Taylor:

As I sit here with the Bruins on, my Twitter feed open, and a red velvet cupcake gawking at me I realize that my college days are officially over. I attended Salve Regina University and I graduated with a Communications major/Sports management minor. I have an idea of what I’d like to do in the future, but I haven’t actually tried to make that happen. What I do know is, I’ll be working my fourth summer at a state park that Brittni has worked at as well. When I was asked what I had to say about college, I decided to share some advice for future or current students:

1. HAVE FUN! I know you may be paying your own way through school, or your parents took out loans to get you here, etc. but you need to enjoy your time. These are the last four years (unless you never find a job and you become a hobo like me) that you’ll have to sleep in till noon, skip a class, stay out all night knowing you’ll be able to get an omelet at one in the afternoon the next day, the list is endless.

2. Get involved! One of the biggest things I regret throughout my four years in college is that I didn’t join enough clubs. Don’t get me wrong I didn’t just sit in my room on Tumblr for hours at a time… well not always. Some of my best memories were hosting a radio show my sophomore year. I really wish I stuck with that and joined other fun clubs. Even if you sign up for a few clubs at the beginning of the year you can always quit if it becomes too much to handle with your schoolwork and social life.

3. Go to all the free events on campus! Trust me, when there is free food, prizes, t-shirts, etc. given out at an event, you want to be there. Especially when you live off campus and don’t have a meal plan aka that is one less meal you have to pay for. My friends and I would go to every event we could and try to collect as many free shirts as we could. Perfect for the gym or sleeping!

4. Get a job. Trust me. I scored a job at an Old Navy near my school my junior year and it helped me out so much. Especially when you turn 21and you go out every single weekend, drinks are expensive. It’s also great to have a little extra cash when your friends want to do things off campus. It’s really annoying not to be able to participate in things because you don’t want to spend money. Most colleges have plenty of on campus jobs, it’s worth a shot! And I know at my school you were only allowed to work 10 hours a week which means you’d still have time forc classes. This goes in to my next point.

5. Don’t be cheap. I get it, college is expensive. Most fun things cost money, but once you get a job you won’t remember only have $20 in your checking account every weekend. You’ll remember the fun times you had with your friends!

6. Don’t go home. Some of my friends would go home every other weekend during school, basically the only time I went home is when I was forced to because I couldn’t stay in my dorm. There is so much happening at your school or the city you go to school in; why would you want to leave? BUT .. do make sure you call your parents weekly. Don’t just leave them guessing about how you’re doing in school. Plus affter your four years at school you could end up back at your parents’ house watching tv on their couch…. This is exactly what I’m doing right now.

I wish you future/current college kids luck! College goes by so fast, savior it! Do everything you can, and have an amazing time!

Taylor and her proud family

Stacia:

I can’t believe that a few days ago I became a graduate of St. Bonaventure University. It feels like it was just yesterday when I was a senior in high school and so many people were saying “College is the best four years of your life!” I understand what they mean by that now, but I didn’t think that these best four years would also be the fastest.

When I came to Bonaventure as a freshman I wasn’t totally sure what to expect. I graduated high school with 52 other students. Yeah, I said 52! I only knew two other people coming into college and they were both older than me, so entering a new environment and being completely unknown was both exciting and nerve wrecking. It was a fresh start. A beginning of a new chapter that I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to experience.

There are so many memories that I’ve made over these past four years that I can’t even narrow them down! Being a freshman and learning the ways to sneak alcohol into the dorm. Coming back sophmore year and being a pro at where you’re going and what you’re doing. Junior year when you finally turn 21 and aren’t forced to use a fake ID any more! And senior year, the fastest of them all, the most bittersweet year, when you cherish every minute you have with the friends you’ve made that you now consider your family.

If there is any advice that I could give to incoming freshman who choose to start a collegiate career I would say: Be optimistic and try new things! Surround yourself with people you love. Party on the weekdays! Skip a class or two and always appreciate what  you have because these four years are truly the best four years of your life.

Stacia with her loving family

Congratulations, girls!! We can’t wait to see what types of post-grad adventures you experience.

~B

Who am I to complain? Don’t worry – I promise this isn’t a venting sesh. Besides the occasional finger cramp and stiff back, days at my desk seem to fly. There’s nothing better than feeling fully productive and accomplished.

