Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Simple Pleasures
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Studyn' and how to do it Right.
Exams. Finals. Tests. yuck. If these words don't make you instantly hunch up your shoulders and feel that unwelcome suffocating feeling of stress, then I bow to you. For most of us however these words only bring unpleasantness and pain. Here are some of my personal tips to get through the preparation:
Dance Breaks. You've been reading that textbook for almost an hour and your eyesight has begun to blur. stop. go set the kitchen timer for 5 min, pull out your i-pod and hit play on your dance playlist (if you don't have a dance playlist I suggest you get to it). No one is watching you so feel free to shake it out, try those contemporary moves and get funky. Even a little bit of activity can help to relax your mind and prime it for soaking in more info.
Paint your nails. Sounds silly, but having one simple task to focus on for a little while can actually help you to focus and get you back on track. So crack open the nail polish, sit outside for a little fresh air and apply that new mint you've been dying to try. Not only do you get fresh nails, but you also feel more ready to get back to studying.
Writing, Reading, or Speaking?. Figure out what works for you. For me, I have to take notes, make study packages and write things down for it to solidify. Maybe it's reading through the chapters, or saying it out loud that will help you remember, but try different methods and find out which works best. trust me- it'll pay off.
Use what you got. Most textbooks will give you reading checks, or forms of mini quizzes or review. It might be a pain in the butt, but those are designed to test what you know and help you to apply the information. And similar questions may be on your test or exam. You can also ask your teacher or professor if there are any online quizzes or mock tests so you can see the kinds of questions you will be asked.
Space it Out. Alright, I'm kind of a hypocrite. I am infamous for cram studying the night before a test, and usually it turns out ok, but not always. The couple of times I've planned in advance, I feel much more confident going into a test, and therefore feeling less stressed and often get done faster. So spread it out. Do 10-20 min. of material a night. You can set your timer, and that way, you will end up remembering a lot more that what you try to stuff into your brain the night before. It also won't feel like so much to do or try to review because you've taken a little bit at a time.
Have a good Space. I always find I study better when I'm in a clean room. I like to tidy up before I start studying, I make sure that I have lots of space to spread my books out, everything I need so I don't have an excuse to try to look for stuff just to get away from the books, and that I'm comfy. That goes for what your wearing too. I like to change into comfy sweats and a loose t-shirt, and pull my hair back with a headband. When I feel prepared and in a good space, studying feels easier too.
Take snack Breaks. Have some little snacks prepared, like a bowl of popcorn, pretzels, a nectarine or peach and some juice. Eating healthy (but still yummy) helps you feel more awake, where as eating lots of junk can make you feel sluggish and tired. So stop studying occasionally to get some grub and enjoy some free reading. But make sure to time yourself so you don't accidentally spend an hour eating and reading.
Powernaps. Some people can and some people can't. but if you can, set an alarm for 20 min and put your head down. Even just closing your eyes can leave you feeling more rested, even if you don't fall asleep.
Good luck amigos. and may the force of learning be with you.
Dance Breaks. You've been reading that textbook for almost an hour and your eyesight has begun to blur. stop. go set the kitchen timer for 5 min, pull out your i-pod and hit play on your dance playlist (if you don't have a dance playlist I suggest you get to it). No one is watching you so feel free to shake it out, try those contemporary moves and get funky. Even a little bit of activity can help to relax your mind and prime it for soaking in more info.
Paint your nails. Sounds silly, but having one simple task to focus on for a little while can actually help you to focus and get you back on track. So crack open the nail polish, sit outside for a little fresh air and apply that new mint you've been dying to try. Not only do you get fresh nails, but you also feel more ready to get back to studying.
Writing, Reading, or Speaking?. Figure out what works for you. For me, I have to take notes, make study packages and write things down for it to solidify. Maybe it's reading through the chapters, or saying it out loud that will help you remember, but try different methods and find out which works best. trust me- it'll pay off.
Use what you got. Most textbooks will give you reading checks, or forms of mini quizzes or review. It might be a pain in the butt, but those are designed to test what you know and help you to apply the information. And similar questions may be on your test or exam. You can also ask your teacher or professor if there are any online quizzes or mock tests so you can see the kinds of questions you will be asked.
