How to Make Smart and Efficient Flashcards

This one's for all the students out there! Throughout my academic career, I went through package after package of notecards. From the normal sized notecards, to the large and half-sized notecards, it seemed I always had a stack in my backpack for studying. I think flashcards are a great way to study any subject - if you're going to be tested on something, chances are there's a way to use flashcards to study for it!

Before you start making flashcards, here's what you need to figure out:

• What am I being asked to do on this test? What information will be presented, and what information will I need to know in order to respond? For example, if you know you are going to be asked about the key themes in literary works, chances are you will provided the title, and you will have to respond with the themes.
• The information that is being provided should be written on one side of the flashcard (I usually put in on the blank side), and what you will be expected to know should be written on the other side (the back). 

Below I've included pictures & explanations of the way I used flashcards for a few different subjects: Art History, French, Literature, and Sociology.

 For Art History flashcards, it's important to have an actual image on your card. Chances are, you will be provided an image, and you will be expected to provide a lot of information from just that image. That is why I have only the image on the front of the card, and everything I needed to know on the back: the artist, art movement/time period, date, and key themes and details. For the front of the card, you can use sketches or printed images, whichever is better for you. This format would also work well for any history course - just use an image or a name/event/concept on the front and details on the back.

 Flashcards are a great way to learn a language. For vocabulary, I recommend using the half-size notecards with your native language on one side and the language you're learning on the other. I would usually start studying by looking at the French term and try to guess the English term. Then, once I was more familiar with the terms, I would look at the English and try to quickly translate to French. I would often put 3-6 words on one card depending on the length/importance of each term.

I also used regular & large-sized notecards for conjugations, grammar rules, and basic concepts. I would use different colored pens to make certain words pop out and to differentiate between definitions & examples. These cards are not used so much for memorization, but for quick & organized access to important information.

In a literature class, you might be expected to write a short (or long) essay about a specific work, with only the title and a short excerpt provided. I used these cards to make sure I could identify the author, literary movement, and important themes when I was only provided the title. You also might be asked to write about a specific literary movement or theme in a literature class. I used these notecards when I knew I would be asked to compare/contrast two works in the same literary movement, and to be able to identify how each work was representative of that movement. Like the larger french flashcards, these are not so much for memorization as they are a summary of important information. 

For a sociology class (or other social studies courses), your knowledge of terminology is essential to sounding like you know what you're talking about. Often times, a teacher will look for a certain term in your answer, so vocabulary is very important. On these cards, I wrote the term/idea on one side and the details, definitions, and connected ideas on the other. You can use the cards in two ways: look at the definition and figure out the term, or look at the term and try to recall as much as you can about it.

 I know this post is quite wordy and has a lot of pictures, but hopefully it helps you in some way. When I was a student, I was always looking for ways to improve my study habits and find more efficient ways of studying!

Do you use flashcards to study? If so, share your tips & tricks in the comments!

XOXO

DIY White Board Makeover

I love simple DIY projects that you can make out of items you already have lying around. One Sunday morning, I couldn't stand to look at my bland, under-utilized white board any longer. So I did what any crafty person does: look up a DIY project on Pinterest! But I couldn't find anything quite right for me - I don't need to organize a whole family, and because my whiteboard isn't in the most visible place, it's not ideal for reminders or important notes. I decided that what I most needed was a month-at-a-glance calendar, a place where I could write down the big events and see the month as a whole. Below is a picture of my whiteboard "Before" - you can see that it was really just a place to store random photos, drawings, and magnets. Not exactly functional or beautiful.

What better way to quickly make something cuter than washi tape?! First, I cleaned the entire board with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, and I chose a tape that goes with the decor of my room - a gorgeous, 30mm (about 1.18inches), hot pink and blue washi tape made by Scotch. I then covered each of the silver edges with that tape, carefully lining everything up. Then, I started creating my calendar. I used a gold washi tape I found in the Target Dollar Spot, and I actually needed two rolls to get through the whole project! I used a ruler and a dry erase marker to place dots at 3.5inch increments (that will leave a 3inch square of space to write, the tape is about 1/2inch thick). I left a space at the top for the month and days, and I made five squares down and seven across! There's also a good 6inch space to the right of the calendar to put a magnetic notepad, a container for dry erase markers, and magnets.

