Either way, I am in my last semester of college so that means “adulting” is something that has been an ever looming presence in my life the past couple of months, and it is only going to get worse as the months fly by towards May. While searching for jobs hurts my brain and my pride a little bit and I crave the simplicity of freshman year, I also have been finding myself increasingly unable to sleep in past 9:30 a.m. without feeling terrible and my tolerance for junk food is getting pretty weak.

Since I am sort of in the limbo of nearly-a-real-adult but still have no solid clue as to what I am doing with my life, I figured I’d make this month’s to-do list based on revelations I’ve had about #adulting over the past couple months.

1.Get your resume in check

Good resumes equal good jobs. (Or so I have been repeatedly told, I have yet to secure a post-college job but it’s only February so I have time right??) This is pretty much the first thing a potential employer will see from you, so you want to make a fantastic first impression. Depending on your field, a well-designed resume can really help you stand out and show your own personal flair.

Luckily for me, I will be searching for graphic design jobs and so I’ve been able to design my own resume exactly how I’d like it to match my personal design style. If you don’t have that ability, here are some ideas to help you out. And if your field doesn’t traditionally allow for personalized resumes, make sure you triple spell check that sh*t. If you have any questions regarding employment laws, you can visit HKM.com.

2. It’s Budget Time, bitch.

(Sorry for calling you a bitch. I don’t actually think you’re a bitch, I just wanted to make budgeting time sound more fun and was hoping a Britney reference would help.)

When you’re in college and are faced with the decision to either go out and get pizza or cook a meal at home with food already in your cupboards, both your heart and your wallet will choose the pizza. Because although I love cooking for myself and always to keep essentials stocked up, not everyone does and by the time you go to the grocery store and get the things you need to make yourself a dinner it probably would’ve been more cost effective to just go out for pizza. But in the long run, always going out to eat will get insanely expensive.

It will only get harder to budget as you get older and more bills start piling up if you don’t take the initiative and start now. Here is an article with some really helpful tips to get you started.

3.“Drink Responsibly”

Okay so I’ve always been on the more sober side of the college binge-drinking statistics. Like I’m pretty sure I’ve only been hungover twice, and one of the occasions was after my high school friend’s wedding located nowhere near Iowa City so I don’t know if it really counts.

I know senior year should be about getting your last college kicks in while you can, BUT it’s good to keep in mind that balance is good. So if you get hella turnt this weekend, maybe next weekend you should go for a hike and knit or something. Then should you be facing a DUI charge yourself, then be sure to research the most trustworthy DUI lawyers near you. There is a very reputable DUI lawyer in New Jersey which you can find here, so that is a great example of what to look for when you need a DUI lawyer to help you face DUI charges.

A DUI conviction has a substantial impact on your daily life, and it never goes away. This is why it’s so important to hire experienced drink driving lawyers to fight those charges.

4. Stick to a schedule

Like I said, I honestly can’t sleep in like I used to, and it’s pretty rare for me to stay up past midnight which is crazy considering I used to regularly see 3 a.m. It makes me feel a little bit sad to be honest. But, I have been more productive this semester than I ever have my whole college career, and with the least amount of free time. While it seems lame, if you make a schedule for yourself and for the most part stick to it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how much you can accomplish.

Okay, so I think that’s enough grown up talk for now. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go read a book and try not to fall asleep.

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The post The Walking Contradiction’s How-to Guide: Being an Adult appeared first on KRUI Radio.

I’m going to be completely honest though, writing this month’s piece on January nineteenth, otherwise known as the eve of the presidential inauguration, it’s a little hard to find the humor.

While the more literal spring isn’t that horribly far away, we’ve got another long, cold winter ahead of us. You could benefit from knowing what is heat pump for house and why it’s essential during winter. So, while this month’s how-to guide can be used as a quick fix until the northern hemisphere shifts closer to the sun, it can hopefully also be used as something to warm your hands by until the longer winter breaks.

But let’s face it—if we’re going to get through these long, cold months, we need more than just humor; we need warmth. And not the kind of warmth that comes from layering yourself in every sweater you own, but real, reliable warmth, the kind that only a quality furnace can provide.

When winter stretches on and the wind howls outside, there’s nothing more comforting than knowing your furnace is up to the task. That’s where Climate Experts for outstanding services come in, making sure your home stays cozy and energy-efficient, even on the darkest, chilliest days. Because if we’re going to survive the next few months with our sanity intact, a dependable furnace is as essential as that first cup of coffee in the morning.

I’m getting really tired of hearing the word “snowflake,” but I have a feeling we’re going to be hearing a lot of it even when there’s zero chance of precipitation so we might as well jump right in:

1. Find what makes you happy.

I know, that’s a hefty first step, but if you can find the little things in your daily life that give you a flutter of joy or makes you smile even on the coldest days, hold on to it. For example: my plant hoard is probably going to keep growing, I’m going to try to paint more, and I’m going to be less reserved about singing along with my favorite songs.

