Applying for a Scholarship: The Basics

Need to get a scholarship but don’t know where to start? Then our guide is for you. Read on to find out how to research, apply, and get funding for your undergraduate degree. (Studying at graduate level? Check out QS’s exclusive scholarships for graduate students.)

Studying at a top university is often an expensive choice to make, but there is money out there for you. If you’ve just emptied the last of your coins from your piggy bank and your account is still in the red, don’t despair. This guide will give you the starting point you need for a successful scholarship application.

Almost all top universities will have scholarships available for students to apply for. You just need to know what they are, where you can find them, and how you can put yourself forward for them. To begin with, you need to realize that putting together a successful scholarship application does often require a significant amount of time. But of course, if you’re successful, your efforts will be well worth it.

1. Do your research
To avoid putting pressure on yourself and trying to apply for that scholarship you desperately want at the last minute, start your research early. The more time you can put into your scholarship search, the more options you will have. You will need time to research scholarships, request information and application forms, and complete your application by the specified closing date. Remember that some scholarships may close before your academic year starts.

2. Check if you are eligible
Another important element you want to consider early on is finding out what scholarships you are actually eligible for – because you won’t be eligible for them all. By doing careful research you’ll be able to find the scholarships most appropriate for you and then you can spend time working on your application for those ones. The last thing you want is to spend time putting together an application for a scholarship you don’t even meet the criteria for.

3. Be organized
It pays to be organized when it comes to working on your scholarship application. To begin with, keep all of your scholarship material in a separate folder. That way you will always know where it is, and make sure you have the most up-to-date information in there. This will also help you to keep track of the different deadlines for each of the scholarships you are applying for. They won’t all be due at the same time.

4. Include all required information
Make sure you have all of the information that the selection panel has requested of you in your application. An application with missing items does not make the best first impression, particularly if these are items they have specifically requested. See the checklist at the bottom of this article to see what you need to include.

5. Think about presentation
A scholarship application is very similar to a job interview. You want to give a good impression and spelling mistakes or illegible writing do not look good. If you’re fill in a form in a particular way, do so. And before you send it, ask a family member or friend to proof-read it for you. They may find a mistake that you just didn’t pick up.

6. Provide correct information
Not only should you provide all of the information that the selection panel has requested, make sure you provide the correct information as well. Small details such as your full and correct address, or a new phone number if you’ve lost your mobile, will avoid any unnecessary delays, as well as making you look professional.

7. Provide references/referees
In some cases you may need to provide references or referees. Choose these people carefully. After all, there’s a lot hanging on this application. You also need to let each of your referees know when you are applying for a scholarship, and tell them something about the kind of skills and experience you need to demonstrate. That way they’ll be able to ensure they praise you in the most effective way!

8. Don’t miss the deadline
Always give yourself an extra few days leeway when applying for a scholarship. You may need this if you’re getting your application professionally printed, or if you’re waiting for confirmation from a referee. Remember, late applications won’t usually be considered.

Scholarships checklist:
Are you eligible?
Do you know the deadline?
Have you got all the necessary information? This will vary depending on the scholarship application, but usually includes: academic record; proof of financial circumstances; confirmation of your study plans.
Do your referees know what scholarship(s) you are applying for?
Have you and a friend/family member proofread your scholarship application?
Have you submitted your application before the deadline? Source Taken By /topuniversities.com

Consider the Downside of Attending a Reach School

Getting accepted is exciting, but it doesn’t always mean you’ll thrive as a student.

There is a lifetime supply of quotations about following your dreams. There are far fewer, however, about the dangers of following these dreams too far. And this advice applies to college as well.​

I will admit that this is an uncomfortable topic. Instructing a student to set achievable goals and to reconsider attending a reach school can sometimes sound like curmudgeonly advice. After all, it may seem like you are being asked to abandon your dreams.

The truth is that the highest achievers reach success not by dreaming, but by doing. When an athlete breaks a world record, it is typically by a small margin. That tiny edge is the result of years of training. A champion, may have a dream that leads them to the Olympics, but they are prepared when they arrive.

Perhaps you followed your dreams while applying to college. Perhaps your reach school accepted you, as did several of your match and safety schools. You may well be a future academic Olympian, but success means finding the correct level of competition for you right now.

In other words, think about which of the schools that accepted you is truly best for you.

You can begin to answer this question by examining tangible data. For example, compare your GPA and test scores with the averages for your reach school. Being slightly below average may not be significant, but if your scores are much lower, you may be at a disadvantage when compared with your fellow students.

Consider if you were able to enroll in AP, honors, or IB classes while in high school, and if this sort of course work is common among freshmen at your reach school. Make sure you know if your AP or IB exam scores are sufficient to earn credit. And think about whether receiving a less-than-ideal grade at your reach school would motivate or upset you.

The degree of difference that counts as “significant” is ultimately your personal call. A GPA that is a tenth of a point below average is not especially concerning, but half a point could indicate a real disparity that you might struggle to overcome.

You should also consider time when making your decision. If you plan to work 20 or more hours a week while in college, your study time may be limited. You may be able to make up in hard work what you lack in preparation, but only if time permits.

