My Evening Routine

Hell again, lovelies!

A little while back, I wrote about my morning routine and how to make sure each morning is as organized and chaos-free as possible. It just occurred to me that I haven't done a post on my evening routine yet. So here it is...

Just like my morning routine, it is essential for me to make sure I am as organized as I can be. I spend a lot of my time in the evening planning for the next day and making sure I have everything I need. A great evening routine will make a better morning routine. My evening routine usually starts as soon as I finish eating and cleaning up my dinner.

1.) I start by taking off all my makeup. Although I do wash my face twice a day, it's very important for me to make sure all traces of makeup, dirt, sweat, and/or any other "yuckies" are completely off my face. It just makes sure my face wash doesn't have to work as hard, and I end up being much more gentle with my skin instead of scrubbing hard

2.) I take a nice hot shower. I shower at night because that way I know I am completely clean before climbing into a clean bed. Evening showers also help me relax and unwind after a busy day. It's time for me to clear my thoughts and simply enjoy warm water and soap suds.

3.) I moisturize my body and put on my pajamas. It's super important to properly moisturize skin. (especially in these harsh winter months) It may seem like it takes too long or isn't as important, but it's so crucial for healthy skin.

4.) I like to read/journal/color. Quiet actives help me further de-stress and it takes my mind off of worrying about too many things. It helps calm me down, so it isn't as hard for me to fall asleep.

5.) I stretch and meditate before climbing into bed.

6.) As I'm lounging in bed, I like to give my hands and feet a little massage with some body cream or butter. Hey, self care is NOT selfish. After a long and busy day, it's important to reward yourself.

I try my very best to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day. Some days are less consistent than others, but I do try to stick to a routine just so I can relax and fall asleep better/faster. The most important thing is to find time to completely unwind and get rid of stress before bed. It's very hard to be successful without taking proper care of yourself.

XOXO
Chloe

There's Still Good

Hello everyone! I hope your week is off to a great start. I am now entering finals week! It's a pretty hectic schedule and on top of that, this morning, my apartment ceiling caved in and fell. It left a pretty big hole and was leaking with water. Thankfully, maintenance was able to come over and fix the leaking. They will start repair in a few days. But now, my roommate and I are doing okay. Just because there is one not-so-great day, that does not mean the entire week has to be bad. It's so important to find the good in each day. We all have to make the most out of what is given to us. Of course I wish the ceiling didn't have to fall right as I am trying to study for exams, but there was nothing I could do about it except to stay positive and breathe.

I understand stress can sneak up on all of us and launch a surprise attack. As difficult as it can be, we all just need to take a few steps back, breathe deeply, and figure out how to best solve the problem without getting worked out and negatively impacting the situation and others around us. Our attitudes are contagious. If we start to stress out and react, then we will affect other people around us, and we can ruin someone's day if we don't watch out attitudes.

I've been teasing myself and saying that my mantra/hashtag all semester has been "It's fine". I often say it with a giggle. Along with telling myself "It's fine",  I've also been telling myself, "It'll be alright". "You will get through this", "Stay calm". Believe me, it is NOT easy for me to sit back and watch chaos go on. I want things fixed immediately. I want things done my way. In reality, it's not about me. It's not about what I want or prefer. Some things are just simply out of human control. There's a reason meditation and prayer exist.

So this morning, I woke up (very early) to a huge mess on my living room floor with a leaky ceiling. It took a lot in me to not cry or scream. I took a deep breathe, poured a big cup of coffee, and just sighed. I even found time to laugh about it while trying to clean up some of the mess. As I'm writing this, I still have a huge hole in my ceiling, but I refuse to let this situation scare me. I choose to make the most out of what just happened. "It's fine." "Everything will work out". "This too shall pass".

XOXO
Chloe

Waiting in the Midst of Discomfort

Hello again! (I know TWO posts in 1 week is CRAZINESS!)
This post is sort of related to my previous post. As I was re-reading that post, I was reminded of the word Advent and what it really means.

