Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

Balance Summer Fun and a Job Like a Pro


There comes a time when summer isn’t just for going to camps, hanging out by the pool and sleeping in. As the years go by everyone learns that summer is the prime time for making money, even if working isn’t exactly high on the summer bucket list. It’s a dilemma we all face as we grow up: balancing fun in the summer with a job. However, if gone about the right way, fun and money can both be made in those short summer months.

Here are a few helpful tips for balancing summertime with worktime.

1. Plan far in advance
That means plan everything from a simple lunch date with a friend to a weeklong family vacation with plenty of time to organize your work schedule. If you know your family is going on vacation at some point during the summer, sit down with your parents and plan it out so you can go into work and talk to your boss about time off immediately. The same goes for visiting friends. It will make your life easier as well as everyone elses’ lives easier.

2. Find a summer job that isn’t extremely demanding
Working 9 to 5 in the summer is such a bummer; look for a job that is morning only or just at night. Restaurants, for example, aren’t always open all day. Some don’t open until the evening during the week, which means employees can sleep in everyday before work.

3. Make friends at work 
If you become close with your co-workers your job will seem a lot more enjoyable and can even lead to some pretty amazing friendships outside of work as well. Although having good friends at work can distract you from actually doing your job, it will still make you a lot happier about having to work while all of your other friends get to hang out at the pool.

4. Don’t be afraid to request days off from work
You will not be the only one during the summer months wanting some time off. Employers know that as a college student you want to visit your friends and family during the summer, and as long as you give them plenty of notice and work hard before your time off it shouldn’t be a problem.

5. Don’t go to work with a negative attitude
If you go in with a negative attitude you will hate your job, but if you work with a positive attitude you will learn to like it and maybe even love it. Also, your boss will notice your negative attitude, and that isn’t a good thing. Businesses want positive employees who help the company thrive.

6. Think of all the money you will be making 
This should be your number one motivation for working in the summer. Plus, the money you make can pay for those road trips to visit friends, late night Andy’s cravings or Taco Bell trips and new summer clothes.

Follow these easy steps, and you just might have enough money to fund all of your summer adventures!

By: Katie Johns | Image: Source

CGM's Summer Guide to STL, Chicago and Kansas City


This summer is all about having fun and saving big. The top three cities represented by Mizzou students, St. Louis, Chicago and Kansas City, all have attractions and events made for the college budget.

Chicago


Chicago has a great downtown area that hosts many free festivals during the summer. For example, the jazz fest and theatre sagas are very popular among tourists and residents. For people who aren't so much into crowds, the museums and aquarium offer free days for the public. These days can get hectic though, so be prepared! On the more casual side there is Millennium Park, a great place to attend free concerts, have picnics or even take a water break by the towers.

St. Louis 


STL is also a great place for attractions. It is known for its zoo and amazing arch, both of which are free to the public. The St. Louis Zoo is a popular attraction for many tourists because it is completely free and offers many side amenities and games inside. It is world renown for its great upkeep of the park and animals. Don't think that because you've been there so many times it won't be exciting. Grab a fun group of people and personalities to make lifetime memories.

Kansas City


Kansas City is seen by many as benchwarmer of Mizzou cities, but it offers just as much unique fun as Chicago and St. Louis. It’s known for its great BBQ and Midwest country feel. Sometimes the big city can be too much to handle. This would be an almost ideal place to get away to find and experience a new lifestyle. Vacationing will not be a pocket plunder either. Food costs are much cheaper than the city and the food quality is better than average. If you want to get a taste of tradition while in “The Home of BBQ,” take a trip to Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, an old time classic. After dinner enjoy some shopping at the popular Crown Center, Hallmark headquarters, which features more than 60 restaurants, shops and attractions for families. Finish your day with a trip to The Kaleidoscope Museum, the magical art studio that allows you to be a kid again with its abundance of arts, crafts and games.

Though these are only a few of the many big cities represented in CoMo, they are close to Columbia, making them cheap, perfect getaways for College Glossers! Happy Summer savings!

By: Khadijah McGill | Images: 1, 2, 3, 4

Summer Fashion: Keeping It Classy


Summer time. The season’s sticky weather can make it easy to neglect keeping certain assets hidden. From the tiniest of shorts to the skimpiest of bandeaus, CGM has the scoop on classy summer tips to help you beat the heat in style!