If you decide to attend a reach school, you should plan to spend three or four hours studying for every hour in the classroom, compared with two or so hours of studying at a less challenging college.

Can you realistically commit to that much studying? Remember to factor in time for things like exercising, socializing and working.

Are you generally determined, or do you easily become stressed under pressure? It is tempting to believe that you can solve any problem by simply working harder, but there is a limit to human endurance, and no reach school is worth being miserable.

Finally, you should be able to articulate what the reach school offers that your other options do not. Maybe it is a uniquely perfect fit for you. Reasons may be that it has a major that you cannot find elsewhere, or a track record of placing students in amazing jobs.

If that’s the case, it may be worth the extra sacrifice. If your reach school is notable primarily for its reputation and not for elements that can help your personal goals, it may not justify the effort and resolve it will require.

Have the courage to make hard choices. Declining an offer from a reach school is difficult, and doing it for the right reasons can be even harder. The objective is to be reasonable and go with the option that best meets your present needs. When you can answer this question, submit your college deposit and get ready for the best four years of your life. Source Taken By/usnews.com

10 Steps to Raise $15K or More for College Now

New tax breaks, campus jobs, and federal grants help students pay for college.

Grandparents are pitching in. Students are working more, and eating less. Parents are taking out more and bigger federal loans.

As the economy has declined and college costs have risen, families have buckled down and become more resourceful to pay for college.

They have been so successful at funding tuition that college enrollment is up dramatically. A record 40 percent (or 11.5 million) of 18- to 24-year-olds are taking at least one college course this year. Add in all the adults returning to school because of the lousy job market, and the total number of college students is likely to exceed 19 million this year.

How are more students affording tuition when many colleges’ prices are at record highs and many scholarship programs, private lenders, and family savings accounts have been wiped out?

1. Relatives: College officials around the country say they are noticing more checks coming in from grandparents, uncles, and other relatives to cover student bills. A recent survey by the MetLife Mature Market Institute found that two thirds of grandparents had provided financial help to their descendents in the last five years. The average size of the help: $3,000. A quarter of the generous grandparents said they had increased their gifts because of recent economic troubles.

Other relatives are pitching in more, too. Maribeth Ford, a single mom, says she was surprised and thrilled when her brother hinted he would be willing to lend her son enough to cover the $10,000 gap between his scholarships, her loans, and Iona College’s $41,000 price tag. “I wasn’t expecting the level of help that he is offering. My son and I are very fortunate,” she says. “My attitude was: Apply for everything possible, ask for help where reasonable—the worst people can say is no—and my son had to contribute. Not a glamorous story, but one that’s working for us right now.”

2. Bigger and better tax breaks: The federal government estimates perhaps 2 million tuition-paying Americans will be able to get as much as $2,500 back on their taxes when they file in 2010 and 2011 by taking advantage of the new American Opportunity tax credit. The new credit is targeted at low- and middle-income families and isn’t available to singles earning more than $90,000 a year or couples earning more than $180,000. Even those who earn so little that they owe no taxes can receive refund checks of up to $1,000.

3. Scholarships: It’s getting easier to apply for financial aid, thanks to a streamlined electronic version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. And although many state and private scholarship programs have been cut, the federal government and colleges have been easing the rules to enable more students affected by the recession to get grants. A student affected by a layoff, for example, can write a letter to his or her college’s financial aid office documenting the decline in income and appealing for more aid. In addition, a slight decline in the number of 18-year-olds has made certain kinds of colleges—such as those in rural areas and lower-ranked private colleges—anxious about filling their seats and eager to offer aid to lure applicants who are willing to pay at least partial tuition.

4. Cheaper schools: The biggest increase in enrollment has been in two-year community colleges, which are the lowest-priced colleges in the country. The sticker price of a year’s tuition at an average community college rose by $220 for the 2009-10 academic year, to $2,540, the College Board reported. But because of increased Pell Grants and tax breaks, the out-of-pocket (or net) price paid by community college students actually fell, the College Board believes. The average community college student got enough aid to pay all tuition, with $460 left over to help pay for

5. Cutting other costs: Some colleges have noted that students are cutting back on all kinds of expenditures. A growing number of students at Goucher College near Baltimore have been switching from a 480-meal-per-year plan to a 380-meal plan, saving about $400. Students can also slash their housing costs. Co-ops, which require a few hours of chores a week, typically are $2,000 to $7,000 a year cheaper than regular dorms. Students who agree to share a room with two other students, instead of the standard one roommate, can usually save $1,000 to $2,000 a year. Buying and selling back used textbooks, instead of keeping new books, can save typical students more than $500 a year.

6. More student work: More students are taking part-time jobs. The federal government added funding for 200,000 extra work-study jobs in 2009. Since students who work more than 20 hours a week generally hurt their grades, schools typically cap campus jobs below that. Still, good work-study jobs allow students to earn at least $100 a week, or at least $2,500 for the academic year.

7. More, bigger, cheaper, and easier federal student loans: At least 6 million students are taking out federal Stafford student loans this year, up from about 4 million two years ago. Young freshmen can borrow up to $5,500. Upperclassmen 24 and older can borrow up to $12,500. The government has made it easier to repay those loans by allowing graduates to cap their monthly payments below 15 percent of their incomes.