I'm currently doing an Advent devotional called Waiting Here for You, An Advent Journey of Hope by Louie Giglio. I'm only two days in, but so far I am really enjoying it. The word "Advent" means expectation. In the Christian tradition, Advent is the time to reflect on the beautiful event of Christ's birth. It's a time to be calm instead of letting the chaos of everyday life and the holiday season distract us from showing kindness, love, and joy to people around us.

So how does this concept of "Advent" relate to real, everyday life? For many of us, (myself definitely included) we are in a season of transitions and "in-betweeness" (Is that even a word?) For me, I am a senior in college. For my fellow college students and/or recent grads, I'm sure you know how much weight that last sentence carries. People who know me know that I love agendas and plans. I love predictability and order. The realization that I don't know how the next few months/year drives me crazy. Therefore, I just want this part of my life to be over already. Another thing about me is I also hate waiting. Lately, I've been reflecting on how I can make the most out of waiting. How can I see the positive/bright side to this?

The thing about waiting is it isn't always going to be super easy and comfortable. It's often scary and frustrating. As difficult as this process can be, we can all have hope that this too shall pass and we are not alone in our struggles. Everyone has gone through this phase before. It can painful at times but in the end, it makes us stronger and more resilient. For me, it's like when I work out. It's uncomfortable to push beyond pain and fatigue. It feels like everything would be better if I just quit. But does quitting make me stronger? No! I feel much better once I complete a workout and know I did my very best and finished despite the pain. It's no different in other aspects of life. Just keep telling yourself "This too shall pass." Just because you feel overwhelmed, it doesn't mean the world is ending. Have faith and hope that you will become a better person with more wisdom after this awkward period of transition and waiting is over.  You are strong. You are brave. You can and you will get through this.

XOXO
Chloe

You WILL Make It!

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a great holiday so far. Whether you celebrated with a large family, or had a small "friendsgiving", I hope you experienced love, joy, and community.

I am so excited for the holidays and all the festivities that go along with it. I love spending time with my loved ones, relaxing after a busy semester at college, and experiencing the joy and magic of the holidays. There's something beautiful about people gathering together to share joy and love. However, I realize this time of year can be stressful for many. There are events to organize/host, to-do lists, and trying to cram in all those unresolved but soon-to-be-resolved resolutions from this past January. (Please tell me I'm not the only one 😂)

I get it. Real life doesn't just stop because of the holidays. I still have deadlines and many things to do in the next few weeks, but today I am making a decision. I will NOT allow reality to ruin my joy and excitement. I WILL make it through this busy time AND you WILL too! We can all take a few deep breaths and find time to relax. Here are some of my tips:

1.) Compliment and encourage your co-workers, friends, neighbors, anyone
We can all use some daily motivation and encouragement. Sometimes when we have a huge list of things to accomplish, we can often forget that others around us also need kind words to get through a busy schedule. Try sticking a post-it note with a little encouragement such as "You're awesome!" "Have a wonderful day!" "I'm proud of you" It will definitely make someone smile.

2.) Do something silly
We can't be serious 100% of the time. Let loose and have some fun with those around you. Have a mini dance party or create fun competitions/games. It doesn't have to be a big production or last a long time. Just think of something fun to break up the workload. Laughter is a great tool for stress management.

3.) Do something you enjoy
This may sound obvious to some. However, during busy times, we often overlook ourselves. We can be so concerned about everything else. Dedicate a couple of minutes for you. Maybe spend some time journaling, taking a nice hot shower or bath, stretching/yoga, breathing/meditation exercises, or coloring a coloring book. I know for me, coloring has been really helpful for unwinding after a long day. It helps me forget about all I have to do for just a little bit. I feel so much better after coloring it actually helps me focus more clearly.

I know this season is tough on a lot of people but we can and we will all make it. It's about finding a good balance of being productive but also finding moments to let go of our agendas. We all need time to laugh and be silly with our friends. We can all use "me time", and serving other people and showing kindness will dissolve your worries and stress. The old saying is so true: "It is much more rewarding to give than to receive."

XOXO
Chloe

"Black Friday"=BOO!!!!!

