My Favorite Reusable Products

A lot of plastic and one use products are in landfills today and we should all do something to reduce waste. Therefore, we should use reusable products as much as we can instead of using single use products. Not only are single use products wasteful, but they become expensive in the long run because you have to keep repurchasing them. Below are some of my favorite products.

1. Reusable Water Bottles: I believe everyone should ditch plastic water bottles and use a reusable one instead. You only have to purchase it once and you can use it forever if you get a good quality one. It is so easy to refill them as well as to clean them.

The water bottle I use is a 25 oz stainless steel one by the brand mira. It keeps hot drinks warm for up to 12 hours and cold drinks cold up to 24 hours. When I purchased it from Amazon, it was on sale for $11.99. This specific bottle comes with two lids. As of 4/23/19, there is a $2 off coupon on Amazon.

Where to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/MIRA-Stainless-Insulated-Durable-Thermos/dp/B0764PBQRZ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3N8F11RB4R1OM&keywords=mira+water+bottle&qid=1556052358&s=gateway&sprefix=mira+water+%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-5

Fun fact: More than 38 billion water bottles are in landfills each year

2. Reusable Straws: Plastic straws are becoming a huge problem. They can't be recycled and end up in landfills and oceans. A video of a turtle with a straw stuck in his nose made me realize how awful single use straws are. There are a variety of reusable straws out there made of silicon, glass, durable plastic, and stainless steel.

These ones by TiBlue are made of silicon which are great for straw biters. Each straw comes in a case that you can attach to a keychain and a cleaning wand. You can buy them in a set of 4 or individually. The set of four was $11.99, but there was an 10% off coupon on Amazon which made them $10.79($2.70 per straw). If you were to buy the straws individually, they are $3.99 each.

Where to purchase:   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P79G5XR/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This set of metal straws with 2 cleaning pipes was $7.99 from Amazon(or almost $1 per straw). There are 4 bent straws and 4 straight straws.

Where to purchase:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L1YXQEU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Fun fact: 500 million plastic straws are being used each day!

3. Reusable Remover Pads: Many people apply toners or remove makeup with single use cotton rounds every day which is very wasteful. Instead of using single use remover pads, try reusable ones.

This set of 16 reusable makeup remover pads can be washed and reused about 1000 times or more. They even come with a laundry bag so you can easily locate them after the wash. I personally use them for toner so they don't stain at all. I'm not sure how they look after the wash when removing makeup. This was $13.99 on Amazon, but there is a 6% off coupon available(as of 4/23/19) which makes them $13.15($0.87 per pad). This reduces the need to keep buying cotton rounds on a weekly or monthly basis.

Where to purchase:   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G7QN4R2/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Fun Fact: The average person spends about $36 a year on cotton balls and rounds.

4. A lunch box/bag: When I was in middle school and high school, I saw many people using paper bags for their lunches. After lunch, they threw the bags away in the trash can(not even the recycling bin!) By using a reusable lunch box/bag, you save money in the long run and reduce waste.

You can buy lunch boxes/bags anywhere, especially during back to school season. They have cute ones at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Target, and many other places. I got this specific 9 can bag at Walgreens for $10! Some awesome things about this bag is that it's insulated and has a pocket in the back that I use to store reusable utensils.

Where to purchase: I got this bag at Walgreens.

5. Reusable Hot and Cold Cups: When you go out to buy hot coffee or tea, you should use a reusable cup. 

Where to purchase: Starbucks sells reusable hot cups for $2 each. The pink cup is from Barnes and Nobles which was a birthday gift from a friend(so I'm not sure how much it was)

The one on the left is $3-4 which includes the straw and the other two(also includes straws) were $11.99. The cup on the left is 24 oz and the other two are 16 oz.

Where to purchase: Starbucks

Fun Fact: At Starbucks you get a $0.10 cup discount and at Argo Tea you get a $0.50 cup discount which helps you save money if you frequently go to those places.

6. Reusable Shopping Bags: Plastic grocery bags are a huge problem for the planet. They are toxic, wasteful, and take 1000+ years to break down. Plastic bags end up in landfills and the ocean which is harmful to sea animals. Instead, use reusable bags.

You can buy reusable shopping bags at grocery stores as well as online. I got some free from my university, some were given to me, and some were purchased at local grocery stores.

Where to purchase: local grocery stores and online.

Fun Fact: Many states now charge a $0.07-$0.10 fee per bag at stores and grocery stores. 

7. Reusable Produce Bags: Plastic produce bags are wasteful especially since many people just throw them away once they get home. Bring your own reusable produce bags. You can wash them each week to ensure that they are clean.

This 15 piece set was $13.99 on Amazon and there is currently a 5% off coupon available as of 4/25/19. It comes with 3 large bags, 9 medium bags, and 3 small bags.

