Here's a Tip...

Literally. I'm about to give you a tip on tipping. I have waited tables and essentially been in the restaurant business for four years. (I'm an amateur to those who've been there much longer, I realize this.) I believe I know a thing or two about tipping and when it is and is not appropriate. As a side note, I believe everyone no matter your financial background should get to experience waiting tables in the hungry public's eye for at least a weekend rush. It's no joke and definitely gives you insight on what the world expects from you and what you can expect from yourself. I've found out a ton about my own personality I didn't know when I was waiting tables at my first job. It is sometimes awful and sometimes wonderful. It depends on your personal perception of yourself and how you convey that.

Anyways...
I understand the argument for and against tipping, I truly do. I have the same debate with myself when I go out to eat. But a few things will make it easier and there's no need to pick a side. Whether you do or don't, do explore why and why not for yourself as I have and get a grasp on the fact that service workers and tips are something here to stay.

Be nice. Damnit, just be nice. I mean this in the entire sense of the phrase. Be nice to old people, young people, your kids, strangers, and animals but also the people you go to for a service. Waiters and waitresses are generally pretty pressed to do a great job and polite and/or courteous patrons make it easy for us or at least much more pleasant. Being nice is completely free and honestly, if you're nice to me and decide not to tip, I may be confused (like someone leading someone else on...) but I'll get over it. I'm the type of person who'll clean up my mess (i.e. stack my plates, replace the table setting, etc.) because it's so much easier and while I'm chatting, why the hell not?

Tips are just that - tips. I do not believe gratuity should be mandatory but I do know that some nights, it has gotten me home. I've mentioned this before. A slow night can be a total buzz-kill when you're on an empty tank, literally and figuratively, and are sort of depending on your tips to get you through the week. I get that and have totally been there. But reward on occasion. If a waiter or waitress did an exceptional job, tip accordingly. Most of us make below minimum wage (at one place it was 3.25 hourly, another would have been 2.75, approximately) and we might get reprimanded for tips we didn't make because the company/restaurant has to pay those wages in full. A tip is a tip and is better all around but do not feel obligated.

Do I think it should be automatically figured into the bill? No. If it was, why not go ahead and post a cover charge for the restaurant. I do think that the general 20% covers a great meal, more for better service, less if the waitstaff was rude or otherwise unpleasant. I've said it before and I'll say it again - treat your waitstaff and general service people like sons or daughters (stay with me) and it'll work out for everyone. I don't mean tell them they're out past curfew, but do consider that most of us are working our way through college (hello, student loans) and have kids or are otherwise trying to become productive members of society that we are constantly being pressed to be. Tipping is so much bigger than dollars. It's gratitude and financial stability for some.

College and What to Remember

I'm jotting this down here for your reference and mine. I'm in my fourth year of college (having switched potential majors several times) and need to put this here before I forget. Reading over this each semester will probably benefit me. 

1. Read it all: the class's schedules, the syllabus, any required readings, etc. There's always time for reading even if you have to make it. It's there. This will help you in the long run and reading is just so darn good for you, why wouldn't you read? Also, if there is a prospective class you know you'll be taking, check with the instructor for any required reading ahead of time and get started over the summer if possible.

2. Your professors and instructors are there for your benefit: not their own. It is their job to help you and you're paying to endure those class hours, good and bad. If there is a problem, you need an extension on an assignment, or if you just simply need help or someone to talk something over with, I have yet to meet a professor unwilling to listen. Make a connection with them in a professional student-to-teacher way and you will likely have a much better professor. (Also, job references, connections to future employment and events that will benefit your education and career, hello!)

3. Don't consume yourself: if you do not have to: meaning work as hard as you can work without getting stressed to the level of medication or therapy. I'm not joking. It is college, most of us have been there and we all know how stressful it can be. Remember to exercise, drink lots of fluids, and have "you" time without external influences. This is especially important if you work and go to school full-time, have kids, or are otherwise busy making everything happen in your life. It is important and very healthy to have personal time. This doesn't mean going as far as taking a day off (unless you absolutely have to) but a quiet evening at home rather than a rowdy party. My best recuperating nights have involved Netflix and a glass (or two) of my favorite wine.

Surviving a Cold + Exhaustion

Treating an at-home cold is not a huge feat and its generally less expensive and more satisfying than a visit to the doctor. (Do get a check-up, however, it can always be something more serious.) I don't normally get sick but lately, burning the candle at both ends has taken its toll and has resonated in my health. I now know better.

I'm at the tail-end of this three-day cold that could have absolutely lasted for weeks (fingers crossed!) so here's what it takes to nurse a cold + exhaustion.

