• your choice of laundry container (suggestions: hamper, basket, or bag)
• detergent
• bleach (optional)
• stain remover
• coin holder

DIRECTIONS:

Gather the detergent, bleach and stain remover.

Place all items into the laundry hamper/basket/bag. Whatever laundry container you choose will serve you as an appropriate and quick place to throw your dirty clothes as they become dirty. The idea here is to contain the pile. If your room’s floor is clear of piles of laundry, you shall have a better chance of impressing any important visitors to your room.

Check your housing’s laundry facilities for the type of change you will need (How much will you need for one load? Are quarters sufficient or will you need higher increments of coins?). Go to a bank or change machine to get the right kind of change. Fill your coin holder with enough of the right coins for at least two loads. Place the filled coin holder with the above laundry cointainer.

Note: The above step will save you in your laundry crisis times when you must do laundry but may not always have the proper financial tools necessary. Eg. when you are wearing your dress clothes, your roommate asks you about your choice of attire and you reply “It’s time to do laundry, I have nothing else to wear! I hope I have the right coins!”

Copyright © 2003 iamnext.com. May not be used without permission.

INGREDIENTS:

• Dirty clothes
• Detergent
• Dryer sheets

WASHING:

Recommended: Separate light and dark clothes. Although the colors shouldn t run together in cold water, bright red shirts have occasionally been rumored to transform white underwear into pink ones.

Pour detergent into washer, amount according to the size of the laundry load-specific amounts are shown on the box or bottle of detergent.

Check pockets for loose change and sticks of gum. (Gum doesn’t taste as good after being cleaned…)

Add dirty clothes.

Adjust settings for size of load.

Put the temperature on cold/cold.

Start washer.

Take a half hour breather OR watch in fascination as your clothes spin and tumble.
Note: If a colored item has never been washed before, wash separately.

DRYING:

Clean the lint panel, which is usually toward the front of the dryer.

Put wet clothes from washer into dryer. But, if you don’t want 100% cotton clothing to shrink, hang it up to dry. Do not fully dry in the dryer. You don t want to turn your favorite sweater into a hand puppet! (Ok, so it s not that extreme…)

Insert one dryer sheet.

If needed, set the timer to how long you want the dryer to run. Clothes usually take about one hour to dry.

Start dryer.

After done drying, clean the lint panel.

Fold clothes as soon as they re dry to keep them from getting wrinkled.

Say, Yay! , eat a cookie, and take a nap!

FOR STAINS:

Add liquid detergent or stain remover directly onto stain.

Rub in.

Put into washer with other clothes.

Copyright WSN Press, Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc., 1997-2001 Used by permission of WSN Press and Campus Crusade for Christ. All rights reserved. WSN Press, Campus Crusade for Christ–2500, 100 Lake Hart Dr., Orlando, FL 32832 USA.

When faced with the never-ending task of laundry, there are four basic types of people, according to the Queen of Clean(R), Linda Cobb. Cobb, a best-selling author and radio and television personality, is one of America’s foremost authorities on housekeeping and laundry care.

“I’ve developed a motto for the four laundry personalities I’ve identified,” says Cobb.

The first, and most common, motto is “So much laundry, so little time.” Typically, these people have no time to spare and have perfected the art of multi-tasking. While appearance may be important to this person, doing laundry is just a means to an end.”
Cobb’s tips for the time-crunched can help streamline the laundry process. She recommends:

• Emptying the dryer’s lint-clogged vent regularly so clothes will dry faster.
• Changing the setting on the washer to suit the load size, especially for small loads.
• Using detergent tabs rather than powder or liquid — just drop them in and go!

The motto for the second group is, “Don’t do laundry today that you can put off until tomorrow.” This type believes that nothing is so pressing that it has to be done immediately — especially laundry! These folks know every excuse in the book to put off laundry — or getting someone else to do it for them.
Laundry procrastinators can make the chore easier using these tips:

• Pre-sort dirty clothes into color-coded baskets or bins as soon as you take them off.
• If you leave a load of clean clothes in the dryer and they become a wrinkled mess, simply toss a damp towel in with the load and re-run the dryer for a few minutes.
• Stock up on laundry products so you have what you need on hand, resulting in fewer trips to the store.
• Don’t overstuff the washer or dryer, since it will cause clothes to come out wrinkled and not as clean.

