the book is very similar. Her tone in the book makes you feel like you're watching the show.

And the subject matter is amazing. Handler is living proof that you can still have fun and drink and go out, and also have a steady boyfriend who puts up with you and a successful career. I don't know if I would ever believe a word out of her mouth after reading about the pranks she plays on the gullible people around her, but it's entertaining for the rest of us.

Overall rating = 4.3/5 stars

Thirsty Thursday

By Allison Sass

Thirsty Thursday has a whole new meaning in post grad life. In fact, the term should also be extended to thirsty Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. We're not talking about "thirsty" days that include heading to the bars on weeknights and skipping your 8am morning class the next day. We're talking about water.

As someone who admittedly does not drink enough water, I feel like  I can pretty accurately explain the side effects of dehydration. For me, dehydration combined with lower blood pressure = dizziness. Have you ever been walking around on a hot summer day and felt like the world was moving without you, for even a split second? Drink a glass of water!

Some other common symptoms you might experience include lower back pain, stomach cramps, excess body fat, sunken eyes, and lethargy.

Post grads today tend to focus their beverage consumption around caffeine and alcohol, both of which actually cause your body to become more dehydrated. In order to be in great shape for the workday, and for life in general, start drinking water! Buy your own water filter and water bottle to save on money since bottled water is bad for the environment and gets expensive very quickly.

Recently, I've been making an effort to break my bad habits and drink more water throughout the day. I haven't felt dizzy since I started this regime a week or so ago, and have pledged to continue.  Join me?

Favorite Place for Lunch?

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What do you look for in a place to live?

By Shikole Struber

If you were going to move to a new state, what would be the things you consider about it?

Having attended the most politically active university in the country, politics would play a big role in where I decide to sign my next lease. CBS did an assessment of the most conservative and liberal states in America.

If you want to go conservative, head to:

Wyoming, Mississippi, Utah, South Dakota or Alabama.

If you are thinking liberal try:

Washington, DC (where I like to call home), Rhode Island, Connecticut, or New York.

There are also taxes to consider. They are decided on a state level and vary greatly. Some states don't have an income tax, while others rob you blind every paycheck. States that do not have an income tax include: Washington, Nevada, Wyoming and Florida.

Property taxes can also be sky-high. Especially if you are considering buying a home the next place you move, you should consider: Arkansas, Louisiana and Alabama. They have some of the lowest property taxes in the country.

What other factors should you consider when moving to a different state?

Ham and Cheese Ring

This dish combines the classic ham and cheese while mixing in some broccoli and onion for good measure. All baked into a croissant ring. Begin by Preheating the oven to 375.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup of ham, chopped


• 1/2 cup any cheese (cheddar is my fav), shredded


• 1/2 cup chopped broccoli


• 1/4 cup chopped onion


• 2 tablespoons butter


• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice


• 1/2 tablespoon mustard


• 1 package of pillsbury croissants

Combine the ham, cheese, broccoli, onion in a large bowl. Mix together well. Add the lemon juice, mustard, and butter. Mix until the butter is spread evenly throughout the mixture. It is only meant to make it stick together.

On a baking sheet lay out the croissants in a circle with the wide ends making up the center and the points sticking out. It's fine if the points go over the edge of the sheet, you will be folding them over later. The croissants should resemble a sun on the baking sheet.

Take mixture and form a wall around the center of the ring. It's ok if it's a little messy. The butter should have made it so that the mixture will stay upright. After it is all used, take the points of the croissants and fold them in, over the mixture, to the center. When finished it should look like a ring like the picture above.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the croissants are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

*Disclaimer: I have never actually measured how much I use, I usually just eye-ball it. Feel free to do the same.

Patatas Bravas

This is a classic Spanish Tapas recipe that is easy enough and has an amazing dipping sauce. The dish itself it pretty much just fancy hash browns, but the sauce, ooooh the sauce, it is to die for!!

Ingredients:

• 1 large potato per person
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 table spoons onion, minced
• olive oil
• salt and pepper
• between 1/4 teaspoon and 1/4 tablespoon of tabasco sauce depending on how spicy you like things
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground thyme
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup mayo

Cube the potatoes and sprinkle salt and pepper on them. Fry in a large pan on the stove until cooked/golden brown. That's the end of the potato part. Very simple.

Now for the amazing sauce. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to a pan and fry the garlic and onion until the onion is soft. Turn off heat. Add tabasco sauce and thyme. Stir well. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the mayo and ketchup. Again stir well. The sauce is best cold so chill for 15-20 minutes.

And enjoy! This is probably one of the simplest tapas recipes there is. Very hard to mess up. Ans so delicious. Best paired with Sangria.

5 Small Ways to Save $

By Shikole Struber

I just got my paycheck for the month and it already seems like I have nothing left in my account. After rent and cell phone bills, and catching up on my credit card bills and car insurance, etc there's barely anything left to live on. Small charges add up fast. Here are five small ways to save money you don't even realize you're spending.

1. Use only ATMs from your bank, or get cash back at the store. When you use an ATM from a different bank you are charged anywhere from $2 - $3.75 to take the money out. On top of the $2.50 your own bank charges you. (Look at your statement, it's there) Amount saved at your bank's ATM = $4.50-$6.25 per visit


2. Get a club card for every grocery store you go to. And CVS as well. Only buy what's on sale. Use the card. You will cut down your grocery bill by $5-15 per visit. (This doesn't work as well if you are particular about what you eat.)


3. Buy a 12 pack of cans of soda instead of getting one bottle a day from the vending machine. A 12 pack generally costs ~ $3.99 (especially if you buy the ones on sale). That's $0.33 a can instead of $1.25 a day at the vending machine. Total savings = $4.60/week


4. Make coffee at home and bring in a traveler's mug instead of stopping at Starbucks every morning. It might not be as fancy, but you can add flavored creamers at home or even a splash cinnamon. Be creative. Total savings = ~$10 a week.


