eeeeeeasy peasy

For those of you who get stressed out easily or opposite, just don't care at all, I have 3 major tips for you on how to get through college without straining too many of those precious brain cells, while getting As and Bs.

1. Keep up with your work the entire semester. Read a chapter when you’re supposed to and highlight when you're reading. Most people think this is a waste of time, but when it comes time for a test, you'll barely have to do anything. Would you rather spend 45 minutes one day a week or 8 hours struggling the day before the test. Just sayin.

2. Only go out two nights a week. This doesn't count the beginning and end of the school year, because everyone knows that if the weather's nice, pong on the porch is necessary. But throughout the year, pick the days that have the best bar specials, the best weather, or are someone's birthday and rage hard. In between those days, DO WORK SON. (And everybody knows the same things happen on repeat every week, so if you miss a BOT, it will happen again the next week people)

3. Stay organized. Using a planner helped me to remember so many things, again, without having to strain too much. I write EVERYTHING, and I mean everything, down in my planner the second I know if it, including work schedules, tests, papers, homework, birthdays, weddings, bar crawls... you name it, it's in there. May seem stupid to some of you, but I enjoy not having to think. Extremely helpful for people with a 30 second attention span and short term memory loss like myself.

So there you go. My brilliant, and not too complicated advice on how NOT to fail out of college, especially a top 5 party school. This is the last time these tips will be given, because my last class just ended and I'm done for good. Have fun youngins!

This one's for the girls!

Ladies of Morgantown! If you need some time to relax with your friends and pamper yourself, consider going to “Girls’ Night Out” to support a good cause.

The Child Advocacy Center of Mon County is hosting this event on May 20, at the Lakeview Resort and Spa. If you buy your tickets BEFORE May 6, you can get them for $50, but they will be sold for $60 after that.

This price may scare some of you working (yet somehow still broke) women, but this will be worth every penny.

This event is a woman’s dream, and includes live music, a buffet and an open cash bar, while you can take part in raffles, silent auctions, psychic readings and pampering from local spas.

I would like to call this the Club Z for working women – everyone will be there, the fun is unlimited and you will want to go back EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND. I encourage women of all ages to stop being wet blankets and do something different... no one is too old or too cool for this one ladies!

Check it out on  Girls' Night Out, or on Facebook!

In honor of 420

To legalize or not to legalize marijuana? That is the questions. Well, I’m going to make the answer to that question short and sweet, because I honestly could care less.

Do I smoke? Hell no. Do I think it’s cool to do it? Definitely not. Do I think the world would come crashing down if it was legalized? That’s a negative also.

Due to my biased, non-smoking opinion, I don’t think it should be legalized just because I don’t like it and some people would be better off without it. Honestly, I love Bob Marley, Dave Matthews, and hippie festivals so I'm in a dilemma... decisions, decisions!

On the other hand, Marijuana SHOULD be legalized, because making it illegal doesn’t make it go away. Everyone seems to have a way of getting it, and the stoners who do nothing with their lives will continue to do nothing with their lives whether it’s legalized or not. It also could lessen crime rates if you could buy it in stores, just like you do alcohol, rather than having to go through the shady process that goes on when dealing.

I don’t think there would be the drastic change that everyone thinks, but that may have something to do with the lack of reality and real people I’ve had access to, while on the tenth planet we call Morgantown.

FUN FACTS:

-Police dispatch code for smoking pot in some states is 420.
-There are approximately 420 active chemicals in marijuana.
-4:20 is tea time for pot-smokers in Holland.

Charlie... featuring T-Pain?

This is by far my favorite viral video. It takes one of the most well-known viral videos and makes an entertaining twist of it into another viral video. Genius and HILARIOUS!!!

...it's cosmic

 I managed to get another check off of my "busy girl's bucket list" last night with FINALLY making it to go cosmic bowling in the middle of the night.

When the idea was mentioned to a group of my friends, I received responses like the one I got from my lame friend Julie, which was, "I would love to go glow bowling... if I was in seventh grade."

I, on the other hand, thought it was brilliant and I took her pessimism as a challenge. In the words of How I Met Your Mother's Barney Stinson, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.



