April 12, 2019

One of the most nerve-wracking things about going to college is having roommates. It’s stressful sharing a room or a home with somebody new!

However, if you get it right, it can make your time at college unforgettable. This I can say with confidence and from personal experience.

First, let me say the perfect roommates are probably not what you expect them to be. We are all too different to find a perfect match. Not everyone washes their dishes right after using them and some people don’t organize their room as you do. However, don’t let the small differences become roadblocks to happy living. In this blog, I want to share my experience. I want to tell you about my current roommate and how we found our two new roommates. Use my story as your guide for finding your perfect roommate(s)!

My Roommate

I was extremely fortunate to room my first year with somebody I knew since middle school. We had no awkward getting-to-know each other period. This is not to say that there weren’t things I learned about her those first few months. Her organization style was different than mine. Her morning routine was opposite to mine. Our roommate contract, which at the time seemed inconvenient, helped us address small details we hadn’t thought of. Things like what temperature we like the room in and what food odors we couldn’t stand, turns out were actually important but we had never spoken about any of it. We both had been accustomed to living some sort of way, but we found a way to mix both our routines and find a middle ground.
Personality wise, my roommate and I are very different as well. My roommate is more patient and relaxed. Me, on the other hand, am stress central always doing a million things at once.

Now, most people would hear that and think that we are not a good fit. Yet, I am so glad she is the way she is because she reminds me to take time for myself and I make sure to remind her about important things we must do. Though our personalities differ I believe we found something that allows us to resolve all our differences; it is easy to talk to her. Whenever we didn’t see eye-to-eye we don’t hesitate to tell each other and try to fix whatever is the matter. We take into consideration each other’s differences. Since we moved in together in August, we have become closer than ever before. She is the person I vent to and who I share all the exciting things that happen with. We talk about anything and everything for hours. She is in all the best memories I have in college and I am positive she will be in many more!

New Roommates

In my time at UF I had the privilege to meet two other girls who I can’t believe I spent so long not knowing. These girls will be joining my roommate and me next year in our very own apartment. I am certain that meeting them was fate. It was the same day we moved in and one of their friends was knocking on all the doors for fun. I opened the door and we made plans to check out the campus. On this campus tour, where we got lost more times than I can count, we solidified a bond that I know will never be lost. They are also incredibly different. They come from different area codes and different cultures, yet when it was time to look for apartments there was no question we were moving in together.

Now don’t misunderstand me. Having a roommate with a similar living style will make your living arrangements much easier. Having a roommate you know will also make this transition easier. However, the key to having a happy home life with three different people is to make sure they are people you truly like and that you all are able to take into consideration each other’s habits and routines.

My roommates and I, we all bring different things to the table. We don’t agree on everything. Despite not being the same in many ways, we share a connection which allows us to understand each other well, and that is why we signed a lease together for next fall.

How has your experience been with your first and latest roommates?

Dream come true or total nightmare?!

March 22, 2019

As I’m heading into my last semester at the University of Florida, one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to save money whenever possible! There will be big expenses coming my way once I move to a new city and start my career. My first idea was to cut down on the cost of my groceries and what I didn’t realize was how EASY it is!!

This week, I meal prepped shrimp fajitas plus some snacks and only spent $25. Here’s how I did it…

1. I switched grocery stores.

I know, I know, anyone from the south loves Publix and I am definitely not giving up pub subs, but I decided to give Aldi a try after a friend from Germany recommended it. First of all, their quarter-for-a-cart system is one of the many ways they are able to offer the same products for less because they don’t have an employee collecting carts. Plus, Aldi offers many organic products despite having a smaller selection of brands!

2. I came prepared with a grocery list!

A grocery list?? That’s nothing new, but so many people, including myself, think of 3 or 4 things they need and just wing the rest of it. This time, I came prepared!

My list:
• 2 bags of peeled jumbo shrimp
• 2 multicolored peppers
• 1 onion
• cilantro
• Quinoa (the bag contains 3 servings, 1 serving can last me for 2 days!)
• Dozen eggs

Things I wasn’t planning on buying but splurged on:
• Papaya (I felt inspired by a blogger I follow)
• Tortilla chips (because I had an avocado at home just waiting to become guac)

3. Coupons!!!

You don’t need to take a couponing class or cut coupons all day to save on groceries. Do a quick search on Google for coupons at local grocery stores. Aldi offers daily deals and every Wednesday, there’s an insanely reduced price for select meats.

