Empty Pocket Grad

Apartment Hunting Again--Out on My Own.

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:02:00 +0000

It's been a wild weekend. My lease is up in a few weeks and I'm looking to move somewhere more centrally located.

I've also decided to move out by on my own. That's right. No roommate. It's a big expense but I feel good about it.

Unfortunately, finding an apartment on your own is harder than it sounds. Some of these places were tiny! And they wanted so much money! I thought I left New York prices behind but apparently they exist.

Luckily, I found a place that is perfect! A little pricey but it's gorgeous, well maintained and the land lady is a sweetheart. Plus it is large enough that if I ever lost my job or had to take a pay cut, I could split it and rent a second room.

But in the meantime, I'm reading all these apartment blogs and living like it's my first place. Because it's my OWN place.

Check these blogs out

MapThatPad Blog

My New Place

GradSpot

My First Apartment

Ikea Hacker

I Just Feng-Shui'd Your Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:37:00 +0000

Sometimes, there is nothing more refreshing than a brand new haircut. I have hit a wall lately. I've been training for a 10K and hit 5 miles this week. I've never felt better.

But the career and apartment prospects have not been looking so great. Money is tight and I'm getting to that post-graduate place of sadness.

So when my new hairstylist (a friend of a friend of a friend's boyfriend) pointed to the seven inches of curly brown hair on the floor and said "That's your old life on floor," I knew that this little change would change my outlook on my life.

I have a little more pep in my step this Monday morning. I feel more put together and the assistant in the office next door to me (coworkers but not direct coworkers) says I look brighter.

I do feel as though he feng-shui'd my hair.

Words of Wisdom from Football

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:50:00 +0000

The Emmys were last night and I was so stoked to see Jason Katims and Kyle Chandler go home with the statues in their categories. Friday Night Lights was an excellent and inspirational show. Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!

In other football news, Clemson beat Auburn this weekend. I went to a school without a football team but my brother is a Clemson alum so I was rooting for them Saturday morning. It was awesome!

They pulled off a stunning victory and Head Coach Dabo Swinney gave away the secret to life on Sportscenter when commenting on the victory.

We got greatness in us, so I told em 'You got greatness in you but you gotta make a decision to be great.' They made a decision to be great today."

I only found out about this because my brother posted this on his wall and said " I hope people realize this doesn't just apply to football."

So true. It doesn't just apply to football. We have to choose to achieve our goals and go after our dreams. Thank you Dabo for reminding me of that.

One is Silver and The Other is Gold

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 01:30:00 +0000

It's shaping up to be a busy fall for me. I'm working full-time and have just stepped into three leadership roles in Los Angeles organizations.

Well not really LA organizations.

I was asked to join to Alumni Committees for my university and have stepped in as Chairman of my sororitie's local alumnae club. I'm also a Reunion Chair for my high school reunion this fall. I'm so excited to go back to that tiny bubble town!

How do I get myself involved in all these things?

That's what my mom always asks me. She tells me I'm putting myself last. But I don't see it that way. These committees help me meet new people and make new friends.

But they are also a good way to bring together my new friends and my old NYC friends who have just arrived in LA. We all end meeting each other at mixers or alumni events and it makes it easier for me to balance the two.

How do you keep in touch with your old friends? Introduce them to new ones? Do the two groups blend seamlessly or not at all?

All Roads Lead To Rome: Navitagating Post Grad Life

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:39:00 +0000

I popped in to visit a few friends after work last night. We're all about a year out of college and it's interesting to see where are paths have taken us.

One of us is working something close to her dream job but works such crazy hours that it's a miracle to hear from her more than once a week.

Myself and another friend work steady jobs with fluctuating hours. I think hers is closer to something she wants to do long term than mine but overall, we're pretty happy.

Another friend just dropped down to part-time at her sales job to make time to break into another industry.

We complained about a lot of things--our hours, our bosses, our salaries, our coworkers. But then my one friend piped up and said that "All roads lead to Rome."

I've always said "What's meant to happen, will happen." But I realize this is a passive outlook on life and our career. I like my friend's phrase better because it tells you that you can't just wait for the "right" job to fall into your lap. You have to walk down the road.

Happy Friday!

