#1 Way to Become Successful

Want to become successful? I'm assuming that's why you're here. Everyone wants to be successful. Success means something different to everybody. For many people, it means making a lot of money. For some, it means losing weight. For others, it means living a happy life. No matter what you want to be successful at, I am here to tell you how to do it. No buying a book is necessary because I want everyone to be successful.

So, what is the big secret to becoming successful?

It is the 7 level deep method. In order to become successful, you must know your "why." Why do you want to be successful? Why do you want to make more money? Why do you want to lose weight? Don't get me wrong, all of your answers are good answers. However, the first time you answer, you are only at the superficial layer. Yeah, losing weight to look good is a good answer. But it goes deeper than that. The 7 level deep method is asking why 7 times. Here is an example:

1. Why do you want to lose weight? To be in shape

2. Why is important that you are in shape? I want to be able to hike and go on adventures without getting out of breath

3. Why do you want to be able to do those things? I don't want to not be able to go on adventures like these because I am out of shape. I want to reach my full potential, which includes my fitness.

4. Why is it important that you reach your full potential in terms of fitness? I want to be the best that I can be. I don't want to go through life just half doing things. I want to be able to fully experience life, and I think getting in shape is a way I can do that.

5. Why is it important that you fully experience life? I don't want to just sit around doing the same things everyday. I don't want to have the same day for the rest of my life. Go to work, come home, and go to bed. I want to do things. I want to go places. I don't want to feel like I've wasted my life away.

6. Why is it important that you don't feel like you've wasted your life away? Life is precious. Sometimes it feels like it goes by slow, but really, it goes by in the blink of an eye. I don't want to wake up one day when I'm 80 and realize that there were so many things I could have done. I don't want to have regrets. 

7. What is your why? I want to be able to fully experience life and not have any regrets. I don't want to waste my life away. I want to have the ability to be active and continue reaching my full potential at an old age. 

So, we went from wanting to be in shape to wanting to experience life and reaching your full potential. Both answers were right. You just have to dig deeper to find your true why. Wanting to be in shape can motivate you temporarily. However, it is your true why that will drive you past all of the obstacles throughout your life. When you are struggling, it is your deeply-rooted why that will keep you pushing through.

The #1 tip to becoming successful is finding your why. If you find the true meaning of why you want to do something, it will keep you going. If you want to make more money, find your why. If you want to lose weight, find your why. Whatever you do in life, find your why.

Here is a link to the 7 Levels Deep Exercise

10 Beach Bag Must-Haves

Have you ever finished getting ready, walked all the way down to the beach, and realized you forgot something? Have you ever realized you forgot your beach essentials after driving 8 hours? Keeping reading for a list of my favorite beach bag must-haves!

1. Sunscreen
2. Sunglasses
3. Hat
4. Beach sandals
5. Drinks/water bottle
6. Towels
7. Bluetooth speaker/headphones
8. A book
9. Portable phone charger
10. Lip balm

Where to Get Cheap Textbooks

Textbooks are ridiculously expensive. I'm talking in the thousands for one semester. No, really. My first semester, I paid $978 for five textbooks because I didn't know where to get them. I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did, so I've compiled a list of the best websites to find your textbooks cheaper than you'll find them anywhere else.

1. Amazon- Amazon is the first place I look for my books. You can usually find used books on Amazon really cheap. You can even rent books from Amazon.
2. Chegg- On Chegg, you can save up to 90% on textbooks. You can also rent.
3. ThriftBooks- An online used bookstore. They have all genres of books, but they also have textbooks.
4. Directtextbook- Directtextbook is an online price comparison website that shows you where you can find the cheapest price for your book.
5. Half.com- An Ebay company where you can find textbooks for half price.
6. Ebay- Like Amazon, you can find used textbooks very cheap.
7. Abebooks- A website where you can find used and new books for low prices.

Although most of the time, your books will be more expensive at on-campus bookstores, make sure to check anyway. Sometimes you can rent a book there cheaper than buying one used or they can price-match. Also, if you're waiting for your book to be delivered to you after you need it, don't forget to check out your campus library.