Where to purchase:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GTLTDKR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

January Bullet Journal Spread

New year, new bullet journal. For the new year, I decided to get a new bullet journal so that I change spreads for each month. My last bullet journal was purely a Harry Potter theme throughout and so I didn't want to make new themes in it. Here is my January spread. I wanted to have a very minimal style since I'm not an artistic person.

I bought this dotted journal from Barnes and Noble. It was originally $12.99, but I used a 20% off coupon and got it for $10.89.

Since the cover of this dotted journal gave me spell book and astrology vibes, I thought my January spread should be related to astrology. This page was inspired by AmandaRachLee.

My calendar page is very simple and has space for me to put down important dates as well as a color key for what each colored pen means. I decided to write words at the top for what words are associated with Capricorns.

I didn't want the mood tracker to be over the top since I'm not artistic, so I decided to make each day a star and color them in with different colors.

Same idea with the habit tracker. I didn't want it to be complicated. The main habits I put down were languages and activities that I wanted to keep up with.

This is the most important page in my journal. I wanted to dedicate a page just for my schedule in January because of the new semester. This page tells me which classes I have on certain days, the time, and the locations of each class. The colors of each class goes with a certain pen color which relates to my calendar page. 

This page is also very practical for me because it allows me to keep track of how much money I'm spending each month. Ideally, I would like it to add up to less than $50.00 a month. If my end month total is higher than that, it will show me what I'm spending my money on and if I need to spend money on that particular thing.

My weekly spread is very simple and has just enough space for me to write out the homework for my 6 classes.

How to Shop for Christmas Gifts on a Budget

Christmas time is full of cheer and is the season of giving, whether it's giving back to the community or giving gifts for friends and family. But, shopping for gifts can be very expensive, especially when you have a lot of family members and friends. Don't worry, you don't need to empty out your wallet this year. Here are some ways to save money on gifts.

1. Shop using Ebates and get cashback on purchases.
- 5% back on Shutterfly
-8% back on Sephora
-10% back at Macy's
-and so much more, plus coupons!
(Ebates.com)

2. Coupons on RetailMeNot. There's many printable and online coupons available to use to help save some money.

3. Sign up for store loyalty programs. For example, Bath and Body Works has a rewards program(and app) where you get a free product(up to $16.50 value) when you spend $100. They also send coupons for 20% off and $10 off a $30 purchase. Sometimes, I get sent mail from them where I can get a free product($5.50 value or $14 value, depends) with no purchase necessary! FREE PRODUCT=FREE GIFT.

4. Use UNiDAYS to get a student discount on multiple retailers such as Ugg, VS Pink, Adidas, and MORE(10% to 30% off).

5. Shop at the clearance section of stores to find great items at a highly discounted price(50%-70% off)
-Macy's Last Chance Section
-Forever 21 Clearance
-Target Clearance
-etc

6. Shop when stores that don't usually have sales offer one. Fore example, Sephora doesn't usually always has a sale but right now, they have a Holiday Hooray Event:
-$15 off $75(Beauty Insider)
-$20 off $75(VIB)
-$25 off $75(Rouge)
(plus get 8% cash back when you shop through ebates)

7. Use reward points at stores to get gifts. For example, use Sephora points to get gifts for free.

8. Shop at discount store such as Ross, Marshall's, TJ Maxx, or any other store like these. During the holidays, they have gift sets for great prices.

9. Homemade gifts such as baked goods or anything else you may see online is also a great gift and you put time and thought into it which will be appreciated.

Things to Take Advantage of as a College Student

Being a college student can be dreadful, but there's also a lot of perks too that make being a student a little easier.

Things To Take Advantage Of

1. Student Discounts: A lot of retailers offer up to 20% off discounts for college students with a student I.D or a UNiDAYS account.

Some Places and Discounts Are:

- Toms: 15% off
- Ann Taylor: 20% off
- UGG: 10% off
- Adidas: 15% off
- Charlotte Russe: Extra 10% off
- Hollister: Extra 10% off
- H&M: 15% off
- Pink: Extra 15% off

2. Free Gym: Don't sign up for a gym membership, just go to your school gym for free! They have all the same equipment and some college gyms even have personal trainers.

3. Free Tutoring Services: Most colleges have a tutoring center with student tutors and teachers who help you in any subject(for no hourly fees).

4. Health Services: There's health centers on college campuses that offer services if you don't have healthcare outside the school(that's charged in your tuition) as well as therapists/psychiatrists.

5. Amazon Prime: Prime for students is free for 6 months(instead of one month) and $49 per year after that(instead of $119) for up to 4 years. You get free 2-day shipping, renting textbooks, and access to Prime Videos and Movies.

6. Gaps: Take advantage of the gaps in your schedule to do homework, nap, catch up with friends, go to the gym, or eat.

Notebooks for $0.25 at Old Navy

Right now, Mead notebooks, folders, and composition notebooks are 4 for $1(or $3 each). You have to buy 4 in order to get this deal. While supplies last so they may or may not be available at a store near you.

