Christmas is Coming to Town!

Hey y'all! 

Sorry for being MIA the past 2 months. I have been go, go, going for class, work, finals and of course the holidays. 

As Thanksgiving passed I had a moment to reflect on all I have to be thankful for this year. I was able to graduate in the top of my high school class, begin college at The University of Florida, the continuous strong connection my family has, and all the other blessings the Lord has given me. Of course there were low points, but they have made me stronger and really focus on what is important to me. All the other distractions are just outside noise. I am so very thankful as well for my parents. They have supported me through my time in high school and continue to support and fund my continued education at the school of my dreams. Thank you both ( I know you read these) I love you so much!!

While Christmas approaches, faith and family traditions have been on my mind. The true meaning of the season is the birth of Jesus Christ and how he came to save us. I feel so blessed and comforted by knowing that the Lord would send Jesus for us, and that my family believes in His beautiful gift of grace as well. 

Family traditions are some of my favorite things about the Christmas season as well. Some of my family's traditions include: going Christmas lights looking while drinking milkshakes (because let's face it, this is FL and a cold Christmas is rare), baking and decorating cookies, talking with my brothers asking what we each know the others are getting, going to my Granny and Papa's Christmas Eve, and snowman pancakes (decorated with candy) Christmas morning after my younger brother insists on waking us up at the crack of dawn.

Wishing you all the Merriest Christmas and Happy New Year!

xoxo,

Joels

Keep Going!

Motivation is something not all college kids seem to have, especially since it is coming to the end of the semester. However, it is crucial to keep pushing through the moments of fatigue, insecurity, and exhaustion.  Here are some of the quotes I find helpful to keep me positive, and keep me going!

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."- Philippians 4:13

Mistakes are proof that you are trying.

When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you will lad among the stars.

Drink some coffee. Put some gangster rap on. And handle it.

" You have brains in your head. You have feet in you shoes. You cans steer yourself any direction you chose."- Dr. Seuss

Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I'm possible.

Let go and let God.

"Don't worry about being successful but work towards being significant and the success will naturally follow."- Opera Winfrey

Last but not least:

Skin Care Tips

A few weeks ago I posted about all the make up I wear on a pretty regular basis. However, I am also a huge fan of proper skin care. Let's face it being in college there isn't enough time to deeply clean your skin daily, or enough money in your wallet to get a facial as often as recommended. There are some quick things you can do to keep your skin healthy though.

1. Remove your makeup daily- This is uber important because if you don't it will clog your pores and can cause breakouts.

2. Pore strips- I use pore strips about once a week to just get all the extra gunck out. I put mine on right after a shower when the steam has my pores open already. Leave it on for 10-15 mins and then remove and rinse off the excess pore strip residue that is left behind.

3. Wash your face daily- I use a face washing brush to get it deeply clean.

4. Use facial masks- I use face masks about 1-3 times a week. There are so many different ones out there. I like the ones that clean pores, brighten skin, and moisturize it. Use the ones that work the best, not just the ones that smell the best.

5. Moisturize- Moisturize your skin daily! That's all I have to say about that!

6. Go without makeup once in a while- It is healthy to go a day without make up. I usually do once a week. I don't have classes on Tuesdays so I usually choose that day or Sunday's when I clean.

7. The No- Makeup Tutorial- I stubbled upon this beauty of a YouTube video while looking on http://thehautemess.com/. I have tried it and love it!! I think I use it at least 2 times a week when I don't have a lot of time to get ready for class. Check it out with the link below:
No Makeup Tutorial

Better Together

This week has been full of studying! Midterms and exam galore here at UF.

Over the summer I wrote a post about studying and how it can be beneficial to study either in a group or by yourself. I focused mainly on self study habits, but now want to touch upon group studying and its benefits.

Recently classes have been getting tougher and everyone is getting that burned out feel. However, now is not the time to slack off and take it easy. Now is the time to buckle down and focus on your academics, but you may need some reinforcements. When making study groups be mindful to:

1. Get in a group with people you like- Studying with people you know can be a plus because they are easier to talk to and easier to keep in contact with.

