Author: Elizabeth Lovejoy

Your Guide to Groceries: Good for Your Wallet and Waistline

Posted on September 13, 2012September 4, 2012 by Elizabeth Lovejoy

How many times have you made a trip to your local grocery story, only to leave feeling incredibly guilty for throwing that pint of Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food Ice Cream in your cart, or for spending $20 more than you had anticipated? If you’re anything like me, this is a regular occurrence. Maybe it’s just my unwavering love for food, but browsing the aisles of Whole Foods or Trader Joes, chock full of sweet and savory flavors, just gets me way too excited.

Recently though, I’ve made a conscious effort to be more strategic with my grocery shopping, in an attempt to save on money and calories. I put together a little list of rules for myself, and have definitely noticed a difference in my wallet and waist. Here are my five best tips:

1. Shop the perimeters. Literally. You see, the perimeter of most grocery stores is home to the healthiest foods. On one end, you have your fresh produce and dairy like skim milk and Greek yogurt, and on the other end you have your lean proteins (hello turkey and chicken breast), and your freshly baked whole grain bread. Those aisles in the middle of the store are full of chemically processed cakes, cookies, and chips. So keep to those edges and the scale will thank you!

2. Take advantage of farmers markets. One of my favorite things about the warmer seasons are the awesome weekly farmers markets around town. It’s unbelievable the difference fresh, locally grown produce has in making fruits and veggies so flavorful. Every Saturday morning, I set out for the market downtown with a crisp $20 bill in my purse, and nothing else. This way, I’ll stick to my budget, and don’t get carried away buying every tasty thing I see. I find that I can get a lot more produce for my money at a farmer’s market. Always at the top of my list? Freshly baked breads, sweet corn, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and crisp red apples.

3. Shop with a grocery list, and stick to it! I know, I know, this is the oldest trick in the book- but for good reason! Because you’re only shopping for one, it’s easy to fill your cart with too much food that will end up going bad and being thrown out. Before you head to the store, sit down and think about the meals you’ll make that week. A lot of times, I’ll make a few pieces of grilled chicken or fish on Sunday, that I can use on salads throughout the week. Group similar food items together (produce, dairy, meats, etc.) to make it easier once you get to the store.

4. Read the nutrition label. This might seem like an obvious way to choose healthy foods, but a lot of times people are looking for the wrong things. Instead of going straight to the calorie count, try reading the ingredients. A good rule of thumb- if it contains something that you couldn’t grow yourself, don’t buy it. For example, a lot of packaged foods contain “partially hydrogenated oil.” Instead, look for simple ingredients like sprouted whole wheat, sea salt, barley, etc.

5. Treat yourself. Depriving yourself of the things you love most is never the answer. Stick to a diet of fresh produce, whole grains, and lean protein, but a taste of your favorite ice cream or salty treat every once in awhile won’t hurt. You deserve it!

Happy shopping!

Which College Sends the Most Players to the NBA?

Posted on March 20, 2012March 19, 2012 by Elizabeth Lovejoy

March Madness is here, and soon it will be time for the NBA draft. We wondered how many players on the teams in the tournament will be making it to the draft and playing in the NBA next year? It seems most of the top college basketball teams always send their starters to the NBA. So, what colleges send the most players to the NBA, and who are they?

#1 Duke
This year they are 16 players that have played at Duke in the NBA. A few players that are NBA that played at Duke are: Shane Battier, Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, Mike Dunleavy, Gerald Henderson, Grant Hill, Dahntay Jones, Corey Maggette, Josh McRoberts, JJ Redick.

#2 Kentucky and UCLA
This year there are 15 Kentucky basketball players that were represented in the NBA. Some of the most famous players from UK that are in the NBA are: Kelenna Azubuike, Eric Bledsoe, Keith Bogans, DeMarcus Cousins, Chuck Hayes, Jamaal Magloire, Jodie Meeks, Nazr Mohammed, Daniel Orton, Patrick Patterson, Tayshaun Prince, Rajon Rondo, John Wall. UCLA was tied this year with Kentucky with the number of players they have in the NBA at 15. Some players from UCLA are that are in the NBA: Arron Afflalo, Matt Barnes, Darren Collison, Baron Davis, Jordan Farmar, Dan Gadzuric, Jrue Holiday, Ryan Hollins, Jason Kapono, Kevin Love, Luc Mbah a Moute, Earl Watson, Russell Westbrook.

#3 Texas
At a total of 13 players in the NBA, Texas is third. Various NBA players that represent Texas are: LaMarcus Aldridge, D.J. Augustin, Avery Bradley, Kevin Durant, Maurice Evans, T.J. Ford, Daniel Gibson, Royal Ivey, Damion James, Dexter Pittman.