Mine's the top score :)



I started with getting turned down by one friend and ended up with a bunch of my friends getting beer and meeting at the bowling alley! It was a blast, and not only because I kicked ass against competitive guys, but because it was different... and cheap. 



Instead of a check, I'll give this one a STRIKE!!! Or five in my case J (just saying)



Free fun... Can't beat that

Cooper's Rock, West Virginia

I’m getting closer to graduating, so I decided to fit some things into my schedule before I leave.

After a long, fun-filled, but stressfully expensive weekend, I decided to go with some friends to the most relaxing place West Virginia has to offer... Cooper’s Rock.

We were there for almost four hours, in which we went hiking, climbed rocks, went in caves, took pictures and watched the sun set. It didn’t cost us anything and it was MUCH more fun than going out and drinking, or laying around all day, but it still helped in the mental and physical recovery process that comes after a long weekend.

I suggest going here to everyone, especially college students, because it’s not very often we do more than the same old class, work, downtown routine that we all know so well.

Student Government... Hmmmm

I was asked my view on SGA (aka Student Government Association) and I was sitting back trying to come up with a solid opinion on our own SGA. I don’t have anything against it and I know that a school wouldn’t be right without one, I just don’t know enough about it to get involved.

I am in a student organization and in a senior capstone class, both of which needed the help of SGA, was given their word, then COMPLETELY screwed over. That’s not to say they do that to everyone, but unless you’re in Greek life or in an organization that one of their members are a part of, you don’t really see too many results of what SGA promises to make happen.

I have tons of friends in it and I vote for who I feel deserves it every year, but SGA and the campaigns of people running for it are starting to turn into nothing but a popularity contest and a resume booster.

Personal opinion.

“WVU Day” with the Pirates

I’m all about de-stressing and doing things you don’t get to do everyday, SO I thought I’d throw out an idea.

My public relations capstone group is holding “WVU Day” at the Pittsburgh Pirates game this Saturday, April 9, at 7:05. It’s going to be really fun and it’s a chance for everyone to get out of Motown for a day and let go.

There are buses that are taking everyone to and from the game, so that people don’t have to waste their own gas, and it will allow everyone to get slightly intoxicated without the risk of driving.

There are scratch-and-wins for every fan and fireworks after the game just to top off an awesome day-long trip.

The tickets are only $20, which includes the transportation, really good seats and a $10 food voucher, or beverage voucher if that’s the way you want your night to go ;). You can buy them at a booth in the Mountainlair all week, but they might run out before then.

SO HURRY!!!!!

Spring Break 2011... Great Success

This spring break was COMPLETELY different that last year’s, but sooo much more productive.

Last year was the typical college spring break. Panama City beach with all my closest friends; beach all day, clubs all night, somewhat intoxicated the majority of the time.

This spring break, I went to Charleston, S.C. for the first few days to get my beach time in and wandered the city, which is ten times better than I thought. Everything was historical, palm trees everywhere, awesome weather, every designer store you could imagine and beautiful beaches.

It was hard to leave, but Charlotte, N.C. was my next stop.

Charleston was awesome, but Charlotte is my new favorite city. It’s clean, young, fun, and it’s officially my new place of residence as of May 2011!!!!

Impulsive? Maybe. But TOTALLY worth it.

How could you not want to live here?

I found an apartment with a $30,000 pool, fitness center, car wash, “man cave” movie room, balcony, and awesome neighbors... and it’s much cheaper than what I’m paying for the shit hole I live in now.

On top of that, I got offered a job while looking for an apartment. Although it’s not my first choice, it’s a great job and it will pay my rent for now, so it works for me!

PEACE OUT MORGANTOWN... you won’t be missed too much.

Oh how I love my red, red wine

Did you ever hear the phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”?
Well, I love fruit and all, but I’d much rather prefer the research-proven, “a glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away."


Thanks to the research I did for a persuasive speech I’m doing, everyone, women especially, could benefit A LOT from just one 4 oz. glass of wine a day…
Here’s why.


