[I used to think I knew everything…until I found myself stranded in the middle of adulthood with no map and no one to guide me when I got lost. I have learned a lot since then - from how to balance a checkbook to how to sew on a button - and will share my wisdom with you. Every Monday I will be back to teach you how to do something useful, even if it also happens to be completely random. Because, hey, you never know when you just might need to know how to change a tire…or mix a perfect martini.]

Fall Break may be over, but those few glorious weeks of winter vacation are so, so tantalizingly close. And while it’s nice to hang out with your family for a little while, let me guess—you want to get away. Far, far away. Preferably somewhere closer to the equator.
Am I right? Yeah, OK.

Even if a vacation isn’t in the cards right now, odds are you’ll be planning some kind of trip in the future. And at first doing all that planning by yourself (or even splitting it up with friends) can seem overwhelming. There are so many logistics to handle… booking, scheduling, packing, etc.

So why do it yourself? Let me help! Read More »

So it’s official: you’ve Facebooked your roommate, scheduled your orientation and practiced your “I’m gonna miss you guys!” speech for all your family and friends. You’re either shrieking for joy or curled up in a ball with fear and anxiety.

Don’t worry: It’s perfectly normal to experience all of these mixed emotions before you even make that trip to campus. But no fear! I’m here to give dish out tips not included in the orientation guide or one of those “Tips to Surviving College” books you got as a graduation gift.

1. Orientation: The friendship goldmine! Orientation is a great way to make friends since everyone there is going through that same, “I’m excited about college, but scared sh*tless” phase too. Plus you never know if you’ll meet your next boyfriend or dining hall buddies, so get out there and network, girl! But be warned, everyone you meet there WILL NOT become your new bff. Everyone’s nice at orientation, but everyone begins to show their true colors after a couple of weeks (or drinks) into the semester. This brings me to my next point…

2. Get to know the upperclassmen. They have tons of useful information, plus they tend to be a bit more mature than your freshie counterparts. Read More »

It’s summer time! While I’d rather be sipping on bottomless pitchers of daiquiris and taking naps by the lake, I’ll spend most of my time working and taking a summer class. While summers aren’t as carefree as the ones of our youth, the next three months can still be fun as the glory days of summers past. Here are a few ideas for a thrill-a-minute summer you won’t soon forget.

1. Go On A Roadtrip
Three guys just earned a spot in the Guiness Book of Records for driving through the 48 contiguous states in just over 106 hours. Seeing the country while hopped up on Red Bull may not be your thing, but road trips are a cheap way to vacation and see some of America’s great wonders and roadside oddities.

2.Learn Something New
You don’t have to take a summer class to keep your brain sharp. Whether it’s making a t-shirt quilt, finally tackling Sudoku or picking up some conversational Italian, find something you’re interested in and give it a shot. After 12 weeks of practice your new hobby may turn into a passion! Nervous? You don’t have to go it alone. Wrangle up some friends to join in on the fun. Read More »

It’s a universal truth: Valentine’s Day can suck, even if you’re not alone. Make sure it doesn’t by using one of these five sweet date ideas. Whether you hang out with your GF, BF, or BFF on V-Day, it’s still possible to have a ton of fun with a creative date.

1. A picnic. If you live in the Southwest, a traditional outdoor meal might actually be possible. Those of us who shack up in chillier climates don’t have to abandon the idea of a fun picnic, though. Take your date, make a few sandwiches, then grab a blanket and head to the nearest academic building. Set up shop in one of its more isolated areas, unwrap your food, and—presto!—picnic. Read More »

Sometimes I indulge in this fantasy where I drop every responsibility I have (damn you, student loans!) and run away to a foreign land.

Then my dreams are dashed when I realize that I do, in fact, have responsibilities that need to be attended to…and even if I didn’t, I don’t have thousands to throw away on a trip around the world. So, what is this 20-something to do? Well, realistically…I go on Facebook and check out the pictures my friends took back in 2005 when they went abroad.

Then I stumbled on an application that looked a bit curious…Trip Up CouchSwap!

It’s perfect! It merges reality and fantasy and wraps them up into one attainable goal for us travel-loving college kids. Poor college kids sleeping on other poor college kid’s couches…for cheap (or free)? Sounds like a typical Saturday! What more could we need?

I’ll tell you: CouchSurfing.com

Here the idea branches out even further into it’s own little social network where people around the world document and rate the travel accommodation they’ve received by traveling backpacker-style.

Now, I’m the first to admit to a little too much trust in my fellow man (or woman, whatever) and the idea of getting murdered while taking a nap on some person’s futon doesn’t really cross my mind…while you may be thinking there’s no way you’ll ever allow some random to take you in. Well, I’m officially calling you out. Read More »

As a strong advocate for play time, I am always up for anything spontaneous. Whether it’s something simple like skipping class to go on an impromptu shopping extravaganza with my closest lady friends, or more daring like impulsively deciding to go bungee jumping in a skirt (A feat my mother has accomplished at the ripe age of fifty-one…and you wonder where I get it from). If it’s daring and it’s fun, sign me up.

There’s just something strangely liberating about being brave, about stepping outside your comfort zone. So for all you bored rigid sun-drunk college girls out there who are feeling fed up with your summer jobs or deliriously restless with your lack thereof, here are five trouble-chasing, fun-seeking, life-loving ways to shove a little excitement into summer. Because we all know rules are made to be broken.

1. Be someone else. If only for a day, undo your daily routine. If you usually spend an eternity on your makeup, stick with blush and let your tan do the talking. If you’re more of an earthy girl, put on some bright colored lipstick and use a little hairspray. If you’re feeling extra ballsy, chop your long locks into a short bob, like Katie Holmes’ or give in to curiosity, buy some bleach, and see if blondes really do have more fun. (Though I can tell you now, there’s no way they do.) Read More »