Creative Director at The Cougar creative@thedailycougar.com
WRITERS/ARTISTS
Mahdiya Bhiwandiwala
Cindy Rivas Alfaro
Atirikta Kumar
Gauraangi Gupta
Raphael Fernandez
Cali Adams
Camila Sosa Chassaigne
Kinley Jaeger
Five Must-Visit Thrift Stores in Houston
03 04 08 12 17 18 20 22 Letter From The Editor Fall Days At Home: A Savings Guide
Budget-Friendly Recipes for Fall Hugs in Mugs
Editor’s Fall Pick
The Pumpkin Spice Effect
Budget-Friendly Fall Dates
Hi Pumpkins– I mean Coogs!
For those of you who are new, my name is Larsha Flowers, and I am the new Executive Editor for Cooglife Magazine–definitely still getting used to this!
October is here; the pumpkins are here and despite the inconsistency of the weather here in Houston, fall is my favorite season! Granted it is, I’m so excited to share with you all this fall-themed money guide issue.
The reads this month will teach you tips and tricks for enjoying the season without going over budget. Even better, these tips and tricks can be saved to apply to any month of the year–especially during this holiday season.
Whether you’re looking to thrift
this fall to save on new wardrobe or decor, to make more budgetfriendly recipes at home to avoid daily cafe visits or simply in the market to have some fun with your loved ones without spending too much of your coins, I hope this read enlightens and inspires you!
Thanks for reading this far, but I don’t want to keep you too long, so enjoy and happy reading!
Until the next read,
Larsha Flowers Executive Editor
Fall Days At Home
SPENDING A LOT OF QUALITY TIME, BUT ONLY A LITTLE MONEY
A budget-friendly together-weather guide written by Mahdiya Bhiwandiwala
Whether you’re a student, a parent, a professional or all three, self-care is essential. The best part is you don’t even have to spend a fortune on it.
Let’s take a look at some distinctive and enjoyable ways to do self-care maintenance at home without the threat of exhausting your finances.
Skip the nail shop and do your own manicure
Going to get your nails done can be pretty costly and not budgetfriendly at all. As an alternative, however, you could get your own affordable manicure kit off Amazon to give yourself a treat at home!
In fact, you can get these kits based on your budget for as low as six dollars–amazing! To make it more fun, you can invite your bestie over and make it an athome manicure date.
You can take turns doing each other’s nails and enjoy the cherishable memory in the making.
Have your own customized spa session at home
With the temperatures dropping,
dry skin is inevitable. You can prepare for this with your own DIY face masks. These DIY face masks use natural ingredients and so, it’s likely you’ll find them right inside your house.
A spa day as such won’t drain your wallet either.
Some common combinations for face masks include: aloe vera and coffee, honey and turmeric powder or greek yogurt and honey. There are many more options too, so choose what suits you best!
Indulge
in a
fun holiday baking session
Enjoying your own homemade, baked goodies is a therapeutic and rewarding feeling you don’t want to miss out on.Just imagine your home smelling like cake batter and frosting while seasonal songs play in the background.
Quality time in the kitchen baking sweet treats with your friends or family is the perfect way to spend together-weather days.
In fact, you can bake funfetti seasonal cupcakes using the cupcake mix from Target for only $1.89 –a steal!
Warm up to a seasonal read or movie
For some, self-care means much needed “me-time.”
While you’re tucked under a fuzzy blanket with a steaming cup of coffee in a candle-lit room, you could read some seasonal books or watch a few seasonal movies.
Paperback books usually cost around $10 or less, but they’re even cheaper if you buy used copies or have a Kindle. If you have a library card, you may even enjoy the perk of borrowing books at no cost.
As for movies, you can stream them online through free websites if you don’t have any subscriptions.
Dive into a playful painting session at your home-based art studio
Unleashing your inner child is another method of self-care. Showcasing your creativity
through art projects–even if you’re not good at it–is another fun indoor activity for togetherweather days. It’s a great way to bond with your friends too.
To get into the holiday spirit, you could choose themes for your artistic creations or choose to have no restrictions at all.