Pros - Helps to:
1. Regulate diabetes by reducing the body’s resistance to insulin
2. Reduce degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
3. Prevent blood clots by thinning out your blood
4. Prevent blood vessel inflammation
5. Improve cardiovascular health à can reduce risk of heart disease by 40%
6. Reduce risk of certain cancers from the antioxidants in red grapes
7. Boost your body’s defenses against infections
8. Prevent kidney stones, ulcers, etc.
9. Maintain lower body mass than those who indulge occasionally
10. Relax you like CRAZZZYYY


***BUT don’t drink more than the suggested amount because it could have reverse effects of all the benefits I just listed and increase medical problems, even something as minor as migraines (which many of you may already know how this aftermath of drinking too much wine feels like ;)


So with moderation, my dream of a healthy kind of drinking has actually come true!

You Did WHAT!?

I would love to talk about the NCAA tournament, but I don’t want to jinx my team before we even get started. SO. I’m going to talk about an experience that I had recently that I NEVER thought I would get talked into doing.

It’s not anything life-changing, but it was something that I always had a huge stereotype about that was completely broken. Well. Here it is… I went to a rave!!!

With my love for colors, dancing, and music, I don’t know why I didn’t think of this before!

Now, I’m not and have never been into doing drugs or getting so wasted that you forget what you did the night before (which were all my stereotypes of what goes on at a rave), but I would consider this more of a fantasy party. IT WAS NOT REAL LIFE.

Picture this.

A really nice, upscale hotel with an indoor water park, d.j. included and open all night long. Awesome music of all types coming from several banquet rooms, with light shows and people dancing everywhere. No fighting, no crying, nobody trashing anything. Just a ton of colored lights, insane music, and people who just want to have a good time.

For one night, I went completely out of my element. No drugs needed and a new appreciation for techno and lightshows, I’d say this “rave” was a pretty successful adventure! This was never on my bucket list, but it deserves a massive CHECK!

A Girl's Gotta Eat

For a busy girl (who LOVES to eat) or anyone for that matter, finding time to make something quick and having it actually be good for you never seems to work out. I’ve never been one of those health freaks, nor even a health-conscious person. Thanks to growing up in an Italian family, I rarely know what the hell is even in what I eat. Unfortunately, my Nana made me only appreciate flavorful food, whether it clogs your arteries or not.

Little did I know, my favorite meal in the world happens to contain many stress relieving ingredients and it’s pretty good for you!!!

Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1942,152183-238195,00.html
Content Copyright © 2011 Cooks.com - All rights reserved.

BROCCOLI AND SHRIMP ALFREDO!

8 oz. fettuccine noodles (carbs in your meal helps the release of insulin) 

Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1745,135177-249195,00.html
Content Copyright © 2011 Cooks.com - All rights reserved.

1-2 cups of shrimp (shrimp contains tryptophan and selenium to help you stay cool, and the cholesterol in shrimp is actually good for you!)

1 bunch of broccoli, cut up (broccoli contains potassium and helps strengthen your immune system)

In your Alfredo sauce, add:

1 cup of milk (helps you to relax, but also makes you sleep more soundly)

1 cup basil and spinach (both help to relax your muscles, blood vessels and nerves)

Also add some garlic, parsley and pepper for taste ... I have no clue if you’ll get any nutritional value out of these ingredients, but us Italians add these to everything!

You’re welcome in advance ;)

Woooosahhhhhhhh....

Every busy girl, or guy, needs some down time, some relaxation and to just CHILL. Here are my top ten ways to unwind.. Without yelling, crying, or needing to take a whole bottle of Xanax.

10. TAKE A NAP!!
To those of you who “don’t have time”.. stop lieing to yourself! Replace the hour that you‘d usually be stalking someone on Facebook and SLEEP!

9. Be Lazy
Girls: Call an old friend. Not the friend who's nothing but drama or only talks about how miserable their life is, but the friend that always puts you in a good mood.
Guys: Since talking isn’t your strong suit, play a video game! You all love them, even if you claim otherwise, so call a friend on those weird little headsets and start blowing shit up!