2. Plan when to meet before hand- Nothing is worse than a really last minute study group plan when only 1/2 the group actually shows. Make a group text, friend each other on Facebook, or pick a person who is in charge of letting everyone know what the plans are. Pick a spot and time that works for everyone, or at least a majority of the group.

3. Stay focused- Studying with a group can be dangerous in the sense that you all want to share and can go off topic at the drop of a hat. By relating back to the topic constantly you can prevent wasted time.

4. Talk through terms and concepts by making examples- Relate what you are talking about to what you know. For example, my study group for social psychology relates the terms to  fraternity examples because it is something we are all familiar with, and can remember easier than possible examples form the book or a lengthy definition.

5. Make flash cards- Quizzing each other on terms can be a quick and fun way to learn material or review old material quickly.

6. Take it seriously, but not too seriously- You want to make sure that you are getting the material down, but don't freak out if you start talking about weekend plans. These are your friends so sidde conversations are bound to come up.

Press Play

Music is something I can control in my crazy life. I can change my playlist at the drop of a hat, or make a new one to fit my mood. I have also been told I make some pretty interesting playlists!

As far as music streaming goes, I personally love Spotify. You can create a free account where you can make as many playlists as you want and save as many songs as you desire, but you have ads and limited skipping abilities. There is also the premium membership where you can make as many playlist and save as many songs as you need, but you do not get interrupted, can skip as much as you want, and have the option to download your songs and playlists to your phone, tablet, or laptop and listen to them offline (without wifi). The premium membership is usually free for 1 week, then can be $0.99 per month for 3 months then increases in price to $9.99 per month. However, if you are a college student you can get premium for $4.99 a month if you sign up with your college email. I use the student discount so I can have my music at all times and skip as often as I feel fit. Since I use the app basically all day this is the best option for me, but the free membership is awesome as well.

There are SO many different playlists to create! I have made several which are my go-to's.

1. Roadtrip- This one I fill with upbeat songs that will make the drives from UF to my home town more fun and amusing. Throw some throwbacks in so that you can really get into the driving spirit. Don't add too many that you HAVE to dance to, be mindful you will be driving! Also, make sure that you make it as long as the trip takes. Add some buffer songs too incase you get stuck in traffic or make a few pit stops.

2. Throwback- It is always fun to listen to oldies but goodies. Put some of your favorites from middle and high school along with some 80's and 90's songs. My personal favorites include the Backstreet Boys, Pat Benatar, The Cranberries, Michelle Branch, and of course a few Jonas Brothers songs, because why not?

3. Studying- While studying I find that instrumental music works best. When I am reading and studying for a test it can be distracting to be listening to the lyrics of a song. Also make this one for a few hours so that you don't have to listen to the same song over and over again.

4. In the feels- Whenever you don't feel like a bubbly ball of sunshine this one will help you work through all those feelings. Sam Smith can help a lot when you are down in the dumps.

5. Randomness- My personal favorite! I love this because I put a little bit of everything in there. Upbeat Top 40 hits? Got it. Country? Got it. Oldies? Got it. Calm music? Got it. Hard core rock? Got it. Awesome Christian/ worship songs? Got them. I go to this one the most because when placed on shuffle you never know what you are going to get and they are all your favorite songs!

6. Discover Weekly- Spotify makes a weekly playlist for you with songs they think you make like based on prior saved songs. It can help you discover new artists or find that one song you forgot you loved.

7. Books- Audio books are amazing!! I love being able to listen to the books as I clean, cook, or drive. Spotify offers different genres and even learning languages books.

There are so many other playlist options and each is different and amazing. Another thing to brag on about Spotify is that you can share and steal playlists with your friends who have Spotify accounts. I love to take a look and see what my friends listen to and take songs here and there or entire playlists.

Happy playlist making and music jamming!

Cooking in College

Eating in a dorm is hard! You don't have your own kitchen, or a normal size fridge to be able to prepare meals like you could when you lived at home. You also don't want to eat microwave mac and cheese for 4 years, so here are some tips of how to use what you have and prepare meals in a dorm.

