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?

What to Avoid While Unemployed

By Shikole Struber

Being unemployed means you have a lot of free time. Which can be very useful. But can also be dangerous. Here are some things you should avoid while unemployed.

• Shopping. You don't have a paycheck coming in. Unless it's for food or a necessary item for an interview, just don't do it.


• Going to the movies. This might seem like a good idea, but thats $8-$12 down the drain every time. It's a lot cheaper to rent a movie. Or go on hulu. Or get netflix.


• Starting new subscritions. They add up quickly. A year's worth of Cosmo might only be $20, and netflix might only be $6 a month, but that's $26 you could've used for dinner, or buying more toilet paper because you are out...again.   


• Getting that $4 Starbucks every day. I understand caffeine addiction. I have it. But it saves so much money to make coffee at home. You can add flavored creamer or those sugar free flavor syrups just like at Starbucks.


• Ordering takeout or eating out. Pizza and sushi and chinese and burgers cost way more when you go out. It sucks because so many social gatherings are held around food. But maybe you and your friends can take turns cooking instead and save some money.

Can you think of anything else to avoid when unemployed?