Well peeps, I did it.

30 days. 90 meals. Plenty of late night snacks. All cooked by yours truly.

And no fires, burnt dishes or kitchen snafus to speak of!

Mazel tov to me! Brava! A job well Done! Magnifico! 5 stars! Watch out, Food Network - we've got your newest star!

If you're reading this wondering why I'm patting myself so hard on the back that there's a permanent hand-print back there, thinking BFD (big freakin deal) that I cooked for 30 days... you haven't seen my addiction to weekend brunches or my lack of knowledge when it comes to various kitchen utensils and appliances. (I had to Google what a saucepan was this month....it was that bad.) So yeah, I deserve some major praise.

I'm so proud of my will power that I'm actually considering making (and presenting) myself with my own bedazzled paper plate award. Lord knows I deserve it. That, and a large and in charge meal cooked by anyone other than me. Preferably a cute, tall and witty man with fabu cooking skills. But let's be real here - after 30 days, I'm really not going to be that picky. At this point, in the realm of who's cooking my grub, I've got my cooking beer goggles on so securely that everyone with a frying pan in hand is pretty much a Jake Gyllenhaal/Bobby Flay hybrid in my eyes.

And while I'm excited to be able to not have to plan ahead for every meal and will no longer have to have the supremely awkward conversation with dates that I really don't have an eating disorder but that I can't go out to eat (oh how I'll miss those fun little chats!), this challenge was worth way more to me than just the extra cash in my bank account. It made me aware at just how much I spend without thinking, and after all these years blaming cooking on taking up too much time that I didn't have, I quickly learned how fast and easy it really is to cook. It was fun getting friends excited about my challenge, sharing recipes or saying they wanted to try it themselves. And while I can't say it was the most fun spending my Sunday Fundays watching others eating scrambled eggs and drinking mimosas, I survived... and learned to make my own killer brunch, too!

While reflecting on this whole experience I remembered that while on my Super-Fun-even-if-all-that-is-involved-is-green-tea-and-a-friend-who-makes-you-laugh Sunday Funday last week, my friend my pointed out that us girls like to do our big social gatherings over dinners out... and not only are we usually stuck shelling out big bucks, but we're stuck chatting with the people we are seated directly next to at a long table. So, he (wisely) suggested, Why not skip the pricey dinner and all get together and cook?! The fun part isn't just the sitting down and eating, he said, but the real fun is in the process of cooking together.

And so, as I look back on this past month, I realize that not only was my friend right on with a great idea for an upcoming weekend dinner, but this whole challenge was less about the end result and more about the process; the ups, the downs and the learning to strike a balance. And while I can't wait for a waiter to take my order at lunch today (daaaaamn straight I'm not wasting any time), I can honestly say this 30-day challenge was both challenging AND rewarding. And I got some new routines, cooking skills and a soon to be paper-plate award out of it all, all of which I'll be taking with me into May and beyond.

Now where the eff is that waiter!?

[Check out the other One Month Challenges we've taken on. ]

[Everyone’s got a vice, a bad habit, something they know they need to change. Unfortunately, everyone also has a million excuses why they just can’t do it. Not anymore. Every month

They say it takes three weeks to solidify a habit or a routine. In three weeks time, it will become second nature, your normal thang, and you’ll stick with it forever! No problem, amigo.

Well, I don’t know who “they” are but “they” haven’t given up eating out for three. straight. weeks. Let me tell you, we’ve got ourselves some problems, amigos. Problems indeedy.

I’m generally a pretty positive person; not one to harp on the small potatoes problems in my life (like how sick I am of eating – and cooking – said small potatoes). And while I still stand by a lot of the fabulous benefits that led me to take on this challenge in the first place – I really am becoming a domesticated w-o-m-a-n (roar!) and I’m saving lots of cashola – this week brought up some obstacles in this “genius” idea of a four-week challenge (facing an actual challenge during a challenge?! Fancy that!)

First of all, my excitement of becoming adventurous in the kitchen sort of dwindled and I was back to making the things that were easiest and fastest. I mean, really, “Kosher By Design, Short On Time” cookbook (which, FYI, is one of the very few cookbooks I own, given to me by someone’s Bubbie at some point in time) Since when is 45 minutes considered a time saver?!