Hello lovelies,
I am back for a new post! Let me just start by saying this week was absolutely CRAZY for me, and I could not be more ready for the much needed weekend. I'm sure I am not the only one feeling this way. We all need to celebrate making it this far without exploding.

Well, the holiday season is quickly approaching! It doesn't feel like it's time that time of year, but it indeed is. I really love November. It's a month that id dedicated to reflecting on all the good and beautiful blessings we have in our lives. I could not be more thankful for my incredible family, friends, school, home, and opportunities I've been exposed to. The only thing I hate about November is this thing called "Black Friday". For those of you who are not from the United States, "Black Friday" occurs the Friday after our Thanksgiving Day. It's when stores have sales and big discounts, and people wait in lines at midnight in order to fight each other for sales. There have been many injuries from Black Friday shopping and the length of lines at stores is ridiculous. The thing I find most ironic is that this happens immediately after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving and November is about being grateful for what we already have. We all have something to be thankful for , yet we fight with other people just to buy more stuff for us. (and most of the stuff we buy on Black Friday, we really do NOT need!)

We have an epidemic of greed in our culture. We obsess over what we need and want instead of looking a what we already have. I know I am very guilty of thinking I need all this stuff, but telling myself "I need!" and "I want!" has made me very sad and unhappy. The more I buy for myself, the more more I need in order to stay happy. Guess what? There will always be that new phone, new clothes, new toy, etc. Materials such as toys, clothes, and gadgets will only keep you happy for so long until you see the next big, new, shiny thing in the stores. However, if you and I focus on the amazing gifts we have such as family, friends, homes, schools, churches, our resources, then we will be able to feel joy and peace. Black Friday ultimately steals our joy and love. I think you and I can all agree we want peace, joy, and kindness to reign over our lives.

I am not saying we can't shop and have fun. I'm not saying buying stuff is bad. I'm not saying we must throw away all our possessions and feel guilty for buying stuff. I am just saying, our mindset should be full of gratitude and joy over what we already have. Gratitude needs to be first on our minds. We can still buy new things, but don't buy things just because you think it'll make you happy. The truth is no material and earthly thing can ever keep you happy forever. However, things like gratitude,  joy, peace, and compassion will make you feel a lot better.

I apologize for the length of this post. I just had to vent about how I've seen greed ruin lives. It's the holiday season and we should be full of joy and cheer, not sadness and stress.

XOXO
Chloe

Aftermath of the 2016 Presidential Election

Hello, everyone! This is a very difficult topic to write on today. 

I know many of us have different sentiments regarding the outcome. I just want to encourage all of us to be kind towards others, especially towards those who have different opinions than us. Everyone is entitled to have their own thoughts and opinions, so no one has any right to unleash personal attacks and bitterness. 

If you are unhappy with the outcome, try your best to have hope and faith. It may feel like the world is falling apart, but this too shall pass. Hope is a beautiful thing, and if you can't lose heart.

If you are pleased about the outcome, then be gracious about it. There are many people who are confused, scared, and upset. Please do not to rub salt in their wounds. 

I'll just keep this short and sweet: I just want to encourage all of us to try to be kind and respectful. 

XOXO

Chloe 

Signs You Are Super Awesome

Hello again! Happy Wednesday!
So I was thinking about how easy it is to get down on yourself. For me, there always seems like there is a buck of people who are exponentially more talented, put-together, compentent, etc. It's important to compliment those individuals when you see them, but it's also equally as important to compliment yourself, even if it's just in the smaller things. Sometimes the tiniest accomplishments, are the biggest ones to celebrate. Here's my list of tiny accomplishments.

1.) Making just the right amount of coffee... bonus points if the ratio of coffee and water is spot on (I have an electric coffee maker. No Keurig or single serve)

2.) When I'm folding laundry, and ALL the socks have a match. (Thanks for not abducting/eating my sockies, Dryer!)

3.) In class, when a professor says to turn to page __, and I get to that page in just one flip

4.) When the train doors are closing, and I'm able to sneak right in (ninja in training?)

5.) When I make a decision and stick to it (I'm one of those indecisive people. Too many options sometimes overwhelm me.)