This budget-friendly idea gives you the opportunity to make the most of all those art supplies laying around your house.
If you don’t have mini canvases, consider using paper instead. If you don’t have any paint, consider using Sharpies or crayons instead.
Evidently, making the most of fall days at home can be both exciting and inexpensive. There are many more innovative ways to embrace self-care too. Allowing yourself to enjoy one or a few of the wide array of activities.
If you feel anxious about overspending, set aside a budget allocated solely for yourself.
Five Must-Visit Thrift Stores in Houston
Story by Kinley Jaeger
Photos by Raphael Fernandez
Looking for a budgetfriendly way to revamp your wardrobe this fall? Thrifting is a great way to update your closet with cozy, unique and affordable finds!
While the weather in Houston this fall has been spiraling, the season is still the perfect one for refreshing your wardrobe.
Secondhand shopping is a sustainable and budgetfriendly way to get creative with your style. Looking for chunky knit sweaters, vintage tees or stylish shoes? Houston has plenty of options, and many thrift stores support great causes.
Check out these five local thrift stores to kick off your fall thrifting journey.
GOODWILL
2030 Westheimer Road
When it comes to thrifting, Goodwill is a staple.
The Westheimer location offers a wide variety of secondhand goods to explore. It features an extensive selection of clothing ranging from everyday essentials to formal wear.
In addition to clothing, they have an impressive collection of books also making it a great spot for avid readers looking for budget-friendly fall reads.
PAVEMENT HOUSTON
1657 Westheimer Road
Pavement stands out for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, making it a fun destination for thrifting. With friendly staff and creative displays, browsing to create an amazing outfit feels like an adventure.
Although prices may be slightly more expensive than the other stores on this list, Pavement has an impressive selection of unique and trendy finds.
OUT OF THE CLOSET
1435 Westheimer Rd
Out of the Closet is not only a great thrift store but also supports an important cause. A portion of their proceeds go towards the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
The store is known for their broad range of clothing, furniture and household items–all sold at a budgetfriendly price. If you can’t shop in-store, check out their Poshmark collection online!
THE SALVATION ARMY
2208 Washington Ave
There are many Salvation Army locations across Houston, offering a reasonably priced selection of furniture, home goods and clothing.
This location is perfect for finding gently used items ideal for fall layering or sprucing up your living space with seasonal decor. With great prices and a range of goods, it’s a go-to spot for thrifty shoppers looking to transition into autumn on a budget.
NEW ERA THRIFTED
4434 University Dr suite 170
Conveniently located on the University of Houston’s campus, New Era Thrifted, created by UH alumni, Mohamad Kandiel, is a favorite for students and locals alike.
“New Era Thrifted began as a simple way to clear out my old clothes using Walmart racks. What started as a personal project quickly grew into something more significant,” Kandiel said.
The store has a strong focus on sustainability and affordability, and their rotating selection of inventory is thoughtfully selected. “Quality, uniqueness and the potential for someone to express their individual style.” Kandiel said.
Whether you’re a student on a budget or a vintage enthusiast seeking rare finds, this shop offers something for everyone. The blend of
contemporary thrift and vintage pieces allows shoppers to find items to fit their personal aesthetic.
“I want the items in the store to reflect the values of the brand: sustainability, individuality, and creativity.” Kandiel said. “Every piece must feel like it has a story behind it, and I want our customers to feel excited about the history and uniqueness of what they’re buying.”
At New Era Thrifted, it’s all about the thrill of discovery. From reliable staples to unique one-of-a-kind pieces, there’s always something special to add a creative touch to your style.
“One of the most interesting items we’ve sold at New Era Thrifted was a vintage 1970s leather bomber jacket with intricate handpainted details.” Kandiel said.
Kandiel fondly recalls this discovery in his shop.
“The jacket had been passed down through multiple owners, each adding their own small touches to it, from patches to custom stitching. The hand-painted design featured a blend of bold colors and abstract patterns that really captured the spirit of the era,” Kandiel said.