8. More, bigger, and (temporarily) easier federal loans to parents: Although parents are having a much harder time getting home equity or private loans, the government has eased a little of the immediate pain of taking out federal PLUS loans, which can cover a student’s cost of attendance (less any scholarships or other aid). Parents can now put off repaying their federal education loans until their student leaves school. That could come back to bite them in a few years, however, because the principal keeps building at about 8 percent a year. Parents who borrow the typical $8,800-a-year PLUS loan could easily owe more than $44,000 by the time their kid graduates. It would take payments of more than $500 a month to pay that off in 10 years. While some parents might get enough raises in that time to pay such big bills, Stuart Siegel, a private financial aid counselor in Erie, Pa., worries that lots won’t. Many parents don’t realize that even declaring bankruptcy doesn’t wipe out education loans, so some parent borrowers may be setting themselves up for financial crises in a few years.

9. Family savings: Although the investment markets’ meltdown eroded most families’ savings, many parents find that they can free up hundreds of extra dollars once their student moves to campus. The federal government estimates teenagers cost parents more than $6,000 a year in food, clothing, transportation, and other extras. So parents who stop allowances and take away the keys to the family car (and suspend expensive teen car insurance) can reduce their costs by perhaps $4,000 during the nine months the student is at school.

10. Corporate largesse: More than 10 million American families are building up college savings by using credit cards or shopping through websites of rebate companies such as Upromise or BabyMint. Another option: More than 200 private colleges offer scholarships to parents of young kids when the parents shop or invest with members of the Tuition Rewards network.Source Taken By/Usews.com

7 Reasons to Marry a Complicated Woman

It’s a proven fact that men are afraid of strong, independent and complicated women. They believe only they have a right to be complicated and do what they want. However, dating or even marrying a complicated woman is a rewarding goal. You may spend a lot of time and effort to win her heart and make her fall in love with you, but you will never regret you did it. Here’s why you should consider marrying a complicated girl:

1. She has too high expectations

When the girl is brave enough to tell you exactly what she expects from you, think twice before dumping her. You don’t have to agree with her expectations, especially if they are too high, but following some of them may keep you ticking in life. The main point is that her expectations should`t contradict your goals.

2. She demands respect

While you`ll respect her at first to gain her sympathy, you will never stop respecting your complicated wife because she will never stop demanding it from you. Whatever the reason, guys rarely respect simple girls. Simple girls are too quiet and clingy. They don’t need respect, they need a lot of attention. Since a complicated girl wants to be treated in a good way every minute, you get it as a habit and start respecting everyone around you.

3. She is active

Watching TV all day long or spending too much time on social media is not for complicated girls. They love to be productive and active. They can accomplish a huge amount of work and then party hard till the early morning. If you try to date a complicated girl, you will never feel bored, but be ready to feel full of energy all day and night long!

4. She’ll cultivate your talents

While you want to have a rest from a hard working day, she won’t let you do that. She will try to help you develop your talent and make any hard day brighter. While a simple girl can let you do what you want, like drinking beer or playing video games, a complicated wife will never let your talents die, once she realizes that you really have some unique skills.

5. She’ll make you better

A good wife will never let you remain the same since she will always remind you that you could be a better man. It`s difficult and demands great efforts. Anyway, you will realize how much you love her every time you see the results of those reminders. Along with that, you will understand how much she loves you. We know how rude and aggressive we can be when someone constantly annoys us. However, a complicated girl`ll always find a sneaky way to make you be interested in your self improvement.

6. She is emotional

Yes, she`ll fight with you every other day and you`ll never win her. She`ll never be satisfied and you`ll be always confused about what she wants from you. She`ll not always agree with you and will make you feel nervous each day, but all those things will make your life more interesting. It may be hard to deal with an emotional woman, but it’s even harder to cope with a woman who’s always quiet and calm.

7. She is smarter

Since most complicated women strive for perfection, they never stop learning. Guys are too lazy to read or they simply don’t have a motivation to improve their knowledge on a daily basis. A complicated woman will always inspire you to explore and try new things and will teach you to see those little things others couldn’t see. Smart women are not as scaring as you may think so give her a chance and you won’t notice what a better person you’ll become in a year.

Having a sweet, innocent wife who`s always agree with everything you say is easy but you may end up living a boring life. Simple girls are actually too simple. Complicated girls strive to be better and they try to help others to be better too. Are you dare enough to date a complicated woman? Or, if you are a complicated girl, do you think it’s hard for you to find your true love?

10 Foods to Eat Every Day for Perfect Skin

Are you tired of using different expensive and ineffective beauty products? It’s time to throw away all those ineffective products and start eating foods for perfect skin. I went from terrible acne five months ago to not having acne now. It was hard, but it was possible, and less expensive than turning to pricey products. While some foods can aggravate your skin, others can enhance it. Check out a list of 10 foods to eat every day for perfect skin.