#4 Kansas and North Carolina
Both of these colleges are represented in the NBA with 12 players. A few players from Kansas are: Darrell Arthur, Cole Aldridge, Mario Chalmers, Sherron Collins, Nick Collison, Drew Gooden, Carl Henry, Kirk Hinrich, Darnell Jackson, Paul Pierce, Brandon Rush, Julian Wright. Some players from North Carolina in the NBA: Vince Carter, Walter Davis, Wayne Ellington, Raymond Felton, Tyler Hansbrough, Brendan Haywood, Antwan Jamison, Ty Lawson, Jerry Stackhouse, Brandan Wright.

#5 Connecticut
With 11 players Connecticut is the fifth top team with players in the NBA. Some of these players include: Jeff Adrien, Ray Allen, Hilton Armstrong, Caron Butler, Rudy Gay, Ben Gordon, Emeka Okafor, A.J. Price, Hasheem Thabeet, Richard Hamilton, Charlie Villaneuva.

Many thanks to our intern Haeli for writing this post for the Knetbooks Blog!

How to Stay Safe on Spring Break

Posted on March 2, 2012March 6, 2012 by Elizabeth Lovejoy

Spring Break is right around the corner and while it is a lot of fun in the sun, safety is key. Here are some important safety tips to remember!

-If you plan on driving to your SB destination, make sure you buckle up! Police are very strict about seatbelts, especially on interstates and highways, and won’t hesitate giving you a ticket. You don’t want to start your spring break off with a ticket! Also, take turns driving. These road trips can be pretty long, and as much as we all like to sleep during car rides, you need to let your friends sleep too! And if you are riding shot gun, stay up and keep your friend company, you don’t want them falling asleep at the wheel!

-Once you get to the beach: drinking + sun= sunburn and bad hangover. The sun can increase the effects of alcohol. So, take it slow, and stay hydrated (with water, not just alcohol). Also, don’t spend the entire week of SB in pain because you got burnt on the first day, WEAR SUNSCREEN.

-When drinking.. drink smart. I know spring break is all about partying and having fun, but BE RESPONSIBLE. Pace yourself, especially with hard alcohol. Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, so you don’t overwhelm yourself. And if you decide to drink on the beach, know the liquor laws. You don’t want to get arrested just for trying to have fun. Last but not least, have a plan on how you will be getting back to your hotel/resort. NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!

-While swimming: Don’t be an idiot. First off, no drinking while you are in the water. Secondly, pay attention to the flags on the beach. Red= stay out of the water because of strong undertow and rip tides. This is dangerous because even the most qualified swimmers can get caught in and undertow. Yellow= use caution in the water because of a possibility of an undertow and ripples. Blue= calm water and you can swim safely.

-If you plan on drinking and sitting in the hot tub at the same time, think again. This might seem like a good idea, but drinking in a hot tub can cause the alcohol to dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure a lot faster than usual. This can lead to unconsciousness and drowning. So, just scratch that idea.

-When going out: use the buddy system! It’s the safest way to be. You can look out for each other and help get each other home. Also, be aware of drugs in drinks. Don’t take drinks from people you have just met. Watch the bartender the whole time they are making your drink. Some symptoms of being drugged are: dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, and difficulty standing. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or your friends, get your group together and get out of there! If the symptoms seem to be severe, go to a hospital ASAP!

Have a blast and remember stay safe!

This is a guest post from our wonderful intern Haeli Denton. Many thanks to her!

How to Deal With a Horrible Roommate

Posted on February 10, 2012February 2, 2012 by Elizabeth Lovejoy

It’s the nightmare that all incoming freshmen think about and a reality for some unlucky college students: the roommate from hell. Although your university attempts to match you with a like-minded roommate, you may still encounter someone who leaves pop cans all over the room, uses your personal items without asking or creates gossip about the things you discuss with your family and friends in private.

Here is a warning to incoming freshmen: Brace yourselves because you could potentially have to learn how to deal with a horrible roommate. Roommates are not like your siblings who may make you want to pull your hair out. These are strangers whom most of you have never met a day in your life, but who you must live with for an entire semester or even a year. There are ways of dealing with situations that are less than perfect, and here are a couple of tips I’ve learned through my experience.