The downside to all of this, of course, is exhaustion. When you feel like you’re going balls to the wall for a full 8, 10, 12 hours… You may find yourself sleeping on the train or crashing as soon as you walk in the door. Laundry piles up, dishes go unwashed, and the gym? Forget about it. I hate to admit it but… I’ve fallen into a pretty lazy, post-work habit. But I’ll save that for another post…

My biggest concern is not having enough time (or energy) to do the things I love. Like writing… in general… But also for this blog! I had a conversation with Jenna and Brittni about this on Friday night – ideas go unwritten, fall by the waste side, and before you know it – feel like a stranger on TwentyTweets. It happens, you know? That little thing called life. Post-grad “real world” life, to be specific.

This weekend, however, I finally had a chance to catch my breath and take a nap. When I woke up, I realized that making time for things that make life fun is a necessity. Work to live, not live to work, right?!

So here I am. Back on the blogging wagon. This post, for example? Written on the train ride into work this morning. And you know what? Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I walked to work feeling refreshed. Little joys in life really make a difference.

If you’re not a writer like me, maybe you’re a reader, a scrapbooker, a guitar player, or a gym rat. How do you find time for your favorite past times, especially when you feel like you have NO time?

Share below or @20sTweet!

~E

URI Commencement 2011

Most of us at TwentyTweets are either graduates or current students at the University of Rhode Island located in Kingston, RI. It has always been a tradition to celebrate Commencement on the quad at the center of campus– the place where students congregate at the start of their college career during orientation, bustle through during every semester, enjoy fun memories during down time, and where they look forward to concluding their four years there.

Today it was announced that commencement would be moved from this historic location to an indoor venue on campus for safety reasons. About a month ago, the campus went into lock down when an alleged gun threat occurred in one of the lecture halls. This threat, luckily, ended peacefully and no one was harmed. During that same month, the tragic events of the Boston Marathon bombings took place.

Social media has erupted with upset students and parents– all who want to participate in the usual Commencement walk onto the URI Quad. The biggest issue seen through many tweets and Facebook posts is the limited seating available at the new location. Students are limited to two guests during the main Commencement exercises, but are allowed more during their individual college ceremonies (which are held in other places around campus).

What do you think? Did URI officials make the correct choice? Take our poll below!

TwentyTweets founders at graduation 2011

~B

Meet: Andrew Rose. 

While Andrew works on his music, he is also a full-time student at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. During his time here, he has performed with various artists, including Corona and Lime star, Schwayze, and 2 Die 4– who is featured on several of Andrew’s personal tracks.

When asked about this recent performance Andrew says, “Releasing a mix is one thing, but having the opportunity to perform the music you’ve worked hard to make in front of rows of people is a feeling that I can’t put into words.”

Andrew also credits his friends and family, noting that they’re his motivation to continue working hard, through all of life’s obstacles. Andrew says, “Music is, my opinion, it’s everything. It’s my lifestyle, my hobby, a passion, a way to express myself.” Because music is so important to Andrew, he also reflects on the increasing struggle to balance school and his music. Andrew’s goal is to graduate school with a 3.7 GPA, all while pursuing his hip-hop dreams.

Music lovers should expect great things from Andrew Rose. His metaphor-induced punch lines, intense rhythm, and down-to-earth flow will capture the attention of the masses. From a friend that remembers the this artist’s origins, dating back to the playground days, this is my way of expressing my pride in my friend’s work.

Be sure to check out Andrew’s new mix tape, which consists of his latest tracks. Click here to download the mix tape. Let us know what you think, either below in comments or @20sTweet. Enjoy!

~WB

*darty (noun) dar-tee: day+party; anything that has to do with drinking while the sun is still shining, mostly done outdoors. Also see dartying (verb): to darty.

