Back to College // What to Snack on

All of the free food in college is great, until you can't fit into your jeans as easily one day. While you're beautiful just the way you are, it's important to fuel your body with the proper nutrients in order to stay healthy and on top of your game! Here are some of my favorite snacks to keep you fueled and focused.

Nourish Snacks// Full of protein & honestly really delicious I keep these at my desk and in my backpack. I love Monkey Love, Coco'Nilla Crunch and Mind Your P's & BBQ's.

Apple & Peanut Butter// A great sweet treat, but make sure you choose a healthier peanut butter and  don't eat too much peanut butter. But it satisfies my sweet tooth, which is huge so you should be good!

Chopped Apple & Cinnamon// Looking for some apple pie? Chop up an apple, add a little cinnamon and put it in the microwave for a minute. It's really good, and the perfect late night sweet treat.

Carrots, Cucumbers and Fiesta Ranch// A great, savory and healthy snack for studying or just watching tv. If you're looking for a little crunch, this is perfect! Buy a fiesta ranch packet (normally by the dressings at your grocery store), and mix it up with some greek yogurt.

Skinny Pop//  A little more on the expensive side, but it's perfect sweet and salty snack, without too many calories! Gives you a perfect portion!

Berries// Cut up some strawberries with blackberries and blueberries, even sprinkle a little sugar! It's a great dessert or small snack to always have on hand.

Granola Bar// A great grab and go option! I would look at K bars, Kind bars and others that are low in sugar and high in protein!

What do you eat while you study? Any favorites?


xoxo

Back to College Posts

Planner Review

School Supplies
What to Buy Once You're There
How to Budget

Grocery Shopping

This may be a weird title, but I know so many of my friends who have no idea how to grocery shop. They just go in a grab some easy things to make and get out. They don't look at whats on sale, or what you actually need to make dinner. Here are some of my best tips!

via

Know your grocery stores rewards/loyalty programs and coupon policies// You can  save a lot of money by having a rewards account with the chain of supermarkets you shop at the most. At other stores, they might only use coupons so make sure to check the front of the store when you go. Being informed will save you money.

Plan & Make a List// Meal plan before you make your grocery list, as well as check your kitchen and storage for items you need for your meals. Even if your meals are just ramen and cereal, and least you'll be prepared.  Make a list based off of what you need still for your meals.

Buy in Season// When meal planning and searching for snacks, look at what fruits and vegetables are in season. Use this info graph to help you! It's cheaper, and the food is more likely to be on sale.

Look for sales// There are a lot of 2/5 or 10/10 sales. But do you really need those 10 containers of yogurt? A lot of those sales are meant for families, not a college student on a budget. Don't get caught up buying food because it is on sale, buy it because you're going to eat it. That's not saying you can't stock up on non-pershiable food though when it is on sale, and in your budget!

Eat Before You Go// This is a really weird piece of advice, but have you ever been to the grocery store when you're really hungry and ended up buying more? It's because you're letting your stomach shop, not your brain!


What do you do when you go grocery shopping? Any tips I missed?

xoxo

Surviving the End of the Semester

Yes. I said it. We are almost to the end of the semester. While this may surprise many of you, it may also send others into panic mode. Here are some tips to get you and your agenda through the next couple of weeks.

Know Your Deadlines// Write every due date down, soft or hard. Know your deadlines and prepare accordingly. More preparation = less stress.

Plan Out Your Days// Instead of trying to squeeze everything in, make a flexible schedule of your day and when you want to get things done. Don't try to squeeze productivity out of every last moment, make sure to schedule down time which includes time with friends!

Prioritize// Yes everything is important, but what absolutely has to be done before you get your 7-8 hours of sleep? Get that done first then move on to other tasks.

Know Your Goals// Write down your goals and post them in your workspace. That could be on your desk, in your agenda or even in your kitchen.

What to do on Spring Break

Since I just spent four months in Europe and just moved into a new apartment, MB and I are just staying in Wisconsin for the week. While this may seen boring, I plan on making the most of it! Here are some of the best things to do during spring break!

Craft// Even if your not in a sorority, check out your Pinterest craft board and pick something to make! Spend a day with someone you love crafting, or binge-watch your favorite show on Netflix while crafting!

Catch-Up// This could mean catching up on your favorite shows, watching House of Cards or finishing a book!

Explore// Take a day trip or spontaneous road trip to a city near by or a different state! Look for fun shops or quirky restaurants! Make sure to document it too!

Even if you're spending your spring break at home, or at school take some time to relax and have fun!