Still stressing about how expensive college is? Check out how to save money for college students and how to make money on the side.

Dorm Room Ideas

Buying everything for your dorm can be nerve-wracking because it's so expensive, and there's so much to buy. I made my dorm bedding for cheaper than you can buy it, and you can too! Keep reading to find out how.

I saw lots of cute dorm bedding ideas on Pinterest, but they were all so expensive; at least $150 each just for bedding. I made my dorm bedding for half of that price. Let me just go ahead and say that I got a cheap reversible comforter at Walmart for $20. I also bought the sheets, but the rest of it I made, and that's what really brought it together.

The folded blanket on my bed is the main project for this post. I took a cotton fabric that I wanted to coordinate with my room and made it into a blanket. If you want to have this preppy style to your dorm, you should probably have 2-3 colors you can coordinate. I chose navy and coral/pink. Most twin size comforters are around 66"-68". That will be the length of your blanket. The width is whatever you want it to be. I cut out two pieces of the fabric. Lay one piece down, right side up. Lay the other one on top, right side down. Next, cut batting to the size of the fabric, and lay it on the top. Pin all the way around the blanket, and sew all except one side. It's hard to sew batting to fabric, but if you add tissue paper on top, it helps. Now turn the blanket inside out and sew the part you left open. There is your blanket to polish the look of your dorm!

I got navy sheets to match my comforter, but I also used them for something else; a bed skirt. In order to make a bed skirt, all you have to do is get a twin size flat sheet and either put it under your mattress, or where your sheet normally goes and just don't tuck it in. It really puts together your room because you can't see everything that's stuffed under your bed.

Keep an eye out for detailed posts coming about my décor and how I made my pillows.

What I wish I Would Have Known as a Freshman

1.) You probably won't stay friends with most of your high school besties.

2.) I know homework is important, but you need to take time for yourself. Going out and having fun keeps a healthy balance.

3.) Stop saying no. When my friends would ask if I wanted to do something, no was my go to answer. I always had homework I wanted to get done, when really it could have waited.

4.) Try to keep up a healthy lifestyle. It's hard when all you want to do is cry and eat chocolate and ramen noodles, but you'll feel better in the long run if you try to be healthy.

5.) Ask for help if you need it. I'm really bad for not asking for help because I don't want to seem stupid. However, most professors will understand. It's better to feel stupid than to get a bad grade because you was too stubborn or embarrassed to ask.

6.) Take advantage of student discounts. There's no explanation for that.

7.) Go out of your comfort zone. I went to some activities on campus that I normally wouldn't go to by myself, which is totally out of my comfort zone. By doing that, I made some great friends, so don't be afraid to try something new.

8.) Procrastination is the devil. Waiting until last minute will just make it harder on yourself.

9.) Take classes that will interest you. You might have your mind set on a major, but try out classes that sound interesting. They might even make you want to change your major.

10.) It's okay to change your major. Yeah, that might put you a little behind. What's getting a year or so behind compared with the rest of your life with a job you can enjoy?

11.) Go to at least one sporting event. It can be fun, and you may even get a free t-shirt.

12.) Keep common medicine. Getting a headache and having to go all the way out to Walmart for medicine isn't fun.

13.) Take advantage of free food. In the long run, it can save you quite a bit of money.

14.) I know it seems like it's dragging by now, but when you look back, it goes by in the blink of an eye. Don't take it for granted.

