Mini Haul: School Supplies

For ages: most people's logic is that if they have "cute" school supplies they will be excited and motivated to get work done. -- Well, duh of course this logic is true! 

I have always loved school supplies and I do not think my love for them will ever fade. Being organized is key to success and school supplies allows for us to be organized; so, we should like our supplies shouldn't we? -- YES! I love following study tumblr blogs and pinterest boards. I get inspired by the neatness and organized school notes on social media to also work hard in my own studies. 

So, today after class I went on the hunt for a notebook and colored pens. I stopped at BLICK and found a variety of colored pens (I spent a little too much time picking out pretty colors.) Then on to target I went in search of a notebook. I found a navy blue leather notebook. It is simple and my favorite color! I was on my way out when suddenly the dollar section caught my attention. I found file folders, dividers, post-its, and a To-do post-it list pad. All things that I planned to get eventually, but there they were, cute, simple, and priced at $1. I was ecstatic! I hurried home and have just finished organizing a binder for all of my classes this semester. I now feel that I am more prepared to carry on with homework. I wish I had been more organized since my freshman year of college, but oh well. It's never too late to start good habits. 

I suggest everyone hit up their nearest target! The school supplies I got today reminded me of Kate Spade school supplies. Last week I was at Paper Source and almost spent 10 times the amount for each item that I bought today. I fell in love with the Kate Spade school supplies at Paper Source, but I am so happy with my purchases today, and so is my wallet! 

No need in breaking the bank to be productive and organized. 

Happy Studying to all!

-Diana 

Setting the Mood

When doing homework it is important that you find what helps you to get it done.  Maybe going to the library, going to the dining hall, local coffee shop, or sitting in bed.

I have found that creating my "work" environment really helps me to get my homework done.

• I turn on the T.V. - I put on MLB network, or an old black and white film.  I mute the T.V. or make sure the volume is very low.  I like to know that there is action, but not enough to distract me.  This mostly serves as background noise.  When I am going crazy or need a 2 min break I look at the T.V. just to get a sight of something besides a computer screen.
• Pandora- Ah my best friend.  I simply need music when I do any kind of work, it is rare that I work in complete silence.  Right now I am listening to John Coltrane Radio.  I love it because it is instrumental and Jazzy.  It is not distracting and sometimes it sounds like a coffee shop.
• Candles- I specifically find that coffee scents help me concentrate.  But over all, candles relax me and the make homework time less stressful.  Also, if you choose a scent to use specifically for homework, every time you smell the scent you will get serious and know that it is homework time.
• Coffee- This is a given.  I not only drink it because I like it, but having a cup of coffee while doing homework makes me get things done.  Coffee gives me the needed energy and is comforting when I start to freak out.  Coffee is that reliable friend.
• Hide my Phone- some people may have more control, however I do not- Social Media= My BIGGEST distraction.  I really have to turn off my phone or put it far away from where I am doing work.  
• Clean room and desk- I have to make sure everything is in order before I start doing work.  If my environment is a mess I get distracted, annoyed, and anxious.  Having an organized work area helps me to stay on track.  I also like to have everything that I need in reach.
• Making my bed- If my bed is made then I will be less likely to crawl in, take a nap, or be lazy.  
• Comfy, but not too comfy- Sometimes I work well In pjs, they allow me to focus on work and I feel comfortable.  However, there are times when being too comfortable is a bad thing.   If I feel like a slob I will want to act like a slob and not do homework.  So other times I have to put on actual clothes and even going out shoes.  This motivates me to act serious and not be lazy.  I guess my homework outfit depends on the day and how overall motivated I am.

In college there are so many distractions.  You have more than enough free time, so managing it is difficult.  Finding a way to get homework done is different for everyone.  Even times of day may have an influence of how well you will work.  So I highly suggest with experimenting and really finding what works for you.  Making a work environment for yourself will make all the difference.