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By on November 7, 2017 in Wellness

Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash

You have made it through the fall semester, well done! Finals are practically over, and you’re thinking of home – more importantly, rest and relaxation. Many colleges and universities across the country are preparing for a long winter break, some even spanning all the way til the end of January. Yes, it’s a much-needed break, but how can you spend all this free time?

If you are like us, always needing to be doing something fun, we’ve got some ideas for you! Take a look at these college winter break survival hacks that will prepare you for the long winter break.

Find a short-term job

We know this can be tricky because employers don’t want to hire somebody for such a short period. So, what can you do? If you have a summer job that you return to each year, call your boss early and ask if they need more help during the winter. Getting a job will be much easier if you have an existing relationship. The fact that you are familiar with the work will bode well for you.

Other great options are babysitting, house sitting, dog walking, or even snow shoveling. These jobs are not glamorous, but that only means people will pay you to do them! Also, check out sites like Upwork and Freelancer. If you don’t like the idea of a job, think about all the money you’ll have when you’re back at college!

Apply for scholarships and internships

This is a great time to sit down and get some applications done. Don’t waste your entire winter break applying for scholarships and internships, just use your time wisely. Devoting a few hours a week will be plenty of time – think of them as the hours you would usually be spending studying or hanging out with friends at college. Planning and organizing can make a world of difference. Organizing Your Scholarship Search has lots of great tips to get you started in your search for a great scholarship.

The same goes for your internship applications. Stay focused on your internship search throughout the year and try to get in early. Get online and read about what companies are looking for. Always try to stand out in your interview. If you want, try to organize a job shadow to learn about career prospects and do a little networking.

Take a trip

If you have some expendable cash, use your time away from college for a little holiday. This winter break is the perfect time to hit the slopes! There are so many great ski resorts scattered around the country. No matter where you live, there is somewhere close by. Don’t know where you should go? Head to Snowpak for all the best ski resort information. You could also try to find work at a ski resort so you can make some money and brush up on your skiing at the same time.

Do you have family in another state? Maybe you can stay with a friend? Visiting people will help you save cash on your vacation.

Take an online class

Why not get ahead with your studies? Most colleges and universities offer online classes throughout the entire year. This gives you the option to get a subject done from the comfort of your own home. Check if there’s a winter term class available. It will most likely cost extra money, but it’s great idea if you want to graduate a little early.

Volunteer locally

There are plenty of great things to do during a winter break, and one of them is helping others. You have many opportunities to get involved by volunteering during the break. Not only does it feel great to help others, but it can add a great point of difference to your resume. You may pick up a new skill, discover an interest, meet a new friend or even somebody that could give you a job in the future.

Remember, your winter break is what you make it. Don’t sit around the house and waste precious time. Get out there!

This article was contributed by guest author Savannah Wardle.

By on November 18, 2015 in Housing
Image by Matthew Straubmuller, Flickr

Image by Matthew Straubmuller, Flickr

If your apartment is feeling a bit drafty, you can’t exactly hit the home improvement store and make a bunch of changes to your living space. Since it’s unlikely your property management has any desire to replace your windows or reinsulate your top floor residence, there are a few easy things you can do to keep yourself from freezing this winter.

Block Visible Drafts
Doors are often a major culprit in creating chilly spaces, and it’s because the weather-stripping on the bottom has failed and cold air is seeping in. Your property manager might not appreciate you adding weather-stripping to the door, so you’ll have to be a bit more creative. You can roll up a towel and place it at the bottom of the door, or buy specially designed door stoppers to keep the heat in and the cold out.

Insulate Your Windows
Unless you live in a new apartment building, chances are the windows are either outdated, or in need of some repairs. There are some simple DIY ways to make your windows more energy efficient. Window insulation film is quite good at keeping the cold out, but it will leave your windows looking cloudy while the film is on there. The kits consist of plastic shrink film you apply to the inside of the window with double stick tape, then they’re securely attached to the window with heat to shrink the film and remove any wrinkles. If you don’t want four months of cloudy windows, consider adding layered curtains to act as draft protection. You can shut them during the coldest parts of the day, while still having full sunlight in the mornings.

If the idea of blocking light is unbearable, consider solar shades. These will insulate your windows without obstructing the light. You can have them custom cut at various home improvement stores, and they’re relatively easy to install for the average layperson.

Close Doors to Unused Spaces
If you aren’t using a room, shut the door! If your heating isn’t that efficient, the last thing you need is more square footage that needs to be warmed up. You can shut your bedroom door, for example, and warm up with extra blankets when it’s time for bed. You should also shut doors to closets. Closing off a small space will make a noticeable difference in the temperature around the rest of the apartment.

