bullet journaling

Bullet journaling is hard as hell. You need to be good at sticking to things, have neat handwriting, and a super busy schedule.

That's what I thought at first. Despite not fitting into any of my perceived categories, I started anyways. There are definitely some  personal pros and cons but overall I enjoy my bullet journal

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Cheap-Sure you can go and spend lots of money on the best notebook, pens, and fine liners, but overall, you can just you have.
• Customizable- in store-bought planners, there's always a couple features I never use... and features I wish were included.
• Compact- obviously this depends on the size of your journal but one medium sized journal definitely is better than juggling a planner, notebook, and diary.
• Stands out- when you're at your desk and you haven have everything you need to take care of in front of you, it may be easy to lose track of the little notes and reminders in your phone. When you have a physical journal in front of you, it stands out.

Cons:

• hard work- granted, most of the work comes while constructing your journal, but some people may not be up for it.
• Time consuming- once again, this tends to lessen after you get into a habit, but you still have to set aside time each day to go through

That's what I've found after about weeks of bullet journaling and now that I've started school, maybe my opinions will change. So far, despite my tendency to forget, my terrible handwriting, and my lazy side, I've found my bullet journal to be a great addition to my day.

Keeping off the Freshman 15

Hi guys!

So the past little while has been hectic and with school starting next week I've decided to repost a post I made on my old blog Highlighters and Tea. This post is not about losing weight but can help with that too. mainly it's about staying healthy in a time of bug changes, stress, and often a low budget.

I will be the fist to admit that I am definitely not the authority on health. I have an unhealthy addiction to chocolate, the thought of running makes me cringe, and no one can describe me as "fit". Despite this, this post is extremely important for others as well as myself. Seeing as I have limited knowledge on this topic, I have scoured the Internet for other resources and have compiled them into a useful guide for both you, the reader and me, the author.

Exercising

Though it is dreaded and seemingly impossible to be a gym rat while in college and possibly having a part-time job, you can include fitness into your everyday life.

There are many reasons why it is important to exercise, including health, improved academics, and improved mood. So many college and university student find time to exercise that there is hardly an excuse not to. To read how other students do it and find inspiration, look no further than this article.

Here are some more tips and links to make exercising a bit easier;

• Learn to love running. I hate running with a passion, but these tips make it a bit less excruciating (X) 
• Incorporate exercise into everyday tasks. If you're doing these things already, why don't you spice it up a bit? (X) (X)
• Have fun. Exercise with a friend or by yourself, as long as you're interested in the activity
• Lookup instructional videos like Blogilates on Youtube (X)
• Look for free classes. Even if they 're not hosted by the school, look for ads by the community or from local gyms. (X)
• Join a club or sport. Whether it's dance, soccer, or tennis, as long as you're heartbeat is up, it helps! (X)
• Take a hike. If you're lucky enough to have some greenery around your campus or nearby, explore it. Nature will also help you relax and you may find a cool study spot. (X)
• If your school has a gym, make use of it! Luckily my tuition pays for free use of the gym, so I'll have a place to go in the winter.
• Make a routine. once you've made something a routine, it's much harder to give up... especially if you enjoy it! (X)
• Yoga. It's not for everyone, but it 's a great way to relax and tone up after all that cardio you'll be doing! Tip: for an extra kick, try hot yoga!

Diet

While the above is great, apparently fitness is only 30% exercise and 70% what you eat. This can be frustrating living on a student's budget and schedule... double that if you're in dorms. While it may be difficult, again it's not impossible.