1. Red bell peppers

Red bell peppers are a tasty vegetable that can be enjoyed either cooked or raw. One red bell pepper contains more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs. It also contains significant amounts of dietary fiber and vitamin B6. Moreover, it is rich in carotenoids that can help prevent wrinkles and increase blood circulation to your skin, helping it look more youthful. Due to their carotenoids, red bell peppers are also great to fight acne.

A red bell pepper is a perfect, low calorie snack that contains about 30 calories and has a really satisfying crunchy bite. Keep slices of red bell peppers in the fridge, so you will always have something healthy and tasty to reach for when you are having a snack attack. The fiber that a bell pepper contains will help you to feel full longer with very little calories. Plus, you will have a flawless skin!

10 Tips for Eating Out on a Diet

Planning to eat out? Don’t panic. Dining out won’t ruin your dieting efforts if you plan in advance. The meals at most popular restaurants are generally higher in fat and calories than your home-cooked meals. But as restaurateurs respond to increasing demands for healthy options, it’s a lot easier to dine out with friends without compromising your diet. Here are ten tips for eating out on a diet.

1. Choose the restaurant

Supportive friends and family won’t mind if you choose the restaurant especially if you’re paying for the meal. Research the restaurants in your area by checking the menus online and comparing the options. Don’t make snap decisions to eat out at an unfamiliar restaurant. Skip all-you-can-eat outlets and opt for those with extensive salad bars.

10 Tips for Learning How to Meal Plan

Learning how to effectively plan meals is important. It is one of the most useful tools for those that want to start a new diet, lose weight, and save money on grocery costs. When you have a meal plan you know what kinds of food you should eat at meals and snack times and what you should avoid. Meal planning is also beneficial for the whole family, as it helps your children eat healthier. Here are ten tips that you can use to meal plan better. The tips apply to anyone from meal planning beginners to experts. All of the tips will help you learn how to most effectively plan meals that are tasty, cheap, and healthy.

1. Start small

Planning meals for all seven days of the week is for experts only (and it is usually impossible for them too). If you are new to meal planning, start small. Learn how to plan by starting with three or four planned meals each week. Eat leftovers of these on the other days and you will greatly reduce the amount of food that you waste.

10 Popular Health and Diet Myths Busted

At some point, both dieters and healthy eaters have to deal with false health and diet myths. The health press tends to come up with fascinating theories about what’s good for you and what isn’t. You can’t believe in them all, though, because many of them are myths. If you can’t achieve your weight loss or health goals, you should start looking for the reason why it’s so hard for you to stay slim and healthy. Test your knowledge with the 10 health and diet myths that follow.

1. MSG is terrible for health

Many people aren’t clear about what MSG or monosodium glutamate is – they just have a feeling that it’s bad because they’ve seen the labeling on fast food packaging declare MSG-free contents. In reality, MSG, which is added as a taste enhancer, is only bad for you if you are allergic to it. However, MSG avoidance as a general rule is a good idea for a different reason, since it is often a sign of a highly processed food, staying away from it helps you stay away from processed foods.

10 Reasons to Consider the Paleo Diet

The paleo diet is one of the most popular diets around the world – and for good reason. It is a highly effective diet that provides a very high chance of success. The premise of the paleo diet is to basically only eat “what a caveman eats.”

The goal of the paleo diet is to eliminate the intake of any food that is not natural and contains a long list of preservatives, chemicals, and other ingredients. If a caveman couldn’t eat it, then neither can you. This means that the paleo diet is high in meats, fish, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Many people also eat eggs. Here are ten reasons why anyone should consider switching to the paleo diet.

1. You eat too much junk

Junk food tastes great but it wreaks havoc on the body. The paleo diet eliminates the temptation for junk food by restricting it altogether. Better yet, filling yourself with meats, vegetables, and fruits will greatly reduce junk food cravings. Eat meat in moderation, though. Eating too much meat is bad for your health and weight.

10 Low Calorie Substitutes for Water

Drinking lots of water during hot summer days is essential if you want to stay hydrated. It doesn’t take much for your body to work up a sweat when it’s hot outdoors, which is why you should drink water to replace lost fluids. However, guzzling bottles of water might not be your idea of a fun summer. Here are some low-calorie alternatives to get your hydration on.

1. Lemon Water

Lemon water is a refreshing alternative to plain water. You can drink a glass early in the morning or throughout the day to aid digestion, boost colon health, reduce pain and inflammation in the joints, nourish brain and nerve cells, replenish body salts, maintain the body’s pH levels, and get your daily vitamin C requirements to increase immunity. To make the drink, simply mix a teaspoon or two of lemon juice into a glass of water or drop a few lemon slices into your water jug.

7 Simple Tips for Lazy Dieters

Everyone knows the only real secret to successful weight loss is to make healthier food choices, watch your calorie consumption, and exercise regularly. Still it’s nice to know that there are also some sneaky, lazy ways to bolster your diet plan, without any effort at all. Read on for simple ways to increase your weight loss without breaking a sweat.

1. Step on the scale

Studies repeatedly show that people who weigh themselves every other day tend to weigh less than those who avoid the scale. The reason? Those who are conscious of their weight will be more apt to notice when it shifts up or down a pound, and get a hold of it before it increases any more. Hop on once a week for the best results.

