Right out of High School, I went to the Illinois Institute of Art. Graduating High School, along with all of its pressures, had exhausted me physically and emotionally. I was not ready to take on the burden of moving to a big city and dealing with the completely new world of higher learning. My motivation was extremely low, and needless to say I didn’t perform to the best of my abilities. It seemed that every chore and assignment carried a massive weight that I couldn’t seem to shake.

Eventually, I decided that it was too much for me. I moved back to hometown of Indianapolis and took a year off. I worked a laborious underpaying job at Bennigans, and set aside any plans to go to college. This year that I spent working a hard job was really the best motivation I could’ve ever asked for. Waiting tables not only supported me financially, but it made me realize that I had to do something to change the way my life was going.

To make a change, I moved far away from my hometown and from a big city. I ended up in the Quad Cities of Illinois. Here, I have almost completed my senior year of college, established a budding freelance design company, and created Thriftshoppin.com. Because I took a year off of working on my future and myself, I was able to see what my life would be like if I didn’t do something with myself, and I immediately got to work.

While living in Chicago and Indianapolis I got all the partying and antics completely out of the way. I did enough of that for a lifetime. I finally set all that aside along with the other distractions, and got back down to business. I’m not saying that taking a year off or even going to college is the way for everyone, but I do recommend doing things your way. Find your one true passion, ignore the pressures from everyone else, and find your own path. People say this a lot and it’s kind of a cliche’, but it’s absolutely true. Do what makes you happy and the rest will fall into place.

Here are some tools I’ve used to get myself motivated:

1. Find Your True Passion: Take some time to truly discover the one thing that makes you happy. Many people set aside their true passions because they worry about supporting themselves with it. I am a true believer that if you really love something enough, you will devote the time and effort into that it takes to be successful.

2. Eliminate Distractions: If you discover that your nightlife, tv schedule, living situation, job, or anything else is standing in your way, eliminate it. Get rid of it flat out and substitute it for something more productive. Do everything in moderation. Fun is good and partying is fun too, but if it’s consuming your life and making unproductive it’s no good.

3. Pay Attention to the People You Admire: There’s a reason why you admire the people that you do. Adopt their traits, get into their heads, read their books, study their lives. A great way to get motivated and study the greats is to watch those crazy reality shows on Bravo. This sounds completely ridiculous, but shows like “Top Chef,” “The Rachel Zoe Project,” “Flipping Out,” “Project Runway,” etc show people who are at the top of their game. It shows the amazing work ethic and sacrifice that it takes to be successful. Everytime I watch a show like this I get completely inspired and motivated to be at the top of my game.

4. Don’t Procrastinate: Honestly I cannot, cannot, cannot stress this enough. Almost everyone has problems with this. I used to be so awful with procrastination. I was constantly completing work and assignments the night before. The thing is, if you just DO something and just get it done you will no longer have to stress about it. It’ll be completely out of the way and you can move on with your life. If you have an assignment, just do it. Put your head down, get it done and move on. It’s really that simple. This is especially true for people who want to go back to school or apply for their dream job. Just do it! Stop saying “I’ll go next semester” or “I need to do this and this before I apply for this job.” Get it out of the way and stop wishing. You’ll be so happy you did!

I’m not saying that I’m an expert, or even the most motivated person on Earth. What I am saying, is that I’ve had my own personal struggles with motivation and I understand why so many people struggle with it. It’s so hard to actually get the ball rolling and become a constantly productive person. It’s not easy and it takes an overhaul of your daily life, but it’s so worth it. Start by doing little tasks. Don’t put off taking out the trash or cleaning the litter box. Starting doing this little tasks as soon as they come up and eventually it will help you self-motivate to tackle the bigger things.

Tip #1

Never pay retail.  If you are still booking a hotel through the hotel website or by calling them up you are a sucker.  I don’t want to offend but since I can’t reach out and shake you by the shoulders I have to resort to verbal abuse.  The only way I book hotels is through Hotwire.com or Priceline.com.  Both websites take a slightly different approach.  Hotwire allows you to pick the hotel based on a list of details like price, star rating, general location and amenities.  The only piece of information you don’t have when you are purchasing your room is the name of the hotel.  Priceline.com allows you to specify general area and star rating and asks you to name a price.  If you pick the right price, you get the room.  As with Priceline.com you do not know the name of the hotel until you confirm and pay for your reservation.

Tip#2

Use price comparison websites like Kayak.com.  This site allows you to pick a to and from destination for your flight and then it lists the major carriers and the price they are currently offering.  Kayak.com will also direct you to the website you need to visit to get that price.  Kayak.com allows you to shop for hotel rooms and rental cars as well.