As you can see, it looks much better! Not only is it more functional, but it looks a whole lot cuter too. I also discovered that with the 3inch squares, I could use sticky notes to mark the really important stuff!

Instead of a generic, old-looking white board, I now have a bright, unique white board calendar that I love to use! The solution was quick, simple, and inexpensive! 

Anybody else out there love a good DIY project? Be sure to follow me on Pinterest to see all the cute & crafty things that inspire me! 

XOXO

How I Decorate My Moleskine Planner

Using a planner is a great way to stay organized, but I think it can also be a wonderful way to express your creative side. When you create a beautiful place to keep track of appointments, projects, lists, and to-dos, you're more likely to stay on top of them. While I love the Erin Condren Life Planners and the Ban.do Agendas, my planner of choice at the moment is an extra large Moleskine with weekly pages. The left page holds Monday through Sunday, while the right page is lined for notes and lists. I loved this format for school because I had plenty of room to write assignments and due dates, and also room to brainstorm, take notes, or write myself reminders. 

When I decorate my planner, I usually start by picking out a few washi tapes I want to use and then finding some coordinating pens. I also use a lot of rubber stamps in my planner - from alphabet stamps, to birthday stamps, to random stamps like a baseball player to mark my brother's baseball games. Above, I've gathered three washi tapes - the green grid tape is from the Target Dollar Spot, the polka dot tape is made by Scotch (can be found at many home & office supply stores), and the pink zig-zag tape I purchased in a set from HomeGoods. As you can see, you can find supplies to decorate your planner with at many different places! 

This is what my planner generally looks like on Sundays when I'm planning for the week ahead. I'll decorate the top section where there's a small month label that I usually try to cover up! I used these Lawn Fawn alphabet stamps for "August" and "Mom > Work", and I used Target Dollar Spot alphabet stamps for the "Bro & Me" and "First Day of School" labels. I also used these date stamps for the location-pin and arrow. (I also use these "my week" stamps a lot!)

I like to put a "workout log" on the right page to write track my exercise throughout the week. I find that if I write out each day and leave a space, I'm more likely to actually work out! I don't want to look back and see an empty workout log... plus, it feels good to write out what exercises I did. Like a little pat on the back!

As the week goes on, I write in more appointments, to-dos, and events, but my life is pretty day-to-day right now. I like to capture the big-picture for the week and fill in the details later. 

I hope this post gives you a little inspiration for decorating your planner! It's one of my favorite Sunday routines - sitting down with a cup of coffee and craft supplies to plan while listening to music. 

What are your favorite ways to decorate & use your planner? Which kind of planner do you use? 

XOXO

Back to School Tips & Advice

Going back to school is a bittersweet transition. You have to say goodbye to lazy days and free time, but you also get to see all your friends and have a fresh start with new classes and teachers. Having been through my fair share of first days back at school, I thought I'd share some tips for making the transition as smooth as possible.

the week before classes start

• Make sure you've done your back to school shopping for clothes and supplies if you need to. Once classes start, you won't want to frantically search for all the supplies you need. 
• Get your books. If your school posts a booklist online, check out the required textbooks and materials you will need for each class. I always like to be over-prepared (rather than under-prepared) and order my books ahead of time so that I'm not scrambling for a rare copy the night before a due date.
• Purchase a planner if you don't have one, and start using it. Write out what date classes start and what other commitments you have during the week. That way, once classes start, you already have an idea of how much you have going on. 
• Set goals for the academic year. Think about the things you'd like to improve upon and then list the ways that you can accomplish them. Be mindful about your goals before classes start and you have a million other things to think about. 

the day before

• Write the details for each class in your planner: Class title, Teacher/Professor, Room # & Time. It's always good to have that information with you (even after the first week when you blank on a room number or professor's name... it happens!)
• Pick out your outfit if you haven't already! This is the fun part. Even if you're not wearing anything new, planning out your outfit will make your morning less stressful and give you one less thing to think about. Choose an outfit that is comfortable - you never know when a class will change location at the last minute and you'll have to trek across campus in five minutes. Check out my fashion friday posts here, here, and here for some inspiration. 
• Pack your bag/purse/backpack. Make sure you have everything you need. For the first day, you probably only need your planner, a notebook, a folder, and some pens/pencils. After the first day, you'll have a better idea of what you'll need for each class.