But more importantly, I feel as though I haven’t had human interaction in 17 billion years. Yes, that’s an exaggeration, especially because I work in an office full of women who are ready to socialize if they even hear the words “did you see The Bachelor?” uttered in a mere whisper from the other side of the building. BUT after turning down invite after invite after invite, cooking and eating at home went from exhilarating and fun to boring and lonely.

So last Sunday I did something dramatic. After our attempt to go see “The Justin Bieber Experience – Never Say Never” tragically went awry, my friend suggested we go for lunch instead. I almost said no, giving in to the idea that the better part of my Sunday would be spent with a bowl of cooked tomatoes and Sex and the City reruns (for the third week in a row, mind you). But then, folks, I got a little crazy; I threw caution to the wind and joined my friend for a lunch out on Sunday Funday.

And while I learned that there is no fun in drinking green tea on Sunday Funday (especially when you’re surrounded by a salad bar, which is like my Disney World), there is lots of fun in spending quality time with someone who makes you smile for two straight hours.

Although, as my friend pointed out, it’s apparently a bit awkward for those on the other side of my little experiment. I guess being the only person digging into a meal (while I look like a girl with an eating disorder) isn’t the most ideal situation either. Copy that: experiences surrounding food are meant to be shared. Whether cooking or eating out, I guess the key word is together. Kumbaya, peeps, Kumbaya.

It was that lunch that was a breakthrough for me… after my Sunday Funday turned out to be a smashing success, I spent a few days this week filling up at home before meeting friends for brunch, dinner, etc. Now, I don’t realistically see myself doing this in the future, but I felt proud that I found a balance and didn’t give in (or dig in to that fabulous looking pasta dish. I’m talking to you, Rigatoni alla Vodka).

So with one week left on this challenge, I guess I must admit that “they,” whoever and wherever they are, were right. “They” get you every time, those smartie pants. I can’t believe that cooking has become an actual habit of mine. (I now hit preheat on my oven without even thinking about what I’m doing!) Something that three weeks ago was just a fleeting “oh wouldn’t that be funny- me in a kitchen- hahaha” has now become an established routine.

Goooo Me. Woot Woot.

[Check out the other One Month Challenges we've taken on. ]

[Everyone’s got a vice, a bad habit, something they know they need to change. Unfortunately, everyone also has a million excuses why they just can’t do it. Not anymore. Every month

It’s a brand spankin new me, people.
A domesticated me.
A Martha Stewart – but with more inflection in my voice while speaking – me!

I started this week off excited! I wrote a list of things I would need and checked it twice (much like I would imagine Santa does on Christmas, but, really, what do I know? I’m Jewish) and headed off to Whole Foods. Instead of heading for the prepared foods aisle or straight for my clutch of frozen Amy’s Organics (seriously have you ever had the Mexican tamale pie? Delish. But I digress. We’re focusing on cooking here), I made my way through the produce and on to the fish and meat.

And let me tell you, those Whole Foods people, they are friendly bunch of peeps. I felt like a “real person” asking about which cut of meat was the leanest, how long I should cook my sea bass for, should I leave the skin on or off? These are things I would never even THINK about when ordering out at a restaurant, yet I suddenly became determined to make everything correctly and deliciously and full of taste that would make my grandma kvell (that’s Jewish speak for beam with pride.

Cooking during the week was easier than I thought. Save for the piece of fish I slightly undercooked and didn’t realize it until a few bites in. Oopsie.

I cooked a good amount of food on Sunday and then a second smaller batch on Wednesday to get me through the week, and at the end of the day I was proud! Seriously, I have a red mark on my back from patting myself so damn hard. I exceeded my one new recipe quota and ventured into the likes of Greek style chicken with oregano and lemon juice, grilled onions, tilapia seasoned with dill, large salads for work, brown rice pasta with broccoli and tomato sauce with eggplant in it and… I even baked my own healthy dessert! So easy! I sliced a Granny Smith Apple, sprinkled it with cinnamon and Stevia and a squeeze of a lemon and stuck it in the oven. It was scrumptious!

Not to mention, I have a new obsession. And for once in my life it doesn’t involve chocolate (or boy bands): Cooked cherry tomatoes seasoned with garlic powder, salt and pepper. SO easy. SO cheap and SO, SO GOOD.