My Post Grad Edu-Ma-Cation

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 05:30:00 +0000

Just over a year ago I was back in New York City getting my diploma from NYU. I sat in the rain in Yankee Stadium and looked back on the good times. The good classes. Flashforward to today when I realized I don't learn much anymore.

I barely read. I barely watch the news. 90% of my twitter is personal finance related (@emptypocketgrad) or pop-culture related (@nameyouwillnotknow).

In other words---I'm getting dumb.

And watching this SavvySugar slideshow made me realize it. Though I've learned some life lessons, overall I've stopped educating myself.

But what can I do? I don't have the time or patience for a night class. I also don't have the money now that I'm pursuing personal training.

I've tried signing up for ITunesU courses but there is one fatal flaw---I can't put them on my Ipod. What good is it if I can't listen to a Yale philosophy class on life and death at the gym or on the drive to work?

So now, I'm onto podcasts. I have downloaded a couple--now I just need to turn off Ryan Seacrest and Carson Daly in the morning and listen to them.

Here's what I have so far

1) WritingExcuses. A 15-20 minute podcast hosted by 4 novelist/comic book writers talking about genre, craft, and the profession of writing. They're funny and they always end with a writing prompt (Fact: recently went and wrote all the prompts into a WordDoc to be completed later)

2) CoffeeBreak Spanish/CoffeeBreak French. I do have this goal to learn Spanish one day. But for now, I'm just going to brush up on ma francais.

3) Wait Wait Don't Tell Me. I am a huge fan of this news quiz comedy show and have even been to two tapings in NYC and CT. Unfortunately, this show also highlights my newfound dumbness.

4) NPR's Talk of The Nation. I haven't actually listened to this guy yet but it seems fascinating. Must hit play. Tomorrow.

I used to also listen to KCRW's The Business but it was too job related but if you want to learn about showbiz...they have great interviews.

But that's what I've got for now. Any other suggestions for podcasts? Any other tips you recommend keeping my brain sharp? Please don't suggest sudoku or crosswords--I struggle.

Today I Tried Something New

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:09:00 +0000

This summer has definitely been adventures. I have met new people in LA, tried new things I have always wanted to do (hiking! UCB!), and now I've made a lifestyle choice.

I have hired a personal trainer. I had my first appointment today and boy was it tough. My trainer bases most of her workouts in boot camp style training. I have always been afraid of bootcamps because they seem uncompromising. And they are!

But I'm glad I went this route. At one point I know I got a little short with her because she was super chatty. I love it byt when I'm doing lunges for a minute per leg...I get a little snippy. Especially if it's my left leg. Sorry!

Overall, I feel better than ever. I had a good time and I came out feeling like I had a great workout and a calendar for the next week. It looks like:

Monday: Rest + Stretch, watch Another Earth!

Tuesday: 30-40 Minutes of Cardio, Burn 400-500 calories

Wednesday: Pushups/Situps + Softball Game

Thursday: Training

Friday: 30 Minutes of Incline Walking, Core 7 minutes

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: Strength Training

Sounds fun no? I'll let you know how it goes.

Monday Migraine: Tension Headaches and TMJ

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:20:00 +0000

This weekend was not as relaxing as I would hope. Though I wasn't exactly running around like crazy--I was plagued by the worst headaches. Though I did sneak in a long gym session and got my bike maintenancedI spent most of my time on the couch. Figuring some Advil, water and good movies would help but no. One movie in and I felt worse. By Sunday night I ended up in bed at 10pm and slept til 8pm because my head hurt so much. I'm 90% sure that the headaches are caused by TMJ--the nuisance in my life. But I still wish I had a way to get rid of them. Do any of you have crippling migraines? How do you treat and prevent them?

Post Grad (re)Connections

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:29:00 +0000

It's a rainy cold day in Los Angeles and while perusing Twitter, I found this great USA Today Education blog, "15 Things I've learned as a Post-Grad" by Charlsie Niemiec.

All fifteen points are very well thought out and I've come to many of the same conclusions in the last year.

But Number Seven is my favorite.

7. Reconnecting with friends you lost contact with isn’t such a bad idea.
After graduation, everyone goes his or her own way, so you never know who might
surprise you in hopes of reconnecting.

Best point ever. Not only does this apply to real friends---but missed connections. Acquaintances and classmates you only know through email and facebook.