The third group believes “If you want laundry done right, you have to do it yourself.” These people’s lives are orderly and methodical, and so is their approach to laundry. They tend to make laundry part of their daily routine and approach it with a full arsenal of laundry products that give them a good value for their money, such as Purex laundry detergent, which is about half the cost of the leading brand.
Even these well-organized people can benefit from some of Cobb’s tips:

• Zip up the laundry routine by doing exactly that: zip zippers, button buttons and hook hooks. That way, you’ll avoid catching, pulling and tearing fabric during the wash cycle.
• Before storing seasonal clothes, be sure to launder them first to avoid letting undetected stains set or attracting moths or other insects.
• Always check garments for colorfastness when using stain removers, even if the garments have already been laundered.

The fourth school of thought believes that “a little dirt never hurt anyone.” The last thing that bothers these people is a pile of dirty laundry. And since they don’t worry much about appearance, they don’t think twice about wearing the same clothes two days in a row.

Cobb’s tips for this laundry type include:

• Instead of folding or hanging clean clothes, toss t-shirts, gym clothes or other active wear onto an over-the-door shoe rack.
• If you happen to leave a piece of tissue in a pocket and it makes a mess in the washer or dryer, put a piece of nylon netting in the dryer with the clothes to catch the fuzz.
• Use a fragrant detergent to keep clothes smelling fresh longer.
• Use a super-concentrated stain remover, such as Zout, and let it sit on fabric for five to 10 minutes for best stain removal.

Cobb has tested hundreds of laundry products and recommends only the best of each category on her Web site, www.queenofclean.com. Two products she recommends to make anyone’s laundry routine easier are Purex detergent and Zout stain remover. You can also visit these sites for helpful housekeeping tips. Content courtesy of ARA Content.

The Starving Student Discount should be part of every university student’s entertainment plan.

By definition, anything that is fun to do and is free is part of the Starving Student Discount.

Along with time-honoured recreation and sports like basketball, football, ultimate frisbee, walks in the park, inline skating and beach volleyball, the Starving Student Discount encompasses unique ideas in the art of having wallet-independent fun.

One appreciates festivals when they follow the Starving Student. Someone else plans the occasion, states the location, and invites the entire city. All you have to do is attend and have fun.

City marketplaces are another source of interaction, where sidewalk shows by musicians, magicians, clowns and comedians can fill an entire afternoon.

To find information on public events, visit municipal and leisure/entertainment webpages.

Museums are notorious for charging no admission at times when people are likely asleep. Phone the museums or visit their webpages to find out the best times to attend.

Some municipal libraries offer free memberships to people renting an apartment in the city. You now have an opportunity to read books that people have told you about, watch movies from years ago, and listen to compact discs that you would not otherwise buy with your own money.

On some days you may not be motivated to leave home, but there are still many productive things that can be accomplished.

For example, formulate a workout schedule and perform it on a weekly basis – you will be surprised at the results after a four-month term.

Or you can pick up a hobby that you have been wanting to learn: guitar playing, baking, knitting and origami are all low-cost options. Write that poem or short story. If you have access to a computer, teach yourself web design and post your creation. Or surf for free stuff on the Internet.

The possibilities are endless, even when your entertainment budget is overdrawn.

I myself am off to bake a cake.

Leo Chiu is a student who has relocated to several cities for internship opportunities and enjoys finding ways to have fun within any budget level. Originally published in Communique, Simon Fraser University’s Communication Co-op newsletter. Used with permission of author.

Related reading:

• Six more pages of cheap fun ideas
• 5 simple ways to stretch your dollar
• Living with an open hand: looking at the spiritual side of money

The edges of the screen are fuzzy and peaceful looking. The seats are appropriately spaced. People tilt their seats back with a smile (and with plenty of room on both sides). Children are sitting cross-legged in their seats with their safety belt fastened perfectly around their little waists. The airplane swooshes gently into a sky laden with puffy clouds.

Welcome to your flight.

I am relaxed by the in-flight commercial, until my knee bumps the chair in front of me and jiggles the screen (and a fellow passenger, sorry!). I wish I was as short as the people in the safety video. As the flight gets longer, my already insufficient leg room shrinks. The person in front of me decides to play a cruel joke and tilt his seat back to take away what precious room I have left. And then the child two rows over decides that now would be a good time to test out her singing ability.

