Let’s face it. Avoiding the Freshman 15 during your first year of college can be pretty difficult. And it’s even more difficult when your variety of dining options at Cal Poly are well– not the greatest.
Fear not, future freshmen. Watch this video to learn how to take ingredients from VG’s (a cafe on campus), and make your own healthy meals from it, right in your dorm. With these tips, maintaining your health can be a piece of cake… (yay puns)
My stats as of March 11. Photo by author.
Let me tell you the good news before I tell you the bad.
First off, I’d like to thank everyone for their amazing support. Honestly, DIY Dorm would not have been a success without all my friends and followers support. Never in a million years did I think this blog would have almost 5,000 views in just two and a half months.
With that, I would like to inform all of you wonderful followers that DIY Dorm will no longer be posting as often. After my video this Thursday, I will no longer be posting twice a week.
Now before you storm off on me all upset, know that DIY Dorm will be posting every two weeks or so instead. I will not abandon you lovely people, I swear!
This blog wouldn’t have been successful if it weren’t for the support from my fellow students. Here’s what some of my classmates had to say about DIY Dorm:
“Your blog has so much information to offer, and you do it in such an entertaining way. You really show your dedication to your blog with all the different media and different ideas you provide for your audience.”
– Katelyn Piziali
“I love the theme of your blog. It seems to fit the creative DIY projects that your blog is all about. It just works.”
– Angela Fausone
Here at Cal Poly, we’re lucky to have places like Jamba Juice, Starbucks, and Yogurt Creations right on campus. This can be both a blessing and a way to lose track of your health at the same time…
How can you avoid the “Freshman 15” while being stuck in the dorms?
Stay tuned for DIY Dorm’s video next week, with interviews from freshmen Natasha Bartolome and Emily Nguyen– two Cal Poly dorm residents that practice healthy habits on the daily.
The video will feature their tips for success, as well as some delicious, healthy recipes you can make in the dorms. Avoiding the unhealthy choices in college might seem difficult, but with Natasha and Emily’s recipes, you’ll keep the pounds off while satisfying your cravings at the same time.
Check out some of Natasha’s meals she’s made this quarter below. If you like what you see, definitely stay tuned for next Thursday’s post!
Sure, Yogurt Creations and breakfast burritos from VGs are fine as an occasional treat. But after a while, campus food can really take a toll on your health.
Natasha and Emily’s tips and recipes are not only easy, but cost effective as well– all following what this blog is really about. Well, that’s all for now guys!
Who doesn’t love the simplicity of a 6 second DIY Video?
Thanks to Vine, I’ll skip the whole lengthy rant before giving you what you really visit my blog to see: easy-peasy DIY ideas.
So here it is guys. Before going out to buy $6 colorful bobby pins from Target, check out this Vine and save some money.
Taylor Karst and Bruce Mitcher– a true DIY couple. Photo by author.
Bruce Mitchener knows a thing or two about winning over a girl’s heart…DIY Style.
You probably remember Bruce from the Beverly’s Fabric and Craft Store post a while back. Yes, he’s the childlike friend of mine who colored Scooby Doo and ran around the store like a five-year-old.
Sure, Bruce has his immature moments. But when it came down to wooing his current girlfriend, Taylor Karst, he’s anything but juvenile.
Bruce creates roses from cocktail napkins, a DIY project that has been passed down in his family for years. Check out my interview below on how Bruce won Taylor over with this simple DIY idea.
The roses Bruce gave Taylor that she still keeps on her desk. Photo by author.
They both have their immature moments. Photo by author.
Whether you’re a DIY expert or just a crafty beginner, craftgawker is a must for everyone. Learn more below.
This site beats pinterest anyday. Photo by author.
Craftgawker is similar to Pinterest in many ways, but stands out by letting only the best of the best DIY projects show up on your feed. That means no more endless scrolling through unrelated posts. And most of all, it promises that all the images are nothing but professional and high quality.
Download the app or check out the website. Photo by author.
The app is completely free (woo-hoo!), and the design is even simpler than the desktop site. But if you’re desperate for a study break, the website is great for endless scrolling and has more options than the mobile app.
Quality is guaranteed when it comes to DIY projects. Photo by author.
Personally, sometimes Pinterest is just a little too overwhelming. Posts on Pinterest are sometimes DIY projects, but most of the time they’re just links to other sites, pictures, etc. You’ll click on the image of a cool project, and what do you know, there’s no tutorial. With craftgawker, all posts are guaranteed to be projects you can actually do yourself.
From weddings to clothing, this site covers it all. Photo by author.
From clothing to candles, this site will teach you how to make it all. Don’t know what you’re in the mood to make? Try clicking the randomize button found on the app. It’s a great way to explore multiple categories on your home feed.
Uploading to Twitter and Facebook is a piece of cake. Photo by author.