What are you doing for spring break?

xoxo

Solo Valentine's Day Ideas

This year once again I'm having a "solo" Valentine's day because MB can't make it up to Green Bay for the weekend. While it's definitely not a single's Valentine's day, I tend to get a little sad I can't be with my "sweetheart" on Valentine's day. Here are some of the best ideas (in my opinion) of what to do on Valentine's day if you're flying solo in the romance department.

Dinner & A Movie-- With the Girls// Being in a sorority means that there is almost always a group of women who are flying solo. It's a great way to get out and be distracted on Valentine's day. Watching a rom com is always much more fun with your girlfriends than significant other anyway! Treat yourself to a great dinner too.

Night In With Your Girls// Instead of spending more money than needed, pick a place and some movies to hang out with your girls. Pick a fun theme, like a potato bar, or a cookie dough bar! Everyone brings something, and you get a fun, low-cost distraction!

Facetime/Skype Date// If your s.o. is out of the city, schedule a quick FaceTime or Skype date! If your s.o. is just busy (or you're fabulously single) schedule a date with a friend who lives out of town!  It's a great excuse to catch up with a great friend!

Netflix Marathon// Can't find anyone to make plans with? Or not really in the mood to see couples? Set yourself up with some popcorn, an assortment of candy (& alcohol if of age) and pick a show to watch shamelessly. I would suggest Friends, Gossip Girl, House of Cards or Marco Polo.

Volunteer// See if there is any place you can volunteer and give back to your community! Grab some friends or go solo, and spread the love by giving back!

Family Time// If you live anywhere near family, see if they can't get together for a board game night or dinner! It's a great way to spend time with your loved ones!

What are your plans for V-Day? Flying solo or do you have a cute date?
xoxo

Great Tips for Writing

One of my favorite parts about being in the PRSSA is the monthly twitter chats! Last week I participated in one where the topic was writing. As an aspiring public relations professional I love to write. I never realized how much until I started my little space on the inter web. Here are some of the best tips from me and those who participated in the twitter chat!

Read in order to write better// @paigeweber tweeted this and I don't think it could be more true in my opinion. I would recommend following @WSJ (the Wall Street Journal), @nytimes (The New York Times) and @theskimm (The Skimm). Read how you would like to write!


Writers Block// I have a couple of tips.
        1.Step away. Sometimes you just need to take a break and come back.
        2. Call or talk to someone nearby about what you're trying to say. Just blurt it out!

Read your piece out loud//  This is probably my best piece of advice when it comes to editing. It won't take nearly as long as emailing it to someone. It's great if you're on a deadline!

Just write// Jane Dvorak, APR gave some wonderful advice during the Twitter Chat. Just write. Write press releases off of a headline, or articles off of a press release. You don't need to have an internship or class to write. Submit articles to your local or student newspapers. Just write.



What are some writing tips you live by? Were these helpful?
xoxo

Setting Up for a New Semester

I can't believe that some people have already started their semester!  I don't start until January 26th but I'm definitely starting to prepare already.

1// Order Books: There are a lot of options out there, so right away start comparing prices. Create a spread sheet if you're really looking at saving money and compare prices. Normally my biggest decision is whether or not I will be renting books!

2// School Supplies: Go through all of your college supplies and refill what needs to be refilled. The last thing you want to be doing is making a midnight Target run for important study or project supplies.

3// Identify known semester long projects or non-school deadlines: For me this means applying for scholarships and summer internships. You may have a senior thesis or another project. I would look at getting everything together or even starting ahead of time.

4// Organize your living space: After a long time away from school things tend to get a little out of place, especially since finals are generally a hectic time in every aspect of college life.

5// Create a Schedule for yourself: I create mine in excel, but you can do an old fashioned paper schedule too. I schedule group meetings and times to exercise. I have about 4 copies of it, and it's honestly a life saver.

This a potential schedule, don't worry!

If you're looking for more ways to prep for your semester, check out other posts, Tips for a Successful Semester and  New Semester Prep.

What do you do before a new semester?

xoxo

Tips on Dealing with Homesickness

Homesickness has been my biggest obstacle while I've been in Spain. Learning the language, and adapting to the new eating schedule has been a whole lot easier than missing my family and friends back home. (While I miss MB, the unfortunate reality of our relationship is that we aren't used to seeing each other that often, so Spain isn't all that different)

Here are some tips on how to deal with homesickness, whether you're abroad for a time period or living away from home for the first time, I hope these tips will help you!

