Make Move In Easy

Image courtesy of Nazareth College - Flickr

Whether you’re moving back into the Clairmont Reserve apartments, moving in for the first time or you’re a freshman moving into your new dorm room, moving is hard! There are a lot of things that you’ll need that you might not think of if you’re used to living at home with your parents. We want to help make your move in as smooth as possible! So we found some tips to help ease your move in blues! For more information, head to Mostly Morgan.

Do you have any secret moving tricks that have helped you in the past? Let us know on the Facebook page!

Summer is here, and while I am looking forward to three months of relaxation (and blogging, and nannying) I know that that there is an entire new class of college freshman to be looking into move in day. I still remember the excitement and anticipation. I was worried about over-packing, and heartbroken about leaving my family, friends, and boyfriend, but I don’t think that I could possibly have been more excited to start my life at the University of Illinois.

I just finished my sophomore year, and it was my second (and last!) year living in the dorms – and I have learned a thing or two about move in day. This past year I was also an I-Guide which meant I spent countless grueling hours going back and forth moving freshman after freshman into their new home. I saw the over-packers, the kids who brought nearly nothing, and everyone in between. What I’m trying to say is that I’m an authority on college move in if there ever was one.

Pack Smart.

A successful college move in day all begins with packing wisely. I have an entire post that you can check out here, but I’ll give you some extra pointers, too.


Don’t pack more than you need – if you’re going home for Thanksgiving (or before!) it won’t be necessary to bring all of your winter gear. You will want a few pieces in case of an emergency, but chances are you won’t have room to store your entire wardrobe in your tiny dorm room.


Don’t over do it – this year (I kid you not) a kid brought a love seat to her dorm room. Not a futon or a small bench, but a love seat bigger than the one in my living room. It easily took up a quarter of her room and probably put her at odds with her roommate from day one. Unless you’re living in a luxury dorm, you aren’t going to want to bring any extra furniture.


Be clever – packing the car is truly an art. To up the odds of you fitting everything, stuff any hollow object you are packing with other things. Fill your fridge with shoes, stuff your undergarments in your shower caddy, just make use of every empty space you can!
Do your research.

At the University of Illinois move in day procedure involves a complicated maze of rerouted roads and restricted access to certain areas, and in a perfect world this would make everything go smoothly. Unfortunately, every year people ignore the hundreds of emails, letters, and alerts making us aware of how to work this system to get straight to your dorm and avoid any traffic.

Move in day comes with a ton of stress – don’t create extra stress by coming unprepared. If you go to a small school you might have nothing to worry about, but most larger schools will have a system like this.

So students and parents alike – look up your respective school to see if there is a move in day protocol that you should be aware of. You don’t want to be the ones screwing everything up!
Ship things to school.

Are you in charge of bringing the fridge? Consider shipping it to school rather than buying one and moving it in with you. You can also take a trip to your local Walmart on move in day, too. If you wait to buy larger items like fridges, microwaves, and carpets the car will be less packed.

If you do decide to ship the microwave to school – just make sure that it doesn’t beat you there or it might be sent back depending on your school’s policy!
Communicate with your roommate moving in.

Not just to establish who is bringing what, but to also coordinate when you will be arriving. It is going to be a lot to easier to move in if you aren’t trying to do so at the same time. If your roommate says she is arriving at 2:00 consider getting there at noon.
Be ready to clean.

Be prepared to inherit a layer of dust and grime – even if they are supposed to be clean when you move in, they often are going to be a bit gross. There are a few things you are going to want to bring:


Lysol Wipes – these are a college kids best friend! These are a quick fix for spills and dust, and they are great for sanitizing if your roommate is sick!


Tide to Go – if you have carpet, chances are you are going to spill take out on it at least once. In my experience a tide to go stick cleans that right up, and no one will ever be the wiser. Plus you want one for your purse or backpack in case you ever spill.


Hand Sanitizer – In the dorms, illness spreads like wildfire so you want to be equipped! During flu season hand sanitizer will be your best friend!
Be ready to forget things.

Chances are there will be something you forget. But you can have your parents mail it to you, shop online (considering checking out Student Rate for some great discounts!), or bus to the nearest Walmart. Everyone forgets something important on move in day and it’s not the end of the world – you can borrow until you get your item!
Meet the people on your floor!

Once mom and dad head out take a break from unpacking and organizing and go out and socialize! The first week or two are crucial in making connections – knock on doors and introduce yourself! Try to gather a group to go to dinner together – you want to start off on the right foot!
Breathe.