4. Make a lot with a little

Now this one requires some creativity. With my small grocery list of only 7 items, how does that last for a week?? I meal-prepped shrimp fajitas for dinner this week. In the morning, I like to make eggs with some fruit on the side. For lunch, I really have fun with the quinoa. I cook typical rice dishes but substitute it with quinoa instead.

You have more options than you think…

1) feeling something Asian? Over easy eggs with quinoa

2) In the mood for fried rice? Add some soy sauce, chives, and even veggies if you have some!

3) Tabouli? Add extra onion or other vegetables you have with lemon juice and red wine vinegar, then serve cold!

Getting creative with what you have is fun and it will save space in your fridge! Especially if you have roommates, they’ll thank you.

Of course, my weekly meal prep may not work for everyone. You may not even like shrimp!! Whether my grocery list was too little or too much for you, find a recipe you want to try, make a list of what you need to make it & anything else you want for the week, and compare the price you pay at Aldi to other grocery stores. I promise you’ll be shocked to see you’re paying $1 to $3 less on a lot your favorites!

February 13, 2019

Valentine’s Day is an important day of romance for many around the world, but what about your girl squad?

Well, thanks to the legendary Leslie Knope of “Parks & Recreation”, we ladies now have what has been dubbed, “Galentine’s Day”.  A day that takes place one day before Valentine’s Day, the 13th of February is all about celebrating you and your girls, and all the fun in between!

Here are a few of our favorite fun plans and recipes to make this Galentine’s Day one for the books!

Treat yourself and your friends

Where is the closest mall? Head there and take all your cash. I’m not going to recommend you break your bank; but also, I won’t tell you not to do that. It’s the day of friendship and love so you must get yourself something. If you are already there, you might as well get all your gals gifts too. This is your day and their day, so you got to show some love.

Make it a Movie Night

Movie nights are great year-round, but they’re even better on Galentine’s day.  Play action movie or maybe romantic comedies. The specifics don’t matter. The only thing you need to make this perfect is comfortable clothes and lots of food. While so many people will be out and about in all those crowded places, you get to relax and love yourself and your squad!

Bake all the pink sweets you can!

I am sure you read the list of Galentine’s Day sweets above. Give one a try, or maybe make all of them. Make them glittery, make them pink, and make them heart-shaped. Scribble “Happy Galentine’s Day” on them. Put chocolate on strawberries. In fact, put chocolate on everything! Then, after you’ve labored hours over these sweets and made a mess with all the liquid chocolate, eat everything in under an hour. In order to ensure that this activity is the best, it can make sure to add the special ingredient in all that you do; love.

Check out more recipes below!

We want to make sure that you’re equipped to handle the most important part of your Galentine’s Day celebration…

Treats to eat!

Everyone knows that food is always the most important part of any gathering, and that’s no exception when it comes to Galentine’s Day!

You have to treat yo’ self (and your girl gang) to these three delicious treats!

White Chocolate & Rose Covered Strawberries

Recipe Here!
We’ve never met a chocolate covered strawberry that we didn’t like and we bet you can say the same. So this year gather the girls and put a spin on this classic dessert so it can be Galentine’s Day approved. Goodbye milk chocolate, and hello white chocolate! Swap out your milk chocolate so you can add food dye to the white chocolate to create a nice pop of color! (We suggest pink or red!) Drizzle or dunk the melted chocolate onto your strawberries and refrigerate immediately. Once the chocolate hardens garnish with edible glitter dust for a nice polished look!

Perfect Pink Ombre Cake

Recipe Here! 
Find your favorite cake recipe and dye the cake batter to a perfect shade of pink of your desire. Once your cake it baked allow time for it to cool. Then frost with a nice fluffy buttercream frosting. Now it’s time to get creative! If you stop here this is just another ordinary cake, and we don’t want that! Add some personal touches and flare with decorating! Make it your own, add designs, sprinkles, or even fruit! The possibilities are endless!

Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies

Recipe Here!

Okay, so now that we have your attention we don’t blame you for wanting to make these mouth-watering treats. This is the ultimate dessert that will be guaranteed to be finished before the night is over. These brownies are sweet, savory, and simple. Bake your brownies and let them cool. Pour some cheesecake batter on top of the cooled brownies to layer it! Yum. Press fresh raspberries into the cheesecake batter and refrigerate. Serve once it hardens and enjoy all the yummy layers!

Now, these activities need not be done alone, feel free to invite all your friends or even family. The only things these activities center on is you. This short list is meant to be ideas to show yourself some self-love this Galentine’s day. If what I have mentioned is not your cup of tea, then fear not because this list it’s easily adaptable. How do you ask? Just ask yourself what you love to do and do that. The point of this whole day is to express your love to others and that includes yourself. Too many people believe February 14^th is all about having a significant other. We are here to remind everyone that it’s not, it’s about EVERYONE you love! Enjoy this Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day!