How to be Happy

1. Take pleasure in all of the small things.
2. Realize how small you actually are in this big world.
3. Know whatever you're going through is just a  small segment of your life span.
4. Change your way of thinking. If you catch yourself thinking something negative, try to turn it into something positive.
5. Stop complaining. It's easy to find the bad in something. Take the road less traveled and find the good.
6. Don't worry about what other people think.
7. Don't worry about the past.
8. If you're not in a good mood, put yourself in one.
9. Get lost in a book.
10. Watch a happy movie.
11. Do something nice for someone.
12. Play with a pet.
13. Go with the flow. It's okay as it is. It doesn't always have to be how you think it should be.
14. Get more sleep.
15. Meditate.
16. Spend time with people you care about.
17. Find hobbies that make you feel good.
18. Learn to love yourself.
19. Find the time to relax.
20. Enjoy nature.
21. Don't be afraid of new experiences.
22. Be grateful. Know that someone will always have it worse than you. It's not as bad as it seems.
23. Have a good attitude.
24. Let go of things and people that are holding you down.
25. Always smile. Be the person who smiled and didn't get a response, not the one who didn't smile back.
26. Disconnect from social media. Seeing all of the negative can affect your way of thinking.
27. Dance to your favorite song.
28. Find something that inspires you.
29. Don't compare your life to others.
30. Be present in everything you do. 
31. Get up early.
32. Get things done.
33. Know that happiness doesn't necessarily come from material things.
34. Find a job you love.
35. Be healthy. Your physical health can have a factor in your emotional health.
36. Know that everything will be okay.

Bad Branch Falls

On September 6, 2015, I took my first trip to Bad Branch Falls with my family. Although the water was pretty low so it wasn't much of a waterfall, it was still breathtakingly beautiful. The trip wasn't planned, so I wasn't dressed for the occasion. The hike was pretty difficult for me in several areas as it went uphill. Jeans and dress boots didn't help. I guess you could say I took the beauty of the hike for granted because all I could keep thinking was, "Are we there yet?" When we did reach the falls, we left just a few minutes after admiring it. I returned for my second trip on May 13, 2016 with my boyfriend and his friend. This time I was prepared. The hike is absolutely beautiful, but the best part was indeed the falls. We ended up staying an hour or so, just relaxing in hammocks. There had been a lot of rain lately, which meant Bad Branch Falls was more than just some water dripping off of a rock. The 1.2 mile hike was definitely worth the view. Here are some pictures.

Sparkler Photography Tutorial

I'm so excited for the 4th of July! There will be cookouts, fireworks, family, and sparkler photography. That's right. Sparkler photography. This is honestly one of my favorite shots. I wait year round to get pictures of sparklers and fireworks! One of the shots with sparklers that I like to do is a slow exposure photograph so that you can draw something out with the sparkler and it will show up like in my picture.

Here is how to take a slow exposure shot of a sparklers:

1. First of all, you'll need to put your camera in manual mode so you can control the settings.  Try out your camera  to see what works best. It's best to put your camera on a tripod for slow exposure shots so you can't see the blur.
2. Your shutter speed should be as least 5 seconds, or long enough to capture whatever you want to draw with the sparkler.
3. It is best to shoot these photos in kind of a twilight light so the person holding the sparkler is a silhouette in the background.
4. The ISO should be 100-200 so the picture is not grainy and to make the sparkler stand out.
5. Now have someone try drawing something with the sparkler! Adjust setting to personal preferences if needed.

Benefits of Yoga

           Yoga comes with many benefits, as you have probably already heard. I can honestly say that yoga has changed my life for the better, and I'm not exaggerating. It has become less of a hobby and more of a lifestyle. Before I get into the benefits of yoga, first we must look at what yoga is.

          It is hard to discuss an exact definition of yoga because yoga is your own personal journey. Yoga is said to unite the body, spirit, and mind. It can be physical yoga poses (Asana), meditation, or both. For me, yoga is also a way to harmonize with my inner self and nature; I usually do yoga outside. You can do yoga at home or in a class.

         With that being said, there are many types of yoga, which come with different benefits. I will do a breakdown of the different types of yoga in a later post, but for now, lets discuss why you should do yoga in general.

1. It builds strength.
2. It improves your flexibility.
3. It increases blood flow.
4. It improves your posture.
5. It drops your blood pressure.
6. It helps depression.
7. It helps you relax.
8. It boosts your immune system.
9. It increases your awareness of your body and environment.
10. It helps you sleep better.
11. It helps with migraines.
12. It improves balance.
13. It helps with stress.
14. It helps anxiety.
15. It boosts your mood.
16. It helps arthritis and back pain.
17. It improves lung capacity.
18. It helps with weight loss.
19. It helps you focus.
20. It helps with PTSD.
21. It gives you inner peace.
22. It improves brain function.
23. It helps balance blood sugar levels.

