Dealing With Post-Finals Stress

Image courtesy of Geoffrey Fairchild on Flickr

Finals are over! That means it’s time to relax and kick back and enjoy winter break. We know that finals can be a stressful time for people and the stress sometimes carries over into your winter break. That’s no way to live your winter break life! Utilize the time to unwind and really enjoy the time off. Here’s how you can make the most of your winter break.

Clean your desk. You just suffered through the hard work that is finals week. Your desk is probably a mess from all of the study guides and syllabi. Take some time before you head home for break, and clean off that desk! By clearing off your desk you’ll provide yourself a fresh start for next semester. Coming back to your apartment and seeing a clean and clear desk won’t give you panic attacks and flashbacks from finals week. Do yourself a favor and clear it off before you head home.

Go out. Take a night out with your friends. Whether that involves hitting the bars or just hitting the movie theater to see the new Star Wars, it’s going to help you unwind. Spending time with your friends in a calm scenario is just what you need after a long semester of stress. Dedicate a night to just you and your pals.

Dig into your Netflix queue. You’ve probably spent all semester avoiding Netflix and Hulu (hopefully), for the sake of your grades. Now that classes are through and you don’t have many responsibilities, you’re free to tear into all of those shows. Spend a weekend just binge watching that one show that you’ve had your eye on. There’s nothing more relaxing than a weekend in your sweatpants with junk food and a great show on play. Yes, we’re still watching, Netflix.

Catch up on Christmas traditions. Do you have a Christmas tradition that you have to do every single December? You might not have had time to do it yet with all of your studying for finals. But now that that’s all out of the way, you have all the time in the world. Put on Christmas Vacation, go sledding, go ice skating, and drink as much hot chocolate as your stomach can hold. Just try and get it all in before Christmas.

Do you have a post-finals ritual that helps you to relax and unwind? Tell us about it on Facebook and Twitter.

Friendsgiving

Not every college student has the opportunity to go home to their families for the Thanksgiving holiday. Some live too far away and don’t have enough time and money to make it back home. Others just choose to stay in their college town. Maybe they have a job and want to make the big bucks working Black Friday. We can’t blame you! Instead of struggling to get home with your family, why not gather a group of friends together for a Friendsgiving dinner? Much more laid back than a family Thanksgiving and with fewer people asking what you want to do with your life and when you’re going to get married. Enjoy a much less stressful evening with your friends!

Image courtesy of Pixabay

If you’re going to have it at your apartment, plan ahead. Nothing is worse than scrambling last minute to the grocery store to find something that you need for the dinner. Make a list the week before and go to the grocery store to get everything you need early. If you get everything down on paper, it not only makes it easier to make sure you get everything but it makes your trip less frantic.

To alleviate a little of the pressure off of the host, have a potluck. Everyone cooks their own dish and brings it together for a big feast. Make it even more interesting by having everyone creating their favorite dish rather than a traditional Thanksgiving dish. You get to enjoy favorites from all of your closest friends while spending time together.

You don’t have to cram 20 friends in your apartment. It can be much easier to get a group together and go out to dinner instead. It takes the pressure off of the host and those cooking the meal. Put the burden on someone else! La Diosa Cellars has some amazing dishes that will warm your soul and fill your belly. Pizza is a little untraditional for Thanksgiving but this is Friendsgiving and La Diosa has amazing pizza! Dos Tacos Papasito will have you coming back for more. Seared pork belly glazed in mango, tequila and jalapeno: to die for.

Since Friendsgiving isn’t a traditional kind of celebration, it calls for unique and interesting food. Take it to another level with Thanksgiving breakfast instead of dinner. The Cast Iron Grill (5 minutes away from U Lofts) serves up a hearty breakfast that will leave you and your friends sleepy and full. You can’t go wrong with an omelet so take your pick from veggie, pork, Western or Cast Iron. Go all in with a country style breakfast of biscuits and gravy or a big stack of French Toast (just in time for French Toast Day on November 27th). Get Friendsgiving breakfast out of the way and have the rest of the day to recover and hang out with your pals.

After you indulge in your dinner feast, bring your group back to U Lofts for a movie in our amazing stadium seating movie theater. Pop up some popcorn and kick back with your friends for a relaxing evening in.

Going home to spend Thanksgiving with your family is great but it’s more fun to enjoy a dinner with all of your friends that you made with your own hands (or ordered from a restaurant). Do you and your friends have a Friendsgiving tradition?

15 College Tips to Prepare for Adulthood

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After getting through your freshman year, college is a great time to learn how to grow up and be more self-sufficient. These tips from College Info Geek share some insight into how to prepare yourself for adulthood while in college. Check them out and then head to College Info Geek for more!


1. Always go to class. A lot of bloggers will debate this one, but I think it’s essential. You never know when the professor will drop a crucial test hint, or give out extra credit for attendance.


2. If you have to choose between a double major and getting involved on campus, get involved. All the knowledge in the world won’t help you if you come out of college with no experience or professional relationships.


3. ALWAYS back up your files. Dropbox makes this easy as can be.


4. Make sure your computer is protected against malware. Install Microsoft Security Essentials or Avast Anti-virus, and use a web browser other than Internet Explorer. Installing the Adblock extension doesn’t hurt, either.


5. Learn to do your taxes and your FAFSA yourself, instead of letting your parents do it. Knowing how to handle these things will prepare you for life after college.


6. Get a bank account with a bank in town. It can be really inconvenient having to wait for Mom to send cash, and it teaches you to manage your own finances.


7. Get a credit card, and make all your month’s purchases on it up to 20% of the card’s balance. This will help to start building your credit. If you start spending more, or can’t pay the balance in full for even one month, tear the card up.


8. Bring enough clothing to school with you that you can go two weeks between washings. This will save you money in the long run.


9. Never leave your clothes in a washer after the cycle is over. Be there to take them out a minute before the cycle ends. Not doing this is rude, and people WILL pull your clothes out and set them somewhere.


10. If you have new colored clothes, wash colors separately from whites the first few times you wear them. Otherwise, toss ’em all in the same load if they’ll fit.


11. Try not to drink too much caffeine. It’s really not good for you (it caused pretty bad acne for me), and you can get energy by staying well-hydrated, eating healthy foods, and sleeping enough.


12. If you’re having issues with your roommate, talk about them. Don’t let them build up to the point where you can’t stand each other.


13. Get a part-time job, preferably doing something that relates to your major. If you can, work in the early morning – you’d just be sleeping otherwise. I’ve found that having a job actually helped with my time management when I first started school.


14. If you can’t find a part-time job that relates to your major, look for a “warm-body” job – one that allows you to do homework while working. Some examples would be working at the desk of the library or the athletic center.


15. If your school offers a position that helps with summer orientation for incoming students, apply for it. This kind of job will build your confidence and communication skills like none other.