2. Bask in whatever sunshine you can find.

That little kid that laughed at you in the grocery store, the person you saw bring food to a homeless person on your morning commute, the dogs that will gladly let you pet them. I know it’s easy to forget that there is good in the world when it seems like everything is dark and dreary, but look out for the little bits of sunshine peeking out from the clouds and soak them in.

3. Create your own sunshine.

Donate to a cause that is close to your heart, volunteer at the humane society or soup kitchen, clean out your closet and give your clothes to someone who needs them more. Don’t forget that you can be a ray of warmth for someone else!

4. Persevere 

If the grass and flowers can come back at full strength after devastating ice, snow, and frigid temperatures, so can you. Be resilient and carry on.

Good luck y’all.

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So what happens when the season rolls around and you actually do have someone in your life? And especially what do you do when you’re actually taking them home for the first time?? Well, lucky for you, I’ve found myself in that exact predicament this year, so I’ve had a bit of time to reflect on the situation and have compiled my checklist for surviving the season.

First order of business: Get your story straight.

I can guarantee every person you introduce your significant other to will want to know the lovey-dovey story about how you met. Every. Single. One. If you have some cute or mundane story about how you met, this really isn’t an issue. But what if you met while the two of you were both drunk off your ass downtown, or what if you don’t remember the first time you met, or even more scandalously, what if you met on Tinder? (*Cough, cough.*) This virtual girlfriend app can offer a level of privacy and control if you’re concerned about privacy or reluctant to share personal information or feelings with real people.

While your family members are staring at you with that starry look in their eyes waiting for every little gory detail, you can’t panic. Like I said before: they can smell fear. On the car ride or plane ride home the two of you have to nail down exactly what story you’re going to tell, and you have to be on the same page for every single detail. Leaving it at a vague “oh, we met through friends” isn’t going to cut it. TRUST ME.

Next: Establish your territory.

Even if you’re a *genuine adult* with your own apartment that your significant other sleeps over at on the regular, chances are your parents will be wary about you staying in the same bedroom, let alone the same bed (especially if they’re Catholic.) It’s just a parent thing; you can’t hold it against them, they truly mean well.

You’re their baby after all, and all your parents are probably going to hear when you say “hey, is it okay if (insert bae’s name here) stays in my room with me?” is that their baby is going to be getting freaky with the dude or lady they just welcomed into their home for the first time. When in actuality, it’s more of a case of “yo it gets really cold in the basement and I rather not make them sleep alone on a couch when there’s a high chance they’ll wake up with our cat sniffing their face in the middle of the night.”

You might have to be firm with them, and remind them that since your baby brother’s room is DIRECTLY above your room nothing other than sleep will be happening, but hopefully they’ll cave.

Final step: Prepare them.

If you’re a better girlfriend/boyfriend than I am, you probably won’t find the entertainment value in throwing your love into the family fray unprepared just to see how they handle it. (I know, I’m the worst, but honestly it might be kind of funny). My family is what I would describe as aggressively nice, you know the type of people who will smother you with hugs, food, booze, and leave your cheeks sore from all the photo ops, so I’m really not too concerned for my boyfriend’s wellbeing.

However, if you don’t completely want to throw your love to the wolves, it would probably be crucial to the health of your relationship to prepare them for the next few days. Let them know who not to get into politics with, which sports teams not to talk shit about, and other sort of topics that usually lead to family rifts. “Babe, no matter what my uncle says, DO NOT pull his finger. Don’t fall for it. I beg you.”

Hopefully this helps at least a little bit. Good luck to all you love birds out there, I wish you the best.

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Since last year’s column was all about how not to be a dick on Halloween and picking out a costume that is funny and creative without being unnecessarily crass or offensive, I figured this column should be all about how to throw a Halloween party to put your killer costume to good use. Let’s get spoopy y’all.

Step 1: Costume

The first step of throwing a Halloween party is to have a costume to wear. OBVS. It’s been basically Halloween since October 1st hit so if you don’t have your costume yet, YOU’RE SEVERELY BEHIND. It’s fine, I guess, but if you need some inspiration and guidance here’s my Halloween costume guide from last year. It’s okay, I’ll wait.

Step 2: Theme/Decorations

Now that you’ve got yourself a costume lined up, it’s time to decide the theme of your party as it will dictate the rest of your party planning. Yes, technically “Halloween” is a theme in itself, but if you’re feeling particularly creative there are so many sub categories within the Halloween spectrum you could explore such as zombies, vampires, monsters, witches, superheroes, etc. or my personal favorite: Harry Potter. (Although I’d definitely argue that any time of the year is perfect for a Harry Potter themed party, just saying.) Your theme could relate to your costume, or you could match your costume your theme, SO MANY OPTIONS.