2. Take your vitamins

Try to incorporate more fruits into your daily diet or see your doctor to find out if you need to take some vitamins. It only takes a second to pop open a bottle of multivitamins and swallow one down. And while we are normally opponents of taking pills to lose weight, there’s actually a very good reason to take a multivitamin every day. Restricting calories or eliminating certain foods can cause you to inadvertently become deficient in certain vitamins or minerals. Your body responds to this deficiency by making you crave certain foods, like sweets or salty junk food. Taking a vitamin can help prevent these diet-busting cravings.

3. Start the day with breakfast

There’s a reason it’s called the most important meal of the day. Skipping breakfast may make you think you’re cutting out extra calories, but nutritionists say regular breakfast eaters tend to weigh less and lose weight faster than those who bypass their morning meal. Plus, breakfast is a great place to sneak in protein and fiber-rich foods like oatmeal, flax seed, chia seeds, bran, and Greek yogurt.

4. Add a soup or a salad

When eating out, adding a soup or salad to your meal is a sneaky and delicious way to actually eat less and feel more satisfied. Broth-based soups and hearty salads contain lots of healthy fiber. That adds up to feeling fuller when your meal arrives, allowing you to fill up with less, and take some leftovers home for tomorrow. Just avoid creamy soups like baked potato or clam chowder, and order your dressing on the side.

5. Reach for a smaller plate

It’s easy to overload your plate with a much larger portion than you actually need. And once you’ve served yourself, it’s even easier to gobble it all down before you know it. Switch out your dinner plate for a salad or bread plate, and set your fork down between bites. This will force you to eat more slowly, giving your stomach time to let your brain know it’s full. You can always go for seconds – just make sure you’re actually still hungry first.

6. Drink water before you eat

Like ordering a soup or a salad with your meal, having a tall glass of ice water before you eat will help you feel fuller before you serve yourself. As an added bonus, drinking water before every meal will help you reach your goal of 8-10 glasses a day.

7. Pick convenient produce

When you’re tired and hungry, you’re much more likely to nab something convenient than something that takes a lot of work. Prewashed herbs, bagged greens, and peeled and diced vegetables may cost a little more, but knowing that they are ready to go makes them a lot more appealing at meal and snack time.

Sticking to a diet isn’t easy, yet you can shed some pounds without any special efforts. Sure, you won’t become slim by just following these seven tips – you should exercise regularly and get enough sleep as well. What are your lazy ways to lose weight?

10 Amazingly Tasty Detox Diet Drinks

Nature is full of fruits, vegetables and nuts that come with powerful detoxifying properties. You don’t need to touch another detox supplement if you allow these ingredients in your diet each day. With the right recipes, you won’t need to worry about depressing taste or calories. The detox smoothies on this list are both delicious and great for your waistline.

1. Raspberry cherry smoothie

If you don’t know a lot about raspberries, a bright pink raspberry cherry smoothie may not seem like a serious detox idea. Raspberries, though, help your body produce plenty of detoxifying enzymes. You need fresh or frozen raspberries and cherries, and almond milk for this smoothie. Blend these ingredients with honey, fresh ginger, flaxseed and lemon juice to have a great detoxifier that’s only 112 calories.

10 Tricks to Cut Calories from Your Morning Coffee

More than 50% of Americans drink coffee on a regular basis. Coffee is often considered the best way to wake up and may even take the place of breakfast for some. However, the caffeinated drink can also drastically increase your daily calorie intake and ruin your health, if you’re not careful.

Coffee itself is almost calorie-free, but the additions that people enjoy can boost the calorie count quite a bit. A flavored latte is around 300 calories, while a white chocolate mocha can add 400 calories to your daily intake. Fortunately, it’s possible to reduce the calories in your morning cup of joe. Here’s how you can do it.

1. Change your milk

If you’re used to drinking your frappuchino with whole milk, try switching to something lighter to cut calories from your morning coffee. Switching from whole milk to nonfat will save you 65 calories per cup. Almond milk ranges from 30-60 calories per cup, making it an even lighter choice than cow’s milk. Soy or rice milk is a great choice as well.

The Most Spontaneous Things You Can Do Today

Routines can help you get things done, but they can be so boring and predictable. When you are stuck in a rut, your life is not as interesting and happy as you want it to be. How can you make your life more adventurous and more exciting? Easy! There are so many things you can do spontaneously today. They might not be for everyone, but sometimes doing something daring can bring the spark back into that dull life. Check out the list of the most spontaneous things you can try today.

1. Rock a new style

Yesterday you saw a nice pair of jeans or a bold red dress and you didn’t buy it. You may think that you’d never be able to wear those jeans or that dress. Actually, you can! Go shopping and buy things that can change your style. Don’t be afraid to rock a new style! It’s one of the most spontaneous things you can do today to impress everyone around you.

2. Get a tattoo

Tattoo is not for everyone, but my friend took this bold and risky step! I strongly believe in living life without regrets, so does my friend. She got a nice tattoo on her back and she doesn’t regret about it. You can get a temporary tattoo instead of a permanent one, if you don’t won’t to damage your body.