6.) When I choose to think a positive thought instead of letting negative energy affect me

Sometimes, you just have to take a moment to tell yourself you are better than you think you are. Hold your head up high, and conquer. It's all about the little things that count.

XOXO

Chloe

Breathe Easy

Welcome back to my blog everyone, and happy weekend!
I don't know about you, but this past week was absolutely crazy for me. Lots of deadlines, malfunctions, and many demands from all corners... And on top of that, my laptop's hard drive crashed and I had to rush it into a tech store to get repaired while trying to find new ways of getting assignments for my online class as well as other classes completed on time. Thankfully, all my assignments got finished before my laptop was fixed, and I even finished the assignments early! (I believe where there is a will, there is always a way!)

We all know that life is never truly smooth sailing. Waves will inevitably crash onto our little boats, and storms will sometimes surprise us with a visit. If there is one thing I learned in 21 years of living, you can't fight it, you have to embrace it and find innovative ways to think outside the box in order to find solutions that work. One technique that was really awesome this week was using tactical combat breathing.

Now, what is tactical combat breathing? Great question! Tactical combat breathing is a technique used by policeman, firefighters, and military personnel when they must face a dangerous or scary situation. It helps their nerves stay calm so they can think more clearly and not be so shaky. When we get scared or stressed, our bodies react by shaking and trying to shut down. It's a survival mechanism, but if we let our minds stay in complete panic, we won't be able to solve our problems. So in order to override the stress, we need to learn how to breathe effectively and calm our shaky nerves.

Here's how it works:
1.) Inhale as deep as you can for 4 seconds
2.) At the very top of your inhale, hold your breathe for 4 seconds.
3.) Slowly exhale for 4 seconds
4.) Continue doing this until you feel your body relax and release tension.

I know I've wrote about the power the breath in previous posts, but it's so essential and oftentimes we get so panicked that we forget how to calm down. We can't stop stress and crazy schedules. Life is tough and unpredictable, but if we don't find ways to cope and manage our stress, we won't be able to contribute great ideas to our workplace, we won't be kind and gracious to our family and friends, we won't be able to laugh and enjoy the thins that are going well. Why not give this technique a try, and experience some comfort in the midst of the crazy? Deep breaths, everyone. This too shall pass.

XOXO
Chloe

Finally Some New Poetry

Hi, everyone!
Tonight something awesome happened... I was able to commit some time to my creative practice and get some new stuff crafted! Some of you may know I love writing poetry and playing with words and ideas. It's been a while since I've been able to set aside dedicated time to just simply write. Tonight it finally happened. Here's my newest poem entitled "First Ladies". I hope you enjoy it.

XOXO
Chloe

First Ladies

Cross your legs.

Sit up straight.

Smile often.

Wear red lipstick but

not too red.

Speak softly

but not too softly

or you’ll never be heard.

You can feel confident

as long as others don’t notice.

You can even crack a joke

as long as his joke is better.

Don’t wear that outfit

it makes him weak.

Don’t show the nape of your neck

unless you’re ready to be another statistic.

A real man provides for his lady.

A real lady lets herself be a spectacle.

He took a sip out of his vanilla latte.

Real men are out there.

We’re just waiting until girls

learn how to be first ladies.

His answer was as fake as Velveeta cheese.

And he thought I was the poor little damsel still stuck in a tower.

Wanna Make Dean's List? Then Use This Method!

Hello, everyone!
Classes are officially running full-speed, and as class work piles up, I thought it would be nice to share my favorite study/note-taking method. It is called the Cornell Method or Cornell Style. It has drastically improved the way I study and prepare for quizzes and exams. It is one of the most efficient ways to retain information from lectures and readings. I honestly wish I started using this method earlier, so I decided I had to share this with all of you now. Here's how it works:

1.) On a sheet of lined paper, you will need to make three distinct sections. Draw a vertical line to create a left side and right side. Stop about 4-5 inches from the bottom. Then draw a horizontal line where the vertical line ends. It should look like a lopsided and upside down capital letter T if that makes sense.