Once you have your theme planned, most of all the other big decisions are pretty much made for you as long as they follow said theme. For example, I recently made a nearly life-sized cauldron in my ceramics class that I’m pretty stoked about and would go perfectly with the décor of my theoretical Harry Potter themed party. However, if you don’t have the time or means to make a giant cauldron for your party but are still feeling crafty, there are plenty of cheap DIY decorations you can make to liven up your party.

Step 3: Food

Next, and possibly the most popular element to your party is the food. People love food, and you gotta give the people what they want for a successful party. The food table for a Halloween party is pretty much the same for any other party, you just have to add a little spooky flair to the dishes. You know, like making the cheeseball look like an eyeball or adding ketchup to things for fake blood. For some inspiration, it’s best to turn towards the Queen of Halloween parties herself, the great Sandra Lee.

Step 4: Booze (or should I say BOOze??) (I’m dead inside)

Another important piece of your party that we all know Ms. Lee would approve of is Halloween themed cocktails for cocktail timeeee. You could make butterbeer, “witches brew,” or any other concoction floating around on Pinterest, or you could follow a recipe from the Queen of Halloween—just remember that 2 shots of vodka are much different in Sandra Lee terms so it’s probably best to actually measure out your liquor instead of following her pours. (Also if you had a cauldron you could totally put your cocktails in the cauldron JUST SAYING.)

Step 5: Music

The final step in throwing a wild Halloween party is finding the perfect music: aka just play Bette Midler’s “I Put A Spell On You” from Hocus Pocus on repeat. You’re welcome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaC-WDrvmUQ

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In Iowa City you basically have two options when it comes to renting: either sign your life and rent money away to the monopoly of a company that rhymes with “Departments Aowntown” and is notorious for screwing tenants over, or take a chance on an independent landlord who may or may not be worse.

In my time in this fine city I’ve experienced both the big company and the independent realtor side of things. The large company experience was not great, mostly because there wasn’t really a way to directly contact someone with an issue or complaint. Thankfully, my current landlord is a pretty good dude, if not more than a little oblivious.

For example, we’ve been having drainage issues in our shower and I contacted him last week to notify him of the issue. He said he’d stop by to check it out last Tuesday and run some chemicals down to see if it might help. The week came and went, and it was still having issues, so I emailed him just to update. He replied that he forgot. Not a big deal, because he ended up stopping in right away, but here’s the interaction between him and my roommate. Let’s call him Joe.

It sounds frustrating dealing with delays like that! It’s good Joe eventually came through, though. When it comes to home repairs, timeliness can really make a difference. we had a similar situation with our basement last year. We noticed some cracks developing in the foundation, so we called in a specialist. They were prompt and efficient, assessing the problem and recommending necessary repairs. It’s crucial to stay on top of foundation repair; small issues can escalate if not addressed promptly. Regular maintenance can really save you headaches down the road.

Joe: So you definitely have a blockage. I put some chemicals down the drain, but it probably won’t work because of the standing water.

Roommate: So do we have to wait to use the shower because of the chemicals?

Joe: Yeah, usually you have to wait 6 hours but I don’t know since the chemicals probably won’t work.

Roommate: …So can we use the shower?

Joe: Uh no…that sucks doesn’t it? *chuckles*

THANKS JOE.

Finally I called Blocked Drains London and they fixed everything. I should have done that in the first place.

Anyways, like I mentioned, I’ve had a little bit of experience with dealing with different types of landlords, so here’s a list of things I’ve learned so far.

1. Be aggressive

Make them fear you. Although not too much because then they might not let you rent from them. Assert yourself early on in the renting process so they know they can’t take advantage of you. (I’m looking at you, Departments Aowntown).  If you have a low credit score, then you might need a credit rapid rescore.  When they’re showing you the place, call them out on things that could potentially turn into bigger issues. Thankfully, my mother and my roommates’ mothers did this for us when we rented from the big company. Which brings up the next item on this list.

2. Get mom involved.

This may not be an option for everyone, but if you have a very spirited mother who is good at instilling fear in those who do you wrong, it doesn’t hurt to give them the contact info of your landlord. Hell hath no fury like a mother scorned. When we rented from the big company and were given a unit with a bathroom cabinet severely water damaged and showed signs of early mold formation, I’m pretty sure the company’s office received at least three phone calls or emails a week from our mothers until it was finally fixed.