If you have a communal kitchen, which most dorms have, then use it for sure. However, make sure that you go when it isn't as busy so that you know you'll have the time to cook what you need. I like to prep my meals for the week on Sunday night after I do my weekly grocery run, and the kitchen is usually bare of people. 

What I like to make:
Chicken: I am definitely not a vegetarian! Chicken is cheap and easy to make and can be prepared many different ways. I boil my chicken for around 20 min, or until there is no more pink. 
From there you can make it BBQ chicken, by baking with BBQ sauce or just marinating it for a few hours then heating up. 
I also love salsa chicken. Again, boil the chicken then top with salsa and cheese. 
You can buy chicken strips and shake and bake them as well.

Pasta: This is a staple because it is easy and can be stored for a while in my fridge. 
I cook my pasta for about 10-13 mins depending on the type and how much I am making. 
After it is cooked I divide it into microwave containers and then can add sauce and heat when I am ready.
Adding meat is also an option, such as chicken or beef.

Keep fruit: I love fruit and keep sliced strawberries, honeydew, or whatever fruit is in season in my fridge every week; along with bananas. I get my love of bananas from my dad and eat them almost everyday, but also use them in my overnight oats.

Overnight Oats: These things are the best and so simple and filling. 
You take 4 oz of cooking oats and put them in a cup with a lid. (I love mason jars because they tell you how many ounces you have filled on the side, plus are super cute)
Then add 4 oz of almond milk, regular milk, water, or whatever you like. (I use Silk Vanilla Almond Milk)
You seal the cup or jar and let them sit in your fridge overnight.
In the morning you add whatever you like to flavor them.
I love using half of a mushed up banana, with coconut extract, and a little bit of cocoa powder. I have also used strawberries, almond butter, peanut butter, shredded coconut, and blueberries. 
Basically use what you like to flavor them!
You can also eat them cold or hot. I prefer mine cold, but heating won't mess anything up.

These are just some suggestions of how to survive in college, but eat actual food.

Don't be Stressin'

First off, sorry for not posting last week. I had the opportunity to go home for the weekend and spend time with my family and friends, so I wanted to make sure I did all my readings and homework before I left. This meant skipping writing a post as well as skipping a few hours of sleep, but now onto this weeks post!

As a part of one of the grants I received I am required to go to workshops presented by the university. This week I went to one on stress management and found it super helpful, especially being a first year student. The presenter spoke on the effects that stress can cause on your physical body such as tightening of the chest, headaches, tension in the shoulders, etc. Every person is different. In the back of my mind I knew this was true, but once she spoke about it I found myself pondering what ways my body reacts to stress. For me personally my chest tightens, I feel anxious, and get headaches. 

However, there are many ways to reduce stress, but it never fully goes away; usually it gets replaced by another stressor. Some ways to reduce stress is to face it in a tactful way. I personally choose to make a todo list and make things off as I go. This way I know what I need to do and how much I have todo. My planner, as if you couldn't tell from my earlier post is my life and a great way for me to keep up with my lists. Others the presenter advised were to workout or get physical activity in one way or another, take fun breaks, breath, and face one thing at a time not thinking of what is to come, so not to distract your attention.

Focusing on one task at a time may seem obvious, but the way she explained it put it into perspective. She compared our attention to that of a new puppy, we go from one thing to another then back and forth not really getting as much done as we could if we focused little by little. For example, if you are reading for a class and have 15 pages, take it one page at a time, don't think of all the other classes you have t read for or you will miss it. Train the puppy mindedness to be in control.

Taking time for you was another great suggestion. After focusing on your work, or other people for extended periods of time take time to do something you like. Go watch movie on Netflix, take a walk, get coffee. This will help you want to get your tasks don because you are getting "rewarded", but also gives you a break in the middle allowing you to redirect your thoughts.

Stress is a part of life, but can be manageable, you just need to know how to handle it!

Daily Makeup Routine

Lately I have been asked by a few people about how I do my makeup. I thought I would post the process I go though daily as well as the products I use. Under each picture I have added a link to the product, most of which can be found on Ulta.com.

I begin with my Clean & Clear dual action moisturizer. This moisturizes your skin, works on fighting acne, and is a great base for your makeup.