2.) At the top of the paper, write the class/course information, date, and topic of the lecture or reading.

3.) On the right-hand side, this is where you will record all your actual notes from the reading or lecture. Do this while you are reading or sitting in the lecture. It may be best to leave a space in between your notes to ensure your writing is neat and legible. (It does absolutely no good to have notes you can't read or understand.)

4.) AFTER the lecture or reading is over, go back to the left-hand side and write down questions, vocabulary, and key ideas/terms. This part is important because it helps you retain the information better and longer, and you will see how questions and examples connect or relate to the material.

5.) After filling out the right-hand side and then the left-hand side, use the bottom section to summarize the lecture or reading. The best way to create an effective summary is to ask yourself,
"If I had to explain or teach this to someone who has never learned about this topic, what would I say?"

I have attached an actual photo of my notes for my ethics of art class. I love using the Cornell Method  and I hope you find this post useful.

Right-hand side: Actual notes I took while reading the material

Left-hand side: Questions and key ideas I came up with AFTER I finished reading.

Bottom: Summary of the topic

(The green highlighting at the top just has the class information, the topic, and the date. Green is the color I chose for this particular class. I will do another post on the importance of color-coding/coordinating your classes)






Good luck on all your studying and class work. Please don't forget to take short study breaks and find time to relax before you get stressed out and overwhelmed. You got this! Go and be awesome!

XOXO
Chloe

Back to School (Revisited)

Hello, to all my wonderful readers! The new school year is upon us and I am now in my senior year of college/university! (Where did time go? This is absolutely crazy!) I enjoy prepping for the new school year and getting pumped up about starting different classes and meeting new people (Yes, I admit I am a nerd, but I just like school.) I want to gear these tips more towards college/university students, but no matter what grade you are in, I'm sure (and I hope) at least some of these pieces of advice can be useful for younger students.

1.) Keep your syllabus safe!
On the first day of class, your professors will give you a syllabus which outlines the course objectives, important due dates, projects, course policies (attendance, grading, rules, etc.) and will also provide your professor's contact info as well as his/her office hours. In college, it is all up to you to make sure you keep up with course work and are organized and always prepared. Professors will typically not remind you about papers and exams. Checking the syllabus and highlighting important dates and projects is a must. The syllabus will tell you just about everything you need to know and before you ask your professor a question about the class, make sure you check the syllabus first. Professors spent a ton of their time creating a syllabus for you to use and treasure. DO NOT ASK A QUESTION WITHOUT READING THE SYLLABUS FIRST! Chances are, the answer is in the syllabus and you are wasting your professor's precious time.

2.) Do NOT be afraid to make yourself known.
Yes, I know many people are going to roll their eyes and call me a giant nerd, brown-noser, etc. Sit in the front row. Where you sit in the lecture hall, says a lot about your willingness (or lack thereof) to actively participate in class. Sitting in the front row tells a professor that you are ready to learn, and refuse to let anything distract you from paying close attention and being engaged during the lecture.  Don't be shy about participating in discussions, asking/answering questions. If the professor can easily see your face body language and hear your voice during the class, there is a very good chance at the end of the course, he/she will take into consideration your engagement and will reward you for your hard work. Participation points are practically free and choosing to sit all the way in the back and text/watch Netflix/sleep is just dumb if you want to get a good grade and succeed.

3.) Dress for success
It is no secret that I love fashion (um, my other blog, Chloe's Closet?) This tip goes along with tip #2. When you present yourself in a tidy and polished manner, your professor will notice and it will make him/her believe that you very serious about coming to class and working hard. PJs, sweats, yoga pants are very comfy but should be reserved for the gym and/or home if you want to be taken seriously. In the professional workplace, you would be sent home and disciplined if you showed up in sweatpants or PJs. Why not practice being professional now so you don' have to learn it later. PJs and sweats tend to subtlely convey to others that you are lazy, just rolled out of bed, or don't care about being fully prepared for class. (even if you really are ready to work hard and engage) You may be a lovely person, but the way you present yourself to others can have a big impact on how well you achieve success.