You know back in your sophomore year when you took that class about Ancient Chinese Art and you had the presentation partner who was actually a cool kid? But then you never kept in touch.

That happened a lot to me. Especially at NYU. In a school of 35,000 undergraduates it is expected. But as an LA transplant, the NYU in LA kids really seek each other out.

I met up for lunch with an old classmatefrom a sophomore year who I have not seen for literally three and half years. But I noticed that he moved to LA (thanks Facebook) and we met up.

It was great! Such a good idea because I feel like had I gone to smaller school--we would have been friends.

I encourage you, readers, not only to have a LinkedIn and a Facebook but to also be brave and reach out to people you haven't talked to in a long time. After college, everyone loses their footing and has to start over again--worst case they ignore you.

Good luck!

Re-evaulating My Time and Making a Habit

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:34:00 +0000

I'm very lucky that I was able to be employed right out of college. I work for a great company in a great department. But in the end--it's still a 9-6 job and I graduated with BFA. I need something creative goshdarnit.

Unfortunately as most students, recent graduates and not so recent graduates know--it's not 6-11 creative stuff after I come home from work at 7.

First of all, when I come home from I generally get distracted by other things. Like how I think I'm going to get up and go to the gym at 5:30am. And making meals for the next few days. Paying bills.

Not terribly exciting right?

Then there are worldly distractions such as Netflix and Hulu. Do I want to watch a Bones and Booth solve their latest DC murder with the squints? Or catch up on Nikita? Or watch this DVD of Exit Through the Gift Shop that has been laying on my desk for the last month.

While these options are more exciting and are furthering my knowledge of my industry, still not what I'm talking about.

Then what about writing articles for web publications, this blog, tweeting. Or look--xyz.com is looking for contributing writers.

Better but not quite.

As you can see, my mind is really distracted lately. I have so many options and not enough time to cover all of them. So what is the best way to maintain focus?

Unfortunately, creativity isn't necessarily and on and off switch. But I think the most important thing is that I put my butt in my chair, stay off the internet, and write. I might write pure crap.

But at least I'm putting in the hours and forming a good habit.

Reader Question:
What's your advice for forming a hobby keeping habit?

Weekend Read 3.4.2011

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 04:17:00 +0000

This week's weekend read relates to all things spring, new and fresh. This includes discovering places, things and twitter handles

Top Five Twitter Handles to Follow 2011 [Fit Bottomed Girls]
Are Business Cards Passe? [The Financialite]
Five Great Ways to Spring Clean Your Resume [Business Insider]
Where to Go Now: Getting Most of Your Dollar [LearnVest]

Though these were all super exciting articles--LearnVest's shout to Buenos Aires made me ecstatic! I want to go back to BA!

Flailing Thru February

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 22:32:00 +0000

I feel like the past 30 or so days I have just been stumbling through each week. Looking at my calendar, I'm so happy that tomorrow I get to write February off as a disaster and turn over a new leaf.

How did I get to this point?

In late January I went on my first company trip. Company trips--especially one of this nature. We went somewhere freezing cold and it was a high stress week. I work from 6am-3am almost everyday and was surprised I stayed afloat.

Of course, when I came back we launched into February and I crashed. I got sick. I stopped blogging. I barely exercised. I became freaking miserable.

I even failed to acknowledge the AWESOME smoothie recipe, The FinancialLite left me in the comments section.

So tomorrow, I'm jumpstarting my goals again. Bringing in more energy to life and work. Spring Cleaning has to start in my head I guess.

Are You There Blender? It's Me ...

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:31:00 +0000

One of my new year's resolutions is to overall treat my body better. Workout consistently. Eat better. Get More Sleep. All together have more energy!

I've noticed over the past few months I've been kind of...blegh. For lack of a better sound. I've had this problem before: low energy, constant sniffles, sleeping for hours thenwaking up tired. What it all comes down to is that I'm not taking care of myself.

Though there are many contributing factors, I've realized the one I can control right now is my diet. Like most Americans--I don't eat enough vegetables and fruits. I don't particularly like eating raw vegetables. Actually I do but it aggravates my TMJ-stricken jaw. And I have never been creative about cooking them in interesting, flavorful way.

So while I'm figuring that cooking part, I've decided to dust off my favorite kitchen device.

