by Marissa Kappus

College students have certainly outgrown their lemonade stand days but many still thirst for professional experience as they pursue their degree. Summer breaks present the perfect opportunity to sample a variety of vocations, gain valuable experience and earn some cash. And according to Stanford News, summer jobs for college students actually help boost academic performance in the classroom and encourage better thinking overall. Here are six ideas for college students who are looking for a job this summer.

1. Be a Camp Counselor – This job is often described as the most difficult choice for a college student but can be one of the most rewarding summer jobs imaginable if you enjoy kids and nature. Regardless of the location or type of camp, working with youth campers is sure to be memorable and allows college students to spend time outdoors away from the normal grind of academia. Returning to college in the fall knowing that you impacted children in a positive way will provide self-fulfillment that will get you through those long nights of studying. According to the American Camp Association, college students who become camp counselors learn skills such as communication, problems solving and creativity. You can choose from thousands of locations and narrow your options down according to your interests.

2. Seek out an Internship – Although internships can be more challenging to obtain, they are an important step in any college student’s academic career. Most colleges encourage students to take part in an internship to reinforce the concepts learned in class, and it is no secret that interning gives your resume a boost that recruiters seek out when evaluating potential employees. In a recent study, Forbes revealed that 60 percent of all internships eventually lead to job offers, so college students should seek out internships in their specific field of study to get a jump-start on their career.

3. Sign up to be a nanny – Becoming a nanny or a babysitter is a perfect summer job because the need is so great. College students can provide an invaluable service to the family they serve. After all, during the summer months, parents need help while they are at work each day and their children are on summer vacation. As a nanny, your pay will be commensurate with the number of children in the family, their ages and the extra duties you are contracted to perform around the house such as laundry and light cleaning. A nanny’s hours are generally flexible and there can even be time during the day when you can study, depending on the family’s needs.

4. Train to become a lifeguard – Being a lifeguard pays well, but can come with some challenges, such as being exposed to the sun, manual labor and the stress that comes with being responsible for swimmers’ safety. The American Red Cross requires completion of CPR and basic lifeguard course. Lifeguarding offers the opportunity for college students to be outdoors, make friends, assert authority and learn valuable life-saving skills.

   
   

5. Become a fitness trainer, instructor or coach – As a fitness instructor, you can stay active while making money at your local gym or recreation center. There are loads of classes you can teach if you are qualified, such as yoga, cycling, Pilates or kickboxing. You could even coach a local recreational sports team. Recreation centered jobs give college students the opportunity to earn as they play, make memories, bond with others, stay in great shape and spend time outdoors while earning a paycheck.

6. Pitch in by volunteering – For some, making money during the summer is necessary, but if you are lucky enough not having to focus on monetary rewards,  consider volunteering. Working at a non-profit can be one of the most fulfilling ways to spend your time and provides valuable work experience and ample networking opportunities. Volunteering fulfills an altruistic need and will be a valuable addition to your resume. According to a study conducted by Deloitte, more than 85 percent of those involved in hiring decisions believe resumes that include volunteer activities are more impressive than those that do not.

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Living in an apartment is great, but you just can’t have some of the things homeowners have, like pretty vegetable and flower gardens. Right?

WRONG.

With Earth Day upon us, it seems fit to share one of apartment living’s best kept secrets… Patio Gardening! It can be as simple or as complex as you’d like it to be, it adds a special touch to your home, and it’s a great hobby!

Not sure how to get started? Here are some easy, DIY garden projects to wake up your dormant green thumb.

1. Mason Jar Herb Garden

This DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden from CamilleStyles.com may be simple to make, but doesn’t lack in style or function. Always having fresh herbs around is elegant and delicious. Don’t forget to read the comments section for great advice on watering and drainage for your herbs!

2. 7-Step Pallet Garden

Pallet projects are all the rage these days, and this DIY Pallet Garden is just as easy to make as it is trendy. In only seven steps, you will have a garden worthy of a backyard, that fits on your balcony!

3. Terra-Cotta Vertical Garden

This vertical garden takes slightly more work to put together, but is totally worth it. The Horticult has simple instructions on how to turn inexpensive terra-cotta pots and some hardware into a chic, urban-inspired garden.

4. “Pallet” Herb Garden

This “pallet project” resembles a pallet, but Chrissy from The Pink Lemonade Blog didn’t actually use a pallet. Her instructions do require cutting some wood, but with a splash of chalkboard paint, this planter becomes cute and personalized.

5. Wall-Mounted Succulent Letter DIY

Sarah from House & Fig says this project is only loosely DIY because she bought the letter frame at a floral store in San Francisco. But filling the frame with hard-to-kill succulents is just as clever as coming up with a whole DIY garden project from start-to-finish. Hats off to you, Sarah.