Moving in can be stressful and emotions will be running high. Whether you are thrilled or terrified or somewhere in between it’s all going to be alright. College is largely what you make it so go in with a good attitude and try to make move in a positive experience.

Did I forget anything? Let me know your best college move in trick in the comments below!

20 Things I Wish I Had Known Freshman Year

Image courtesy of Siena College - Flickr

New students will be moving in soon! Being away from home on your own for the first time can be scary and overwhelming. There is a lot of advice that we wish some people had told us before our first year of school! We found some advice from SR Trends. They’ll tell you what they wish they had been told freshman year so you don’t make the same mistakes.

Here is a list of 20 things I wish I knew freshman year:

1. Try a few different study spots and figure out what works best for you. It could be in your dorm, in the library, outside or in a coffee shop, as long as you get your work done, campus is your oyster!

2. Keep a healthy lifestyle. There’s nothing wrong with partying and bonding with new people but know your limits, exercise every other day and make sure you’re not tired or sick for classes and exams.

3. Build a relationship with a professor or an adviser. Think of any faculty member as a resource and don’t be afraid to ask for help, it can make a big difference in grades and it will make it a lot simpler to ask for letters of recommendation when you’re applying for jobs and internships.

4. Carry a phone charger with you. We all know the plight of smartphone batteries and you don’t want to turn your phone back on and see 23 missed calls from your mom, that can’t end well.

5. Take a random class. You have plenty of time to complete majors and minors, make sure you take advantage of the unique classes that every university offers and learn about something completely different. Tell me “The Game of Thrones” at Virginia or “Japanese Swordsmanship” at George Washington don’t sound fun, I dare you.

6. Don’t buy textbooks before the first week of class. You might not need it or there could be a free version online. Save your money for snacks, you might be able to study without a text book, but you’ll never be able to study without snacks. If it turns out that the textbook is required, consider renting it (Barnes & Noble has a great deal through Studentrate where you can get 6% cash back on rentals)

7. Get along with your roommate. No need to be best friends and get matching tattoos, but a year can seem like ages if you’re constantly arguing. Keep your stuff clean and say what’s on your mind, a five-minute argument is better than a dramatic fight later on.

8. Try to go to as many sporting events as possible. Grab a couple of friends and share in
the awesomeness and excitement that is college sports.

9. Keep a box of Emergen-C in your dorm. There is such thing as the freshmen plague and
it will take you out if you are not eating your fruits, vegetables and grains!

10. Listen to upperclassmen. If you’re reading this, then you’re taking this advice, good job! Students who have taken classes you’re interested in can be helpful for study tips, how to complete any given major or minor, or how to deal with problems that every college student faces at one point.

11. Always use student discounts when shopping online. Studentrate has hundreds of discounts at Forever21, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, Lenovo, and many more so it would be silly to pay full price for anything.

12. If you’re going to skip your 8AM class because it is too early, pick a later class. Start off the year doing stuff right! I know what you’re thinking, “I took morning classes in high school and I was fine”. It’s not the same, try to avoid these classes.

13. Go home once in a while: sometimes, we need a change of scenery to regain our grounding and have some mental detox, and where else to do it, but in your house?

14. Keep in touch with your family. A simple text to your parents can make their day which makes life easier for you. And don’t let your annoying younger brother forget who’s boss. Also, love is the key to care packages.

15. Free food is everywhere if you look hard enough – enough said.

16. Make your dorm room yours. You have to share a small room all year, but there are ways to make it a nice and cozy spot. Decorate your side of the wall, invest in comfortable bedding, it’s a game-changer in the long run. And how are people going to know that you “Keep calm and carry on” unless you have a poster that says so?

17. Get an on-campus job. Working a few hours week during the academic year is a nice financial help and looks great on your resume. For a lot of positions like the library or the welcome desk at the gym, you’ll have a chance to do some homework or talk with your friends. Sounds like something you’d do for free, might as well get paid to refresh twitter faster than it has time to update.

18. Use the writing center!! Most colleges and universities these days have a writing center which is made up of either individuals solely working at the center or upperclassmen who have been trained to help you with your writing. Having trouble coming up with a thesis for your Religion & Science class? Drop by the Writing Center to throw ideas around with an expert!

19. Don’t underestimate your workload. There are so much opportunities for fun at college, procrastination becomes a sport. If you break your workload down in pieces, do a couple of hours a day, it will be more than manageable and you’ll have free time to go see your friends’ ridiculous acapella show or watch people play ultimate Frisbee like they’re in the SuperBowl.

