College 4.0

Hey y'all, it's me. I'm back to the blogging world, as of yesterday, now that the semester has come to an end. The past month has been pretty chaotic with end of the semester assignments, exams, moving out of my apartment, starting a new job, and adjusting to living at home (with my family) again.  Another year of college has come and gone.  This year was definitely one filled with lots of fun, growing experiences, new friendships, adventures, and a few obstacles.  

Academics:

I cannot believe that the year has come to an end. It really feels like I was just moving into my apartment with three of my sorority sisters, and now here I am moved back in at home with my parents with only one semester as a collegian left.  Senior year was definitely my best academic year of college.  I managed to make Dean's List both semesters and finished the spring semester with my first 4.0.  I had some of my favorite classes and professors this year, and I was certainly challenged to step outside of my comfort zone both as a pre- service teacher and as a student. 

This past year truly solidified that I chose the right major. I was lucky enough to be chosen to participate in a year long student teaching experience that would allow me to complete my six credit reading practicum with the same teacher and school that my student teaching would be with in the upcoming semester. I completed the first half of this year long opportunity about a month ago. This spring semester, I completed over 135 hours in a sixth grade Language Arts classroom where I had the opportunity to work with 107 students and as well as a team of knowledgable teachers. Spending 15+ hours a week in the classroom allowed to get a feel for what being a teacher is really like.  Due to these experiences I was able to realize that I love teaching.  I am eager to get back to this sixth grad classroom, in the fall, where I will be completing my student teaching. 

To check out more of my experiences from my year long placement, check out my professional blog by clicking here and typing in the password EDR 318. 

This year I also had the opportunity to grow as a student.  I had a professor who pushed me like none other has done before. I was forced to teach in challenging environments that caused me to be creative, patient, disciplined, and think outside of the box. I had never worked so hard to get an A, in a course, ever before.  During this class, in the Fall, I realized how much I enjoyed learning. 

(yes, I'm a bit of a nerd)

 Anyways, all of the hard work and several meetings with my professor made me think about my plans after my undergraduate career ends. Obviously I'm hoping to get a teaching job, but this professor got me to think even further than that.  Through our conversations, I've decided that I would like to obtain my masters of education in reading with a reading specialist certificate.  I thought about starting this endeavor this summer, but after lots of thinking I chose to give myself the summer off and begin next Spring (hopefully). 

Sorority Life:

The first half of this year I finished the second half of my presidency as Chapter President of my sorority.  Handing over my gavel was definitely bittersweet, but I was able to enjoy the fun aspects of my sorority in the spring rather than worrying about all the operational side of things.  I can't say I didn't love not being on our Executive Board for the first time ever, but I definitely enjoyed the extra free time I had.  My hard work paid off when I was awarded Panhellenic President of 2015 this past February. To read more about my experiences as President click here. 

At the end of Spring semester, I went through a ceremony (Jewel Degree) to become an alumna member of Alpha Delta Pi. Although I won't be graduating until December, I had the opportunity to become an alumna since I won't have much free time during student teaching. This ceremony was so special since founding sisters who graduated the past few years came back, my mentor since day one of joining ADPi was there, and Alpha Delta Pi has been such a huge part of experience at my college since transferring. Following this ceremony was our senior sendoff ceremony where we gave speeches and the chapter gave us adorable notes/gifts.  It was difficult to say goodbye to the chapter that I helped create, but I have faith that they will continue to flourish in the years to come. 

Social Life:

Socially I had an exciting year. I was able to become closer with friends I had previously known and form new friendships with sisters and classmates.  This year I managed to make two trips up to Penn State University to visit my best friend, spend Halloween in Philadelphia, attend numerous greek life social functions, discover new restaurants and bars, enjoy homecoming,attend several weddings, celebrate lots of birthdays, volunteer at a fashion show and attend several benefits.

A glimpse at some of my favorite memories this year:

Lessons I've learned this year:

+Don't sweat the small stuff

+It's important to treat yourself every now and then

+Sometimes it's easier to just be nice to people rather than holding a grudge

+It's better to pick up the phone than text someone when you need to have a difficult discussion

+Having your act semi-together can intimidate people, even if you don't think you're a kind person

+It's important to get off campus to study

+The library isn't always the most productive place to get stuff done 

+Attention to detail is an important skill that will take you far in life

+ It's okay to break out of your comfort zone every once in awhile

+People can change- sometimes for the better and other times for the worse

+The saying the early bird gets the worm is actually true more times than not

+Your GPA won't define who you are as a person, but it can help you get to where you need to be

Checkout some of my other reflections from college:

Welcome to WAC

Transferring

Transferring Part 2

Semester Reflection

Two Years Down

Surviving Fall 2014

Three More Semesters

XOXO

Kitchen Adventures: Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie

These cookies are made with chocolate chips, ground oats, chopped walnuts, and shaved chocolate.  