“It was one of those pieces you don’t come across often— completely one-of-a-kind, with tons of personality and history.”
This story captures the essence of thrifting. If it fits in your style and budget, it’s a win!
And, if you love the convenience of online shopping, New Era Thrifted’s inventory is available for browsing at newerathrifted.com.
For you Coogs in student organizations, you’ll be excited to know that New Era Thrifted welcomes UH organizations to host events at the shop!
“Quality, uniqueness and the potential for someone to express their individual style.”
Budget-Friendly Recipes for Fall Hugs in Mugs
Story by Camila Sosa Chassaigne
Graphics by Cali Adams
As you embrace the cozy fall season and power through to the end of the semester, there’s nothing better than a warm seasonal drink to lift your spirits without draining your wallet.
Whether you’re staying up late to finish a paper or need something comforting between classes, these simple, non-alcoholic drinks will satisfy your fall cravings. They are easy to make and perfect for any
college student looking to skip the daily coffee shop run to save a few bucks.
The best part? No fancy equipment needed—just simple ingredients you probably already have in your dorm or apartment.
Try out one or a few of these delicious seasonal, budget-friendly drinks this fall.
Lattes
Vanilla Cinnamon Latte
If you’re looking for a quick, go-to coffee before rushing to class, this Vanilla Cinnamon Latte is the perfect choice. It’s incredibly simple to prepare and requires just a few ingredients.
The rich flavor of vanilla paired with the warm spice of cinnamon creates a comforting drink to keep you energized and focused throughout your busy day.
Ingredients:
1 cup strong coffee, single or double espresso shot
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Maple Mocha Latte
½ cup milk of choice
1 teaspoon raw sugar
To prepare your Vanilla Cinnamon Latte, begin by brewing a fresh cup of coffee or pulling a single or double shot of espresso.
In a separate cup, combine your milk of choice with a splash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of raw sugar.
Froth the milk mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until it transforms into a warm, creamy froth.
As the chilly days approach, the Maple Mocha Latte is the ultimate warm drink to have by your side!
This comforting drink combines the deep flavors of chocolate with a sweet touch of maple syrup, which is ideal for fueling your studies or simply enjoying a moment of relaxation.
Ingredients:
1 cup strong coffee, single or double espresso shot
1-2 teaspoons maple syrup
Finally, pour the frothy milk over your espresso or strong coffee, finish with a dusting of cinnamon and enjoy your cozy creation!
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup milk of choice or chocolate milk
To make your Maple Mocha Latte, start by adding maple syrup, cocoa powder and cinnamon to your mug.
Next, fill your mug with freshly brewed coffee and add some milk.
Finally, but optional, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a delightful finishing touch!
Smoothies
Apple Pie Smoothie
The Apple Pie Smoothie is an ideal choice for a quick breakfast or an afternoon snack before heading to class. It combines the delicious flavors of a classic apple pie into a nutritious treat. This drink perfectly embodies the essence
Pumpkin Banana Smoothie
This Pumpkin Banana Smoothie is a nutritious, fiber-rich treat which blends all your favorite fall flavors into one delicious drink. It is a perfect and convenient way to kickstart your day!
Ingredients:
½ canned pumpkin
1 banana
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
1 cup milk of choice
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ingredients:
1 apple, peeled and chopped
1 cup milk of choice
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-2 teaspoons honey
To make your smoothie, simply toss all ingredients into a blender and blend until your desired consistency. Taste the mixture and add a drizzle of honey if you’d like it sweeter.
Pour into a tall glass, sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy every sip!
To make the Pumpkin Banana Smoothie, simply combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. You can adjust the thickness by adding more milk or crushed ice if desired.
Once blended, pour the smoothie into a glass, sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top and enjoy your fall-inspired treat.
Teas
Vanilla Tea
As college students, pulling an all-nighter can be tough, especially with the chilly weather. This delicious blend of plain tea, delightful vanilla and aromatic spices is the perfect mug to warm you up whenever you need a cozy boost!