Communication is key! You mean, I have to speak to my roommate?!? Yes, that means you actually have to put your cell phone down, close your Facebook, pause your Skype session, look at your roommate and tell them that you two need to speak. Statistics show that the stereotypes placed on roommates are three times more likely due to the fact that people choose to communicate improperly. You have to speak with the person you’re living with and tell them the things that you like, don’t like, what you’ll share and every other thing that makes up who you are as a person. It’s essentially how you begin to grow up in college. No matter how introverted or extroverted you are, communicating with your roommate will most likely alleviate potential problems in the future.
Don’t gossip with your friends. While communication is key, the wrong communication can cause drama that you don’t want or need. Instead of telling your dorm about how Jane likes to leave her Doritos on the floor, you could take the time to either tell her or choose to just pick them up yourself. No one, no matter who you are, nobody likes to hear about problems between themselves and the person their living with from people they barely know. It’s embarrassing. Before you choose the road most traveled, why not give your roommate the respect of telling them to their face?
If all else fails, speak with your Residential Assistant. If you’re communicating with your roommate and not spreading around heartless gossip, then the only other option is to speak with your RA about the situation. RAs were put in place because they’re someone who’s your age, but who can maturely help you deal with the situation you’re facing. In some cases, your RA will set up a mediation between the two parties and request that you both create a roommate contract at a last attempt at solving your differences. If that doesn’t work, then you have to go through the process of changing roommates.

At the end of the day, you’re going to eventually deal with someone in college who doesn’t make your list of people you plan to speak with on a daily basis. Sometimes these people are your roommates; however, learning to become an adult starts with you being able to face your situations with a mature mind. Don’t always believe what your friends or the media tells you. Roommates from hell do exist, but how you choose to deal with the problems is what makes the difference in the end.

-Compton

I’m reading America’s Courts and the Criminal Justice System

Going Greek: Is It For Everyone?

Posted on February 6, 2012February 2, 2012 by Elizabeth Lovejoy

Let me start by saying that Greek life isn’t for everyone. This isn’t a blog post pushing for everyone to join the Greek community because then I would be feeding everyone information that may not be for them.

Do not believe the hype friends around you and your university may advertise. Joining a fraternity or sorority is a life changing experience; in some cases it is a life experience many wish they didn’t go through. Before choosing to rush or go through the intake process, you really need to sit down and think about the real reason you want to go Greek.

When I was a freshman, I immediately became interested in everything my school had, including sorority life. There was something about having a huge group of sisters around me all the time that made me feel that I could have a group of friends for life. But my reasons for initially joining were all superficial. Oh, I love their colors, all my friends are doing it, I want to make paddles, etc. Those were my very first reasons because those were the only aspects I knew about Greek life.

If any of you have watched movies about fraternities and sororities, they don’t actually give you much information about the organizations’ mission or vision or even purpose for existence. The media does a fine job of showing people everything that gives Greek life a horrible name.

Did you know that when fraternities were created it was for service and served as an honor to men who wanted to make a difference? You probably wouldn’t know that through since shows like “Greek” portray fraternities to have huge houses with a lot of drinking and partying. If those are the reasons you want to become a part of an organization, think again…and think A LOT.

The summer before my sophomore year, I actually spent time researching the organizations on my campus and thinking about why I wanted to be a part of a sorority. I thought about the difference I wanted to make, the principles that are true to my heart and the footprints I wanted to create for others to walk in. It wasn’t until then that I knew the real reason I wanted to join a sorority. To this day, I can still tell everyone why I joined my organization and the impact I was able to create because I knew my organization was for me.

So, should you rush or go through the intake process? Only if your reasons are not superficial. I can go into a million things people say, and try to convince you that going Greek is the best decision you’ll ever make. But I won’t do that because being a part of any organization may not be the best decision for YOU. People who choose to join an organization for the wrong reasons are typically the same people who give Greek life a bad name. Don’t become one of those people. Think before you take the first step, and become a part of any organization that you feel will help you to become a better person. You don’t want to wake up one day and regret the decisions you made because you chose to follow the crowd.

-Compton

I’m reading Thinking for Yourself: Developing Critical Thinking Skills Through Reading and Writing

Resumes Gone Wild: Is There Such a Thing As Sending Out Too Many Resumes?

Posted on January 23, 2012January 17, 2012 by Elizabeth Lovejoy

Resumritis: a crippling disease that hits many job seekers, especially in the college realm. Symptoms usually include sending out an abundance of the same generic resume with the hopes that someone, somewhere will offer you at least an interview. The only cure for this disease is simply taking the time to tailor each resume to each specific job.

Johnny sent over 100 job applications out and didn’t receive any offers!

He’s probably suffering from resumritis…

That’s right, people. Resumritis affects a lot of people, but especially college students who are looking for a job right after they graduate. Is it real? Well, the concept is, but a quick search on WebMD won’t yield any results!

You see, people are taught this concept that sending out the same resume to every place you apply will eventually get you a job. But, is that really what you want – just a job? What about your dream job or that job that comes close to it? Don’t you think tailoring your resume to the interests and requirements the employer is looking for would gain you better results?

CollegeGrad.com did a survey some years ago that concluded that nearly 59 percent of all survey takers said that they send out 30 or more resumes in search of an entry-level job.