Basics

• Wash your hands before and after everything.
• Keep hands and nose moisturized (Vit. E. oil is best).
• Make sure surroundings stay clean/Lysol/disinfectant, etc. 
• Keep your teeth brushes and gargle w/ salt water.
• Regarding the above, toss that toothbrush once your cold makes its run.
• Do not underestimate a hot shower and clean clothes. 
• Scented candles/wax/oils in Eucalyptus, Mint, Menthol, Citrus, etc. are wonderful for when you have a cold. Can't smell anything? These things will generally open up your nasal passages.
• I'll keep this one short: if you can cough it up, spit it out. 
• Avoid physical contact for obvious reasons. Keep your cold to yourself. =]

1. Time off ~ Sleep in: I know, sometimes this is not an option. But if it is, it is very important. Try and grab a night off of everything. For me, I work 40 hours + and have a full-time campus schedule so this was not easy. Timing was perfect this time, so I had two days off that helped a lot. In this time, sleep as much as possible.

2: Sleep: Regarding above, sleep is when your body regenerates. I have not had any luck with ANY sort of cold medicine...I will generally take a sleeping aid in lieu of a cold medicine just so I can sleep. Also, acetaminophen medications are tricky things and should be taken in moderation 4+ hours a part due to their affect on the liver. Melatonin is a good alternative and can be found in vitamin form. A couple before bed with a hot glass of tea? Pure bliss. (This is controversial, but if you're up all night coughing, nothing works as quickly as a shot of dark liquor: Southern Comfort, Fireball, Jack Daniels, etc. Again, do not mix acetaminophen medications with alcohol of any kind. This can result in liver failure.)

3. Liquids ~ Liquids ~ Liquids: Yes, yes, yes. Always have a drink available. Bottled water is of course an easy option. Keeping the throat moist keeps it from getting scratchy and generally will sway off a cough and a sore throat. Herbal teas + lemon + honey are really nice before bed or in place of a typical morning cup of coffee. Also, one certain thing that is OTC that does help is Theraflu. Organic/All Natural Orange Juice during the day, alternate with water + lemon works well. Avoid sugary sodas or artificial juices and coffee with additives; the sugar content will slow down healing. Again, whiskey can drum up a cough instantly, just don't overdo it. Nothing worse than being drunk and sick.

My Personal Arsenal

• Airplane Bottles of Fireball Whiskey: Again, for the cough, it's tingly and not too overbearing and does the job when I need relief from a cough immediately.
• Orange Juice: This stuff is so soothing. I also really like orange juice. Any source of vitamin C is wonderful here.
• Bottled Water: Again, soothing and refreshing when you're full of sick "gunk."
• Herbal Tea: You can make this the old school way or throw the bags into the Keurig. Add a few slices of lemon and honey and it's amazing. 
• Peppermints/Gum: Bad cold = bad breath. I keep these when I need to go out to stop the coughing and clear up my bad breath.
• Bath Salts/Scented Goodies: If I can smell or not, I love the cold and allergy salts. You can find these at the supermarket, usually, and they're wonderful. Follow up with the body wash and it'll really open you up. Also, incense, candles, oils in the appropriate scents are wonderful for a boost.

A Haul + Review: E.L.F.

E.L.F. is a wonderful line of inexpensive, quality (mostly), and cruelty-free makeup that I trust. I haven't had problems that went unfixed. (In a order long, long ago, something came broken and they immediately sent two replacements - cool, right?) Their stuff all pretty much averages under $5 unless you're getting a set. Their Essentials line is mostly $1-$2, their Studio line is around $3-$6, and their minerals line is $4-$6. I cannot speak for their mineral line but as for their Essentials and Studio products, this is where I need to be when I want makeup. Also, never order at full price. Almost always, there's a coupon code out, just Google for one, you'll come up with something. (Hint: my original total was about $65, I ended up paying only $35 - including shipping - for everything below.)

eyeslipsface.com

I will upload with photos and swatches later but while everything is fresh on my mind, I'm going to scribble down some stuff that's short and sweet about each product. 

Brushes:

Studio Powder Brush ($3) - this is a full-sized flat top brush that I love. I think at one time, I had ten individual brushes with this style all from E.L.F. It's amazing from powder to liquid foundation to cream blush, you need this brush.

Studio Angled Brush ($3) - I use this style of brush for my eye brows only and they have a nice, sturdy one that'll be great to use in lieu of my Revlon one that's on its last leg. 

Studio Pointed Foundation Brush ($3) - What a neat concept. This is a full, well-constructed brush that's going to be great under the eyes and for contouring. I'm impressed with the size, it's shaped almost like a lipstick but symmetrical all around. I can't wait to use this one. 

Studio Contour Eye Brush ($3) - This is another I use strictly for brows and it's a re-buy, mine is getting kinda shabby but what else can I expect after two years of daily wear. I use this for the bulb of my brows or to smudge out liner or crease-work. It's a necessity. 

Studio Small Stipple Brush ($3) - I bought this on a whim. I can already tell it'll be nice for highlighting, cream blush, or under-eye work. It's short, small, and full; very different from their flimsy full-sized stippling brush.

Essentials Professional Blending Eye Brush ($1) - I love this style of brush because I like a darker crease color always. This is a re-buy and I already have many but while I'm browsing, I always repurchase favorites because E.L.F. takes longer than I'd like for shipping and only ordering a few things isn't worth it to me. Great staple.