4 Easy Dinner Recipes

These recipes are great if you live at home or visit home on the weekends. They are hearty, delicious, and if you make extra, you can take it to school with you for a gourmet lunch.

Simple Mixed Greens Salad w/ Chicken

Ingredients

½ Cup Baby Spinach

1 Cup Spring Mix

¼ Cup Walnuts

1 Chicken Breast

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Wash spinach and spring mix, let dry, and arrange on a plate.

2. Season chicken breast with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a saute pan and cook each side on medium-low heat for 7-8 minutes on each side. Cover with a lid to ensure moisture.

4. Add ¼ cup walnuts to spinach and spring mix.

5. Slice up cooked chicken breast onto salad.

6. Enjoy!

Chicken Cordon Bleu w/ Mashed Potatoes and Spinach

Ingredients

(Serving size ½ chicken breast. Serves 2)

1 Chicken Breast

2 Slices Bacon(or 1 slice ham)

¼ Cup Mozzarella Cheese(shredded)

3 Slices Whole Wheat Bread

Dash of Oregano

2 tbs Italian Seasoning

½ tbs Salt

½ tbs Black Pepper

1 Cup All Purpose Flour

1 egg

For Mashed Potatoes

3 Small Red Potatoes

2 tbs Salted Butter

¼ Cup Milk

Salt to taste

For Salad

2 Cups Baby Spinach

Directions

1. Season chicken breast with salt.

2. Split chicken breast, but not completely.

3. Put slices of toasted bread into a food processor or blender until breadcrumbs form.

4. Season breadcrumbs with oregano, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

5. Crack egg and whisk.

6. Put bacon and cheese into chicken breast.

7. Coat the chicken breast with flour.

8. Put chicken breast in the egg.

9. Coat chicken breast in breadcrumbs.

10. Repeat steps 7-9 one more time.

11. Coat a skillet with canola oil(to ensure crispy crust) and cook each side for 1-2 minutes over medium heat.

12. Put chicken breast in oven for 20-30 minutes(make sure to check) and flip halfway through at 350 degrees.

13. Add potatoes to pot of water and salt. Cutting potatoes reduces cooking time.

14. After potatoes are fork tender, strain and add back into pot with no heat.

15. Microwave milk for 1-2 minutes.

16. Add butter to potatoes.

17. Add warm milk to potatoes.

18. Serve with baby spinach,

19. Enjoy!

*You can make several of these chicken breasts, cut them in half, and freeze these in the freezer. Put them in the oven for 30-40 minutes in the oven frozen or put in the fridge to thaw. When you come back from class, you can put it in the oven for 10 to 20 minutes for an easy dinner*

Chicken Lettuce Cups

Ingredients

2 Chicken Breasts Cubed

1 ½ tbs Soy Sauce

1 ½ tbs Rice Vinegar

1 ½ tbs Sesame Oil

1 ½ tbs Minced Ginger

1 ½ tbs Minced Garlic

1 ½ tbs lime juice

Salt to Taste

Pepper to taste

½ Onion

2-3 Cups Lettuce(Romaine or Red Leaf)

Directions

1. Mix minced ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.

2. Saute minced ginger in a wok or large skillet until golden on medium low heat.

3. Add in chopped onion and cooked until translucent.

4. Add in cubed chicken breast and cook thoroughly.

5. Add in liquid mixture and cook for 1-2 additionally minutes.

6. Turn off heat and add lime juice.

7. Serve on lettuce.

8. Enjoy!

Pizza

Ingredients

I packet of Fleischmann’s Pizza Crust Yeast

1 ¾ to 2 ¼ cup of all purpose flour

1 ½ tsp sugar

¾ tsp salt

⅔ cup warm water

3 TBS oil

½ to 1 cup of pizza sauce or marinara

1 to 2 cups of shredded cheese

Any toppings you like

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

2. Prepare the pizza dough. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.

3. Add the warm water and oil and mix together into a dough. The dough should be slightly sticky.

4. Knead the dough, using additional flour on the surface, and form/roll into the shape you want.

5. Then, transfer onto baking tray or pizza pan.

6. Bake the dough for 5-7 minutes.

7. Take it out of the oven and add sauce, cheese, and toppings.

8. Bake for additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

9. I like to broil the pizza for a minute to brown the cheese.

10. Wait to cool 5 minutes and then serve and enjoy!

*Make 2 or 3 pizzas, slice them up, and wrap each slice in aluminium foil. You can freeze them and when you want pizza, just put it in the oven frozen for 7-15 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes*

PSA: SHEDD AQUARIUM VISIT IS FREE FOR RESIDENTS DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

You read that right. If you're a resident of Illinois, you can visit the Shedd Aquarium for free from September 4th through the 30th. Just bring your I.D.

Tickets are usually $20(for adult residents of Chicago) or $40(non-resident adults).

Take advantage of this Resident Day offer and go with family or friends for a free hangout.