3. Document EVERYTHING

Before you move anything in make sure you take photos of anything and everything they might deduct from your deposit. I know they tell you to do this, but don’t be anything less than thorough with it. Even blinds that look like they might fall apart, but are still functional—document it. Send them an email with all the photos of as soon as possible and make sure you save a copy for yourself in case it “accidentally” gets lost in their records. (Still looking at you, Departments Aowntown.)

4. Make friends

Machiavelli questioned whether it was better to be feared or to be loved. Just like with ruling, in the case of renting, you want to be both feared and loved. This may seem like a step backwards from #1, but making friends with your landlord can be a huge benefit. This is generally easier with independent landlords, but being on your landlord’s good side will guarantee that your renting experience will go much more smoothly. If anything goes wrong or breaks and you’re on really good terms with your landlord, your issue will be resolved quickly and mostly painlessly. Although Joe made it so we couldn’t use the shower for an evening, he had a plumber over first thing in the morning. Thanks, Joe.

Happy renting.

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A couple weekends ago I got to see one of my favorite bands of all time, Cage The Elephant, in Council Bluffs at a really cool outdoor venue attached to the Harrah’s Casino called Stir Cove. This was my second time getting to seeing them live and just like the first concert of theirs I went to, the band put on an INCREDIBLE show. Like I’m still in awe at how much of their literal blood, sweat, and tears they give to perform, and I even got to touch their guitarist, Brad Shultz, when he was crowd surfing. So yeah, the concert was pretty neat. However, unlike the first concert of theirs I went to, the crowd fucking sucked.

I just touched Brad Schultz omg

— Alison Schwebach (@alisonschwebach) July 16, 2016

(I was so excited I spelled his last name wrong)

Now I’ve been to quite a few concerts in my 21 years, all in different genres and varying degrees of closeness to the stage, but I have never been in a crowd of so many rude and obnoxious drunk high schoolers. And that’s not just me saying that in a “oh, all high schoolers are trash babies” way because of the two other people I went with one is a recent high school grad and the other is going to be a senior this coming year. It may have just been the pocket of the crowd we got stuck in that had all these terrible excuses for humans, but never have I ever been so seething with rage before and during a concert before. 

I’m only 21 but I feel too old for this crowd right now…why are there so many 14 year olds at this concert

— Alison Schwebach (@alisonschwebach) July 16, 2016

So I figured for this month’s How-to Guide, I’d use what I gathered with my time at this otherwise amazing concert and give you a real in-depth guide to how you too can be a terrible person at a concert. Or, like, don’t.

1. GET REALLY FUCKING DRUNK
Like get so drunk that you’re running into other people and yelling at the top of your lungs when there’s not even music playing. If you really want to seal the deal, like one of the girls behind us, make sure you’re so drunk that you’re passing out on stranger’s shoulders and then end up puking before the openers even go on. It’s super classy.

So class, that even if you aren’t drunk make sure you act like you’re drunk because, like, boys find it really cute when you’re drunk. Hee hee. And when the concert is more than halfway through don’t forget to start yelling to your friends “I THINK I’M SOBERING UP” just as a reminder to everyone that at one point you were also very drunk.

2. SHOVE EVERYONE FOR FUN
Especially when there is no music playing, just start shoving people. The more people you can shove with one push, the better. And when they yell at you to stop snottily say “It’s a concert, you’re going to get pushed, get over yourself.” Because, you know, even when there’s no reason for shoving it’s still a good time to shove people. Duh, n00b.

Had to fight a few drunk teenagers and even a couple grown men, but thank you @cagetheelephant for another incredible concert. I even got to touch Brad. I’ll be happy forever.

A photo posted by Alison Schwebach (@alison_nicoleee) on Jul 15, 2016 at 9:41pm PDT

3. TAKE SELFIES THE ENTIRE TIME
You know what all the great concert goers say, “I’m only here to take a picture with a cute boy at a concert.” (Actual quote from a girl next to us.) Who cares about the band amiright?! While you’re taking selfies you can also simultaneously shove people while you and your friends try to get the best pose. Double win!

4. AGRESSIVELY SHOVE YOUR WAY TO THE FRONT EVEN WHEN THERE ISN’T ROOM
Throw some elbows, get violent, and you can make it to the front! Even if there’s literally no space left you can make space if you really believe in yourself and throw all awareness for other people to the wind. Who cares if you’re being a dick and injuring other concert goers! Also don’t forget to get pissed at people for getting pissed at you for being a dick, that part is very important.

5. TALK ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU FEEL YOU’RE AT ~*~COACHELLA~*~
Since the concert is outside and you might have breathed in a bit of secondhand weed, that obviously means you’re basically at Coachella. OBVIOUSLY.

