Study Tips -Emma

Hello everyone! Since school has just started again (insert crying face here), I thought I would share some study tips with you all! These are all things that I do that really help me stay motivated to study, and more importantly- get good grades. 

Tip #1: Turn off distractions
It's important to turn off your T.V, cell phone, radio, and to study in a quiet space where you won't be bothered while studying. If you don't want to turn off your phone completly, put it on do not disturb and put it somewhere out of sight. Those text messages can wait until later!

Tip #2: Take frequent breaks
Studying for 15-30 minutes at a time with 10 minute breaks in between is the most effective way of studying. You'll be much more focused and motivated to study, and you will memorize information much easier. Just make sure to use your break time wisely. For example, instead of watching a show on Netflix, eat a snack and check social media. If you sit down and start watching Pretty Little Liars, you know you won't be getting back to studying anytime soon.

Tip #3: Make colorful notes
Using colorful index cards and highlighting topics in different colors has been proven to help you remember things. Index cards are great for memorizing definitions, or you can make up your own questions and quiz youself with them. 

Tip #4: Reward yourself
When I'm studying for a long period of time, I like to reward myself with candy after I finish a certain amount of work. For example, if I have to read 3 chapters in my Science textbook and take notes, I will get a Reece's peanut butter cup after I complete each chapter. It just helps me stay motivated to keep going.  (Plus, eating chocolate while studying has been proven to help the brain retain information!)

Tip #5: Make a playlist
Some people find it hard to concentrate when it's completly silent. The perfect solution to this is making a study playlist on Spotify. You can either make your own, or listen to one of Spotify's premade playlists. I listen to "Intense Studying". You wouldn't believe how much it helps me concentrate. If you're making your own playlist, just make sure they are non-lyrical songs. Those will just distract you even more. 

I hope you all enjoyed this post! Let me know what helps you study in the comments below. 

Until next week..

-Emma

A Letter to my Younger Self - Kathleen

Dear Kathleen (the younger one),

     Hi. It's yourself writing to you. I'm actually 16 now... its pretty crazy. I'm starting Drivers Ed in the summer and I'm a little nervous. :D But it's OK because I'm kind of excited too. You'll love it.

     You are 10 years old... That's crazy. It seems like such a long time ago now... Lots of things are going to change pretty soon and it's probably going to get a little scary. Puberty is coming. I know you are super awkward about talking like this but it will get easier, trust me. You just have to embrace the fact that everyone knows about it. It happens to everyone. Period cramps suck, but Midol is a lifesaver. :P

     On top of that, this summer, Mom and Dad are going to tell your that you are homeschooling. It's going to be heartbreaking. You will loose touch with some of your friends and it will take awhile to make new friends but don't freak out, you'll make some really good ones too. Be patient with Mom as she tries to teach you math. She isn't very good at it, but you will be.

     Enjoy who you are before the world scares you with responsibilities and stereotypes. It really is scary. Play with the Barbie's and your Polly Pockets. You won't really appreciate your innocence until you don't have it anymore or at least until you see how bad other people have it.

     Don't worry about the future, it will happen, but know that you will get through it. Mom will be there for you. Your friends will be there for you.

     Do one thing that scares you every day. You won't be adventurous enough without it. I may even help with the anxiety that you will develop. Don't try and please everyone or do things just to avoid an argument. Acknowledge that arguments and fights will happen, but that can't stop you from having your peaceful space.

     Get rid of some stuff! Your room is chucked full!!! See the beauty in the simplicity.

     Rapid fire advice:

• Tell that girl you think her skirt is cute.
• That guy you like a) probably likes you back b) probably didn't shower this morning
• Don't hide the fact that you like 1D
• Practice your art, it will help you later on
• Don't slack on your homework. Not only will you get good grades, it will make homework easier later on.
• When you get stressed, exercise
• Don't self-harm and give love to those who do
• Don't worry if the shirt doesn't fit
• hug the people you love.

     There will be people you think will be with you forever. When they leave, let them go. Let yourself off the hook once in a while. Get the ice cream, and don't worry about what your body looks like it will be OK.

     I love you, you are a beautiful person.

Love,

     Kathleen

"Never trade respect for attention."

#16 Throwback Friday? -Emma

Hello everyone! Today is going to be a bit different from what I normally do..

Today I bring to you all, Throwback Friday. This was originally meant to be a throwback Thursday post, until I realized it's actually Friday! So I'm just going to roll with it xD.

I am going to be sharing some photos from past Christmases with you all, most from when I was really young.

This first photo is from when I was around 7 years old.
Every year I went to go see Santa at the Santa House
in Downtown Belleville.

As you can probably tell, this picture is from the same day
as the last one. I just thought it was cute and wanted
to include it:)

This photo was taken at the Christmas concert
we had at our grade school every year.
(If you couldn't tell, that's Kathleen on the right!)

Here is a photo of me with Santa when I was around 8 or
9 years old.

This photo is of my cousins and I when I was 10 year old.

Lastly, a picture of my cat and I. I think this one
is really funny, because she looks so uncomfortable. LOL.

I hope you all liked this post! I had a ton of fun going through old pictures! Let me know in the comments if your family has any traditions for Christmas, and what they are.

Don't forget to check out Kathleen's post tomorrow! 

Emma

twodorkswithablog.blogspot.com

lifeaccording2emma.weebly.com