There's a story that has gone around the internet for years about how a woman paid $250 for the recipe for Neiman Marcus' chocolate chip cookie recipe. The rumor goes something like this. Years ago a woman had a cookie at the Neiman Marcus cafe that was to die for. She asked her waitress for the recipe, and the waitress told her it would cost "two-fifty".  The woman assumed she meant $2.50. However, after receiving her bill she found out it was $250.  After spending $250 for this magical recipe, the woman was so mad that she decided to share this recipe across the internet. You can read Neiman Marcus' version of the story here.

These are one of my favorite cookies to eat and make. They're a little bit more labor intensive than your tradition chocolate chip cookie, but they are definitely worth the little bit of extra time it takes to make them. 

Ingredients:

2.5 cups rolled oats

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs 

1 tsp. vanilla extract

12 oz. chocolate chips

4 oz milk chocolate (grated)

1.5 cups chopped walnuts

Recipe:

one.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper

two.

Blend the oats in a blender until they become a fine powder.

three.

In a bowl combine oats, flour, baking power, baking soda, and salt. 

Once combined, set this mixture aside.

four.

In a mixer, combine butter, brown sugar, and the other sugar until it is fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

five.

Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the eggs one at a time. 

six.

Add the vanilla extract.

seven. 

Slowly add the flour mixture to the ingredients in the mixer. 

eight.

Add the chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, and grated chocolate to the batter.

nine.

Use a cookie scooper to create two inch balls and place on a cookie sheet.

ten.

Bake each sheet of cookies for ten minutes.

eleven.

Let the cookies cool before enjoying them.

XOXO

The Organized Student: Finals Tips

The end of the semester is coming to an end.  It's better to start preparing yourself now rather than cramming the last week.  

Do you find yourself easily distracted by all of your social media, music, online shopping, pinterest, etc. when you are trying to study or write a paper.  Well, I have the solution to your problem!  I stumbled across this last semester, and it has helped me complete a significant amount of assignments much more time efficiently.   It is called the self control app.  This app allows you to block websites for however long you need to study or write a paper fo.  This app prevents you from being distracted.  To download it click here. It is free and definitely worth downloading!

Do:

• Use Note cards! They are extremely helpful when it comes to studying for exams.  I go through a significant amount of flash cards each semester.  These help with memorizing information.

• Study in groups.  This is incredibly helpful.  If you are able to teach somebody else what you know this shows that you actually know what you are talking about.  Teaching others can also help you pin point aspects that you need to spend a little more time studying.  Also, your peers might be able to teach you their study tricks to remember difficult concepts.

• Start studying now for your exams that are a week or two from now! The more time you spend with the material the better off you will be.

• Attend review sessions and/or complete study guides if your professors offer them.

• Re write your notes.  This also helps with memorization.  I like to re write my notes to organize them and color code them in a manner that makes sense to me.  Sometimes during lectures, professors bounce around with topics.  Also, this helps you remember parts of lectures that you tuned out.  

• Use high lighters.  Color coding information  helps you associate related items together, making memorization that much easier. 

Don't:

• Study for five hours straight.  Take brain breaks.  Study for an hour and take twenty minutes to do something like browse pinterest, workout, or watch an episode in your favorite TV series.

• Don't multi task by texting, watching TV, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and studying at the same time.  This is not beneficial to you actually retaining the information you are reviewing. When you are studying, focus all of your attention on studying.

• Don't just read over your notes.  Be sure to quiz yourself, this helps you identify what topics you need to spend more time studying.

• Don't pull all nighters.  These will make you more tired for your exam.  If you make it through your exam, chances are you will crash later on when you should be preparing for your next exam.

These are some of the things that help me out when studying.  

What works best for you?

XOXO

Lox + Cream Cheese

Today I'm sharing one of my favorite food combinations- Lox + Cream Cheese. This dynamic duo is amazing and can be paired in so many different ways! You can have it in an omelet for breakfast, on a flat bread, with a bagel, on pizza, as a sandwich, as a dip, and so many other ways.  Needless to say you can have it as a snack, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Recently my favorite way to eat it is on top of a flat bread with a fried egg on top.  I had something similar to it at brunch, in the winter, and ever since then I have been working to recreate it at home. 