Blushers:

Studio Baked Highlighter in Moonlight Pearl ($3) - I didn't order this but it was in with my bag of stuff, I think they threw it in on purpose though. Nice! It's a pretty, pearly highlighter and nothing more but it'll be handy! Super shimmery and candle-light like, nice!

Studio Baked Blush in Passion Pink ($3) - It's pretty in the package and comes off very shimmery and light on the skin but still, a nice night-time blush or if I'm looking for a warmer highlight. These baked products are pretty dry but not hard to work with. 

Studio Bronzer in Cool ($3) - "All my life...I've prayed for some(thing) like you..." is what I sang when I got this. I've wanted this since I saw it a couple of years ago and just never took the time to buy it. I needed this so bad and I can't wait to see it in action. It's completely matte and contained four colors: a white, bronze, taupe/bronze, and deep pink shade. Contouring, here I come!

Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzer Duo in Turks Caicos ($3) - These, unfortunately, are glitter bombs but the color is nice. The one on the left is a deeper, darker peach with glitter and the right is a nice deep peachy bronze. I'm not sure how I'll deal with all the sparkle but we'll see. I definitely won't be contouring with this.

Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzer Cream Duo in St. Lucia ($3) - This is like the original duo only cream finish. These have no shimmer. The left side is a nice, deep peachy pink and the right is a deep neutral tone of brown. I can't wait to use these. 

Studio HD Blush Cream in Headliner ($3) - This particular shade is gorgeous but man, this stuff is no joke! A pin-head sized dab would be sufficient for whatever blush you needed. I can't wait to use this. 

Face: 

Studio HD Setting Powder in Translucent ($6) - I bought two of these, as I can never have enough. This is just straight up silica powder, no fillers, nothing but sweet, smooth skin afterwards. Enough said, I think. It's nice to have so long as you're careful with it. 

Eyes:
Studio HD Undereye Setting Powder ($3) - I thought this would be concentrated translucent powder but no, it's silica powder with microglitter - not shimmer but straight up glitter! I hate glitter but I'm still going to give this a shot. It's nice and smooth but then there's these prom-night-esque bits and chunks here and there. Grr. 

Essentials Sheer Eye Shadow Primer ($1) - For a dollar, this can't be beat. I like this stuff against my Urban Decay Primer Potion, Too Faced, everything. (I do use the Fergie Wet N' Wild Take On the Day Primer on a daily basis but it's essentially the same thing.) You need this, trust me. 

Essentials Eyebrow Stencil Kit ($1) - On a whim, I got these to make my brows go faster in the morning, I hate doing them but I feel incomplete without them. I like these, they're basic but smaller than some you'd find elsewhere. I have some from a beauty supply store and they're similar. Basic, cheap, and useful. 

Studio 32 Piece Eyeshadow Palette in Natural ($6) - This is a big ol' palette full of all things pretty and neutral, just like I like. This has cool, warm, and neutral tones of natural colors. I can't wait to get into this and play. Quality is what you'd expect, some better than others, but I've already found several favorites. On sale, this would make a great buy or a great gift. 

Studio Lash Extending Mascara ($3) - I can't wait to use this. The brush speaks for itself. No comment just yet but I'm stoked to try it!

Essentials Eye Shadow Single in Taupe ($1) - This is the one that you can put into the compact. I just got it to make my order enough to qualify for free shipping. This is certainly not a shade of taupe. It's more of a cool antiqued gold rather than taupe. I'm sort of disappointed. It's pretty, nevertheless. I'll give it a shot. 

Lips: 

Essentials Lipstick in Nostalgic ($1) - These lipsticks are nice, pigmented, creamy, and long-lasting. They even smell good. This color is a nude-leaning-peach type of shade, think MAC Freckle-tone. For  $1, they're definitely worth experimenting with.

Buzz Issues: 03 A Rant

So this really may become a series. I care about my coffee that much.
On the subject of decaf and sugar-free...

At my own restaurant a few days ago, my assistant manager (I am below her in "rank" so to speak) took an order for a decaf coffee and all we had made was regular. We were freaking slammed. I went to make a fresh pot of decaf and she runs up to me and says, "decaf, regular...same thing!" and proceeds to pour the decaf-requesting customer a cup of regular. This does not fly with me. I took it from her hand and poured it out, told the customer a fresh pot was on its way, and she happily took a seat.

YOU CANNOT GIVE REGULAR COFFEE TO THOSE REQUESTING DECAF.

First of all, you could really mess someone up. A lot of people who want decaf want it because they can't drink regular or they have caffeine sensitivities. My mother, mentioned in the previous post, is a diabetic and it very sensitive to caffeine - it makes her dizzy and she'll eventually get the "shakes." Some people aren't allowed it in their diet prescribed by a doctor and otherwise, it's just unsafe and impolite. I can be almost okay with giving decaf to everyone if you're busy because they'll likely not notice but as for the other way around, no. Just no.

Some people are as sensitive to gluten, sugar, nuts, etc. as anything else. Allergens and food sensitivities need to be taken very seriously in a restaurant, if you work there or if you're ordering out. Watch what is going on.

Until next time, take care and drink up.

-A