“Even in a down market, employment experts maintain that a tailored resume is the best approach,” said Adeola Ogunwole, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for CollegeGrad.com. “Instead of sending out as many resumes as possible, applicants may enjoy greater success if they focus on understanding the companies to which they are applying and modifying resumes to fit the exact qualifications needed for specific positions.”

In some cases, sending a gazillion resumes works out. But not only is that a poor habit, but it’s also a hapless way of thinking. Most people are unhappy at their current jobs because they took whatever fish was pulling on their bait in order to earn a little extra cash. Although some people don’t have a choice; if you’re given the opportunity to patiently apply for your dream job, then take it.

Some helpful tips:

Read each job posting CAREFULLY. There’s nothing worse than someone sending you a resume or a cover letter that doesn’t answer any of the questions the employer was looking for. Not only is it wasting their time, but quite frankly it’s wasting your time as well. You want to use your time wisely, and reading the job description carefully will alleviate any confusion. Plus, you want to make sure their requirements fit what you’re looking for and willing to accept if offered the position.
Tailor your experience to each job. If you have interned for six different companies that taught you six different skills, try to list the jobs that would best fit the employer’s faux pas. Even more, list the skills that each job taught you that match the position’s requirements. Can you list all of your past experiences? Sure! But if a marketing job is seeing a Social Media worker, chances are you might not want to include your work as you brother’s baby sitter.
Resume length. Now this varies for each position. Students interested in working in any form of education typically list all of their experience…which can add up to two or more pages. Some companies, however, only want a one-page resume. For instance: typically I will send a two-page resume to internships I’m applying for. However, when I applied to grad school I spent two hours – yes, two hours – scaling my resume down to one page. Although it was time consuming, in the end I was happy that I took my time to produce a quality resume.
Have fun! We forget to have fun sometimes, and I’m sure you’re wondering how you can have fun developing a resume. Easy: ask your friends to proofread your resume over dinner; teach your siblings how to write a resume through them watching you write yours; or, ask your parents if you can look over theirs if they have one. Trying to make the most out of any situation will help you in the end!

-Compton

I’m reading School-community Relations

Most Popular College New Years Resolutions of 2011

Posted on December 26, 2011July 3, 2012 by Elizabeth Lovejoy

New Years Eve is here! It’s time to party, go crazy, celebrate the past year, and…make changes to your life!?!?! Yes. Most people go for the mainstream New Years Resolutions of cutting back on soft drinks, or fast food, while some prefer resolutions like being more patient, and losing weight. College students have their own ideas on how to better themselves. The wackiest resolution I’ve ever heard myself was made by my buddy Dave, who wanted to stop yelling out “WEST SIDE IS THE BEST SIDE, MON!” during class. Now that’s a New Years resolution. Below is a list of some of the more popular resolutions for college students to begin 2012.

Get off of Facebook during class. You could be learning instead of gossiping or telling people how you are hungry. This is why we are falling behind.
Call and talk to Mom AND Dad at least once a week. If you’re calling to ask for money, it doesn’t count. It will make their day when you call and say “No I didn’t need anything, I just wanted to talk.”
Forgive your roommate. Yes he did eat your leftovers, which is an unforgivable offense. But do you want to keep fighting for another year about it?
Wean yourself off of World of Warcraft, Call of Duty and the rest. Games are extremely counterproductive in a college setting. Slowly decrease your playing time to avoid withdrawals.
Stop eating leftovers that are more than 4 days old. This is just unsanitary.
Go to the gym four days each week. Go get BIG! Or just hop on the elliptical if you’re a real manly man. Resolutions like “get in shape” aren’t very effective. This is a measurable resolution which will help you do just that, get in shape.
Plan out your next year. If you’re graduating, plan out where you will be moving to, which companies you will apply for a job and in what order, and create a good resume. For those who aren’t seniors, look into what you plan to do during summer, which classes you will be taking next semester, and who you will be living with next year.
Take the money that you received selling your old textbooks, and save it for next semester’s books. Most people are lost on this concept.
Spend one day each week at the library. Even if you don’t have anything due tomorrow, it’s okay to go to the library and get ahead of everybody else. Imagine this: you could even read the assigned readings! I’m about to graduate, but I still wonder what that might be like.
Add another class, or ask for extra hours at work. Bring in the New Year by working harder, it will enable you to play harder. Taking 15 credit hours? Take 18. Working 20 hours a week? Try to get 25. Make yourself a more productive person if possible. Its how some people get ahead in life.

New Years is about becoming a better person. Take this opportunity to better yourself in a way that is measurable and realistic. Did I forget any resolutions? Feel free to add yours in the comments section. Happy New Years.

Alabaster

I’m reading Managerial Accounting