Ingredients: 

flat bread or nan bread

block of cream cheese

Lox (salmon)

Capers

Dill

Directions:

One:

Heat the bread up according to the directions on the package. The crispier your bread is the better!

Two:

Spread the cream cheese onto the flat bread. 

Three:

Spread a pinch of the dill on top of the cream cheese

Four:

Add the capers. I don't like a ton of these, so I usually only put a little bit on. 

Five:

Add several pieces of salmon on top

Six:

You can fry an egg and put it on top or just dig right in.

I hope you enjoy this tasty dish as much as I do!

XOXO

The Final Countdown to the End of Undergrad Classes

Y'all it's mid April! 

This month is exciting for me because I'm quickly approaching the end of my undergraduate career.  This semester is my last undergraduate semester taking classes. In the Fall I will be student teaching and then graduating in December.  I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone, but I am beginning to get more excited about what the future has in store for me.  It's rewarding to know that all of my hard work and long hours studying are about to pay off. While my peers are having all the feels about having to graduate in May, I'm over here enjoying the fact that I don't have to start adult life for another semester.  I have a lot of work to do before I can start worrying about getting a big girl job and all of that fun stuff. 

This month is hands down one of the most stressful months of Spring semester for all college students. It's that time of the semester again where we realize that there's less than a month left but so many assignments and exams to complete.  This is the point where any and all procrastination begins to catch up with you. At some point during this month most students have a mental breakdown over the fact that they have so much to do and so little time. There's also the struggle between wanting to soak up every last moment of the year and having to live in the library in order to get everything done.  If your lucky enough to stay organized and on top of your work all semester, then you will never experience this.  However, I'm willing to bet that the average college student experiences this frenzy at this one semester during their four(ish) years of undergrad. 

Currently, I'm somewhere in between being cool/calm/collected and a little stressed.  I've worked really hard this semester to stay on top of my work, but I have a few assignments that I have definitely put off until the end of the semester. Each semester, especially towards the end, I like to share some tips and tricks to help decrease your stress levels. If you're looking for some advice, then you can check out my Guide To College.

The Final Countdown List

I love lists (shocker!). I mean who doesn't love the satisfaction of crossing something off of that long to do list?  Making an end of the semester to do list that contains all of the assignments that you need to do, papers to complete, and exams you need to study for will help you prioritize the end of the semester tasks. 

I've shared about this list here and here, but I'll provide a brief overview in case you have no idea what I'm talking about.  First you'll want to take out all of your syllabus to figure out what assignments you have left and when they are due and then write these down on a fresh sheet of paper. The next thing you'll want to do is write down any other tasks that you need to complete (i.e: move out, clean apartment, return textbooks you rented, sell textbooks, etc.). Now that you have everything written down, it's time to organize everything into a mega list. There's a few different ways you can make your final countdown list. The first option is to write everything down in the order that you want to complete the tasks (most likely by their due date).  The second option is to split your sheet of paper into different sections so that each class has it's own section and then you can add a miscellaneous column for random things.  The second method is what I decided to go with this semester.  Each time I complete a task, I highlight it so I know it's finished.  

As the semester comes to an end, remember to treat yourself, have a little fun, work hard, and remember that no matter how stressed you feel right now it will end. 

XOXO

Monday Motivation {April Edition}

Good morning! Happy Monday my friends. That's right I said happy Monday.  After spending the weekend relaxing, having fun on a new adventure, or catching up on the work you didn't get done during the week, chances are you're not ready for Monday to come. Most people are against Mondays because it means back to school or work and no more fun. However, Mondays don't have to be so awful.  I think having a pessimistic attitude about them just makes it that much worse. So why not embrace the start of a new week with open arms and a positive attitude?
Believe it or not an optimistic attitude towards Monday will help your week have a smoother start.
My challenge to you is to start this week with a positive attitude. 
I've started doing so this semester and it has made my launch to each week much smoother!
Mondays are a fresh start. A new opportunity to start over, a great time to start eating healthy, a perfect day to start working out, a great day to have a positive attitude, and another day to try something new.

I hope you have a fabulous Monday and an even better week!

