We all know that extreme dieting and excessive exercise isn’t that great an idea (hey, who wants to be an obsessive gym bunny, or one-track-minded dieter?) but don’t worry, there are plenty of quick and easy lifestyle changes that you can make, to ensure that you slip perfectly into your uber-petite bikini with minimal fuss and effort.

1. Swap the milk chocolate for dark: Obviously, in an ideal world, you’d cut out the chocolate all together. However, we know how tough that can be, especially when you’re studying hard and sometimes really need a sweet treat. You’ll be happy to hear that you can still enjoy a taste of the sweet stuff; and that by swapping your milk choc for dark, you’ll be saving yourself quite a lot of fat and calories.

2. Drink, drink, drink! We mean water, of course. Not alcohol. Water is one of the best ways of fooling your body into thinking it is full, and what’s more, it’s full of health benefits. Keeping suitably hydrated means that your skin will look better, your hair will feel softer, and you will feel more energised. There isn’t much worse in life than a throbbing head ache caused by dehydration…

3. Make seafood your friend: Swap the meat for seafood and you may well start to see the pounds dropping off you. Seafood is notoriously light in calories, and 12 shrimp only contain around 60 calories. So adopt less of a ‘see food’ and more of a ‘sea food’ diet!

4. Get walking: It’s all too easy to get stuck in a routine of not exercising. After all, exercise is hard work, right? However, even if you loathe the gym with a passion, there is one exercise that everyone can get stuck into, and that’s walking. Even if it’s just a case of walking into town rather than catching the bus; do it. You’ll be amazed how much more toned you feel, even after a short period of time.

5. Graze rather than gorge: Certain dieticians swear by this way of eating. Rather than consuming three large meals a day, make it 6 smaller ones instead. Apparently, eating smaller amounts regularly boosts your metabolism, enabling you to burn fat much faster. Result.

6. Keep a rough track on what you’re eating: We’re not suggesting you count every calorie. (that really is yawn-worthy). However, keeping rough tabs on what you eat during the day is not a bad idea. Sometimes, it can be quiet a wake up call to realise just how many times you dip your hand into the biscuit barrel!

7. Don’t bring temptation into the house: If you know your real weakness is crisps, then follow this simple rule. Don’t buy them. Don’t have them in the house. Suddenly, when they are out of temptation’s way, they become very much less of a temptation! (Plus, if you are desperate enough to go out to the shops to buy them, then at least you’ve burnt off some calories walking there to do so!)

You’re not alone. Like you, a huge number of students out there are just gagging to go to Reading, Glastonbury or Leeds, but simply haven’t got the cash to do it.

However, with a bit of savvy thinking and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and do a bit of grafting, you can get to all the music festivals you want…for free. Yes, you read that right; completely for gratis.

How do you do it? Here are just a few of the ways that can see you enjoying a weekend of partying and great music, without breaking the bank.

1) Pull a pint (or several!): Most festival bars are manned by volunteer staff that work shifts supplying thirsty festival goers with alcohol, in return for a free ticket to the event. Sure, you’ll be kept busy as you serve the customers, but when the reward is a free ticket to one of the music events of the year, plus separate camping and catering facilities, it seems a small price to pay.

2) Keep it clean: No, we’re not talking about anything dodgy here. Litter pickers at festivals are often voluntary workers, who once again, get rewarded with a free ticket to enjoy themselves for the weekend. It may not be the most glamorous of jobs, but you can rest easy in the knowledge that not only are you earning yourself a place at the event, but you are doing something great for the environment…

3) Get writing for the local rag: Local publications, such as newspapers and magazines, often receive free tickets to festivals, in exchange for reviews and articles in the lead up to the event. If you’re gifted with words, get in touch with your local paper and offer your services for free. You never know, they may well select you to review the festival on their behalf, providing you write all about it afterwards!

4) Act as a Steward: Every festival requires a number of stewards to help keep things organised, and most of them are acting as volunteers. The shifts can be long and demanding, and you may have to work at night, but hey, if you want to go badly enough, then it may well be worth it!