Family-Friendly Halloween Event at Texas Tech

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Halloween is a great opportunity to have your family come up for a visit! There are plenty of events at Texas Tech for you to celebrate this upcoming holiday. Choose out of these events or head to Texas Tech University to see more!

• The National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC) hosts Heritage Halloween, 4 – 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 26 at 3121 Fourth St. The event is free to the public and children can trick-or-treat at the historical structures at the NRHC. Treats will be period-specific for each house. CONTACT: Emily Wilkinson Arellano, (806) 742-0498 or emily.arellano@ttu.edu.

• Phi Alpha Delta hosts the annual Halloween Carnival, 3:30 – 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, 1802 Hartford Ave. Various student organizations will host booths with activities and treats for children in attendance. The carnival is free and open to the public. CONTACT: Krizia Martinez,krizia.martinez@ttu.edu.

• The Texas Tech Volleyball Program hosts Halloween Fright Night when the Red Raiders take on West Virginia, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at the United Spirit Arena. Doors will open at 5 p.m. All fans, eighth grade and below who wear a costume will receive complimentary admission. A costume contest will take place during the match with winners being selected for best overall, spookiest and most creative costumes. Parking around the arena is free. CONTACT: Elvis Moya, (806) 742-3355 or elvis.moya@ttu.edu.

• The Texas Tech Vernacular Music Center will host the Pirates & Cowboys Halloween Costume Ball along with the Tech Set Dancers, the Caprock Celtic Association and the Roots Music Institute, 7 – 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Yoga Bean studio (3135 34th St.). Admission is $6 or $5 with a canned food donation. There will be music, hourly prizes for the best costumes, dancing and more. The Cowboys & Pirates Halloween Carnival Ball is intended to provide a safe, creative, drug-, tobacco- and hassle-free environment to enjoy the Halloween holiday. CONTACT: Christopher J. Smith, (806) 742-2270 or christopher.smith@ttu.edu.

• Residence Life hosts Safetreat at the Texas Tech residence halls from 6 – 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29. Candy and activities will be provided in each of the residence hall complexes and “Boo Buses” are available to transport faculty, staff, community members and their families from hall to hall. CONTACT: Dustin Killpack, (806) 834-0068 or dustin.killpack@ttu.edu.

• Tech Activities Board presents zombie specialist Matt Mogk 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29 at the Student Union Building’s Allen Theater. The “Zombie Specialist” is founder and head of the Zombie Research Society, a global community dedicated to the serious study of zombie science, survival and pop culture and authored “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Zombies,” a finalist for a Bram Stoker Award in nonfiction. Admission is free for Texas Tech students with a valid I.D. and $12 per ticket for the general public. Tickets can be purchased in the Student Union Building at the Allen Theater’s east information desk. CONTACT: Austin Reiter, (806) 742-4708 or austin.reiter@ttu.edu.

Autumn Fest at Texas Tech

Luckily for us, Autumn Fest is back for this year! Next weekend, October 11th on Texas Tech's campus from 11 AM until 3 PM, you can enjoy local music acts, delicious food and local vendors selling their work. This year is going to be even better so don't miss out! For more information head to Everything Lubbock. Luckily for us, Memorial Circle is just across the street from us at ULofts!

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

After a successful event last year, Texas Tech University’s Office of the President is bringing back Autumn Fest this year, open to the public and appropriate for all ages.

The festival is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 on campus at Memorial Circle and will include live, local music, food, entertainment, art and local vendors selling their works.

“After a success last year, we are excited to host an event for the South Plains community that is perfect for a family outing and for all ages to enjoy,” Texas Tech President M. Duane Nellis said. “Whenever we were in the beginning stages of Autumn Fest, our goal was to strengthen the ties between the Texas Tech and local community and also familiarize our students with the local businesses and arts scene. This has been a great opportunity for both community members and students, and I am looking forward to how well this year’s event will be.”

Some products featured will be art of all different styles – glass, paintings, print, pottery, metal yard art, carvings and photography – handmade crafts, clothing, accessories, jewelry, home décor, household products such as salves, creams, soap, sprays, lotions and bath blends, local food of all sorts, including organic items, and much more.

Food also will be served at Autumn Fest including:
Sandwiches
Snow cones
Street tacos, burritos, tortas
Loaded potatoes
Nachos
Frito pie
French fries
Kettle corn
Homemade lemonade

Activities will be available for kids such as nature-based crafts, science demonstrations, face painting, chess demonstration, inflatable activities and more.

Open parking will be available to the community, except for the R-08 lot (reserved for vendors) located west of Memorial Circle by the Science, Chemistry and Mathematical Sciences buildings.

For more information about Autumn Fest, visit its website or contact autumnfest@ttu.edu.

(Press release from Texas Tech University)

Happy First Day of Fall

We wanted to wish a happy first day of fall to all of our wonderful residents! Enjoy your day!

15 Cleaning Hacks for the Lazy College Student

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Living at school and going to classes is time consuming, especially if you have a job on top of all of that. It can be hard to muster the motivation to clean your apartment. So when you're feeling lazy and you need to get some cleaning done, try these life hacks from Buzzfeed to make it easy on yourself. Head to Buzzfeed to check out more tips.


1. Spray a no-wipe cleaner on your shower walls every time you bathe.
You don’t even have to touch those grimy tiles!!! This blogger swears by this stuff.

2. Or, keep a handled sponge filled with half Dawn dishwashing liquid and half white vinegar and do a little scrubbing while you’re waiting for the conditioner to set in your hair.

3. Use body wash or liquid shower gel, not soap. You’ll get much less soap scum buildup in your tub.

4. Pee sitting down.
While you may consider this emasculating, your toilet will be MUCH cleaner.

5. Make a conscious effort to put something away every time you get up to go to a different part of your home.
On your way to the kitchen to reheat some leftover pizza? Grab that pair of scissors that actually belongs in the junk drawer that you never bothered to put back.

6. Buy anti-microbial doormats.
Or better yet, enforce a no-shoes policy. Tell your guests you have an Asian grandmother.

7. If you have carpet, keep Stomp ‘N Go pads for emergency stain removal.
They supposedly get out wine spills, coffee, pet messes, food, blood, and more. No scrubbing required.

8. Multitask during idle time.
While you’re cooking, do some dishes. Wipe down the sink every time you wash your hands. While you’re waiting for the hot water before a shower, tidy up the bathroom.

9. Avoid dusting by walking around your house in “Swiffer Socks.”
AKA those weird chenille socks that you always seem to get like three pairs of every Christmas. You just dusted a narrow pathway in your apartment just by schlepping to the kitchen to make nachos.

10. Use Press ‘N Seal wrap to line the surfaces in your fridge.
Cleaning the fridge is one of those things you just never get around to doing. Just replace the liners and your fridge will feel good as new again.

11. Cleaning your microwave is (almost) as simple as turning it on.
Pour 2 cups of water and 1/2 a cup of white vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl. Pop it in for about 3 minutes on full power. Let it sit for a few minutes. Remove the bowl carefully and wipe clean.