With all of the benefits,  you definitely should try yoga. Remember, you do not have to be flexible or strong to start doing yoga, so give it a try. Here is another great article that talks about the benefits of yoga.

100 Things to do this Summer

1. Star gaze
2. Swim with dolphins
3. Build a sand castle
4. Get in shape
5. Catch fireflies
6. Do photography shoots
7. Camp
8. Go to Creeper trails
9. Hike as many places as possible
10. Ride bikes
11. Make homemade lemonade
12. Paint a canvas
13. Go on a road trip
14. Make S'mores
15. Have a picnic
16. Play frisbee
17. Play tennis
18. Learn to skateboard
19. Walk on a glass bridge
20. Go to a concert
21. Have a water balloon fight
22. Use a slip n' slide
23. Go to a drive in movie
24. Go fishing
25. Ride a horse
26. Watch the sun come up from the top of a mountain
27. Play in sprinklers
28. Play on a trampoline
29. Make a tire swing
30. Go exploring
31. Fly kites
32. Go to the zoo
33. Go to a museum
34. Go roller skating
35. Plant flowers
36. Read lots of books
37. Play golf
38. Get a snow cone
39. Draw with sidewalk chalk
40. Have family game night
41. Have a dance party
42. Explore new recipes
43. Have a movie day
44. Play hide and seek
45. Go to an amusement park
46. Go to a water park
47. Practice yoga daily
48. Make popsicles
49. Have a bonfire
50. Sell old clothes
51. Have a barbecue
52. Make jewelry
53. Wade in river
54. Run a 5k
55. Go to the Poke Sallet Festival
56. Make my own shirt
57. Change my hair
58. Watch for bears
59. Do some wood work
60. Make an outdoor fort
61. Buy from a local farmer's market
62. Do something nice for a stranger
63. Vlog
64. Learn to play an instrument
65. Do crafts
66. Skip rocks
67. Go kayaking
68. Make a scrapbook
69. Ride a Ferris wheel
70. Go swimming
71. Collect sea shells
72. Start a journal
73. Go to the lake
74. Use fireworks
75. Make homemade pizza
76. Drive go karts
77. Walk around an outlet shopping center
78. Watch Disney movies
79. Go to the movies
80. Blow bubbles
81. Full out date night
82. Go out for dessert
83. Make homemade ice cream
84. Eat sushi
85. Pull an all nighter
86. Eat a funnel cake
87. Go to the library
88. Have a sleepover
89. Have a spa day
90. Play video games
91. Finger paint
92. Go to a flea market
93. Go bowling
94. Go to a historic site
95. Lay in a hammock
96. Watch a meteor shower
97. Go bird watching
98. Play paintball
99. Complete a puzzle
100. Play board games

Signs it's the End of the Semester

1.) You're trying to figure out how many meal plans you have left and see that you have a ton left, so you'll be making a lot of trips to the cafeteria OR...

2.) You have to buy actual groceries at the end of the semester because you used all of your meal plans.

3.) Remember when you ate semi-healthy? And went to the gym? Good times. Hello stress eating.

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4.) You went from dressing up nice at the beginning of the semester to looking like you're sporting Kanye West's clothing line.

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5.) Unless you have presentations, which is another sign it's the end of the semester. Fun.

6.) You stopped doing your assigned readings, although you may have never started.

7.) Everything is due at the same time.

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8.) You really want to skip class, but they might go over what's on the final that day.

9.) You don't even want to hear the word "final" after all of the homework you just finished.

10.) Maybe you didn't finish your homework. Now's the perfect time to procrastinate, right?

11.) You think about all of the things you have to do. You watch a marathon of your favorite TV show on Netflix, while continuing to think about all that you have to do.