Moisturizer

Next, I use the NYX HD Concealer in the color CW04. I put it on any blemishes as well as under my eyes so I look more alert and on my eyelids as a primer for my eyeshadow. I dab it with my ring finger to blend it into my skin. 

Concealer

After concealing the blemished areas and under eye bags, I use Maybelline FIT me! matte+poreless foundation in the color 120 Classic Ivory. I use a blending sponge to blend it all over my face and into my neck as to avoid those awful makeup lines right at the edge of my face.

Foundation

Bronzer comes next. I use the Too Faced Sun Bunny Bronzer and use a fan brush to draw a 3 on the right side, and a backwards 3 on my face. 

Bronzer

After this, I use CoverGirl's professional loose powder in the color 110 with a powder brush from E.L.F. This helps keep everything looking fresh and my skin tone even.

Powder

For blush I use Estee Lauder's silky powder blush in 01 Tender Petal. This is a light springy color and apply it with a blush brush at an angle on my cheeks. However, they no longer make the color, but the color Mauve Mystique is similar.

Blush

After letting the concealer on my eyes dry enough I move on to eyeshadow. Lately I have been using more natural colors, but it always depends on my mood and the season. Recently I have been liking Ulta's Classical Complete Eye. I use the light champagne color as my base, then I use the matte light brown in the crease of my eye by using my crown brushes bigger end and go back and forth. To add some contrast I use a darker brown at the corners.

Eyeshadow

Eyeliner is optional on most days I don't use it just because it is time consuming trying to make it perfect and even. If I do use it I like Maybelline's Masterprecise in black. This is a liquid eyeliner which I prefer since it lasts longer and doesn't smudge as easily as the pencil seems to. I only use it on the top lids, it doesn't make the eye as dark and dramatic. 

Eyeliner

I like to curl my eyelashes before I use mascara. After they are curled I use 2 types of mascara. I begin with Rimmel London's Scandaleyes Retro Glam in black, this give a great volume and separates the lashes great! Next, I use BareMinerals Flawless Definition mascara in black as well. This one offers great length.

Mascara 1

Mascara 2

Recently eyebrows are all the rage. I am  not a big fan of the drastically drawn on eyebrows and like a  more natural look, but also like to have them be more defined. To do this I use an ombre effect. First brush them into the shape you want, then I use Ulta's double sided eyebrow pencil. On the first side that I use is the shaper which is clear and helps them stay in place. Next I use the opposite side which is a warm brown and use that on my whole brow. After I use an eyeliner brush with Ulta's brow gel crayon in dark brown and use this on the last half of my brows. 

Brow 1

Brow 2

For my lips it also depends on the day. On days I have class I am in a big rush and only use the eos lip balm in the flavor Summer Fruit. This offers moisture and tastes great. If I have more time and am feeling up to it I will use lipstick then then a gloss, but that is usually on days don't have class.

Lips

I finish with Ulta's setting spray, which holds everything in place for the day.

Setting Spray

Dorm Sweet Dorm

Dorm rooms can be white cell blocks for some people, or a blank canvas for others. I chose to view my room as a blank canvas that needed a personal touch! The keys to making a dorm feel more like home are:

1. Pick stuff that you like and can like for a long period of time: Bedding, and accessories are not cheap, so make sure you love what your picking and that it matches your taste. Personally I went for a nautical theme of navy, white, yellow, and pops of pink.

2. Make it feel more like home through accessories: To do this I chose a lamp that looks more like one you'd find in a house than in the dorm section of Target. I like the softer light it gives with the 40 watt bulb vs the harsh LED light. A desk organizer is also a good idea so that your desk isn;t cluttered with papers pencils, folder,books, ect. Baskets are another great way to get storage, but declutter your surface areas. Accent pieces like art work and my wooden A make it feel more like a home than a dorm, since I'll be here for a year.

3. Put up pictures: Bring pictures of your friends and family. Mine are on a bulletin board right on my desk, so that when I look up I smile and see familiar faces.

4. Bring a rug: Some dorms are tile, and others carpet, but either way it's nice to have a rug right by your bed. I have tile in my dorm, so this helps me not have to touch cold tile to my feet first thing when I wake up. Plus it helps pull my color scheme together.