20. Lastly, remember, college is only four years long: take risks, try new things, explore your passions, meet new people and smile! Remember, if it’s not going so well at first, you have three years to find something on campus you like and if you are enjoying yourself, be sure to spend your time wisely as four years go by quicker than you could ever expect!!

Slide the City Could Be Sliding Into the City Again Soon

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

If you are one of the 3,600 ticket holders who didn't get the opportunity to take their slide through the city last weekend, you could be in luck. The city is in talks with Slide the City to reschedule for a later date. The event was shut down early due to  a water main leak on Henderson Mill/Evans. To read more you can head to Decaturish.

DeKalb County’s water pressure problems over the weekend has put the city of Decatur and the city’s Business Association in an awkward spot.

The city had to shut down the slide early, at 1 p.m. on July 25, due to DeKalb’s inability to resolve a water main leak at Henderson Mill and Evans roads. While some ticket holders were able to ride the 1,000 foot water slide down West Ponce de Leon, many of the other 3,600 ticket holders were left in limbo. The event was supposed to serve as a fundraiser for the Decatur Business Association.

Businesses in Decatur suffered as a result of the water pressure and quality issues, which began on July 23 and weren’t resolved until July 27 when a boil water advisory was finally lifted. Some businesses had to close early and limit their menus because of the inability to guarantee clean water for consumption and washing dishes. The exact losses suffered by local businesses aren’t known at this time.

It’s also unknown whether the city will get a chance at a do-over for the Slide the City event or whether ticket holders will be offered refunds.

“We are in discussions with Slide the City trying to determine if there is a future date that could work to bring it back to Decatur,” spokesperson Casie Yoder said. “An announcement will be made once there is a decision.”

Shoe Storage for Small Apartments

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Some people have coin collections, some have stamp collections, others have shoe collections. When you’re living in an apartment it can be difficult to come up with appropriate places to store your shoes in a practical yet still aesthetically pleasing way. Apartment Therapy can solve your problem. They’ve come up with some creative ways to store and show off your shoes. To view examples of each storage option and other design tips for your home head to Apartment Therapy.


I love shoes. Sadly for my wallet, the shoes I find myself the most drawn to aren't necessarily the most practical ones. The shoes I love most are the beautiful ones, the powder-blue suede pumps that you might wear only twice a year but that will look just as good (or possibly better) sitting around your house as on your feet. And really, when you own something that beautiful, what's the point of keeping it stuffed in the closet? There's no rule that you can only enjoy your shoes when you're wearing them. Here are 10 ways you can display your favorite shoes around the house — and ease the burden on your closet while you're at it.

Above: you may not have any china, but a vintage china cabinet also makes a beautiful display for shoes (as in this Edinburgh home from Design*Sponge).

I love the versatility of wall mounted shelves. Anywhere you have a little extra wall space, you can hang some shelves and proudly display your favorite shoes — without taking up any floor space at all.

These images are from Rita Hazan's NYC apartment, designed by Jeremiah Brent and Nate Berkus.

A piece of crown molding, mounted to the wall, is perfect for shoe storage (and display). While this will only work for high-heeled shoes, those are probably the ones you really want to look at, anyway.

This is the same idea, using a modern towel rod for a clean, minimal look. Home of Nina Holst, of Stylizimo.

Here's another idea that will work even for those of you who aren't allowed to make holes in the wall (or just for non-handy types who aren't so keen on hanging lots of things). Arrange some especially pretty pairs on a bookcase, along with books and other treasured items. (Spotted in the home of Taylor Sterling, the founder of Glitter Guide.)

Or, if you're dealing with a serious overflow problem, why not make a larger bookcase (like the trusty IKEA Expedit shown here) do double duty as room divider and shoe storage?

Shoes on a staircase make for a pretty display (provided you're not prone to tripping). Mi Casa via Design Elements.

Here's a twist on the wall mounted shelves idea: lining shoes up along the wall at the bottom of a wall of shelves. Visually the shoes become a part of the shelving grouping, so they look intentional, and tucking them under the bottom shelf means they won't be in the way of foot traffic.

The IKEA Raskog cart is a perfect place to stow shoes... they'll pretty up your house and always be in easy reach. Image from Livet Hemma.