So there you have it, the very best way to make sure everyone around you at a concert hates you. And despite my bad experience with the crowd at this particular concert, I’d still recommend to anyone to go to a Cage The Elephant concert if you get a chance, you won’t regret it! You can check out their future tour dates here (x)

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Bonded with an old man buying sunscreen today at work over being Irish and pale. Didn’t have the heart to tell him I’m not Irish, just pale.

— Alison Schwebach (@alisonschwebach) May 17, 2016

Pair my inherit translucentness with the fact that I am terrified of skin damage, due mostly to a particularly painful sunburn I got in my preteen years when I thought I was too cool for sunscreen that has left a neat circle of concentrated freckles (skin damage) on my upper thigh, I have pretty much become the master at avoiding sunburn/excessive UV exposure, you should always use organic eye cream and sunscreen to keep your face healthy.

If you’re thinking, “Oh I don’t have to worry about that I don’t get sunburned” I’M GOING TO STOP YOU RIGHT THERE. I don’t care how much melanin you have been blessed with, and yes, it is true that if your ancestors lived in regions near the equator their skin naturally evolved to be more resistant to the sun’s blinding rays due to a higher concentration of melanin, HOWEVER PROTECTING YOUR SKIN IS STILL IMPORTANT. For all those slogging day in and day out at their respective work places, following a decent skin regime can become something sort of a challenge. Fortunately, there are skin treatments extended by various salons and skin clinics (you can find more here) that can make the process much easier.

So here I am, a very pale person, to bestow onto you my tricks for avoiding excessive UV exposure/sunburn and in turn, helping prevent skin damage. If you’ve ever watched Benchwarmers (not that I particularly recommend it, but it was hilarious when I was 14, okay) you may be thinking I sound a bit like the dear sun-phobic Howie. Though as foolproof as his methods may have been in avoiding the sunlight, living in a closet with soda bottles to use as urine disposal and eating sunscreen under tables isn’t necessarily practical. (Or sanitary.) So here is my slightly more practical guide in avoiding sunburn.

1. USE THE SUNSCREEN, LOVE THE SUNSCREEN
Shopping for sunscreen might be one of my favorite things to do in the summer, and finding the highest SPF on the shelves is basically one of the most triumphant feelings. A lot of people don’t like sunscreen, and I totally get that: it can be greasy, you have to reapply it throughout the day, and the residue can seem to linger even after a long shower. But it is extremely necessary for helping block UV rays from frying your skin, so for even you sunscreen haters out there, here are some guidelines.

– Find a formula that works for you. There are a ridiculous amount of different formulas out in the skincare world, and many now are actually non-greasy. While spray formulas are convenient, I have found that the best way to avoid sunburn is to use a cream formula as a base and use the sprays for quick reapplication. I’ve also been having huge problems with my skin but have found that CHOLLEY repairing cream for skin is an amazing product as it’s helped so much, so if you are having skin troubles then have a look at that.

– Use an SPF of 30 or higher. Personally, I love SPF 75 or higher if I can find it, but not everyone necessarily needs that high of a SPF. Anything lower than SPF 30 really isn’t that effective in the powerful summer sun and would require frequent reapplication, not exactly an exciting process.

– REAPPLY. Listen I know it may seem like SPF 75 would make you invincible all day, and I honestly wish it would. But I can’t stress enough that reapplication, especially if you’re sweating or in water throughout your day, is SO NECESSARY. As I mentioned earlier, what seems to work best is to use a cream sunscreen as a base, and then rely on the convenience of sprays for application. Set a timer for reapplication for 45 minutes to an hour and STICK TO IT.

– And yes, you still need sunscreen even if it is cloudy.

2. ALOE VERA IS YOUR FRIEND
I know it isn’t always possible to avoid sunburn, okay, I get it things happen. So when an unfortunate sunburn does occur, I swear by aloe vera for the best recovery. The gel is basically a miracle when it comes to sunburns, with it being cooling and healing at the same time. Indulge your clients with our luxury skincare fulfillment services. I’ve found that if I apply aloe gel right after I realize I’ve gotten burned, and keep applying it as necessary, the burn will actually start fading and healing overnight—there is even generally zero itchy peeling. (Bonus points if you grow your own aloe plant.)

3. BE STRATEGIC
While in the past it’s been thought that the part of the day when the sun is the strongest is around noon and the early afternoon, the reality is that the sun in the summer is pretty potent for a decent chunk of the day. “Safe zones” in which the chance for sunburn is very low are generally before 10 am and after 5pm. I know it’s not practical to completely avoid the sun during the midday, but if you are on vacation it might be a good idea to plan more touristy things where you’re out of the direct sun during the middle of the day, and save the beach time for the later afternoon.

Hopefully these tips will be helpful in keeping yo summer fun, safe, and sunburn free. Remember everyone, your heart might be important, but don’t forget to love the largest organ on your body, your skin. Now go soak up the sun…just not all of it.