But there is a moment, when I get my satisfaction.

The beverage cart comes around, and I order a can. I’ve noticed that when you order a can of anything, they give you the full can. Not just a small cup, but an entire drink all to yourself. Insignificant as it may seem, it is my one moment of bliss.

Welcome to my flight.

As with any flight, there are ways to make your experience a bit better. You just need to come prepared. With your sanity and survival in mind, I offer up the best 10 gadgets to have on a flight.

#10 – The Neck Pillow
Sure, it’s not really a gadget in technical terms. But after watching Lord of the Rings for three hours straight, trust me, you will thank me. Your mini DVD player does not double well as a pillow. A neck pillow will help keep you from sleeping on your neighbor’s shoulder (which means you might actually get to sleep) and guarantees that you won’t spend the next few hours working the kink out of your neck.

#9 – Cell phone
This is a great gadget to have on the plane…so you can put it away! Nothing is more annoying than someone trying to talk on a cell phone above the noise of the plane. So please, set your ringer to quiet, text to your heart’s content, and realize that your conversations are much more enriching when you’re not sharing them with the three rows in front of you.

#8 – Charger
Some airlines come equipped with a standard plug-in for all of your gadgetry. Bring along a charger just in case. Instead of hoping that you have just one more minute of battery life left (and three hours of flying), you’ll be able to keep your devices fresh. (And you’ll be able to finish your Rocky marathon!)

#7 – iPod
Tired of your music? Download an audio book in advance of your flight. If that doesn’t entertain you, try out a few new podcasts. They’re a great way to learn about something new and pass the time. Just make sure you charge the battery before you board. Or better yet, bring item #8.

#6 – DVD Player
What better way to spend the flight than to catch up on a few movies? If you’re riding with a friend, bring an adaptor (or buy a DVD player with several headphone ports). They’re not too expensive and they make the hours fly by. Several airports offer DVD rentals and a few major hubs have kiosks where you can rent a player to take with you.

#5 – Tooth Brush
Again, it’s not technically a gadget (unless its electric). But if you’re stuck on a long flight, there is nothing better than spending a few minutes stretching out and brushing your teeth. Not only will it help you feel refreshed, but it’ll make your drool smell a little bit nicer when you fall asleep without your neck pillow.

#4 – Portable Gaming System
Just like their full-sized cousins, a portable gaming system offers hours of entertainment. But don’t get too carried away when you finally rescue the princess from the angry dragon. (Space is limited.) If you’re intent on doing this for a few hours, you may want to cart along another set of batteries, just in case! (That handy charger works here too.)

#3 – A bottle for water
Chances are the small shot of water they give you from the beverage tray will help…for the next ten minutes. Carry on a small bottle of water to help keep you hydrated. You’ll be so happy that you’ll forget this isn’t technically a gadget.

#2 – Laptop
This is probably the best gadget to have on a plane — provided you’re not spill-prone. If you’ve got a laptop, make sure it is charged (or see #8) and bring your favorite movies or games along (or, if you must, get some work done).

#1 – Headphones
This is the greatest invention known to airlines (and probably the reason they charge you $5 to buy them). Headphones have the potential to make or break your flight experience. Loud child two rows back? You’ve got the solution. A set of compact, noise-canceling headphones will allow you to drift away from the fact that you are crammed into a small seat beside frazzled parents with screaming babies and behind the man who tilted his chair back.

With these gadgets on hand you’re all set to enjoy your flight! Just remember, ask for the full can.

-Shaun Smith

It wasn’t until I read yet another list that I saw one of the common perks in a completely different light. In 10 reasons it’s great to be single, an online Elle Canada article, I read reason #5,

It’s all about you, all the time. That about sums it up. You can do what you want, go where you want, eat what you want, wear what you want, sleep in when you want, get up when you want, shop where you want … the list goes on and on, but you get the point!

I’m the first in line to say that heightened freedoms rank high on my list of reasons why being single is glorious. But something about reading It’s all about you, all the time made me cringe and feel embarrassed that this was the focus being shoveled onto the plates of single women everywhere.

Instead of sounding like unabashed freedom, reason #5 sounds like a license for extreme narcissism.