While there are many roadblocks, there are also many resources to help you eat well;

• Figure out what's in season. This will save both your taste buds and your wallet (X)
• Drink lot's of water. I'm really bad at this myself, I really only enjoy drinking water if it has an enhancer in it like Mio or crystal light. This app will help you keep track as you take care of a cute plant (X)
• Visit your local farmer's market. It will liven up you day, and if you go closer to closing, you may get a few end of the day deals (X)
• Look for healthy options in the cafeteria. This is essential if you have a meal plan. keep track of the extra carbs and also take a fruit. (X)
• Snacking is ok! As long as it's somewhat healthy like a granola bar, fruit, etc. (X)
• Check out this $2 meal. A dollar tree just opened up near me so I may take this advice one day when I'm low on time. (X)
• Focus on doing well --> not perfect. Face the fact that you're not going to have a perfect diet. As long as you're doing well, you don't have to do perfectly (X)
• Go Paleo. It's inexpensive, tasty, and simple (X)
• Mug+Microwave= Happiness. Don't get me started on mug meals... Quiche, Soup, Chili, Cake ... 
• Routine. If you eat at relatively the same time each day, it will help your metabolism greatly and establish eating habits (X)
• Eat Breakfast. You've probably heard this tip 10000000 times and there's a good reason for that. It's Important.
• Avoid eating late. It's harder to burn off. (X)
• Avoid calorie-filled alcohol. Whether the drinking age is 18, 19, 21, or anything else, you'll probably be of age at some point during college. avoid the extra calories if possible. Tip: water+Vodka+Mio...
• Get creative. Google is your friend, use resources to avoid the pounds. (X)
• Check out this suggested shopping list. Just some essentials. (X)

Other Health Tips

There are other health concerns to consider as you start college.

• Avoid Stress. I know, I know... easier said than done. But by avoiding procrastination and getting help, you could be doing your immune system a solid (X)
• Get enough sleep. There will be all-nighters and there will be 2 hour nights but keep them to a minimum and use this app to keep track of your sleep (X)
• Don't check the scale too often. Unless you're trying to lose/gain weight, don't check your weight more than once a month. In reality, your weight will fluctuate and there's nothing you can do about it. as long as you're exercising, eating well, and feel good, all they are, are numbers.
• Get tested and use protection. Your sexual health is just as important as everything else (X)
• Visit the clinic. If you're sick, get help. It's better to miss a day with only a sore throat, than two weeks with strep. (X)
• Take care of your mental health. It 's as important as your physical health, if not more. Take rest days when needed and make use of school counsellors. I'll make a more in detailed post regarding mental health another time. (X)

So this is all for now, let me know what you think and if you have any other tips. Please share!

DIY Beauty Recipes

Many beauty products are very costly. Many, rightly so, but with others, you could probably get away with making your own version with cheaper ingredients and it would work just as well. Here is my list of things that have worked for me.

Face

Face Mask: There are hundreds of DIY face masks you can make but this is the recipe a return to most often. The first thing to note is that I have combination skin.

You'll Need:

• a quarter avocado
• a tablespoon of coconut oil
• a tablespoon of honey
• a blender/food processor (optional)

Just mix the ingredients together and slather it on your face. The avocado and coconut oil moisturize while the honey is antibacterial and clears pimples.

Makeup Brush Cleaner: Plenty of makeup brush cleaners are sold but often I find they are watered down, overpriced,or just hard to get ahold of. I've found a simple way to clean and maintain your brushes.

You'll Need:

• dish soap
• coconut oil
• a bar of soap

Mix the dish soap and coconut oil together and run your bushes through massaging the mixture in. You'll know the brushes are clean when you can squeeze the brushed without coloured soap coming through. thoroughly rinse the brushes. The bar of soap comes in handy for your beauty blenders and other makeup sponges. Simply scrub the sponge until it looks clean and then rinse it, making sure all the soap is out. Let everything dry completely.

Hair

Hair Mask: Just like the face mask there are infinite ways to do this but this recipe works best for my thick dry hair.

You'll Need:

• 1 egg yolk (as separated from the yolk as possible
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Mix together the ingredients. The egg strengthens hair while the coconut oil moisturizes and the lemon juice clears product buildup. Leave in for 15 minutes then rinse in cold water. If the water is too warm it could start to cook the egg and then you'll be picking scrambled egg out of your hair.