the first day of class

• Give yourself plenty of time to get ready. It's no fun to rush out the door.
• Eat a good breakfast & pack a snack. The first day can be unpredictable - you might spend your lunch hour in the financial aid office or trying to meet with your counselor to switch a class. 
• Give yourself extra time to get there. Being late on the first day is not the best start to a new year. Make sure you take an early bus or leave your house a few minutes before you have to. 
• Strike up a conversation with your classmates! This can be tricky - especially when you know absolutely no one. But I promise, you will look forward to class much more if you have someone to talk to, someone to ask for notes, or someone to complain about dumb assignments with. Even if you just ask, "Is this Intro to American Lit?" you're likely to get a response - everyone's in the same boat. Your common ground at this point is that you're both in this class, so ask if they have had the professor before, or if they've gotten their textbooks yet. These simple questions will probably open the door to more conversation. 
• Take notes. Your professor puts their email up on the board - write it down. If your professor is going through the syllabus, write down the details that they elaborate on. It might not seem important now, but it might be the answer to a question you have later. 
• Ask questions. If you're not sure the class is right for you, ask around. College is a time to figure out the subjects and environments you like and don't like. If a class feels really off - whether it's the professor, or the classroom environment - try to switch out. There's no reason for you to be uncomfortable for the entire term. 

the week classes start

• Write down all assignment due dates, pages to read, major project due dates, and final exam dates & times in your planner. Your planner will only be as helpful as you make it. Be consistent about marking due dates and assignments as you get them, and it'll be easier to keep track of your to-dos and progress.
• Start developing good study habits. When you read, don't just skim through the text. Take the time to read carefully and take notes and you will thank yourself later down the road. 
• Put your best foot forward and get involved. Join clubs, teams, and activities that interest you. Remember that now is the time to be social - a new school year is a fresh start.  

I hope this post is helpful for those of you heading back to school in the next couple of weeks. If you have any additional tips or advice, leave it in the comments below.

Have a great first day!

XOXO

Backpack Essentials

Whether you're heading off to a full day of classes or just one, having a fully stocked backpack is important so that you're prepared and ready to make the most of it. Unless you're in college and live on campus, chances are you have to carry with you everything you need to get through the day. Here's a list of everything to bring with you (in addition to your notebooks & textbooks of course):

• A small wallet with your ID, cash, bus tickets, a house key, etc. 
• Tissues
• Extra pens & pencils
• Hair bands & bobby pins
• A small stapler (you'd be surprised how often you'll need one of these!)
• Hand sanitizer
• Chapstick
• Notecards & sticky notes
• Gum
• Advil
• Water bottle
• Crystal Light To-Go Packets (I love the Grape flavor that has a bit of caffeine)
• Granola bar

What are your backpack essentials?

XOXO

Homework Station Essentials

I believe that having your own space to do your homework is one of the best ways to motivate yourself and succeed. Without a dedicated space to getting work done, it's a lot harder to get started and settled in for a night of homework. 

First off, you have to have a desk or a table to yourself. Working in a shared space can be more fun, but it's also good to have a place where you can leave your books open and you won't be in anyone's way. It's also important to have a bright lamp for late night study sessions. I like to have fun posters and a calendar up so I'm not just staring at a blank wall. 

 On my desk, I like to keep

• A candle (this one is Sweater Weather by Bath and Body Works - one of my favorite fall scents)
• Some colored pens for brightening up notes
• Extra paper
• Sticky notes & tabs for marking important passages
• A drink & mints
• A book weight (this one is a life changer. Mine is from a local bookstore, but you can find them on Amazon or make your own)
• Extra pens and pencils

What are your homework station essentials? 