I’m not lambasting the liberty to eat an entire carton of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey ice cream or snatch that pair of Prada shoes you’ve been eyeing for months. But we’re missing the plot if we live by reason #5 and see nothing wrong with it. That mentality needs to be re-vamped so instead of an opportunity to tap into self-gluttony, it’s an incredible opportunity to experience even greater things in the single season.

Since it’s an inarguable fact that you have a greater swath of time (and usually resources) to work with living the single life, utilize it. Instead of tearing out lists explaining why you’re better off ignoring Valentine’s Day and Barry White ballads, re-write the focus of reason #5.

(Disclaimer: None of these things are meant to “fill” your time till you meet your future hubbie. Killing time for a greater end is no way to use such a beautiful season of life.)

Travel

Is there a place you’ve been dreaming of visiting since you were a little girl? What about a house boating or coastal road trip with your girlfriends? Maybe a trip to Costa Rica to learn about the culture, people and history?

You can buy all the Lonely Planet books in the world, but at some point, the only thing that’s going to get you places is the guts to go for it. So leap! There are so many fascinating places.

(Keep in mind: There’s a difference between sipping mojitos poolside in Cabo San Lucas and trekking to a different culture for a spectacular once-in-a-lifetime trip.) Choose one or a few places, go alone or with girlfriends, just go!

Get Involved

Have you always wanted to do missions overseas? Do you have a heart for immigrants or youth on the street? What about the environment – being on a clean-up crew or tree planting project?

There are heaps of ways you can take what naturally interests you and use it to serve a greater purpose. Whether it’s people, the earth, animals, food or travel, you can pull at the threads of what you love and find ways to serve with it. So get involved!

Time With The Girls

What do you love: books written by Donald Miller, Parisian food, Jamie Oliver TV, old French films, sitting at a café with Brazilian coffee?

Take one and find a little group that share the same interest (close girlfriends, your mom and sisters or a small group of women mentors), and soak it in with them every couple weeks.

You can tailor this time to be so lush – add books, add different meeting spots, add food, add anything you want. What do I love most about being in the single season? I love, love, love the time to pursue whatever fancies me.

New People, New Interests

Have you always wanted to learn Italian? Take an art history class? Try wind-surfing or the drums?

I know it might sound so cliché, “You’re single! Take a cooking class or pick up archery!” But honestly, it’s an opportune time time in life to run with something you’ve always thought of doing and actually do it. You can pick anything your heart desires – a language, a sport, an art. And when you pursue it, you automatically open yourself up to meeting new people you might never have met otherwise. Who knows what kind of relationships can stem from that – (maybe travel buddies, fellow tree planters, French film comrades?), you just never know.

I hope this mini-list has a different feel than Elle’s reason #5. It should and I hope it does. It’s not meant to come off sympathetic, patronizing, like propaganda, or far from genuine. I adore the single season so much and these reasons are why. Not because I’m looking at it like I can simply “do what I want, go where I want, eat what I want, wear what I want…”, but because incredible opportunities, travel experiences and deep relationships hang like ripe, round apples, yours for the taking.

I’ve been back and forth to South Africa a few times, went to school in a different country, spent time alone in Holland and Uganda, done missions in the slums and taught AIDS awareness in remote villages. I’m in the middle of a bible study with my mom, a Rob Bell book study with girlfriends and met my closest friends by pursuing a love for Africa and missions. That isn’t a rattled off list to merely show something for my time; it’s what i’m truly pursuing in this season, my single season. Shoes and ice cream are all fine and good, but from my experience these are fulfilling and rich ways to spend my days.

There will always be versions of the “benefits of being single” list, especially around February 14, but choose early on that if this is the season you’re in, you’re going to define it. And however you do define it, apply a line straight out of Shakespeare, “The world’s mine oyster.”

Freedom to be Yourself – How can you begin to live to your fullest potential?

Are you a “starving student living in rez? Check out Life in Residence on Facebook and see other students have to say about campus living.

Even on your student budget, you know a chunk of your budget will be spent on groceries. No secret in that! Here’s what you can do about it to make it cheaper:

1. Sound meal planning. Make your menu with grocery shopping in mind. Try to select recipes that use items that are already in your pantry. Remember what foods are in season. They’ll be cheaper. Always be on the lookout for recipes that ‘dress-up’ inexpensive cuts of meat (or don’t even require meat).