1. Allow yourself to be homesick: Homesickness is natural, so don't suppress your feelings. Allow yourself to wallow for 15 minutes. After that change what you're doing. Concentrate on a task or watch your favorite show.

2. Get out: Get out of your room or apartment. Meet up with friends and go shopping or sightseeing. Sitting in your room is probably the worst thing you could possibly do. Make the new place your in one of your homes.

3. Don't cut yourself off from your friends and family back home: I don't advise spending every waking moment that you aren't in class or at a job talking to friends back home, but don't cut yourself off. Schedule time to talk to your family and friends, and keep a semblance of your normal schedule. I still all MB some nights before I go to bed, which gives some sort of normalcy to my new life abroad.

4. Realize that you will see your family & friends again: This is not a permanent situation. You will see your loved ones again. This new experience is going to show you how strong you are, and give you confidence. You will make new friends in your new home, and when it comes time to leave you will miss your time in your new home.

5. Bring special belongings: Make sure to bring pictures and even a special keepsake with you. It will make your new place a little more familiar and help you remember your loved ones.



The most important part to remember about homesickness is that it's natural, but it's not natural to let it consume you. These are times when you find what you're made of. I have every confidence  that you are strong and capable.


xoxo

Mid-Term Test Tips

I can't believe it's mid-term time already! Here are my test tips, everything from what to wear studying, to snacks to when to start!

What to Wear Studying:
Don't get me wrong, I am all for super comfy clothes, but I have to wear something that I wouldn't want to fall asleep in. It usually means jeans and a sorority tee with some sort of sweatshirt, or leggings with a chambray shirt and rain boots.


Snacks:
A seriously underrated part of studying, here are some snacks that won't make you bloated, give you a sugar crash and taste good.

-Apples & peanut butter
-Almonds, cranberries and sunflower sends
-Cherries
-Cucumber & dressing
-Crackers and cheese



When to Start:
Start studying a week before each test, or a week and a half depending on how difficult the material is. If it means only reviewing your notes for twenty minutes, or working on your study guide for a short period of time each night. (not including weekends unless your test is on a Monday)



What to Do
Create a study guide for your self
If your professor doesn't already have one, or has a very limited study guide create one for yourself.

Calendar of topics 
This doesn't have to be anything fancy, maybe just written on a sheet of scratch paper or outlined in your head (but you really should write it down).

Study for 45 minutes, take a 15 minutes break. 
This can include checking social media, calling a friend for a quick chat, making a snack, a run to Starbucks, a quick workout or watching part of your favorite show!

Study with a group:
Study with people who have different strengths in the class from you.  This way you have some one to bounce questions off of, and they do as well. Make sure that this group can actually focus, otherwise you're just wasting your time!

Night Before/Day Of
Night Before.
Go to bed at a reasonable time, and make sure to have everything you'll need for the test either packed or in a packable position.

Review the material right before you go to bed for 20 minutes. Do this right after you get ready for bed so you have a little break!

Day of
Eat something and drink some water along with that caffeinated drink. Your stomach won't be grumbling and your mouth won't be dry this way, and you can focus on the test!

Get up 15-30 minutes early to review the material one last time.

Arrive a little early to ask any last minute questions of your TA or professor.


What do you do to prepare for mid-terms? I know they are a little harder to study for because you still have events, extra-curriculars and a job/internship to worry about!


xoxo

Tips for a Successful Semester

If it isn't obvious already, I love the start of each semester. It means new clothes, new books and new opportunities to learn. I sound like a nerd but I thoroughly enjoy my majors and most of my classes!This is how I set myself up for success each semester.

1.Have a calendar system: It doesn't matter if you use your Google calendar, Apple calendar or an agenda. Make sure that you have a place to reference due dates. This will help you organize yourself every week and stay on top of assignments and studying for tests! This post can help you set-up an organized agenda!

2. Have a note-taking system: You can take notes on your laptop, or with a pen and paper just make sure to have a system. For my general education requirements I just use my laptop, but with my major courses I use pen and paper in order to concentrate more easily.

3.Create a semester schedule: Create a semester schedule that includes classes, regular meeting times and even your work out schedule. If you have a job or internship in which the hours are the same, put those on your schedule too. Have a copy of it on your phone or in your agenda so that when you need to go to a group meeting or attend an event you know if you're free! Check out this tutorial on how to make a calendar in Excel!

4. Create a priorities list: This may seem a little silly, but I found this really helps me when I need to make decisions with my time. For instance this past semester I had so little time for socializing that I prioritized socials with my sisters over extra credit in classes. I'm not saying that this should be your priority, but you should have a written list of what more important to you.