8. Spa day!!!!
Spa days can be expensive, if you do the works (hair, massage, nails,  facial, etc.). If you have that kind of money.. GO FOR IT. But, the best way to relax and take your mind off the world is a longggg relaxing massage. If you can't even afford that.. bribe the significant other. ;)

7.  Listen to calm, relaxing music.
I’m not saying listen to a CD of ocean sounds or Bethoveen, but try Colbie Callait, Michael Buble, Jack Johnson or my favortie, Bob Marley.
.. all of these bring a whole new meaning to “chill” music.

6. Party on the Patio.
Whether you’re a college student or 90-years-old, hanging out on the porch is relaxing. You can watch the sunset, cook out or play beer pong. No matter how you spend your time, it’s relaxing to hang out with some friends and good ol’ mother nature.

5. Go shopping.
I am really strict with my money (because I don’t have much of it) but, whether it’s a boat or a hat, it can make you feel good to splurge a little and at least ACT like you have enough money to pay your bills. Just make sure you don't spend too much because it will stress you out even more.

4. Take a yoga class.
Wooooosahhhhh people. Yoga or pilates is for girls AND GUYS, and can be the most relaxing thing you’ll ever experience… and it can make you much more flexible for future festivities.

3. Have a night out.
Girls: Get dolled up, call your friends and have a girls night.. Dresses, martinis, the whole nine yards
Guys: Hit up a happy hour.. No this doesn’t mean get as shitfaced as possible in a short amount of time.. It means grab some wings, some cold beers and watch whatever sport you're betting on that time of year (haha).

2. Game night
Not pong or football.. I’m talkin’ Trouble or Pictionary. Take it old school and find some friends that don’t mind acting like they’re in fifth grade again.

1. Laugh.. A lot!!!
It doesn’t cost any money and everyone is capable of it..
Girls: Tune into an episode of Chelsea Lately, aka my idol
Guys: Dane Cook or Kat Williams are personally my two favorites..
Whoever you prefer, just make it someone who will have you on the verge of peeing your pants.. For example..

Well, there it is. Choose one a week to calm yourself down for the rest of the week, or unwind from the week before. No more bitching and moaning.. You have officially been granted the right to relax and the tools to help you do it.

Follow me on twitter HERE!

Cupid, Clothes and Community

Last Thursday, I managed to start my random bucket list right with a big check... I MODELED! 

Not for a company, or posing while a creepy photographer takes my picture for a "modeling portfolio" album like you may see on many girls' Facebooks, but for a good cause. 

A student organization that I'm in called PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) held a fashion show called "Cupid, Clothes and Community" to raise money for the local Boys and Girls Club. It was only $5 at the door and everyone was welcome. Many students contributed and about 20 models (or students who never modeled in their lives, including myself) volunteered their time to go get fittings at four different stores, including Altered Ego, Gap, Maurices and Coni and Franc, then strut their stuff on the runway Thursday night.

I would like to take credit for being generous with my time, but what girl wouldn't want to be decked out in crazy clothes, awesome shoes and expensive jewelry on a random day? Not to mention, seeing the little kids in the front row of the audience, cheering for every one of us made me feel a lot better about risking my life to try to walk in 6" heels.

So, NO. I'm not even close to being a model, but it sure as hell felt great to try something new and know that all the profits went to a great cause, while making all the V-Day haters realize that Cupid isn't that bad.

KDKA Channel 5 News

Ps. I'm the one in the black skirt and white top.. my only claim to fame ;)

Some other links...
Daily Athenaeum 
Assciated Press 

The beginning of a new beginning...

For starters.. I am 22, a senior in college, working full time, you get the picture. I enjoy my major and I saved all the fun classes until my last semester for a reason - sleeping in, being lazy, not having any work, living it up.

Well... exactly the opposite happened.

I'm taking less credits than I've ever taken, but have more work than ever before. My job working in sports is what I call, the shit, but because it's technically an internship, I only get paid for half the hours that I actually work. I'm also in three organizations that take up all my spare time during the week, so basically I am overachieving to the point where I don't have time to do anything else.

Don't get me wrong, I still go out, have fun and laugh CONSTANTLY, but I have so much going on that I need a blog to remind me that staying busy or going to a bar doesn't mean I'm living it up... With that said, I'm making this a random bucket list and I can't wait to share my ridiculous and completely random experiences with everyone :)

Here's to the beginning of the randomness