2. Have a definite list. Don’t impulse buy. If you find an item on sale that you know you’ll use later feel free to add it to your cart. But beware of pretty displays that can cause you to overspend your plan. Check the ads before you go to the store. Modify your meal plan and list to take advantage of sale items.

3. Larger supermarkets are generally cheaper. That’s due to volume discounts, but check the ads. You might find that it’s worthwhile doing part of your shopping at one store and finishing up at another. Nothing says that you have to use the same store week after week. It’s a good idea to scout out other stores periodically.

4. Look up and down. Stores will often put the most popular and expensive items from waist to shoulder level. The less expensive brands will often be on the upper or lower shelves. It’s worth the stretch.

5. Take along a calculator. You’ll want to be able to compare unit prices. A less expensive price on a larger size is only a savings if you’re going to use those extra ounces. If you’ll end up throwing them away, it’s not a bargain.

6. Avoid prepackaged and convenience foods. It’s tempting to convince yourself you’ll be alright living on a steady stream of frozen TV dinners. There are exceptions, but convenience foods are also often less nutritious, too.

7. Eat healthy. A healthy diet is less expensive than an unhealthy one. Rice, potatoes, fruit and vegetables are all less expensive than meat. Nothing says that you have to be a vegetarian, but it’s not healthy or frugal to fill up on meat. You might also save a bit on doctor bills later.

8. Comparison shop at the meat counter. Look for the less expensive cuts. Oftentimes your cooking skills can make a cheaper cut seem better than it is. Use chicken, turkey and fish. They’re less expensive and a great change from beef.

9. Use coupons only for items that you would buy anyway. If you’re used to buying the store brand for 79 cents, don’t buy the nationally advertised brand for $1.19 because you have a 20 cent off coupon. Rebates and coupons can be a big help. But think through the math before you ’save’ all that money.

10. Stick to buying food. Don’t buy non-food items at the grocery store. Housewares, pharmacy items, greeting cards and holiday items can all be purchased for less elsewhere. Cleaning supplies can be a big part of the total at the checkout line. Wherever possible buy generic cleaners. Better still, learn how to make your own cleaners. You’ll be surprised at the savings.

11. Bring your lunch to work or school. You can make a great sandwich for the cost of a ‘Big Burger’ and fries. If you have a microwave available consider bringing some leftovers. You’ll find your lunch mates glancing longingly at last night’s meatloaf when they get a whiff of your lunch.

12 .Limit meals out. Most people enjoy an occasional meal out, especially when you do all your own cooking. But restaurants can be a real budget buster. Dinner is the most expensive meal to eat out. Why not go for breakfast or lunch? If you must go for dinner, be careful about appetizers, alcoholic beverages and desserts. They can bloat a bill in a heartbeat.

Gary Foreman is the founder of The Dollar Stretcher website and newsletters. Click here for more information on how a grocery price book could save you 15% on your grocery bill.

In the four short years since it’s inception Facebook has taken over like the plague; it’s everywhere.

With 40 billion page views every single month, it’s undeniable that this social networking tool is insanely popular. And like anything that has its day in the sun, it’s both wildly loved and completely loathed. I wanted to figure out why. So after listening to some other people’s experiences, considering my own and exploring countless Facebook pages, I think I have some solid reasons for why this site is the social magnet it is.

REASON #1: Personal Celebrity

It gives us all our own little space of infamy, a tiny taste of celebrity. The mini-feed is like a personal US Weekly, documenting who’s going to what, who’s now friends with who, plus all the comings and goings, moods and attitudes, thoughts and quips of all of our ‘friends’. The mini-feed erases any need to ask questions because it’s stalking, gossiping and the answer to “how are you?” all rolled into one. You’re instantly updated.

REASON #2: Validation

This is one of those unacknowledged reasons nobodies ready to admit. It’s validating. Picture albums full of weddings, newborn babies, far-off travels and jaunts abroad, engagement parties, birthday bashes, reunions, bridal showers, road trips, graduations, honeymoons – it’s all there. Yes, we want our 300 closest friends to know we had fun camping or how hilarious we looked in our graduation cap. It’s the story of our lives.