Dress Warmly
This sounds like common sense, but it does help to wear warm clothes if your home is cold regularly. Even if your home is energy efficient, it makes more sense financially to turn the heat down and simply wear more clothes. Your utility bill will go down, and you’ll probably find yourself more comfortable overall.

Space Heaters
Heating the areas you’re frequently in will save much more money than heating the entire apartment when you’re cozied up in just the living room. Space heaters are very energy efficient nowadays, and can run for about 10 cents an hour. These heaters are mostly safe, but they should never be used overnight, or while you’re away from the home. Electronics do malfunction no matter how new they are, so these should still be used with great care.

If you have an outside unit for your apartment consider getting a custom cover for your AC unit during the winter months. This can help keep out debris and dampness, and make sure it works again in the summer.

Living in a drafty residence is never going to be easy, but there are a few methods you can use to make it more bearable. Whatever you choose, you can be assured your fingers won’t turn purple this winter. Not only will you be staying warm, you’ll also see a noticeable difference in your utility bill, and that’s always a huge plus!

This article was contributed by guest author Brooke Chaplan.

By on January 15, 2015 in Wellness
Image by Jonathan Percy, Flickr

Image by Jonathan Percy, Flickr

Inevitably, students will encounter the winter blues. It’s cold, dark, and windy. Snow was fun until it started swirling everywhere and blocking your vision. Most people begin to spend their time indoors. Winter blues can affect students drastically from decreasing their motivation to changing their overall mood. Here are some tips for beating the winter blues.

Exercise

Lack of sunlight and staying indoors are two of the most common reasons for encountering the winter blues. To solve this problem, go for walks on the occasional bright, sunny day. The sunlight will improve your mood and walking around will make you feel refreshed. However, on the days where the weather is not so cooperative, try working out at home or the gym. Do anything from cardio, strengthening, or yoga to get you active and moving.

Fun

The school year can make students extremely busy, but it is important to remember to take time for yourself. Balance is the key to beating the winter blues. Take breaks between extensive school projects or tackle one subject at a time. Choose something fun to do afterwards. Here are some suggestions:

  • Curl up and watch your favourite movies.
  • Head out with some friends for lunch or dinner.
  • Read a book.
  • Reward yourself and head over to the mall for some retail therapy.

Food

Food is a complicated topic for college and university students. We all love it, but time and cost can be barriers. Eating junk food and fast food all the time can be detrimental to your health. It can also make you feel sluggish and unmotivated. Have a healthy snack or meal to boost your energy.

Here are some suggestions for snacks:

  • Yogurt
  • Fruit (apples, bananas, strawberries, etc.)
  • Trail mix (include raisins, sunflower seeds, almonds, or peanuts)

Here are some suggestions for meals:

  • Whole wheat pasta with vegetables
  • Quinoa salad
  • Baked sweet potato and grilled chicken

Sleep

The average person needs about eight to nine hours of sleep per night. As a student with deadlines, readings, and home responsibilities, regular sleep can sometimes be hard to come by. Create a weekly schedule for yourself to identify fixed times that you cannot change (e.g. class time) and what may need to be missed for the week (e.g. extracurricular activities). Find opportunities to study or do homework throughout the day so you’re not doing any school work into the late hours of the night. On the days where school work never seems to end, try to take a twenty minute power nap so you feel refreshed.

The winter blues may seem like a tough hurdle to come over but with some proper care, it can be defeated. Just remember that balance is key as a student. Too much of one thing is never good for your mental, physical, and emotional health. Use some of these tips to help you beat the winter blues!

By on December 10, 2014 in Fashion
Image by Jeff Clark, Flickr

Image by Jeff Clark, Flickr

“Those are hideous.”
“Why are you wearing those?”
“Those aren’t fashionable.”

UGGs have received every put-down imaginable. Despite that, you still see them everywhere, and no one can object to the fact that they are quite warm. It seems women are lacking options for winter footwear with sweatpants. Nonbrand UGGs also tend to be sold at affordable prices. So these raise the question: are UGGs worth wearing? I certainly think they’re a valuable purchase. Here’s why:

  • They’re comfortable. There’s no denying UGGs are cozy. Original UGGs are made of sheepskin, which cushions the foot and provides warmth. The fleece foot bed molds to the shape of your foot and keeps moisture away.
  • They’re long lasting. The boot must be properly cared for first. Clean them with water and UGG Sheepskin Cleaner & Conditioner, and prevent your UGGs from staining by using UGG Sheepskin Protector.
  • They have health benefits. When sheepskin is worn against the body, it stimulates blood circulation. It allows the body to relax and promotes regeneration of cells.
  • They can be worn as slippers. Not only can UGGs be worn outside, they can also be worn inside. Keep an extra pair of UGGs for use as slippers around the house – they are comfortable and warm, and suit this purpose perfectly.
  • They’re cute. You can look like a snow bunny! How can you resist these furry suede boots?