Tip #3

Take advantage of sales at Restaurant.com.  This website sells “gift certificates” to restaurants in all major cities at discounted prices.  For example, you can purchase a $25 gift certificate for $10.  The way it works is the restaurant offers discounted gift certificates in exchange for a list of requirements.  The requirements usually include a minimum purchase amount, a mandatory 18% gratuity and day or time restrictions.  However, Restaurant.com occasionally has sales offering these same $25 gift certificates for $4.  Even with all the restrictions, this price makes the purchase worthwhile.

Tip #4 

Travel during the week.  Hotel rooms and flights can be cheaper if you are traveling during the week.  Also, you will avoid crowds that usually accompany the weekends.   Just imagine shopping on Michigan Avenue during the week when the salespeople can pay special attention to you.  That’s worth traveling during the week even if it doesn’t save you money.

Now, I hate using the phrase “meal planning.” I sound like a middle-aged woman planning out meals for her family so she has time to take little Billy to soccer. Listen, I’m cooking for two. That means leftovers, so…less meals to plan. If you live alone, that is even less planning. Here are some things I’ve learned and some tips.

1. Find a recipe site you love and trust. My site and recommendation is Cooking Light. This food is not only healthful, but filling and delicious. Further, they have photo recipe books with topics such as “5 Ingredient Chicken,” which provides recipes with a shorter shopping list.

2. Pick recipes. Now I recommend picking the recipes with the following things in mind. First, the number of servings. With this information you can estimate the number of leftover meals you can get out of it. Second, pick recipes based on what is on sale. I try to buy meat rarely, because it is costly. Pick a meat that is on sale, then pick the recipe. And finally, think about what is in your house. Do you have a soon-to-expired can of tomato paste? Or, a soon-to-be-rotting bunch of bananas? Find ways to use them, rather than waste them.

3. Pick a weekly (or monthly) shopping day. I want to emphasize weekly here. Meal planning for the entire month is intense. Plus, I would end up going to the grocery store weekly anyway. Plus, sales at the grocery store seem to happen on a weekly basis. Anyway, pick a day (I recommend Sunday) when you get food for the upcoming week.

I’ve been doing this and it rocks. Do you have any meal planning tips. Let me know at thehungryscholar@gmail.com.

What we are going to be doing here is recreating this look, however we are going to make it a bit more accessible to all the ladies. I will include the links on where to find these amazing pieces below and a fraction of a price!

The most important piece is the corset. Black is always classic, and it would be best to get one with shoulder straps. There are so many out there. Of all sizes. One of the best sites I’ve found is eBay. Just type in corset and find the style you like most. With this look we are going to stick with basic black. Price range is from $5-$25. Something to spice it up a bit is lace. You can purchase the lace from your local craft store or Wal-Mart for under $5. Don’t forget the fabric glue/super glue. Just be careful not to stick it to your fingers! You can lay the lace across the top as a layered look or just a single line to add detail.  You can also include it along the bottom to add that little something extra. We are also going to be adding a big white bow. Glue this to whichever side on the bust you prefer.

Bottoms are going to be up to you and your comfort level. What you can do is take a pair of old black dress pants and cut them into shorts. You are going to seal off the new shorts where you cut them with white ribbon to help keep the color flow going. This is where some more fabric/super glue comes into play.  Cut the pants as even as you can, then take your time laying down the white ribbon and gluing as you go to help keep control in keeping it straight along the edge.  If you would like you can pair this look with black leggings or black skinny jeans. Wal-Mart $10-$12. With both, leggings/skinny jean; you can criss-cross the white ribbon down the sides of the black bottoms, keeping with the idea of the corset. Just cut a small slice to pull the ribbon through. Tie it off into a bow at the bottom. Which will brings us to our next item, shoes!

All us girls have a pair of black heels or flats around.  Which will add to the solid look were going for. Now if you go with the shorts and white trim, you can glue the white ribbon around the top of your heel or flat, add a small white bow by the toe on top. Or the bow alone is perfect. If you decide on leggings or skinny jeans with ribbon laced through on the side, nix adding anything to the shoe. We don’t want to over do it!

When is comes to add-ons or accessories, keep it simple since this is a powerful look. Pair it with a favorite ring, bracelet, or necklace that would match the black and white theme, Don’t forget to polish up the nails and keep the hair simple, along with the make-up. If it’s a bit cold out for you add a white jacket to add that extra oomph.