The Blender.

If I wasn't a poor recent graduate I'd have a juicer but the blender will have to do. One handful of spinach, mango, mixed berries and beets at a time, I plan to drink to my health.

So far so good. I just finished a mixed greens and mango smoothie.

The question for you dear readers is:

Well-seasoned adults and Gen Y'ers alike, how do you meet your vegetable & fruit quota each day? Any recipes you want to share?

Weekend Read 1.6.2011

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 23:07:00 +0000

The first weekend read of 2011 focuses on the future...

1. What Does Temp Hiring Say about the Drop In Unemployment? [Time]
2. Where To Get Income These Days [FreeMoneyFinance]
3. College Isn't About The Boys: Why Women's Colleges Still Matter [USA Today College]
4. Best Money Tips: Part-time Jobs With Benefits [Wisebread]
5. Ponytail Height and Intelligence: What Our Hair Says About Us [HerCampus]
6. Lady Tears are Total Boner-Killers [Jezebel]

Number Three is a blog all its own. I went to an all-girl's high school and this article is spot on. Number Six just got lots of talk with my friends on Twitter.

Bringgg! 5am Wake Up Call

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:55:00 +0000

Bring Bring! That is my alarm this morning telling me to get up at 5am and get my butt out of bed. Out the door and having a near encounter with a homeless man in my carport, I drove to the gym.

No one was there! Me and the front desk person for the first 30 minutes. More people arrived around 6 but I loved being in a near empty gym. No lines for equipment and plenty of space for my new work out.

I did 20 minutes on the elliptical at a moderate pace before jumping into circuits. I had to re order it a bit for convenience sake but basically it was

Circuit 1 (15 reps of each, complete 2 times)

Bicep Curls with 8 lbs hand weights
Lunges with 8 lbs hand weights
Squats with Shoulder Press with 8 lbs handweights

Kettlebell Swings with a 15 lbs bell
Front Raise with Body Bar (9 lbs)
Upright Row with Body Bar (15 lbs)

Cardio
5 minutes on the StairMaster

Circuit 2 (15 reps, 2 sets)
Resistance band walks (shuffling side to side with resistance band around ankles)
Pectoral Flys (5 lbs weights, hold bridge on stability ball)
Chest Press (5 lbs weights, hold bridge on stability ball)
Tricep Overhead Press (5 lbs weights)

Planks (two times for 45 seconds)
Crunches
Bicycles
Leg Raises
Single Leg Stretch

Stretching.

The END!

The hardest part of this workout was definitely the triceps. I have to really focus maintain good form and not let my shoulders do the work. I also didn't get to do the resistance band walks because I couldn't find it! Put equipment back where it belongs people.

The rest of the day was relatively uneventful. I am reevaluating my finances this week etc.

New Year, Fresh Start

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:42:00 +0000

I'm back! After a 10 day vacation, I'm back at the desk and ready to rumble in sunny (but cold) LA. I have yet to write up my New Year's resolutions post but most are pretty typical. How have I been doing thus far?

I have somehow managed to fight off jetlag thus far and return to the USA with energy. As a result, my first goal to get up early to work out has started off on the right foot.

I set my alarm for 6:30 but woke up naturally around 5:55am for a run. But I had to wait to go because it was still dark out. What?

In my spare 30 minutes I sorted through the two months of bills laying on top of my filing box. Yes I paid all of them on time, they just needed to be filed. All done in 20 minutes! Then I headed out for my run. It was little cold and I started too fast but I made it through 2 miles.

My other goal is to pack more lunches again--I prepped a salad with beets, corn and chicken the night before so I just grabbed that and was ready to go. Unfortunately, I still snuck over to the cafeteria for 99 cent curly fries. BAD me!

Halfway through the day and I'm doing okay! Tomorrow I'm hoping to make it to the gym at 5:30am and hoping to hear good news from my landlord (might be adopting a dog, still number crunching).

Nothing Better Than A Home Cooked Meal

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:48:00 +0000

My roomie made Turkey Bolognese after I went to sleep Tuesday night (jetlag is sneaking up). I opened the fridge and there was a ton left over so emailed her to ask if I could have some for dinner.