But don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t always rainbows and happy times. The real challenge came over the weekend. My friends asked me to go to dinner on both Friday and Saturday night and usually I’m never one to say no to a social gathering. Especially a social gathering that involves tortilla chips. And sangria. But alas, I had to decline. And while during the week I actually really, truly enjoyed taking time for myself, sitting and eating in peace and quiet (or on some nights accompanied by the likes of Bethenny Frankel or Andy Cohen… which, by the way, I feel like I deserve the Mazel of the week for becoming a legit cooking goddess in seven days), it felt weird sitting at home in my apartment on a Friday with my (yummy) tomatoes and my DVR. I felt like I was missing out… And even though those tomatoes made me happy both for their flavor and for the fact I made them MYSELF, they don’t replace the happiness of laughing with friends at a fun dinner together. The fact is, so many social events are centered around food. Hell, I’ve already turned down three dinner and two brunch invites…and it’s only been ONE week.

Woof. It’s getting lonely in here.

I think the best way to remedy this for these next few weeks is to invite friends over to cook TOGETHER. Genius, I know. And in the real world, when this challenge is over, I think I will try a “eat in during the week and out on the weekends” balance. That is what Miley Cyrus would call the best of both worlds.

But so far, one week in and I’m loving this experience so much I’m feeling like I could be a very great replacement for Rachael Ray (only without the annoying abbrevs). Here’s hoping I don’t burn out (or burn down my kitchen) in the week to come.

[Check out the other One Month Challenges we've taken on. And if you've got a challenge you want to tackle (and be held accountable for), email us and we could feature you next month. Come on - it's good for you!]

How to pass the class that just wants you to memorize the book

Here’s why you don’t have sex on campus

10 college internships you can still apply for

Just a typical college movie night

How to save money in college

4 landlord-approved ways to spruce up your place

The 6 stages of a college apartment

11 ways college students should NEVER spend money

12 ingredients every college kitchen needs

[Everyone’s got a vice, a bad habit, something they know they need to change. Unfortunately, everyone also has a million excuses why they just can’t do it. Not anymore. Every month

I love eating out.

I love the socializing. I love the food. I love the people watching. (Like the hottie-with-a-body manager at my favorite resto. Why, yes, I WILL have some of your famous carrot cake, thank you!) I love the excuse to get dessert because you have friends to share it with. I love the convenience and I love the opportunity to try new things that I would never make myself at home.

And by “never make myself at home” I mean, things that take more preparation than pouring milk on my cereal or tomato sauce on my veggies. Yeah, I’m so gourmet like that.

Truth be told, after living in my apartment for over two years, a friend had to teach me how to use my dishwasher after a party I had. Yes, you just read that correctly. Two years. Never used my dishwasher. If only my mom (and world’s best cook) could see me now; she’d be BEAMING with pride.

But after shelling out big bucks for a last minute travel adventure in the land of Oz, I took one look at my very depressing bank account and it became more and more clear how much I spend on dining out (or carrying in). I promised myself I would reel it in, venture into cooking, and dine out less. Because as it turns out, in the world where food meets saving cash – there really is no place like home.

…But then my co-workers invited me for an amazing Italian meal. And then my college roommate’s cousin was in town and wanted me to join them for dinner. And then my besties thought we should do brunch this weekend. And if there is one thing I can’t say no to, it’s brunch. If my world was The Giver, Brunch would be my Utopia.

But not so utopia-ic: my bank account was dwindling, my muffin top was growing (and I’m not talking about the delish muffin I ordered at said brunch with the besties) and my plans to become my own Top Chef Master were simply non-existent. But not having my own Padma Lakshmi telling me that I would win $10,000 – furnished by Buitoni – for my first Quick Fire (or my first actual fire, knowing my cooking skills) didn’t help my stay-in-and-cook case.

Then I remembered that here at CC one of our very own writers took on a challenge to eat in for 30 days and I knew unless I had someone holding me accountable (Y-O-U!) I would forever be dining out wishing I had the will power and culinary skills to dine in. So here I am: spending April cooking all of my own meals.

I set up some ground rules for myself to keep me both successful and sane at this challenge:

1) I must make at least one new recipe every week.
2) Coffee and tea out are okay.
3) Side salads from my work cafe are OK to supplement (our meals are subsidized here and veggies from our salad bar cost less than purchasing the ingredients myself).

