Society

One of my New Year’s resolutions this year was to travel more. Another one was to spend money more wisely, and it seems that most of the tie, those two resolutions might work against each other. But there are a lot of simple ways to save money for travel, or while traveling, even while commuting! Here’s how.

1. Go off-season

 Photo Credit: nature55
Money Saved: from $100 up to $2,000
Additional Time Spent: 30 minutes
Additional Trouble Level: 8 out of 10
If you love to travel, but have a hard time paying for hotel and airfare, you may want to consider going during the off-season. If you travel when everyone else is at home, airlines and hotels will be hungry for your dollars, and will offer you savings and other incentives. Why would they offer deals to travel to Florida or Mexico for Spring Break, when everyone will be going anyway, regardless of how much it costs? It’s much less expensive to travel there when no-one else is going, say, during the summer months.

2. Shop around

 Photo Credit: lomokev
Money Saved: from $59 up to $2,000
Additional Time Spent: 90 minutes
Additional Trouble Level: 8 out of 10
With the internet at your fingertips, there’s no reason you can’t shop around for the best deals on airfare, rental cars, hotels, cruises, and more. Feel free to compare packages, prices, and amenities. And haggle if you can! Some sites will allow you to offer a price if you think theirs is too high!

3. Go obscure

 Photo Credit: lovelydesign
Money Saved: from $200 up to $4,600
Additional Time Spent: 0 minutes
Additional Trouble Level: 4 out of 10
If you have a favorite travel destination, but it’s just too expensive, try a nearby alternative that may be less expensive, because it’s not a tourist trap. Besides, wouldn’t it be fun to send vacation postcards from places no-one’s ever heard of? Again, the internet, or a trustworthy travel agent, can help you choose a unique destination, one that you might have difficulty locating on a map, but that will be the trip of a lifetime!

1. Express Your Love with Gratitude

The boyfriend and I thank each other even for the littlest things we do. We mean it every time. Saying “thank you” and these amazing suggestions via Dani will help you express your love.

2. Single? Give Yourself Some Love, too!

These are perfect gift ideas for yourself if you have no one special this V-Day. I’d go for the jewelry. “Go and buy your own damn ring.”

3. Love Songs

When was the last time someone gave you a mix tape? I have never received one in my entire life. For real. This gift is perfect for a perfect combination of vintage and whimsy.

4. For Your Man

Closet Therapy gives us amazing ideas on what to get your guy this Valentine’s Day. From super fancy to low-key, you’ll love her suggestions.

5. For Your Lady

I’d go for the jewelry as well. However, that red and black lace number is tempting as well. Send the link to your guy and drop obvious hints regarding what you want.

Top Image by We Heart It

I just wanted to add my congratulations to the New Orleans Saints for decisively winning Super Bowl 44 over the Indianapolis Colts. As a football fan, and like most people, I expected the Colts would prevail. But after being down 10-0 early in the game, the Saints stayed patient, made some gutsy calls, took control of the game, and ultimately came out on top.

As a sociologist, and again like many people have been saying, this victory is more than just a single game — it is a celebration for the entire city of New Orleans, a city that was devastated a few years ago by Hurricane Katrina and in many ways, is still trying to recover. This win by their home team brings much joy and inspiration to the residents of the city from all racial/ethnic backgrounds and should go a long way in restoring New Orleans’ spirits and economic prospects.

Much of the attention on New Orleans since the Katrina episode has been focused on its African American residents and rightfully so — despite making up a majority of the city’s population, they suffered much inequality and neglect before Katrina and its aftermath only made matters worse. Like the rest of the city, African American residents of New Orleans are on their road to recovery and this win by the Saints is a fitting symbol of their community’s resurgence.

At the same time, I would also like to remind everyone that there is a large Vietnamese American population in New Orleans and that they have not received much attention at all since Katrina. In fact, shortly after Katrina, the Vietnamese community had to fight their own city over a proposed toxic landfill that was going to be located adjacent to their neighborhood.

In the years since, the Vietnamese American community in New Orleans has rebuilt their lives, their neighborhood, and have continued to contribute to the economic and cultural rebuilding of the city. Let us now forget them as we as Americans from all racial, ethnic, cultural, and ideological celebrate the Saints’ Super Bowl win and its sociological significance for the city and all of its residents.

