Today is Psychology,

we were given an assignment to look for a Psychology related article and write a full page summary about it.While looking up article on Google, I came across a site that has a few articles I thought were interesting. So throughout this week and possibly next, I will be posted Psychology inspired articles for you guys and gals to read this week..

Feel free to leave a comment or email me any articles or topics you may want me to look over and post on Sunshine Online ^_^

OREOS!!!

More pics available at www.oreohungry.com :)

How I became my own personal trainer (not the paid kind).

You can too!

A while ago my most strenuous daily activity was looking for the remote control, and my weight training routine was carrying enough food from the kitchen, so I didn't have to make another trip. I did this because I didn't have the energy to get up to change the channel—or even walk to the other room!

The term couch potato didn't apply to me—potatoes are too lively! I never wanted to go anywhere or do anything. Then it hit me—I didn't feel good—EVER! I also realized that I didn't look so great either. Somewhere along the line I REALLY stopped taking care of myself, and it had taken its toll, even though I'm only 19.

That's when I decided to become my own personal trainer and make my health my top priority. Here are some tips that helped me become a better looking and feeling person.

A Doctor's Visit
First I threw away the chips and the last half cupcake. Then I went to my doctor. She made sure that it was okay for me to exercise since I was inactive for so long. Of course, she recommended that I follow a healthy routine which consists of diet and exercise to feel better and become healthier.

My Healthy Routine—Phase 1: dog walks and rabbit food

The idea of running five miles was as foreign to me as skipping the butter on popcorn or answering, "No," to "Do you want that super-sized?" I realized I had to set short-term realistic goals.

To start exercising, I promised my dog—who had gotten a little roly-poly herself—a brisk walk everyday. To improve my diet, I committed to eating vegetables at lunch and dinner.

Phase 1 plan:

• Daily walk with the dog.
• Eat more veggies.

 .

That's it. Just two little adjustments to my healthy routine. It may seem like nothing, but it's a lot, and it makes it a lot easier to stick to than a bunch of new rules.

How am I doing?
It's been a month now, and I can't believe how much better I feel. I have tons more energy and sleep better at night. The dog even shaved off a couple of dog years.

My Healthy Routine—Phase 2: build up staminaMy achievements got me so psyched that now I want to keep getting healthy, so I set some more manageable, short-term goals:

I decide to add some jogging to my daily walking exercise. By increasing my walking to jogging, I'll strengthen my heart and increase my endurance.

I also decided to cut down on the number of sodas I drink. Cutting back on sodas meant giving up a favorite drink, but it also meant getting rid of 10 teaspoons of sugar (140 empty calories) not to mention caffeine (Yuck!) per can. I decided to consider a soda a treat instead of a drink with every meal.

Phase 2 plan:

• Jog with the dog three days a week.
• Cut back on soda.

Some other easy quick tips:

• Instead of chatting online with your friends, chat while you're going for a walk.
• If you're dying for a junk food snack, get the single serving size so that you can finish the bag and it's not a disaster.

You can do it too
You don't have to hire a trainer to be healthy. Be your own personal trainer. Pick out two things RIGHT NOW that you think you could stick to for a month. Make one a diet change, one an exercise action. Or try the ones I'm doing if they apply to you!

I'm really excited about getting healthy. Check back with me in a month and see how I'm doing—I could really use your support.

Emeli Sandé - Read All About It Pt. III (Live from Aberdeen)

Heard this song the other day and fell in love...

Take some time out and listen to the lyrics.

Its very touching :)

Worrywart: Why Do I Worry All the Time?

"Sometimes I don't understand how anyone can watch the news and not get upset," says Samantha. "I worry that I'll be bitten by one of those mosquitoes carrying encephalitis. I worry that one day the group of guys who sit at the last table in the back of the cafeteria will think it's a cool idea to come to school with a gun. I worry that global warming will kill off half the planet before I have kids. You pick the topic, I'll find something to be a worrywart about."

