broke college kids and a way to make money.

I know I'm not the only one who hates buying books every year for college.

They are so darn expensive up front. And? If you do decide to sell them back, there is a good chance you will only get a few bucks back.

I heard about Rentback.com this year and come end of semester, I will definitely be using this company. It's so quick, easy, and you make money from it.

Sounds like a brainless choice to me.

Here's how it works:

*Enter the ISBN number of your textbook.
*Rentback quotes you a price and an approximate number of times your book could be rented. (Usually it's several times)
*They take out $19 in their charges.
*You keep the rest!

Easy Peasy.

On top of it all, they have great customer service. Everytime I've used this company, I've always been satisfied.

*This post was written as part of a sponsored campaign for Campus Book Rentals.  All opinions are my own.*

My Weekend!

My weekend was pretty relaxed.

Friday night my frannnns and I went ice skating! besides me tripping/shaking/wobbling/ and looking like I was seizing on the ice, it was fantastic.

After ice skating grabbed some pizza before we went to see This is 40. and this def happened when we left....and we left in a hurry hahahaha

This is 40 was r-i-d-i-c-u-l-o-u-s-!!! That's all.

I woke up at 1 on Saturday afternoon, ate some breakfast and worked on a little homework! 

I watched EU beat Culver Stockton by 1 point!! Whoooo!!! 

Sunday, I literally did accounting homework all day. Fan freaking tastic!!

I lost my BDubs virginity last night and it was worth it. 18 Boneless Honey BBQ wings split with my friend Madison! and then before I knew it, is happened...

My friend Christian sent out this snap to all of my friends....er.mah.gosh!! I died.

Sunday night, my suitemate came in literally threw wax on my face. I was laughing so hard. I was looooong overdue for an eyebrow/lip wax...annnnd I can't believe I'm about to post this picture....

It burned so.bad. like ohmygoshitscaldedmyfaceoffbad

That's all....

Why you should rent your college textbooks

I just finished my first semester of college. I loved every part about it.

The only thing I hate about going back next week, is that I have to buy my books for spring '13. 

I'm broke and textbooks are just so darn expensive!

But after looking into renting books instead of buying, that's what I'm going to be doing. It saves so much money.

I had never thought about renting textbooks before coming across Campus Book Rentals. 

I've personally researched over 5 book rental websites, and CBR is the best deal. You pick how long you need your books, buy them, and return them at the end of semester. 

For example: I'm need this accounting book for next semester. Normally this book would be over $250 to buy. Campus Book Rentals offers it for $34 for 1 semester. 

I've also priced all of my books for next semester and I'll be saving over $200 because I'm renting from Campus Book Rentals.

I'd highly encourage you to look into renting your textbooks. You will save so much money and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

*This post was written as part of a sponsored campaign for Campus Book Rentals.  All opinions are my own.*

The one thing I dislike about college

I know I've said this before, but I LOVE everything about college. It's awesome.

 The only thing that I dislike so far is how expensive your books are! I'm already paying tons of money for college, then they make you buy these stupid expensive books. I especially love when your professor doesn't even use the book that they made you buy. Except not.

Thankfully there is a better option! RENT. Yes. You can rent your textbooks for the semester. It's saves SO much money. 

Several websites offer this, but I love Campus Book Rentals. It's super quick and simple. Find your books you need and have them shipped directly to you. When the semester is over, just ship it back. Watch this video for more information! :)

For example, I bought this book for my finance class this fall for around $175 online. With Campus Book Rentals, I could have rented it for around $50 instead. I wish I would have known about them in August!!

It's always such a pain to pay alot of moolah for textbooks and then lose money when you try and sell them back. Renting textbooks through Campus Book Rentals is the best way to go because you don't lose any money on your books.

What's also pretty awesome about CBR, is that they partner with Operation Smile. You can read more about this awesome program and how CBR helps here. 

So, as you are getting ready to register for spring '13 classes and purchase textbooks, go to Campus Book Rentals and see just how much money they can save you. Instead of wasting money on textbooks, you can save it for a date night, a new movie, or some new clothes! 