XOXO

Bulletin Board Quotes

We're getting to the point in the semester where a case of the blahs is very likely.  It's that time in between seasons where it's not frigid and cold, but it's also not sunny and warm all the time either. For this reason some of tend to get stuck in a bit of a punk. The weather 100% makes a difference.  Right before Spring Break I definitely was feeling a little less motivated and was in need of a little inspiration to keep me going and get my assignments done. 

I took one night to organize my room and a little inspiration. I had an empty bulletin board/frame and decided to decorate it with a few of the many quotes I have on one of my Pinterest Boards. I picked out about ten of my favorite quotes and wrote them by hand.  I cut out notecards in different shapes before I wrote the quotes.  It was actually pretty therapeutic being able to get a little crafty.

If you need a little inspiration for your own bulletin board, check out my Pinterest Board filled with quotes.

Steps to make your own inspiration board:
One:
Find quotes or pictures that inspire you.
Two: 
Choose the surface for your inspiration board.
Three: 

Choose the different papers you want to write on.
Four: 
Write out all of your quotes and gather any pictures.
Five: 
Place all of the items on your board.
Six:
Enjoy!

XOXO

The Ultimate List

Let's take a minute and talk about impossible to do lists.  We all have them. Most of us oddly enjoy making them. When I was on Pinterest this weekend I found "The Ultimate List". I think it's the list of things that we all want to accomplish.  Many of the things on this list are things that appear on my weekly goals.  This week I decided to make some changes and work on living an even healthier lifestyle.  Rather than focusing on every single item on this list, I decided to focus on two items- drink more water and get more exercise.  I don't have field this week, which frees up about 20 hours for me. Instead of sleeping in, I'm choosing to wake up early(ish) and take advantage of the extra time. Yesterday I began my productive week by waking up before 8, going to the gym, and getting ahead on my school work.  

While we love to make long to do lists. I think it is important to be realistic in the goals you set for yourself each day. My advice is to pick a couple of things to do rather than an unrealistic amount. When you make a doable to do list, you will be able to get everything done, which makes you feel better. 

XOXO

St. Patrick's Day Style

Hello lovelies! 

Happy (almost) St. Patrick's Day. Whether you are celebrating on the 17th or this weekend, you are definitely going to be in need of a cute outfit to celebrate the holiday.  Today I'm linking up with Cristina, Cathleen, and Rachel for the #GalPalLinkUp featuring St. Patrick's Day.  

Green is 100% not my color. I own very few green items, but here are a few options I have put together for the holiday thanks to what's out in the stores right now. 

Green sweater// Dot Mini Skirt// flats// necklace// earrings 

Green shorts//Gingham shirt//sandals//earrings

XOXO

Leggings As Pants

When you purchase the right pair of leggings they can certainly pass for pants. That is as long as they are thick enough.  They can be paired with an oversized sweater, a flannel, a t-shirt, boots, sneakers, etc. Depending on what you pair the leggings with they can be dressed up or down. 

Questions to ask yourself before deciding to wear a pair of leggings as pants:

Can you see through the leggings?

If the answer to this question is yes, then you should probably do two things.  One, take them off. Two, throw them in the trash. You definitely don't want your lady parts or undergarments to be showing through your leggings no matter where you are. 

Does your top cover your back and front private square?

If the answer is no, then you can't wear this outfit. You definitely cannot be flashing anyone from the front or the back.

So once you've answered those important questions, it's time to finished getting ready!  Check out and outfit I put together that involved wearing leggings as pants. I wore this outfit a few weeks ago to go to the library and to dinner with friends. It was a chilly day, so I wanted to be warm, cute, and comfortable. 

Check out my pinterest board for some other great outfits to pair with leggings. 

Spring/Summer

Fall/Winter 

XOXO

Favorite Twitter Accounts

Happy Saturday!  I just finished up an awesome twitter chat hosted by Cathleen and Rachel all about Instagram.  Check it out by searching the hashtag #galpalchat. This weekend I'm enjoying the last few days of my Spring Break by squeezing in a little fun while studying for Monday's midterms. Today I'm sharing with you some of my favorite twitter accounts to follow. I hope you enjoy them!

Kids with Class

This is seriously the cutest thing.  These kids have great style and hilarious things to say.

HuffPostWomen

If you like to read about inspiring women this is the account for you.

Seashells + Sparkles

Rachel is one of my favorite bloggers. She is hilarious and always have such great tips and tricks.

Positively Positive

Because who doesn't love a little positivity on a daily basis.

Alana Levinson 

Just an accomplished woman who speaks what's on her mind.

Sarah Lawrence 

This account always gives me a good laugh.