5. Create a morning routine(s): If you have a routine down, you're less likely to forget something and more likely to be prepared. Last semester I would get up 30 to 60 minutes earlier then I had to and I was more productive in the morning! I love my sleep, but it was a great way to start my day!

6. Set goals for yourself for the semester: Not unlike New Year's resolutions, semester goals are great, but easier to manage. Set at least three goals for yourself: one academic, one career orientated and one personal. Every week reflect on what you're doing to achieve your goals. It's not as hard as it seems and you'll get a great confidence boost at the end of the semester when you see the results!

Now that you have these six things, you're ready for your best semester yet! I can't wait to see where you all go!

Is there anything else you do to prepare for a new semester? What tip have you  never thought of before?

Good Luck!
xoxo

Back To School: Moving & Packing Tips

I hate packing and I hate moving. I love the idea of a new adventure but I hate the idea of having to move my things. I've moved into three different rooms on campus, and let me tell you it thankfully gets easier with each move. Here are my "pro" tips at moving!

1.Don't buy extension cords, power strips or cable cords until the day you move in: This is one of the best things my dad thought of on my first moving day. We ended up with the perfect amount of cable cord. Plan a trip to the local Walmart, Target or hardware store.

2. Bring less t-shirts than you think you'll need: Free t-shirts are everywhere your first couple of weeks. If you join any sort of on-campus organization you will have even more. Leave the sentimental t-shirts at home otherwise you won't have any room for your other clothes!

3.Bring pictures: Sure you want to make a fresh start, but your high school friends were there for a lot. During breaks you might still see them, but you'll want to hold on to some of those memories.

4.Pack your things in bins: Don't just use cardboard boxes, because when you have to store your things over the summer it's less likely to get damaged. Also, they can be great for holding extras, food and other things under your bed or in your closet!

5. Try to coordinate with your roommate when you will move in: My roommate and I freshman year didn't move in at the same time, and it worked really well. You have so much stuff to organize let alone get into your room, plus family members it's just easier to move in at separate times.


Have fun moving in! I have to say I'm torn between wanting to move back to college and leaving for Spain.

What do you do when you move in?

Back To School: Setting Up Your Agenda

I just gave one of my closest friends a Lilly Pulitzer Agenda for her birthday! My inner organizational freak decided she could also use the Lilly Pulitzer Greek sticker set.  Since I pride myself on a well-kept agenda, I thought I would share some pointers on setting up your agenda!


The great thing about this lists is that you can mix and match tips that fit your lifestyle.

1.Color coding is your friend. At the beginning of each semester assign different activities colors and make a key in the front of your agenda. An example is below. I don't color code my classes but rather use black ink to write down my assignments for the day and then highlight the most important tasks each day.
*If you want to color code even more, assign colors for each of your classes!

2. Write down all important due dates. At the beginning of each semester go through my syllabi and write down every paper, test and project date. I suggest using red so that it stands out from other commitments and I know how to schedule my weeks to add in increased homework time.

3. Write down everything you have to do each week for each class. Each Sunday  go through all my syllabi and write down every assignment due, test to study for and project step to complete. If you have a position in an organization write that down too. Don't forget internship application steps and other important application to-dos.

4. Assign each task a day. Once you have a list,write each homework item or to-do item on a day. If you have a consistent weekly schedule take that into account when you will have the time to do each assignment. You can always move things around later on.

5.Use post-it notes for extra to-do's or changes. During the week use post-it notes to add daily to-dos or to note changes in your schedule! This works great because you can add or remove as many post-its as you need.

6.Add stickers for fun. This may not be an organization tip, but I love that Lilly gives you the ability to use stickers to mark things on your calendar! I use it to mark special events and birthdays of loved ones. It makes my agenda a little more cheery.

7. Re-evaluate your week Thursday or Friday nights. Every Thursday or Friday night (afternoon) go through and make a to-do list of everything you have to do that weekend. It's easier than forgetting something Sunday night right before you fall asleep.

My agenda isn't nearly as busy as it is during the school year, so if you want more detailed photos just let me know in the comments


What other tips do you have for setting up your agenda?

Ace That Internship: During Your Internship

Now that you are over half way through your internship, what can you do to really stand out and use this position to your advantage? Here are some of the most important tips that I've heard throughout the past couple of years!