Detangler: My hair tangles so easily, just minutes after my hair is brushed through there are more knots. I find myself going through store bought detangler too quickly and I've found that this DIY method works well.

You'll Need:

• A small spray bottle (you can get this from the dollar store or use an old one)
• conditioner
• warm water

Add the water and  conditioner to the spray bottle and mix well. Then just spray on your hair. When using again, pop the bottle in the microwave for a few second to warm back up as it works best that way.

Bath

Body/Lip Scrub: As you've probably noticed, most of this DIYs include coconut oil, and that because it's a miracle moisturizer.

You'll Need:

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of sugar

Make sure the coconut oil is melted and has no lumps and then mix in the sugar. In the bath or shower lightly rub the mixture into your skin. You can then rub/shave it off. For the lip scrub just use 1 tablespoon if coconut oil to 1 teaspoon of sugar, rub gently into your lips and then wash off.

Bath Bombs: This is a very simple recipe to which you can add any scents or colours you'd like.

You'll Need:

• 1 cup citric acid (or 1/2 cup cream of tartar)
• 2 cups baking soda
• essential oil in the scent of choice (20 ish drops)
• food colouring as needed
• a tiny bit of water
• spray bottle
• molds (optional)

Mix the citric acid and baking soda together well, sift in if necessary. Add your oil and food colouring, mix well breaking up any clumps. Then start spraying the surface with some water. Do this until the texture is like slightly wet sand. Then back into the mold or compact together. Let dry overnight and store in a dry place.

So those are the ones I make on a regular basis but if you have any simple DIYs to share, add them in the comments below. Thank you for reading and I'll see you next time!

Seasonal Style Board

Everybody likes to believe that they have their own unique style. In reality, everybody's style is a collaboration of different aspects of their daily life. Fist there's when and where you grew up, your culture. There's also your past. Whether you were made to dress very conservatively as a child/teen or if you had older siblings, what you could watch. Another aspect that forms your style is your daily life. Are you active? have a desk job? live in a hot climate? Then there's your peer group and the media. Basically what I'm saying is that while your combination of styles may be unique, it's very unlikely that you have any original style.

To create your own style board first take a look at the clothes you have and the clothed you would like to have. With programmes like Polyvore you can create outfits to match any theme.

People find their inspiration all over so I'm going to give you a glimpse at my preferred style. Now keep in mind this is how id dress is money was no object. I'll be creating a few outfits and explaining what I like about each.

Winter

• Now one thing to keep in mind through the four seasons is that I keep two key bottoms. First is black leggings. They're comfortable and go with anything. 
• The second is denim. Denim can also be paired with about anything and dark denim goes well in the winter.
• Sweatpants because during the winter I like to maintain a comfortable lazy look
•  A long skirt for when I want to dress up
• Jumpers for a stylish way to stay warm
• a cardigan to pull any outfit together
• a long sleeved top. The one I included is a little cropped meaning it would pair well with high waisted bottoms.
• I am a huge fan of dresses, and knit dresses look amazing so I make use when I can
• A lighter and heavier winter jacket
• Waterproof  shoes, snow boots and flats. I also included tights and thick socks.
• As for accessories, I included things to stay warm because let's face it, that's the priority.

Spring

• The jeans I added for spring show a bit more skin so they're lighter for the warmer weather.
• I also added cropped pants to add a bit of colour
• the skirt I feel is fun and can be worn alone on warm days or with tights on cooler days.
• Cardigans are a great way to layer clothes, especially when the temperature changes often during the day
• Shorter sleeved tops can help you stay cool as the sun grows warmer and help to add some colour.
• I adore pastels and this list wouldn't feel right without a pastel blue spring dress.
• a light jacket is best but if it's not waterproof make sure you have a raincoat.
• during spring you'll probably need different types of shoes for the fluctuating weather, but regardless of what you choose, you'll probably need rain boots.
• Your eyes will need help adjusting to the sun, and I like vintage style sunglasses. Also, can't go wrong with a cute umbrella.