What are some of your favorite Galentine’s Day treats?

January 18, 2019

When looking for a place to live we all have different amenities which we value more. However, being that we are at the start of a new year, there is much interest in fitness. If this is one of your values, then below you will find the nicest community gyms Gainesville has to offer!

Not only do they have the nicest gyms, but they offer the best amenities for all exercise types. Live where you work out!

Don’t believe me? Check them out yourself!

Gainesville Place

Gainesville Place is not only an excellent apartment complex located in between the University of Florida and Santa Fe College but it also has one of the nicest gyms around. With a gym open 24 hours and brand new, state-of-the-art equipment they are a gym buffs dream. It is also perfect for those just getting started in the fitness world. They have all you need to achieve your fitness goals this new year. Is the gym not your scene but still want to work out? Well, Gainesville Place has racquetball, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts. Let me not forget to mention their one-mile fitness trails.

Lexington Crossing

Lexington Crossing’s gym is another community gym putting others to shame. With their 24- hour fitness center and machines for every body part ever they are right to say to cancel your gym membership. Just like Gainesville Place, Lexington Crossing has tennis and basketball courts for those of you who prefer to get fit through sports.

Oxford Manor

Another place doing the most for their residents in the area of fitness is Oxford Manor. Here is another 24-hour fitness center with mirrors on the walls so you can see your muscles grow as you work out. However, the coolest thing they have in their gym is the moving rock wall. You don’t have to wait for a fair to come around to climb a rock wall, now you can do it in the comfort of your community gym. For those who want to play sports, they have basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts. If this isn’t enough to convince you they are committed to catering for those of us who love fitness, I should mention they have a cardio room and a sauna. A SAUNA!

The Crossing @ Santa Fe

The gym at The Crossing at Santa Fe is a spacious one that is also open 24 hours! They have natural light coming from all around and a view of the pool to encourage you to keep going. There are countless machines and yet enough space for you to do your own thing. They also have courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball players.

The Polos

Last on our best community gyms list is the gym at The Polos. It is, of course, open 24 hours for those who are regularly busy. It is also extremely spacious. They have all types of machines, some you may have seen, some you may have no clue what to do with. Racquetball, basketball, tennis, and volleyball players there is a court for you in this community. Last on the long list of great things they have, is the fact that they have a sauna! Get spa-like steam after a hard workout, what more could you ask for?

Where’s your favorite place to workout in Gainesville?

December 24, 2018

With those pesky finals souring our mood it may be easy to forget why the holidays are so amazing. However, I have taken it upon myself to provide the best five reasons why we should embrace that holiday cheer even and never, ever, stop loving the holidays!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah,  Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year!

November 30, 2018

Calling all Gainesville Coffee Lovers!

Gainesville is a great hub buzzing with many local businesses but we’re here to highlight some of the best local cafes for you gators to check out!

Photo courtesy of Yelp

Wyatt’s

Wyatt’s is the one stop shop for all thing’s coffee in Gainesville.  Proudly brewing fresh coffee on the daily to fuel busy students like you. But they don’t stop there, pair your coffee with their delicious pastries for the ultimate combo. It’s no secret why Wyatt’s is a fan favorite among students from it’s aesthetically pleasing ambiance to its great downtown Gainesville location. Next time you are craving some coffee make a pit stop at Wyatt’s and see for yourself why it makes the perfect place to study or relax.

Maude’s Cafe

Another gem located in downtown Gainesville is Maude’s Café. If you’re looking for a cozy, eclectic coffee shop then look no further! Maude’s has undoubtedly created a name for itself by serving killer coffee & treats that has been dominating the coffee scene for several reasons. Get the best of both worlds at Maude! Enjoy the ambiance of their classic café or relax outside on their peaceful patio known as the “Sidecar”. Inside or outside, Maude’s makes for the perfect epicenter for studying, conversation, cocktails, and even musical entertainment. Specializing in both quality coffee and food, Maude’s Café is the newest coffee shop on your bucket list!

Photo courtesy of spoonuniversity.com

Karma Cream

Whether your vegan, vegetarian or simply health conscious we guarantee Karma Cream won’t disappoint. Karma Cream is a local organic Ice Cream Café! Swing by for a sweet treat of dairy-free ice cream, gluten-free baked goods, vegan desserts and of course their delicious coffee creations. Enjoy the endless options while avoiding all the guilt. Indulge in the finer things in life, such as Karma Cream, we promise you won’t regret it!