3. Skydive

I’m afraid of free falling from a plane as well as bungee jumping, but it is one of the craziest and most spontaneous things I want to do! My brother and his wife have both done it with ease, and I admire them both! Skydiving is a heart-racing excitement, and an experience of a lifetime. If it’s not for you, here are a few other ideas to try today…

4. Get a piercing

There are many reasons why people get piercings. If you’ve always wanted to get your ears pierced, then why not? You can also get your tongue pierced, albeit I don’t recommend this type of piercing, or just change up the style of jewelry that you would normally wear. I have my nose and ears pierced and what about you? Would you like to get a new spontaneous piercing?

5. Get a bold haircut

After having over 12 inches of long locks, I cut off my beautiful hair and got a pixie cut! You might think I’m crazy, but sometimes I love to spice things up for myself! I often step out of my comfort zone and change up my style! Have you ever tried a daring new hairstyle? Did you plan it, or was it spontaneous? Are you ready to get a bold haircut today?

6. Take a day trip

I have always been a huge fan of spontaneous day trips. When I spend a few days planning my trip, I often end up staying home because I have some other things to do. When I take a day trip spontaneously, I have no excuses to stay at home. If you are feeling depressed or you simply want to jazz up your life, consider taking a spontaneous day trip today. It can be an overnight trip or one or two day trip. Sometimes a change of scenery can do wonders! You don’t need to spend a lot of money on your trip, though. Opt for budget-friendly trips.

7. Bungee jumping

This one is for thrill seekers! Unfortunately, I haven’t experienced this yet, but it certainly is on my list! I have to overcome my fears first. I have a lot of friends who have done it and would like to do it again! I think, it’s a good sign! Although bungee jumping may give you fantastic thrills, it’s not good for people who have any health issues.

Are you the type of person that has to think twice before doing something? What is the most spontaneous and craziest thing you have ever done in your life? Spontaneous things help jazz up a boring life and fight a bad mood, stress and depression.

7 Reasons to Say Goodbye to Your Old Clothes

If your closet is chock full of clothes you are not going to wear this year, there are a few undeniable reasons to say goodbye to those old sweaters and jeans. Now that the spring season is almost knocking at our doors, it’s time to change something in your life. You may consider changing your fitness habits or eating habits, or you may want to make some changes to your daily routine. I suggest that you start with your closet, one of the biggest problems of most women. Getting rid of old clothes is not an easy task for many of us. It’s easy to trick yourself into thinking that maybe one day you will want to wear that dress again, but chances are you will never wear it again because you will buy some other, more beautiful gowns. Well, let’s stop talking and let’s start working! Here are seven undeniable signs you should declutter your closet today.

1. Your old clothes don’t fit you

If some of your pieces of clothing don’t fit you, it’s high time to say goodbye to them. You don’t need them, so what are you waiting for? We all face some body changes year by year. Some women put on weight, while others drop weight. Don’t keep your favorite but old pieces of clothing in your closet, you won’t wear them anymore.

2. You can’t wear your old clothes

No matter how hard you try, you can’t keep your favorite piece of clothing looking new all the time. It fits you, makes you look slimmer and boosts your confidence, but it’s very old. Every woman has that one piece in her closet that she doesn’t want to throw away or give away. If you see any sign of wear and tear on your clothes, it’s time to go shopping.

3. You have too many clothes

Do you really need all those 20 dresses, 15 pairs of jeans, 10 sweaters, 7 blouses and 5 skirts? While owning a lot of clothes has its benefits, there are also many disadvantages. First, it’s a waste of space and money. Second, you keep pieces of clothing that many people can wear with pleasure. Declutter your closet today in order to help people in need tomorrow.

4. You stop pursuing your hobby

If you stop swimming, dancing or working out at the gym, you probably don’t need swim wear, sports wear or dance wear. Even if you will swim or dance in future, you are more likely to purchase a new wear. If you are changing your job, you may think of buying new pieces of clothing as well.

5. Your old clothes don’t suit your current lifestyle

Last year, you enjoyed wearing your old clothes. This year, I’m more than sure that you don’t need those pieces. Look for clothes that don’t suit your current lifestyle and trow them away, or better, donate them. If your mom or friend like your old sweater, give it to her for free. Your sweater will become new for your mom and she will definitely thank you for it. Parents often can’t afford to buy expensive clothes, so why not help them? Just make sure that sweater doesn’t look too old.

6. Your clothes have permanent damages

If your favorite pieces of clothing have unrepairable tears, some serious stains and any other permanent damages, it’s a crucial reason to say goodbye to those pieces. There’s no sense in keeping them in your closet. If you can’t get rid of those damages, try to get rid of those pieces. Your closet will thank you!

7. They are not trendy

I’m certainly not promoting wearing trendy things only, but having a few trendy things is a must. Matching old pieces of clothing with old ones is a hard work, or rather unsuccessful work. Your old clothes might be in a good condition and you don’t want to throw them away, but try to match them with your recent purchases and you will understand me.

Spring is a perfect season for cleaning your home. Start with your closet and makeup bag. Not only can you donate things you don’t need to charities, you can also sell them or do a clothing swap with your sisters and friends. My favorite way to get rid of my old pieces of clothing is to donate them. I’m not a good seller, so I prefer to give them away. What about you? How do you get rid of your favorite dresses and sweaters?