12.) Because of waiting until the last minute, you have to stay up all night every night to do homework and study for finals.

13.) And that means lots and lots of coffee.

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14.) You try to calculate exactly what you need to make on your upcoming papers and finals to get the letter grade you want.            

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15.) You should have known when you said you'd start studying earlier at the beginning of the semester that you wouldn't.

16.) You'll have several breakdowns. You may shed a few tears.

                              


17.) Everyone starts asking for bonus points.

18.) The only thing helping you make it through the last of the semester is your countdown until the last day.

                        
                                    

Fitness Motivation Quotes

It's hard to stay motivated to stay fit. I know this. I have been there. I still am there on some days. There are some things that I do to help me stay motivated, one of which is looking at fitness quotes.  I have compiled a list of my favorite fitness quotes that motivate me to keep going. Feel free to make a picture of your favorite quote and stick it on the fridge or use it as a background on your phone, so you will always be motivated.

1.) You can feel sore tomorrow or you can feel sorry tomorrow. You choose.

2.) If you're tired of starting over, stop giving up.

3.) The only bad workout is the one that didn't happen.

4.) It's a slow process. Don't make it slower by quitting.

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

6.) No matter how slow you go, you are lapping everyone on the couch.

7.) I'm not training for a 5k. I'm not preparing for a competition. I'm not trying to set a new record. I'm not trying to impress you. I'm saving my life.

8.) Don't wish for it. Work for it.

9.) Fitness is not about being better than someone else. It's about being better than you used to be.

10.) If you still look cute at the end of your workout, you didn't work hard enough.

11.) Let exercise be your stress reliever; not food.

12.) It takes 4 weeks for you to see your body changing. It takes 8 weeks for your friends and family to see. It takes 12 weeks for the rest of the world. Keep going.

13.) If you're not hungry enough to eat fruits or vegetables, don't eat it.

14.) The body achieves what the mind believes.

15.) Fit is not a destination. It is a way of life.

16.) Whether it's 10 miles or 1, you will never regret getting up and going for a run.

17.) Today's actions are tomorrow's results.

18.) Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live. (Jim Rohn)

19.) The best things in life make you sweaty.

20.) You've always been beautiful. Now you're just deciding to be healthier, fitter, faster, and stronger. Remember that.

21.) Giving up on your goal because of one setback is like slashing your other three tires because you got one flat.

22.) One of the greatest moments in life is realizing that 2 weeks ago your body couldn't do what it does now.

23.) Don't stop when it hurts. Stop when you're done.

24.) I will. Just watch me.

25.) Train insane or remain the same.

26.) I already know what giving up feels like. I want to see what happens if I don't.

27.) Food is the most abused anxiety drug. Exercise is the most underutilized antidepressant.

28.) You can do anything for 30 seconds.

29.) Train like a beast, look like a beauty.

30.) Strive for progress, not perfection.

31.) The fact that you aren't where you want to be should be enough motivation.

32.) Sore is the most satisfying pain.

33.) Even if you can't physically see the results in front of you, every single effort is changing your body from the inside.

34.) Discipline is doing what needs to be done, even if you don't want to do it.

35.) Note to self: When I eat like crap, I feel like crap.

36.) What you eat in private, you wear in public.

37.) You are confined only by the walls you build yourself.

38.) You are what you eat. Don't be fast, easy, or fake.

39.) Don't eat for the pleasure of tasting something delicious. Eat because you are fueling your body.

40.) You are not hungry; you are bored. Drink some water and learn the difference.

41.) Our bodies are capable of anything. It's our minds we have to convince.

42.) It's not that I can't eat that. I'm making the healthier choice not to.

43.) Be stronger than your excuses.

44.) Let them sleep while you grind. Let them party while you work. The difference will show.

45.) It always seems impossible until it is done.

46.) The best ab exercise is 5 sets of stop eating so much crap.

47.) Good things come to those who wait. Good things come to those who work their butts off and never give up.

48.) It is a shame for a woman to grow old without ever seeing the strength and beauty of which her body is capable.