I’m clumsy, seemingly always injuring myself in some stupid, careless way. That’s one reason I keep a stockpile of first-aid supplies in my medicine cabinet and in my handbag. What does a normal, non-clumsy person need? Here’s my list of the seven things you should absolutely keep in your medicine cabinet…

1. Peroxide or Betadyne

 Photo Credit: Robert m Williams

Even if you’re not accident-prone, you’ll still probably cut yourself at one time or another, so it’s a good idea to keep a topical cleanser in your medicine cabinet. Use peroxide or Betadyne for cleaning wounds, but avoid rubbing alcohol. It stings and doesn’t offer any other real benefits.

2. Band-Aids

 Photo Credit: cattycamehome

Once you’ve cleaned a cut, you’ll want to protect it with a bandage. Keep a box of all different sizes handy, just in case, and make sure they’re sterile.

3. Analgesic (pain reliever) like Tylenol, aspirin, Motrin

 Photo Credit: J. Forger’s FlickPics

There are different over-the-counter pain medications for different types of pain. For muscle inflammation and pain, try Motrin. For headaches, try Tylenol or Excedrin. Aspirin is another great choice, but try not to take any of these pain relievers on an empty stomach. Also, make sure to throw away expired medications and replace them with new bottles.

I love oversized bags for the infinite space they offer but every once in a while, you need the perfect sized bag that will fit your essentials and look fab at the same time! Enter the Gucci Bamboo Medium Top Handle Bag!

What’s so Fab about It: It’s leather and bamboo. It’s Gucci. It’s fabulous. I especially love the turn lock closure. And if like me, you’re not a fan of tassels, just detach it. And let’s not forget the neutral color that will go with almost anything! Perfect? I think so!

Where Would I wear It: I’m thinking a fancy brunch Upper East Side style ;)

How Many Tall Lattes It’s Worth: 597

Where to Look 4 It: gucci.com

You may be all about large bags like me, but would you buy this gorgeous Gucci Bamboo Medium Top Handle Bag? Pray tell!

First Dates have the potential to be seriously awkward when you don’t have the right activity or place to go. This is where I come in. I’m here to give you ladies a few ideas about what to do, 10 to be exact. Just call me the fairy godmother of first dates.

1. Have a Picnic:

 Photo Credit: Sílvia Leite

Weather permitting, picnics are a great idea for a first date. There’s food, you’re outdoors, and best of all you can speak to each other without worrying if other people in the area can hear you. Just pack up a basket full of food, a blanket, and head off to your favorite little stream or park and the date is made for you.

2. Go Skating:

 Photo Credit: The Flooz

Skating can be done anywhere, outdoors, at a skating rink, around an empty basement (on second thought an empty basement might NOT be the BEST place for a first date). It’s great if you stink because then you have to hold on really tightly to your date (swoon). And if you fall, handle it with grace and laugh at yourself. Your date will definitely like that!

3. Go Bowling:

 Photo Credit: Zakiah Ali

Bowling is another first date idea that’s good even if you stink. If you’re good you’ll impress your date with your cannon of an arm, if you stink then do a victory dance (even if you only knock down one pin). Either way, even in the loud atmosphere of the alley, you’ll have a good time. Just don’t walk off with the bowling shoes.

People who entertain often know that finger foods for a party are key in keeping the guests from getting bored or too hungry too soon. These can also be the talk of the town if they are fairly exotic.  When I host a party, sometimes I might spice things up a bit with something fancy, but for the most part I have my tried and true favorites for parties. The finger foods listed below are easy, not expensive at all, and can be dressed up by simply placing them in a crystal bowl or on a fancy platter.

10. Chips and Salsa

Photo Credit: Abiona

While these seem to be the standard at most parties, they are also the appetizers that seem to receive the most attention. Not many people complain about chips and salsa as they gab over a plate full of them. They are so many varieties of chips and salsa today that everyone should be able to find something they like.

9. Veggies and Dip

Photo Credit: amanky

The vegetable platters that I see in the stores usually have baby carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower on them. These finger foods for a party are a much healthier alternative to chips and salsa. They aren’t always enjoyed quite as much, but are a great snack for those dieting. French onion dips, spinach dips, and even a bottle of ranch dressing can be the perfect dip for these.