"I don't usually worry about things till I lie down to go to sleep," explains Cathy. "Once I start being a worrywart, I can't stop. It starts with I have to get that paper written this weekend...then onto what if my mom gets mad about me not going to grandma's with her on Sunday...skipping right over to I'll never get into college if my grades don't improve. My one little worry blows up into a heart-breaking TV movie."

"Being a worrywart is genetic in my family," laughs Hali. "My mother worries constantly about fighting the signs of aging. My dad is afraid he isn't going to have enough money to send us all to college. My sister always worries about fitting into the popular clique. And me? Pick up any magazine and see how many pages are devoted to appearance. I love reading them, but they make me crazy. Today I'm worrying about why my skin is breaking out."

Living in today's world can be anxiety-producing for most anyone. Crime, violence, disease and sad events join the social pressures, academic standards and body issues in a teenage girl's life to make these years particularly difficult, and can turn anyone into a worrywart. To clarify exactly what's worth being a worrywart about, we answer your most commonly-asked questions.

What does it mean to be a worrywart?

If anxiety is coming attractions of bad happenings, and depression is the movie review of bad happenings, worry is the anxious anticipation that some awful, scary unpleasant event is going to happen. It is an upsetting activity that's difficult to stop once you begin. Often being a worrywart involves trying to think of ways to avoid these happenings. Unfortunately what it leads to is imagining more problems than solutions.

What do most people worry about?

Forty-percent of us worry about things that never happen. Thirty-percent are about pleasing everybody, an impossibility. Ten-percent are health-related. Twelve-percent are "water over the dam" issues that are over and done with. Maybe eight-percent of our worries could be helpful. No surprise that teenage girls suffer more then teenage boys. Before the age of 11, girls and boys worry more or less equally. By the time they're 15 however, girls are frantically trying to understand what's going on in their lives. They spend way more time mulling over their problems than boys do.

A study in England showed that more than half the teenage girls polled were unhappy with their appearance, one in three were stressed out by school, and nearly forty-percent were concerned about their families. When not worrying about their parents and siblings, they anguish about friendship.

What can you do if you are a worrywart?

Try any of these suggestions if worrying is taking up too much of your life: 

1. Set aside a time (maybe half an hour each day) and a place for worrying...and only worry there. Be aware of when anxious thoughts intrude and make them wait until your "appointment."
2. Focus your thoughts immediately back to whatever you were doing when the worrying began.
3. Writing your worries in a journal sometimes helps clarify the problem and put it in perspective.
4. Try any activity that relaxes you—from aerobic activity to meditation—that will reduce the pressure to think.
5. If you're a worrywart about making a decision, make it and move on.

Remember, most worries are a useless waste of time. And you have better things to do.

Ciara - Sorry

Mani & Pedi

It's time to recover with soul-enhancing, pampering manicures and pedicures. Soak those digits in a warm bubbly bath, thenhave them massaged and painted. Inhale the powerful message of how important it is to care for yourself and how good it feels to relax, away from your responsibilities and to-do list with manicures and pedicures.

There's no getting around the fact that people tend to judge others by the care they put into their hands and feet. In addition, taking pride in your appearance and creating good habits builds self-esteem. A recent study found that teenage girls are one of the fastest-growing segments of the spa industry. If you have never had manicures or pedicures, you're in for a treat.

Manicures and pedicures includes shaping, cleaning, and polishing your nails. It can help you overcome nail biting, dry cuticles, and split or brittle nails. First the manicurist will have you soak in warm water to soften the cuticles. Then she'll push them back and shape the nails with an emery board. Buffing the nails smoothes and readies them for the polish to stick. Often a yummy hand massage with moisturizer comes next. The final step is polishing, usually a sticky base coat, two coats of the color you choose, and a high-shine top coat to finish. Next just enjoy watching your hands turn pages, hold pens, eat lunch, throw things, and see the colors flying at the end of your finger tips.