After I saw this picture in Lonny, I became so obsessed with these shoes that I went out and bought a pair (they were an old style — it was a lucky find on eBay). Then my cat destroyed them — I guess she thought they were a bird. I glued all the feathers back on and now they look (almost) as good as new. And I've learned to hide the feather shoes. If only I had a cloche.

Emory University Ranked Among Top 10 Greenest Universities

Image courtesy of Wikimedia

Congratulations are in order for Emory University which was recently ranked among the top 10 Greenest Universities in the United States of this year. Out of 200 schools, Emory was ranked 8th on the list! It seems that Emory is continuing to strive for success and progress. Read more at Emory University’s website.


Emory ranks among the top 10 "greenest universities" in the country for 2015, according to BestColleges.com. Emory placed eighth on a list of the top 39 schools, drawn from evaluations of more than 200 colleges and universities.

"Our goal with this list is to spotlight the schools that have launched the most impactful initiatives to reduce on-campus waste and energy consumption, promote alternative transportation, provide funding to student and faculty-led green proposals, and take other measures to benefit the environment," the website notes.

BestColleges.com based its list of greenest universities on results from a tracking, rating and assessment system created by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. Categories considered in the ratings include academic curriculum and research; campus and community engagement; operations; and planning and administration.

"We are honored and delighted that Emory has been ranked the 8th 'greenest university' in the country," says Ciannat Howett, Emory's director of sustainability initiatives, adding that the ranking "validates the hard work of a large network of faculty, staff and students — most volunteering their time — who have helped create a more sustainable campus and community over the past decade."

"It is a source of pride to everyone at Emory that sustainability is held as a fundamental principle of the university," Howett says. "It feels good to work for an institution that walks the talk of ethical behavior and positive transformation in the world."

Explaining Emory's No. 8 ranking, BestColleges.com lists a variety of factors, from the university's 700 acres of green space and construction of LEED-certified buildings to "robust offerings in the way of academics in the study of environmental science."

"I'm particularly pleased that our efforts to incorporate sustainability into Emory's academic mission were recognized," Howett says. "By preparing our students to be leaders of a more sustainable future, Emory's commitment to sustainability extends beyond our campus gates, across generations and around the world."
Achievements in sustainability

Emory's long-held commitment to sustainability marked a significant milestone in late 2014, when the university met — ahead of schedule — its 10-year goal to reduce energy use by 25 percent per square foot by 2015 from 2005 levels.

Emory also recently celebrated the grand opening of the WaterHub, an innovative ecological water re-use system that will provide nearly 40 percent of the campus' overall water demand. The first and only WaterHub in the country, the facility uses plants and colonies of microorganisms to recycle up to 400,000 gallons per day.

"Emory's sustainability initiatives is celebrating a decade of positive change at the end of 2015, and we will be inviting our campus community to engage in framing a new vision for the next decade to launch in 2016," Howett says.

Sustainability Initiatives will circulate a "community conversation kit" during the fall semester to seek input on a new Sustainability Vision to span 2016-2026.

"Our goals will include Emory's current commitment through the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge to reduce energy and water use by 20 percent by 2020 from 2009 levels and to reduce our carbon emissions by 20 percent (35 percent per square foot) by 2020 from 2005 levels," she notes.

In 2014, Emory was recognized among the top performers in the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge. More than 6.5 million square feet of Emory University and Emory Healthcare buildings are included in the challenge, making Emory the largest ABBC participant.

Georgia's First Restaurant Week

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Georgia’s first ever restaurant week starts next week from the 13-19. Over 90 Georgian restaurants from all over the state will be laying out the best of their best for you to taste and enjoy. Today we’re showcasing 12 of the participants you’ll see and taste over the coming week. For more information head to Access Atlanta.

The first ever Georgia Restaurant Week takes place July 13-19, 2015. This inaugural seven-day event provides an opportunity to learn more about Georgia's culinary scene and sample the state's unique and varied dining options. During the week, over 90 restaurants throughout Georgia will offer dinner selections for a set price. Please check with each restaurant about their specific specials. Below are 12 exciting participants, recommended for their unique flavors and/or for their appealing atmosphere.

Unique Flavors

Bangkok Station (Buckhead) Exotic Thai cuisine looks as heavenly as it tastes at Bangkok Station. Stately dishes imported from Thailand serve up traditional cuisine crafted from original recipes. Dine inside with a classic "train station" feel, or opt for the patio's handsome seating and stone accents.

