As we approach August, we may have started to take summer vacay for granted. In the dog days of summer, it’s easy to sleep until 2 p.m., get caught up on Maury, and not realize we still have our PJs on until it’s time to go back to bed. But with the countdown to Fall Semester ticking fast, it’s important to make the most of every spare minute. Whether you’re working your ass off or dedicated to being a lazy bum until a full courseload kicks back in, it’s time to get in gear and create some glorious summer memories.

1. Take a roadtrip. Sure, gas prices are skyrocketing, but you’re only young once, right? And once you’re shackled into a nine-to-five, you’re going to crave the spontaneity that’s currently yours for the taking. I’m a self-professed workaholic, but even I’ve been known to squeeze in a few quality roadtrips between May and August each year. One summer, I took a fourteen-hour drive to Ohio with two girls from work I barely knew, for the birthday party of one of my brother’s grad school friends. And no, my brother didn’t go. So, three random girls showed up at a party in the boondocks (aka Wooster), and promptly put on our party shoes. Liquor flowed, regrettable hook-ups were had, and the girls and I totally bonded over the experience. Even if you can only spare one day, find a town you’ve never been to before, and head out to explore. You never know what adventures might arise. Read More »

My eating habits are fairly miserable. I eat chips like another potato famine is coming, I love the fattiest, creamiest pastas, and if it wouldn’t kill me, I could live on fast food forever.

Needless to say, I could stand to lose a few pounds. But more than that, I want to feel better about myself and the food choices I make. I can live with an extra pound or two, but I’d rather not have the diabetes or high blood pressure that runs in my family.

The problem is, I’m in college, and my budget is always tight. Running from class to work to home, sometimes all I can do is grab something fast and it has seemed as though there was almost nothing out there quick, cheap, and healthy.

It’s true that eating and cooking at its healthiest is not a cheap feat nor is it necessarily quick, but it’s absolutely doable on a college student budget. Here are some quick tips to stretch your wallet without stretching your stomach.

Stop eating out. At least as much as you can. Not only do even the cheapest meals add up money-wise, they are most often fairly bad for you. When you cook at home, you have more control over portion, and what you use to cook with. Read More »

Everyone has been so busy constantly hyping how amazing Seattle is (and it is) that Portland often gets lost in the mix. I feel it’s our duty to give it it’s own marquee of greatness. So here it is.

As indie music increases in it’s popularity and more of us start “going green” and becoming more eco-conscious, it’s hard to not recognize that Portland is alllll things earthy. Not to mention the bustling arts scene, the cozy coffee shops, and the blend between charming city and crunchy, nature chic.

In my opinion, nothing goes better with Portland than a nice glass of wine.

Best Wine Bar: Carafe, with the coziness of a French bistro Carafe has an incredible wine list and a cheese plate that’s to die for, with local Oregon hazelnuts and fruit. Oo La La.
Also try: Caffe Mingo, Grolla Restaurant and Wine Bar and Three Doors Down Cafe.

Best Coffee: It’s not secret, but Starbucks isn’t where its at when it comes to Portland. World Cup Coffee & Tea is. Organic coffees, good vibes, check it out.
Also Try: Anna Bannanas and Tiny’s. Read More »

Valentines Day usually includes a whole lotta red. But why not make it a little Green this year? If you’re still looking for the perfect gift idea or V-Day plan – or if your original plan upped your Carbon Footprint by like 10 tons – try these earth friendly ideas on for size.

Send an Earth Friendly Card: One billion cards are sent every Valentines Day. Lay those puppies down side by side and you could circle the earth five times! Instead of heading to your local Hallmark and taking part in the clearing of unnecessary trees, why not send a card on recycled paper? Or, better yet, a plantable card; when V-Day is long past, your special someone can just pop that card in the ground and watch your love blossom. (That was just too easy.) Read More »

Sometimes, when I’m really bored, I mentally prepare my last meal.

It’s a weird habit of mine, but being Italian, I tend to think of food more than it’s probably recommended, and going through all my favorite dishes in my head is pure heaven—especially when I exist mostly on sandwiches and coffee in real life.

One of the things that will most definitely appear at my last meal are caramel apples.

Now that it’s fall, I walk past the (ridiculously expensive) Farmer’s Market and see them all the time, glistening in their plastic wrapped and ribboned packages.

If you enjoy turning something healthy into something deliriously sugar-packed as much as I do, here’s a fool proof recipe guaranteed to make you the most popular kid on your hall. Read More »