The verdict: UGGs are a beneficial investment that lasts for years. They’re cute and comfortable, and can be worn on dress down days or in the house. UGGs should be a staple in every girl’s closet.

Find out more about UGGs at www.uggaustralia.com.

By on March 27, 2014 in Fashion

 
 

Image by ...love Maegan, Flickr

Image by …love Maegan, Flickr

If there’s one thing for sure in today’s world, it’s that we can never quite be sure what the weather is going to do next. Much of North America has taken a battering recently with wild storms and buckets of rain, and Canadians know only too well the difficulties that low temperatures can bring. And of course, this can present problems for the fashion-conscious.

Thankfully though, a few wise wardrobe choices will allow you to swing between the seasons perfectly. It may be dull and drab at the moment, but summer is most definitely on the horizon. When you know the weather is going to be this erratic, it is safe to keep your summer skirts and shorts on hold from the hibernation tank for the time being.
You can do this because just a slight turn of the fashion dial is all it takes to keep your summer look intact. For instance, if you enjoy donning the hot pants style, all you need to do is slide into a pair of black leggings or tights first before pulling on those shorts and you’re away, safe in the knowledge that if the weather dips suddenly you won’t be blighted with goosebumps.

The same applies to summer dresses. You can team your favourite dresses with some appropriately-toned leggings or tights without diminishing the effect of your dress one little bit. In fact, it can sometimes add to the overall look and give you a pop-chic appearance. Again, the addition of leggings/tights will give you a little protection during climate change, particularly when the sun does dip beyond the horizon and the temperature plummets drastically.

For added warmth, you can always turn to light cardigans and thin jackets to cover up, which again will not only make wearing summer dresses feasible, but will give you an extra style zip along the way.

Lastly, never underestimate the “preppy” look when seeking to prolong the life of your summer wardrobe. The long-sleeve layer under short-sleeve top is still a good look for the ladies, another little trick that is a sure-fire winner.

This article was contributed by guest author Mitch W.

By on February 20, 2014 in Fashion

 
 
Getting sick and tired of the bitter cold weather? Winter definitely has its downsides, but it is the perfect time to spice up your style and experiment with the latest fashion crazes. Here are some of this season’s trends that you can incorporate into your style for the next few months to help you beat the winter blues:

fur  
 
Faux fur scarves are the way to go this winter season. This type of scarf is a classic and adds elegance to any look, so opt to dress up a basic outfit by accessorizing with this piece. The best part is that no animals are harmed in the making of this chic accessory!
coats
Wearing a long, oversized coat is the best way to achieve the best of both worlds. Stay warm while still looking fashionable by topping off your outfit with a coat that is on the longer side. A-list celebrities such as Kim Kardashian have been spotted wearing this trend all winter long.
 
 
Statement necklaces are another great way to make a plain outfit more exciting. Necklaces with crystal jewels are beautiful during any season, but especially during the winter when everything is white and icy outside.		 necklace
beanie
Having a bad hair day? Don’t fret. This season, girls are combatting those types of days by throwing on a beanie. Beanies add a grungy feel to any outfit, which is right on point with this winter’s street style trends. On top of that, some beanies have fun sayings written across the forehead area that you can use to express yourself and your personal style.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mid length pencil skirts are what all the rave is about right now. This length of skirt is suitable for many different occasions since it screams sexy and sophisticated. You can rock this trend for a job interview or for a night out on the town.		 pencil
neon  
 
During the winter months, we tend to gravitate towards darker toned garments. Try adding a pop of colour to your outfit by throwing on a neon accessory. This will brighten up your entire look and add some interest to an otherwise bland outfit.
sweater
A chunky knit sweater will never go out of style. It is the perfect way to stay warm and cozy while looking effortlessly cute. Tuck yours into an A-line skirt to achieve a polished look, or pair it with some leggings if you’re going for a more relaxed vibe.
olive  
 
Last but certainly not least, this winter season is seeing a ton of olive green coloured pieces. Wearing this shade is appropriate in the winter months because it is not too bright, but still allows you to branch away from the typical blacks, deep blues, and maroons.

Hopefully this has inspired you to make the best of the cold winter weather and have some fun trying out a few of this season’s hottest trends.

Happy styling!

Photo credit: Hidden Exposure and hengyan512@hotmail.com