There’s 100+ ways to share a post on the desktop site, from sites like Wanelo to Amazon. On the mobile app, you’re a little more limited. You can only share posts on seven different social media sites, like Facebook, Twitter, and Pocket.
Cotton Candy Frappe with the sis. Photo by author.
You’ve spent hours in the library, downed multiple espresso shots in order to stay awake, and given up on sleep all for one thing. Ah yes, it’s midterm season.
Now that you’ve survived these past two weeks of midterms, hopefully your professors will give you a break. Nonetheless, treat yourself for all your hard work, and stop by Cal Poly’s on campus Starbucks.
Due to the past two weeks, you probably cringe a little at the word. But I promise you, there are no espresso shots or Venti double-shot iced lattes involved.
Instead, try these yummy “Secret Menu” drinks, and give yourself a pat on the bat for your hard work.
How to Order:
How to Order:
How to Order:
First off, I would like to thank all of you for helping me achieve 1,500 views. At the beginning of this project, I was nervous I wouldn’t even get above 100. All of your support means so much 🙂
Even though DIY Dorm as been a success, there’s always room for improvement. No body is perfect, right? Below are a list of pros and cons of DIY Dorm I gathered from some peers of mine.
Cons:
Whether you despise the holiday or you love it, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, my friends.
Ah yes– the holiday that can either help you fall head-over-heels for that special someone, or cause you to burn every romantic comedy in sight.
We get it– for those single folks without a Valentine, the beginning of February brings on the Valentine’s Day Blues. It’s hard to hear about all your friends’ cheesy plans without wanting to roll your eyes. Well, if this is you, than you have two options:
1. Wallow in self-pity while eating all the chocolate you bought yourself this holiday, or
2. Reward yourself and your loved ones with some tasty Valentine’s Day treats from DIY Dorm
Or you can do both. Either way, DIY Dorm promises all you single folks to help this year’s Valentine’s Day a little less painful.
Don’t hog all the good stuff– give these jars to your friends, co-workers, and family. Photo by author.
(You can get them in bulk, or for about $2 each at most grocery stores)
And what a wonderful way to get out of the single-life blues! But what about some other DIY ideas to rebel against Valentine’s Day? Here’s a list of some personal favorites. Don’t forget to stay tuned for next week’s Valentine’s Day themed posts, and to check out this week’s DIY expert!
“I’ve only liked Valentine’s Day when I’ve had a date.” – Ryan Werth, freshman
“Yes, because it’s a great excuse to eat all the lovely chocolates everyone has sent you, or that you sent yourself…” – Tess Engel, freshman
Image of rings by WikiMedia and used here with a Creative Commons license.
After losing her husband to cancer a few years ago, Frances Dodson began designing personalized, hand stamped rings and is now a successful Etsy shop owner. Check out her store here.
Q: What got you started on making the jewelry in your shop?
A: I had a different life planned for myself a couple of years ago. My husband and I took early retirement so we could enjoy our new Colorado Mountain home, travel around on our motorcycle touring a lot of the U.S. and just visiting and enjoying our grandsons. 10 months into that life, my husband passed away of pancreatic cancer.
My daughter has a shop here on Etsy. She kept encouraging me to find something I liked, and open my own shop. I was very scared, went to lots of craft shows, and just started watching what others were doing that seemed to make good money for them. I saw someone making the name rings, and decided I could do that– it seemed like something I could handle.
Q: Are they costly to make? How easy are they to make?
A: Sometimes, I can start a ring and it only takes me a few minutes to get it stamped, then it goes to coloring, then clean up and packaging–pretty decent profit for that one item. The next time, I can work for what seems like forever, scrap three or four rings before I get it right, and there is no profit in that one at all, but I keep going.
Q: Over the years, have they made you any profit?
A: I have only been working this venture for just over years. The first year, I think was at a break even point. This past year, I am thinking I made a decent profit. I am pretty much able to live on my Etsy income. Now don’t think that is huge, because I am a single person with no huge bills, and a very low standard of living.
I also like my Etsy shop because every sale I make gives me the feeling that someone out there likes my stuff and– in a small extension of that– me.
Cal Poly’s Rec Center was packed with Steve Aoki fans. Photo by Author
That’s right folks: Famous house DJ Steve Aoki came to Cal Poly’s Rec Center on Friday Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. The concert was full of excited students ready to dance the night away, but the best part was the crowd’s attire: the majority of students were wearing all wearing DIY bracelets, flower bras, headbands and even tutus (I take a little credit since most of these creations probably came from Beverly’s).
In case you missed out, DIY Dorm has it all covered for you. Check out DIY Dorm’s live tweets from the event, along with some photos below.
The legend himself. Photo by author.
DIY bracelets were sported by most at the concert. Photo by author.
The concert lasted for almost 6 and a half hours straight. Photo by author.
DIY Dorm 