XOXO

Fashion Friday: Back to School Look #1

Back to School Outfit - Warm First Days by haleympettit featuring Dakine

PrAna color block tee / Planner Blue Sky .5" 11" True Khaki / Converse white trainers / Marc by Marc Jacobs studded jewelry / Kate spade pencil pouch / I am a coloured pencil, $19 / Dakine outdoor

I know how tempting it can be to snip off the tags on your new jeans and sweater for the first day back at school, but more often than not the weather is still a bit summery. You want your back to school outfits to have a fall look, but you don't want to be sweating in the middle of class!

I think the best way to transition from summer to fall clothes is to start incorporating warmer, richer colors into your outfits. For this look, I paired an orange tee with a cute denim skirt and classic Converse high-tops. 70s inspired fashion is big this fall, and this look channels a bit of that style in a school (and sun) friendly way.

Of course, no back to school look would be complete without a backpack! I actually own this Dakine backpack - it has little woodland animals on it, but the majority of it is a neutral navy blue that goes with anything. Also, don't forget your school supplies! Check out my last post on school supply shopping for making sure you've got everything you need.

What's your favorite way to dress in the back to school season? Check back every Friday this August for more ideas & inspiration!

XOXO

School Supply Shopping Tips & List

School supply shopping has always been one of my absolute favorite things to do. I love browsing through all the ads, checking off everything on my list, and packing it all up in my backpack for the first day. Shopping for school supplies has always been a fun tradition in my family - I think our love for office supplies is genetic! 

Here are some tips to make your school supply shopping trip fun and productive:

• Make a list beforehand. Think about which classes you're taking and what you'll need for each one. If you're taking geometry or calculus, for example, you'll probably need graph paper and a calculator. 
• Stock up on essentials while they're on sale. I'm always amazed at how the prices of simple items like filler paper increase once the back to school season is over. Buying a few packs now might seem like overkill, but when you need it - you need it!
• Take a friend! It's fun to have someone to help you keep track of your list, and you can split some items like packs of pens, pencils, sticky notes, and erasers.

My School Supply Shopping List:

1. Planner - A planner is the perfect place to keep track of assignments, due dates, and random notes/ideas. This one is from Target's Dollar Spot - and it's totally cute!
2. Pencil Case - Having all your pens and pencils in one spot will keep them from floating around your backpack and marking up everything else. Plus, it's a perfect spot to keep other small items like paper clips, chapstick, and sticky notes.
3. Folders & Filler Paper - For classes that are hand-out heavy, a folder with filler paper might be all you need. You might need more storage - like a binder/notebook - if you're taking a year-long course, but a folder with paper is a simple solution for the first days back before you know more specifically what you'll need. 
4. Notebooks - I love spiral notebooks for note taking and writing. When I take notes and brainstorm paper ideas, I like the space and freedom to visually record all the ideas and connections that pass through my mind. 
5. Homework and Project Tools - You never know when you'll need a glue stick, scissors, tape, a stapler, or a ruler! I consider these essential tools to have at home for those random creative assignments that pop up.
6. Sticky Notes - Sticky notes are great for note-taking while you're reading and for marking important information in your notes or textbooks. They're also good for writing yourself reminders. 
7. Pens & Pencils - When it comes to pens and pencils, I prefer to always overpack! Pencils and pens tend to disappear, so it's good to have extras with you at all times.
8. Post-It Page Page Flags - I love these page flags for studying. They say "ON TEST", "STUDY", and "TO DO". These were especially handy when I was taking French, because the tests would cover material from many different chapters and sections.
9. Note Cards - I can't even imagine how many note cards I went through in my academic career. From Art History flashcards to French verb conjugations and grammar rules, note cards are an essential tool for studying. The simple act of writing out the information again is a great way to study, plus you have a convenient way to study on the bus or between classes. 

What's on your school supply shopping list? 

