Who doesn't love to SPLURGE!

“Refund Recreation: Top Three Splurges for Students

April’s a stressful time for most of us as we scramble to complete our taxes. We watch the rise and fall of the numbers in the right hand corner of the computer, and cross our fingers that we’ll be in the black. And some of us receive unexpected loot – over the weekend I found out about a friend who’s getting a FIVE G REFUND. Sadly, for the first time ever, this spring I won’t be receiving a fat check in the mail from the government. Unlike General Electric. But I won’t go there right now. Instead, I’m going to live vicariously through those who got sprinkled with refund-fairy dust, and let you in on my top three refund splurges for students. Don’t go too crazy.

1. TRAVEL TICKER. Do you, too, subscribe to this weekly roundup of the most insane travel deals on the web? Do you, too, drool over the ten days in Tuscany for $1699…the four-star hotel in the Dominican Republic for $79 per night…the trip to the moon for $1379 (plus two nights in a Bed and Breakfast)? Good news: now’s your chance! Doesn’t it feel powerful to know that you can now jump on one of those deals – without using your school loans to fund it? Go ahead, indulge. And send me a postcard.
2. BODYWORK. Students are stressed. Stress has negative effects on the body, including muscle tension. Enter bodywork. Despite the fact that great deals abound, it’s often still out of most students’ budgets. But now you’ve got a stack of unexpected bills in the bank, and this is one expense it’s not difficult to justify. Google some local massage therapists, Rolfers, or reflexologists – practitioners in the early phases of their careers often offer sweet deals, and even the more experienced ones usually provide payment plans of some sort.
3. FOOD. The typical college student’s diet often involves things like Ramen and tuna fish. Walk into a health food store and you feel like one of the orphans in Oliver singing rhapsodies to sausages. Just think how much damage you could do at Whole Paycheck or your local co-op with even a couple hundred bucks. Fresh, healthy, and delicious food for weeks! While you’re at it, this is a great opportunity to try out that restaurant you’ve been eyeing wistfully. And take a friend, preferably one who wasn’t as lucky in the refund department as you. Who knows – she may get your back next time around.

*guest blog post by Stefanie Elizabeth”

Does this list look familiar?

My soulmat?

I caved tonight, and bought a very expensive Manduka Pro. This is my fourth yoga mat, and I am hopeful that it will be my last. My first was a Gaiam, sky blue, and it carried me through my beginner months quiet well before beginning to pill and fall apart. It was sweet and soft, exactly what I needed. 

The next two mats were both Lululemon, and I was not nearly so satisfied. The first was great for travel, but not so great for Downward-Facing Dog. Over the past few months, I’ve had steadily increasing pain in my finger joints. I did not realize the cause until Tuesday night, and my teacher had me demonstrate a pose on her mat. Suddenly, no problems. Ease. Joy. In Vasisthasana, of all poses. I’ve heard that a mat can make a difference, but I never was truly able to experience that difference. I never was able to tune in to that difference.

So, I tried again, thinking that it was the “travel” quality. No, “The Mat” by Lululemon — sworn to be “super-grippy” - proved to be equally slick, or actually slicker. Yes, I tried cleaning the thin residue off the top, but to no avail. My husband could visibly see my hands sliding across the mat. I think the smooth top of their mats is not for me, although the reviews make it seem as if it works wonders for some people. This mat is already packed back into its box, ready to head back to Lululemon. 

And so, tonight, I splurged and bought a Manduka. I was almost persuaded by a lovely cashier to switch to a Jade Harmony, which seemed softer and slightly stickier. It doesn’t have the residue, so it’s sticky right away. Indeed, after much research, it seems that many long-term yogis choose one or the other, Manduka Pro or Jade Harmony. 

I went with the Manduka Pro. There’s just something awesome about a lifetime guarantee, combined with more than a few reviewers who have had their Mandukas for 5, 6, 7 years. If this holds true, then it seems the added price will pay for itself in no time. We’ll see about the slipperiness.

Splurges

I try not to spoil Nolan by buying him too many things. The main thing I splurge on is books. I want Nolan to be a fast and competent reader. I’m hoping some new books will keep him busy on the plane. Today I bought him:

That’s Not My Dragon

That’s Not My Train

Touch the Art: Make Van Gogh’s Bed

Touch the Art: Pop Warhol’s Top

Today is going to be my last day of splurges, my last day of eating anything I want. Tomorrow my diet begins and I am going to do this. I am going to lose the weight I want and I will become healthy. I just want to be happy with my body. I can do this.