But it is validating. It declares and confirms for everyone to see that our lives have our culture’s official markings, from the diamond ring to the white picket fence.

REASON #3: Represents our Best

We are addicted to putting our best face forward. No longer is that reserved for meeting the in-law’s, job interviews or first dates. With Facebook, everyone has a forum to post their most flattering profile picture, to document their growing intelligence with a log of their recent literature conquests, and to update everyone on their ever-evolving life on the status reel. It’s an easy way to shove all the great and impressive things to the forefront for all to see. Very rarely are relationship rejections, failed classes or lost jobs so eagerly broadcast.

REASON #4: Allows Social Laziness

It’s incredibly easy to jet someone a quick note about going for coffee, meeting up at a friends house or even just to say hello, but I wonder, if Facebook were revoked for a month, how many conversations wouldn’t happen? Would phone calls replace all those notes and comments? Often times, it seems to feed a social hole with very little interaction required. It can negate real conversation and true bonding, in turn lending to social laziness.

In the romantic relationship realm, it grants you the opportunity for cowardice. No bravery or mature relationship skills are actually required if communication is largely based on Facebook. This is so dangerous for a generation already growing up into staggering divorce rates. Who wants to have that hard break-up conversation or get up the courage to call when Facebook exists to do it for you? No wonder there are so many relationship debacle stories that play out over Facebook – it’s an easy out.

REASON #5: Sense of Community

There’s no denying that Facebook gives us a sense of community. With Facebook chat, event invites, groups (anything from memorial tributes to travel clubs) and communication with long-distance friends, we feel connected. But are we truly building healthy community when friends can be added and deleted friends out of our lives and there is a computer screen between us and everyone else?

Why do you love Facebook? Why do you loathe Facebook?

Maybe, like me, you’re on both sides of the fence. Or maybe you’ve never really thought about it. Which brings me to my big, fat point: The key to using Facebook, and social networking sites in general, in a healthy way is awareness. So many people follow trends and jump on bandwagons in a heartbeat, no questions asked.

Take five minutes and ask yourself:
How much time do I spend on Facebook? Are you comfortable with the amount or does the number look way too high?

What is it that I mostly do on Facebook? Message friends, make plans and log off? Or scroll down the news feed, flip through some pictures, check to see if your ex-boyfriend has written anyone and then wander around from page to page for awhile? Be honest.
Hint: What you do on Facebook is a giant clue as to why you love it.

What makes me feel good about being a part of Facebook? Is it that people see the best of you? That you feel validated? That you love being able to keep in touch with so many people? There’s no need to go back to the rotary phone, just acknowledge why you’re on it and what kind of fulfillment it gives you, good or bad.

In a certain light, Facebook is just another guilty pleasure. People moan and groan about how lame it can be; yet keep their profiles, still write on friend’s walls and check out acquaintances photo albums. It seems cool to boycott the big trends, but these same people check their walls before they go to sleep. Or most of them do anyways.

Regardless of what group you lean towards: the lovers or the loathers don’t be ashamed, just be aware.

Think you might be addicted to an online community? Find out if there’s more to life than MySpace.

Beautiful fall colors grace the runway. Rich jewel tones in sapphire blue, eggplant purple, burnt orange, gold and the berry colors-blackberry, strawberry and raspberry all play nice on a backdrop of gray and classic black. Floral prints, pop art and graphic color blocking are loud and busy. Shimmer and shine in sparkling high gloss color as fabric flashes with sheen and bling embellished detail. Rich velvets, chiffons, tartan and lace all provide texture. Icy floral pastels with winter whites provide a “seasonless” look where mixing and layering is soft and pretty.

Architectural clothing is hot as sculpted garments provide futuristic looks. Crisp pleats, dramatic folds, tucks and geometric cuts make way for striking pieces: banded skirts, pleated blouses, dramatic sheath dresses, attention grabbing jackets and coats with neckline details such as high collars all add to a striking fall collection.

The 60’s and 70’s revival continues with shaggy fur jackets, 3/4 length vests, flowing full midi skirts, cheerleader mini-skirts, wide legged pants, maxi dresses, colored suede and leather..mix and match. Plaids are hot, even shoes are checking in this season. Neck tie blouses, soft blouses with ruffles, bows, and lace at the v neck are fun and feminine. Keep your look sleek and slim with a pencil skirt or a pair of skinny pants or jeans. The wet look is a go: patent shoes, jackets, clutches will make you shine. For a stylish relaxed look tune into a “boyfriend blazer”, this figure flattering menswear look is versatile. Pair it up with pants, jeans or a skirt for a fabulous look that will take you into the weekend.

