Save the Date for Back to School Shopping

Did you know August 10th-11th is Tax-Free Weekend in Georgia?  This weekend taxes are waived on certain items for back to school shopping.  This is perfect for buying clothes for the next semester, or buying all those notebooks and binders you need for your classes. 


Georgia's Tax Free Weekend is actually after the schools are back in session.
 
The dates are August 10-11, 2012.  And, there are some regulations to be aware of:

*Clothing and footwear with a sales price of $100.00 or less per item.
•   A single personal computer or personal computer-related accessory purchase with a sales price of $1,000.00 or less.
•   General school supplies for classroom or related activities with a sales price of $20.00 or less per item.

The sales tax exemption does not include these: clothing accessories, jewelry, handbags, umbrellas, eyewear, watches, watchbands, cellular devices, furniture, computer-related accessories designed for recreational use, items used in a trade or business or for resale, or rentals; or sales in theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, restaurants, or airports.

For more information on the tax free weekend click here.

Great Decorating Tips for Your New College Apartment

Decorating on a budget can be difficult for anyone.  However, there are many ways to not break the bank and still have a beautiful apartment.  The following are some tips and tricks to successfully make your apartment into your home.

Bargain shop or free?

Obviously getting it for free is better than having to pay for it, so it is highly recommended that you spend time thinking of what you really need for your place and employ some easy do-it-yourself techniques to update the look of what some generous soul is willing to discard. Craigslist is a great resource for inexpensive furniture in their sales section or for free in their free section. Freecycle.com is another option for your area, items go fast and you must respond quickly. The Penney's outlet has several brick and mortar stores in addition to their website, but if you have a brick and mortar store near you, you will find that many of those same items are priced for a quick sale at over 80% off. A six foot bookshelf could be had for under $15.00.  "Dumpster Diving" is not as gross as it sounds, most people take their old furnishing out the night before trash day and anything that appeals to you before it gets picked up is yours to keep.

Shop off season

Do shop for tablecloths after the seasons are over and purchase the longest tablecloths they have, the amount of material in these tablecloths is a bargain waiting to be repurposed into pillow cases, curtains, duvet covers, potholders, etc. A little imagination and less than $5.00 can dress up your windows and throw pillows in a couple of hours.

Multitask

Small spaces require that furniture doubles both in comfort and function. Think in terms of getting a coffee table that also serves as storage with built-in bins. A couch can serve as a bed for an overnight guest if it is a convertible, a futon or modular piece. When you purchase a tall buffet server with drawers and doors, you are able to combine storage space for office supplies, books, photo albums and other miscellaneous while using the top portion as a chic and solidly built TV stand. Pieces that do double- or triple-duty are a budget stretcher that is often overlooked.

Home Improvement Warehouses

Places like Lowe's discontinue furniture pieces, such as bookshelves, credenzas, unusual lighting and area rugs constantly. Keep your eyes open and check their clearance sections, purchasing a $100 rug for $25 is more common than most people realize.  Home Depot owns HomeDecoratorsoutlet.com and their pieces range from classic to modern in a variety of colors that won't break the budget. Their brick and mortar stores offer clearance items at the end of the season as well as Homedepot.com, for example, an electric fireplace will add warmth and style to any room at a fraction of the original price. 

Big and small and almost free

The biggest item in any room is the walls that encase it. Picking up a gallon of paint is an inexpensive way to lay the foundation of what is yet to come. Mis-tinted gallons can be obtained at home improvement warehouses for less than five dollars and can be re-tinted for free if you are flexible enough not to demand an exact shade. Small touches are pictures that have meaning to you and picture frames that can be purchased at the dollar store or garage sales. Cut flowers and inexpensive vases add freshness. A grouping of small houseplants in colorful containers will make a windowsill a bright spot in your home. Place candles on colorful plates found at yard sales or thrift store and surround them with fragrant herbs, small rocks, decorative fruits or sea shells.

Thinking outside the box

The ability to stitch in a straight line to hem a tablecloth can yield inexpensive and unique window coverings. If a sewing machine is too complex, curtain clips and hooks work quite well and they come in a variety of finishes and styles at a low price. Stores such as Wal-Mart and Target often discount these items throughout the year.