4.) Use an agenda/planner to your advantage
My #1 necessity for school supplies is a well-laid out agenda. I get agendas that have both a monthly view and also a daily view. Each day after class, I immediately write down all assignments/projects/quizzes/exams that are due or coming up. I use my syllabus to write down things in the monthly view so I can see a better picture of exactly what the month looks like for me and then use the daily view to write down daily assignments and reminders to keep working on bigger projects/papers, as well as reminders to study for quizzes and exams. Your syllabus and agenda should always be kept safe. If I lost my agenda, I would be in so much trouble and have so much anxiety. My agenda is my #1 way of keeping my life organized since I also use it to write down school functions/out-of-class activities, to-do lists, travel plans, etc.

5.) Find a way to de-stress after each day.
My final tip is probably one of the most important tips I could give students. If you don't take enough time to unwind and relax, you will burn out and get overwhelmed with all your obligations. Make sure you find an outlet to decompress and not have to worry about anything. Maybe a TV show, reading, working out/exercising, journaling, or even just taking the time to get a cup of coffee and meet up with good friends. The point is you need time to just take care of yourself and rest. Being a "worker-bee" without giving yourself breaks leads to exhausting and can make you sick. Be nice to yourself. Then you will be able to be even more productive while also having a good mood.

I hope you found these tips helpful and I hope my fellow students have an amazing school year. Work hard and do your absolute best, but ultimately, take good care of yourself and you will see the benefits. Have fun and enjoy your friends. Good laughter and fellowship are vital keys to being successful. Good friends help us keep our sanity. =)

XOXO
Chloe

Just Keep Rebuilding... Things will eventually be okay

Welcome back to Chloe's Corner! I know I have been completely MIA and that has a lot to do with this summer. So far it's been absolutely delightful to be back home, and not worrying about what assignment or test is due the next day. However, I've managed to keep myself busy with a job, and it's great to both enjoy summer and catch up on some relaxation while also earning/saving up some money.

I babysit an adorable two-year-old boy named Noah. He has been diagnosed with autism but is on the milder end of the spectrum. Although he has some difficulty with communicating, it has been so easy to connect with him and kindle a sweet friendship with him. So the other day, we were playing with blocks and building some towers. His tower kept falling down and I could see the disappointment and a bit of confusion creep onto his face. I was bracing myself for a full blown tantrum. Two-year-olds have a special talent for bursting ear drums with their screaming fits as well as throwing themselves on the floor, and Noah is certainly no exception. However, Noah did something most of us adults fail to do... he just took a deep breath and found another way to rebuild his tower.

In the light of all the brokenness that is going on in the world today with Louisianna, Texas, France, Belgium, Turkey and witnessing families fall apart, poverty, unemployment, and injustice all around me, it's easy to fall into the dark hole of fear, depression, and rage. It's easy to feel like we must storm into action by avenging the deaths and the pain. If they kill us, we must kill them and hurt them much worse than they have hurt us. However, that isn't always right. Let me just be super clear: we must always do what we can do to defend others and protect their dignity. We must always want justice to be served. We must always help wherever, and however we can. However, we cannot lash out and hurt other people just because we feel angry. We need time to properly access the situation before acting rashly.

Like Noah, we must all take a step back, breathe deeply, and find ways to rebuild and restore. There is always a peaceful way to find harmony. Justice and truth will eventually win out. Criminals will get caught but it isn't always our job to prosecute them. (Let's leave that job to the many talented lawyers and judges. Believe in our justice system. It does do a lot of good work despite all the negativity) We can rebuild the brokenness around us but we can't hurt others while rebuilding. We are always stronger and more beautiful when we are united. So let's try our hardest to put aside our differences, take a few deep breaths while we find smart and strategic ways to rebuild our families, relationships, communities, and the world. Acting too rashly out of pure rage does not solve any problems. It only creates more. Let's all try to be a bit more like little Noah. Find a way to rebuild without throwing unnecessary tantrums and causing more drama. Things will eventually work out. It just takes some time.