XOXO

20 Creative Ways to Stay Inspired, Motivated, and Productive

Whether you're facing a full week of days in the office, an at-home organization project, or errands that you've been putting off, here are twenty creative ways to stay inspired, motivated, and productive:

1. Go on Pinterest. If you don't have an account, you're missing out. Pinterest is a gold mine of DIY projects, recipes, inspirational images, and generally cute stuff.
2. Read. Taking a break from your project will clear your head and allow you to approach it with a fresh mindset. You might also be inspired by an image or quote you find in the text.
3. Create an energetic playlist and do a little dance. Find your "happy songs" and put them all in one place.
4. Stare out the window or go for a walk. Nature and people watching are sure to give you some great ideas for your project, and the fresh air will help you de-stress.
5. Pull out all those old magazines. Trends may change and things may look outdated, but you might find some inspiration in the pages of months past.
6. Get organized. Sometimes, you need to add an extra step in before you tackle a project. Listing out all the tasks that you need to accomplish will help you feel like the project is more manageable. Plus, there is no greater feeling than checking off check boxes. 
7. Take a bath. There's something about warm water and bubbles that allows you to focus more intently on your thoughts and ideas. Bring in a notebook for when inspiration strikes.
8. Light a candle. It's crazy how something so small can make such a big difference, but the simple act of lighting a candle signifies that you will stay in one place until the project gets done. Plus, delicious smells. 
9. Dress up. I don't mean a dress and heels. When you're stuck at home working on a project, it can feel good to spend sometime making yourself feel ready for the day by showing, dressing, and getting your hair out of your face. 
10. Take time to organize your space. A cluttered workspace can be distracting and overwhelming. Spend a few minutes tidying up to keep focused on the task at hand.
11. Eat. Drink. Snack. For difficult projects, treat yourself to your favorite drinks and snacks. Anything to keep yourself on track!
12. Turn off your phone and computer until you need it. Sometimes pen and paper is the best way to get all your thoughts out. Plus, you can easily organize your ideas visually.
13. Exercise. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but giving a workout your all can make you feel like you can accomplish anything.
14. Chat with a friend and share what you're struggling with. Maybe all you need is to explain why you're uninspired or unmotivated, and you'll find it.
15. Take a minute to reevaluate. Remind yourself why you're doing the project in the first place.
16. Find a new scene. Try working at the library, a coffeeshop, or a park. 
17. Try to find something exciting about the project. Whether it's an opportunity to use those colored pens you love, or to make a cute bookmark, or to learn something new, there's always a more positive way you can frame it.
18. Write out your feelings. Maybe there's an underlying issue or something else that's distracting you.
19. Search for quotes about motivation and success and write them on sticky notes. Place them where you'll see them.
20. Remind yourself that you can do it. Because you can!

How do you stay inspired, motivated, and productive?

XOXO

Nail Polish Organization & Essentials

Today's post is all about nail polish - how I organize my collection, and what I think are the essentials for a pretty at-home manicure. I've never been particularly obsessed with nail polish, but I do like to have painted nails.  

I like to keep everything I need in a shower caddy - it's portable and it keeps everything organized and easy to find. I like being able to take everything with me to the tv room or outside, or wherever I want to paint my nails. Also, I store the caddy in my closet to save space in my dressing table. The only negative is that it collects quite a bit of dust. But luckily, everything is easy to clean with a damp cloth.

My at-home manicure essentials:

1. Nail Polish Remover - an essential! I like to keep this medium-sized bottle in my caddy and refill it from a larger bottle I keep in the bathroom. I use the Target brand Strengthening Nail Polish Remover. Underneath the bottle, I keep a few cotton pads.
2. Nail Files & Cuticle Pushers - pretty self explanatory! 
3. Nail Clippers, Toe Separaters, and Cuticle Creme - again, these tools kind of explain themselves! 
4. Nail Polish - some of my favorite brands are Wet & Wild, Revlon, and Sally Hansen.
5. Manicure Ideas - I've pulled these little booklets out of magazines. They're great for inspiration when you're feeling bored with your polishes. 

And that's it! This organizing solution has worked for me for years. It's convenient to have everything in one place, and to have everything visible. 

How do you store/organize your nail polish collection? What are your manicure essentials?

XOXO

Ikea Magazine Storage

 Anyone who knows me well can tell you that I have a bit of an obsession with magazines. I just love them! I love the essays, the photos, the illustration, the typography, the page design, the features... the list goes on! I also have a bit of a problem - I can't bear to throw them away! Not right now anyway. So I had to come up with a storage solution that helped to conceal some of my magazine boxes and shield some dust.