Space it Out. Alright, I'm kind of a hypocrite. I am infamous for cram studying the night before a test, and usually it turns out ok, but not always. The couple of times I've planned in advance, I feel much more confident going into a test, and therefore feeling less stressed and often get done faster. So spread it out. Do 10-20 min. of material a night. You can set your timer, and that way, you will end up remembering a lot more that what you try to stuff into your brain the night before. It also won't feel like so much to do or try to review because you've taken a little bit at a time.
Have a good Space. I always find I study better when I'm in a clean room. I like to tidy up before I start studying, I make sure that I have lots of space to spread my books out, everything I need so I don't have an excuse to try to look for stuff just to get away from the books, and that I'm comfy. That goes for what your wearing too. I like to change into comfy sweats and a loose t-shirt, and pull my hair back with a headband. When I feel prepared and in a good space, studying feels easier too.
Take snack Breaks. Have some little snacks prepared, like a bowl of popcorn, pretzels, a nectarine or peach and some juice. Eating healthy (but still yummy) helps you feel more awake, where as eating lots of junk can make you feel sluggish and tired. So stop studying occasionally to get some grub and enjoy some free reading. But make sure to time yourself so you don't accidentally spend an hour eating and reading.
Powernaps. Some people can and some people can't. but if you can, set an alarm for 20 min and put your head down. Even just closing your eyes can leave you feeling more rested, even if you don't fall asleep.
Good luck amigos. and may the force of learning be with you.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Music on My Mind
Recently I've been scouring for new artists, and interesting music that's a little different from your average-run-of-the-mill hits. I've found some real gems which have been playing on my mind, so here are some of my current favorites:
Distorted Love by Shook ft. Ronika
Baby I'm Yours by Breakbot ft. Irfane
VCR by The XX
enjoy.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Let's Try This Again
Hello again internet! Life has swept me up these past few months and it feels like I have done nothing but study and work and theatre, and more work which is good- but stressful. I was reading through other's blogs, and reminded myself of that little blog I started which I let slip to the back of my mind. I don't want to let it fall to the wayside, so I'm going to try and post more. Just more than I have. I got some great ideas to feature some recipes, music, photos and other stuff that I'm really enjoying, so I'm gonna experiment. And with that grand gesture, I'm back!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
C'est la Vie Boutique
C'est la Vie Boutique
This is my new favorite store! Located on Main Street Near Community Bikes (Vancouver)
It is fabulous! Faustine Faure, the owner, has an amazing eye for fashion and her clothes are
immaculate and unique. It's a consignment boutique, but filled with vintage and designer finds,
in a great space. Her prices are very reasonable, the service is so friendly and the store is beautifully
decorated. I love it!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
5 reasons to buy consignment
I'm sure you've noticed that vintage clothing has returned to style. I buy most of my clothes from consignment, thrift or trades with friends. It's FANTASTIC! In case you're not convinced, I'm going to give you a list of reasons why you should:
1. Unique. Most of the pieces you find in consignment stores are vintage which means you probably won't find another one anywhere. You can build your own style, and stand out from everyone else who bought the exact same cashmere sweater at Zara. True you can also find well known brand and even designer names, usually at considerably low prices, but another fun thing about thrift is taking fashion risks and trying something you normally wouldn't wear. So push your boundaries.
2. Recycle. Thrift/consignment stores normally carry clothes which have been donated by other people. By wearing already used clothes, you aren't creating new waste, you're re-using. After all there's more than enough to go around.
3. Money. Thrift stores especially tend to much cheaper, but consignment can be pricy because most stuff is very high quality. But for those staples and everyday clothing, why not look in your local salvation army or value village? You'll save a ton of money and still look great. I bought Keds (shoes) in great shape for 8$ when they usually go for 40$. That's an 80% discount!
4. Clean. Most people say they refuse to buy used clothing because of the fact that it's already been used so it's dirty. Most big department stores don't actually wash their clothes. Most clothes are made in thailand or china where they were stored in a factory then shipped off to the store where they just steam it and throw it on the shelves. I'm not saying all stores do this but it's a likely set up. If you think it's dirty just leave it outside on a line for two days then give it a spin in your washing machine. It's as good as new!