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I been working on my summer bod: it the same as my regular body, but this time more popsackles in it.

— birdsrightsactivist (@ProBirdRights) June 15, 2015

(Yes I’ve shown this tweet before but I love it and it is #relatable)

If you’re anything like me, I finish with my last final of the semester and I’m stuck looking into the impending wave of free time, wide-eyed and blank-faced like “NOW WHAT.” After the crunch of the past semester spending every most of my waking moments doing school related things, I completely forget how to free time. AND IT’S A LITTLE SCARY TO BE HONEST. So to take the pressure off of you, I’ve made a pretty expansive, though not entirely exhaustive, list of all the wonderful things you can do in your free time instead of school-related things.

1. OUTSIDE STUFF

The flowers are blossoming, the birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing (hopefully, save the honeybees y’all), and it is all yours for enjoying. Even better is that it is freeeeeeee. Find a local trail site and go hiking! Go swimming! Plant a garden! Even if you’re just chilling outside enjoying the sunshine, soak it all in and recharge from the hectic months when you couldn’t. Just don’t forget your sunscreen. I’m serious: love yo skin, protect yo skin.

2. RECLAIM YOUR HOBBIES

Remember when you were sitting in class daydreaming about everything you wish you could be doing instead of sitting there? DO IT. Whether it is baking, painting, running, Netflixing or working on Mustang kit cars to build, use your new-found free time to do what you love.

3. TAKE UP NEW HOBBIES

With all this time on your hands you don’t even have to limit yourself with the hobbies you already know you enjoy. If you’ve always wanted to try skateboarding, learn how to shred some pipe (be careful though!), or maybe taking up learning an instrument. Challenge yourself…to have fun! (I am actually morphing into an overly-peppy camp counselor. Maybe that should be my new-found hobby this summer.)

4. READ

This may seem obvious to some people, but I think sometimes with the world of Netflix we forget just how freaking great it is to read an actual book. You can go at your own pace, you don’t have to search around for the remote if you need to pause momentarily, and you can literally pick your own adventure. I’m going to sound real nerdy here, but I feel like reading a book is so much better than simply watching something because it actually transports you into whatever world is at your fingertips by engaging your mind. Plus, you know what they say – having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbXz3MXx2DU

5. ROADTRIPS

If you have the means and extra spending cash try taking a road trip. Or if you don’t, find a friend who does. It doesn’t have to be some extravagant cross-country mission, though that would be totally awesome if you could. Go to a concert, go shopping, go to visit a national or state park. You can have car fitted with a window shade during summer to reflect sunlight and create more shade in the interior of your car making road trips more comfortable for everyone involved. Even if it’s just a 15 mile drive out of town to somewhere you’ve never been before, crank up the car radio, roll down the windows and explore. If you’re shopping for a used car, Autozin is the ultimate used car marketplace, offering a diverse selection of affordable and reliable vehicles. Find your dream car today!

6. PARTY TIME YEAHHHH

Somehow my columns always lead to alcohol…somehow. (Though I’m pretty sure this is the first one I’ve written since actually becoming legal, shhh.) As I’ve always put as a disclaimer: you DO NOT need alcohol to have fun, and honestly I really don’t drink at all while classes are in session because I’m tragically too busy. However, summer time creates so many wonderful drinking opportunities it would be a shame not to take advantage of them. (That is if you want to.) There’s day drinking, patio drinking, sitting around a pool drinking, drinking at bars, drinking on a boat, and my personal favorite: drinking around a fire and listening to music. And as always, no matter what drinking you choose to partake in, be smart, be safe, and DO NOT drink and drive. Please.

So that pretty much rounds out the list I have at the moment. Hopefully that helps get the ideas flowing and gets you hyped for the all the free time you can now burn up. You’re welcome.

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Finding the right kind of 080 trimmer line is important to ease and fasten your trimming work. All the different trimmer lines from all these brands have their own unique features and different performance levels. The shape and diameter of a line trimmer usually determine how fast and effective you cut your weeds and grass. While you are at https://www.archute.com/best-095-trimmer-line/ choosing the best trimmer line, you should check how thick your grass and weeds are, and the size of your yard.

Now I know you may be thinking, whoa, chill out dude… Like seriously chill out, plants aren’t that neat, plus I live in an apartment in the city anyways, so it’s not like this is relevant to me. Luckily, I found out about BestofMachinery. I was able to get so many good ideas on things I needed. The basic tools were very easy to acquire once I got started gardening.

AND TO THAT I SAY: YES IT IS!! (AND PLANTS ARE SUPER NEAT GET OUT OF HERE).