I went into Ikea on a mission: I knew I wanted three of their cheap Lack Tables. These side tables sell for $8-$10 so they're definitely not the highest quality furniture out there. But they work for me! I chose the faux-birch effect because I already have a lot of white furniture in my room, and I knew I would be placing them by my white dressing table and underneath a mounted white shelf.

I had already purchased the white & birch crates from Target to hold my records, so I love the way everything ties together. The tables don't hold very much weight - I think up to 50lbs or so - so I've kept the decor light: I placed my record player on one, and on another I've put a crate with library books and a vase of flowers.

I love the way that these small tables took an empty space and turned it into a functional place. As you can see, I can fit two rows of magazine boxes underneath! (Yes. That's how many magazines I've collected. Guilty.) It was a quick & inexpensive solution that I am continuing to enjoy as I switch up the decor.

How do you store/organize your magazines? Or do you tear out your favorite pages?

XOXO

Target Dollar Spot Haul

The Target Dollar Spot is a dangerous place. Everything's only a dollar (or three), so it seems like such a good deal. But then you realize you picked up $20 worth of stuff before even really getting into the store!

But honestly, I LOVE the Target dollar aisle. They actually have a lot of cute craft and office supplies, and the selection is constantly changing.

One of my favorite things to buy is their $3 alphabet stamp sets. I love to stamp on tags, in my planner, or when I'm card making, so alphabet stamps and numbers are really handy. I also picked up another $3 set of stamps with cute greetings (I couldn't help it!). And also pictured are some sticky notes and flags. They're not the best quality, but you can't beat the price and they sure are cute!

 I then found these notecard sets... I really can't resist! I have always loved stationery and these $1 sets are so cute. There are 8 card and envelopes in each set, which seems to be the perfect amount - I usually send out thank you notes in small bunches, and don't want to send the same design to the same person multiple times! So small sets are ideal. 

Who else loves Target?! Or office supplies & stationery? I always love stuff that's cute AND functional. As Hannah Montana would say, it's the best of both worlds! 

XOXO

Washi Tape Organization

I have a slight obsession with Washi Tape... Well, I guess any kind of decorative tape really. One of my favorite craft stores has a whole wall of it, and with the dollar aisle rolls at Target, my collection has grown exponentially over the last year. Before, I just kept the rolls in an Ikea box - so they were organized, but every time I wanted to use one I had to pull out the box and dig through for a specific one. Now, it wasn't particularly inconvenient, but when I spotted this thread rack at a moving sale, I knew right away I had to have it for my tape.

 There's a stand on the back that props the rack up, making it sit about six inches away from the edge of my desk. My desk is pretty wide, so this isn't much of a problem for me. The rack had one broken peg - probably why it was being sold - but it doesn't bother me so much.  I was worried that I wouldn't be able to fit a roll on each peg, for some of the rolls are wider than the spaces, but I have some smaller rolls (that I found at HomeGoods) that fit perfectly. I imagine that I might have an issue if I needed to use each and every peg... but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it! Right now, I'm just glad to have a cute display for all the bright & colorful rolls. It's really convenient to have it all right at my fingertips to use in my planner or on notes. 

Aren't garage/moving sales the best?! How do you organize your washi? 

XOXO

Surviving Finals Week

 

If you're heading into finals (or facing a major deadline), I'm guessing you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. Or a lot overwhelmed! I've been through many final exams, papers, and projects in my academic life, and I like to think I've learned a bit about how to successfully get through it all. I can't promise you'll get through it with no problems... I probably had a good cry session every finals week! But that was just how I needed to let some of the pressure go and move on. I hope these tips will help you find ways to approach finals week with a little more confidence.