Roomie should win an award. It was the best day to end a Wednesday

Happy New Year: A 2010 Retrospective

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 12:16:00 +0000

My personal resolutions and resolutions for other empty pocket grads are on their way but first I wanted to talk about the point of New Year's resolutions beforehand.

The point of resolutions is to reflect on what you've done the last year and write down your goals for the upcoming one. I feel like many people skip the first part and sometime the writing part of the resolutions as well! I don't remember my resolutions from last year, which is bad.

But I'm going to take a moment to reflect on 2010 before the clock strikes 12.

1) I can do push-ups again. I ran my first 5k since high school. I can Down Dog. These may sound like little athletic accomplishments but after a injury ridden last five years, I'm thankful to reach them again.

2) I moved across the country. Something that I worked on for the past year was this move. Between working 40 hours a week while finishing school and trying to find my first car, it was a lot of work but it's one of my biggest accomplishments.

3) I produced a documentary. Our turn around time was pretty quick too.

4) I started this blog and found that permanent job. Unfortunately the latter made this blog slightly less exciting. I was hoping to blog about job hunting from the perspective of the disgruntled, unemployed recent grad a bit longer.

5) I overcame my fear of the oven. Now I can make mean mac n cheese, baked ziti, and other casseroles.

6) I cut my cable. This is terribly saddening but I'm saving about $300 a year and still find time to watch my shows (with friends).

7) I moved in and out of three different apartments. Now I'm living with my best friend and roomskie. Unfortunately, this only happened after some ugly verbal spats in the middle edition.

8) Company Softball Champions. Nuff said.

9) Angry Birds. A late entry in 2010 but a very addictive game. The reason I both want and don't want an IPad.

10) I'm a writer. Maybe I need to write more on Empty Pocket Grad but if you include my other projects, I did a lot and loved every bit of it. It's something I'm really passionate about so don't be surprised if you see a quote from yours truly @advicetowriters someday. Modest--I know.

New Year's Resolutions For The Soon-To-Be Grad

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:51:00 +0000

It's that time of year again--the end and the beginning of the next year. I've seen a lot of cynical tweeters say New Year's Resolutions are just reminders of what you didn't do this year. While this is true, it's still good to sit down and review your goals and the steps to achieve them.

As a result, I'm going to write four posts on resolutions over the next week (Sorry I'm traveling with limited access to internet until 2011). Starting now

New Year's Resolutions--The College Senior

These next few months leading up to graduation are part of a war between two opposing forces: Last Hoorahs and Serious Thinking Moments.

1. Have The (Money and Job) Talk with the Parents
Depending on your parents or your career path, you may have already had a million versions of this conversation: What are you doing after graduation? Where are you working? Where are you living? Who is paying the bills? It's important to have this conversation now if not earlier.

I know many college grads whose parents have had skewed expectations of their post-graduate life. My own included--until I had this conversation for the 10th time and we reached an agreement. The point is that it's better to iron out the wrinkles in your "adult pants" now than risk your relationships later.

2. Consider Relocation
Going with part one, it's time to consider where you are living. Will you move to a big city? Or will you move home? Or does your industry require you to transplant yourself elsewhere? I went to a large university in New York City I loved New York life--but it's not affordable. For various reasons, I can only count a handful of friends who stayed in the city. But many have found other homes--relocating for various reasons. Here are some examples.

-One friend started living in New York working a few part-time jobs while trying to find the one. After her lease expired and she was still jobless, she moved home to Cleveland where she received her first full-time position.

-Another friend also stayed in New York and after a year, she moved to Greece to teach English.

-I moved from New York to Los Angeles to work in "the industry." I work full-time at a great company and was lucky enough to make a super smooth transition.

3. Make A Date With Your Career Center
If you haven't already, it's time to stop into the career center. Though many programs are geared towards recruiting, resume writing and interviews--an individual appointment with a career counselor can put you ahead of your fellow classmates. Even if you already know a lot about job hunting.

For example, I met with my career counselor in February and demanded she help me figure out how to move to LA and find a job. She gave me what advice she could--some I knew and some I didn't. She also connected me to a young alumni who wrote an LA Guide for recent grads. This alum was instrumental to my successful LA landing.

4. Go On One Last Adventure
You may be tempted to sit at home and apply to jobs over your spring break but don't. I commend you for your determination but once you are in the working world, you might not have the time or finances for these week long adventures. Personally, I would pick the Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter (but that wasn't open when I was in school).