So with my new set of rules, some recipes from friends (and cookbooks that have sat untouched in my apartment for the last 4 years) I’m off… And even though everyone thinks I am crazy and no one thinks I’ll last more than 3 days, I’m feeling positive, upbeat and excited for the results. I’m also avoiding my phone for any brunch invites for tomorrow- I’m not sure ill be able to resist!

Will I become a culinary goddess who can rival Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray and Giada in a head-to-head challenge? Will I lose weight? Go crazy and turn into an introverted, anti-social hot mess? Save enough money to buy myself an island (or a pair of Lululemons?)

Check back next Saturday – and the following Saturdays after that – to see. Or better yet, join in on the One-Month Challenge fun!

[Check out the other One Month Challenges we've taken on. And if you've got a challenge you want to tackle (and be held accountable for), email us and we could feature you next month. Come on - it's good for you!]

[It's a new year (which I am having trouble remembering when I have to write the date on anything), meaning it's the perfect time to wipe that slate clean and start anew. And we're gonna help you out. Every Thursday in January we're bringing you advice from experts on ways to improve yourself and your life. From mental health to making the most of your workspace, we'll all work together to get our lives, health and GPAs back on track. First we feng shui-ed our rooms to make them happier, more productive places. Then we centered ourselves so we could handle whatever comes our way. Now let's get our finances in order with Fool.com's Dayana Yochim.]

Let’s face it, “the talk” is awkward for everyone: You, picturing your parents at your age; your parents trying to cover all the bases (protection, safety, responsibility and the long-term consequences of your young-adult actions) before letting you leave the nest.

You know we’re talking about the “money talk,” right?

What’s the big deal? Well, unlike the mechanics of procreating (which, if you’re reading this, we can assume your mother and father mastered at least once), there’s a good chance that your parents made a mess of their own finances back in the day. They might even feel like they’re still unqualified to offer sage advice. After all, this stuff isn’t taught in most schools, which leaves most folks learning money lessons the old-fashioned – and very expensive – way: At the school of hard knocks.

I’m here to do your folks a solid and give you six money management tips that will help you avoid graduating with a major financial hangover.

1. Sweat the big stuff.
Here’s something you won’t hear from most money gurus: Go ahead, enjoy your daily latte. If that’s what gives you the will to face each morning, then far be it from me to admonish you to skip it and sock away that $3 daily splurge into a savings account.

The gurus will point out that your small indulgence robs you of a $1,000-plus in savings annually. I’ll point out that denial and deprivation is what leads to spending benders that can put you in the hole for a lot more than a thousand smackaroos.

The trick to having your latte and enjoying it guilt-free is to slash your spending on big-ticket items to free up cash for that coffee (or whatever small treat brings you joy). In other words, sweat the big stuff – find cheaper alternatives or price-cutting strategies for the those double-, triple- and quadruple-digit expenses.

For example, if you brought your car to campus but never drive it, return it to your parents’ driveway and tell your insurer to slash your premiums. That’s hundreds of dollars in savings right there. Rent your textbooks instead of buying them outright. According to Chegg.com, the average student saves $2,000 over the course of their college career by renting books they don’t intend to keep after they graduate.

2. Don’t bother with budgeting.
Sounds like heresy, right? Okay, it was a bit of a bluff. But the truth is that “spending plan” sounds a lot more palatable than “budget,” right? So think of your – ahem – spending plan as a guide to making sure you have enough money at the end of the week to go out dancing (or whatever it is you kids do these days).

Your spending plan can be as high-tech or low-tech as you want:

High-tech: Mint.com is a free tool that links up with your accounts (just to get the balances; it doesn’t allow any transactions to be made) that can keep you up-to-date on your every dollar move.
Low-tech: The envelope budgeting approach is like an instant spending plan. The idea is that you carry around just the amount of cash you want to devote to various spending categories (lunch, entertainment, cute shoes) for that week. If the envelope is empty before it’s time to re-fill, you’ll need to start getting creative with ramen noodle recipes.

There’s no right or wrong way to do it – just use whatever method works best for you.

3. Say “no” to plastic.
Lucky you, it’s a lot harder these days to get a credit card than it was for last year’s incoming freshman. Seriously, the new laws that prevent anyone under the age of 21 from getting a credit card in their own name without proof of income or an adult co-signer is going to save you years of financial trauma.