5. Patterns don't have to match: Don't think everything has to be matchy matchy, some of the best designs and outcomes come from mixing and matching patterns.

6. Don't clutter your spaces: In dorms you don't have much space to spread out so make sure you use the space wisely.

Dress for Success

Well it has officially begun, Fall term is here!! With new beginnings happening it is important to take appearance into consideration. Appearance isn't everything, but it does offer a look at who you are as a person at a glance. Professors, fellow classmates, and passers by will be making assumptions about you based on the way you dress and are put together. Here are some tips to help make the best impression on your first week.

1. Dress well your first week: Wear clothes you re comfortable in, but also are clean, crisp and appropriate of making a first impression. You don't want to dress like a slob your first week when professors are getting to know you. Stand out as the one person who is well ut together.

2. Save the yogas for next week: Continue dressing well until you have seen the professor at least twice, then break out the yogas and t-shirts!

3. Wear comfortable shoes: Walking everywhere is crucial in college, so make sure that your feet can hold up.

4. Smell nice: This may seem silly, but some people do tend to smell in classes. You don't want to be the person others avoid! Shower, wear deodorant, maybe even perfume or spray, and always brush your teeth this can also go a long way with first impressions.

I hope these have helped and that your first week back to class is successful!

Que Sera, Sera

Recently I have been thinking about different quotes and their meanings, and this particular one came to mind: "Que Sera, Sera," meaning, "whatever will be, will be." This isn't to say that people should sit around and wait for what they want without putting in work, but rather work for what they want and know that any outcome they get will be because they tried and did all they could to chase what they want.

This is a great quote to live by especially in college. You can't control everything, but you can make the best of any situation or circumstance.  Work for what you want, and the result will be what was meant to happen for you.

Sorry for the shorter post, I am moving into my new dorm this week.

Home is Where the Anchor Drops

Coming back from UF to my hometown has been great. I missed my small town where I know the roads and most of the people. However, it is strange to come home and not totally feel like you are home. After 6 weeks in Gainesville I have created a life there as well as where I am from. My dorm was my whole house wrapped in one!

Coming home was awesome because I got my space back. I have my own room and do not have to share a bathroom with 30 other girls, but rather with 2 brothers, which I can handle. My bed is not 5 feet tall, meaning I don't need a stool to get in bed at night and have the irrational fear of falling off. My meals are not microwaved and comparable to that of a 5 year old child, but cooked and made with real meat and a lot healthier.

It's important to make time for everyone you want to see when you come back too. I know personally I have been texting my friends to make sure we can hangout before we all move away again and don't get to see each other until Thanksgiving. Plan things to do with each person so you can spend quality time together and make memories, but also plan group outings so you are able to see more people in the short amount of time.

Friends are super important, but so is family! Don't forget to see your cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles if possible. And DO NOT think spending time with your parents is dumb and blow it off. You will miss them more than you know! Luckily I have gotten to spend a lot of time with mine seeing movies, shopping, and going to lunch. Spend time with your sibling as well, you will miss them too.

When you move away don't lose touch. Yes you'll be busy making new friends and memories, but also take the time to send a quick text to your friends from home and your family members. It helps everyone keep up with each other, but not too much that you have no news when you all reconnect. Facetime your family around once a week. I did this over my summer term and it was awesome! I was able to talk to my family face to face, but also two of my best friends.

Having two homes is great! You always have a place to drop your anchor! (I love anchors)

Everything You Own in the Dorm to the Left..

With the end of Summer B being this week and Fall beginning in a few weeks, I thought I'd offer some tips for packing for college.

1. Make a list of items you use EVERYDAY- Over packing is a bad habit of mine, so being honest with yourself and what you know you will use is important.

2. Go through your closet while packing- You can get rid of the excess closet fat you have sitting there as you sort through what to take and what to bring. Places like Goodwill and the Salvation Army are always in need of donations. As for those higher end pieces, you can take them to consignment shops and get a little bit of cash back.

3. Bag your hanging items (this tip was taken from my best friend)- I hate hanging clothes, but know that it needs to be done. Over my summer move I folded everything then went and hung certain pieces (with my bestie's help). She came up with what I think is a genius idea of bagging the clothes you want to hang already hung! Then all you have to do is hang and remove the bag.