5. And One Last Bar Crawl
I really am not a bar crawl fan but I think that last one would have been a blast. My friend's did it while I was out of town and it's nice they had this last truly collegiate moment.

6. Start Saving
If you don't have a savings account open one now. Better yet--consider a High Interest Savings account via E-Trade or INGDirect. You can be saving for a car, an apartment, or retirement but it's best to start now.

7. Learn To Boil Water
Because you want to be able to at least make Ramen every night. It's surprising how late night munchies disappear once you move away from campus so being able to cook for yourself will get you far. If you are feeling particularly culinary, look into new dishes on All Recipes and Martha Stewart.

8. Upgrade your Tech
If your laptop is on its last leg, consider purchasing a new one with your student discount before graduation. Some universities let you receive your discount with an alumni card or for up to one year after graduation. This is also a great time to grab software from sites such as JourneyEd.com if you want the latest photoshop.

9. Get Carded
Find out how to secure a university alumni card and what your alumni programs can do to help you. For example, I know my card gets a 25% discount on insurance and would get me a few free gym visits if I was still in the area.

10. Fit in Fitness
Because the pounds will add up if you don't make a habit now.

Weekend Read: 12.17.10

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:04:00 +0000

It's literally been a month since I've posted a weekend read but there have been a lot of good articles as we head into the holiday season.

Are Internship the New Entry-Level Jobs [The Huffington Post]
How To Use Party Season To Help Your Career [FruGal]
Budgeting Mistakes Everyone Has Made[FiveCentNickel]
How To Make The Most of Free Shipping Day [Yahoo! Finance]
What Caffeine Actually Does To Your Brain [Gizmodo]

Hot Saturday Night: Working In

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:16:00 +0000

Remember in college when finals rolled around? You reserved a study room in LL2 of Bobst with a group of friends while you convinced yourself you wouldn't be distracted? Or when you stayed in the dorms and ordered pigged out on delivery while writing that 20 page paper on Descartes?

I just had one of those nights--as a post grad.

Unfortunately, my friends and I work in a business where homework is still plagues our Sunday nights and like finals week, the homework has added up. In addition to writing some blog posts for this week, I have 4 movies to watch, 2 scripts to read and my own writing to work on.

How do you make time for these things?

For the past few weeks, I've been trying to buckle down and get real work done by isolating myself in my apartment. Ultimately, this leads to watching entire seasons of Bones and the newest Star Trek movie multiple times. So when my friend was stressing over her own workload--we came together in collegiate fashion.

We held a Work-In in her living room. We agreed to work for a few hours, order dinner, work until the Thai food arrived, take a TV & dinner break, then work some more. Best part is--it worked. We held each other accountable and made sure there was no browsing the internet and no watching Bones.

For the first time in a month, I actually got something done and made major progress!

Needless to say I think we will be holding Work-Ins more often.

Frugal Fashion: Spicing Up Your Wardrobe Without Breaking the Bank

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:53:00 +0000

I've seen many personal finance bloggers advise against having a credit card because people, tend to swipe their way into a very deep hole. Specifically through shopping. Sometimes it's for books, games, alcohol, but usually it's for fashion and beauty.

How can a penny-pincher be a frugal fashionista?

Discover Off-Price Department Stores

Have you ever been to TJ Maxx or Marshalls? If your first reaction was a grimace, have you been to one recently? These department stores are being remodelled all over America to offer current season, designer clothing at a lower price. I confess-- 95% of my wardrobe is from Marshalls including my shoes and handbags.

Reinvent with Accessories

Instead of buying a whole new outfit, why not spruce it up with new accessories? Take a look from day to night. Or add some conservative jewelry and a cardigan to make an outfit work appropriate. If you wear glasses, try getting some funky frames. Great stores to accessorize at include Forever21 or an independent seller on Etsy.

Shop Second Hand

This one is self explanatory but there are plenty of great finds at Goodwill or The Salvation Army. You can also check out stores such as Buffalo Exchange, which also excepts second hand clothes for cash. If you are in the LA area, check out It's A Wrap. This is like the Goodwill for film and television. All the dresses those sorority girl extras wore once on Greek? You can find them here.

