What A Lovely Get Together December 8, 2008

I have seen a few parties in my day, and I believe I’ve been on both sides- host and guest. As a college student, and a new blogger I thought it would be fun to list the awful pranks and situations I have experienced thus far.

Not Classy:

• I do not suggest hosting a Hawaiian party during a thunderstorm- Someone- (I’m not mentioning names) thought it was a great idea to have a water balloon fight indoors.
• Hosting a wine party, and discovering a broken wine glass in the bathroom waste basket. ( I wondered where that went.)
• Not flushing the toilet/ putting down the seat (classic)
• Walking around drunk and naked at a complete strangers house. (Not me- but I’ve seen it.)
• Finding puke on the opposite side of my couch cushion.
• Setting off a smoke bomb at a friends house (Paybacks a B*#$&)
• Topping off a friends deodorant with cream cheese.

I’m sure many of you can relate to a few of my recent experiences, and although some of these many be funny, it’s imperative to remain classy when invited to social functions.

Obviously, having a few cocktails and a few laughs are important… but in moderation…please. Don’t be ‘that guy’- making a fool of yourself in front of your boss or co-workers.

Just realize there’s a time and place for everything. Cheers.

He had it comin'

15% or more… December 1, 2008

The discussion topic of the day is: TIPPING.

There is nothing more disturbing then a cheap skate. It’s not classy.

As a poor college student, and a part-time waitress, I would like to take this opportunity and express my strong feelings about these sad individuals. Now, that may seem a bit harsh…but I can not find a single logical excuse for these people. You know who you are.

Just imagine going on a date with someone new. The experience was great, conversation was flowing, the food was amazing…and then the bill came. Your date paid….and you notice that he/she totally skimped out on the tip! What does that say about them?! Yikes.

• If you can not afford to go out to dinner, and leave a decent tip….DON’T (That’s why they created fast food.)
• For those of you who don’t know- Servers make less then minimum wage. It’s about $4.60 an hour.
• If you use coupons or come in when food is discounted- Tip based on the original total before the discounts are added.
• If you do not agree with the restaurant’s policies- keep in mind that we do not own the place. Were not trying to make your visit miserable.
• If you do not like the food- See what the server does to help you out. If she is unwilling- THEN maybe consider a different amount for the tip.
• When a person says: “DON’T WORRY…I’m a great tipper!” at the beginning of the meal- Chances are their going to completely stiff me on a tip- Don’t ask..I have NO idea why.
• If you are bringing a baby- PLEASE clean up your mess, and if you can’t apologize to your waitress and tip accordingly.
• Nothing bothers me more than when I work so hard for a table, running back and forth, trying to appease their every wish…and they leave me less than 10%. THANKS.
• Keep in mind, that servers will remember the cheap skates, and will spread the word to other servers.

Be nice to your server. Their doing their best. If you see that they are not on their A GAME- Talk to the manager- Everyone has a bad day.

Please tip 15% or more.

With groups- 18% or more (It’s a lot of work).

Chivalry November 25, 2008

I know for a fact that my boyfriend is VERY polite and has many chivalrous characteristics. On the other hand, he hasn’t recently thrown pebbles at my window, screaming Shakesphere at the top of his lungs. Ha ha. That would be slightly humerous. I wouldn’t put it past him. 

No no…The chivalry that I’m talking about, is the kind of gestures we see in old romantic, sappy movies. When he opens the door for you, or gives you his jacket even when you feel a slight chill. Yes ladies, these guys are still out there believe it or not. Guys- BELIEVE it or not- manners go a L O N G  WAY!

According to my brother: “…Chivalry is DEAD- and Women killed it! Only good looking skinny girls deserve it…” GREAT!!!! Thanks Z&$#! “A girl has to qualify…” WHAT!-

OK…Let’s help him out here a little bit…I made him look like an A$$! For the record, he was born in 1990, so his opinion shouldn’t count that much. Sorry- he was the only male in my house at the time. (I’m visiting my family for the holiday!)

Back to the topic at hand. Chivalry is in fact disapeering. Years ago, being polite was a given…I’m assuming… But it isn’t practiced. Ladies, act like ladies…and I’m sure you will be treated like one.

Try my poll! October 17, 2008

First Post! October 2, 2008

I guess my purpose here is to experiment a little. Well…I’m a senior in college, enjoying my experience (for the most part). But something is lacking…mainly, money in my piggy bank. Let’s just throw this out there…I like nice things, I’m sure everyone does. The real question is, how can a college student really stay classy on a budget? I guess this question was created purely on my love for wine. Many-a-nights I would sit in my living room with my girlfriends…drinking a nice glass of Cab, and talk about random things. We would laugh at how gross the frat house across the street was. How I thought it was ridiculous that my house mates were drinking my $20 bottle of wine out of Dixie cups.. No no…that won’t do. I’m not saying that I’m exceedingly classy, or that I am a wine expert…I am saying that I want to help. I want to find, and create great tips and idea’s for the common student on a budget. How will you do this you ask? Good question… Daily exposure to things that will inspire me. Etiquette tips, great wine that I come across, first date tips…the sky’s the limit! Also, if you have a question or a topic you want me to discuss, let me know! I will try my best.

Thank you for checking out my first post!

I’m being a wine-o! October 14, 2008

I made a big mistake this weekend, and it’s only fair that I share my experience. I really wanted to host a wine tasting party for about ten people. Now keep in mind that I AM on a budget. So…I walk in to the grocery store, grab a shopping cart and head to the produce section. ( QUICK TANGENT: I heard once that if you are on a diet, the best way to eat healthy is to only shop around the perimeter of the grocery store. If you think about it, the healthiest, more expensive items are on the perimeter like the produce, meats, and dairy products. Forget about the Pringles…THOSE are on aisle 6). Back to the story. I was hungry. I just got out of rugby practice, and craved the bulk section. Gotta stay classy I thought…Yeah right. Forget the party…for now. I made a quick U-turn and turned down aisle 5. Ahhh, Peace on Earth. Oh, how I love unwrapped, milk chocolate covered pretzels. I grabbed a bag, filled it a couple of scoops worth, and weighed the pretzels quickly. This process went on with different items in the store for about a half hour. While my cart was getting full, my piggy bank was depleting. The moral of my quick, random story- I WAS HUNGRY. Never, I repeat never go to the grocery store when you’re starving. Impulsive shopping is NEVER cheap. Also, I didn’t have a plan. Oh my. I’m turning in to my mother. She would be in her glory if she saw me with a spread sheet of some sort mapping out the data. What was I thinking?! I didn’t have a grocery list, and I didn’t ask my friends what they liked! Big No No.

So I found this video on YouTube, and it’s sponsored by Quiznos, which is interesting in itself, but if you look beyond that…the video has some great tips! If you plan on hosting a party, give yourself a couple of days to plan. Talk to the cashier’s at the liquor store. Believe it or not, they know what sells! Also, keep in mind that people may have food allergies, so plan accordingly. I’ll let you know how my party went! Wish me luck.

-Case