6. Shoe Organizer Herb Garden

Really awesome DIY garden projects often start with re-purposing other household items. Take a shoe organizer, for example. This idea from Birds & Blooms couldn’t be easier, and the optional plant tags really make it stand out.

Love it? Pin it!

The post Six DIY Garden Projects That Will Make You Want to Go Green for Earth Day appeared first on A Home & Lifestyle Guide from CMC Apartments.

The Rainy Day Blues are no joke. All week you’ve been looking forward to taking the dogs to the park, catching some rays by the pool, and sending the kids outside to play. Then you wake up on Saturday morning to the distant sound of thunder in the background. Such a disappointment, right?

While it’s certainly a bummer, we often forget about all the fun indoor activities (for all ages) that can easily chase the Rainy Day Blues away.

Go to the Movies

The movie theater is the perfect place to spend a rainy day. You’re not missing out on the sunshine by sitting in a dark theater for a couple of hours, you can stay in your sweats, and nobody is going to judge you for splurging on the extra large popcorn with free refills (you ARE sharing it, after all).

Zootopia (PG) tops the box office this week and with a score a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s sure to be entertainment for kids and grown-ups alike.

Build a Fort

Let’s be honest: living room forts are not just for kids. Think of all the things you can do in  your secret hideaway: read a book, have a picnic, take a nap.  And all of these things are extra enjoyable when you’re cozied up and listening to the soft sound of rain outside.

 Dust Off the Board Games

Remember the days before iPads and Xbox when you cleared off the kitchen table to play Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit? A rainy day is a great time to break out the old board games and reunite with your old friends, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. Peacock and Miss Scarlet.

Card games are also always a crowd-pleaser, and since you’re stuck inside all day, why not learn a new one?

I know what you’re thinking, and yes, it’s a great idea to do this in your fort.

Spend Some Time in the Kitchen

Nothing cures the Rainy Day Blues quite like some good, old fashioned comfort food. This could be anything from homemade mac and cheese to double chocolate chip cookies. Bust out mom’s old recipes for the ultimate comfort, or try adding a new twist to old classics. 

Get Creative

Arts & crafts are an excellent way to spend an afternoon. You can paint wooden decorations for your bedroom or a set of glasses for entertaining. Or you could construct a seasonal wreath that’s just the touch your front door has been missing. Maybe even pick up a new hobby, like knitting or scrapbooking.

Having a hard time finding your creative side? Go to your local craft store and browse the aisles. They’ll undoubtedly have something (or more likely – a few things) that peak your interest. Or, you can surf the web for inspiration.

Go to the Library

Weekends these days seem almost as hectic as weekdays. But when plans get canceled due to a stormy Saturday, it just may be the perfect time to go to the library and pick up a new novel. Take your time, read a few excerpts, really channel your inner Belle. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a hidden gem that becomes your new favorite book.

Maybe even return those books you borrowed last year with all those overdue charges?

Bonus: Leave Town!

That’s right, I went there. If the weather is really getting you down, take a road trip! Chances are, if you live in Florida, you’re a short(ish) drive away from a beach on which it’s not raining. If the beach is not your thing, you could take a day trip to an amusement park. Or pay an impromptu visit to friends and family that are just a few hours away, but you hardly get to see.

Not sure where to make your escape? Check out this resource of Florida one-tank trips!

Love it? Pin it!

The post 6 Indoor Activities to Chase the Rainy Day Blues Away appeared first on A Home & Lifestyle Guide from CMC Apartments.

Happy Pi Day!

You already know that Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. You know that it’s a constant and will always be the same, no matter the size of the circle. You know it’s a transcendental number, looking something like this:

3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419716939937510582097494459230781640628620899862803482534211706798214808651328230664709384460955058223172535940812848111745028410270193852110555964462294895493038196442881097566593344612847564823378678316527120190914564856692346034861045432664821339360726…

And sure, it’s fun once a year to celebrate this crazy, *ahem* I mean irrational, number and reignite your love for math.

But what we know is that 3/14 is also a great excuse to indulge in everyone’s favorite homophone… pie!

Without further ado, check out these four super easy, no-bake pie recipes to add a little sweetness to your Pi Day!

1. Sure to always be a crowd-pleaser, this peanut butter pie is also the easiest on the list. Click here for the recipe!

2. What’s better than soft, decadent chocolate chip cookies dipped in milk? Not much, except maybe soft, decadent chocolate chip cookies in pie-form. Here’s the recipe. 

3. We’re keeping it classic so far on this list, so we can’t leave out the (probably) world-famous Oreo Pie. Just like mom used to make it. 