*This post was written as part of a sponsored campaign for Campus Book Rentals.  All opinions are my own.*

Midterms? Check!!

My first ever week of college midterms are OVER!

RELIEF!!

It feels so good to walk out of a midterm and know that you worked your butt off studying! The hardest part is waiting to hear my grade. 


This week I learned that:

Studying someplace new (library, coffee shop) really helps me focus better, rather than studying in my room so much.

After studying, studying, and more studying, sleep is very important. Get as much of it as you can!

Healthy meals and snacks are far better than junk food. Definitely helps keep me focused when I don't have a headache. 

Exercise is the best stress reliever, or one of them anyway.

Going off campus for a few hours and getting away is sometimes the perfect thing. This week I ran down to Branson with my roommate and saw one of my sisters volleyball games. It was so nice to see my family really quick and get my mind off things.

Everybody gets stressed. Don't take it personal when they take things out on you. 

One.more.day of classes then I'm going home!! wooo hooo!!

Happy almost weekend!!!

Emily 

Midterms

First official week of college midterms. 

Study.Class.Study.Study.Eat.Class.Class.Study.Study.Study.Dinner.Study.Study.Study.Study.

ONE.MORE.LEFT.

I'm excited to be going HOME this weekend for fall break!! 

Two WHOLE days without classes. A 4 day weekend.

Hard work will pay off. For now, I've gotta go finish stuDYING

What I've learned: the good, the bad, and the ugly

Freshmeat 

College 

One of the most incredible times. One of the most terrifying times. I've learned so much and I've only been here over a month. 

I've been meaning to do a braindump and write about all the crazy memories that I've already made, but my life has been cray. 

School: Some teachers are awesome, like total rockstars. They let us out of class early, make jokes in class, and declare Friday, Youtube Friday. Other classes having me wanting to shoot myself. Loooooong boring lectures and homework in large ungodly doses.

Workstudy: I interviewed for several workstudy jobs in August. I was hired to be the Office Assistant one of the guys' dorms. The athletic dorm. I'm not complaining. I love my job. I meet lots of super attractive athletic studs people. Need I say more? I got lucky for sure.

Sleep: Naps in the middle of the day are quite possibly the best thing about college. Ok I'm kidding, but seriously, it's awesome. I get back from class at around 11, and I don't have another class till 1. Snooze time! This just really makes up for the few hours of sleep I get every night. 

Dorm Life: It's like a giant sleepover every night. Enough said. 

My RA: Katie Baker. She's awesome! I love going into her room and having heart to heart talks with her. 

Friends: I LOVE all the people that I'm meeting! I love all the memories that I'm making. Embarrassing, funny, serious, awkward. 

Family: It's so weird calling/texting my parents during the day and not being able to talk with them in person. But I'm learning so much being away from home and I'm only an hour away. My mom bribes me with homemade food and free laundry :)

Fresh Elections!

Merry! My floor big sister :) seriously love her!

Big Sister/Little Sister Floor Dates

My life is crazy. Blogging will be at a minimum, but I'm completely ok with that. I love my life. I'm so blessed. I'll try to update every once in a while.

Oxox,

Emily 

No Toilet Paper. My luck

I should just start a label for my blog titled Emily's luck. or lack of. 

I'm dead serious. My luck is so bad.

Picture this. 12:56. Class begins at 1 down the hall.

I HAVE to pee. Sitting through economics class for 50 minutes without a bathroom is just not an option. 

I take my 22 pound backpack, plus self into said stall. I quickly begin to relieve myself only to realize there is no toilet paper. Aunt Flow is also here for her monthly visit so dripping dry or doing without just can't happen. 

Side note: I NEVER do the above, but a girl has got to think of all her options in a crisis.

So I decided I need to call for help. So I nicely yell in the cracks to the next stall for some TP. No answer. I try again this time a little bit louder. It is getting super embarrassing. The bathroom is full of college girls too. FreshMEAT right here. 

