Studying Already? Here's how to make the best coffee!

I am only in the first week of classes and I have already spent way too much time hitting the books. The one thing that keeps me sane during those long hours is a nice hot and bubbly cup of coffee or a creamy latte. However, living on a student's budget makes it hard for me to run to the corner Starbucks and pay for a 5 dollar caffeinated treat every time I need a boost, so I have learned to be my own barista. Here are some tips on saving money on your java but still enjoying every sip: 

• Buy an espresso maker (if you are a latte lover or crave cappuccinos). Sure, there are a lot of machines that can have a price tag reaching $1000, but I grabbed my espresso maker at WalMart for a mere $130 and it works just as well (and has lasted me over a year so far). This will enable you to pull espresso shots and foam milk, the moves required to create a latte, americano, cappuccino or anything else you crave from the Starbucks menu. 
• Buy fresh beans and a coffee grinder. Ground coffee beans only stay fresh for a few days, so instead of asking for your beans pre ground, buy whole beans and a grinder, your coffee will taste MUCH more fresh. Plus, whole beans stay good for a few months. 
• Get some tasty syrup. This is something I only just started doing, the syrup adds that extra shot of flavor to your cup of joe. You can pick up any flavors like vanilla, hazelnut or mint at your local coffee shop. 
• Splurge on quality beans. There is not much to say to this one, find beans that you like and that have been roasted correctly... In other words- beware of the supermarket. 

Those are some of my ideas for making coffee shop- like- coffee in the comfort of your very own home. Believe me, you will never want coffee from anywhere else! 

Sincerely Yours,

The Twenty Something 

Keeping Focused- 5 ways to stay on track this year

Hello readers,


Since the theme for many of my posts has been getting back to school and accepting an end to the summer months, I thought I would share with you some of my tips for staying focused and on track through school while still maintaining a social life. 

1. Keep an agenda. If you will walk away retaining any of these tips, please let it be to get an agenda. You cannot possibly remember all your assignments, appointments and professors' office hours... so write it down! I like to write down when things are due as well as when I should be working on them. 
2. Cut down on the four day weekend binges. Believe me, when monday coming rolling around and you realize you have a final in 2 days that you haven't started studying for you will regret it. Having fun is defiantly part of the college experience, but hardly anyone I know can get work done when they are nursing a massive hang over. 
3. Get involved. There is nothing that will take you off track more than having too much free time, this will lead to procrastination- the evil enemy that every college student faces. Plus, extra curricular activities will look great on your resume or application to graduate school. 
4. Study in the library or in a place you can focus. When it comes to studying to each his own, but I find that when I am studying somewhere that I cannot do anything else it helps me to get a lot more work done. Set a time for yourself (say you will be at the library from 9am-3pm) and after that you are free to do your own thing. 
5. Get organized. Make sure you have all the resources you need at your finger tips at all times. Spending two hours looking for your first year economics text book will take away from your studying time, not to mention drive you crazy. 

There are some of my tips for staying on track, does anyone else have tips that work for them? Share with me! 

Sincerely Yours,

The Twenty Something