How To Avoid The Black Friday Mobs?

So you’re a college student and you’re obviously on some sort of budget. It doesn’t matter whether you’re living at home, rent-free or going to one of the best online schools, you are on some sort of allowance. Whether your parents set it for you, or you have a million, gazillion bills (like me), you have a limit that you have set yourself and unfortunately for most students, this doesn’t allow a lot of extra spending. It sucks.. I know! I am a true shopping at heart. It breaks me every time when I look at my bank account and realize that I don’t have the extra funds to buy that cute sweater or my favourite movie that just came out on DVD!

However…

(drum roll please)

…this is the time to let yourself go a little bit over budget because it will be worth it in the end. I mean, you probably don’t even have to go over budget because I am talking about BLACK FRIDAY where everything is on sale. And no, I’m not talking about just any sale.. I’m talking about AMAZINGLY on sale. Discounts to the max and oh boy, I am getting so excited! Can you tell?

Okay, but we all hate the crowds or we strictly don’t have the time to take out of our studying, or online classes to rampage through stores alongside other crazed people and mobs. I get it, because who really has  the time to do this? Apparently one too many people.

So, the alternative to avoiding the Black Friday mobs but getting the BLACK FRIDAY deals is CYBER MONDAY. Yes, it is called Cyber Monday, but I hate calling it that because tons of stores have already started their deals, sales and mark downs on their sites. Therefore, we get to shop for deals sooner than everyone else!

HA!

We’re a step ahead of the game! But seriously, this is an amazing way to still swag those Black Friday deals but not have to go through the hassle of crowds and lines.

Amazing, right?

What is a good alternative for Nail Salon visits?

Of course with being students, we don’t have the time or money to go to a Nail Salon whether it be weekly, or monthly. We just can’t do it and if we do, we feel guilty because that time or moola could have been spent in so many more important ways. I know, reality checks suck sometimes. Even if we are going to have high paying careers when we are finally finished school, I’m sure we can all agree that our school loans will be enough to pay off, so let’s avoid putting unnecessary Salon visits on our debt lists, okay? Phew! Now that I am done giving you the “save your money” motherly lecture… let’s get into the fun stuff!

So I did some brainstorming and came up with alternatives to those addicting Salon visits and Salon effects that we all love so much. Here are some of my suggestions and even if it will cost you a little more upfront, you will be saving money in the end. Trust a girl who knows what she’s talking about! 😉

SALLY HANSEN SALON EFFECTS: Easiest, fastest, bestest. Wait, is that even a word? These are really great, and last about 10 days. Quick and easy to apply, and definitely a lot cheaper then getting a nail design at your local Salon. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather spend $10 instead of $50 and save about an hour of time!

BOOKS: Get prepared. If you want to do your own nails but do not know what in the world you are doing, invest in a book about it. Get all the knowledge so you can save some money and do it yourself and for your friends. Can anyone say, SLUMBER PARTY!! Okay, but on a serious note, I recommend Pro Nail Care: Salon Secrets of the Professionals.

ASK YOUR FRIENDS: Some people are just naturally gifted with a steady hand and talent. I had a roommate that was fabulous with nails so I refused to do mine and always made her do it! HAHA! Hey, there has to be some bonus to having a roommate, right? Also, a lot of artsy-people (painters, drawers etc) can do nails! Ask around!

BEAUTY CLUB: Join a beauty club. A lot of the times you can find these online, and aside from giving you online courses, you can get amazing discounts, tips and tricks that you wouldn’t have otherwise known!

STORE DISCOUNTS: This coincides with the beauty club. A lot of stores offer a special members discount card, so if you plan on stocking up on your nail polishes and materials, might as well save some money while doing so, right?