Ask just about any grownup about their biggest financial regret from college and the answer will be: “Plastic.“ (I know people in their 30s still paying down debt they rang up when they were co-eds. We’re talking about pizzas that end up costing hundreds of dollars because of the interest that racked up over the years.) Don’t be in such a rush to prove that you‘re creditworthy. Building credit takes time. Ruining your credit is a piece of cake.

All that said, mom and dad may want you to have a plastic safety net for emergencies (e.g. actual “I‘m stranded roadside and need to pay for a tow“ emergencies, not “awesome sale at Abercrombie!” quote-unquote emergencies). If so, here’s a 60-second crash course on credit — how to establish a squeaky-clean credit and avoid the shackles of debt.

4. Avoid late fees like the plague.
It’s one thing to sleep through a Tuesday morning biology lecture. It’s another to hit snooze when bills and other time-sensitive money matters come due. Your mea culpas are no good in the real world. (And, no, last-minute cramming won’t get the electricity turned back on.) Messing up leaves a mark – and this time, it’s your money and reputation that’s on the line.

- Make a few too many ATM withdrawals this week? Feast your eyes on the litter of rubber checks and overdraft fees multiplying in front of your very eyes! (The remedy: Sign up for low-balance alerts. And decline pricey overdraft protection programs and link your checking account to a savings account or just let the bank deny purchases you don’t have the cash to cover.)
- What’s another late payment to Visa? Yet another late-payment fee as well as a nasty bruise on your credit report that won’t completely fade away for the next seven years. (Just automate your payments so at least a check for something is in the mail on time every month.)
- Watch in amazement as that crumpled $25 parking ticket at the bottom of your messenger bag morphs into a $100 one (special for last-minute callers: a free lovely safety-yellow car boot!).

If that’s not enough to convince you to hit your due-date deadlines, then think about what you could have done with the money you instead blew on $35 late fees, $20 expedited payment surcharges and $100 fines for defacing campus property.

5.     Mooch rides as much as possible.
It’s not just about saving money on gas. If you’re under the age of 25 insurance actuaries assume you’ve got a lead foot and an “I Drive Like I am Invincible” bumper sticker. Maintaining a clean driving record (for at least three years), and paying for small claims out-of-pocket are still the best ways to keep insurance costs in check until you age into better rates.

However, there are some ways that college students can still drive a better car insurance bargain. Let your insurer know if:

- You’re parking or garaging the car in a different location (a low-crime zip code or secure garage, for example)
- Acing your finals. Good grades may earn you a “good student” discount on your premium
- Are in the market for renter’s insurance (if your stuff isn’t covered under your parent’s homeowner’s policy). Buying coverage from the same insurer can cost less than purchasing separate plans from different companies.

6. Bonus tip!: Make everyone wonder if your new beau just loves you for your money.
You’re young, scrappy, and while you might not have a lot of extra money lying around, you do have one thing in spades: Time.

Time is an investor’s best friend. And right now you’ve got enough of it to make your elders spitting jealous. (Most elders will say that the second biggest financial regret behind racking up credit card is not starting to save and invest sooner. Seriously, just ask.) When you’re young you have time to weather the stock market’s ups and downs. You have time to let whatever money you can squirrel away compound and multiply.

While that $2,000 you saved on textbooks is indeed a lot of beer money, what if I told you it could be worth $15 grand by the time your 25^th reunion rolls around — or grow to an extra $70,000 by the time you’re ready to retire. That’s the power of compound interest — a concept they do teach at colleges, but most students fail to put it to use in the real world when they have the chance.  (Here’s how to get started investing even if you have mere dollars to do it with.)

Make saving a lifelong habit by starting now. Get into the habit of watching expenses, saving and investing now while time is really, really on your side. The sooner you start building wealth the richer you’ll be in the end.

In addition to playing the cello the indie band Addieville, Dayana Yochim is the consumer finance expert at The Motley Fool (Fool.com). She graduated college (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!) with only minor financial bruising thanks to in-state tuition and the lack of plastic in her wallet.