Pedicures begin with a relaxing soak in warm bubbly water. It's wise to bring a pair of thongs or sandals. Cleaning your cuticles with a cuticle trimmer to trim off the dead skin around the toenail edges comes next. Then the rough and thick parts of your feet and toes will be buffed off (beware if you're ticklish!) with a rough piece of rock called a pumice stone or a metal scraper A dot of oil is rubbed into each toe and the foot is returned to the warm water to soak. A soothing cream and leg rub feels great before your feet are patted dry and cotton or foam forms are inserted between your toenails to keep your toes apart. After nail polish is applied, sit for ten minutes, usually in front of a fan, until the manicurist removes the toe dividers. Then carefully ease into your thongs or sandals because it will be at least another hour before the polish is dried fully. Now, enjoy!

Interview tips...

We’ve all been there (or will be at some point): Nervous, palms sweating, unsure of what’s to come. All you want is for them to like you. Really, really like you! As you wait watching the receptionist tick away at her computer you begin zone out…and then suddenly you hear the pitter-patter of shoes coming down the hallway. Your heart skips a beat and you have about 30 seconds until you’re in the spotlight... Ladies, I’m talking about The Interview.

I must admit that I’ve had my fair share of interviews. I too have had to brave many interviews for jobs. For today’s post, I’ll be going over interview etiquette and providing you with the tips and tricks you need to know to land your dream job…

Before The Interview

1. Research the company.
2. Update your resume. (If possible try to keep it to one page in length.)
3. Bring: A fresh notepad, a pen and two copies of your resume. 
4. Dress appropriately and avoid any oversized or layered jewelry. Wear natural makeup and keep your hair simple and out of your face. A few of my favorite interview hairstyles include ballerina buns, low ponytails, and half-up styles.
5. On the way to your interview, listen to your favorite pump up song to boost your energy and confidence. (It sounds silly, but it always works!)
6. Turn off your phone and spit out the gum.
7. Arrive on time (and not too early, 10 minutes is usually best).
8. Be prepared to answer the following questions:
   • Tell me about yourself. 
   • How has your experience prepared you for this job? 
   • What is your greatest weakness? (Tip: Whatever your weakness is, always present it as something that you are “working on.” For example, “I’m working on talking less when I am nervous.”)
   • Why do you want this job?
9. Prepare a few questions of your own, such as the following:
   • Why is this position open?
   • Is there an opportunity for growth with this position? If so, where does it lead?
   • What was your career path to this job?

During the Interview

1. Be nice to everyone in and around the building. You never know who works at the company or who will be interviewing you.
2. Give them a solid, confident handshake.
3. Smile. You want to be approachable and it will ease your nerves.
4. Be polite and energetic. No one wants to interview a slug.
5. Maintain good posture.
6. Don’t talk too much—you don’t want to be a chatterbox, but definitely don’t provide them with one word answers either. Also, do NOT interrupt the person who is interviewing you.
7. Remember to ask your questions at the end of the interview.
8. Do NOT ask about money during the first interview. 
9. At the end of the interview, ask when a decision is going to be made and when it is appropriate for you to follow up.
10. On your way out, be sure to graciously thank them for taking the time to meet with you. 

After the Interview

1. The second you walk out of the interview write a hand-written thank you note and pop it in the mail that same day. Yes, as in snail mail. It may seem old-fashioned, but this is an often-overlooked gesture that is greatly appreciated and highly noted by potential employers.
2. Follow up if you haven’t heard back by the date specified during the interview. Do not follow up before that date.
3. Do NOT (!!!) tweet, Facebook post, or blog about your interview. We all know that the first thing a prospective employer does after an interview is Google the interviewee. 

I hope all of you find these tips helpful.