12. While you’re cooking, keep a plastic grocery bag on the counter.
You can quickly throw away any peels or packaging, saving you a few trips to the trash can.

13. Line your George Foreman grill with foil before cooking anything in it.
Those things are the hugest pains to clean.

14. Eat food out of a tortilla to avoid having to wash your bowls.
Works fairly well as long as you’re not an aggressive fork-stabber.

15. Eat Chinese take-out without dirtying up a dish.
Remove the metal handle and unfold the box into a plate you can eat out of.

9 Apps Every College Student Should Have on Their Phones

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Those of us going through college in this day and age have a very serious advantage over those who have gone in the past. We have so many tools and resources at our fingertips. One of the greatest tools of this generation are our phones: always right at our sides and connected to a vast world of information. Being in college is difficult but it can get a little easier with some of these apps to keep track of things so you don't have to! For the full list of useful apps head to The Kardia Blog.

If I was to list a single skill I wish I already had mastered, it’d be productivity. Being a full-time student has taught me so much about prioritizing and not procrastinating. But of course, it’s not always easy. I’m always looking for more ways to productive. And living in the smartphone generation, apps are one of those ways.

Social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest definitely get the most use on my phone, but those don’t allow me to be very productive. That got me thinking about the apps that come in handy the most when I am in school. Which ones help me stay on top of everything? So the following apps and resources are ones that I personally use and recommend to any busy person looking to maximize the time they have and stay organized.

RefME (Free / Website)

I’ve been using RefME for all my papers this semester, and I don’t know why I didn’t use it before! It’s such an amazing resource! Nobody likes figuring out how to cite a source. RefME does all the hard stuff and lets you collect sources fast and keep them organized in groups. You can either search for the reference title, author, url, etc., or simply fill in the boxes with the appropriate information, select what citation style you need, and voilá! A perfect bibliography/works cited is born! Some other great features are that it allows you to export your bibliography directly into a Word document and shows you the correct inline citation to use. With their app, you can even scan book/journal barcodes to get citations. How easy it that?

Sunrise (Free / iPhone, Android, Mac)

While the default calendar app is fine for appointments and schedules, I find the Sunrise app even better. Upon opening the app, you can see your schedule for the next few days with little icons beside each event letting you know if it’s a class, meeting, work, etc. I love how simple and straightforward it is!

MyWater (Free / iPhone)

I’m super bad at drinking enough water :( I use this app to keep track of how many water bottles I drink in a day. You can set your daily goal, what size bottle you’re using, and have reminders go off at different times during the day. It’s easy to use too, just swipe up when you drink a glass of water!

Sleep Cycle ($0.99 / iPhone, Android)

I hate that feeling of waking up all groggy and tired for an early morning class. Sleep Cycle analyzes your sleep and wakes you up when you’re in the lightest sleep phase. Graphs provide you with information about your sleep quality, what times you went to sleep in the past 3 months, the average time you spend in bed, and your sleep quality on certain days of the week. Definitely worth the $0.99!

Shopkick (Free / iPhone, Android)

Free gift cards? Yes, please! Use shopkick to get points for walking into stores like Target, American Eagle, and Best Buy. Then, redeem your points for gift cards. Shopkick also has coupons and deals for tons of stores that you already go to on a regular basis.

Pocket (Free / iPhone, Android, Mac)

Don’t lose track of the all the interesting things you find by letting tabs pile up in your browser. Pocket allows you to easily save articles, videos, and more for later. Everything goes to one place, so you can view it anytime, on any device, even without internet. Perfect for when you want to read an article or watch a video but don’t have time at the moment.

Mint (Free / iPhone, Android)

This is the perfect app for creating a budget and keeping track of where you spend your money. Set up financial goals such as saving up for spring break, paying off your school loans, or buying a car and get advice on how you should budget and distribute your paychecks in your checking and savings accounts.

She Reads Truth (Free / iPhone, Website)

She Reads Truth is an online community of women who read the Bible and encourage one another. Devotional reading plans can be read on their website for free, emailed to you, or read through the iPhone app (for a small fee depending on how recent the plan is). The app also includes beautiful lock screens with scripture on them!

Duolingo (Free / iPhone, Android, Website)

I have to take a language class for my Bachelor of Arts degree, so I’m getting ahead of the game by learning spanish for free on Duolingo. This app can help you learn Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, or Italian using easy exercises to help you spell and pronounce the new words! You can set how long you want to learn each day (5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.) making it easy to do in between other tasks.

Labor Day Relaxation

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This coming Monday we'll be celebrating Labor Day! This is the day we recognize all of us hard-workers out there and we commemorate the day by not doing any hard work whatsoever. How do you plan on relaxing? Beach day? Family picnic? Exhilarating hike through the wilderness? Whatever it may be we hope it's relaxing. If you're unfamiliar with the practice you can head to Lifehacker to check out these and more tips on how to unwind.

How are you spending your Labor Day? Let us know!

We're celebrating Labor Day here in the states (or "Labour Day" in Canada), which means the government's celebrating your hard work by giving you the day off. While long weekends are great, if you don't take a moment to unwind they don't do you much good. Make your day off count and check out some of our favorite ways to relax and recharge.

Recognize and Repair Burnout

You want to avoid burnout, but sometimes you don't recognize the signs or the severity of the problem. Here are a few articles that explain how and why you get stressed out plus what you can do about it.

Exercise Your Mind and Body

Not all exercise has to be work. Meditation and yoga are two great ways to keep your mind and body active without the process feeling like work. We've got guides to help you get started with both.

Learn How to Improve Your Sleep

Sleep is about as relaxed as you get, and if you want to recharge you're going to need to sneak a few hours here and there. These posts can help you find time for naps and improve your overall quality of sleep.

Make Changes to Improve Your Work Life

It may be your day off, but taking a little time to make tomorrow better may be worth it. Here are a few ways you can find balance in your work and improve your office life in several ways.

Just Have Some Fun

Of course, one of the easiest ways to relax is make sure you have some fun. Here are some projects to help bring a little more into your day.

15 Easy & Cheap Meals That Aren't Ramen

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Just because you're in college doesn't mean you need to eat like you are. Small budgets and a lack of resources can result in students thinking that they need to subsist on Cup o' Noodles and Easy Mac. That's not the case! There are plenty of ways to make delicious and cheap meals using what you have in your apartment already! For more recipes like these head to Brit + Co.

You may think living in a college dorm means the end of good cooking and a constant diet of bad cafeteria food and Pop Tarts, but if you’ve got a waffle maker, a microwave and a mug, you can turn into a pretty incredible home cook with the right recipes — and we have 25 of ‘em for you! Most of these dishes are ready within 10 minutes, making them perfect for whipping up in between classes or for late-night study breaks. From ramen hacks to meals in a mug, you’ll be blown away by the gourmet meals you can make right from your dorm room.