49.) They tried to bury us, but they didn't know we were seeds.

50.) Someone who is busier than you is running right now.


Want more quotes or other motivational posts? Let me know in the comments below! Here is another great article about some fitness motivation quotes that will inspire you!

Places every Kentuckian Should Go

I really like adventure, and I'm sure most of you do too. Sometimes it's just hard to find things to do, especially in a small town. I typically alternate between going to the movies, Walmart, and the Mexican restaurant. Lately, I've been trying to find other things to do, most of which is hiking or seeing new places. I have listed these places, as well as things to do, as a bucket list. I have already been to a lot of the places listed; the pictures don't do it justice. You need to see these places for yourself.

1.) I have been to Kingdom Come State Park many times. It is beautiful, especially in the fall. It features Log Rock and Raven Rock, and you are likely to see at least one black bear if you go at the right time.

One of the many views at Kingdom Come.

2.) Camp Blanton, also located in Harlan, KY, is famous for its sand cave and knobby rock. It also features several trails and a beautiful forest.

3.) Black Mountain Thunder Zipline in Harlan, KY has a two-hour canopy tour with heights up to 500 feet. If you're brave enough, this provides a gorgeous view!

4.) Cumberland Falls is one of only two places in the world that has a moonbow, and it is located right here in Kentucky.

5.) Dog Slaughter Falls is another waterfall located in the same park as Cumberland Falls.

6.) Cumberland Gap National Historical Park has it all. History, several trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. There is even one trail where you can stand in three states at once.

7.) Bad Branch Falls is yet another waterfall, located in Letcher County. It is best to go after is has rained. It is a 1.2 mile hike to the waterfall.

8.) Although located in Virginia, Devil's Bathtub is pretty close to the Kentucky line. It is a brilliant blue-colored swimming hole.

9.) Fort Knox is a very historical place. Although you cannot go through gate, it is amazing to just be in the vicinity and to know the history behind it. There is also a museum in this area.

10.) The Creation Museum could easily turn into a 2-3 day trip. There are ziplines, a planetarium, exhibits, petting zoo, shows, and more. This museum shows creation through the Bible.

11.) Speaking of planetariums, Hummel Planetarium at EKU is amazing as well, and the tickets are cheap.

12.) Back to Harlan County again, the Kentucky Coal Museum provides history about, well, coal mining. The tri-cities area, where the museum is located, is full of history.

13.) Mammoth Cave is something everyone should have the pleasure of seeing, whether you live in Kentucky or not. It is the WORLD'S largest known cave system.

14.) Red River Gorge is a great scenic area to hike. It is home to the Natural Bridge.

15.) The entire city of Middlesboro was built inside of a crater, so that is a cool place to check out.

16.) Dinosaur World is an outdoor dinosaur museum near Mammoth Cave that has life-size dinosaurs.

17.) Waverly Hills Sanatorium is one of the most haunted places in the world, and it is right here in Kentucky.

18.) The Corvette Museum is an awesome place to visit if you love cars. Or even if you don't because it's the only place in the world that corvettes are made.

19.) Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill is home to the third largest shaker community in the world.

20.) Visit the Thomas Edison house in Louisville, KY.

21.) Take a cruise on the Belle of Louisville, a steamboat that is 100 years old.

22.) Visit the Kentucky State Capitol, of course.

23.) Try out some bourbon on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

24.) The Kentucky Derby Museum is a must-see. After all, Kentucky is famous for horses.

25.) If you appreciate art, travel to Berea. The whole area is famous for its art.

26.) Take an underground boat tour at the Lost River Cave.

27.) Octagon Hall Civil War Museum is a place with loads of history, including the actual site of a civil war hospital as well as remaining artifacts.

16 Ways to Make Great Grades

As a college student, my main goal is to achieve great grades, and I'm sure that is your goal too. I know people have different standards for what a good grade is. C's get degrees, right? But you should always work your hardest, because that's how you'll get the best outcome. Aim for the highest grade, even if you think it's impossible.