Bright and bold accessories add color and finish the look: brightly colored gloves, belts, patent leather purses,colorful clutches,big bracelets and gemstone cocktail rings. Large costume necklaces and pendants from vintage to modern make a statement. New for fall is feather embellishments that take fall clothing into flight. This seasons trendy footwear includes glamorous thin heeled stilettos, sleek ankle boots, metallic flats, platform heels and low heel riding boots.

One wish fashion list: Transform your classic fall pieces by adding a striking sculpted jacket, add a few hot accessories such as a statement necklace, bracelet and a patent clutch purse. You’ll be surprised how far a few pieces can take you…..keep warm and look chic as you move from fall to winter.

The game consists of four fifteen-minute quarters of playing time, which equals out to be about three hours. I know, 4 X15 doesn’t exactly add up to three hours. But between scoring, time outs, and the clock stopping, you’ll be surprised how quickly one hour becomes three.

After the first and third quarter there is a two minute break, two sides switch sides, and play continues exactly where it left off. After the second quarter there is a fifteen minute intermission known as half time. No matter who has the ball, and where they have it, that’s it. The half is over and when the second half starts, they start fresh. (Although I don’t know how fresh they are, I don’t think they had time to shower.)

The object of the game is to move the ball down the field in order to score points. But just how that is accomplished is not so easy. The offense is given four tries to advance the ball (at least) ten yards, from the original line of scrimmage. Remember – each attempt, or play is called a down, starting the moment the ball is put into play, and ending when the ball is called dead. They can either: pass the ball – where the defense will attempt to either intercept (catch) or knock the ball away from the receiver or run the ball – where the defense will attempt to stop the ball carrier by either tackling or running him out of bounds. If a player steps on the sideline, he is out of bounds and the play is dead at that spot.

Now they don’t have to get those ten yards all at once. Like I said they have four tries to get them, but the ten yards are from the line of scrimmage. So, let’s say on the first down the quarterback throws a pass eight yards, but he drops back (takes a few steps back to give himself some room to throw) three yards while looking for an eligible receiver. He has only advanced five yards, known as a gain of five, because the ball only advanced five yards from the line of scrimmage. It is now second and five, meaning second down and five yards to go. (That’s a good phrase to know.) Now, if the quarterback had dropped back three yards and been sacked (tackled behind the line of scrimmage when in possession of the ball), it would have been second and thirteen – the original ten plus the three yards he lost when he was sacked. Remember if the quarterback throws an incomplete pass, there is no loss of yards, only a loss of a down. But if he is sacked, there is a loss of yards and a loss of a down.

Now the third down is very important. If the third down is successful – the offense gets the necessary yardage to complete the full ten yards – they start over. Four more tries to get ten more yards. But, if after the third down the offense has not been able to advance ten yards, it is the fourth down and they have three options:

1. They can go for the fourth down.
2. If they are in field goal range,they can go for the three points.
3. They can punt.

If they go for it it’s usually because they only need a yard or even less, and they’re probably going to try and push their way through. They may pass the ball, but that’s not done often. Now if they get it, it’s another first down. If they don’t get it (the defense holds them back), not only do they lose possession of the ball, but the other team gains possession with good field position. But if they punt, at least they can get the ball deep into the opposing team’s territory.

If they go for it and make it, it’s first and ten. That’s known as a fourth down conversion. They’ve just “converted” that fourth down into another first down. Just as if they complete the ten yards on the third down, that would be a third down conversion. (Next time you’re watching the game with your guy, when your team is on it’s third down, ask him if thinks they’ll be able to convert. What? You’ve never seen him speechless before?)

Written for women who want to share (or survive) the tradition of watching the game, Men Are From Locker Rooms, Women Are From Luxury Boxes: A woman’s Survival Guide To Understanding Spectator Sports explains the basics of baseball, basketball, football and hockey in an entertaining and easy to read format. With examples and glossaries for each sport, Selwitz’ book will have you yelling at the ref in no time.

Used with permission.