XOXO
Chloe

Have a Party! Let's Celebrate

Welcome back to my blog! I only have 7 more days until I am completely finished with my junior year of college. Since I am going to be super busy next week, this will be my last blog post for a while. Hopefully, I won't be MIA too long this time. Today's topic is just a friendly reminder to make sure you truly celebrate the small things. I know it's super cliche but life is so unpredictable and you never know when it's going to drastically change so it's so important to cherish the absolutely pristine moments in each day. In each day, there is something worth celebrating. Don't wait for job promotions/new careers, holidays and anniversaries, and birthdays. Here is a list of potential things to celebrate

1.) Mastering the art of making a perfect cup of coffee: For me, I do not have a Keurig so sometimes my coffee can be inconsistent. It's a big deal when the coffee is just the right strength with the right temperature, and with the right ratio of fixings (cream, sugar, milk, honey, etc) Nothing says good morning quite like a wonderful cup of coffee.

2.) Not having a chaotic or stressful commute: If you manage to get through your commute without any complaints or outbursts, give yourself a pat on the back. Instead of honking, yelling, cursing cutting people off, etc, just try holding your tongue. Your attitude and mood is directly affected by your words and thoughts. Try creating a mental list of things that you appreciate and then turn on some good music and just jam out. Chicago definitely needs to work on not being angry drivers but we're all in a learning process.

3.) Accomplishing at least two or three things on your to-do list: If you read my other blog posts, it's no surpise that i love organization and lists. Each morning, I create a daily to-do list and do my very best to stick to it. But as we all know, life isn't always smooth sailing and although I'd love to finsih my entire to-do list, sometimes it's just not possible. We all have busy lives and schedules so I've found that rewarding myself and celebrating the things i did get done helps me feel better and stay motivated to keep checking things off my list. Even if you get just one task done, that's wonderful!

Regardless of how hectic your schedule is, there is always something hidden in each day. There's beauty everywhere if you just take a moment to look. Appreciation keep us from going crazy. It centers us so we stay balanced even during traffic jams, family issues, work problems, big lifestyle changes, etc. Appreciation makes even the most mundane and ordinary things sparkle.

XOXO
Chloe

More Study Tips

Happy Friday to all my lovely readers, it looks like my next 14 days are going to be all about finishing last minute assignments for classes and study sessions. Yes, I am entering the much dreaded "Dead Week" and finals week. Yikes, the end of the semester has crept up on me sooner than expected. Last week, I did a post about how to reduce stress for students. So this week, I am sort of continuing on with some more tips. I know that many college students are actually heading into finals week next week and are in the same boat as I am in. Regardless of when finals are taking place, here are some more of my favorite study tips that have saved me time and time again.

1.) Go to review sessions/make a study group: If your professor is kind enough to hold a review session, go to it. If they are not doing a review session, then I suggest getting some classmates together and helping one another study. I know from experience that it is very easy to forget about something when you make your study guides, so it is really important to see what your classmates are including in their study guides and you can help answer each other's questions.

2.) Healthy Snacks: Don't forget to have healthy snacks while studying. It can be tempting to pound away at your review session and become too focused on working. Healthy snacks give you the energy to keep working hard and it can help your brain function better. I love fruit, nuts, and granola bars. Also, remember to drink plenty of water. I cannot stress the importance of drinking water and not coffee, soda or energy drinks while studying. Refer back to previous posts regarding the benefits of hydration.

3.) Mind Mapping: I found this technique super helpful for when I make my study guides. Mind mapping is when you put the topic or idea in a circle or bubble in the middle and then draw other bubbles that branch out from the center. In those branches or outer bubbles, you write down the terms or principles that are associated with the term in the center. This allows you to be able to visually see how the principles connect with the main idea and you can see everything you need to remember for the exam. I am definitely planning on using this technique for all of my study guides this semester.

4.) Office Hours: Do NOT be afraid to visit your professor during his or her office hours. They have office hours for a reason. They are there to help you and answer your questions. They may also be able to give you some insight on what to expect from the exam and my professors have been able to give me ideas for how to study more effectively. Do not be scared to approach them.