Here are 16 tips to guarantee great grades:

1.) Go to all of your classes. Even if it seems like it's a class that you can miss, don't. It will always end up hurting you. You will either miss something important such as information for a test or you won't learn something that you could use later on. It mostly just looks good on  the student, and the professor will remember that.

2.) Get to know your professors. They will remember you, and that can help you out. Also, don't just get to know the professor in that way. Know what kind of discussions they will have. Know what kind of questions they will ask. If you take multiple tests in one class, pay attention to the types of questions they ask on the first test, and you will have an idea of what kinds of questions will be on the next test.

3.) Get involved in the class. If your class is having a discussion, make sure you are involved. You don't only learn more, but it looks good on you as well.

4.) Read the syllabus. Look at all of the assignments, and see if there are any you can get ahead on.

5.) Get organized. Use a planner or an assignment sheet to write down your assignments and readings, and when they are due. Refer back to the syllabus every now and again to make sure you didn't skip any assignments.

6.) Do NOT procrastinate. I know, basically everyone does it, but it is best if you get a head start. You'll have more time to edit papers, so you'll find more of your mistakes. And of course, you just don't want the quality of work that looks like it was turned in at 11:55 P.M. when it's due at 12:00 A.M. the same day.

7.) Listen to the professor. I know, this is a given. Make sure you pay attention to the things the professor emphasizes. There is a great possibility that it will be on the test.

8.) Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't understand something, never be afraid to ask. I know sometimes professors can be mean about it, but that's as far as it goes. It doesn't hurt your grade to ask.

9.) Study early in the semester. Start studying a little bit for each class throughout the semester. I always take and organize notes after each class, this way I don't have to cram, and I better understand the concepts.

10.) Read your chapters. I know in some classes, you don't actually have to, but if you're going to have a test or an assignment, it's always better to read than not.

11.) Find sources online. A lot of textbooks have supplemental sources that go along with your textbook. Try to find those. If you can't find those, get on Quizlet and find sets with some topics of your class, and look at those to obtain a better understanding. You can also find websites to correct your grammar for papers.

12.) Prepare strategies to deal with stress. You're going to be stressed throughout the semester. It always happens. Sometimes you have freak-outs. Find a way to manage your stress, because stress can affect how well you do in the class. Prepare strategies to help you cope with presentations and exams.

13.) Know how you study. Most people like to study in certain ways. Flashcards help me, re-writing notes might help others. Find the best way that you retain information and use it.

14.) Get in groups. This goes along with figuring out how to study, but find a few of your classmates and get together. You can review each others papers and help each other study for tests.

15.) Learn to take notes. If your professor doesn't post a powerpoint, this is especially important. There are several methods of taking notes. Learn which way works the best for you. Ask questions in your notes. Make note of things you don't understand. Make it colorful.

16.) Don't memorize. Sure, memorization can be good for tests, but sometimes not. A lot of questions on tests are hypothetical, so you will not only have to know the definition, but you will have to apply it. LEARNING instead of memorization is not only better for tests, but for a foundation for other classes.

I hope these tips help, and have a great semester!

Adding Meta Tags to Blogger

Meta tags are a great thing to have if you are a blogger. I do not know the technicalities of it, but they are used to help your blog pop up on the search engine. I tried several ways, including editing the html, but it did not work for me. I was playing around, and found a way to easily add meta tags for Blogger, so here is how you do it.

1.) Go to your Blogger dashboard.

2.) Go to settings from the dropdown box beside your blogs.

3.) Under settings, go to "search preferences."

4.) You will see where it says "Meta tags" at the top of the page. Here is what it looks like with a better description of what meta tags are:

5.) Click edit, which is right beside where it says disabled.

6.) Add a description of your blog starting with, "A blog about..." I have underlined the example in the following screenshot. Then click "Save changes."

7.) After you have clicked "Saved changes," the following screenshot is what should be showing.

You have officially added meta tags to your blogger in the easiest way possible. Have a good day, and I hope this post was informative!

