Death of My Starbucks Consumption

Death of My Starbucks Consumption 

by Aleichia Williams 

My daily commute involves me staying on campus all day, going to class, writing papers, doing research, and attempting to force myself to make sense of the dense writings that are college textbooks. I go to the Starbucks on my campus on average 3 times a day. And I've often asked myself how much cheaper it would be to buy a high quality coffee machine or to just give up coffee all together (though we know with two degrees in the works.. that AIN’T happening). One day, after scratching my head while looking at my bank account trying to figure out where all the money went, I decided should sit down and do the math. This is the result.

So we start with a chart of my average Starbucks consumption using prices found on Hack the Menu's website. I usually make sure I hold money in my account when I get paid so that each week I have something for the school day. Granted, I have days where I switch things up but things are typically stagnant with me. I usually want breakfast and a cold thick beverage in the morning, then something to quench my thirst after class, as well as some chocolate, and during my night classes I want something warm because it's cooler out. Anyway, here's the chart! 

Now let's check some prices! 

* Could not find amount for chocolate covered almonds. I averaged it was probably $2.00.

Mix in the two!

And put it all together...

That’s 106 MUTHERF*CKING DOLLARS AND 25 SCENT A WEEK. OH MY GOD.

Wow! I’m sure you’re surprise as you’re reading. I’m disgusted as I'm grasping my reality and writing this. Let’s consider the fact that the average Keurig coffee machine ranges from $70- $150. While a pack of wonderful coffee k-cups can be found on amazon for $15! I would spend less than 75% (if I used a pack a week) on Keurig than I do on Starbucks.Though it’s scary seeing large figures removed from my bank, saving for a week seems a small cost after finding out that I've probably spent over $400 cumulatively on Starbucks this semester.

So this concludes my experiment. I am appalled. Also, I am now planning to save and buy a coffee machine within the week. I was almost too embarrassed to share this chart but I think people should know that little things do add up. Each time I walked into Starbucks I was thinking 7 or 8 bucks, no big deal. I wasn't thinking 106.25. You live and you learn though! I’m going to start paying closer attention to the money I spend. Next step? Figuring out how much I spend by eating out on the weekend! Wish me luck!

After the Storm

Four years have past since I first heard this song, and it's still as powerful to me today as it was then. I created a video for it. Enjoy! 

Why Aren't People Talking About This?

WHY Aren't People Talking About This?

This video that came out by the queen on Dec 12 is gold. Pure gold. In this short piece Beyonce talks about her values as a feminist, a humanist, some of the struggles she has been through and overall gives pointers on some of the important things in life. She even starts the piece speaking on the pressures of being famous. The video is awesome if you need a little inspiration! Watch below!  

Countdown to Birthday: Four Women Who Truly Inspired Me This Year

Countdown to Birthday: Four Women Who Truly Inspired Me This Year

It's that time a year again! The time where I mark another year alive! As I approach my birthday and reflect on the year that has passed I can't help but consider how much I've grown as a women.

From the moment I realized I actually was one:

To the moment I realized and began to advocate how important it is to represent and define who I am as one: 

Forth and forth this year has been one of struggle, triumph, and growth and I wanted to celebrate (and countdown) the days until my birthday by recognizing (and sharing some delightful mock images) of the women who have inspired me beyond words during this past year. Enjoy! 

Monday. 3 days until Birthday.
Woman: Queen Bee

Gosh! Where do I even start? I remember the first time I heard flawless I was so empowered by the lyrics that I posted them on my wall. Queen Bee is Queen for a reason. Not only does she encourage women to embrace my their sexuality  but she's been the prime example in learning to *snap fingers* own it too! She is the definition of confident, fierce, and unapologetic and I adore her for it! 

Tuesday. 2 days until Birthday.
Woman: Miley Cyrus 

I know what you're thinking . Miley? Aleichia.. really?
And my answer is HELL YES! THIS LIST IS ABOUT BEING ME, not about pleasing you and that's exactly what I love about Miley! Her changes in the recent years shows me that she has grown to just want to be herself (even if that means everyone is talking badly about you)! I admire that so much. I admire any desire to allow yourself the space to grow and experiment and just live. It's such a powerful thing to strive for in a culture where everyone is trying to make everyone else happy. I want to learn to be myself in a society that is probably going to judge me anyway. So like Miley, I'm just gonna say LATER HATERS!

Wednesday. 1 day until Birthday.
Woman (or young lady) : Malala Yousafzai

Before taking this image I did some research on whether it was respectful to wear a hijab or head covering (in my case to represent a young women who has inspired me) I found a very intriguing read which you can read here --->  http://www.hautehijab.com/blogs/hijab-fashion/12421209-ask-haute-hijab-im-not-muslim-can-i-wear-hijab

Taking a  jump on the more serious side of things, Malala is my third lady. It was a bit difficult nailing this picture but I didn the best I could. Her story not only teaches me that one can accomplish great things at any age, but it also inspires me to stand for what I believe in despite anything. I feel we are given so many opportunities to speak up in support of others in our lives, be that something as nerve wrecking as shutting someone down for laughing at a bigger person at the gym or telling a friend that they should really just consider another person's feelings and when they spread gossip. Even just watching Malala during interviews I am moved my her humility and willingness to support a cause. This past year I have marveled (and still do) about how amazing she is!

Thursday. 0 days until Birthday.

Woman: Me

That's right folks! The last lady who has inspired me in the past year.. is me! I have had some serious downfalls and struggles this past year and I feel like we often don't give ourselves the credit when we overcome them. So here's to me; To the women I am, to the women I want to be, and to women I will become. Thank's for tuning in!

(That concludes my list!) 

A List of Shit to Get Me for My 21st Birthday

A List of Shit to Get Me for My 21st Birthday (which is on Thursday) 

•A Wine Bottle from Speakwines © 

•Rosetta Stone French Learning Pack 

•LHCalligraphy Starter Kit from Etsy 

•SEPHORA COLLECTION Chroma Color Eye Palette 

-The Essential Feminist Reader (Modern Library Classics) by Estelle Freedman 

-Bad Feminist by Roxanne Gay  

-The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay

-Humanity: An Introduction to Culture Anthropology by James People's and Garrick Bailey 

•Flowers, Confetti, and Cupcakes (without order or limit) 

•Gift Card to Micheal's/Hobby Lobby (or any other art supplies store) 

•Turquoise Headphones (not earphones) 

:)