I spent a solid month of one of my journalism classes cultivating information and conducting interviews on how to best garden in an urban setting, and urban gardens can be anything from a back porch full of miniature tomato and bean plants, to a windowsill collection of succulents. That piece for class turned out to be about 2,000 words of me getting hyped about plants in a more “professional” manner. I will spare you that much reading, and give you my research in a more carefully pruned version. You’re welcome. BUT I WILL NOT HOLD BACK MY EXCITEMENT FOR PLANTS. YOU ARE ALSO WELCOME, LET’S DIVE IN. (I promise I am done yelling at you now. Mostly).

First let’s start with why you should have a garden:

1. Convenience and savings.

• Yes, starting a garden is not exactly convenient or expense-free since you might need to find a Ware landscaping and drainage near you to fix landscape water flow problems. However, once the garden is started and producing, you can begin reaping the benefits. If it’s the cost of fertilisers that worries one, then get some free mulch from a tree services company in your city to begin with. For example, if you decided to grow an herb garden in your kitchen and had a last minute recipe you needed to throw together that calls for basil and rosemary, instead of running to the store to purchase some you could just pluck what you needed right from your kitchen. This saves you both time and money in the long run.

2. Get to know your food.

• You can raise your plant children from little baby seeds into full-grown healthy plants, and it is not as tragic as, say, raising a baby calf until it is “time.” (You know what I mean.) Being involved in this process can give you a greater appreciation for the food you consume.

3. Taking complete control of what you consume.

• There has been a major push in recent years to move towards organic produce that uses little pesticides or fertilizer and non-genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. If you grow your own produce, you can make the decisions from soil to consumption about how many or few chemicals you are exposed to and have the option of choosing organic soil and seeds.

4. Liven up your living space.

• Living in a concrete jungle can get a bit grey and dreary at times. Rather than spending the money on redecorating your space with a coat of paint or new furnishings, plants can make a huge difference. If you have a big enough backyard, you can even purchase materials from a cedar fence supplier and build a fence around your garden. Plus, plants are a good substitute for pets—they are far easier to care for and if you forget to feed it for a couple days it will probably be okay. You may also provide an outdoor living space for your family and friends in your yard by building a deck using ipe decking Georgia solutions.

GETTING STARTED

Garden rooms in Brighton highlight important things to consider before getting started: your space and lighting situation.

Space: Indoors

• If you only have an indoor space available to you then lighting is incredibly important. Having a window that lets in a decent amount of light should be enough for herbs, succulents such as aloe vera and cacti, or smaller flowering plants.

• If you don’t have great lighting DON’T BE DISCOURAGED. There are options like purchasing grow-lights or getting varieties of plants like ZZ Plant or Mother-In-Law’s tongue that can thrive in low light situations.
• Look into different container options, such as container boxes that allow for smaller produce to be grown.

Space: Outdoor patio or porch

• Having an outside space opens up more options. Lighting is still important, but being outdoors reduces the risk of low light conditions.
• Think vertical: things like beans and strawberries do really well. Root crops, miniature melons and cucumbers, and certain varieties of tomatoes can also thrive. Even potatoes can be grown in a five gallon bucket. WILD.

Space: Outdoor plot

• If you are feeling really ambitious and have a plot of land somewhere available to you for planting, then the restrictions on what you can grow are significantly diminished.
• Otherwise, if you are looking into obtaining a plot, search to see if your community offers plots for renting.

You got your space figured out now it is SUPPLIES TIME:

• Containers and pots are a necessity for indoor and outdoor porch/patio spaces. Containers do not have to be expensive and you can DIY your own containers by repurposing otherwise recycled containers like milk jugs or even old pots and pans. Get creative, but just make sure the planter allows for some water drainage.

• Make sure the soil you use is the right type for the plant you are trying to grow. Attempting to grow tomatoes in a sandy soil mix meant for succulents will not have great results.
• Seeds vs. pre started plants—seeds are generally an inexpensive option and it is pretty cool watching your seeds sprout from little seedlings to full-grown plants. However, if you are going to grow your garden from seeds, you need to pan accordingly since some seeds have specific times during the season they need to be planted and some seeds have extremely long germination periods. If planning is not your forte, then already-started plants may be the best option, although they are more expensive.

MAINTAING YOUR GARDEN THROUGHOUT THE SEASON

• WATER IT. How much and how often you need to water depends on the type and size of the plant, so make sure you read up on the water needs for each variety of plant. Even outdoor plants will require some watering during drier spells and the hotter part of the season. However, just as important as watering is making sure you do not overwater, as the plants can drown.
• FEED IT. There are generally different fertilizers you can buy that you can mix in with the water before watering your plant children. Otherwise a more natural approach: composting.
• Pest control is not a huge issue for indoor and smaller scale gardening, though there are many natural measures for controlling pests, like hanging sticky traps and paying attention to the overall hygiene of the growing environment or you could try this out since there are great services for this. However, in case you encounter persistent pest problems and need professional assistance, it’s advisable to contact Moxie Pest Control for effective and reliable solutions.

