Aching for Autumn (blog 1.3)

The dark rain clouds are starting to slowly disperse to finally reveal the warm sunshine this morning. My coffee is still hot, and my sweet nanny girls are sleeping soundly. My mind is wandering to all sorts of things. My homework schedule for the day, my breakfast that is yet to be cooked, the chilly air...but my heart stays on one sweet thing: Fall.

All of the autumn things are just around the corner, so close I can almost taste them.

Cool, crisp air

I haven't felt the lovely touch of fall just yet, but the chilly mornings that have me reaching for a sweatshirt remind me that that sweet touch is coming soon. Our temperatures are only going to be in the 70's this week, that crisp air is coming.

Warm Sweaters & Flannel Shirts

I have taken the fluffy sweaters and my many flannels out of their boxes and hung them up, packing away my shorts. The days of wearing t-shirts and flannels are in reach. I long to wrap my self in comfort to brace from the cool air. I have the most beautiful pair of fall booties, suede with fringe. The first Sunday of autumn, I will most definitely style them with my favorite fall dress. I will brave the uneven ground and risk breaking my ankle because all women know that fall fashion is the most important fashion. Six-inch heels won't stop me from looking like fall in the form of a human. 

Harry Potter Movies 

For others, the coming of fall may not signal the watching of the Harry Potter Movies, but for me it does. My favorite time to watch them is when the sun sets early and the air is cool enough for blankets. My roommate and I watched them last year, as a reward for doing homework. You better believe that when September 22 hits, I'm telling my boyfriend that we are watching them all, no questions asked. We may even search for a recipe on how to make butter beer (I've never had it, is it even possible?). 

Decorations

I don't have my own home yet, but I told my boyfriend that I will be decorating his house for fall. Pumpkins, leaves, pumpkin candles, wreaths, and more. September 22 is the signal that decorating season is here. You put out pumpkins and acorns for Halloween, add turkeys for Thanksgiving, and then exchange it all for the most wonderful decorations of all: CHRISTMAS! I won't get started, but when Black Friday is here, you will get to hear it all. 

Baking Season

While I have just started a new chapter in my fitness journey and I am currently cutting my carb intake, there is no doubt that I will be baking this fall, even if it means extra cardio. It has been too hot to bake for the past several months, and when it was cool, I lived in a dorm with no oven. I am planning on baking banana bread this weekend, and next weekend (the day after autumnal equinox) I am baking my favorite fall dessert: pumpkin roll! 

There are many things about fall that I love. For a few years of my life, fall signaled unpleasant memories and depression. I am thankful that God has brought me through and I can once again enjoy this beautiful season. I wish that my area had more leaves, but I am planning a romantic picnic getaway to the mountains with my love to enjoy the fall foliage at least once. 

You may also have noticed that I mentioned nothing of Pumpkin Spice Lattes--this is because I am not actually a fan. I might drink one or two for the sake of it, but I stick with my iced caramel latte. 

Fall is falling, and boy oh boy am I excited. Are you as excited as I am? What is your favorite thing about fall? 

Stay cozy, 

KM

Tips for Homework (Blog 1.2)

I am sitting on the back porch of my Nanny girls' house, with a travel mug running low on cold coffee from 6:45 this morning (sometimes I am a snail when it comes to finishing a cup). I was just thinking about a couple of things. I am assuming that most of you are now back in school (if that is your current occupation), so I thought that I would share some tips and tricks I've learned that have helped me be more productive. Sometimes with all of our obligations and time constraints, it is difficult to get focused and get those assignments completed. However, a few of these things may be helpful to you! Here's to a good semester full of A's and fun.

(This list is in no particular order).

1. Make a Schedule 

I may be a little too obsessive with this one, but I swear by it. I color code all of my classes (not necessary), and I end up writing my homework to-do list down 3 (sometimes four if I am overwhelmed) times at the beginning of my new homework week. First, I write everything down in each class's notebook, then I write it all down in one notebook collectively so that I can write what days I will work on each assignment during the week. Then, I take my trusty planner (I strongly advise you to get one of these if you don't have one!!!) and schedule each homework assignment on the day I need to get it done. It is a time-consuming process, but it helps me think through everything and get a handle on how much time I need to allow for homework. (If I am writing down a 4th time, it is in the morning when I write my entire to-do list for the day). 

2. Find your "place" 

I learned that it is important to find a particular place to study in. I recommend a place where you don't typically relax. Often times I studied in the hallway of my dormitory, or at the campus coffee shop. Now, the place I find myself being the most productive is on my boyfriend's couch. While this IS a place I relax, it isn't full of the same distractions as my house. 

3. Keep your room, desk, and other study areas CLEAN

Messes can be unknowingly distracting. If your bed isn't made or you have a pile of laundry on the floor, it can draw your mind off of your assignment. You may not be a neat freak, but if you tidy up your room before you sit down and work, you'll be a lot more focused, trust me. 

4. Stay Hydrated 

This is something you don't even really notice, but when you haven't drunk enough water, your brain will be sluggish. I imagine it like this: your brain all dried up and shriveled in your skull because you don't have enough water, it can't do anything except for sit there. So make sure you have a tall glass of water to drink before and during your study session. 

5. Eat Well 

You need nutrients to be able to run at full capacity, and if you are busy college student you are constantly going going going. Before study time, make sure you have eaten something good for you, and have some snacks on hand to keep fueled (and to keep your mouth busy).

6. Relax 
Yes, it is hard, and that GPA does indeed matter. However, your professors are there to teach you. When you are struggling with a concept or assignment, set up a meeting with them. Your rapport with that professor will be good when they see the effort you are making to do well in their class. They aren't trying to make you pay thousands of dollars to see you fail, they want you to succeed. Take advantage of that resource!

7. Remember that your education should be your priority 
Yes, while it is fun to travel and stay out late and have parties, it's not your current responsibility. Especially if you are in college. You, your parents, or some financial institution, is paying out the wazoo for you to attend. Your current occupation is a student, so act like one, study like one, live like one. It is 4 years (minimum) that you have to drudge through homework assignments and exams, then you can have all the fun you want.  Trust me when I say this: you'll regret not doing your best when you are repaying those student loans or when you are trying to get into grad school.

I hope this list was helpful to you. I wish you all an excellent semester. Now, I have to go make breakfast so that I can do more homework (YAY).