1. Ramen Stir Fry: Skip the flavor packet this time around and turn your attention to that super cheap, pre-measured serving of quick-cooking noodles that you can do anything with! The twirly ramen noodles are fun to eat, and you can throw all kinds of veggies and spices into them. (viaSoup Addict)

2. Mac in a Mug: It doesn’t come out of a box or use mysterious cheese powder, but it does taste amazing! Bonus: It makes only one serving, so the eating-all-five-servings temptation is eliminated. (via The Better Martha)

3. Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars: Granola bars are an absolute lifesaver when you’re in a rush, but why are those little bars so expensive? For the college student on a budget, try these super delicious bars that are healthy for you and made in the microwave! (via Bakerita)

4. Cocoa Mocha: If you don’t have a coffee maker, but you do have a microwave, then you can make this frothy, delicious coffee with instant coffee and hot chocolate. Naturally we topped our beverage with marshmallows. (via Brit + Co)

5. Waffle Maker Hash Browns: We had no idea there were so many uses for the waffle iron! Making hash browns in a waffle maker gives them the perfect amount of brown crispy goodness. (via Macheesmo)

6. Chocolate Muffin: If it’s called a muffin, we can eat it for breakfast, right? Right? (via Dessert With Benefits)

7. Eggs in a Nest: This healthy breakfast can literally be made in 30 seconds! You’ll be getting protein and some fiber if you use whole wheat bread, making this breakfast better than most of the greasy things available in the cafeteria. (via Brit + Co)

8. Mexican Corn in a Cup: Mexican corn is a fabulous combo of corn, a dash of cream, some cayenne pepper and lots of salty queso fresca. You could eat this on its own or nuke some quesadillas for a mini Mexicanfiesta! (via Little Inspiration)

9. Microwave Salmon: Don’t hate it until you’ve tried it! We think you’ll be amazed by how good this salmon dinner turns out even in a microwave. (via Savory Sweet Life)

10. Waffle Pizza: Don’t order in again. Pull out that waffle iron and try making a pizza crust! You could even have a mini pizza party with the roommates where everyone gets to pick a topping. (via Waffleizer)

11. Cinnamon Apple and Banana Oatmeal: Add fresh (easy) or frozen fruit (EASIER!) to your oatmeal to give it an extra boost. Plus, nothing is more warming than cinnamon oatmeal when that walk across the quad start to get chillier. (via Brit + Co)

12. Taco in a Bag: You can only eat at Taco Bell so many times before you start craving some homemade Mexican food. Try this easy “taco” that won’t even get any dishes dirty, making clean up a breeze. (via Betty Crocker)

13. Ramen Pad Thai: Get crazy with some Asian fusion and make pad Thai out of those old ramen noodles. Just add fish sauce, fresh lime and a handful of peanuts to the spice packet, and you’ve done some impressive ramen hacking. (via Serious Eats)

14. Falafel Waffles: These falafel-filled pita wedges are made in the waffle iron and make a great grab-and-go lunch for long days of classes. You can fill them with falafel and Greek yogurt and not worry about them dripping on your cute outfit like a traditional falafel wrap. (via Serious Eats)

15. 10 Minute Risotto Cups: Forget standing over a stove for an hour, these delicious dinners are made in the microwave in less time than it takes to agree on what to watch on Netflix tonight. We tried a couple different flavor combos like butternut squash + sage and bacon + kale. (via Brit + Co)

National Chuck Wagon Championship Cook Off

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Starting September 11th through the 13th you can experience the National Chuck Wagon Championship Cook-Off right here in Lubbock! Winners of the competition can win prizes upwards of $10,000! Only a limited number of tickets are available to the public so make sure you get yours early and fast before they run out. For more information head to Everything Lubbock.

The National Cowboy Symposium & Celebration hosts the National Chuck Wagon Championship Cook-Off in Lubbock, Texas, September 12th, 2015. The full Symposium is held September 11-12-13th at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center and Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts.

The annual Cook-Off boasts one of the largest chuck wagon gatherings in the nation, with wagon crews competing trophy buckles, cash awards, and prizes of over $10,000. Each wagon is required to prepare a complete meal of chicken fried steak, pinto beans, potatoes, fruit cobbler and bread. The cooking competition team consists of one head cook, one assistant cook, and two helpers. The head cook is responsible for appropriate equipment and wagon authenticity, meal preparation, and cleanliness of the wagon camp area. Judges’ scores are compiled to award winners in each of five divisions: Bread, Meat, Potatoes, Beans, Dessert and Overall High Food Point. Wagons are also judged on the camp and wagon authenticity and prizes are awarded in the Ranch Wagon and Trail Wagon divisions.

A limited number of meal tickets are available for the public to enjoy the same competition prepared meals on Saturday, September 12th. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Tickets may be purchased online in the NCSC Store and mail-in order forms may also be found on the web site atwww.cowboy.org .

The purpose of the Symposium is to celebrate, preserve and pass along our western heritage and cowboy culture for those who know and love it, and for those who have never known it before to learn from and enjoy it as well. To carry out these goals, the event schedule includes musical entertainers, poetry and storytelling, western writer’s panel, horse handling demonstrations, Farrier Demonstrations, a horse parade, chuck wagon cook-off, and exhibits of western artworks and merchandise. The event features award winning entertainers like Cowboy Celtic, Pipp Gillette, and Craig Carter along with many other talented performers.

The 27th Annual event includes exhibit spaces filled with western art and goods, chuck wagons and special presenters on “The Influence of Celtic Cultures on the American West.”

One of the largest events annually held in Lubbock, the Symposium draws visitors from 20-30 states and multiple nations, and people from more than 30 nations have attended in the previous twenty-one years.

The event has activities for the entire family! Show goers will be able pick and choose from a full schedule of entertainers, western programs, and activities each day of the event. A schedule of events and ticket information may be found on the official web site at www.cowboy.org. All-inclusive, one-price, “Wrangler Pass” and “Rustler Pass” admission tickets are available prior to the event. The Wrangler passes allow admission and meals for all three days and the Rustler pass is an all-inclusive one day pass for Friday or Saturday. Individual tickets may be purchased in advance through the office, on the web site, or in person upon arrival at the event.

The show is open to the public Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 11-12-13th at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane (6th Street), and Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, 511 avenue K in Lubbock, Texas.

(News release from The National Cowboy Symposium & Celebration)

College Apartment Essentials

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Living on your own in a college apartment is exciting! It’s your first real taste of freedom without an RA to supervise you day and night like in your dorm room. Decorating your first apartment however, can be difficult. You’re still unsure of what exactly you need and you don’t have much money to spend. According to Gina-Alyse, these are the essential things that everyone needs in their college apartment.