8. Fancy Crackers

Photo Credit: skrockodile (www.cookbookcatchall.b logspot.com)

There are crackers made in just about every shape imaginable. I try to get a variety of shapes, since it makes it interesting when they are placed on the platter or sitting side by side in bowls. Boxes of large round crackers can be purchased and decorated with cheese spreads and garnishes for something a bit dressier and yummier. The only thing about these large crackers is that they are harder to eat. Small crackers can be eaten in one single bite so I usually prefer those.

College is one of the most expensive, but most important, investments you can make. But how will you come up with the money to pay for it, and how will you live cheaply while you’re in college? As someone who’s both a college student, and the mother of another college student, I can help! Here’s my list of the top 10 ways to save money for college, and how to spend less while you’re there!

1. Start as soon as possible

 Photo Credit: LeighTaylor
Money Saved: from $1,200 up to $80,000
Additional Time Spent: 30 minutes per month
Additional Trouble Level: 5 out of 10
It’s no secret or mystery — we start college after high school. So we all know when that expense is coming, right? Then why do we always wait until the last year or so to start saving for college? The sooner you start saving, the more you will save. If you can’t start any earlier, at least start saving when you’re a freshman in high school (grade 9), which will give you at least four years to save. If you can start sooner, then do it! If you only sock away a measly $25 per week, which is what you would spend on one night at the movies, you can save $1,300 in one year, or $5,200 in four years. That doesn’t even include any of the other ways you can save money, detailed below…

2. Open a tax-free account

 Photo Credit: nikkinoguer
Money Saved: from $100 up to $8,000
Additional Time Spent: 90 minutes
Additional Trouble Level: 6 out of 10
If you know for certain you’ll be able to put away a certain amount of money each month, then you should consider opening a tax-free 529 college savings account. Any interest you earn is tax-free, and you won’t pay any penalties when you withdraw the money to use it for school expenses, like tuition and textbooks. You will need a sizeable amount to start off with though, and you will also have to commit to a monthly minimum deposit, but the deposit can sometimes be as low as only $50 per month. Shop around to find a savings plan that works for you.

Whether it’s the middle of a freezing cold winter or a piping hot summer, you’ll need a few things in the trunk of your car in case of disaster in the form of an untimely break-down.  So for those “just in case” situations, here is my list of the top ten things you need to stash in your trunk, and keep in your car at all times.

1. Spare tire and jack

Photo Credit: dog byte

Whether there have been signs that you need a new car or car or even if your car and tires are brand new, it’s very likely that at some point, you’ll get a flat tire, one that you’ll have to change (gasp!) yourself. So make sure there’s a spare tire and a jack in the trunk, and that the spare is viable. Make sure you know how to take the flat tire off and replace it with the spare, too. It’s a lot easier and safer to check before you get stranded in the middle of the night, in the middle of winter…

2. Jumper cables

Photo Credit: .: sandman

You or someone else may also have a dead battery at one time or another. If you leave your dome light on by accident, or if something goes wonky with your battery or alternator, make sure you have a set of working jumper cables, and that you know how to use them properly.

3. Flashlight with batteries

Photo Credit: illum

If your car breaks down or gets a flat at night, you’ll want a flashlight (torch), one that actually works! Make sure you have a good-sized light and that the batteries work, and, just in case, that you even have spare batteries for it.

If Holly Golightly was a biker chick, this Gucci Biker Jacket is exactly the kind of jacket she’d wear! Move aside boring black leather and chains! It’s time for the rule of baby blue!

What’s So Fab about It: This jacket combines the rugged appeal of the biker look with a girly, charming color making it tres fab. I love how structured it is. And while I’m usually all for bohemian, loose fitted comfort, I don’t mind the occassional tailored jacket in my wardrobe.

Where Would I Wear It: Capri pants, platform shoes, oversized sunglasses and I’m off for an afternoon of shopping with the girls.

How Many Tall Lattes It’s Worth: 1533

Where to Look 4 It: gucci.com

Sure, this Gucci Biker Jacket is more of a splurge than a necessity but if you could, would you add this to your wardrobe?