Finally, I reach my hand under the door and grab onto her boots and get the girl's attention. "I'm so sorry, but I need some TP". Much to my relief, the girl was sups sweet and gave me some. 

I'm sure she was rolling her eyes and wiping off her bedazzled boots where I put my hands. I'm pretty sure of it anyways.

and that my friends is my embarrassing story for today.

Happy Monday to me.

Guest Post: Random Roommate

Hi Lovers!! I'm busy getting settled into college and all the new transitions! I'm SO excited to have Lauren guest blogging for me today! She's so cute and I just love her blog! Make sure to stop by and say hey!!! 


Hi! My name is Lauren and I blog over at Life.Love.Lauren and I am stoked to be apart of Emily's blog! So while Emily is getting settled into school, I thought I would relive some of my first entering into college.

I went to New Mexico State University and graduated in December 2011 with my Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. I swam competitively in high school and looked at many schools with swimming scholarships. But somewhere in all of that I decided that I wanted to major in nursing and that my education came first before my swimming. So therefore I got a full ride academic scholarship to NMSU. I wanted to come out of school with no debt. It also helped that my boyfriend (who turned out to be my husband) also chose to go to NMSU. (He was super smart and got offers from UT Austin, MIT, etc in engineering.) 

I remember I decided to go with getting a random roommate because I wanted the experience of meeting someone new and not messing up a current friendship by finding out that I couldn't live with that person. So in comes Karla my freshman roommate. She had never done laundry before (No worries, I taught her) and came from a totally different place than I did. She was definitely nice enough and we end up getting along. That is all you need! You don't need to make a best friend out of every person you meet, but just enjoy every experience you have. If it wasn't for Karla I wouldn't have met one my best guy friends!

So without further ado, let me embarrass myself with pictures!

Me walking out of my dorm the first day of school. Yeah I would kill to be that skinny again!

And yes my side was the clean side.

Karla and I taking a ski trip

Well thank you to Emily for letting me relive a drip of my college experience. I wish you the best Emily with what the next couple of years have to offer you!!

Sometimes and Always

Sometimes: I hate walking to all my classes
Always: I know it will help to keep off the Freshman 15

Sometimes: I get nervous about stepping out and meeting new people

Always: I love making new friends

Sometimes: I try to go to bed early (before 1am)

Always: I'm up late watching PLL and snacking with my roomie

Sometimes: I hate going to chapel so much!

Always: I always learn something and grow a little bit.

Sometimes: I link up with Megan

Always: I wish I did because I love her to death! :) 

oxox,

Emily 

First Few Days

where do I begin? There has been so many memories already. Good, funny, embarrassing....

Friday: Moved in, met my roommate/suitemates. First meal in the caf, met some of my professors, worship at sunset and ice cream on the lawn.

Saturday: We listened to some student panels, and then we headed out to Convoy of Hope and we bagged rice! It actually was a ton of fun!!! Our team bagged enough rice for 60,000 meals for their hunger program. 

Saturday night we had a comedian and then coffee in the Joust. I'm trying to meet new people and get connected. baby steps.

Sunday: Chapel service for all incoming freshman and my fam! BBQ lunch and then came the sad part. goodbye :( yes I know my house is only an hour away, but still. My family prayed for me and then hugged me goodbye. I did okay until my dad hugged me. He teared up. I am his little girl! We are so close.

Sunday night we watched started watching Avengers, and then ended up going to Walmart and buying snacks. Yes that happened. 

Monday we had a ton of sessions for academic prep, EU student life etc etc etc. Last night, we went downtown and ate at this cute little bistro, shopped a little. Our night ended with watching a massive fight on the square that ended up with us calling the cops, an ambulance, cussing and some blood. Cray cray. 

Today, we had our first chapel, and now we have chill time until a dorm meeting and activities on the lawn. Yes I understand these types of posts are long and boring, but I'm trying to remember all the little details.