Need proof there are great finds? I have definitely given away dresses I've worn once to Goodwill. Which brings me to the next point...

Become Sale Savvy
With websites like Retail Me Not, it's hard not to justify buying the whole store because it's at a discount.

Resist. I know it's very hard when you are in J Crew.

First of all, think about if you'll actually wear that shirt dress you are holding. If you try it on and you feel uncomfortable in it--don't buy it. Secondly, is it really a good sale? If the item is a low quality blouse that's only discounted five dollars, is it really worth your money? Probably not.

There are many blogs who can provide more sales tips in advice. One of my favorites is The Budget Fashionista, who also has a great section called Etsy Finds. Also loving a new find: The Poor Couture

Weekend Read: 11.19.10

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:34:00 +0000

Today is a big day. Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows opened at midnight today and is expecting a $135 million dollar weekend.

But for other frugal living, personal finance, and career news...check out this week's Weekend Read.

Davenport Family of Florida Camping Out Nine Days for Black Friday Deals [WalletPop]
Gen Y Women: Is "Crazy" The New Normal [Ms Career Girl]
Student Savings [Frugal Diva]
LinkedIn Profiles To Career Introductions: When You Can’t Recommend Your Friend [LearnVest]

Enjoy the reads and have a wonderful weekend.

Giving Thanks This Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:10:00 +0000

With the holidays coming up, it's the time of year to spend and to give. Not only to your family & friends but also to the less fortunate. Whether that means the homeless, animals, or arts programs, here are some ways to participate in the Season of Giving.

1) Give Money. The end of the calendar year is when philanthropic organizations make a real push to bring in the donations. Jump in and make a donation. Even the smallest amount counts. Additionally, your employer may have an employee matching program, where they match your financial contribution, speak with your HR department to find out. Finally, charitable giving is a good way to score a year-end tax break. Just make sure you get all the necessary paperwork to claim your tax-deductable donation. Tight budget? Drop the change from your morning coffee into an employee's tip jar or better yet, go give it to the Salvation Army Bell Ringers that pop up all over the United States starting today.

2) Give Time. I am not travelling home this Thanksgiving, flying across the country is too expensive. I will have a lot of free time on my hands so in addition to some holiday shopping on Black Friday, I'm hoping to volunteer at a local food bank or spend time socializing with a senior citizen.

3) Give Stuff. Many shelters around the country are launching their holiday giving programs. These also include include Adopt-A-Family programs, Holiday Food Drives and Holiday Toy Drives. Though I truly believe if you are going to participate in an Adopt A Family program, try to give to the Adults as well. Those parents are working hard and deserve a reward as well!

I also recommend contacting your local shelter or food bank and asking what there needs are. Maybe they need toiletries or baby diapers for new mothers. Diapers are expensive and it's a really special if a new mom's basic needs are provided for so she can put the money to buying her child a toy of their own.

4) Shop For Charity. There are many companies that now donate a portion of their proceeds from certain products to charity. I'm thinking of buying someone a pair of TOMS Shoes this Christmas. If you do a large amount of your shopping online, consider shopping via an online store such as OneCause, IGive or GoodShop. Some non-profits like the Ocean Park Community Center even have their own plug-in so when you shop at a preferred retailer, a portion of your purchase goes directly to the charity of your choice.

However you choose to give back this season, in a big or small way, please try to extend your Season of Giving into the the rest of 2011.

Readers, if you have any other ideas on how to give back this holiday season--especially if you are on a budget, please share. I know as much as I want to Adopt a Family this winter, I cannot afford it and am looking for more ways to give.

Weekend Read 11.12.10

noreply@blogger.com (Empty Pocket Grad) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:45:00 +0000

A day late but what the heck! Welcome to Weekend Read.

Since I've moved out of my old apartment and into a new place with a new roommate, I'm trying to make this one a keeper! Tips below. Also some posts on getting some holiday shopping deals. I'm eyeballing some American Apparel v-necks.

Splitting the Bills With Your Roommate [Fabulous and Frugal]
Why Your Roommate Might Secretly Hate You [Her Campus]
Best Deals Around the Internet [Fat Wallet]
American Apparel's November Sale [Frugal Diva]
Oldie But Goodie--Memo:You Are Not Your Job [Life After College]

Read on!