Click HERE for more ideas on home decorating.

Staying Cool in the Record Breaking Heat

Temperatures are reaching past 100 degrees in most parts of the country.  Staying cool is essential to not becoming sick or dehydrated.  Below are some tips on how to beat the heat and stay healthy during this oppressive heat wave.

The heat was on Friday in Atlanta, and it was a record-breaking scorcher.  Temperatures reached 104 degrees, setting a record for the day-- but that's only the beginning.  Highs for Saturday are expected to reach 105 degrees in Atlanta, and even higher in some surrounding locations.

FOX 5 Storm Team chief meteorologist Ken Cook says Friday night's low will be around 78 degrees, but on Saturday, we'll warm quickly to about 105 degrees.  That kind of heat is especially dangerous, and it's prompted a heat advisory for Saturday.  The heat index for tomorrow is expected to range between 105-110 degrees, depending on your location.

Atlanta's hottest temp ever-- 105 degrees-- is not out of the question for the weekend.  Until now, the last time the mercury rose above 100 in the city was August 22, 2007.

Cook says there's not much relief in sight, with highs expected over 100 on Sunday and even Monday.  After that, temps are expected to slowly drop throughout next week.


Beating the heat

Around the area, people are doing the best they can to stay cool.  FOX found park-goers with extra water and sports drinks trying to stay cool.  And of course, area pools are packed to the max as the temperatures rise.

While some have the option of hiding out in the AC on hot summer days like these, others have no choice but to brave the scorching temperatures.  FOX 5 found a crew working on a gas line along Buford Highway, and they told us they do what they can to stay cool when temperatures soar.  They said their work sometimes requires fireproof suits, which add another 20-30 degrees to their temperatures.  They say they take breaks and try to stay hydrated in an effort to make it through the day. 

Firefighters are among those who are impacted the most in a heat wave.  On Thursday night, three firefighters were overcome by the heat while battling flames at a Marietta apartment complex.  Officials say the hot weather means there will have to be more personnel at each emergency to serve as backup.


AC on the fritz?
A mid-summer heat wave is no time for your air conditioning to go out, but that's what happens to many people.  In fact, mechanic Fred Shope of Auto Cool Repair Shop told FOX 5 they're often extra busy when the temperatures are on the rise.  Shope says most people don't have a real appreciation for their AC until it goes out on a 100-degree day. 

So what should you do if your AC isn't running right?  Shope says shut it off.  He says you're likely to make it worse if you run your air when it's not working like it should, so you're better off to turn it off and get it checked instead.  If you don't, it could cost you more in the end.  Shope says the average cost of an AC repair is $300.


Tips to stay cool

If you're spending time outside in the heat, it's important to stay cool.  Experts recommend you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.  You should also wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning if possible.  You should also avoid being outside during the late afternoon when temperatures are excessively hot, and limit your activity to early morning or late evening instead.

Also, don't leave kids or children outside for long periods of time because they may be more susceptible to heat exhaustion.

Read more at myfox.

Independence Day in Decatur

Decatur will hold it's Fourth of July celebration next Wednesday starting at 6pm.  This event includes a parade, concert, and of course fireworks at the end of the night.



Join Decatur's July 4th Pied Piper Parade as it winds through downtown Decatur. Decorate your wagon, ride your bike, skate, or walk in this event.

The City Commissioners will lead the parade in the mini-firetruck. Neighborhoods and organizations are encouraged to make floats and join the fun.

Parade line-up is at the First Baptist Church of Decatur at 5:30 p.m. The parade begins at 6 p.m. It ends at the Community Bandstand on the square with a presentation of colors and the Star Spangled Banner.

Anyone may participate in the parade but those with vehicles must register by completing the July 4th Pied Piper Parade Guidelines form.

The concert, featuring the Callanwolde Concert Band, begins at 7 p.m. in the Community Bandstand. Fireworks begin at dark (approximately 9 p.m.) and are shot from the top of the DeKalb County parking deck. 

For more information: City of Decatur: Fourth of July 

Summer Classes Getting You Down?

Taking summer classes is one of the toughest challenges a college student faces.    Staying motivated to study and work, while all their friends are at the beach or at home is a tough obstacle to overcome.  Here are some excellent tips on how to stay motivated this summer, and still have a social life.

