Around the Bend: The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

How I shop:

Some people go shopping and they splurge on incredibly expensive items. They show off these items, proud of what they worked so hard for (or maybe didn't work so hard for). Me and my best friend Carolyn? We don't go that way. We like to find good deals. We dig for the steals. If we can find an awesome shirt on clearance for five bucks, not only will we wear it all the time and show it off, but when people comment on it we're happy to say "Yeah, isn't it awesome? I got it for five bucks on clearance at this store!" We're proud of our nifty, thrifty finds. So this is what I do when I go shopping...

First of all, I'm a huge fan of coupons. I think they're totally awesome. If you're buying something solely because you have a coupon for it, that's not a good deal. If you stumble upon a coupon for something that you normally buy or to a store that you frequent, that's rockin'.

Second, SALES ARE THE BEST. When a store is having big sales full of good deals, that's always good. Even better if you can find a good deal on something AND you can use a coupon!!

Third, the first area of a store that I visit is the clearance section. Typically stocked to the brim with out-of-season merchandise, that can be perfect at times. For example, I go to school in Vermont; so it stays colder later in the year than in New Jersey. When I come home for break in February, March, or April, stores are typically already beginning to take a look at spring fashion lines, and therefore pushing out their winter lines as much as inhumanly possible. This is perfect for me, who would love to find a great deal on a rockin' new hoodie to bring back to school where it's still too cold to walk around in a tee shirt! Not to mention, there's always next year.

Very important: If you're not sure about it, you probably shouldn't get it. Unless you know you want it, you can see yourself putting together an outfit (or two, or five) with that item, you know you'll use it no matter what... whatever, don't go for it. Even if it's just a five dollar tee shirt, if you're never going to wear it, that's five dollars you could be using on another shirt. Or dinner at Burger King.

Also, the used CD rack at my local music shop is one of my best friends. I've bought so many fantastic CD's from that rack, super duper cheap. Like... I'm talking between two and five bucks for a CD!!! If that rack doesn't have the CD you're looking for, you're probably out of luck. But I have found some fantastic CD's on that rack, whether I was looking for them specifically or just stumbled upon them. It's always an exciting find.

Now, I am human. I do like nice things and there are, of course, quite often, moments when I find something that is in no way, shape, or form a good deal. And I know that it will more than likely be on clearance in a month or two, but sometimes you JUST WANT THAT DRESS RIGHT AWAY. That can be rewarding, too. Although it feels much more rewarding for me to say I got an awesome deal on something, there are times when I will happily shell out my hard-earned cash for that dress that I happened to experience love at first sight with in the Urban Outfitters display window...

Moving on.

The key to shopping, whether you love a good deal or you love flaunting your immense amount of money, is buy it cause you want it, love it, or need it. Don't buy it if you're not sure, because you'll either regret spending your money on it or forget about it completely. And have fun. I know I personally hate shopping for things when I need them. If I need it, I can never find it. Of course. Regardless, it's always good to make shopping a fun thing. :)

SHOP ON!

Smile by Charlie Chaplin: Glee Cast

Smile, tho your heart is aching. Smile, even though it's breaking. When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by. If you smile through your pain and sorrow, smile and maybe tomorrow you'll see the sun come shining through, for you. Light up your face with gladness, hide every trace of sadness. Although a tear may be ever so near. That's the time you must keep on trying. Smile, what's the use of crying? You'll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile. Smile tho your heart is aching, smile even thought it's breaking. When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by. That's the time you must keep on trying. Smile, what's the use of crying? You'll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile.

Dream A Little Dream: Glee Cast

Miss you guys! Hope you're all having an awesome summer! See you in a couple of months!

If It Means A Lot To You (Featuring Sierra Kusterbeck): A Day to Remember

So, you know when you're growing up and things start to change and you don't feel like you're ready for it? And you want to curl up and stay put because you don't know what's going to happen next? Or maybe you do know what's going to happen next and you don't want it to happen yet?