5. Run large appliances like dishwashers and clothes dryers early in the morning or late at night. This saves the environment as well as money. You are charged more to run them during peak hours, and your AC has to work more to off-set the heat produced. Total Savings = ~ $25/month

For more money saving ideas check out Martha Stewart's list. The woman has some creative ideas.

The Power of the LBD

By Allison Sass

The little black dress has been praised by females across the globe as a go-to item for a night out on the town.  But does the LBD belong in the workplace? You bet it does!

While you definitely do not want to wear the same little black dress you might wear out to the nightclub, a work day appropriate LBD is the perfect piece for any post grad girl's wardrobe.

A simple black dress can be paired up with virtually any color sweater, long sleeve or short, and is the perfect blank palette for girls who enjoy experimenting with brighter jewelry.

I purchased my favorite black dress from H&M two years ago for about 30 dollars. I have worn this dress countless times paired with everything from sweaters and blouses, to floral tops and pearls.

Some great stores for those working on a budget are H&M, New York and Company, Forever 21, and Marshalls. Although I must admit, if you're going to splurge on anything in your wardrobe, this versatile piece would be the way to go!

Beat the Monday Blues

By Shikole Struber

Mondays should be done away with. Or at least work should never start before 11am on a Monday. That would solve the awful trepidation you feel on Sunday night when you know relaxation will be quite sporadic until next weekend. However, the corporate world has sadly not caught on this simple fix so we need alternatives to getting rid of the Monday Blues.

1. Make dinner and drink plans for Mondays. Instead of Thursday or Friday why not meet up with your friends for drinks on Monday? Something to look forward to at the end of the long day.


2. Wear your brightest outfit. Especially if Monday happens to be a dreary one bright colors will cheer you up!


3. Treat yourself to a take out lunch. Instead of bringing lunch to work, go out.

Just some simple suggestions for brightening up a Monday. How do you make it through?

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo By Stieg Larsson

It's about to have an english movie version remade in which Daniel Craig has been cast as the male lead. It's a New York Times Bestseller.

Personally I think the first half of the book was horrible. While it gave the reader information necessary for the more interesting and intense mystery later in the book, it just dragged on. I had to force myself to continue.

The latter half of the book though was amazing. It made the first half worth it. I've never been big into mystery novels, but Larsson wrote this beautifully. There was just enough plot and romance to compliment the mystery aspect very well.

Other than the slow first half, my only complaint would be that the book is set in Sweden, and often expects the reader to know about Swedish geography. I do not know the names of Swedish towns. I do not know how big or small they are or close or far from each other. A map should have been printed in the back of the book so the reader could make sense of this.

There are two more books in the series that I will share after finishing them

Overall Rating: 3.8/5 stars

How Many Choices are Too Many?

By Shikole Struber

We all have that friend who is always indecisive. But what if if having too many choices really is bad for us?

We encountered this when applying to college. There are so many it's hard to choose. And even after we chose which to apply to, we then had to choose which one to GO to.

Now that college is over we are faced again with a plethora of choices that may be hindering us in life.

• Grad School. Should you go? To which one? For what?


• A mate. It's natural to wonder if there's someone better, but what about when that curiousity prevents you from choosing just one? The fear of settling down because there MIGHT be someone better.


• A place to live. Should you try a new part of town? A different town/city/state/country altogether? If you aren't tied to a certain place, how do you choose where to go next?


• A Job. There are so many you can apply to. What do you relly want to be now that you're a grown up?

There have been studies done that show too much choice is detrimental. Narrow your options. And try not to think about the "what if" factor. Instead try the "what is" factor.

"Me Time"

By Allison Sass

I write you this post from my comfy bed as I snack on a bowl of frozen blueberries with The Shins blaring from my laptop. Tonight, I'm having "me time", and my intense state of relaxation has prompted me to write a post about how easy it is to recharge your batteries after a busy weekend or a long day at work.

Since starting my 9-5 job, I feel like I've been moving non-stop. It's hard to fit everything you want to do into the 5:30-11:00 ish time slot. That's why nights like these are so important. Without having a chance to relax, my exhaustion could have spiraled into the stressful work week cycle that many new workers get trapped in.

Here are a few things to do to relax and enjoy your own "me time"

- Read a book- Listen to music- Clean (it can be therapeutic, I promise!)- Scrapbook- Watch some T.V.- Start a journal- Start (or update) a blog ;)- Call a loved one- Meditate- Do laundry- Map out your schedule for the coming week- Enjoy your favorite snack- Sit outside and enjoy the night air- Take a bubble bath or a long shower-Enjoy a glass of wine

Tea Time

By Allison Sass

In the corporate world, tea seems to be very underrated. Aside from the now trendy chai latte, coffee is the thing to drink if you want to relax in the morning at breakfast or need a jolt of energy during your day.

If you're daily coffee just isn't cutting it anymore, consider trying tea instead! There are so many varieties to choose from. I personally love to turn down the lights in my room, light a few candles, and enjoy a cup of hot tea on rainy weekday nights, or if I'm feeling especially stressed after a day at work.

For all you caffeine fiend readers who resist the idea of relaxation, some teas out there actually have more caffeine than a regular cup of coffee...

Do your research, and by research I mean head to the grocery store, and find a tea that sounds delicious to try.  On a warm summer days allow you tea to steep and then add sugar and ice to make your own unique flavor of iced tea!

Here  is a beau-tea-ful resource for unique tea recipies- I think the the mint tea punch looks amazing! ->http://allrecipes.com//Recipes/drinks/tea/Main.aspx

What are your favorite workday drinks? Do you prefer coffee or something a little more unusual? Leave us a comment!