Here are some funnies:

Tessa (suitemate) "It's OK everybody's butthole stinks" In response to me telling her we needed Febreeze in the bathroom. Classy

"I have a VI" (va jay jay itch)

Me: "Tessa look I found this earring in your cupholder" Tessa: EWWW!! It's sticky!! *proceeds to chuck the earring out her window, while driving" hahaha


Every night has ended on the couch with Jenae, watching Pretty Little Liars! I'm hooked!!

I'm off to lunch!!

oxox,

Emily 

Move-in day: Evangel Bound!

I moved into college today!!! 

SO many emotions! SO many people! SO many things to do!

Here's a quick pictures of my room! It's pretty much done, and I LOVE it :) 

PS: my roommate is awesome! and she's adorable!! :) 

I've gotta run! orientation, activities, and meeting my professors are on today's agenda!!


oxox,

Emily 

Change.College.Crying.

Change is something I usually don't welcome with open arms.

It usually means that something has to give, positive or negative. It may be a selfish this for me to say, but I hate change.

I like routines. I like order. I like plans. I like knowing what will happen at all times. I'm a planner and an organizer. 

As I'm getting ready for college, I realized today, how fast and furious that change is coming.

I've been doing a lot of thinking and reminiscing. This time, it's about growing up. It's about the memories I've made, good and bad. It's about the friends that I've laughed with, cried with, and shared life with. It's about making mistakes and learning from them. It's about the stupid inside jokes and laughs that I've shared with people I adore. 

For some reason, heading off to college, I seem extra sappy lately. Maybe it's because my closest friends in high school are going to colleges, thousands of miles away. Or maybe it's because most of my other friends are all headed to a college nearby and I've going to college an hour away. I know it's only an hour, but I'm still leaving.

I've shed my fair share of tears the last few days too.  

I look back through pictures, journals, and old blog posts and think time flew. And yes, I know I blogged multiple times about wanting time to fly. I was ready for graduation and I was ready for a fresh start. 

But now that that fresh start and change is coming, I second guess myself. Will I survive? Will I make new friends? Will my roommate and I get along? Will my friends in Branson remember me? Will I get the grades my parents are wanting me to get? Will I succeed?

I question myself so much, because I want to make sure that everything is going to be ok.

The what-ifs constantly plague my head and I over think every situation. But honestly, which girl doesn't over think and play things out in her head? Let's be real.


With college just a few days away and a to-do list a mile long, here's to hoping that this change is exactly what I needed. That this fresh start will be what I've needed; to get me out of this funk.

Because I know if I've never stretched and bent a little, I'll never grow. Sometimes change is necessary.  

Midnight Hammocking

Today, my friend Chelsey heads to nursing school 25 hours away: Arizona. :( 

We had a ridiculously late night, last night. Making memories and being us.

Friday Funk and Funk-busting

I'm going to be real honest. 

I hate goodbyes. I hate them. I despise them. 

I've grown up with these friends and saying goodbye to them yesterday was just downright torture. I have friends headed to Arkansas, Arizona and other places in Missouri. 

I tried to hold it all in last night, and I did ok until the drive home. It was raining and of course I had on some sad music and I lost it.

I woke up this morning and I was in a total funk. 100% ican'tbelievemyfriendslefttodayidon'twanttotalktoanyone funk. I sat in bed and sulked. Yes. I am a child. 

These are the friends I've grown up with, fought with, laughed with, cried with, and lived life with. I know that people grow up and time marches on. It's part of life, but it doesn't make it any easier.

annnnnd, if I was leaving for college today, it'd be no big. But I have one more week at home and y'all can just pray that it passes by real quick like.

I decided that getting dressed up and going out would be good for me. Starbucks and some unnecessary shopping at Target with Kyle would do the trick. 

And blasting music and singing at the top of our lungs was part of our afternoon. 

Just getting a little bit of fresh air and getting my mind off it. Sometimes, that's all you need.

Oh and working a double tomorrow too.


Tell me what your funk busters are. I'd love to know. 


I'm out.