Ciara - Speechless

This song's been on my mind all morning... Enjoy <3

Foods for Heavenly Hair

The “lather, rinse, repeat” process is a standard staple in most everyone’s daily routine. But sometimes this basic shampoo-conditioner combo isn’t enough to keep strands shiny and soft. In the same way your skin must be nourished to remain clear and glowy, your hair needs to be nurtured to look its best as well. After researching acne fighting foods a little while ago, I got to thinking about applying this idea to your tresses too. I came up with a healthy (and delicious) list of 10 foods that will help you achieve happy, healthy, heavenly hair. Incorporate these eats into your daily diet and get ready to say goodbye to dull, drab strands…



1. Fruits and dark green veggies. It should be no surprise that this section of the food pyramid made the cut. Fruits and veggies are one of the best things you can incorporate into your diet for overall health. In terms of your hair, leafy green vegetables like spinach and broccoli are an excellent source of vitamins and they provide you with iron and calcium. Fruits high in vitamin C and A help your body to produce sebum. (Sebum is an oily substance in your hair follicles that acts as a natural conditioner.) Strawberries, oranges and grapefruits are the best vitamin booster fruits for hair. 
2. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are a powerhouse when it comes to giving you a good glow. Munch on flaxseeds and walnuts to add some serious shine to your hair, and choose fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring to amp up your omega intake as well.  
3. Foods that produce beta-carotene. Carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, asparagus and pumpkin are all foods that convert beta-carotene to vitamin A during digestion. (Amazing what the body can do, isn’t it?) Vitamin A not only nourishes your hair and skin, it also prevents dandruff. Carrots in particular are great for promoting a healthy scalp, which is essential for keeping your hair soft and supple. (I’ve been told that healthy hair starts at the scalp.) 
4. Beans. Legumes like kidney beans and lentils provide growth-boosting proteins that will increase the thickness and length of your hair. Beans also have iron, zinc, and biotin, which prevent hair breakage. Researching some healthy fall soups to cook up is a great way to incorporate beans into your diet. 
5. Foods rich in cysteine. This amino acid is known to give your body a healthy detox and promote hair growth by actually increasing the thickness of each individual strand. This miracle worker can be found in poultry, eggs, red peppers, garlic, onions, Brussels spouts, yogurt, oatmeal, and broccoli. Yum!
    
6. Nuts. Brazil nuts, which are one of the best sources of selenium, have minerals that keep your scalp and hair healthy. Walnuts, cashews, pecans, and almonds fall under this healthy hair category as well. They all have zinc, which can help prevent hair shedding. Keep these snacks around for mid-day munchies…and watch your hair go nuts (in a good way). 
7. Whole grains. This category is another heavy hitter when it comes to providing your body with a daily dose of zinc and iron. Whole wheat bread and healthy, fortified cereals also give your body B vitamins, which promote happy strands by boosting your red blood cell count. Red blood cells will carry oxygen to the living portion of hair strands and therefore increase your hair’s growth rate. (Crazy what you can learn online these days. To see my sources, check the fine print at the bottom of this post.)
    
8. Oysters. This shellfish regulates the production of androgens, a hormone that, when levels are low, is associated with hair loss…so eat up! Oysters also contain our friend zinc, a powerful antioxidant that supports the growth of strong, think hair. Indulge in a couple oysters with a little squeeze of lemon and a dollop of hot sauce for a delicious hors d'oeuvres snack that will give you sleek, shiny strands. How luxurious…  
9. Low fat dairy. Calcium is a very important mineral for hair growth and it can be found in low fat dairy products. Options like skim milk and yogurt not only contain this mineral, they also contain whey and casein, two major protein sources. Kick your calcium and vitamin C levels up a notch by mixing fresh cut strawberries into a cup of Greek yogurt. 
10. Foods that contain silica. Including foods rich in silica into your diet can help make your hair stronger and more durable. Some healthy options for this category include bananas, oats, and raisins.You might notice that most of these healthy hair staples overlap with foods on my acne fighting foods list. That’s because they essentially have the same glow-enhancing properties that make both your skin and your hair happy campers. They’re also great go-to items to include on your grocery list. Plus they are easy to incorporate into delicious recipes. Healthy skin, healthy hair, and a healthy lifestyle are all huge priorities in my life. So for me, eating these heavenly hair foods is certainly a must.

Keke Palmer- Dance Alone (Official Video)

EVERYTHING PINK!!!!!!!

I Was Here - Beyonce'

Soo Im surfing the net and come across this....

"ADELE DEBUTS HER BABY BUMP"

I had thee slightest idea she was expecting.. Congrats to her. She's due this fall. I'll be sure to post pics when I spot any after she gives birth.

