I’m Moving Out

Don't get too mislead by the title, I'm only moving out for a next adventure by packing. It’s that time of year when you need to pack to go somewhere for Thanksgiving dinner. Packing is always the worst part about going anywhere, because if you forget anything, you’ll have to plan accordingly to find an alternative for what you forgot about. I have had my fair share of forgetting things on vacations and needing to replace them.

On to the Tips:

• Always pack an extra pair of undies.
• Pack clothes for cold weather, even if you are going to a warm location.
• For carry-on liquids, remember 3-1-1. Three ounces, in one quart size bag, and each passenger only gets one bag.
• Only pack what you need, instead of your entire wardrobe, for a short trip.
• Set up your clothes in outfits before you leave so you don’t panic when having to pick out clothes when you get there.
• Pack your PJ’s to sleep in.
• If you have trouble sleeping, pack some ear plugs to be in your own world.
• Roll your clothes for added space in your suitcase.
• Get a bag that is light, so if you can worry less about your suitcase going over the weight maximum.
• If you take too few clothes, do laundry so you can feel better about re-wearing the same clothes again on the trip.

This alpaca is ready to go. Are you?

Don't forget your PJ's since you'll need to sleep at some point.

Rolling your clothes saves some space for more.

This summer I thought nothing could be better than adding some packing tips to the list. And fortunately there are so many songs that go along with this theme. I was surprised of all of the songs that have to do with moving or packing. These are some classics and some that I had not heard of. So when you listen, or will be listening, to the playlist, think of all of the interesting times you have gone somewhere new.

As you might know from the blog about airports I do a frequent amount of traveling. Though I am not the best packer in the world, because I often forget things or think about the item I need and never pack. I do still have a good time regardless of what activity I’m doing with or without the few items I really need.

One Last thing:

This year we have the full week off for Thanksgiving, which means that there will not be a show next week; I will be in D.C. visiting my sister and parents. If you need some help with pumping yourself up for Thanksgiving, check out the Thanksgiving blog from last year here. Have a great Thanksgiving and make sure to tell your family that you are thankful and appreciate them.

Keep SMCing,

DJ Q

Food For Thought: Grocery Shopping

We all need to do it, so I figured why not write a show all about grocery shopping. When I was younger, it was exciting to go to the grocery store with my dad and now that I am on my own buying (some) food for myself, it has a different meaning to go to the store. These tips might be just things you already know, but they are now all in a convenient spot. In rugby news, we unfortunately lost in the first round of National Playoffs against Rutgers University, so we are out of the running. This also means that our season is over.

On to the Tips:

• Check the expiration date on all of the items you buy so you can get the most out of what you’re buying.
• Learn to find the correct ripeness of fruits and veggies so you can eat them right away.
• Buy local if possible to support the small businesses around you.
• Buy deli meat over pre-packaged deli meat. It’s fresher and cheaper, most of the time.
• Try to go fruit-picking for the freshest of fruit during the season.
• Sometimes it pays off to buy the more expensive item, because it tastes better. This always depends on the item.
• Don’t be afraid of the store brand items, they are usually just as good, if not better.
• Stick to the list or you’ll wonder how you have a basket full of items when you only needed 3 things.
• Try the samples in the store if possible to find out the new products.
• Get a frequent shopper card to the location you go to the most to save more and get deals and coupons for continuing to go there. 

You won't want to buy bananas from the store that were this ripe already. But it doesn't mean you can't eat them this ripe when they turn at home.

Getting fresh fruit that you pick is always better. Candice and I know that with apples. Fall 2013

The store brands are great for a thriftier alternative, especially when they usually taste the same.

During last fall’s show, someone had suggested that I do a show all about songs with food in the title. The only way to pair that up that had a good enough idea was to use some grocery shopping tips to add some pizzazz to the songs. I didn’t quite realize how many songs about food there are and it was hard to find the best ones to put on the show. So hopefully when you start to buy these items in the store you’ll think back to these songs. You can also find the full list played during the show here.

As of this semester, I am still on the full meal plan because having rugby and 16 credits to complete was too much to try to cook on top of that. I learned most of these tips from previous experience and from what others have done for themselves in the past. In our house we don’t go grocery shopping too often only because we can manage our food quite well. This semester I cook on Sundays for our family dinners after church.

One last thing:

Since we lost this past weekend in the first round of National Playoffs, our season for rugby is over. This season could not have been better because we had a great team on and off of the field. I’ve had a great four years playing rugby and I have seen how much it has helped me do better in college and create some great friendships. Thank you to all who supported the team and me during all of the seasons I’ve been playing.

My #1 fans even when they are all the way home in Illinois.

Lollipop by the Chordettes 

I had a park district tap class that I danced to when I was 5 years old.

Keep SMCing,

DJ Q