Freshman year of college, I couldn’t wait to have my own kitchen and my own apartment. Having an apartment, even an on-campus apartment, opens you up to what life is like living away from home. You have the option to cook for yourself, decorate a larger space, host more guests and take on more responsibility. I love how my apartment felt more like home, and I love living with my closest friends! After living in the apartment for a semester, I am now so excited to decorate my space and make the most out of living in an apartment so close to my classes and activities! If you are moving into an apartment, I hope to help you all too with making decisions about your space too!

For the Kitchen:

1. Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker: This Micro-Cooker does WONDERS for dorm room food creations. Microwave soups, vegetables, pasta, mac & cheese, chicken, rice, leftovers or anything you can imagine! In your apartment, it is so easy to microwave anything in here for quick, on-the-go meals.

2. Extra cups and dishes for guests: Now that you have an apartment, take advantage of having guests over and entertaining by making dinner together or doing theme nights. Always make sure you have extra dishes around.

3. Take-out menus: For those nights you don’t feel like cooking and would like to eat in!

4. Brita Water Filter: While this is personal preference, I’ve been loving my water pitcher for filling up my water bottle/tumblr everyday and making sure I’m drinking enough water.

5. Bags to carry groceries: Use some recyclable bags to carry groceries up the stairs of your apartment or across the parking lot. They are so much easier to use than the plastic kind and they are a greener option!

6. Blender: For making smoothies, milkshakes and other different sauces, salsa or food items! I have heard great things about the Nutribullet Blender, especially since it is a great size for living in a college apartment. For smoothies, I recommend the Smoothie Smart Blender. I’ve been using it for the past year and a half, and it’s been great for smoothies and soups. Plus, it is really budget-friendly!

7. Olive oil or coconut oil: use a healthier oil option for your cooking in your apartment. Coconut and olive oil are two good options!

8. Handy baking supplies: We keep a community baking cabinet in our apartment, which means that any one of my roommates can use the flour, sugar, vanilla, sprinkles, salt, etc. to bake cookies, cupcakes, etc. for events around campus.

9. Tumbler cup or reusable water bottle: These are perfect for on-the-go around campus and my go-to to saving plastic from using water bottles.

For your room:

10. Floor lamps + extra lighting: check to make sure there is enough light in your room! I had to buy a floor lamp to bring in some extra light for my room this year, and it was the best decision I made!

11. Command Hooks: These are so necessary in college, especially if you are living on campus and want to decorate your room to match your style!

12. Pictures of you and your college friends: Update your picture frames or your wall with more current pictures of you and your friends to remember your first years of college together.

13. Extra blankets + chairs: These come in handy in case you have out-of-town friends come to visit and stay in your apartment living room or if you have extra room to have guests over and hang out!

For apartment decoration:

14. More wall art! You will have extra wall space in your apartment with your living room, so make sure you collaborate with your roommates to spice up the walls. Because our walls were a little too white, we ended up making a 6′ x 3′ fabric wall art with supplies from Home Depot and the local craft store. It was very similar to this tutorial. As the year went on, we continued to add decorations to make the apartment feel more like home.

15. Fake flowers or fresh plants: This is a personal preference, but plants bring such life to a space!

16. Dry erase board for roommate messages: This has been such a good idea so far with communicating roommate messages and notes of inspiration! We keep ours right by the door so we see any notes we leave before or after class.

For excursions:

17. Sleeping bag: A sleeping bag comes in handy for sleepovers, camping trips, retreats and so many more things in college. If you have friends spend the night in your apartment, or if you just want to stay warm at night, a sleeping bag should be on your packing list!

For a healthy, clean apartment life:

18. Apartment cleaning schedule: Our apartment created a cleaning schedule, which listed who had each chore for the week. We included chores like emptying the dishwasher, taking out the trash, vacuuming, dusting and cleaning the kitchen floors and counters. This way, we all know who is responsible for each item every week and it keeps it more orderly and clean.

19. Extra Clorox wipes: We go through these so quickly and easily! I like to use them for cleaning nearly everything–you never know when you will need some.

Time To Move In

Image From Uloftsapartments.com

It is almost time to come back to Texas Tech for the fall semester. Are you moving into ULofts Apartments for the first time? We can not wait until you can call ULofts home. Moving into your first off campus apartment can be terrifying and exciting. Here are a few tips from USA Today to make your transition a little easier.

1. Grocery shop in bulk. Buy a bunch of meats, separate them and freeze them so you’ll have dinner ideas prepared.

2. Get to know your neighbors.

3. Make a Google doc with your roommates to document who’s bringing what so you don’t all show up on move-in day with duplicate items.

4. Your parents will probably get you a bunch of cleaning supplies for your apartment — use them.

5. Remember what grocery items you bought. And if something of yours goes missing, don’t be afraid to nicely confront your roommates about it.

6. Don’t forget to pay your rent — those late fees can be a killer.

7. Call your apartment complex prior to move-in and ask if there’s anything that doesn’t come with the apartment that you might need to purchase individually, such as a shower rod, router, nightstand, etc.

8. Buy a mattress pad.

9. Utilize your kitchen.

10. If you throw a house-warming party or kickback at your place, be prepared to clean up the leftover mess.

11. Decorate!

12. Off-campus living means no RA’s checking in on you every few days. Be sure to use your freedom wisely.

13. Always make sure you have food at your place.

14. Lock your bedroom door before leaving your apartment.

15. Don’t share your WiFi password with too many people.

16. Don’t forget to change your local address to your new residency. I sometimes still get mail from the girl who lived in this apartment before me.

17. Utilize whatever facilities your complex has to offer — pool, gym, tanning beds.

18. Keeping a mini-fridge in your room isn’t such a bad investment.

19. If you plan on inviting more than three guests over, tell your roommates.

10 Things To Do Before Summer Ends

Image From Pixabay

We have about two months of summer left, and we want to make the most of it. Apartment Therapy has some great ideas for you to enjoy the last weeks of summer. Grilling outside, having a movie night or making lemonade should all be on your summer bucket list. Keep reading to snatch some ideas for the rest of your summer.


1. Make pizza on the grill.

Have a grill? Love pizza? Then you must marry the two. It's not hard to make killer grilled pizza as long as you know the technique and tips. Invite your friends over and — zam! — you've created a memory.

2. Make your own ice cream or sorbet.

Summer = ice cream, ice cream = summer. The two are basically interchangeable this time of year, so you might as well go all in and indulge yourself silly. You'll feel a little better if it's homemade, too, because we all know homemade treats have half as many calories as their store-bought counterparts. (All that effort you put into making it burns up a good chunk, am I right?)

But if it's too hot to really put effort into much of anything, no worries — just make this and call it a day.

3. Make lemonade.

Okay, so I lied — lemonade is actually summer's realest, truest thing. (Ice cream is a close second.) Lemonade in the summer is like a tall drink of water ... except it's not water, it's lemonade, which is so much better than water.