B.o.B - Out of My Mind ft. Nicki Minaj

SHOUTOUT to Terrence J!!

He's doing his thing now! As we all know, Terrence and Rocsi are leaving 1O6&Park..

And from what I can see, Terrence is the only one moving on up (no offense to Rocsi).

He's been in movies and now has a spot as a Co-host on E News!!

Keep it up Terrence!!

On that note, lets see what Rocsi gets into after she leaves BET...

I look forward to watching him do his thing and shine on E news! :)

Ladies, 5 Tips for Decorating Your Dorm

Below, I’ve put together a few simple ways to overhaul your dorm space in a snap. These tips will help you get organized, feeling comfortable and loving your new little nook in no time.

Get crafty with curtains. When most people think of curtains, they automatically picture them hanging above a window or a shower. But in a dorm room, they can give you privacy while you sleep or hide the contents of an unkempt closet while maximizing space.

Inspire your walls. Your dorm room desk is an easy place to pile papers, homework, photos, and junk. Before you know it, you’ll be swimming through a sea of clutter. No thank you. Why not hang all of these important papers and pictures on a cute corkboard above your desk? It’s a nice way display your inspirations and keep your workstation mess free.

  

Unexpected organization. You’d be surprised to find how many ordinary areas in a room make for great organizational opportunities. I like using clear organization items like makeup trays and mason jars to categorize my things. That way, I can grab what I need in just one glimpse.

 

Shed some light in your space. A unique lamp can make all the difference in a dorm room. Find a light you love and place it on your bedside table or desk to add a touch of personal charm to your new room.  

Smart storage is key. When you’re living in a small space, it’s crucial that you utilize each nook and cranny for storing your items. Being smart about your storage will not only make it easier for you to find things on the go, it will also maximize your space. Try using an over-the-door organizer for shoes and jewelry, or store your winter boots and coats in bins under your bed.

From Meditation To Exercise – The Top 10 Ways To De-stress

From Meditation To Exercise – The Top 10 Ways To De-stress

The non-stop busy worldIn the modern world we’re so busy it’s as if a whole day can go by without even the chance to stop for a minute, gather up our thoughts, and take time out from all that’s going on. And with our new-found addiction to smartphones and other tech, even our quieter moments are filled with news feeds, updates, text messages, breaking news, and other electronic distraction.

And it’s partly because of all this activity that many of us forget to spend a bit of time de-stressing. Instead, we zoom from email to message to next appointment, all the while forgetting to avoid stress. We need to make sure that we’ve got all the best de-stress tactics to hand.

Top De-stressorsSo we’ve compiled this list of things that will help you to stay stress free while also being a dynamic and productive individual:

1. Exercise – it’s no secret that exercise is a stress-buster. It helps keep you in good shape mentally and physically, releasing endorphins to make you feel good, and helping you to stay fit. All of which helps add to your confidence and helps you stay stress free.

2. Balanced eating – getting all the right kind of foods doesn’t just taste great, it will also help your body cope by being healthier and better able to deal with any stress that comes your way. Of course, it is all about balance, so you can still have your occasional treat.

3. Calming foods – while we’re on the subject of eating, it’s worth noting that there’s a whole host of calming foods out there that can help when you’re looking to feel less stressed. It’s all too tempting to fill up on sweets and string coffee, but a breakfast or mid-morning snack of porridge will give you a slow release energy boost and, hopefully, a sense of wellbeing. Porridge is also believed to help raise levels of serotonin, the brain’s natural feel-good chemical.

4. Prayer/Meditation – it’s showing up more and more in news stories as having some real benefits. Meditation or prayer are even believed to cause positive physical changes in the brain. On top of these other benefits, they are a sure fire way to combat stress, leaving us feeling relaxed and in control.

5. Breathing – this one is related to meditation but requires less concentration, takes less time, and can have a very good effect in reducing feelings of stress. There is a whole range of breathing exercises that can help to reduce tension and lessen feelings of anxiety. By making a habit of doing things like breathing exercises, you’re reminding yourself that calm is the best way to feel, and when stress does arise, you’ll be less likely to ignore it or carry on without combating it.