7 Effective Ways to Become a Successful Leader

Whether in your personal or professional life, it’s not easy to be a successful leader, especially if you are a woman. When you are put in charge, you want to ensure everyone looking to you to respect you and feel that you really respect them. If you are a leader and you want to better your leadership abilities, here are a few tips to follow. If you are going to become a successful leader, these tips can help you too.

1. Listen

Just because you are a leader does not mean you need to talk all the time. Motivate your team to share their ideas. They will feel more valued, if you listen to them and incorporate their bright ideas. Sure, you do not have to use all ideas, but if you see that some ideas are really creative, make sure you use them. Sometimes it’s okay to step aside and allow your team to speak out.

2. Become more approachable

Typically, a leader sits in the office the whole day and rarely takes the time to talk and to listen to their team members. If you want to become a successful leader, let your team know they can freely come and speak to you any time of the work day. Whether it is a question about their job, sharing new ideas, problems at work or personal issues, try to listen and help. You don’t have to become their best friend and don’t have to listen to the gossip, but being more approachable will help you become a better leader.

3. Find a great role model

Every leader is different and it can be hard to find a good role model, but try to find time to choose a successful leader and ask them about how they cope with daily challenges and how they motivate their team. Use these techniques and qualities to become a successful leader yourself. Feel free to talk to your role model, when you have some problems.

4. Reward your team members for good work

It’s not difficult to say ‘Good Job,’ isn’t it? If your team member did a good job, don’t forget to reward them. It can be a friendly email, a pat on the back, or a real reward such as a longer lunch break. This way, you will show your team that their work is appreciated and you can make them feel incredible.

5. Don’t be wishy-washy

Remember you are a leader and you should always be clear, especially when you give your team new tasks. Try to give your team members to-do lists every week, which clearly state which tasks have to be accomplished and when. They will spend more time getting work done and less time asking questions. This will also help prevent numerous misunderstandings.

6. Have a good sense of humor

Even if you are a good leader, there are always going to be hard days. Don’t be too serious, when something goes wrong. If your team members see you making jokes out of a failure or laughing about a mishap, they will be less stressed and they won’t dwell on that failure the whole day or week. Developing a good sense of humor is not easy, but it’s very important.

7. Stay positive

If you have a negative attitude about everything, you will never become a successful leader. Positivity is the key to everything and it will help you motivate your team to work better and they won’t feel so miserable at work. Show your team you love your job, stay positive, and they will do their job even better.

Hopefully, these tips helped you and you will soon become a successful leader. Just try to communicate clearly, stay positive, and listen to your team members. If you have any other tips on how to become a successful leader, please, share them with us in the comments section.

20 Best Tricks to Tighten Sagging Skin after Weight Loss

When you lose a few unwanted pounds, you may not experience loose skin after weight loss. However, when your weight loss goal is to drop 20 pounds (or more), you need to remember these 20 tricks to tighten sagging skin after weight loss. Many women complain that they can’t fit into their favorite clothes because of sagging skin. They feel bulky and their bodies don’t look beautiful. If you are one of them and you are looking to get rid of loose skin naturally, don’t just wing it and expect amazing results. Keep up these simple yet proven tips and you will have a perfect body before the bikini season comes.

1. Use almond or coconut oil every day

Using almond or coconut oil every day will moisturize your skin, help you tighten loose skin and get rid of stretch marks. Rub a little bit of oil along your belly and thighs before bed. When you wake up, you will have a silky smooth nourished skin that will boost your mood instantly. You can also use almond milk for the better results.

2. Get a massage at least 4 or 5 times a week

Massage is a popular and effective remedy that helps reduce overall body fat and prevent sagging skin. Getting a massage at least 4 or 5 times a week is one of the proven ways to tighten skin after weight loss. Many people claim that a massage therapy helped them tone their bodies, while others claim it didn’t work for them. Give it a try, you don’t lose anything. Massage many health benefits, so even if you won’t get rid of saggy skin, you will improve your overall health.

3. Incorporate weight training into your workout regimen

We all know that weight training helps drop weight, but did you know that it can also help you tighten your skin and tone your body? Incorporate weight training into your workout regimen every week (at least 3-4 times a week) to see the first results. But don’t overdo it. You don’t want to look like a bodybuilder. A little bit toned muscle will help your skin look tighter as well as boost your confidence and improve your overall look.

4. Add calisthenics to your workout regimen

Another way to build lean muscle and tighten loose skin after weight loss is to do calisthenics each day, or at least 4-5 times a week. Opt for push-ups, jumping jacks, windmills, squat, crunch etc. Calisthenics are perfect for people with busy schedules. 10 minutes in the morning or during your luch break will be enough to perform calisthenics.

5. Eat more fruits and vegetables

Eat your 5-6 portions of fruits and vegetables a day to help your skin rebound after weight loss quicker. The rule is to eat raw fruits and vegetables, don’t cook them. You can eat any fruit and vegetable you like, from berries, grapefruit, mango, banana to carrots, avocado, cucumbers and tomatoes. The choice is endless; the only thing you have to do is to make a smart choice.