5. Support local. Most consignment stores are locally owned and operated. It's much better to know where your money is going, as opposed to a large company. Richard Hayne owner of Urban Outfitters gave 13,000$ toward an anti-gay protest. That's not something everyone wants to support. You can google most big brand owners and you might be a little more than surprised.
I don't blame you if you can't stay away from Hollister or American Apparel. But next time you pass a thrift store, just try. You never know what you might find.
1. Unique. Most of the pieces you find in consignment stores are vintage which means you probably won't find another one anywhere. You can build your own style, and stand out from everyone else who bought the exact same cashmere sweater at Zara. True you can also find well known brand and even designer names, usually at considerably low prices, but another fun thing about thrift is taking fashion risks and trying something you normally wouldn't wear. So push your boundaries.
2. Recycle. Thrift/consignment stores normally carry clothes which have been donated by other people. By wearing already used clothes, you aren't creating new waste, you're re-using. After all there's more than enough to go around.
3. Money. Thrift stores especially tend to much cheaper, but consignment can be pricy because most stuff is very high quality. But for those staples and everyday clothing, why not look in your local salvation army or value village? You'll save a ton of money and still look great. I bought Keds (shoes) in great shape for 8$ when they usually go for 40$. That's an 80% discount!
4. Clean. Most people say they refuse to buy used clothing because of the fact that it's already been used so it's dirty. Most big department stores don't actually wash their clothes. Most clothes are made in thailand or china where they were stored in a factory then shipped off to the store where they just steam it and throw it on the shelves. I'm not saying all stores do this but it's a likely set up. If you think it's dirty just leave it outside on a line for two days then give it a spin in your washing machine. It's as good as new!
5. Support local. Most consignment stores are locally owned and operated. It's much better to know where your money is going, as opposed to a large company. Richard Hayne owner of Urban Outfitters gave 13,000$ toward an anti-gay protest. That's not something everyone wants to support. You can google most big brand owners and you might be a little more than surprised.
I don't blame you if you can't stay away from Hollister or American Apparel. But next time you pass a thrift store, just try. You never know what you might find.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Your Next Girls Night In
Some of my close girlfriends had never seen Titanic, and so we arrangedto watch it all together on my new flat-screen. Seeing as soon it will be the 100th
anniversary of the Titanic, when they will release the movie again in theaters, now would be
a good time to have a night at home to watch this all time classic, while the video rental stores still carry it.
So here are the ingredients for an awesome girls night in:
-2-6 of your closest friends
-1 copy of Titanic on DVD (or any other sad yet dramatic movie will suffice, but really, go for Titanic)
-2 bowls of freshly popped popcorn (buy the kernels at a grocery store then
pop in a pot with a little oil then melt butter, and a pinch of salt. An extra special topping is
engevita yeast which you can find at most health food stores.)
-1 bowl of candy of choice (M&M's, aero bubbles, runts or gobstoppers are all nice and can be found
at 7Eleven)
-1 pack of Sanpellegrino Limonata (can be found at most supermarkets or health food stores)
-3-7 feather pillows
-4 warm fuzzy blankets
-2 boxes of tissues (have extra's as one of mine was maliciously destroyed during our viewing of
the movie as my friend needed to relieve her anxiety. preferably on an inanimate object and not on a living one =] )
Your Welcome.
anniversary of the Titanic, when they will release the movie again in theaters, now would be
a good time to have a night at home to watch this all time classic, while the video rental stores still carry it.
So here are the ingredients for an awesome girls night in:
-2-6 of your closest friends
-1 copy of Titanic on DVD (or any other sad yet dramatic movie will suffice, but really, go for Titanic)
-2 bowls of freshly popped popcorn (buy the kernels at a grocery store then
pop in a pot with a little oil then melt butter, and a pinch of salt. An extra special topping is
engevita yeast which you can find at most health food stores.)
-1 bowl of candy of choice (M&M's, aero bubbles, runts or gobstoppers are all nice and can be found
at 7Eleven)
-1 pack of Sanpellegrino Limonata (can be found at most supermarkets or health food stores)
-3-7 feather pillows
-4 warm fuzzy blankets
-2 boxes of tissues (have extra's as one of mine was maliciously destroyed during our viewing of
the movie as my friend needed to relieve her anxiety. preferably on an inanimate object and not on a living one =] )
Your Welcome.
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