6. Laughter – while its health benefits haven’t been definitively assessed, there’s no doubt that after laughing at our favourite comedian or television show, we often feel better in ourselves. And that has to be a good thing psychologically as well as physically.

7. Declutter – it’s often said that your desktop (or other area) is a reflection of your inner self. So if things are piled up everywhere and there’s a feeling of disarray, then it’s time to declutter.

8. Sleep – like eating healthily, getting the right amount of sleep is very important for staying mentally healthy. Good sleep habits will help you optimise your night’s sleep and you’ll feel the benefits all throughout the waking day. Getting your Z’s is a must for combating stress.

9. Expand your interests – this doesn’t mean putting pressure on yourself to learn a new skill. It’ s more about finding a hobby or interest that really absorbs you and takes you out of yourself for a while. It could be as simple as buying plants for your home and looking after them, or finding new and interesting places to walk where you live. Of course, if you want to learn a new language or join a beginners’ chess club then get out there and jump in. But expanding your interests doesn’t have to be a major undertaking.

10. Express yourself – don’t bottle things up. Tell your partner or trusted people close to you how you feel. That old cliché about a problem shared being a problem halved may not ne mathematically precise,  but it’s definitely true that it can help. Of course if you think that stress is affecting your health then consult a health professional. Don’t assume they’ll just think it’s trivial – a medical professional will be able to give you helpful and supportive advice.

And relax ...

So you’ve explored the various options above, and you’re ready to start fighting stress and to start making your world a calmer place. What other things will help you on your way to being a calmer, much less stressed individual?

Take a pro-active approach to dealing with stress. Observe the way you react to various stressors and devise the best tactics to deal with them.

Take inspiration. There are whole bookshelves of manuals and guides devoted to wellbeing. Next time you’re in a bookstore, take the time to browse through the titles. If you’re in the habit of looking for ways to improve your wellbeing, you’ll constantly pick up new tips, insights, strategies, and information to help and inspire you.

And remember that by fighting stress and valuing calm, you’re bringing physical as well as mental health benefits. Severe stress has been linked to a range of undesirable health outcomes including strokes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart disease.

One further benefit of dealing with stress is that the things you do to combat it – relaxation techniques, exercise, good sleep habits, healthy eating and so on –  all have other benefits of their own. You might even find yourself losing those extra pounds, not getting out of breath so much, and feeling that important bit more energetic and ready to enjoy your day to the maximum.

Future - Turn On The Lights

Top 5 Strategies for Dealing

Top 5 Strategies for Dealing

With Your Crazy College Roommate

 

Some people are incredibly lucky when it comes to college roommates. They win the lottery, and randomly get placed with someone who becomes a lifelong friend. Or they work the system to get shacked up with a good buddy they went to high school with. Others...well, others are like you. Living in misery because you're stuck with an insane roommate. Maybe you don't see eye to eye on issues of cleanliness. Maybe your idea of a solid weeknight is a couple hours of studying and catching up on shows with a friend, while his involves drinking games and exploding fruit. Whatever your issues, have no fear. There are methods for resolving your uncomfortable living situation, and living together in peace and prosperity. Here are our top 5 strategies you can use to deal with your crazy college roommate.

• Set your boundaries. Your parents set boundaries, your girlfriend does as well. So it's time for you to set living boundaries with your crazy roommate. You may not want to, but you have to talk this stuff out. Don't nitpick, but make sure you handle all the biggest issues that really get your goat. Once you've cleared the air, get it all down in writing. If he's not willing to agree to some ground rules, the two of you might drive each other to a mental institution before the semester is up.

• Create the space. You don't have to bust out the chalk and draw a line down the center of the room, but rearranging the space to more clearly define things may be a smart move. Think about where your bed and desk are placed, and reorganize so that you have your own section. If you're a neat freak and he's a disaster, seeing your half of the room in gleaming perfection and his half collecting mold may be enough for him to change his behavior.