4. Condense- I can not stress this enough! It is easier to move 3 bags rather than 5, and it is possible to condense by learning how to fold efficiently. Don't just throw things in a bag, move them around and finagle them until every inch of space is full.

5. Get help- Get help in both the packing and unpacking process. The night before I moved one of my best friends Kelsey came over and helped me finish last minute packing. I had done a lot already, but it was nice to have her help me pick out certain jewelry and clothing since she has great taste. When I unpacked I had the help of my mom, Monica, and older brother. My older brother was the muscle, and Monica, mom, and I were the bag handlers. Having their help made moving go quicker and smoother.

P.S. Sorry the post is late, this is finals week after all!

To Study, or Not to Study?

Let's face it, not many people like to study. However, in college it is a mandatory part of gaining that expensive degree! With distractions of friends, relationships, sports, jobs, and social events it is important to know when to say, "sorry I gotta study". So here are a few of the ways I chose to go about the process. Each person is different and their study habits will be too.

When I get ready to study I like to make sure everything I need is with me. I get distracted easily, so having to grab a pen could turn into a 20 minute excursion to the couch, kitchen, the social media world, etc. Grab a drink that will keep you going such as coffee (my drink of choice), Red Bull, water, anything to keep you energized and focused. Make sure you have pens,pencils, highlighters, notecards, books, laptop, headphones, literally EVERYTHING.

Next pick a place to study. The key to this selection is to pick a space that is comfortable, but not overly comfortable. I know that for me I can not study on my bed! I get too comfortable and end up talking myself into a nap instead. Instead I chose to study at my desk, a table in the library, or even better Starbucks. The change in location make it a better environment for work, not naps. However, you do not want to be uncomfortable when studying either. If you don't work well in highly trafficked areas like Starbucks stick to the library or your desk.

I love music and must have it to concentrate on most tasks. Studies show it can actually help the retention of material as well. I suggest making a playlist of songs that put you in a happier mood, so you will be happier while studying the Civil War or Trigonometry. My study music changes all the time! Last semester I would jam to the Glee soundtracks. Weird, I know, but it got me through and helped me achieve an A on my research paper. This semester is different though; I have found myself drawn to the musical stylings of Nora Jones. Being the hopeless romanic I am as well, Spotify's Wedding Classic playlist has also become more prominent. Spotify has become one of my go to music streaming sites because I can make playlists of songs that I know I'll like even with limited skips. Occasionally there are tasks that music becomes too much of a distraction as well so pure silence is best; it just takes time to know the difference.
Music can put you in the mood to get work DONE!

Deciding whether or not you are an independent or group oriented studier is another key part of the process. Obviously if you have a group project study with a group so you all know the material, but be aware of if this truly helps. I like to study mainly by myself so I retain the information and process at my own pace. Yet I have found that after I study personally, studying in a group setting can better help you comprehend the material and make you look at it in a different light. Again it's a circumstantial process.

Try to avoid distractions!!! I am guilty of this myself, but it is important to limit them. Keep you phone at a distance as not to be checking texts, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Yik Yak, ect. This wastes valuable time and gets your mind focused on things other than the material you are covering. Be cognizant of your distractions and limit them.

Timing is also imperative. My biological clock made me a night owl, and I am definitely no early riser. I like to study in the late afternoon and night. This gives me time after my classes get out to process as well as take a break before I get back into the material. Others may like to continue straight after class, as not to lose anything. Like I said before each person is different.

The question is no longer "to study, or not to study", but "when and how to study".

10 Things To-Do While in College

College is full of opportunities to experience things that will test you limits and remove you from your comfort zone. Back in my hometown I had a few friends who did this for me since I am typically not an extremely adventurous person. Since I moved away I have had to open myself up to trying these things either on my own or with new people. I have decided to share a list of 10 things I think each college student should try at least once in college.

1. Live on campus- I recommend doing this your freshman year; even if only for a semester. This allows you to get to know the campus life! It also allows you to share a room with most likely a stranger. If you're like me and have had your own room your whole life this may be a struggle at first having to learn to accommodate and communicate with your roomie. I got very luck with my roomie this semester and have had no problems AND made a new friend.