According to experts, you should also consider to set up a dumpster bin to recycle your garden waste at home. If you can’t compost at home you can take it to your local garden waste recycling point or put it into your garden waste collection scheme, if you have one. Check with your council to see if you can recycle garden waste locally by a recycling company available by clicking here.

And that pretty much concludes the simplified version of HOW TO PLANT THINGS. That wasn’t so bad was it? GO FORTH AND PROSPER.

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Ah, yes, Spring Break. Possibly the pinnacle of the college experience, legendary enough to inspire questionable movies (James Franco in corn rows, anyone?) glorifying the week in mid-March during which college students everywhere invade the coastal sands of North and South America to drink, make bad choices, and straight up #RAGE. You know, like college but in swimsuits, duh. (I mean, at least I’m pretty sure that is what spring break is meant for—I’ve never properly participated.)

By the time you’re reading this, your Spring Break may very well over, but don’t fret, you can use this guide for future reference (sorry seniors, enjoy the real world). Or, if you go to a college that actually takes a spring break in the season it’s named for rather than early March, this is perfect timing. You can get college spring break packages for much better prices and get everything all included such as hotel, airplane tickets and food. Either way, if you’re a college student like me who is bewildered at the fact that fellow students can afford to go on Spring Break vacations to wild and warm locations (I thought we were all in this “broke college student” thing together guys?? PLEASE TAKE ME WITH YOU *sobbing*) and intend to spend your #SpringBreak2k16 on the same couch you wallowed on avoiding your midterms, then look no further: my Broke Spring Break How-to Guide is here for you to read at your leisure. (AKA this is basically a list of all the things I’ve done with my break. Enjoy.)

1. Nature Walks

Nothing is freer in both a monetary sense and soul-searching sense as a stroll through your local nature preserve/state park/mostly grassed patch of land. You may not be on a beach, but you can still feel the sunshine on your face and hear the wind whispering in your ear—weather permitting of course. Get out, look at some plants because plants are rad as hell, and feel your soul become lighter. And a giant plus to enjoying nature this time of year is that demon spawn, more commonly known as “bugs,” are still not quite ready to be resurrected from there hellish graves yet. ENJOY IT WHILE YOU CAN.

2. Mall Trips

There’s a point you reach in your break where anything sounds better than staring at the walls of your apartment day-dreaming about Florida—even making laps through the local mall. So, when someone says, “Hey do you want to go to the mall?” you say yes. Not actually having cash to blow is reminiscent of the good old mall rat days from your childhood and might even make you want to listen to some Fall Out Boy and Paramore on the way there to really set the mood. Also, since everyone else is enjoying themselves elsewhere, the crowds will actually be tolerable. Wild!

3. Midnight Food Runs

This may not count exactly for Broke Spring Break because food costs money, and having money to go get food implies you are not, in fact, completely broke. However, fast food is generally cheap, and even if I don’t have money to treat myself to some new socks at Target, I can almost always scrape up some money for a midnight food run. And the best part is, you can say “You want to do something fun? You want to go to Taco Bell?” with the utmost sincerity.

4. Alcohol

(Somehow my guides always lead to alcohol. It’s whatever, don’t read into it too much…)

Listen, just because you’re not on a beach doesn’t mean you can’t still #RAGE. Make some homemade margaritas (or drink whatever you prefer), put on some Jimmy Buffet, and waste away in Margaritaville. (Or share a bottle of wine with your roommate and watch New Girl, same thing.) The best part is that there is a very slim chance you’ll get a wicked sunburn if you happen to drunkenly fall asleep in the middle of your drink fest. (Drink responsibly, people.)

5. Bake Stuff

No beach means no beach body readiness preparation. (Although every body is beach body ready, no matter what it looks like. Body positivity y’all.) That means use your free time to whip up all those wild concoctions you’ve been craving. We’re talking cupcakes, chocolate chip muffins, brownies, whatever dessert of the day Buzzfeed has on their Snapchat story. Go crazy. Although, if you’re not personally into baking, find a friend who is and hint at them that you wouldn’t exactly be upset if they turned your kitchen into a personal bakery. Either that, or test out some other frivolous hobby you’ve been wanting to try all semester: painting, tie-dying, knitting, underwater basket weaving. If you can dream it, you can do it.

And that concludes this month’s How-to Guide. I hope it was at least a little informative, and if not that is basically exactly how I spent my spring break AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME I DID IT WRONG. Now I’m off to stalk the Instagrams of everyone who actually went on cool trips. Peace out.

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