That pitcher costs more than my tuition!

I am thoroughly pissed off. And you should be too.

It’s been announced that the price of beer is on the rise this fall due to the fact that sales are down and the cost of making it is up.

Now, I don’t know who is cutting back on their beer intake (how else are you supposed to cope with the declining economy and increasing joblessness?), but it sure as hell isn’t us college students.

Shotguns, kegstands, pong tournaments… we’re keeping the beer industry afloat and they want to make us pay more?!

While our loans are being cut and our financial aid is being taken away we have stuck by our beer, true and loyal customers, purchasing it in large amounts and inviting it to all of our events. Even study sesions. And this is how we are repaid for our loyalty?

I’ll tell you one thing: I’d rather re-wear socks a couple days in a row (or give them up completely and solely wear my Uggs) and save money in the laundry room than give up my beerfest on the weekends (okay, maybe on some weekdays too). But that doesn’t mean that this isn’t a royal smack in the face. Beer companies should just print a large middle finger on all of their new price tags, as they rake in even more of our nonexistent dough.

Looks like us college students will be taking yet another step down from our kegs of Miller Light, as we are forced to choke back Natty Ice. What’s next? Canned urine Milwaukee’s Best?!

Perhaps one good thing could arise from this crock-of-crap decision by the beer manufacturers – some more hard alcohol at parties, perhaps? Jungle juice does get the job done quicker, and doesn’t leave you feeling like you just ate eight helpings at Thanksgiving dinner.

And who knows? It might be a better deal now, too.

1. Hunter Boots. Every snowy day, every rainy day, every muddy day, I end up miserable when the inevitable happens: my pants become drenched and the water seeps up. There is truly nothing worse (well except maybe herpes). Uggs – or boots like them- are toasty, but they just don’t do the job. Hunter boots are cute, comfortable (unlike most rain boots) and the PERFECT boot for sloshing around in the snow. Put a pair of these bad boys on and I promise you’ll be singing (instead of swearing) in the rain.

2. The History of Love- It sounds like a sappy chic-flick book, but is quite the opposite. Perfect for a rainy day in sweats, paired – of course – with a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I die.

3. This commercial. Genius.

4. Loreal Paris HiP line. You can buy it at the drugstor, but it’s makeup counter quality. I adore the Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in Teal. The black is also a great option to smoke out and you don’t have to feel guilty for spending a fortune.

5. SmittenKitchen.com. A great food blog written by Deb, a women who cooks out of her small NY apartment. Chocolate Peanut Butter cake anyone? Now that is Love List worthy.

What are you totally loving this week? 

Below is my list of the five MUST HAVES that got me through those hungry, fun and crazy college days. And don’t worry; there is still plenty of room for the beer.

1. Ramen noodles. While not the best food for your figure (sodium overload and absolutely no nutritional value), it’s great on a budget (you can get something like 10 boxes for $1.99). Throw in some veggies and you can have a quick and cheap stir-fry.

2. Salsa. This condiment spices up casseroles, nachos (which are a PERFECT drunk time/late night snack) and even omelets and eggs.

3. Velveeta. Great for sandwiches, mac & cheese (an essential college meal) and melting into a bowl for dipping animal crackers (You think I’m nuts, but just TRY it!).

4. Brita. I never thought this was necessary until I got to college and realized that natural tap water is filled with some seriously nasty gunk. Nothin’ that’ll kill ya or anything, but still, not the best stuff to put into your body (as I’m currently slugging back a vodka/seltzer – ha!). You can get an easy maintenance one at Target, Walmart and other similar stores.

5. Red Bull. Everyone has those nights where they need to pump up and rally. Red Bull, otherwise known as speed in a can, will do the trick. Chug one of these guys for a night at the library, or a night on the town; it will get you through and leave you feeling fantastic.

Those are my five little must-haves. What are yours?