With this look you can find all of these things at a low rate!  If you need some of the accessories or shoes check out your local thrift shop. Now that you’re all set just dance and show your poker face and maybe give some bad romance!

www.ebay.com

www.walmart.com

Prices we’ll range them at the high-end:

Corset: $25

Shorts/Leggings: $ 12

Lace/Ribbon: $10

Glue $5

Shoes and accessories you should have if not check your local thrift shop. $10

Total Price: $62 on the high-end for this complete look.

Don’t you hate it when you ask what kind of music someone listens to, and they say everything? That’s impossible, and usually the response means everything on the radio. I say uggg to that. Here is a little music to expand your iTunes libraries!

Portland, USA

Starfucker is a great band from Portland, OR. They use multiple styles in the same track that makes the listeners mind tick. This is perfect listening music. Currently, Starfucker has a self titled album that is a really solid piece of work, with a track that was featured on a Target commercial. They have also released an EP called Jupiter that is really nice as well. The band is in-between band names. The last I heard, they were changing their name to Pyramid, but that was in 2009 and they haven’t done it yet!

Starfucker // Medicine

Tokyo, Japan

The 5.6.7.8’s are the cutest band I have ever seen come out of Japan. They look soft, but they seem as if they carry shanks in their braws, ready to jab who they have to. Their music was featured on the Kill Bill soundtrack, and they had a song featured in a Vontage commercial. You might know it as the Woo Hoo song.  Check them out!

5.6.7.8.’s // I’m Blue

Brazil, South America

I first heard CSS in a Virgin Record Music Store in Chicago, IL. I had to know who they were playing so I had to ask around. I bought the album Cansei de Ser Sexy, and was the happiest man alive! The album is great. The music video I am leaving you with is pretty old, but is a classic. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Check out their second album, Donkey, if you end up liking them.

CSS // Let’s Make Love and Listen to Death from Above

London, England

Basement Jaxx has been around for a very long time, but the release of their new album, Scars. Every track is a visually stimulating experience. When I hear the song, Raindrops, I can see them falling in my head. Its crazy. Give the album one good listen, and I promise you’ll be hooked. In the 2k’s they had a hit entitled Where’s Your Head At, which you should look up too. I am sure you’ve heard of the song before.

Basement Jaxx // My Turn Ft. Lightspeed Champion

Fremantle, Australia

John Butler Trio is a band that has had a a bit of success recently, but is still very low brow. The song that has really put them on this list is very positive, and easy listening. They are very folky with a bit of an alternative rock edge. The album I bought is called Grand National, and was released in 2007.

John Butler Trio // Better Than

Paris, France

Miss Kittin is pure filth with so much class. Her music was featured on the Party Monster soundtrack, and has been releasing one great track after another. I saw her DJ at Numbers Night Club in Houston, TX and she was fantastic. Her music is very much underground dance synth.

Miss Kittin // Barefoot Tonight

Manchester, UK

Ste McCabe is a true punk rocker with a queer edge. He’s political in all the right ways, and says it how it truly is. A one man band from the UK, he is on his second album with a very shocking cover. His first album is entitled Hate Mail, and is absolutely wonderful. He came out with another album recently that I also enjoyed called Murder Music. He is a great show, and has really moved me in how I feel mainstream culture views the LGBT community.

Ste McCabe // Militant Disco Ft. David Hoyle

There are three main strategies for saving money on household items.  You have to let go of any particular brand, you have to shop around and you have to pay attention to coupons.  This sounds obvious, but not everyone follows this advice.  But, I think I can convince you with a few examples.  Let’s start with letting go of a particular brand.

I used to buy Bath and Body Works shower gel and body lotion.  Back then the price for a 10 ounce bottle was around $8.  Sometimes you could buy three and get one for free, so that makes each bottle about $6.  Let’s say you use one bottle per week between yourself and your roommate or significant other.  That is $24/month on the low end and $32/month on the high end.  Now I buy Suave.  It is about $2 per 12 ounce bottle.  That is a total expense of $8 per month!  Now I have an extra $16 per month or $32 every two months which is exactly what I need to buy my overpriced haircuts at the local Aveda salon.

Now, how do I know that Suave body wash is usually $2 for a 12 ounce bottle?  I pay attention.  Every time I shop I take note of how much certain household items are.    That way when they are offered “on sale” or at a discount store I know if that really is a deal.  I also know the best place to buy and when to buy in quantity.  I recommend making a list of the 10 household items you either buy most often or that are the most expensive.  Over the next month or two keep track of their price, on paper or just in your head.   After paying special attention for about four weeks you will know if you are getting a deal by buying 5 for $15 or not.  Also, pay attention to the volume of products.  Sometimes marketers package items in larger or smaller packages at special prices, but they are not always better prices.   Take a look at the shelf labels at the grocery store and what it tells you about how much per ounce the item is.  Or whip out your Blackberry and make it work for you.  Is the 48 ounce peanut butter really a better price than the smaller 18 ounce?