4. Grill every kind of burger you can think of.

A good burger is welcome any night of the year, but it's particularly satisfying between the months of June and August. This is a fact. So why stop at beef burgers? Think of all the burgers you can make and eat: salmon burgers, black bean burgers, turkey burgers, chicken burgers, eggplant burgers! Go to it.

5. Make a fruit cobbler or crumble.

As Emma so rightly said, "Cobbler [is] the best reason to turn on the stove in the summer" — if you're not already turning it on for a crumble or crisp, that is! This is the most glorious way to enjoy ripe, juicy summer fruit. Don't let the fruit flies win, people. Get that fruit off your countertop and into a pan, stat.

6. Eat a tomato sandwich.

A simple tomato sandwich is divine. Have you had one (or 20) yet this summer? The simpler, the better: tomatoes, crusty bread, mayonnaise or mozzarella, salt, and pepper. So, so good.

7. Host a preserving party.

Into canning and preserving? Host a party! As Kate Payne, author of The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking wrote here, "Making preserves or pickles together is a fun way to spend a summer day. Share your skills and introduce people to canning in a low-stress way ... at our party last summer we made four recipes together over the course of five hours; supply and fruit costs were only $10 per person and we each went home with five jars of yum."

I'm always up for a jar of yum. You?

8. Drink pitcher cocktails and farmers market sangrias.

Summer parties are the time to skip the drink orders and go right for pitcher cocktails and sangrias. They're easy, festive, and totally right for the season. And with ingredients you can pick up at the farmers market, how can you go wrong?

9. Throw an outdoor movie party.

Watching a movie under the stars definitely makes our list of great summer experiences, even more so when it's combined with great friends and great snacks. And thanks to Anjali's party a couple years ago, we now know exactly how to do it! Here's a look at the whole party series:

10. Eat outside as much as possible.

Have a picnic on the beach. Pack a few snacks for hiking. Go car camping. Makes'mores in the backyard. Eat every meal on your porch or patio while the weather is warm and lovely. And yes, we know you West Coasters can do this any day of the year (lucky ducks), but for many of us, summer is short and fleeting. Be swift, and you may still catch it.

Organize Your College Apartment

Keeping things organized is important when you live in an apartment! Small spaces call for getting creative with your storage. Sometimes giant plastic crates aren’t going to get the job done. That’s where tool totes come in. These multipurpose tool carriers don’t have to be used just for tools. They can be utilized by everyone: kids, crafters, car enthusiasts. Check out how the folks at Apartment Therapyuse theirs. Do you have anything that you use for things other than its intended purpose? Let us know on the Facebook page.


My dad recently gave me this tool tote and, organizing fanatic that I am, I immediately started looking beyond its intended use and wondering what unexpected uses I could come up with. This little thing is handier than you might think, so read on for four uses, as well as some suggestions for similar totes, in case the red and black look isn't your thing...


Kids' Tote: Keep the things that keep your child entertained handy. Because of it's portability, a tool tote is easy to take with you or to keep in the car, and the pockets are great for all the odds-and-ends that kids adore.

Some sample items to keep in the tote:
books
stickers
pencils and markers
coloring books
earphones
iPad or other electronic device
small toys
card games
snacks
construction paper
stuffed animals


Craft Tote: Stash everything related to your latest project in this tote so that it's easily to handle. When I lived in a studio apartment, I used a similar tote as my mobile "craft room." It kept me from acquiring too many crafty things, but it also kept all my items organized and accessible for whenever inspiration struck. Plus, everything is easily packed up again, so your coffee table isn't perpetually strewn with yarn and paper.

Some sample items to keep in the tote:
filing folders filled with decorative papers
yarn
knitting needles
embroidery hoops
sewing needles
scissors
glue gun
glues
craft paint
threads
hole punches
stamps
ribbon
markers
sketch pad


Car kit: In case of emergencies, having a designated tote means that necessary items are close at hand. Consider adding daily essentials like parking passes and a phone charger in addition to emergency items like jumper cables and a tire iron. The whole kit is easily moved from the backseat to the trunk and vice versa.

Some sample items to keep in the tote:
jumper cables
flashlight
maps
cleaning wipes
Tide stain pen (in case of an in-car eating mishap)
a bottle of water
granola bars, dried fruit, or nuts
parking passes
a pen and notebook
an umbrella
flat tire emergency spray
an ice scraper
bungee cords
a tire iron
first-aid kit
extra chargers for electronics


A Bill-Paying/ Office Caddy: Tool totes are handy for corralling the things that you need every month when you spread out to tackle the bills. Even if you pay your bills online, having important papers and mailing supplies at the ready can be handy. Plus, in a really small space, this could serve as "mobile office", filled with all the supplies you need and easily stowed in a closet or a cabinet.

Some sample items to keep in the tote:
File folders for receipts and bills (keep separate ones for bills that need to be paid, bills that have been paid, or bills that need to be filed elsewhere)
calculator
pens
envelopes
stamps
checkbook
letter opener
scissors
computer screen wipes
a notebook and pen

I used a small sewing caddy from the dollar store to corral things like push pens, rubber bands, Post-it flags, staples, and the like

Oh, and of course you could use it for tools. Any other alternate ideas?

Try Something New This Summer

Image From Wikipedia

Are you tired of the same old summer activities that you do every year in Lubbock? Swimming and enjoying the outdoors can be fun, but what about trying something new and exciting. Escape Room has come to Lubbock, and it is time for you to use your skills to break out of this interactive theater experience. You can read more at Lubbock on the Loop.


Open for 8 months now, Trapped! Escape the Room is located at 3521 50th Street (50th St & Knoxville). The cost is $20.00 per person, and if you’re a student it’s only $18.00. There is a recommended minimum age of 14 with an adult. Without an adult, minimum age of 16.

You must reserve the time slot in which your group wants to go, and reserving is super easy! Click hereto look at the schedule and book your adventure.

Lubbock’s version of this worldwide entertainment phenomenon currently has two different rooms:


The Playroom

2-5 people
“Harder” of the two rooms. We put it in quotes because each group will have its own strengths and weaknesses
Creepy atmosphere
Overall success rate of 34%


The Laboratory


3-8 people
“Easier” of the two rooms. We put it in quotes because each group will have its own strengths and weaknesses.
Science atmosphere
Overall success rate of 46%


We had a late night reservation for The Playroom. Keep in mind that this room is in no way scary (at least not until October). There aren’t snakes in the room, nobody pops out at you, and you won’t feel any random gusts of air. You are monitored via cameras the entire time by the staff and the walkie talkie allows you to be in constant communication. (Also use this to ask for hints!)


Ben told us that he will be switching out The Playroom by the end of summer with a new theme… Interrogation. He is planning to turn The Playroom even scarier around Halloween- an actual haunted room!

This is a really great way to work on team building (companies like Alamo Drafthouse have already been through here) and relationship building (hello, double dates). Work out that noggin and figure your way out of the room! If you escape with plenty of time to spare or if you stay trapped like us, you still get your picture taken. Your sign will either say “Escape Artist” or “We Suck” – only you can decide your fate!