Christine Friar

A writer for Fallon Tonight who pretty much writes what everyone else is thinking.

What are your favorite twitter accounts to follow?
XOXO

Blog Because You Love It

Recently I've noticed an increasing amount of people creating personal blogs. Initially, I get excited to have peers joining the community that has helped me grow and better understand the world I live in. However after further thinking, my reaction begins to change a little bit. Despite their long Facebook posts explaining their reason for this new found hobby, I can't help but questions what the true motive behind everyone's new calling is. It just makes me wonder if blogging is becoming the new form of social media that millennials feel obligated to participate in. 

So why do I blog?

I blog because it's something I love. For me, blogging is a creative outlet that allows me to express who I am after spending hours studying (or this semester teaching). This is my fourth year blogging and I am still learning how to grow it. However, I don't blog because I feel pressure to fit in with everyone else. I began writing before it was "the cool thing" to do.  Now I'm not saying I despise those who are new to the blogging world.. I'm just saying do it because you enjoy it not because you feel obligated. 

When you blog because you love it, it takes a lot of the pressure off. You don't worry if you can't post every day, when there's an occasional typo, or when a post doesn't get as many views.  When it is something you are passionate you invest time, but it does not rule your life.  Additionally, you are able to express who you are not copy somebody else's writing style, layout, or content. 

Blogging allows me to relax after a stressful day/week. Through blogging I've developed my writing skills because college doesn't demand you to write as frequently as we should. I've also been able to meet lots of new people, connect with sisters across the country, and learn lots of new life hacks all because of blogging. 

I think if you decide to create a blog for the right reasons then it can be incredibly beneficial, but if you are just doing so as a fad, then I don't recommend it. 

XOXO

Importance of Vitamin C

It's getting to be that time of year where it still isn't quite warm enough to be outside all of the time, and we find ourselves stuck in close quarters.  This is when a lot of people tend to get sick.  It's important to prevent sickness before you're stuck with it. Vitamin C helps to boost your immune system. Vitamin C also has many other positive health effects:

Strengthens your nails

Fights signs of aging

Lightens up dark spots

Makes you feel more energized

Lengthens your nails 

{via}

Most people think of vitamin C and immediately think of eating more oranges and citrus fruits.  There's so many more ways you can increase your vitamin C intake than just consuming fruits. 

Check out some of the foods that are rich in vitamin C:

Chilies

Red peppers

Kiwis

Berries

Pineapple

Cantaloupe

Cherries

Mango

Parsley

Broccoli

Cauliflower 

Kale

Brussel Sprouts

Cabbage

Spaghetti Squash

Butternut Squash

Zucchini

Recipes rich with Vitamin C:

Kale Cauliflower mashed potatoes

Smoked tofu and broccoli noodles

Salmon with roasted beets and spinach

Sunshine smoothie

XOXO

Monday Motivation: March 2016

Happy Monday! 

Today is definitely a happy Monday for me. It's Spring Break, so I have a relaxing week ahead.  This morning I woke up early to go for a run and then I headed back to my apartment to shower and eat breakfast. I spent several hours taking one of my PRAXIS (teaching) exams the second half of the morning. Great news, I PASSED! This means I'm just one exam away from being a certified teacher... pretty crazy stuff! 

Anyways, today is the first Monday of the month which means I'm sharing some motivation with y'all. 

Let's talk about goals.  It's Monday, the beginning of the month, and the weather is starting to get warmer. It's the perfect time to set some new goals! It's great to set monthly goals and then set weekly goals to ensure that you're on track to meet your monthly goals.  

March's goals:

Reach 10,000 steps a day

This is going to help me become more active. I've been participating in fitbit challenges with my friends and sisters, so this is definitely a great motivator. 

Blog everyday this month

I haven't had a great start to this, but I'm going to start this quest beginning today! 

Read 20 minutes a day

As a college student, I read a lot for my classes. However, I want to start reading for pleasure on a daily basis. I think this is something I can definitely do before bad rather than scrolling through social media. 

What are your goals for the week/month?

XOXO

Spring Break: Staycation Style

 This week I've seen tons of packing lists for cold weather spring break trips, packing lists for the warm spring break get away, and other tips and tricks for going away for break.  However, I haven't read much about the perfect staycation for college spring break. Today I'm sharing with you a spring break to do list for those of you are opting for a Staycation this year.

Sleep

We all know that every college student could use a little mid semester R&R (rest and relaxation). What better time to catch up on the sleep you missed during mid terms than during Spring Break? Take advantage of your week filled with free time by sleeping in. Enjoy not having to wake up to an alarm. 