• Fix a schedule. You can figure out ways to bug each other less if you have a well-defined schedule. Maybe you need to divide the nights into 'yours' and 'his', so that you each get to call the shots for half the week. But you most definitely need to set a cleaning schedule. If you guys disagree about how often cleaning needs to happen, setting a schedule that meets in the middle takes it out of debate and makes it real. You won't have to argue about it every week, but just accept what the schedule says is necessary.

• Find your own inner perfect roommate. Sometimes leading by example is the smartest move. Your roommate may be crazy, but that doesn't mean you are perfect. Take a look at what you can do to go the extra mile for your roommate. Whether it's buying a few extras at the store to share, or doing his cleaning once without being asked, looking at little things you can do to be a better roommate will show him that you're willing to change as well. That may help him give up the fight and meet you half way. But at the very least, you'll be growing as a person.

• Move. If all else fails, you can always pack up and go. Most colleges will allow a roommate transfer if you can show that you're with someone that absolutely isn't working out. Your sanity is more important than your geographic location, so look into options for other dorm situations. On the less drastic side, take your studying to the library, or meet friends at their place instead. You can't completely give up the room to Mr. Crazy, but taking some time apart to calm the arguments may help in the long run. Besides, you're already working on your conflict resolution degree. Think of this as fieldwork.

Taylor Swift - We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

Ace Hood - B.L.A.B. (Official Video)

Ace Hood - B.L.A.B. Piss Em Off (Official Video)

How to Save Money on Household Essentials

How to Save Money on Household Essentials

Saving money is important to most people, but if you are a college student or graduate, it may be a necessity. Living on your own can be costly, especially when you are responsible for purchasing the everyday items you use in a house or dorm. If you put some effort into your shopping, it is possible to save money on the most commonly used household items. Your finances can remain intact with a few money-saving steps.

Check out the dollar stores
One of the best ways to save money on household essentials is to shop at dollar stores. You can find anything from food products to cleaning supplies at one of these discount merchants. A dollar store is the ideal place to purchase items that you quickly run out of. Dental health care products, like toothbrushes and dental floss, bath and shower supplies, and cleaning chemicals are sold at a fraction of the retail cost.

Buy only what you need 
You can further save money on cleaning supplies by eliminating the ones you do not need. Most cleaning products are geared toward specific jobs such as wiping kitchen counters or disinfecting toilets. You do not need to purchase two separate cleansers for these jobs. A mixture of vinegar and water makes an effective, cost-efficient sanitizer. Additionally, a spray bottle filled with dishwashing liquid and water is ideal for cutting through kitchen counter grease.

Recycle your old clothes 
To save money on mops, dusters and paper towels, cut up some old t-shirts or towels. You can clean virtually anything with a used shirt, and when you’re done cleaning, the shirt can go into the laundry. You can avoid continuously replacing mop and duster refill cloths. If you already have a sweeper mop, try using fabric softener sheets instead of the costly refills. You can also use these sheets to dust around your house. 

Want your dorm to smell good? 
Many people waste hundreds of dollars on air fresheners. You can avoid falling into this money trap by making your own scents. Purchase essential oils in bulk and fill a spray bottle with your favorites. You will only need to spray once a day to maintain the fresh scent. You can also place fabric softener sheets near air vents and in dresser drawers. Oil diffusers work great as air fresheners as well. Instead of replacing the diffusing reeds when the scent becomes weak, simply turn them over.

Go secondhand 
To save money on other types of household items, shop at outlet stores and secondhand shops. At a secondhand store, you may find gently used electrical appliances like vacuums, blenders and coffee makers. Kitchen supply outlets also have bargains on most items you will need to complete your list of essentials.

It’s worth the extra effort 
If you take the time to search for inexpensive alternatives to some of your household essentials, you can save hundreds of dollars. Avoid buying things impulsively by making a necessities list each time you plan to shop. Don’t buy any items that you do not need. By making a plan and looking for hidden bargains, you can enjoy the excitement of living on your own without destroying your wallet.

EVERYTHING PURPLE!!!!!!!!