2. Go to a football game- Most schools do have football teams, they may not be SEC teams, but football at any college is usually a BIG DEAL. The comradery and rivalry  in the stadium is an intense feeling, but one that is indescribable and that you just have to experience to understand.

3. Tailgate- Drinking does NOT have to be a part of this. However tailgating is a great way to celebrate football season and cheer on the team before the game. Being a former cheerleader myself I am looking forward to showing my Blue and Orange Gator PRIDE!

4. Go to a party- When I say this I am NOT suggesting going to a ragger or kegger type party. If you do that is totally to your digression. When I say party I mean going to a party where you can get together with friends and make new ones in a festive atmosphere. You don't have to drink or go crazy to have a good time!

5. Eat at local restaurants- College does not just offer Chipotle and dinning halls! Every town has its own local gems that are priced for college kids. In Gainesville I have found two so far that I love, Satchels Pizza and Relish (a burger place). I have broadened my pallet to encompass odd new dishes such as a cheeseburger topped with peanut butter and sweet chili relish. For anyone who knows me I like to stick to what I know, but found myself being adventurous one night and found out I loved this crazy combo.

6. Study abroad- I love that college offer this as an option for students to do. It gives everyone an opportunity to travel, while paying mainly the same costs of semesters. I attended a meeting about UF's programs and am looking forward to doing this in the future.

7. Take classes you may not have thought about- Gen-Eds are awesome because you can take courses not related to your major. For example, I am taking a course called Bugs and People (I do not like bugs). Yet I find myself interested in the class and it is helping me achieve a Bio credit. Explore your options before you settle down to a specific major, you never know what's out there, so take advantage of the opportunities.

8. Explore the town- You are not limited to just the campus, explore your surroundings. Take advantage of your college years and go to waterparks, local hot spots, and leave the books behind!

9. Go to the museums and cultural aspects- Most universities offer free admission for students to attend museums, plays, and even concerts. Make sure to keep track and visit these places; it offers you a look into culture and IT'S FREE!! What college kid is going to give up any free activity?

10. Study- It may seem self evident, but studying is what you're in college for. Find unique places on or off campus to study. Group studying is also helpful, but make sure you know what you're talking about and not relying on the group to re-teach you the material. Study by your self. Making time to study each class is important, find which way works best for you. I prefer to study with a coffee in hand and Nora Jones on Spotify in a Starbucks, library, or my desk. (Study tips to come next week)

Timing is Everything!

Time management has to be one of the hardest obstacles to overcome. Juggling all your actives that are preformed on a daily basis as well as the few cute balls each day brings can be difficult, but in many cases planning is KEY.

Taking the time to plan your month, week, and day can all help avoid some stress. Many people use Google Calendar or iCalendar to track their events on their phone, tablets, and laptops. I do use those tools, but I prefer the good ol' written planner. If I ever lost my Vera Bradley planner I would be lost. I keep track of each days events, as well as write notes to  myself to make sure things get done and don't miss anything important. I also love the convince of having a place for emergency contacts, without having to worry that my battery will die.

In college especially it is important to keep a record of everything that is coming up. From classes to football games each day is different. Having a place to keep it all is important, that way when the curve balls are thrown your way you are more likely to be able to handle the pressure.

Being on time is NOT one of the things I'm known for. Waking up late is a daily event, and in high school my friends were always teasing me because I never got there before 7:30. Having a place to write down the times for my classes and appointments has helped a little, and I have not been late to a class ay UF yet (and for me that's a huge deal)! I also set alarms to help me keep track of time for things. I set these alarms for 30 minutes to an hour before I need to leave or wake up, because of my late tendencies. I also suggest setting clocks 5 minutes fast. You may think no big deal, but this puts a little more pep in your step in the morning when you're late to leave the house.

Time management is not only planning, it is taking the time to realize what you can and cannot handle. I am a person who loves to help others, but saying yes all the time has made me crazy in the past. I realized it is okay to say no to things you don't have time to do. Generally people will be appreciative of the fact you Let the project go rather than giving it only partial attention.