• Samuel Adams Summer Ale- An obvious choice, with the word “summer” right in its name. According to the website, it is described as, “crisp and tangy with refreshing lemon peel and a hint of pepper from rare Grains of Paradise. Golden, hazy, and thirst quenching; this American wheat ale balances bright citrus, Noble hops, and spice for a lively brew that’s perfect on any summer day.” This seasonal brew leaves me craving for it all winter but when it becomes available every year, usually mid-April, happiness floods my body!
• Grey Sail Flapship Ale- Although this brew is available year-round, it will fit right in at your next summer barbeque. Brewed right around the corner from me in Westerly, RI, this beer might not be the most well-known, but it deserves to be. I tried it recently and was instantly hooked! It is described as, “a golden-colored cream ale..with a great balance between malty-sweetness and Noble hop bitterness.” It is definitely worth a try!
• Curious Traveler Shandy- If you love the refreshing taste of lemonade, this is the brew for you. It is kind of sweet, but not too overpowering. It’s a pale color like the other beers on this list, but with a taste all its own. Described as an “intriguing fellow,” the Curious Traveler includes malted barley and wheat, and fresh lemon and lime flavors. A definite go to if your thirst needs a major quenching!
• Magic Hat Honey Wheat IPA- A magically delectable seasonal brew– this beer is “wicked good,” according to its description on the website (and it’s actually spot on). It includes the “natural sweetness of fresh honey,” and is “inspired by a tasty triumvirate of styles…a true triple threat and the perfect beer for buzzing through summer nights.” You’ll most definitely be buzzing after a couple of these, but you won’t regret it!
• Blue Moon Belgian White Ale- Available all year, this brew is an absolute classic that would have to make any summer-beer-drinking list.  It includes oats and wheat to create the smooth, creamy finish, and the first brew, created by brewmaster Keith Villa, included a Valencia orange peel. Top that baby off with an orange slice and you’ll be good to go. Yum!

It might be hard to choose just one of these awesome beers, but that’s why there are so many months of summer. Let us know which you like best and if there are any that we missed, either down below in comments or @20sTweet!

And of course– drink responsibly!

~B

Things changed when my best friend introduced me to Cruise by Florida Georgia Line. Ugh, please don’t call me a hypocrite, but I am OBSESSED with this song! I downloaded it last night and had it on my recently added playlist for my ride into work today– a.k.a it was literally SO much fun. Of course, my favorite version features Country Grammar rapper Nelly (had to mix a little hip hop in there somewhere, obviously), so it isn’t TOO country-hickish.

Have a listen…

Who am I kidding, though? I feel like for a beer lovin’ girl like me, listening to country was inevitable. Here I am with Erika and Jenna, enjoying a chilly one at Toby Keith’s bar. Maybe that was foreshadowing…..

What do you guys think about this song? Let us know here or @20sTweet.

~B

Here are a few of our favs:

Snyder’s Hot Buffalo Wing Pretzels

The pretzel company Snyder’s recently began to sell Hot Buffalo Wing pretzels, and they’re quite possibly the most satisfying treat one could imagine. I have to warn you though, if you can’t tolerate anything spicy, you might want to shy away from these heavenly snacks and try one of Snyder’s other flavors like Jalapeno, Buttermilk Ranch, Bacon Cheddar, or Honey Mustard & Onion instead. So for the next sporting event, movie, or lazy Sunday afternoon, make sure to reserve a spot on your couch for both yourself and a bag full of Snyder’s Hot Buffalo Wing pretzels. Remember though, moderation is the key.
~WB

I cosign Billy’s choice, but my favorite buffalo pretzels are made by Snack Factory. I usually like to dip them in plain hummus or eat them plain. With summer around the corner, they’re the perfect snack to grab on the way to the beach!

~B

 

So my favorite snack…I’m a sweet junkie and I don’t eat sweets often, but when I do, I take full advantage of my “cheat day.” Lately I’ve been obsessed with the homemade Dunkeroo Dip on Pinterest! All you need is regular/lite/fat-free Cool Whip (depending on how healthy you want to make this non-healthy snack), one box of Funfetti cake mix, and plain yogurt. Just mix it all the ingredients together and grab some Teddy Grams or vanilla wafers for dunking!

*K

 

Ju Ju Candy Coins

Having a sweet tooth has its pros and cons–I can personally attest to this. Sure, indulging in a sugary treat is delicious at the time, but afterwards you feel so guilty. Every once in a while I’ll have a concoction that I made up in the bulk candy section of the grocery store. It only consists of two ingredients, but the salty and sweet combination is something that I never get sick of: blueberry yogurt covered pretzels and Ju Ju Coins. Weird? It is a bit different, but whenever I’m craving something sweet (especially at that time of the month) that’s what I’m spending $5 on!
~S

I usually try to eat as healthy as possible but deep-down I’m what some might call (okay, someone actually has called me this) a junk food junkie. Despite loving anything made with exorbitant amounts of sugar, if I can only choose one of my favorites it would be ice cream. It doesn’t matter what the weather is, it could be 0 degrees, I’m always in the mood for a couple of scoops. One of my favorite brands is Edy’s Slow Churned because it’s so incredibly creamy, comes in some unique (and classic) flavors, and won’t break the bank like a small pint of Ben & Jerry’s will. Two of my favorite flavors are Double Fudge Brownie and Nestle Drumstick Sundae Cone. And if you’re more of a frozen yogurt fan, don’t worry, I have you covered on that front too! My all-time favorite flavor is Friendly’s Fudge Berry Swirl.
~J