The following is a guest post by our (nerdy) friends at Hack College, the #1 tech site for college students

So, how ’bout this?: textbook comparison shopping in your pocket. iBookstore is an iPhone app that’ll let you scan in a book’s barcode right there in the store and then see rough prices for it online.

Now, when you’re in the bookstore, you can know for sure that you’re getting ripped off. That’s actually kind of my problem with it. Duh — we know that it’s cheaper to buy textbooks online than in a bookstore. Unless you’re at a garage sale or some other strange book-buying situation, there’s no need to check. I can tell you right now, without even looking, that all of your textbooks will be cheaper online.

Actually — here’s how you could use iBookstore in an actual college bookstore:

1. Enter bookstore.
2. Approach line of people buying books.
3. Scan students’ books before they checkout.
4. Tell them exactly how much of an idiot they are for buying a book in the bookstore.

The other problem is that the ISBN scanner doesn’t work all the time. At least, it only worked on one of four different textbooks I tried in multiple lighting situations. Even if it worked 100%, most book stores slather on a huge proprietary barcode sticker on their used books, which covers the old one. (I doubt it’s to prevent such scanning, but I suspect it’s for some other evil purpose.)

If you have those problems, you can still enter the title/author manually, but that’s way less badass, especially when you’re harassing a whole line of angry book-buyers.

[Everyone’s got a vice, a bad habit, something they know they need to change. Unfortunately, everyone also has a million excuses why they just can’t do it. Not anymore. Every month

At last, the 4 weeks sans eating out have to come to an end!

Thankfully, this week was extra busy for me.  Between work and holiday shopping (I’m one of those last minute shoppers), I didn’t really have much time to even want fast food.  That being said, I can’t say I had much time to cook either. So I enjoyed lots of leftovers, made by my wonderful mama.  I did do a tiny bit of cooking though. This week I experimented with lots of quick, yummy, snacks. Has anyone ever tried the Velveeta and Rotel queso dip? It's muy delicioso.

As proud of myself as I am for not caving in this week, I am quite excited for this entire experiment to come to an end. Hello, McDonalds! How I’ve missed you! (Have you guys learned I’m a little obsessed with McDonald’s yet? I think I’m the only person who ran out for some Chicken McNuggest after seeing Supersize Me.)  Regardless of if its McDonald’s or elsewhere though, I am more than ready to walk in somewhere, ORDER some food, and enjoy every last bit of it without having to cook it or clean it all up.

That brings me to what month has been as a whole:
AWESOME.
CHALLENING.
LONG.

There are so many adjectives that I could use to describe it, but looking back at the goals I set, I'm really happy I did it.

One of my goals was to not be afraid of the kitchen any longer and I’m definitely not! Even more, I’ve learned that I can cook and that I actually enjoy doing it. And very successful snack or meal gives me more cooking confidence and gets me excited to try something new.

My other goal was to save money and boy did I! How much. Well, if I can have everyone’s attention and an awesome drumroll, please.......I saved $300 dollars! Yes, $300! That's enough for a brand new Coach purse. Or a plane ticket. Or a major shopping spree, which came just in time for all my holiday shopping. I can't believe how much all those little things I grab (McDonald's, coffee, snacks between classes) add up; I'm actually embarrassed by how much money I normally blow on food. Most of it which is terrible for me.

I can't say I'll give up eating out all together, but I can definitely say that I will be balancing my meals in and meals out a lot more. Who knows - maybe in a few months, I'll have enough money saved up for that Marc Jacobs bag I've been eying.

[Check out the other One Month Challenges we've taken on. And if you've got a challenge you want to tackle (and be held accountable for), email us and we could feature you next month. Come on - it's good for you!]

[Everyone’s got a vice, a bad habit, something they know they need to change. Unfortunately, everyone also has a million excuses why they just can’t do it. Not anymore. Every month

At 3 weeks in, the “challenges” within this “I’m not eating any meals out this month” challenge are finally starting to show. Don’t get me wrong, I love some of the effects of this challenge; I am proud that I can cook some delicious and edible meals, and the effects it’s had on my wallet have been extraordinary. But there have been total negatives.

Dating is one. And it’s a biggie.

As a single gal, I like to get my date on. However, what’s every single male’s novel first date idea? DINNER! (And he’s not cookin’ it at home for me.) Which leads me to demanding a more creative date, spending an hour proving that I’m not a “challenging” girl, or trying to convince him that I don’t have an eating disorder.  And while some of these dates have been creative and fun, I can’t wait to accept dinner date offers again. Especially, when it is on his dime.