Ask questions: At this point in your internship you should be asking lots of questions. Not just about the assignment, but more "critical thinking" questions! Show your supervisors that you've been picking up on things and want to know more about the industry. This also shows that you're invested in the job and are planning on actually doing something

Ask your boss to lunch or coffee: Once again at this point you should feel comfortable around your boss to ask them to lunch! You can start to build a relationship and learn about how they go to their position. It's a great networking tool and a great way to create a reference for your next internship or job. They may even help you get a job.

Keep a list of everything you do:By keeping a detailed list of what you do at each internship, you are able to use this for your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile. This can also come in handy if it's your job to update an intern folder or database.

Connect with co-workers on LinkedIn:If you feel comfortable enough start connecting with co-workers and your boss on LinkedIn! Make sure to personalize your message though! Just a simple greeting and opener and "I would appreciate connecting with you on LinkedIn", then sign your name!

What are you doing in the last couple of weeks in your internship? What are your go-to tips for your internship?

xoxo

Ace That Internship Part 1: Find the Right Internship for You
Ace That Internship Part 2: What to Wear
Ace That Internship Part 3: Interviews
Act That Internship Part 4: The Follow-Up
Ace That Internship Part 6: How to Gain the Most From Your Internship Part 1
Ace That Internship Part 7: How to Gain the Most From Your Internship Part 2

Packing Tips: Going Home

The end of the year is especially stressful because not only do you have finals, but you have to pack up your room and say good-bye to friends for two to three months!

While packing, there is always that moment where you panic about how all of this stuff fit in your room, and how you're going to pack it all again.

{one} Separate & Label: separate parts of your room: kitchen, desk, nightstand/dresser, closet, and bathroom/toiletries. Than make sure to label what you put in each box. Trust me, when you're trying to figure out what is in each box when you're unpacking you will thank me!

{two} Invest in Plastic Bins: While I use small paper boxes to organize each inside of each bin, plastic bins are a great investment. You'll continue to use them, and they keep your school things dry and safe where ever you have to store them for the summer!

{three} Split Up Packing: With finals and packing it can be difficult to have time. But schedule an hour or two everyday as a study break! Put on your favorite TV show, movie or playlist and just start packing! I always start with the little things, like wall decorations, pictures and trinkets.

Hopefully these help you get started! I know packing is always the most daunting for me because I have no idea how I packed everything in the first place!

Are you home already? How do you find the motivation to pack?

xoxo

Finals Panic Help

I'm not sure how many of you have finals coming up, but I know that the last two weeks of classes for Communication majors at UW-Green Bay is basically an extended finals week. Projects, presentations and papers happen in every class. While finals week is a breeze, my life is more stressful than usual leading up to it
I have to get through the next two weeks and after a small meltdown Tuesday night I thought I would share for you my tips on how to calm some of your finals nerves

{one} Take a Deep Breath and Visualize Success
You've been through hard tests before, and by this point finals before. You always get through it. Take a couple of deep breaths and visualize yourself doing well. Visualize yourself studying, finishing those papers, and presenting like a orator.

{two} Look at your Calendar
Do not attempt if you are still going to panic when you look at your calendar.

Now that you're able to look at it, start making a list of everything you have to do. Don't panic again until the end of the steps!

Calendar view 

{three} Plan Out Each Day
This is really what helped me. I went through my list and wrote down everything that is supposed to happen every day. That includes birthdays, social events, regularly scheduled meetings and to-do lists for the day.
I did this because each day I don't have to freak out about my to-do list. I can just sit down and structure my day around it.

Close look

Week view

This is what works for me, but some people have to take it day by day. I do better having a long-term plan and then taking it day by day until I get there. I would recommend this plan for large projects at work also!

What are your tools for dealing with finals panic?
Have a great week!

xoxo

PS I apologize for my absence, I have been pretty sick, and because of a sick day I had to catch up on my school to-do lists. I hope to be back regularly this week!

College Tool: Google Docs

Do you dread group projects because there isn't an easy way to collaborate with crazy schedules. Or do you dislike having to remember a flash drive? Thank goodness for Google Docs! All you need is a Gmail account and you have Google Drive and Google Docs. 

I use Google Docs to write papers, collaborate on club projects and post meeting minutes. 

You can make folders for group projects and share them with other group members. 

Here is an example of my new semester's folder. 

Not only are there Word-like documents available, but also Excel and Powerpoint-like documents. You can create forms, and even drawings. 

I use Google Docs especially for the fact that I'm able to access from any computer I'm at with Internet. This is a great tool for any student, and even any blogger!

Do you use Google Docs? Will you start after reading this post?

xoxo