Summer

• As you can imagine, the chosen denim for summer is shorts
• And yes I did include full on black leggings because sometimes you just don't wanna deal with chafing
• high waisted shorts are versatile and comfy
• and a loose skirt will definitely help you stay cool.
• I've been experimenting with tank tops and I think whether you cut your own or buy them, loose fabric is great.
• I also love crop tops but find I can only wear them comfortable with high waisted bottoms.
• Sun dresses are amazing in every shape and style, as well as a super lazy way to just throw clothes on and go.
• Flip flops are also super lazy but you can go the extra mile with other sandals. Make sure to keep sneakers handy for when you're doing more walking.
• While all the winter accessories revolved around staying warm, as you can imagine, this season's theme is staying cool with hats, sunglasses, and if you wanna go the extra mile bring along a fan aand a parasol.

Fall/Autumn

• Along with the leggings and denim, I added these stretchy beige pants that seem very season appropriate.
• The tan skirt seems very fun while very put together at the same time.
• I tried experimenting with different cuts of tops for fall as well as lighter and heavier tops.
• Shirt dresses are so cute and add this sort of... Ivy league chic, if that's even a thing. 
• I kept with the same neutral polished look for the light jacket.
• Shoe wise just have a bunch of flats handy and a pair of sneakers.
• a scarf and hat are good for both cooler and warmer weather.
• Finally, I added a crown because this fall set just needed a bit more fun.

As you can see My style is especially eclectic and I try to keep things as easy as possible. If you make your own seasonal outfits, Id love to see and maybe youll be my new style inspiration.

Search for more money

I am without a doubt, a failure at making money. now I'm not going to go and blame all of this on my parents, but for the longest time, I didn't have that push for a part-time job. The very infrequent babysitting jobs seemed enough for me as I've never really been too materialistic and was very good at saving whatever money I did have.

At a certain point in high school, probably around the time that they started drilling college information into us, I realized I need a job. Now I was about 17 at this point and had very little experience and one reference. I soon learned after applying to almost all places in my area that that just doesn't cut it. Requirements for 1-2 year experience and five references appeared for the most entry level jobs available. 

That's why I had only my babysitting job until this summer, after my first year of college. I stumbled upon a site called nanny services, and given my only experience in childcare and my current education in the field, placed an add. Not 12 hours later did I set up an interview. 

While I'm grateful for the job, and the pay is good, sad;y my hours are not and now I scour the internet for anything online that could send some money my way and have decided to share my opinions on them. Keep in mind that I'm writing this post as I'm searching and that I'm mainly looking for ways to earn money from home.

1. Survey Sites

Trash. Absolutely pointless. I mean sure if you're a 38-year-old mother of two who does most of her family's shopping, you can probably make some money, but otherwise, you'll see a survey maybe once a week in which you'll spend 20-30 minutes answering dull questions and end up making about 11 cents. Or at least that's my own experience with it. Maybe depending on your age and lifestyle you'll have better luck but it just isn't worth it for me.

2. Teach ESL From Home

This particular method also seems like it may not be the best for me, mainly due to requirements and qualifications. I found this post which shares a few sites and companies that hire ESL teachers from home and I'll share a few.

Cambly- I've linked to another page that talks more about Cambly but basically, it's webcam tutoring, no experience needed, and learning through just social talking.

iTalki- I've linked to another page that talks more aboutiTalki. To qualify as a community teacher you just have to be a native in whatever language you are teaching. but if you have a degree you can become a professional teacher. payment works through a credit system so you can charge what you want.

SameSpeak- SameSpeak hires native English speakers as young as 16. The registration process is a bit tricky as they have a surplus of coaches but when you complete the training you can make $10 per 20-minute session.

3. User Testing

User testing is when you review an app or website for money. There are many sites that do this but the one that looks most appealing to me is usertesting.com. Their site is easy to follow and all you need is a microphone or webcam along with your computer. If I do decide to try this method I'll update this post to share my experience.