Newman’s Own Pineapple Salsa

I’d be lying if I said my favorite snack was anything but cookies, chocolate, ice cream… Really any kind of dessert. The more icing it has, the better! My friends used to make fun of me in college because while they were craving something fried or salty post-bar, I was looking for the cookies. The perfect balance? Sweet AND salty – think salted caramel lattes, chocolate covered pretzels – anything that has a sweet little twist. Obvi those aren’t ideal for drunk munchies, but you know what I mean.

Most recently, my friend introduced me to a salsa that I had never tried before. Don’t worry, it’s chocolate free! And definitely satisfies a crowd post-bar. Newman’s Own Pineapple Salsa is “a little sweet with a bit of heat,” and it is SO good. The sweet pineapple taste is just enough to calm the spicy flavor you’d expect. I love Newman’s Own products because they’re all-natural, plus it’s a nonprofit company that donates ALL proceeds to charity. You can read more about that here. But in the meantime, I highly recommend the pineapple salsa. It’s absolutely delicious!

~E

 

My favorite snack has to be Oreos, and I took a chapter from The Parent Trap with Lindsay Lohan (before she went crazy) and put peanut butter on mine! It satisfies all my cravings in a few bites! I could honestly eat a sleeve of Oreos…but then again, who can’t? I’m not a huge milk drinker but adding a small glass of milk to this snack makes it perfect!

~T

 

Pepper Jack Cheez-It

When it comes to snacking, it’s really tough for me to narrow down my favorite go-to snack. I could honestly name ten snack foods off the top of my head that I love (not that I snack all the time or anything)! Blame it on me being a “streak-eater,” as my mom calls it. I can eat, and eat, and eat a certain food until I’m so tired of it that I won’t eat it again for at least a couple months. If I have to pick my absolute favorite snack (although I actually haven’t had it in months) it would be Pepper Jack Cheez-Its. While I do have a huge sweet tooth, I’m obsessed with cheese, especially pepper jack cheese. When I discovered that Cheez-Its came out with the pepper jack cheese flavor, my life was made. The original Cheez-Its are another one of my favs, but the pepper jack kind is seriously addicting. If you’re not careful, you could easily eat the whole box in one sitting–especially if you like a little heat like I do!
~R

What do you reach for on your cheat days? Share your favorites (and help us feel less guilty about dedicating an entire post to junk food…please)!

 

 

Excuse my French, but the girl has officially lost it. I only recently discovered this after reading a tweet from Andy Milonakis (yes, he still exists and yes, I follow him), that mentioned how Miss Bynes wanted Drake to do unspeakable things to her lady parts. Yeah–I’m not kidding. So I obviously had to investigate for myself, and when I say she is quite possibly the best-worst person to follow on Twitter–I mean it. SHE IS NUTS.

Unfortunately, none of these antics involve the Amanda Show or any of those sub-par movies she was in. Let me summarize for you a little bit.

It all started on March 21, 2013, when she tweeted her infamous attempt to lure Drake into her boudoir:

This resulted in an instant follow from me.

Since I also love Drake, I didn’t think that tweet was enough to call the girl crazy, so I did a little more investigating. After snooping through the bizarre selfies she posts daily, I was sold. I want you to thoroughly enjoy the craziness so I’ll only post a couple. Here are some of my personal faves:

BREAKING NEWS as of Thursday, she buzzed half of her head, just like R&B singer Cassie. You can’t really tell from this picture–and the other one she posted is blurry–but half of her head is bald and the other half is long and blonde with shitty extenstions. I’ve always disliked this hairstyle but I have to say, something tells me this isn’t even the craziest thing she’s done lately.

And just in case all of the proof above isn’t enough for you to hit “follow,” I leave you with a couple of my favorite tweets:
In case you missed it, she allegedly went to an adult gymnastics class in New York City  in fishnets and a leotard that looked like lingerie. Then she was supposedly muttering to herself and then burst into tears when she attempted a cartwheel and her dark-colored wig fell off.

*Side note: She follows 5 people on Twitter, not including Drake, so odds are she hates all of you.*

~B