It can be difficult to remain motivated during the summer session after taking throughout the rest of the year. This is especially true if you see your friends hanging out at the pool, going to parties, and taking vacations. However, because summer sessions are generally shorter, summer could be the most important time of the school year to keep your motivation high. Shorter classes move at a faster pace; therefore, it can be very difficult to catch up after you get behind.

Below are methods you can use to help keep yourself on track during the summer session:

Select Interesting Courses
If possible, register for summer courses that you find interesting. Summer can be one of the hardest times to stay motivated due to burn out from having completed fall and spring course work and due to the wide availability of other fun activities. If you are not interested in the course material, it can be even more difficult to persuade yourself do your attend classes and to complete coursework. On the other hand, if you enjoy what you are learning and desire to know more, it will be easier to motivate yourself to stay on track with your work.

Consider Online Courses
Online courses often allow more flexibility on the time of day you complete course work. This flexibility might allow you to participate in more fun activities with your friends.

Make sure you manage your time effectively. Set up a schedule for yourself to ensure your work is completed on time. The flexibility that often accompanies online learning can cause students who are not careful with their time to fall behind.

Schedule On-campus Classes Early in the Morning
The earlier your classes start, the earlier they will end. If you wait to start your school day until eleven o’clock, you will be missing the ideal time to go to the pool or hang out on your college's campus lawn. However, if your course starts at eight o’clock, you are likely to be available for afternoon fun.

Participate in Class
Attend and participate in every class. Involving yourself in the course will help keep you stay interested in the material, which will help you remain motivated to study and learn more.

Study Early
If you have completed your schoolwork ahead of time, when an unexpected opportunity to participate in a fun activity comes along, you will be available to participate.

Spend Time with Classmates
The students in your class have the same schedule as you do, at least for part of the day. These students will also have many of the same test dates and assignment due dates. Therefore, they are likely to be busy when you are busy and free when you are free. If you are hanging out with classmates, you will be able to engage in fun summer activities together.

Focus on Your Goals
There was a reason you registered for the summer summer session. It may be because you are trying to graduate early, attempting to catch up on credits, or have a lighter schedule during the rest of the year. Whatever the reason for your summer course registration, keep it in mind whenever your motivation begins to waiver.

Reward yourself
Decide on a reward you would like to give yourself at the end of the session if you do well in your course. Write down concrete criteria for achieving that goal. Keep this goal in mind each day. If you need extra motivation, you may also want to give yourself little rewards each day that you attend class or do your work.


Summer can be a difficult time of the year to maintain your academic motivation because you may want to engage in other activities or you may feel burnt out from taking classes during the rest of the academic year. It can be especially difficult to keep up your motivation if your friends are not enrolled in summer courses. Using these motivation tips can help you stay energized during the summer session. 

 

For more tips head to BellaOnline College Site. 

This Summer Try Something New!

If you are not taking any classes this Summer, but still need something to do here is a list to help.  There are things to do all around campus this summer to stay connected to your friends and also have some fun.  From music to pool parties, there is always be something to make your day more entertaining.

Looking for a something different to do this summer? Emory Report polled key campus departments and divisions for their best suggestions. Here are some tips for sampling some new summertime experiences:

Take care of your health

• Take a plunge off the high dive at the outdoor pool or have a picnic at the Student Activity and Academic Center (SAAC) on the Clairmont Campus.
• Start a fitness routine with a personal trainer at the Woodruff Physical Education Center, the SAAC or the Blomeyer Health Fitness Center. "Summer is definitely a great time to start, especially if you are training in a nice air-conditioned facility like the Woodruff P.E. Center," says fitness coordinator Kari Hunt.
• Take a yoga class, tennis lessons or try a Zumba dance fitness class — all are offered through many Emory programs and facilities.
• Quit smoking with a Freedom from Smoking session offered by the Faculty Staff Assistance Program.
• Take advantage of free wellness coaching services for fitness and nutrition at the Faculty Staff Assistance Program, or schedule an appointment with one of the FSAP clinicians to address stress management, grief issues, relationship challenges, career goals and workplace concerns.
"Summer is a good time to pause and engage in positive self care," says Melissa Morgan, manager of FSAP wellness programs.