4. Freelance Writing

If you love to write like me than you could possibly make some money as a freelance writer. You can do this by writing articles for a newspaper. This article outlines places that will pay for guest writers. Another type of way you could freelance write is by selling your book on Amazon. You can set your own price and share your work. Go to this site to get started. This is definitely good ways for me to get more money but seeing as I'm more interested in novel writing I may definitely sell one online.

5. Selling Stock Photos.

This one may require some work outside your home but basically, if you have a good camera and like taking pictures, you can sell the to stock websites. Keep in mind you don't need to take photos of amazing scenes, just pictures of anything will sell. This article explains more about getting started. While this is a great idea for making money, I'm not sure its the right fit for me.

6. Opportunities Not From Home

While the thought of getting money while sitting at your computer is great, there are lots of ways people of any age can get more money. First, you can become a mystery shopper. You can make money just doing your regular shopping. This site can help you get started. You can also do child or pet care. Child care might require some experience and a police check but you can do so much with it. There's also house cleaning and lawn care where you can help busy or unable people keep their homes cared for.

So whether you're looking for your first job or something to supplement your income, there are tons of opportunities out there. for even more that I couldn't even begin to touch on, check out this page.

My Summer Daily Plan

While I only have a few weeks left of vacation, I want to make the most of it. I need to get into a routine and start building habits for the school year. Goodbye to the days of waking up at noon and staying indoors all day (in my defence it's been deathly hot). I want to make for food, spend more time outdoors, and make the absolute most out of my summer.

But unfortunately I have to be realistic, and the reality is that life happens and I'll have to expect that. So instead of doing a scheduled planner, more the rest of the summer I'll be sticking to something more along the lines of a to-do list. They will be in somewhat chronological order but really as long as I do them, that's all that matters.

So without rambling on any further, this is my plan to make the most of the rest of my vacation.

• Eat Breakfast

 This is probably the most important for me because as someone who likes to wake up as late as possible I usually just grab a coffee or Energy drink and call it a day. The days I do treat myself even to something as simple as toast, my energy is much higher by noon.

• Write

I love writing, but only when I'm sitting down and actually writing. When I'm sitting down, watching TV, the least appealing thing is to sit down and make myself write, but when I do, I never regret it. So whether it's writing a blog post, or writing a novel, each day I'll try my hardest to write even just a little.

• Read 

When I was younger I would read for hours and hours, barely stopping to eat. But as high school became more difficult and my time for reading was consumed with things I've had to read, I've stopping ready for the joy of it. I very much intend to remedy it.

• Update Social Media

This is important to me because I often have a hard time keeping up with things. By keeping up with social media so can keep up to date with things happening in the media and with my friends/ family.

• Be Active

I don't care if it's walking, dancing, or swimming but I just need something to get me active during the day, even if only for 15 minutes. This will be easier when I go back to school as I'll have a gym nearby but for now, anything works.

• Try Something New

This may be hard to do every day, but I'm sure going to try. I like to learn new things and picking up new hobbies and by trying new things I hope to develop some new passions.

• Clean

There's always something around that needs to be tidied and looking at it all makes me want to do none of it. By tackling a small portion each day maybe I can hope to clear the mess.

• Plan Tomorrow/Journal

I believe it very important at the end of each day to gather your thoughts and make sure everything is together for the next day. This means setting your alarm, checking on appointments, even planning your outfit. Another thing I want to do is start journaling about my day. I think this will help with both stress and creativity.

• Do Yoga

While this could be done morning or night, seeing as I'm far from a morning person, before bed works best. Meditation and winding down is to help me fall asleep seeng I have slight insomnia.

Welcome!

I won't make this post too long because, frankly, I'm terrible at introductions and wrote an "about author/blog" page. Just to recap, though;

• My name is Sarah, I'm nineteen and from Canada.
• I'm in college for child and youth care practice.
• I love to watch tv, listen to music and nap.
• I want to do much more than that, like swim, write, bake, and sew.
• This blog is an exploration of that.
• I don't know what I'm doing.
• Thank you for reading!