Ingredients:
1 cup boiling water
1 orange tea bag
2 tablespoon milk of choice
1 teaspoon white sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
To prepare your Vanilla Tea, start by pouring boiling water into a mug and steeping a tea bag in the water for three minutes before removing it.
Next, stir in milk, sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon until well combined, creating a deliciously warm beverage.
Pumpkin Chai
The Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte is the ultimate cozy drink to embrace the fall season.
This delightful blend combines the spiced warmth of chai tea with the rich flavor of pumpkin and a hint of sweetness. Creamy steamed milk brings it all together, making it the perfect drink for those long study sessions or chilly mornings.
Ingredients:
1 cup boiling water
1-2 teaspoons canned pumpkin puree
1 chai teabag
1-2 teaspoons honey
2 tablespoons milk of choice
To prepare your Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte, start by brewing your chai.
Once brewed, whisk in honey and pumpkin puree until well combined.
Next, warm your milk in the microwave or in a small saucepan over medium heat. To create a frothy texture, shake the milk in a jar for a few moments.
Finally, pour the frothy milk into your chai mixture, stir gently and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Incorporating these delicious, budgetfriendly fall drinks into your routine is a wonderful way to embrace the season while keeping energized and cozy throughout the semester.
Whether you’re sipping on a calming tea, energizing latte or nutritious smoothie, these drinks will help you during those
late-night study sessions or simply enjoy a moment of relaxation.
So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity in the kitchen and treat yourself to a warm drink to perfectly capture the essence of fall!
Stay connected with what’s happening on campus and in your new city by following The Cougar on social media & our newsl etter!
The Pumpkin $pice Effect
Written by Cindy Rivas Alfaro
When the leaves start to turn brown and fall from the trees, pumpkins start popping up everywhere–in candles, clothes, drinks and even scents. From the pumpkin painting activities and fall festivals to the wearing cozy sweaters, people have so many different ways of celebrating the change of weather. Most notably, the pumpkin spice effect takes over everyone’s minds.
Here’s a little more background on the spice driving everyone crazy.
Pumpkin Spice? More like Pumpkin Science
There’s some science involved behind the craze people get for pumpkin spice. For starters, pumpkin spice has cinnamon–a natural aphrodisiac which relaxes muscles and increases sexual desire. Nutmeg reacts the same way and some studies state it can act like an antidepressant and improve the quality of sleep. To add on, these aphrodisiacs combined with the cold weather create an irresistible product people cannot resist.
You don’t need it, though; you want it
The marketing gods have mastered the art of making consumers want things they don’t need. Pumpkin spice is most definitely one of them.
The appeal of it being a “seasonal” item creates an illusion of a limited-edition item people can only buy during the fall. Pumpkin spice, however, is sold in stores all the time. What people are really buying is the experience, coupled with the concept of fall–chilly weather and cozy cotton sweaters.
Don’t break the bank with pumpkin spice
Because of these marketing tactics, people have the urge to buy everything pumpkin spice during the October and November months. To put things into perspective, Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is estimated to earn the company $500 million dollars this season with the higher end going up to $800 million– a whole lot of pumpkin spice!
money people are spending on seasonal items is breaking the bank.
Celebrating fall on a budget
This fall, challenge yourself not to buy every pumpkin spice beverage on the menu or every pumpkin-smelling candle. Instead, buy pumpkin spice flavorings or oils to make your own at home!
And yes, it’s okay to treat yourself every now and then, but if there’s a pumpkin spice latte charge on your bank statement daily, maybe it’s time to cut back.
As for the decor, just like Christmas and Halloween, fall-themed decor can always be reused yearly. If you must get them new, affordable fall decor can be found at places like Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Walmart, Target, Ross and dd’s DISCOUNTS.
Food, or pumpkin, for thought
This along with the different fall tactics other companies come up with, the amount of
Opting for more mindful spending habits this fall can help you to enjoy the season without becoming a financial victim of the pumpkin spice phenomena.
The semester is about to be over and the cozy season is right around the corner. This means it’s time to put the books aside and spend more quality time with your boo!
Luckily, being a UH student comes with its perks! Here’s a list of some great, cheap and even free date ideas you can take advantage of with your Cougar Card.