Photo courtesy of GrandeGainesville

Volta Coffee, Tea & Chocolate

Volta Coffee, Tea & Chocolate offers an array of rotary specialty coffees, teas, handcrafted espresso drinks, and drinking chocolates. Sounds like heaven to me. Since 2008 this local Gainesville café has been sharing its love for the art of coffee by creating the ultimate coffee shop experience just for you. Volta has something for everyone ranging from their divine drinks to decadent pastries. Volta has cultivated the ultimate artsy and creative environment, that will 100% help your Instagram aesthetic. Indulge in Volta and see for yourself why it’s a popular choice for all coffee lovers.

What is your favorite local Cafe?!

November 16, 2018

Whether you’re tailgating with friends and family or heading to fraternity row, here are some tips on how to look your best on gameday!

Gainesville is called “The Swamp” for a reason… There’s always a 95% chance it’s hot and humid.

Staying cool is key to having an enjoyable gameday, but good thing there are lots of options to choose from:

Overalls w/ a tube top

The orange and blue overalls are pretty hard to miss in Gainesville, but simple white or denim overalls work too. Pair that with any tube top—white, blue, orange, even custom “GVILLE” or “Tailgator” designs and you’re good to go!

Cut-up Tees

There is no limit on how creative you can be with a University of Florida Gators T-shirt. You can simply cut the bottom to make a crop top, cut a V-shape into the chest and use lace to tie it together or include a little mesh fabric.

Bandana –> Tube Top

Any blue and orange patterned bandana can easily be tied in the top to make a fun tube-top to pair with shorts or a jean skirt.

Cheer skirt

Slightly different from the cheerleaders on the field, a blue and white cheer skirt is a great way to put a fun twist on a gameday outfit.

Best of all, you can top it all off with a pair of orange and blue sunglasses, temporary tattoos on your cheek, and even a Florida Gators hat!

Happy Tailgating!

October 12, 2018

Bills, Bills, Bills!

It seems like every time you pay one, another somehow magically appears to put a damper on your wallet.  When it comes to living in an apartment in Gainesville you may have a host of various housing bills that come at you every month, wouldn’t it be nice to save some cash?  Water and electricity are modern-day necessities for many of us, but they can truly add up!  Here are a few tips to help keep your utility bill at a reasonable cost this season!

• • Set your thermostat fan switch to “AUTO” to conserve energy, as leaving it “ON” will result in the fan to continue to run.

• • Regularly replace or clean your air conditioner filters as needed.  Filters can easily clog and will block the flow of air and decrease efficiency.

• • Unplug chargers and other electronic devices when not in use.  Although you may not be utilizing it at the moment, power will continue to be supplied to the device.

• • Don’t overload your power strips!  Be certain to check safety ratings to ensure that your power strip is not used beyond its limits.

• • Purchasing new electronics for your apartment? Look for Energy-Star labeled devices as they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and several other pollutants that result in savings via rates and energy usage.

• • If you note a leak in your apartment, be certain to bring attention to it ASAP as leaks result in increased water bills!

• • Keep your blinds, windows and curtains closed when possible to retain cool/heat.

What are your tips for saving big bucks on your utility bill?

September 21, 2018

The Fall semester is in full swing here in Gainesville, and we’re hoping that all of you are killing the education game with all of that study time?  Yes? Great!  When it comes to success in college, many graduates can attribute their degrees to a variety of reasons: a loving family, great professors, maybe even a few nights out on the town!  But one thing that we all could use to continue to succeed on campus?

An awesome place to study!

Sure, Smathers and Library West are great, but how many times have you scrambled to grab a study room before another group snags it?  Been stuck sitting next to the kid who decided to crunch his chips as loud as possible or perhaps, you can’t even find parking to get comfy on campus for a cram session?!

No stress!

If you are the lucky resident at any of the following awesome student apartments in Gainesville, you have access to an ideal study space, no matter the semester!

Enjoy a view of the beautiful pool while cramming in the Study Lounge at Lexington Crossing!

Lexington Crossing Apartments

Looking for a little peace and quiet? Lounge while you study at the swanky study area at Gainesville Place

Gainesville Place Apartments

Need to surf the web, type up your paper or handle some printing? Lux 13 has got you handled with their efficient study spot!

Lux 13 Apartments

Living at The Crossing has too many perks to name, but we’ll add in the large study space with room for you and your study group to enjoy while you breeze through your degree!

The Crossing Apartments

Where’s your favorite place to study?