It's OK Thursday

It's OK to be anxious about leaving for college

It's OK to hate that your best friends are going to colleges far away. Like 25+ hours away

It's OK to STILL not have all my dorm stuff

It's OK to think that a Brita water filter is a must!!

It's OK to love talking with my roommate and get excited by the fact she's bringing Zumba dvd's to school

It's OK to be ticked that I won't have a car for my freshman year

It's OK to be in love with my comforter, one of the only things I've bought so far.

It's OK to be a little bit excited that I'll be in the only co-ed dorm on campus

oxox,

Emily 

It's OK Thursday

It's OK to plan a day off a month in advance for a birthday party on the lake. Lord knows I needed it.


It's OK to really want to sponsor Neely's blog again. I'm supa bummed July is over :(


It's OK to hate that it's August 2nd and the Summer is almost over.


It's OK to LOVE the Monday Mail Link-up Button! Lauren did a fab job!! 

It's OK to still not have bedding for college. Actually anything for that matter. I really need to shop!!

It's OK to be sick of all the ridiculousness going along with CFA Day

It's OK to stay up late and watch the Olympics every night

It's OK to steal pizza from guys at work. I was starved last night and totes snuck a piece. Sorry not sorry. (they love me. it was fine)

It's OK to have a slightly sappy moment when you realize that your youth group welcomed in the new 7th graders and you got kicked out.

It's OK to have a major crush on Ryan Lockte. But who doesn't?

It's OK to be obsessed with half price appetizers from Applebees after 9pm. Perfect for post-work, i should have eaten dinner nights. 

What's OK with you?

Brain Dump

It needed to happen. I'm on overload you know. 


This week is slow compared to last week. You see I'm only working 55 hours instead of 70. I feel like I'm working part time. Naturally this means 1 more hour of sleep a night and a little more time to blog.


~Sunday Funday Lakeday: see also: i promise i have on a swim suit. you just can't see it. 

~Last night, Hannah, my little sister, colored my hair. My hurrs are all black again. She did such a good job. I love them. My roots were my natural color (light brown), my sides/top were auburn from girls' night in May, and my ends were darkish brown. Hot mess right here.


~My mom made Peach
It was also the first time in almost a month that my entire fam was together. Mission trips, camp, vacations, and work. It was so good. 


~I hit 200 blog followers which means I have a giveaway planned!!


~Please go check out the Pen Friend Project! 

~Keep praying for my friend Jared and his family in Botswana. He has wifi, so he messages me every morning (night their time) and catches me up.


~College is in one month! I'm so excited and nervous and not ready at all. PS. I'm looking for a grey twin comforter with some yellow/teal. Let me know if y'all see anything like that!


~I got my unibrow eyebrows waxed yesterday. It's the little things I'm telling you. Funny thing? My little lady that does them, Yen, said *gasp* "oh my. You must be working alot. You haven't been here in a while". Yes I work alot. Wax the unibrow. 


~This song. Don't hate on Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen. I know I'm not in Jr. High anymore, don't judge.

~I'm headed off to work. My big brother is my MOD tonight and I love this. Most people have asked me if I hate having him be my boss, but I honestly love it. We have so much fun doing work together. And yes that is possible.

Happy Tuesday!

oxox,

Emily 

It's OK Thursday

It's OK to be the only one loving the 100 degree weather here. I'm such a summer girl!

It's OK to be excited I hit 100 blog followers this week

It's OK to be working 60 hours a week

It's OK to go swimming at midnight with friends

It's OK to be hosting another giveaway (by far my fav. $50 TOMS)

It's OK that I posted this on one of my friend's fb walls last night

It's OK to be sad that the summer is half way over. Excuse me while I cry!

It's OK that I really need to color my hair and just haven't

It's OK to have a love/hate relationship with leather seats in the summer

It's OK to be excited that I can finally side braid my hair. It's never happened before.

It's OK to text my college roomie every day and get to know each other

It's OK to redo my blog again! I'm SO in love!! 

What's OK with you?