Another downside – this holiday season has been busy.  I didn’t really think about my timing on this challenge, but working 2 jobs, I’ve literally been working 7 days a week.  With so many hours at work and more hours studying for finals, the last thing I want to do is come home and cook.  I’m usually so tired and famished, I have dreams of McDonald’s fries. And not only can I not indulge in said fries, but being more tired, my cooking is getting a lot less tasty than it should be.

And by “less tasty” I mean “Easy Mac is back.”

Sigh. 3 weeks ago I thought this challenge wasn’t going to be much of a challenge at all. Eat at home? Easy breezy. I guess I just didn’t realize quite how much I depended on the help of restaurants to get me through.

Any final ideas to help push me through this final week? Some easy, tasty, healthy options that I can make at home on the fly? I really don’t think I can eat one more pack of microwavable noodles….

[Check out the other One Month Challenges we've taken on. And if you've got a challenge you want to tackle (and be held accountable for), email us and we could feature you next month. Come on - it's good for you!]

Holiday season is by far my favorite time of the year. It’s a season of excessive desserts, eggnog, sample sales, boots and of course, lots and lots of gifts.

What’s not to love?!

No matter which holiday you celebrate, gift giving is a staple of the holiday season. But there is some major pressure when picking out a gift for that special someone. And in this not-so-fabulous economy, a lot of people don’t have the resources to buy the perfect gift anymore.

Well, like I always say, if you can’t buy it make it. (Okay, so I don’t usually say that on day-to-day basis, but you get my point.)

Homemade gifts can be some of the most cherished and beloved gifts. There’s nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up as they unwrap and enjoy a gift you made especially for them. But not all homemade gifts are created equal. Frankly, some just plain blow. Hard. Re-gifted presents and macaroni necklaces won’t cut it anymore, so I’ve rounded up a list of the best homemade gifts that don’t suck.

Any type of baked good. Except fruitcake. That junk is gross.
Seriously though, don’t give someone a fruit-cake. That’s like slapping someone in the face or saying “You are so unimportant to me that I baked you this unappetizing and incredibly inedible looking cake.” Need some ideas? Check these out.

Scrapbooks & Calendars
Pull out your markers, construction paper, and pick your best photos to craft the perfect photobook or calendar featuring you and your favorite friends. Or if you’re not feeling like Martha, head to Shutterfly to craft an online photobook or calendar yourself. It’s easy, fun, and shows someone that you put time and thought into their gift.

No Sewing Skills Necessary Fleece Blanket
This blanket is a no-crafting-skills-needed fleece blanket, perfect for keeping someone warm throughout the holidays. Pick fleece fabrics in fun colors or prints unique to the very lucky recipient of the gift! And if you’re feeling extra generous, throw in a copy of their favorite movie, a box of hot cocoa and some popcorn for the ultimate winter night activity.

Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar
I mean… it’s cookies in a jar. Where could you go wrong with this adorable idea? All you need is a mason jar and the ingredients for baking cookies. Fairly simple. You can make them in bulk and wrap the mason jars in pretty festive holiday ribbons!

Camel Cape for your Fashionista Friend
My favorite DIY queen, Erica Domesek of P.S. – I Made This…., gives you step by step instructions and pictures for this perfectly trendy (and warm!) camel cape. This will be the perfect gift for your fashionable friends.

Family Recipe Book
If you’re known for you superb cooking skills (or how hot you look in an apron), this could be the perfect gift to give your hungry friends. Put together a list of your best concoctions and give the gift of Betty Crocker.

Chocolate covered spoons for Java Junkies and Chocoholics
These delectable dessert treats are perfect for your coffee junkie and chocoholic friends.

What You’ll Need: Some plastic spoons, ribbon, sprinkles, and melting chocolate.
What You’ll Do: Melt the chocolate, and dip the plastic spoons in the chocolate. Add sprinkles or java chips! Let the chocolate spoons cool and harden on wax paper in the freezer. Wrap spoons in cellophane paper and wrap with a bow. Festive and delicious!

For even more DIY gift ideas, click here and here.

Come back all week long for even more holiday gift inspiration!