What's in my Shower?

Have you ever been curious about what other people use in the shower? You know, the kinds of razors, shampoos, and what-not they use? No? Well, here is what I use in my shower anyway.

1. First of all, I use the Schick Hydro Silk disposable razors for women. At Walmart, they are $9.97 for a 4-pack. Here is the link: Schick Hydro Silk Razors

2. Of course, you have to have shaving gel/cream to go along with your razor. I use Gillette Venus Olay Sugarberry Bliss Shave Gel from Walmart for $2.97. Here is the link: Gillette Venus Olay Shave Gel

3. Ah, here is the important part. Everyone wants to know what shampoo and conditioner to use. I usually switch between several different kinds, but right now I am using the Tresemme Smooth and Silky Moroccan Argon Oil matching shampoo and conditioner. They are both $3.98 at Walmart. Here are the links: Tresemme Smooth and Silky Shampoo

                      Tresemme Smooth and Silky Conditioner

4. For washing my body I either use a loofa (you can get those anywhere and they're cheap) or a wash cloth.

5.  For body wash, I have been using two different products. The first one, which I have been using for a while, is Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter. You can get it for $4.97 at Walmart. The other product I have been using lately is a shower gel that came in a set that I got for Christmas. It is the Minajesty Nicki Minaj set. The whole set is $19.88 at Walmart. Here are the links for the two above products: Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash

                          Minajesty Set

That is all that I use in the shower right now. Keep in mind the things I use change a lot. This is what I use for the shower at my house; I also have completely different products at my dorm. Be on the lookout for what I use in my dorm shower, as well as an updated what I use in the shower for my house when I start using new products. Have a good day, and I hope you enjoyed the post!

Valentine's Day Gifts for Him

Most people associate Valentine's day with getting a female a gift (or gifts) of some sort. If you don't want your man to feel left out, but you don't know what to get him, here are some ideas for you!

1.) Custom Rubik's Cube.                                                                    

If your guy is into little trinkets like this, it would be the perfect gift! Whether you put pictures of you together, or his favorite teams, it is special because you customized it yourself. Here is the link to a custom cube kit to get started: http://rubiks.com/store/product/custom-3x3-cube

2.) A wallet

I don't know any guy who doesn't want a wallet. That is all I have to say
about that. Maybe you could have his name put on it to make it more special.
Either way, this is a great idea, especially if it's time for a new wallet!

3.) Things you love about him

It might sound cheesy, but you can make a list of all of the things you love
about him. Whether you put it on a deck of cards or write it on a piece of
paper, he really will see how much you love him. That's what valentine's
day is all about, right?

4.) Customizable deck of cards

Speaking of a deck of cards, there are so many things you can customize
now, and at your local Walmart or pharmacy. One of those things you can
customize is a deck of cards, with your pictures on it. If he is not into cards,
you can try customizing something else, like a coffee mug.

5.) Collect some of his favorite movies/games

You can never go wrong by getting your guy some of his favorite video
games and movies. Maybe even accessories that go along with those like
those headphones he has been wanting.

6.) Take him out to dinner

Usually it is the guys who take girls out to dinner. Try switching it up for

Valentine's Day. Take him to his favorite restaurant, and maybe even that movie

he has been wanting to see. He will definitely be surprised when he finds

out you are the one taking him out on a date!

7.) Chocolate

Guys like chocolate too! Usually chocolate is what the               
guy gets the girl, but get him some chocolate too. I'm sure   
he will appreciate it!

8.) Make a gift basket

Think of all of his favorite things. What movies does he like? 

What candy? Put some of these things in a gift basket, along with

things like deodorant, razors, and body wash; just anything

he won't have to buy later on himself.

9.) Cook for him

Cook him his favorite treat, whether it is peanut butter cookies

or pizza and chicken wings.

10.) Tickets

Tickets to a game or a concert are win/win.

Even if the game is a blowout or you get rained out at a concert, you still

get to spend it with your valentine.

I hope these 10 gift ideas help you out. Have a great Valentine's Day!