6. Don’t use beauty products that contain sulfates

Whether you are trying to tighten loose skin or simply take care of your skin, you should never use beauty products that contain sulfates. When buying a shampoo, a soap, a body wash, or a cleanser, make sure it doesn’t contain sulfates. Sulfates irritate and over-dry your skin, causing wrinkles, sagging skin and body acne.

7. Exfoliate your skin regularly

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and radiant. It also helps to tighten sagging skin after weight loss. Use sea salt scrubs twice a day, three times a week to increase your blood flow, which helps get elastic, beautiful skin in a jiff. Make sure you moisturize your skin after exfoliation. If you don’t have sea salt scrubs, opt for mineral scrubs or any other scrub instead.

8. Incorporate lean protein into your daily eating plan

Including lean protein in your meal plan will help keep your weight under control and improve your skin after weight loss. Lean protein is an excellent source of collagen and essential vitamins and minerals your skin needs to stay healthy and elastic. When combined with exercise, a diet rich on lean protein can help build lean muscle, which will help you look more toned. Consume lean protein after your workouts to build lean muscle fast. Cottage cheese, beans, legumes, eggs, and chicken are all good options.

9. Don’t shed pounds too quickly

It’s so tempting to starve yourself and spend hours exercising each day in order to see fast results, but you should never do it. First, because you can ruin your health. Second, because it can sag your skin and it will be extremely difficult to tone your body. Stick to your diet, work out regularly, make smart snack choices and get rid of your bad habits. This way, you will drop weight and prevent sagging skin.

10. Drink up

Your skin and body need water to look healthy and work properly. If you don’t drink enough water during the day, your skin will look more dry, wrinkled and saggy. Develop a habit of drinking 8 glasses of water (not tea, coffee or soda!) each day. You can add lemon or lime to speed up your metabolism, improve the health of your skin and boost your immune system.

7 Creative Ways to Find More “Me” Time

I love the way I live, I like that I’m very busy every day and that I never feel lonely. But sometimes I really need to be alone, to turn off the world and spend some time doing the things I like. This way, I can update the “charge” and have a rest. I know, a lot of people feel the same way, because we live in a hectic world full of stress and problems. No matter how you slice it, you can’t avoid stress. But you can learn how to fight it effectively. Here are a few ways to incorporate “me” time into your busy lifestyle.

1. Your own corner

Everybody needs to have some place that is only for them. It can be a room or just a table in one corner of the apartment. No matter what the size of your own space is, you should design it so that you can relax there. Don’t let anybody be there, this is only your “world”. Let everyone know that they should never disturb you, when you are there. I placed the table, and put all my crafting stuff on it. I really love do some jewellery, so it make me relax. Find something that will help you feel the same way and organize your own special area for doing this.

2. Say “No”

Sometimes I feel a pain in my neck and very often I have headaches, the reason is because I often can’t say “No.” This adds a lot of stress in my life, so I think I need to learn how to change this situation. I love help my friends, but we need to realize that we can’t help everybody. We need to think about ourselves more often. Try to say “No”, when you feel you can’t fit it.

3. “Turn off” yourself

Oh, I know, it’s really hard for us to stop checking social media and emails, but we need to do it sometimes. Disconnect all your gadgets for 10-15 minutes and get some freedom without any digital stuff. Be yourself with meditating or reading a book, and let your eyes get rid of the constant pressure.

4. Plan your time

Try to plan your day each day. It sounds silly, but it really works. You can save a few minutes and spend it the way you want. Just try this advice once and you will really realize how many times usually you spend for silly things. Now, when you save these moments you can spend it only for yourself.

5. “Craft” some time from the “love time”

I really appreciate every minute that I am with my boyfriend. But when I can’t take some time for me from the other areas of my life, I ask my guy to give me a moment to be alone. He understands me and it’s not a problem. I’m so happy that he does this way, I think, it means that he is really kind. And when he sees I’m too busy, he reminds me that this is the time to have a rest.

6. Exercise or meditation

Sometimes any sports or meditation can help you. I’m not good at meditation, so spending my free time doing some exercises is easier for me. But I’m sure everyone should try to relax in a quiet place. You can do your favorite exercise, if you can’t devise something else. Don’t think a lot, just do some simple exercise that will help you to get rid of stress. I use this tip every time I feel a lot of pressure.

7. Stay away from the parties

Everybody needs to have meetings with their friends, but it’s really hard to find even one evening for this. I felt sad because of it and didn’t really know what to do. But now I have already found a few ways to meet my friends and have me time. First, you need to choose one day a week or two weeks that you will dedicate only for your dear friends. You should combine them all, don’t meet them separately. Second, throw some parties at home. You can save 20-30 minutes just because you don’t need to get to the place of meeting. If you worry about the food, ask everybody to bring something for themselves. Everybody will be fed and you will get some free time.

It’s important that you find some “me” time every now and then. High stress levels can seriously damage your health and can even lead to anxiety and depression. Whenever possible, take a short nap to boost your energy levels and cope with your tasks and problems faster. How often do you spend time alone? Do you have any special ways to relax? Please, share them with us.