Build it

Stores are getting very creative and coming up with new ideas constantly. I had heard about Build-A-Bear, the store where kids can create their own plush animals. I also know about Dell's option of designing your own laptop. Last year in August I purchased a Dell laptop and designed it myself. I had complete control about what properties I wanted my laptop to come with.

How awesome does 'Build Your watch' sound? FOSSIL allows you to either select a watch from its variety or to create your own. I had some fun designing a few. These are the two that I came up with:

(left: $70, right: $75)

Although I thought the idea was pretty cool, FOSSIL didnt have many styles to choose from and the watches are extremely overpriced.

Fiancial Advice for Young Adults

With a shaky economy and the decrease of job availability, it is important to manage your money efficiently. As a college student, I know firsthand how tough it can be to stretch a dollar to pay all the expenses. College is demanding and energy absorbent that going to school full time and working crazy shifts to get the complete 40 hours is insane. I came across a very insightful article that brings up good points about how to save money. I would like to pass on this information so that people can improve their saving habits. Here are the eight tips I would like to share with you:

1. Learn self control NOW, not later
It is important to grasp the idea of delaying gratification. It is essential that you purchase necessary items when you have saved up the money to buy it. Although it can be easy and t tempting to purchasing something on credit, it is the wrong way to go. Credit card interests are high and paying back an entire amount can take quite a while.

2. Don't put your financial future in someone else's hands.
Do not at any moment, allow someone else to manage your money. Treat your money as a treasure and only you administrate it. You do not want to give people power over your money. They can easily mismanage it. Instead of going to others so they can take care of your money, take the time to educate yourself on personal finance.

3. Pay attention to where your money goes.
At the beginning of the month, create a budget for yourself so that you are aware of where your money goes to. Recording your expenses allows you to see clearly how your habits are affecting your pocket. Then, you will learn that making a few changes can increase your
saving in the long run.

4. Start an emergency fund.
Regardless of all the expenses you currently have, save a few bucks every month for your
emergency fund. No one knows when you'll need, but when the time comes, you'll be
prepared.

5. Start saving for retirement now.
The earlier you begin to save for your retirement, the less principal you will need to invest
to obtain the necessary amount to retire.

6. Get a grip on taxes.
Since there will be deductions on every paycheck you receive, you must inform yourself
about how income taxes work to prevent any surprises when you receive your paycheck and
realize that the amount is lower than what you had expected.

7. Guard your health.
When choosing a heal insurance provider, seek to find the lowest quote. Dont settle for
the first insurance you come across. Do your homework and research different possibilities.

8. Guard your wealth.
Take steps to protect your money. You earned your money through hard work, protect it.

Warm and Sunny

I am really looking forward to sunny, warm days. I cannot wait to go to the beach and enjoy a great outing with my family. Last year, I bought some sunglasses and I've been thinking about replacing them with some new ones. These Ralph Laurens sunglasses caught my attention:

AND

Smooth transition

It is once again that time of the year that teenagers prepare for their transition from high school to college. For some teens, their transition includes living in a dorm. Here are some everyday-use essential things that new incoming college students need. Lively, colorful things will give a dorm a cozy atmosphere!

For Bed and Bath:







For Storage:

Problem Solved

I recently bought some boots, BUT they aren't just any boots. After many indecisive visits to the mall, I finally settled on which ones I liked the most. I wanted some boots that were stylish, yet different. I bought the Kettle Black Koolaburra fringe boots! I love them!

These were some other boots that were also appealing to me:

AND




I truly believe I have made the right choice!

Got money?

College is expensive and every school year colleges increase their tuition fees. The price may go up by a small percentage, but its still significant. I cannot stress how important it is to apply for financial aid. Remember to fill out your FAFSA application before the deadline. Every state has a different deadline, make sure to check what deadline is applicable to you.

Christmas in February

Valentines Day is next Saturday :) and with it come the valentines day specials. It feels like its Christmas again! I am really looking forward to buying the Disney Couture Tinkerbell Bamboo Bracelet.

I recently bought the necklace and I am so thrilled to get the collection.

Streeeeeeetching your dollar

Recently, I have been short on money; prices keep going up and up, its unbelievable. To stretch my dollar, I now keep track of my spendings and purchase essential items first. Here are some tips I would like to share with you.

1. Before going shopping, have in mind what you need. Check your closet and see what you could use.
   
2. Set a budget so that you have an idea of what your limit is and you can plan what stores you can go into.
   
3. Dont leave things for the last minute. When shopping for special occasions,begin looking for you outfit at least 2 weeks before the event. The earlier you begin looking for your outfit, the more time you will have to compare prices.
   
4. Dress for shopping. For instance, If your looking for clothing for a special occasion, wear or bring undergarments that you can most likely wear with it. This is a great way of knowing whether or not what you already own can be used for the event.
   
5. Shop by yourself.
   
6. Do not pay attention to sales and promotions. The sales may lure you to purchase an item that you had not intended to buy. Keep your goal in mind.
   
7. Accept a salesperson's help. They may be able to give you some information on how to save a few bucks.
   
8. Always try the clothing on. Walk, sit, bend in the clothes. Make sure that the clothes fit you properly and do not need any hemming, that would mean another expense to add.
   
9. Make sure that you use the three-way mirror. This is a great way to find out if the clothes fit you properly.
   
10. Always, always,check the care tags. Some clothes require to be taken to the dry cleaner.
    
11. Check the return policy. Many stores don't give cash back, just a store credit; but some mark sale items "final sale" which means you can't bring them back at all.