Skirts & Dresses
Remember those middle school dress codes we all dreaded? Like the use of the “arm’s length” test we had to do before we purchased new skirts and sundresses at the mall? It may have been annoying to have to sacrifice adorable outfits for the sanctity of our school records, but, in a way, those infamous dress codes were meant to shape us into women of class! Yes, only purchasing skirts just above the knee is a bit ridiculous of a rule for grown women to follow -- not to mention how limiting that is for today’s fashion possibilities -- but the concept of filling your closet with things that won’t easily reveal your undercarriage is a point that shouldn’t be ignored.

Shorts
Shorts are summer’s go-to item every year. Whether it be a day out in the sun or a night out on the town, a pair of stylish shorts can fit the bill. However, a problem arises when all too often women throw on a pair that reveal more junk in the trunk than is appropriate. If the material doesn’t cover your entire bum, they shouldn’t be worn in public!

Despite the lack of material many pairs of shorts tend to have now days, some women refuse to buy their appropriate sizes. “Just because you can fit into a size 4 doesn’t mean you are one,” Art Institute of San Francisco student Trevor Rankins said. This future fashion designer has a point! Women should stop squeezing into unflattering pieces and start purchasing sizes that comfortably fit and flatter their gorgeous shapes!

Crop tops, Bustiers & Bandeaus
Summer isn’t summer without being able to show off those toned abs. This only becomes a problem when a cute cut-off top is paired with pieces that do not compliment it in an appropriate manner. Most cropped tees and tanks rest just above the belly button, so low rise shorts or pants are good choices for pairing. However, fashion law calls for high-waisted bottoms to be paired with high-hemmed bustiers and bandeaus. Typical bandeaus aren’t meant to be worn alone; a stylish bandeau under a sheer top or deep cut muscle tank will create the perfect balance of exposed skin!

Fashion is art and style is a true form of self-expression. How you present yourself speaks volumes of who you are and what you stand for. Self-respect is an important trait to have and a great way to gain the respect of others is through the way you present yourself--starting with your wardrobe.

This article is part of Candice's weekly column focusing on the hottest fashion trends.

By: Candice Brew | Image: Source

How to Throw a BBQ Blowout on a Budget


Finally, school is out and summer has begun! Around this time, there is nothing greater than to be able to store your backpack far away from sight and kick those caffeine cravings brought about by final exams and pinched deadlines to the curb -- even if it’s only for a few months. For most, being home means reconnecting with long-time friends, creating memories and celebrating just for the thrill of it.

Unfortunately, I’ve become all too familiar with the monthly, budget-conscious timestamp that’s been placed on my wallet. Despite it being the season of the sun, the scarce allocation of my funds limits the amount of time spent on recreational activities; although, I wish it didn’t. This means no vacations to Miami or Los Angeles for me anytime soon. So, if you’re like me or just looking for an amazing, less expensive way to get back-to-summer savvy, consider throwing a cookout! Below are a few easy steps to enjoying an evening outdoors with your pals.

1. Where’s the function? Whether big or small, every backyard has potential as a venue for a cookout. Backyards, as well as patio spaces, can be quickly converted from something typical and drab to a scenic view of everything fab! With the help of a creative imagination and a various array of colorful paper lanterns, table decorations, plates, cups and utensils, your event is sure to impress. If the weather doesn’t permit for an outdoors affair, don’t fret. Clear a space indoors, set up your decor accordingly and fire up the George Foreman!

2. Let’s get friendly! What’s a party without people? After choosing a date, a time and a location, your next move should be to send out invites. To be courteous, make sure to send the text message, email or formal invitation at least a week or two before you plan on partying.

3. Fight the food blues! The cost of providing food and beverages for your guests can get pricey depending on the number of guests attending. In order to save money, suggest that each guest bring a side dish of his or her choosing to go along with your prepared, grilled entrees. I must note that when hosting a cookout, especially one on a patio, make sure to leave ample room between your fire source (the grill) and your home to prevent any mishaps from occurring. Instructions in regards to how much space is needed between the two is provided by your grill manufacturer in your owner’s manual.

4. Don’t hide the funk! When I say funk, I mean music of course! After everyone’s been acquainted and had their fill, don’t be shy to encourage the group to bust a move to some of the hottest current and not-so-current tunes. If you decide to make your own party mix, it’s perfectly okay to combine well-known artists with newer ones. Trust me, by doing so, you’ll spark conversation and ensure that your event remains alive and rockin’.

5. Have fun! After all, that’s what it’s all about, right?! You’ve put relentless effort in multiple research papers and spent countless hours in libraries all semester. Therefore, you deserve to enjoy your downtime with those who matter the most to you.

This article is a part of Brianna's weekly column on entertainment.

By: Brianna Arps | Image: Source
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