If all else fails, you will often find that local newspapers, websites and magazines run competitions, offering free tickets to the lucky winners! Who knows, you may find yourself one of the few who manages to get themselves a ticket completely for free. (and if you are, we are officially very jealous indeed.)

Not only is it an inexpensive way to get yourself about but you also a great way to keep yourself fit at the same time. But ‘I haven’t got a bike’ I hear you say.

Well this is where we may be able to help. We realise that money is tight with everyone at the moment and not everyone can afford to be splashing out on a new bike, however we’ve recently found out about a great local cause recyke-y-bike.

Recyke Y’Bike is a community project that has been running for a few years now and accepts donated bikes from members of the public. Their Trained mechanics and volunteers then fix them up for resale with prices to suit everyones budget.

So if you’re looking to get yourself a reliable steed for getting from A to B, or just something to get around on during the summer months and have a wheely good time, then these guys can help.

Unit 2, Railway Arch, Hannington Street, Byker, Newcastle NE6 1JT
Tel: 0191 265 4197 | Mobile: 07737 526020 | Email: recyke@cooptel.net

Now we’re not sure if we’ve been slow on the uptake on this but we’ve just found a great website that we felt we just had to share. Festival of the North East is basically a one step shop for everything that is going on in the North East.

So whether you’re born and bred Geordie or new to the area, we’d like to think this website has something there for you, in fact we’d wager there’s something there for everyone, so stick it in your bookmarks and never be bored again.

2 PEOPLE, 2 COURSES, 2 GLASSES OF WINE, FOR JUST £22. ALL NIGHT TONIGHT, AVAILABLE TO ALL DINERS, NOT JUST TABLES OF 2!

Theres a great menu here to choose from so why not treat yourself tonight?

You also see at the bottom of that page they’ve got another great offer on if you’re a small local business, why not give it a go?

At the moment Graze.com is offering 2 free snack boxes delivered to your door. They have a range of healthy options from chocolate brownies to flap jacks, super seeds, and also a great range of fruit.

This is just a taster with no commitment to monthly contracts needed, so when they say its FREE, they mean its FREE!

The great thing about Graze.com snack boxes is that you don’t have to be in to sign for it at the door. The box is small enough to fit through your post box. Simply follow this link and start putting your box together.

So next time you sit yourself down in front of the TV with your snacks why not try the healthy option, and to be fair you can’t really complain when it’s free?

And if you thought that was good, they even have double discount nights for Newcastle and Northumbria University and Newcastle College students who are centre members.

So if you’re looking to get active and fit at the same time in 2013 then why not give it a go? Whether your an expert or novice, at Climb Newcastle they’ve got something to suit all levels and its literally a two minute walk from Byker Metro station so really easy to get to.

More details and info can be found here

we have an absolute cracker of an offer here guys and girls, if you are thinking about travelling home to see the family or just fancy a night out in your home town with old pals then you really should consider using the MegaBus!

The simple reason is because if you travel between the 14th Jan and the 28th Feb 2013 (Monday to Thursday only, offer excludes Fri – Sun) then you can go for FREE!!!!!

All you have to do is pay a 50p booking fee and the ticket/s are yours, I have used the MegaBus before and thought it was a great experience, it always takes longer on a bus but if you compare this to the train prices, I think you will agree it is an absolute steal!

All you need to do is visit the link below to secure your tickets, don’t let the fact that it’s only available Mon – Thurs, in my eyes that warrants a few extra days off work or uni! Get ya holidays in and get the website and book up man.

MegaBus FREE Tickets

So there you have it folks, cracking deal for all to see and hear!

Enjoy yasels!

American Apparel are one of the leading brands at the moment and are having a massive clear out sale with up to 90% off, that’s right 90%!!!!!!!!

Just follow the link provided in the blog post to take advantage of this deal!

They have clothing ranging from gloves to pantyhose and caters for everyone! Kids , Men and Women, also they have thrown in a few watches and fun items.

It really is an awesome deal and should not be passed up by ANYONE! I have just bought myself some briefs if am honest!

Cracking deal boys and girls, so please do not hesitate to visit the link http://store.americanapparel.co.uk/sale-five.html

Until next time people, take care of yourselves…..and eachother! (haha retro Jerry Springer quote, awesome!)