4. This one certainly shies away from classic, and goes straight to kick. The Lemon Margarita Refrigerator Pie has a few more steps than the others on the list, but it has tequila. Worth it? Worth it. Get the recipe here!

Note: While it is a small amount, this pie does contain alcohol, so please enjoy responsibly!

BONUS! This one’s not circle-shaped, so can’t teach you much about Pi, but it’s chocolate lasagna. I wasn’t going to NOT give you a recipe for chocolate lasagna. Enjoy! 

The post Celebrate Pi Day with These No-Bake Pie Recipes appeared first on A Home & Lifestyle Guide from CMC Apartments.

As a family-run business that has been in Gainesville, FL close to 40 years, we’re always inspired by newcomers to the market. This Spring we’ve partnered with our friends at HaulBox, an on-demand, storage and retrieval service in Gainesville. To celebrate Resident Appreciation Month with us (and beyond) they’ve offered an exclusive deal for CMC Residents.

We’d love for you to try them out. Keep reading for more or check our HaulBox on Facebook.

Love your CMC Apartment, but need just a little more space. Maybe you’re a student who’s subleasing and needs a safe place for your things while away? With HaulBox, you can conveniently store your things, document your items, and request pickups and drop-off of boxes all from your mobile phone. Your items will be stored in a secure, climate-controlled facility for $8 per box per month – and all boxes are delivered and picked up for free.

Think of us as real-life Dropbox for your physical items.

How to store with a smile:

1. Download the HaulBox app (for Apple and Android) – or you can create an account on the website
2. Request empty boxes and have them delivered for free
3. Scan each box and upload them into your digital closet
4. Pack & take pictures of the items in each box – create descriptions if you want
5. Schedule a free pick-up, a HaulBox Hercules hauls them to a secure facility
6. Need your boxes back? Retrieve them from storage for a minimal fee

Offer for CMC Residents

Deal 1: One Free Box for each friend you refer to HaulBox
Tell your friends about HaulBox and send us an email at Hello@HaulBox.com with their name and email address.

When they place an order, we’ll send them a 50% discount on their first box and give you a free one! Free boxes can be claimed until July 1st, 2015.

Deal 2: 50% Off First Box when you book in March
Get a guaranteed delivery date and receive 50% off your first box when you book your April dates during the month of March. Recommended if you’re subleasing for Summer.

The post CMC Deals: Need storage help? Try HaulBox appeared first on A Home & Lifestyle Guide from CMC Apartments.

We are thrilled to announce that CMC Apartments is a recipient of a 2014 SatisFacts Superior Resident Satisfaction Award.

This national award is based on real resident feedback of the company’s leadership and team members. Satisfacts works nationally with over 200 property management companies with over a million units; so earning an award is a wonderful achievement that we are honored to receive based on our residents’ perception.

We would also like to congratulate the following CMC properties that were recipients of individual community awards:

Hunter’s Ridge – Orlando, FL
Willowbrooke Apartments – Lakeland, FL
Hunters Crossing – Gainesville, FL
Huntington Lakes – Gainesville, FL
Lake Crossing – Gainesville, FL
Lakewood Villas – Gainesville, FL
Spyglass Student Apartments – Gainesville, FL

Our heartiest congratulations to all the winners!

The post Voted Number 1 in Resident Satisfaction appeared first on A Home & Lifestyle Guide from CMC Apartments.

At CMC Apartments, we truly believe we have the best residents in the world. While our objective is to provide everyone who lives at one of our communities with the best possible customer service year round, we like to designate a time of year to take it to a whole new level.

In years past we have been honored to celebrate Resident Appreciation Week. Our communities hosted free events, gave away goodies, and went above and beyond to make our residents’ days a little better. But we realized that seven days just is not enough time to show how much we value our residents.

That said, it is our pleasure to announce CMC Apartments’ Resident Appreciation MONTH.

Throughout the month of March our communities will be celebrating you—the resident!
Check out #CMCraw for highlights and visit your community’s Facebook page below for a detailed schedule of events – coming soon! Participating properties include:

Hunters Crossing

Huntington Lakes

Lake Crossing

Lakewood Villas

Spyglass

The Courtyards 

Willowbrooke

Villa Valencia

Woodland Villas

Summerlin At Winter Park 

The post CMC Apartments’ 2015 Resident Appreciation appeared first on A Home & Lifestyle Guide from CMC Apartments.

BEST. MONTH. EVER!

It’s time to start calling soccer “football” again. The FIFA World Cup™ is back and it starts today in Brazil. 32 countries put up their finest players in a death match performance over the next 6 weeks (dramatic, much).