Get Active

This will look a little different depending where your staycation is occurring. For me, in Pennsylvania, I'll be enjoying some unseasonably warm 70 degree weather.  The first half of the week I will be taking advantage of the empty recreation center at school, and then the second half of the week I'm hoping to get outside. Find a new trail and go for a hike with a friend or your dog.  There are tons of trails around you just have to give it a google! 

Bake

When I'm home, I love to take advantage of having a full kitchen stocked with all the ingredients and appliances needed to bake a sweet treat.  If you're in need of a recipe, checkout this lemon cake over at What Olivia Did. 

Catch Up

During the semester it can be difficult to keep up with your favorite TV series. Take advantage of the down time and watch the episodes you've missed, or if you are all caught up start a new series on Netflix. Some Netflix series to checkout include House of Cards, Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce, Madam Secretary, West Wing, Fuller House, Love, Master of None, and Cooked

Pinned it, Crafted it

I'm willing to bet that most of you have a few DIY projects pinned to one of your pinterest boards.  Spend a day actually completing a few projects you've always thought about doing. 

If you need some inspiration, check out my board.

Catch up with friends

Most colleges have their Spring Break this upcoming week. Chances are not every single one of your friends are going on an extravagant trip.  Spend some time catching up with an old friend. 

Take a day trip

There's lots of things to do within a two hour radius of my house. I was thinking it might be fun to take a day trip to a nearby city, the beach,  or even an aquarium. Checkout what's within a two hour radius from you, grab a friend, and head out for an adventure. You don't have to leave the country to go on a trip. 

Be a local tourist

I'm sure there's lots of little things to do or explore within a short distance of your town. Do a little research and spend some time checking the places out. Sometimes it's fun to view our own areas through a different sense. Who knows, you might find a new coffee shop, park, or store that you never knew about! 

Next week, I'll be taking more teaching certification (Praxis exams) and then heading back home to my parents' house for the second half of break. I'm looking forward to doing some of the things on the list above, snuggling with my dog, hanging out with my family, and spending time with my best friend. 

Today I'm also linking up with Olivia from NC Prepsters' Spring Break Link up. Check out her post and many others here! 

Keep up with my staycation through social media:

Email: shorelifeofm@gmail.com

Facebook: The shore Life According to M 

Twitter: @mich_quigley

Instagram: Mich_quigley

Pinterest: Shore Life of M 

Have a fabulous break!

XOXO

Movies I Can Watch On Repeat

Rarely do I have time to sit down and actually watch and entire movie. Quite honestly if I have time to do so, nine times out of then I end up falling asleep during it. Needless to say, I'm not a big movie person. I can't even remember the last time that I went to see a movie in the theatre.  Regardless, there are a few movies that I can watch over and over again (without falling asleep most of the time). 

Every once in awhile it's nice to cuddle up with a hot beverage or a glass of wine, a blanket, and a snack to watch a great flick.  March can be filled with snowy rainy weather, which makes for a great time to put a movie on and snuggle.  Today I'm sharing with y'all a few of my favorite movies to watch anytime. 

Sixteen Candles

Mean Girls

Sweet Home Alabama

Friends With Benefits

The Parent Trap

Sex and the City

Legally Blonde

Remember The Titans

Talladega Nights

The Blind Side

You've Got Mail

What are your favorite flicks to watch?

XOXO

College Tips: Surviving Mid Terms

It's that time in the semester where the work load is piling up.  The exams, papers, and homework are all due this week and last.  So how do I get through these challenging weeks?

• Begin studying and preparing a few weeks in advance.  
• Create flash cards
• Re write or re type notes from lecture that might not make sense
• Get your rest. Sleep is important and if you deprive yourself of it you run the risk of getting sick easier or just wearing yourself out.
• Exercise!  A quick workout can provide you with a clear mind and more energy to continue studying better.
• Create To Do Lists.  I am a huge fan of to do lists.  They help keep me organized and I love the satisfaction of crossing things off of my list. 
• Take a deep breath. When you are feeling overwhelmed take a step back and remind yourself why you are working so hard.
• Study with classmates. Studying with other people helps you gage how much of the material you actually know.
• If you are writing a paper, ask a friend to edit it for you. Chances are they will find an error that you didn't find.  
• Remember to take time to do things that de-stress you!

If you're looking for more tips, then head over to my guide to college.

Good Luck!

XOXO