Stay Safe In The Sun

Image From Wikipedia

Summer is here, and we are in for a hot one! Keeping your skin protected from the sun’s rays is smarter than lying out and soaking them up all day. You can enjoy the sunshine while still staying safe. These tips and facts from Real Self will help keep you safe from the dangerous UV rays.


Summer's almost here, and you know what that means: outdoor festivals, backyard barbecues, and days at the beach! Unfortunately, there's nothing like a sunburn to put a damper on the fun, not to mention leave behind some pretty unsightly tan lines.


However, there's more to using sunscreen than preventing crazy patterns and itchy skin. Any time a RealSelf user asks our doctor community how to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging, their #1 tip is to wear sunscreen daily. Not only is UV radiation the most common cause of facial aging, but 90% of skin cancer is caused by exposure to the sun. (An even scarier statistic is the fact that one in five Americans are expected to develop the disease in their lifetime.)


You may think your avoiding UV damage isn't always as simple as "my moisturizer has SPF 15." To help you avoid the risks of too much exposure, we turned to dermatologistDr. Susan Van Dyke and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) to bring you these seven facts about proper sun protection:
1. Anything greater than SPF 50 provides the same protection

"A 50 SPF blocks 98.00% of UVB light (the burning rays) while a 100 SPF will block 99.00%,” says Dr. Van Dyke. “This level of benefit [to either] is of course contingent on applying enough and reapplying frequently."


2. Makeup and moisturizers with sunscreen aren’t always enough

Unless your makeup/moisturizer provides broad spectrum sunscreen and is reapplied throughout the day, it isn’t enough protection for all day sun exposure. According to ASDS, it’s fine if “you are only walking to your car from work or going into the store. But if you are going to spend a few hours outdoors, then you need to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen."


3. You need to reapply every 2 hours

"The active ingredients in sunscreen break down when exposed to UV light," says Dr. Van Dyke. "To maintain the SPF on the label, you need to keep reapplying as the ingredients lose effectiveness: every 2 hours, more often if you sweat or swim."


4. You should use one ounce to cover your whole body

According to ASDS, “Research shows that many people put on about half of the amount of sunscreen they need, so be sure to lather it on." And don’t forget the sensitive skin on your lips: Use lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher.


5. It’s not a free pass to suntan all day

"Sunscreen is not 100% even in the best of cases," warns Dr. Van Dyke. "Realistically speaking, few of us follow guidelines perfectly. If you really want to save your skin, the best approach is to use sunscreen, cover up (hats, sunglasses, SPF clothing), and seek shade."


6. Tanning oil with SPF 10 doesn’t count

“Less than an SPF of 15 doesn't protect you from the cancer-causing side effects of sun exposure,” says Dr. Van Dyke.


7. Don’t wait til you’re in the sun to apply

“Sunscreen should be applied one-half hour before going outside, giving the skin time to absorb it,” says ASDS.


The next time you're picking out sunscreen, here's what you should look for:
Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide
Minimum SPF 15, ideally 30-50
Broad spectrum UVA/UVB (UVB causes burns, but UVA is also damaging to the structure and health of skin)
Water resistance if you'll be swimming or sweating

Fourth of July in Lubbock

Are you taking classes over the summer? Lubbock is a great place to celebrate the Fourth of July. Food, festivals and fireworks are all on the schedule for this Saturday in Lubbock. Our blog will let you know what events are happening so you can start planning your weekend. You can learn more at Visit Lubbock.

• 4th on Broadway
• This annual event is actually the state’s largest free festival, and it’s right here in Lubbock! If you haven’t participated in previous years, it’s a must-do. Here is the event listing for this July 4th festival (from the Lubbock Avalanche Journal): 
• The festivities will kick-off with the smooth sounds of Grammy-Award winner, Little Joe Y La Familia for Amigo’s La Raza on the Plaza event. The gates will open at 7:30 p.m. 
• The 4th on Broadway parade, taking place from 9-11 a.m., will feature floats and an array of entries moving west on Broadway, from Avenue Q to University Avenue. 
• This year’s street fair will continue from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., with different genres of music featured on seven stages located along Broadway. More than 50 vendors will sell food items from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 
• A children’s area, dubbed the Kids’ Corral, will offer multiple activities from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the east parking lot of First Baptist Church, 2201 Broadway. 
• An annual Early Settlers’ Luncheon is slated for 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Broadway Church of Christ, 1924 Broadway. The event often sells out before July 4, with many present able to paint a picture of Lubbock in the city’s infancy. 
• Mid-afternoon on into the evening hours will find many spreading out blankets for family picnics at Mackenzie Park. A food court will tempt hungry passersby from 4:30-10 p.m., and several at the afternoon Kids’ Corral will have moved their hoppers, face-painting and arts and crafts activities to the park. 
• The Randy Rogers Band will headline the 4th on Broadway Street Dance with amazing LIVE music that will have you dancing in the streets. 
• Youth Orchestras of Lubbock will play at 7:30 p.m., and the live, patriotic music will continue even as the large fireworks display lights up the sky. 
• July 3rd Fireworks Extravaganza
• Venture out to Buffalo Springs Lake for a fireworks extravaganza with the family. Beginning around 7:45 p.m., attendees will enjoy live music before the firework show, which starts around 9:45 p.m. Gate fees will apply. On July 4th, Buffalo Springs Lake will host a 4th of July parade that begins at noon. Gate fees will apply.
• First Friday Art Trail
• Enjoy the 4th with some art! The famous First Friday Art Trail happens to fall on the 4th of July this year, and what better way to spend the holiday with friends! Check out our previous blog about Lubbock’s most popular monthly event.

Make Dishwashing Easier

Image From Wikipedia

Do you hate doing dishes? It ranks as one of our least favorite chores. However, this daily or weekly occurrence does not have to be miserable. Apartment Therapy has some great tips to make your dishes a little easier.


1. Start the night with an empty dish rack or dishwasher.


Tackling dirty dishes after dinner isn't a chore I enjoy. Especially if there's a dish rack to empty or dishwasher to unload first. It's easier and less daunting to tackle a sink full of dirty dishes when the dishwasher is already empty.


2. Get a head start with a bowl of soapy hot water by the sink.


When it comes to cooking, we've talked a lot about cleaning as you go, so think of this little tip as an extension of that. It's helpful to keep a large container of soapy hot water near the sink, then drop dirty utensils and tools in as you finish using them. It gives you a jumpstart on dishwashing, plus it prevents utensils from cluttering the bottom of the sink.

3. Save water by running the dishwasher instead of washing by hand.


If you're lucky enough to have a dishwasher, don't feel guilty about running it. Not only do dishwashers make cleanup a lot easier, but you're also likely to use less water than if you were washing by hand, especially if you have a newer-model dishwasher.