Taste the foods of summer

• Enjoy the foods that say summer at the Emory Farmers Market's three special events: an Ice Cream Social on June 26; a grilled foods and watermelon seed-spitting contest July 17; and a Tomato Centric Celebration on Aug. 28.

Explore your artistic and literary interests

Emory Summer Concert Band. Photo by Tom Brodnax.

• Bring a picnic and enjoy music by the Emory Summer Concert Band on Patterson Green in the courtyard of the Goizueta Business School. Concerts are Thursdays, July 12 and July 19 at 8 p.m.
"Musical fare is light, and includes classical transcriptions, original wind band literature, marches, folk music, dances, and selections from film and musical theater," says Scott Stewart, director of wind studies. "Admission is free, and families and picnics are encouraged."
• Learn more about the treasures within the Carlos Museum's permanent collection.
Although the Ancient American galleries are closed until January for extensive renovation, the Asian, Classical Greek and Roman, Egyptian and African galleries feature highlights from the ancient civilizations. Priyanka Sinha, director of communications and marketing, suggests allowing around two hours for a visit, enough to appreciate the collection without feeling overwhelmed. "The museum is a great place to take a break, reflect and see highlights from each collection," Sinha says. "It's also turned out to be a great date place." 
• Draw the Classics at the Carlos Museum.
Beginning June 15 through mid-August, "meet in the rotunda of the museum at 10 a.m. with drawing pad, pencils and a soft eraser," says Julie Taylor Green, senior manager for school programs and docent guild at the Carlos. Docents will lead a "draw with the masters" session in the Asian, Classical Greek and Roman, Egyptian or African galleries. "Participants range from experienced artists to those who have not spent time drawing since elementary school," she says.
• Explore Chinese culture at the Woodruff Library's new Chinese Culture Exploratorium, an interactive, multimedia exhibit.
• Check out popular fiction "beach" books or movies from the Robert W. Woodruff Library, and borrow a Nook or iPad.
"A lot of Emory staff may not realize they can do all those things here," says Holly Crenshaw, director of communications at the library.

Emory Bookstore. Emory Photo/Video.

• Join the monthly Noble Reads book club at the Emory University Bookstore. The next meeting is Monday, June 25 at 11 a.m., to discuss "The Starboard Sea" by Amber Dermont.

Polish professional skills

• Learn about technology or find guidance on a project at Emory's Center for Interactive Teaching (ECIT), open to faculty, staff and students.
Faculty can check out new technologies, such as a WordPress installation specifically for teaching, a new student response/clicker system. Faculty can also take advantage of ECIT's summer programs, Emory College Online, for College faculty and Fellowships in Research and Science Teaching for post-docs, says Wayne Morse, ECIT director.
• Take a class from Learning Services, the division of Human Resources that offers professional development opportunities.
• Check out a book from the library at Learning Services to brush up on management and professional improvement topics.
• Review progress on your professional development goals; talk to your supervisor about the possibility of participating in a Learning Services program in AY2012-13, such as Excellence Through Leadership, and programs for managers, supervisors and administrative staff.

Useful and fun for families

• Join Children's Story Time every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Emory University Bookstore. Summer visitors will include the "Wild Thing" and "Tacky the Penguin."
"Always a fun story, often a great activity and sometimes we even have story characters.  This event is fun for all ages," says Myra Haley, bookstore director.
• Hire a student to help with yardwork, babysitting or tutoring. The Emory Employee-Student Job Network remains active in the summer, says Aaronnette Jackson, human resources associate at Emory WorkLife Resource Center.
• Parents and their middle and high school students can learn about mapping the trail to college, including how to apply and pay for college, through upcoming programs offered by the Emory WorkLife Resource Center.
• Look for the latest updates on camps and learning programs, area events and activities, and discounts and bargains in WorkLife's Summer Planning guide.
Keep checking Emory's Events Calendar for more opportunities and events throughout the summer.

For more summer activities check out the Emory University webpage!

Pool Party June 23

Join us Saturday June 23, 2012 from 1pm - 4pm for a Pool Party! We will have a DJ, food, drinks, snacks, and fun! We would love to see you!