Shopping at thrift stores may begin as a necessity, but after time and practice it develops into an art form. After enough good finds at great prices, it becomes a hobby, a leisure activity to be enjoyed and savored. There are methods of finding little treasures- and sometimes big ones.

While exploring Europe for six months last year, native Australian Lauren Smith had experiences which ordinary tourists and backpackers alike would envy. “I hiked up the French Pyrenees mountains and spent the night partying in a 200-year-old abandoned villa,” Smith said.

Every time I eat one of my typically modest-budget meals, I always find myself thanking heaven I’m too pathetic to have a car. To be sure, I’m more pathetic for not having a license. It’s a long story involving some eggs, a wedding and a car chase, but in high school I never got that special privilege to drive.

It’s difficult to purchase something you know you can make yourself. When looking online or in a store for a new piece of clothing, consider whether or not you can make it yourself. In the dressing room 1. Take photos. In many stores you’ll have to be covert while taking photos.

1. Study up. As your career as a thrift store shopper progresses, you’ll learn which local shops are best for what you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for sweaters, you’ll generally find the best prices at the Deseret Industries in Provo. But if a new pair of shoes is your goal, it’s a toss up between Savers in Orem and the Deseret Industries in American Fork.

I have the hugest crush on John Cusack. There is something about his B-class celebrity that really speaks to my heart. My admiration began immediately after I watched High Fidelity. Cusack plays Rob Gordon, a record store owner/retired D.J. that is going through a bad breakup.

One World Everybody Eats Cafe is an idea whose time has come. Upon entering you will notice a sign, Ways to eat at One World: 1. Create a plate, donate a fair, respectable amount similar to other restaurants. 2. Please be fair: if you are on a smaller budget, ask for a plate for $ X amount.

The ballroom in the student center was full to the brim with enthusiastic dance students last Thursday at the UVU Dance Sport Festival. Every semester, the ballroom department gives the students an extra bonus outside their class work to participate in competitions.

Itching for improvised keyboards? Feeling the insatiable need for some sweet old-fashioned crooning? Get your jazz fix this Thursday at Utah Valley’s best kept secret. Showtime Utah at The Grove Theater features a New Orleans style live jazz show called “All That Jazz” every Thursday night with performances by renowned vocalist Debra Bonner and jazz pianist Frederick James McCray.

Avalon Named WWC Wrestler of the Week- Utah Valley University sophomore heavyweight wrestler Diego Avalon (Corpus Christi, Texas/Mary Carroll HS) has been named the Western Wrestling Conference’s Wrestler of the Week as announced by league officials. Avalon led UVU to its 10th consecutive win on the season and also a 3-0 start in Western Wrestling Conference action Saturday night at North Dakota State.