4. Keep a clear sink and store sponges in the dishwasher.


I love this reader tip for storing sponges in the dishwasher. It keeps your counter and sink free from clutter, and your sponges are always clean. It's a win-win.


5. Know what isn't meant for the dishwasher.


Dishwashers are a kitchen luxury that make cleanup a much faster and easier task. But a dishwasher is not a catchall for all your tools and dinnerware. There are actually a number of pots, pans, and servingware that should always be washed by hand.


6. Your dishwasher needs a little TLC once in a while.


Running load after load of dirty plates and bowls can take its toll on a dishwasher after a while. So, to keep it working well, it needs a little TLC every once in a while. Be sure to do things like clean the dishwasher trap and seals, and run an empty load with vinegar.

Keep Your Drinks Cool

From Pixabay

Are you entertaining family and friends this summer? Do not be afraid to take your party outside. Here are some great tips on how to keep your drinks cool all summer long. For more great entertaining tips, check out Apartment Therapy.



Summer is rolling in, and with it comes a steady flow of refreshing pitcher drinks. Whether you go for flavored water, lemonade, iced tea, or your favorite cocktail, the key is keeping your favorite drink chilled.

And the trick to longer-lasting ice lies in one simple baking tool: muffin tins.

The small cubes made in your freezer's ice maker or plastic trays are fine for filling glasses, but they just won't cut when it comes to pitcher drinks. The problem with small ice cubes is they melt way too fast in a large pitcher. So your drink gets watered down and it doesn't stay cold.

Instead what you need are large cubes of ice that can go the distance, and keep your drinks chilled longer. As a rule of thumb, the size of the ice cubes should match the size of what the drink is being served in.
The Best Tool for Pitcher Ice: Muffin Tins

Before making your next pitcher drink, reach for a muffin tin (or two). Yes, that's right — a muffin tin. It's not just for baking. Muffin tins are the ideal size to make large, long-lasting ice cubes to keep pitcher drinks cool.

Fill the cups with plain water or make the ice more fun by adding sliced lemon or small pieces of fruit. Then, to release the cubes, just run the bottom of the muffin tin under hot water for about 30 seconds.

5 Pitcher Drink Recipes
Pitcher Drink Recipe: Spiced Rye & Honey Cocktail
Pitcher Cocktail Recipe: Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
Recipe: Spicy Ginger Lemonade
Recipe: Iced Green Tea with Mint & Ginger Drink
How To Make Southern Sweet Tea

Make Your Apartment Life Better

Have you spoken with your landlord since you moved in? Living in an apartment isn’t always a walk in the park. It could benefit you tremendously if you establish a positive relationship with your landlord. Follow these tips from Lifehacker to get the most out of your apartment living. http://lifehacker.com/top-10-tricks-for-better-apartment-living-1441257482


Apartment hunting can be stressful, and living in an apartment isn't always a picnic either. From noisy neighbors to horrible landlords and tight spaces, things can get dicey. But with the right tricks up your sleeve, living in an apartment can be awesome. Here are ten ways to make that happen.

10. Find the Perfect Pad

The first step to better apartment living is, obviously to find a good apartment to begin with. It takes a little research, but with a bit of patience you should be able to find a nice apartment in the neighborhood you want. Check our five favorite apartment search tools to get started, and be sure to bring this checklist with you toask the most important questions while you hunt.

9. Cultivate a Good Relationship with Your Landlord

When you're looking for an apartment, don't just look at the unit—pay close attention to the landlord too. Avoid future problems by getting everything in writing, documenting the condition of the apartment, and knowing your rights. Hopefully you won't have too many problems, but if something ever does go wrong, make sure you hold your landlord accountable.

8. Save on Rent (and Moving Costs)

Many landlords are willing to negotiate on price, as long as you aren't competing with a bunch of other tenants. Try negotiating on things like pet fees or parking spaces rather than the actual rent cost, which can be tricky. The easiest way to save money on rent, though? Move in the winter, rather than the summer, when there's less competition. In fact, data shows that mornings at the beginning or end of November is the best time to search. Photo remixed from originals by The Noun Project, Maurizio Pedrazzoli, and Bev Sykes.

7. Upgrade It (Temporarily)

One of the major downsides of apartment living is that you can't upgrade a lot of things that are older or not as nice as you'd like. You may not be able to redo the entire kitchen, but you can perform a lot of temporary upgrades (old school or high-tech) that will make things look a little nicer and work a little better. Plus, if you want to put in the work, try talking to your landlord—they might be okay with you making a bigger upgrade, especially it if ends up saving (or making) them money in the long run.

6. Ease Roommate Tension

If you're living with roommates, you have a whole new set of things to deal with. For example, you have to divide up all your expenses, and share a close quarters living space. The former can be easily managed with a service like Splitwise, and almost everything else just means you should have a conversation and set ground rules early on. Of course, if you just get stuck with a horrible roommate, there are ways to "evict" them, too.

5. Deal with Noisy Neighbors

When you live in a house, your neighbors are separated by...well, another house. When you live in an apartment, your neighbors are separated by what always appears to be paper-thin "walls." If your neighbor is prone to loud music, lovemaking, or dance dance revolution binges at 1am, you have options. Obviously you can have a conversation with them, but depending on the circumstances, it may pay to go to the management or send them more subtle messages. Of course, you could just fill out this complaint form and slip it under their door too. And if you don't have any noisy neighbors...make sure you're not the noisy neighbor. Image remixed from YuriArcurs.

4. Avoid the Dreaded Rent Increase

Just because you got a good deal on rent at the beginning doesn't mean you're in the clear. Landlords increase rent all the time, and if you aren't prepared, you'll end up paying more next year than you did this year. Luckily, it may be avoidable. First, make sure it's even legal for them to do so, and see if you can negotiate them down(much like you did with the initial rent). This form letter may help you out, too.

3. Save on Energy Costs

Like upgrading your fixtures, some energy-saving measures are more difficult to pull off in an apartment, but you can still do a lot. For example, you can still install window shades, install a programmable thermostat, use energy efficient light bulbs, and more. In fact, most of our best energy-saving tips should be applicable to apartment living—just make sure you check with your landlord before you start tearing anything apart or sealing up doors and windows.

2. Make It Feel Like Home

You may not be able to repaint your apartment, install new carpet, or make any other permanent changes, you can still customize it and make it feel like home. Use photos and frames creatively to keep the walls from looking too bare, and add a large rug or other floor covering to switch things up. Stick to good design principles and a little can go a long way, at least until it's time to buy your own place.

1. Use Your Space Wisely

You hear it all the time, but the most useful apartment tips we encounter always have to do with saving space. It makes sense, since apartments can be pretty tight fits—especially if you're renting in a big city. You can save a lot of space with cheap household products, though—like command hooks, bed risers, and over-the-door storage racks. Just remember: use your vertical space when you don't have horizontal space, especially where it's easily out of sight.