1. Stay Calm... When the projects, papers, exams, and assignments start piling up toward the end of the term, it's important to remember that you've made it this far!  You've made it through the majority of the work, the bulk of the material, and all but a week or two of the course length. You can make it just a few more weeks!
2. Stay Organized... Before you start studying, writing a paper, or working on a project, figure out exactly what you need to get done, what you need to get it done, and when you are going to get it done.  Your planner is your BFF during finals week. I love a good checklist and to map out what due dates are first/which tasks will take the most of my time so that I can prioritize accordingly. Make sure you have all the course material and whatever sources/supplies you might need to complete a paper or project. Also be sure to show up prepared for each exam - bring extra pencils, pens, paper, scantrons, blue/green books - whatever you need to feel ready and prepared.
3. Get Creative... I'm very much a visual learner, so figuring how I am going to complete a project or how I am going to study is essential to my success. Remember that often times your teacher/professor only sees the final product - so how you get there is up to you! For me, this often means making flashcards for tests and using word/idea maps to brainstorm for papers and projects. Staring at a blank screen probably won't magically bring you an idea, and just reading through your textbook/notes probably won't help you retain information. You have to really engage with the material if you want to learn and come up with a great paper or project idea.
4. Use The Buddy System... Studying with a friend not only gives you a chance to learn from each other, but also makes sure that you carve out time to actually study. Even if your best friends aren't in your classes, just getting together to study independently will help you to plan more study time and to relieve stress during study breaks. That being said, choose your study buddies wisely - some friends are more distracting than helpful! 
5. Ask For Help... If you have a question about an assignment or exam, ask your teacher/professor.  It might prevent you from wasting time working on something that you might be doing wrong or studying something that you won't be tested on.  Also, ask your family and friends for help studying. Be sure to ask in advance, and to be specific. I've found that if you just say, "Hey, will you help me study?" you might not get the most enthusiastic response. But if you ask, "Will you help me study my art history flashcards after dinner tomorrow night?" it lets them know that you're going to be prepared to make the most of it, and they can plan around it too. 
6. Take Care Of Yourself... It's especially important to take care of yourself when you're feeling stressed. Figure out ways that help you relieve stress and remember to take breaks for those things. I always study my flashcards in a bubble bath - it is a relaxing atmosphere for me to study in, and it also helped me destress after a long study session and before bed. Some students live in sweats during finals week. If that helps you feel relaxed and comfortable, go for it! Personally, I prefer to spend a little extra time on my outfit/make-up/hair to make myself feel more confident heading into a test or presentation. Also remember to get lots of sleep and pack snacks! Getting hungry during a test is definitely not ideal.
7. Make It Fun!... When you've got major deadlines and a lot of pressure, it's the little things that will help you get through. For me, it's pretty colored pens to write with, special snacks/drinks, cute fuzzy socks, and bright sticky notes. For you, it might be typing in a funky font, listening to your favorite song every time you write a paragraph, or making up your own flashcard quiz-game-show. Whatever helps get you through it!

Remember to take it all one day at a time. Just think how AMAZING you'll feel when it's all over (and remember to celebrate yourself for getting through it). I wish you all the best of luck!

XOXO

Sewing Box Organization

I found this sewing box on a recent trip to a Jo-Ann store, and couldn't wait to fill it with my sewing supplies! I've always been interested in sewing, doing the occasional project, and collecting cute notions and fabrics. However, until I got this sewing box, my supplies were kept in a rubbermaid tub in our basement - not cute or convenient! This box in particular had my name on it - I love fashion illustration, especially the images on vintage patterns like the ones on the fabric of this box. 

I'm not going to go through everything I've decided to keep in my sewing box, but I thought I'd share what I consider my sewing essentials. In the pockets on the lid of the box, I just have some snaps and a set of needles. 

 This top tray is very useful for tools that I use often or like to keep handy during a project: 

• Needles
• Pins & Pin Cushion
• Seam Ripper
• Measuring Tape
• Washable Marker & Sewing Chalk (for marking fabric)
• Needle Threaders
•  Buttons
• Scissors (for thread, though I still need a nice pair for fabric/ribbon)

I also have some permanent fabric pastels and a tool for fixing sweater snags, but I wouldn't consider those essential.

 In the main compartment, I keep...

• Thread - on Spools and Bobbins
• Safety Pins
• Fabric
• Snaps - Pieces and a Snap Setter
• Zippers

I love organizing solutions that are stylish and functional. Having all my supplies organized and handy makes me excited for my next sewing project! 

XOXO