Got a 5 bucks?

As a college student, I’ve been through times where it seemed like there was nothing to do, and I was running extremely low on cash. I used to just stay home and watch tv, but once I found a group of friends who enjoyed having fun as much as I did, I descovered some things to occupy my time I might not have otherwise had. All of these ideas are fun, but a main component is to do it with people you have fun with.

 

1. City Brewery Tour. Only cost a dollar, and if you go with a big group of people and get a little rowdy after words the bartender will love you, as well as Kevin the tour guide. Note: This tour is partially outdoor, so bring a coat. I did not, but then again frostbite added to the experience. When the tour is over you get to sample all the different beers the brewery makes, and then after that beers are only a buck. Like I said before, go with fun people and talk with the bartender, she’ll give you free stuff. Plus you can’t pass up seeing the world’s largest 6-pack (only in Wisconsin).

2. Go to Goodwill. There is never a dull moment at goodwill, plus you can sometimes find great stuff, like an old school Brewers shirt, or sweet Packers sweatshirt. Girls: shop in the little boys section, its cheaper, and the t-shirts fit great for some reason. The last two times I have gone there I’ve had memorable conversations with people. I’ve never gone there without something to remember. Last time I went this man came up to my friend and asked her if he liked Pepsi. She asked the obvious question, “why?” And he replied, “Cuz you’re the one baby.” Maybe you had to be there, but we laughed about that for a long time. Once again, go with fun people, also great for costumes.

3. Take a drive or hike in the bluffs. they are beautiful and worth spending some time on if you have never gone up there. Enough said.

4. Eat at Fayzes. This place has great food, and many inexpensive things on their menu. I would recommend going there for lunch on a Friday (hopefully you are lucky like me and don’t have classes). Get the salad and clam chowder soup, it’s $3.50 and amazing.

5. There obviously couldn’t be a cheap things in LaCrosse list without mentioning the Riv. Go there at night for a fun movie, and you’ll find half the campus there it seems. When the place is packed its fun, plus you can get food and beer, and who doesn’t like that with their movie? Check out movie times here: LaCrosse Rivoli

6. Go to Barns and Noble, or any book store, and just look around. I recommend the travel section. I spent two hours there with a friend planning our trip to Europe. It’s like a library but everything is new. Plus you don’t have to buy anything, if you do you will most likely be spending more than $5, but it will probably be worth it.

7. Comedy night at the Starlite Lounge. Students with an ID get in for $5. Its on Thursday nights, and a nice change of pace from going out, or watching Greys (you can just tape that). For more information go here: Buzzard Billy’s and Starlite Lounge.

8.Wings at the Barrel Inn. Usually wings are a Wednesday night thing, but the Barrel has wings on Thursdays. They are by far the best wings in the area. They are much larger than those found at downtown bars or even at the Sports Nut. Thursdays they are one special for $.25, and worth it.

9. Relax at the River. In the spring, when it is finally warm and you are studying for finals, take your books down to the river. Bring a blanket and headphones. Much better than the library, and you may even run into the crazy helmet lady, you’ll know here when you see here.

10. Drive to LaCrescent and take the scenic drive. It sounds kinda lame, especially since the signs for it are posted on apples, but the drive is beautiful, and there is a lookout point for the entire Mississippi valley. I recommend driving it right before sunset when there is a full moon, when the moon rises at this time it is amazing, bring a camera, I wish I would have. Great in the fall months especially since the leaves are beautiful up there. There is also a bike path so that would be another option. For more information on this drive click here: Apple Blosson Drive

I have worked at Bath and Body Works for over a year and a half now. I took it to make some extra cash while attending school, however due to the fact that I get a discount and I love everything in that store, I am sure that in the long run I have lost money. But at least I smell good and my nail poilsh doesn’t chip. My friends and family continually ask me what the best thing to buy there is, as well as basically every man that walks in there with no idea what to get his girlfriend/wife for any holiday, birthday, or “I need to make up for something and flowers doesn’t do it anymore” day. Hopefully this helps.

Top picks

1. Wexler skin care line
This skin care line does wonders for just about everyone I have ever talked to, including myself. It is marketed as an “anti-aging” product, but it benefits individuals of all ages. It is a bit expensive, but worth it, especailly for those who nothing else works for.

What sets it apart: It works miracles

2. C.O. Bigelow Rose lip salve
By far the best lip product I have ever used anywhere. At first I did not like it, but after two applications I loved it. Lips do not produce their own lubrication so it is important to keep them moisturized.

What sets it apart: It does not contain anything that dries out the lips after it has worn off(which many lip products do) and it stays of for a fairly long time. Great to layer with color or the ever popular Wexler lip plumper. Especially necessary for the winter months. Since it is a salve it has plenty of other uses.

3.Goldie nail polish
The best nail polish I have ever used for my feet and hands. It does not chip, when used alone or with a top coat.

What sets it apart: Apply one coat for a light color, or two coats for an extremely rich and deep color, the only nail polish I’ve used with that capability.

4. Look at Ma, New Hands!
The perfect hand lotion for anyone. It has a light smell, so if you do not like citrus then go to the sister product, Glove Me Tender.

What sets it apart: The paraffin coats your hand and creates a seal that blocks out the elements that cause dry hands and keeps the moisture in. The best cream for the winter months.

5. Just a Minute hand scrub
Great to use before applying hand lotion. Only takes one minute to use, smells great, and exfoliates the hands (which are usually overlooked by most individuals). Exfoliating will clear off cuticles promoting healthy nail growth, as well as get rid of dry, dead skin, leaving hands soft and smooth.

What sets it apart: It costs less and works better than the higher end stores “Minute manicure” and smells better.

6. Henri Bendel candles
The best candle there is. All the smells are amazing, and there is one for everyone, guys love “Firewood”

What sets it apart: It can scent a big or small room without giving you a headache. Also it burns clean.

7. Wall Flowers
The best thing any college student, especially men, can buy. One bulb burns for 6-8 weeks. That means up to two months of a light, clean smell in your house. Trust me, college apartments and houses need them.

What sets it apart: Plug it in and forget about it until you need a new one, much less work than a candle.

8. C.O. Bigelow Lemon body cream
The best body cream in the store. The smell is light, the moisture lasts all day, and C.O. Bigelow is a great, quality brand.

What sets it apart: Can double as a hand and foot cream.

9. C. O. Bigelow Rosemary Mint Shower gel
Great for men and women. Also great for early risers as the smell is a great way to wake up, almost better than coffee. The scent lasts for an hour so it won’t overpower lotion or perfume.

What sets it apart: The mint in the gel makes your body tingle slightly, which feels great and makes you energized.

10. Aromatherapy soothing body oil
A great gift for anyone, and overlooked. It is used much like a body lotion, but makes the skin smoother for a longer amount of time.

What sets it apart: The aromatherapy aspect soothes the scenes as well as the skin at application.