The Houston Zoo
The Houston zoo is a great place to have a date. It’s cutely decorated with seasonal
photo ops this time of year and completely free with your Cougar Card.
While the zoo in itself is free, however, the famous zoo Christmas lights are not. It’s still a worthwhile visit, though. It’s a really magical experience.
Houston Ballet
If you and your partner are theater and dance enthusiasts, then watching a Houston Ballet performance is the way to go.
On select performances, you can present your Cougar Card at the Ticket Office during Student Rush, 90 minutes before the performance starts, and snag tickets for just $15.
Christmas Lights
‘Tis almost the season and how can one let go of the amazing Christmas lights Houstonians decorate their homes with.
It’s free, intimate and gives you plenty of privacy to just spend some time together exploring the beautiful neighborhoods.
Some must visit neighborhoods include River Oaks, Pecan Grove, The Quail Valley and The Christmas Ranch.
Museum &Art Gallery Dates
Museum and art gallery dates are really simple, yet elegant if you’re into history, photography and arts.
While most art galleries and museums are free, Museum of Fine Arts Houston gives Coogs a $10 discount with their student ID. The only catch, it applies only to students in the school of arts.
A lot of these galleries and museums offer cafes inside, making it a one-stop shop for the perfect, budget-friendly date.
River Oaks Theatre
Go old school, grab a tub of popcorn and go out on a movie date at the newly renovated, historic River Oaks Theatre.
The theater will not only run new releases, but will also show classics and cult classics like “Fight Club,” “Casper” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Go Bowling
Going out on a bowling date is the best decision if you want to keep things simple and fun. You and your significant other can even have friendly competitions too.
It allows you to get to know each other even better and spend time having conversations. It’s not a stressful activity and doesn’t require much technical skills or finances.
As Coogs, UH has its very own bowling alley so you can go there after your classes–even more budget friendly!
Story written by Gauraangi Gupta
Are you boujee, boujee on a budget or just on a budget? Take the quiz to find out!
By Quizmaster Atirikta Kumar
Between tuition, textbooks, rent and groceries, budgeting and using your money wisely is crucial. Successfully budgeting, however, is one of the hardest parts of being a college student.
Take this quiz to determine your spending style and to figure out which budgeting tips or tricks may work best for you.
How do you style yourself when you go out?
A. I need a new outfit
B. I restyle pieces I own
C. I repeat outfits weekly
D. I wear anything comfy
What do you like to do for fun?
A. Go for dinner and drinks
B. Visit a nice cafe
C. Explore new things
D. Stay in to read or watch a movie
How much of Houston have you explored before?
A. I know all the spots
Do you often buy a morning coffee or smoothie?
A. Yes
B. Occasionally
C. On special occasions
D. No
B. I’ve been to many different places
C. I’ve only visited one place
D. I haven’t explored any of Houston
What is your mode of transportation?
A. I have a car
B. I use public transportation
C. I either use an Uber or some other rideshare app
D. I try to carpool with friends What do you think budgeting is?
A. I don’t budget because I get an allowance
B. Having no money left at the end of the month
C. Having a few bucks left at the end of the month
D. Spending wisely throughout the month while balancing a healthy savings and still having money put aside for fun
Mostly As
Your taste is expensive and you likely need to budget more. Making your daily coffee or smoothie at home and establishing good thrifting habits will help you save money. Additionally, keep a record of the money you spend. In fact, if you can, start building your savings account–even a little goes a long way.
Mostly Bs
You are new to the concept of budgeting. Welcome to the real world. It is full of budgeting. Get yourself a notebook to keep a track of all your expenses. Also, don’t forget budgeting doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun.
Mostly Cs
You are likely not new to budgeting but also not very familiar with it either. Keeping track of various happy hour specials and discounted deals around the city is a good way to start saving a little more.
Mostly Ds
You are likely a budgeter and have a strict record of your income. While budgeting is good and an important part of life, don’t forget to put aside some money for fun activities or to treat yourself from time to time.
