All Nighter Study Session Not Working?

During our last week of the quarter, everyone has a final in almost every class. And along with the tests comes a lot of studying. Everyone has their different ways to study but I usually stay up all night the day before a test, and then I study. Not very smart. I know I'm not the only one who does this though, so I found some helpful things to remember during study time.

1. Find a place to study. Not your bed or a couch because it's easier to relax, space-off and fall asleep. So, study at a desk or your kitchen table! Make sure you have everything you need you so don't waste time getting up over and over again.


2. Turn off all distractions. Put your phone on silent, turn off the TV and make sure there aren't a lot of people around you.


3. Flashcards. If you're studying any vocabulary, grab some flashcards and study them whenever you can. If carrying around flashcards doesn't work for you try Quizlet. 


4. Eat healthy snacks while you study. Don't have cookies, chips or soda. Have some fruit and veggies to keep your brain moving.


5. Take breaks every once and a while. No one can study for 2 hours straight and get all the information, so relax and clear your mind. You can go on your phone, go for a walk or watch TV. Your break should only last about 15-20 minutes.

Photo Courtesy Of: Tumblr

I am not a good role model when it comes to studying.... Just remember to study early, don't wait for the night before to study. It's actually been proven that studying the night before results in lower test grades because you might think you know it, but your brain needs more time to sort the information and think about it.

Outfits and Clothing: Fall Essentials

Fall is hear but winter is near! I love this time of year because it's sweater weather, and everyone knows sweater weather is better! I love bundling up when it's cold outside, watching the leaves change color and being able to buy warm drinks at Starbucks. Then the snow comes! Living in Park City, how could you not like the cold weather?! Anyways, here are a few outfits sorted according to your style:

Comfy:

•Aztec Sweater
•Black Leggings or Jeans
• Combat Boots
• Stockings peeking out of your boots

Photo Courtesy of: Fashion Place Face

Simple:

• Flannel
• White or Black cami underneath
• Leggings or Jeans
• Converse


Cute:

•High Waisted Jeans
• Cropped Knit Sweater
• Converse or Combat Boots or Uggs


Laid Back: 

• Oversized Knit Sweater
• Infinity Scarf
• Leggings
• Combat Boots or Uggs or Doc Martens


Girly:

• Skater Skirt
• Crop Top
• Long Cardigan 
• Converse



Which style is most like you? I find myself wearing the laid back look a lot...

There's obviously a lot ways you can change these outfits up, and you might not have everything. IMPROVISE! Make it even more YOU! However, if you were interested in buying any of this stuff, here are some different websites where I like to find my clothes: Pac Sun, and American Eagle  


TIP: When shopping for these things, bring your student ID! A lot of stores offer a 10% discount if you have it with you. And don't be afraid to ask, what's the worst that could happen?

Life Hacks

Often times I find my self in situations that I need a little help with. Thank the Lord for the internet because without it I wouldn't know what to do. Surfing the web looking for ways to help my hair grow, cure a headache and make my phone charge faster is one of my favorite hobbies! I could spend hours looking up useless tricks that I will probably never remember so maybe if I share them with you, you'll be able to remind me!

Photo Courtesy of: Imgur

1. Have a burnt tongue? Sugar can cure it!

2. Putting batteries in the refrigerator overnight, before you use them, will double their lifespan.

3. Paper cut? Use some Chapstick for quick healing!

4. Eating meat and dairy will help you stay tan during the winter.

5. Put dry tea bags in your shoes over night to soak up the stench.

6. Chew gum when you cut onions to avoid crying.

7. If you're embarrassed to buy something, buy a cheap birthday card with it!

8. Putting your phone on airplane mode will make it charge 3x faster.

9. Just refresh Pandora to skip a song without actually using any "skips".

10. Wash your conditioner out with cold water for shinier hair. 

11. Sore throat? Eat marshmallows!

12. Drink pineapple juice to avoid colds.

13. Mosquito bite? Press a hot spoon onto it to avoid itching! (I did this all summer with my bites and it works really well! Just make sure the spoon isn't too hot or you'll blister your skin 😳)

14. Headache? Drink Gatorade or Powerade to stop it!

15. Drinking black tea reduces lung damage.


Like I said, it's hard to remember these but who knows? Maybe that one time you get a sore throat, you remember to eat marshmallows! Let me know if you try any of these, and tell me if they work!

Seasonal Sensations: Popcorn Balls

POPCORN BALLS!!! One of my favorite things to eat and make! You see lots of different variations, but they all have the same basic ingredients. It's up to you to add in what you want to give it a little character! Popcorn balls make a great gift for teachers, bus drivers, friends and neighbors. From when I was six years old, I made these with my mom and sister. It's simple enough to make for a kindergartener to help but fun enough for the whole family!

Picture Courtesy of Martha Stewart 

Ingredients:

• 16 cups popped popcorn

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup

• 2 tsp white vinegar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 4 tbsp salted butter

• 1 cup M&Ms

Directions:

1. Pour the popcorn into a large bowl

2. Line a large baking sheet with wax paper

3. Combine sugar, corn syrup and vinegar in a sauce pan over medium or high heat (stir until sugar dissolves)

4. Cook without stirring for 12-15 minutes, then remove from heat

5. Quickly stir in vanilla and butter until the butter is completely melted

6. Pour mixture over the popcorn and stir it in to completely coat popcorn

7. Let it sit for 3 minutes, stirring every once in a while

8. Form the mixture into 12 balls

------------- this is where I add my own creativity-------------------

9. Press 6-10 M&Ms around each ball to add some color and chocolate flavor

10. Let them cool at room temperature for a while until eating or packaging

You can do so many things to change this recipe up a little bit. For example, because Halloween is coming up in a few weeks, you could all candy corn! http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2013/10/popcorn-balls/You can also add food coloring at the same time you combine the sugar, corn syrup and vinegar which is cute around christmas time. As one final tip, I like to put the balls in cupcake holders just to make the presentation better, and to make it a little easier to package and eat.

Enjoy!