However, it is important to set aside time for the important aspects of your day, such as your daily devotional in your Bible, a phone call to your parents, Factimeing family, or even cutting out time for a nap once in a while. Keeping your priorities in check will also help you reduce stress.

Learning how to manage time will not be a one day process, everyday is different s you will be tweaking your routine often.

Making Time for Friends

With starting college and moving away from home I was extremely worried as to whether or not I would still be able to maintain my friendships from high school. Many people tell you that after high school you lose friends because of distance,varied interests, etc. I'm not going to lie, you will lose touch with some of your friends, but that doesn't need to be the case for all of them.

People grow up and move on and that's a fact, but your friendships do not have to. Growing apart doesn't mean giving up friends, it means letting the friendship grow with you. For example, one of my friends moved away our sophomore year in high school; however, we are still friends because we took the time to see each other once in a while and texted each other to keep up to date on what was happening in the others life. True, we are not as close as we once were after seeing each other daily, but we still have a strong friendship.

The key to maintaining friendships is taking the time to give attention to each friend. Whether it's a call, text, Facebook message, email, or even a letter communicating will keep your relationship strong and growing.

Moving away is not a reason to let go of friends. You never know when you will be taking a trip to where they live now or vice versa. Having friends in different parts of the country and world is great because that gives you an excuse to take trips to go and see them an for them to see you.

If you couldn't tell from my last post I am a huge fan of social media! The way it allows you to update friends on your life through pictures and status updates is amazing to me. It is a great way to keep friendships going and gives you things to talk about with the friends you don't see as often when you see them, such as asking about the recent trip they took or asking about the new job.

Video chatting with Skype and FaceTime is another great tool to keep your friends close too. My best friend and I have been doing it as a way to spend time face to face talking instead of just texting.

There are ample resources available to connect people, so it is only necessary to use them and set aside time for the people who are important in your life.

Family Matters

Just a few weeks ago my youngest cousin passed away and it made me take time to contemplate my family. Honestly they are the most important people in my life. Being from a small town my family is always around. When I moved to Gainesville two weeks ago I didn't realize how much I would miss my parents, brothers, cousins, grandparents, and so on. 

Luckily we live in the day and age where technology has helped us be able to keep in contact more frequently. With texting, FaceTime, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and more, people are a click or tap away. However, you may encounter some relatives who don't fully grasp the technological advancements like you do. Take my mom for example, I love her dearly but teaching her how to FaceTime was one of the funniest things I have ever done. Now that she can FaceTime me though, it makes talking to her more real and catching up more personal than just a phone call, plus I can show her my room and the things I am working on all from the comfort of my bed. 

Another thing is to not take the relationships you have for granted. My brothers and I have always been close and not seeing them everyday is very strange! I miss them terribly, but we are all growing up and have our own things going on. This makes the texts and snaps I get from them even more special and lets us keep up to date on each others lives.
For some visiting home for weekends seems excessive and unnecessary, while others will go every weekend. It is important to go and visit, but keep in mind you don't have to go home every weekend. Your family will miss you and be excited when you come, but you need to have time to yourself in your new home in order to explore and get to know your new surroundings.

Make sure you let your family know how much you love them and keep them involved in your life, even in college. You may not want to tell them everything, but they are there for you no matter what and love you unconditionally, so make the time and show the effort for them as well as for you. Your bonds will grow as you mature and make the relationships even more meaningful.

Intro to Me!

Hey guys! My name is Joely and I am from Central Florida. I have recently been asked to create a blog after my best friend Monica had made one (mascaraandmonograms.blogspot.com, check it out!). I will be posting on random topics as well as my life in college. 

I attend the University of Florida and am starting my freshman year as a summer student majoring in psychology. This is a big change since I come from a small town and UF could be a city in and of itself. 

My life can get hectic at times with my family, friends, church life, and school, but I will try to keep my blog up to date and as awesome as possible!

I am excited and nervous to be beginning this journey, but hope some find my posts, or pearls of wisdom/insight, helpful, thought provoking, or entertaining. 

Thanks for checking out my blog and Go Gators!