And finally, I used to think clipping coupons was a waste of time but you can absolutely find great deals on new products and your usual brands if you are willing to clip and keep track of those coupons.  Back to the body wash.  I can usually find a coupon for $1 off 2 Suave Body Washes.  Now let’s combine that with a sale price of $1.50 and I am now paying $1 per bottle of body wash as compared to the original $8 I used to pay at Bath and Body Works.  You add that savings up over a month and I now have $28 to put towards a new pair of “Jorts” from J.Crew.  Only 4 more months of saving and I’ll have a whole pair!!

1. Hipstamatic: Such a great iPhone app! When I first got the iPhone I wasn’t really impressed with the camera. This app changed all that. It has several lenses, flashes, and films to give photos a vintage and trendy look. Not only can you take awesome photos, but you can also enter their contests straight from your phone. This app is the only paid one on the list, but it’s a steal at $1.99 for a limited time.

2. Godfinger: This game is 100% free, and it’s the funnest darn thing I’ve ever played. You control an entire planet with your finger and torture and control followers. Your goal is to develop the planet, harvest gold, and enchant other user’s followers over the +Plus network. This game is a great way to pass the time, and it’s very rewarding with badges and rewards.

3. Facebook: This one is kind of a “duh” but I love love love this app. Not only is impeccably designed (which is a huge requirement for an app for me), but it’s fully functional. It even has an option to change your profile pic, respond to and send messages, facebook chat, but tons more! I never even use my computer to access Facebook anymore.

4. Twitterific: I love the icon for this app. As an avid Twitter-user, I really wanted a Twitter application that is easy to use, and not filled with ads. While this one has an ad here or there, it’s not overwhelming. It also has a very clean and user-friendly user interface that makes it easy to post and read tweets. Also, it integrates nicely with tinyurl and tweetpic, which is always a plus!

5. Pandora Radio: I absolutely love Pandora Radio. I have found some really great artists just by relaxing and listening to the radio stations. You pick your favorite artists, and the radio plays similar artists. You can also mix and match radio stations to create a really great playlist. It also gives the option to “dislike” or “like” songs so you make sure never to hear them again, or more frequently.

6. Mint.com Personal Finance: This app is great for keeping your balances for credit cards, loans, savings, and checking accounts. Not only does it integrate all these into one simply, beautifully-designed app, but it also helps you stay on budget with categories. Most banks, credit cards, and lenders are included in this app, including my tiny little credit union.

7. Foursquare: Everyone has probably heard of this app lately as it gains popularity. This app gives you chance to “check in” at local hang outs, and become the “Mayor” of the town. It also tells you what your friends are doing, helps you out when your bored, and awards badges for certain missions. A great social networking app and a great way to answer the question “What should I do?!”

8. Adobe Ideas: This app is a little strange, but I love it to pieces! It’s kind of like an Illustrator, Photoshop, Moleskine hybrid that lets you sketch out ideas. It also allows you to use layers, effects, and transparencies to help flesh out your ideas. A great just-in-time resource for designers, artists, and students who love the Adobe products! Best of all it’s free!

9. Photoshop Express: If you’ve ever taken a photo on your iPhone that needed a few tweaks and adjustments, this is a great app. Gone are the days where you would have to upload a photo to adjust the brightness or contrast, crop, or add effects. It comes with probably 1/16 of the capabilities of the actual Photoshop program, but it’s so handy it’s hard to pass up!

10. WordPress: A great app for the blogger on the go! I use this constantly to read drafts, post little blurbs, post drafts, and upload photos. It’s not as good as the real thing, but great for capturing ideas and starting drafts to revise later. It also allows you to approve or delete comments on the go, which is a must for any wordpress user swamped with comments.

1. Create a google.com account: Create a google calendar account. You won’t have to actually ever use it, but you need it to do this.

2. Follow Google Sync Instructions: Follow the setup instructions for how to sync your google calendar with the iPhone.

3. Sync Outlook with Google Calendar: Follow these instructions to sync your Google Calendar with Microsoft Outlook.

This should do the trick! Leave any questions or problems in the comments and I help you with it. It took me so long to figure out this solution, and I would hate for other people to waste time trying to figure it out.