Der Biergarten (Downtown) Claims that they are the only restaurant in Atlanta to serve two German beers on tap is reason number one to visit. Reason two? Authentic German cuisine prepared in the traditional manner. Feast on dishes such as weiner schnitzel, jäger schnitzel, schweinshaxe and sauerbraten. Leave room for German chocolate cake.

Nikolai's Roof (Downtown) Taste strong Russian influences at this AAA Four Diamond award winner that has flown atop Hilton Atlanta for nearly 40 years.

Colletta (Alpharetta) Chef Michael Perez's interpretation of the cuisine of Northern Italy promises delight with every bite. Whether you are enjoying a la carte selections or dining family style, unique creations such as Triangolini pasta with duck and foie gras, kale, cherries and 20-year-old basalmic de Modena, each bite will leave you craving more. If you miss Colletta during Ga Restaurant Week, be sure to stop in during their new lunch hours.

Bhojanic (Buckhead and Decatur) Indulge in the unique flavors of Northern India at Bhojanic. Tapas and entrees are prepared with authentic Indian spices, yogurt and fresh vegetables and meats.

Serpas True Food (O4W) Chef Scott Serpas, true to his south Louisiana roots, serves humble dishes with rich taste. Try tomato PBR mussels, jumbo sea scallops or venison flank.

Unique Atmospheres

Article 14 (Midtown) This contemporary bistro puts the emphasis on bourbon and whiskey. Concoct your own Manhattan by selecting from 14 spirits, seven vermouths and 12 bitters. Comfy couches, small tables, round booths and a long bar create a posh, sleek and sexy atmosphere.

Braves All Star Grill (Downtown) Feast at Atlanta's quintessential sports bar. Braves memorabilia and oversized video screens fill 8,000 square feet. While noshing on treats like Ahi tuna tacos or beer can chicken, you can test your arm in a real pitching cage.

Game-X (Downtown) You'll find fast and casual selections at this arcade made especially for adults. Take a turn at over 60 games, both new and old-school. How are your Pong skills? Maybe you're better at a Connect 4 that's 10 feet tall? Once you've played to your heart's content, sit with a burger stack, club or California wrap.

Joe's on Juniper (Midtown) Joe's patio is perfect for a drink from the bar, and the tunes and trivia add to the fun. Everyone is welcome at Joe's, but they pride themselves on being LBGT-friendly. Grab a salad or burger, or select a sausage d'jour.

Kevin Rathbun Steak (O4W) Sure, it's a steakhouse. But it's also so much more: scallops, lobster, Asian-style meatballs and gumbo are just the beginning. Second to the food, but hardly second fiddle, the Beltline patio is an idyllic location to savor the evening.

Mystic Grill (Covington) Inspired by the filming of Vampire Diaries, you won't find the undead but you will find delightful southern fare and great views. Dine atop the city at the rooftop patio or nosh inside surrounded by brick and woodwork with a curious back story.

4th of July Popcorn Snack

Independence Day is a big holiday for food. From burgers, hot dogs, to an assortment of others, there’s always a smorgasbord of options to choose from. But if you want to be healthier and still enjoy the snacks, you can try this healthier meal choice of holiday themed popcorn from Eating Richly. Delicious and still healthy for you!


Sweet Holiday Popcorn Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutesCook time: 5 minutesTotal time: 15 minutesYield: 8 cups

Calories per serving: 138Fat per serving: 7.48g

Ingredients:

8 cups
fresh popped popcorn
2 cubes
vanilla almond bark
3 TBS
nonpareil sprinkles

Cooking Directions:

1. Place popcorn in a large bowl.
2. Melt almond bark according to package directions. Stir melted almond bark into popcorn, coating evenly, then quickly spread popcorn on wax paper lined baking sheets.
3. Evenly distribute sprinkles over popcorn.
4. Let dry completely before serving.

Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 97.2mg, Total Carbohydrate 17.43g, Dietary Fiber 1.1g, Sugars 11.13g, Protein 1g, WW Points Plus 4, WW old points 3

Approximate cost/serving: This cost me just $1.50 to make the whole batch. At 1 cup per serving that’s just 19 cents a serving. Cheap snack!


Vegetarian/Gluten free: Almond bark does contain milk whey, but you can get vegan white chocolate.  Although the ingredients in the almond bark appear to be gluten free, I can’t guarantee against cross contamination as the packaging doesn’t state gluten free. I have heard that Plymouth Pantry brand is gluten free, but I recommend contacting the company to be sure. I know you can get gluten free popcorn and sprinkles.