Google has a nifty game calendar, just search “world cup schedule 2014” and get the matches (games) in your local time zone. We’re planning on airing the USA matches at some of our leasing offices, so feel free to come yell “Forza America!” with us…(even if Coach Klinsmann doesn’t think we’ll go too far). This year USA is in a group known as the Group of Death – up against Ghana, Portugal (team of football megastar Cristiano Ronaldo) and top-contender Germany…so there’s that.

So in honor of La Copa Mundial, we’ve gathered up five of our favorite FIFA commercials – leave a comment and tell us one of your favorites. As far as this afternoon’s game…all eyes on Neymar.

And a bonus, because who doesn’t like Pele!

The post Our five top 2014 FIFA World Cup Commercials appeared first on A Home & Lifestyle Guide from CMC Apartments.

If you’re spending the weekend locally (as opposed to the AT&T Stadium in Texas) it promises to be a cloudy, but mostly dry weekend. So plan on a little daytime fun before glueing yourself to the Final Four game.

Need more ideas? Check out our Around Gainesville list here.

In Gainesville

WHAT: Hogtown Craft Beer Festival
WHERE: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Happening Saturday, this is an awesome deal because your ticket lets you taste some of the region’s finest craft beers – 64 breweries in attendance – and enjoy food pairings from great local restaurants: The Top and Dragonfly Sushi just to name a few. Tickets are $55.

WHAT: Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival
WHERE: Downtown Gainesville

This annual event is a fun one and this year features a jazz concert by Leyla McCalla on Saturday, April 5th at 7p.m. on the SF Garden Stage on the lawn of the Thomas Center. The family-friendly event runs both Saturday and Sunday with live art, free children’s activities, musical performances (including jazz and Motown), and food trucks.

WHAT: Gainesville Fashion Week – the 7th Season
WHERE: University Air Center

Gainesville Fashion Week certainly has come a long way in a short space of time. The show promises not to disappoint with a private kickoff event on Thursday at Simon’s downtown and a live music & art night on Friday at the University Air Center.
Hit the runway on Saturday evening to see collections from local and regional fashion designers: The 1oz Project, Mikho, Xiao Lin Designs, YAYA, Francine Elizabeth and Zanniekini.

Ticket prices range for students and regular admission. And while there won’t be an athlete sighting at this GFW event…we’re cheering our team all the way.

The post Weekend Events in Gainesville :: April 4 – 6 appeared first on A Home & Lifestyle Guide from CMC Apartments.

We’re excited to announce a new partnership for 2014. We’ve joined forces with local startup Lazy Delivery – a service that shops your grocery and pharmacy lists for you and delivers the items to your door.

Keep reading because there is a special deal for all CMC Apartments residents in Gainesville, FL.

From your smartphone or computer, send Lazy Delivery your shopping list and their team will bring the items from the store to your door. Lazy Delivery picks up from Publix, Ward’s Supermarket, Citizens Co-op, Uppercrust Bakery, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS and more.

You can request an instant delivery, which is fulfilled within 2 hours, or schedule a delivery for a future time and date. And here’s the deal – all CMC Apartments residents get 50% off this service.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

Where do I place my grocery list order?
You can do so at Lazy Delivery.

How do I get the CMC resident discount?
You simply have to be a CMC Apartments resident at any of our Gainesville, Florida properties to qualify for 50% off the delivery fee.

Is there a coupon code I need before checkout?
No, your address will verify that you live at a CMC community.

How does it work?
Go to Lazy Delivery. You can place an order for 10 line items (line items are items of the same kind, so 5 Dannon greek yogurts would qualify as one item). You are charged the cost of groceries plus Lazy Delivery’s delivery fee. CMC Residents enjoy 50% off this fee every Tuesday.

Can I order any time on any day and still get the 50% off delivery discount?
No, the discount is only open for scheduled Tuesday deliveries to your CMC community from 6p.m. onwards.

Does that mean I can only order on Tuesdays?
No. You can order anytime online 24/7. To get the discount you must schedule delivery for Tuesdays after 6p.m. – all other delivery days and times will be the regular Lazy Delivery rate.

What if I need more than 10 items?
Each item after your allowed first 10 line item order is an additional .70 cents – but remember it will be 50% off this price on Tuesdays after 6p.m.

How do I pay for my order?
You pay for your groceries & the delivery via cash, credit or debit card upon receipt to Lazy Delivery.

I don’t live in Gainesville, but would like to order groceries for my son/ daughter/ parent that lives at your community. Is that OK?
Absolutely! But please contact Lazy Delivery for special instructions on processing this order at contact@LazyDelivery.com or call 352-639-0734.

I still have questions…
That’s OK, please contact Lazy Delivery at contact@LazyDelivery.com

Please be advised Contemporary Management Concepts, LLLP is a simple promotion partner with Lazy Delivery, and is not affiliated with or responsible for Lazy Delivery orders or transactions.

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