5.) Flashcards: You can use either paper flash cards or a site called Quizlet to help review big ideas or concepts/terms. You can as a friend to help you go through them or you can do them by yourself. Either way, you can instantly see what terms trip you up and what you need to focus on before the big day.

I hope this helps with test anxieties. Remember to take deep breaths and take care of your bodies. You can do this and all of us college students are going to survive these next few days!

XOXO
Chloe

Managing Stress For College Students

Hello again, everyone! I only have 21 days left of school for this year. Wow! I am so excited about being home for the summer and getting time to relax and recuperate from a busy year. However, I am getting ready to enter the much dreaded homestretch. One more week of classes, then "dead week", then finals week. Ahh! A lot of my fellow classmates and friends and I are going crazy. We vent about unfinished homework assignments, exams to study for, project that are do, papers to write, and so on. I'm guessing my friends and I are NOT alone in this struggle. SO here's some tips I've accumulated over the past couple of years of being a college student.

1.) Exercise: Physical activity is so beneficial. Not only dies it help you get your body ready for swimsuit season but it also helps boost energy. If you find yourself super sleepy while studying or doing homework, get up and move. It doesn't have to be a full workout at the gym. If you are short on time, take a walk around campus, do some jumping jacks, or go up and down the stairs. When you get the blood flowing throughout your body, it will really help perk you up, and you'll also be in a better mood. I am in Intramural volleyball season, and I've been having a blast with it. It's a low-stress environment where a bunch of my friends and I get together to play volleyball and blow off steam. It is so much fun and I get a good workout in!

2.) Sleep: This is honestly a hard one for me. I do a lot of my best studying at night and it is sometimes hard to shut off my brain. But 7-8 hours of solid sleep helps your brain function to the best of its ability. Skimping on sleep the night before an exam is a bad idea. It will decrease your memory and the chances of remembering everything you need for that test become low. Sleep obviously helps you feel more awake and keeps you in a better mood.

3.) Water: I am also guilty of not drinking enough water. I reach for coffee throughout the day. And although coffee isn't entirely bad, it doesn't give you the benefits that water does. Coffee makes your dehydrated. Water also helps you stay awake, is good for your body, and it helps you perform better while studying or taking a test. I had a high school teacher compare water to premium gasoline for your car. Coffee is like regular gasoline. It works okay for some cars but it is not the best option. It can even ruin some cars. Your brain is like a car engine. You need to be super careful about what you fuel it with. Water is like premium gasoline. It will prevent your brain from crashing. There's a whole host of ailments that can accompany dehydration so it's best to embrace water instead of energy drinks and sugar.

Anyway, I hope these three tips will help you ace your projects and exams. Keep your head up and stay strong. You will dominate these last weeks of school and then be off to a well deserved break.

XOXO
Chloe

The Only Day That Matters Is Today

Hello everyone! Sorry I missed you yesterday. I had so much work to catch up on but I'm finally able to be here on the web today. This past Thursday, I only had one class and my class was instructed to spend time outdoor and take a photo with our phones of something in nature that we found aesthetically beautiful. The weather was amazing and it was so refreshing to get to spend time appreciating nature and seeing beauty in the smallest details. Tree bark, new leaves budding, flowers blooming, lush green grass, smooth pebbles by the river... I was then reminded of something so important: Today is the only day that matters.

In Chicago, the weather is extremely unreliable. (especially when it's supposed to be springtime). It can be sunny, warm, and pleasant and then the very next day it is snowing, overcast, and windy. This is something I really dislike about Chicago. I consider anything below 60 degrees to be too cold and I find myself constantly complaining about how I'm not happy with the weather. I'm guilty to say I only  take time to be grateful when things go my way and this is dangerous. Thursday, I was sitting in the grass and just reveling in how glorious the weather was and I told myself. So instead of worrying about tomorrow's forecast, just stop and appreciate this exact moment in time. The sun is shining on me, birds are singing, flowers are in bloom. Tomorrow can be crazy but tomorrow is also very far away. There will never be this exact moment ever again so love it while it lasts. Let tomorrow take care of itself and leave yesterday alone. This exact second is what needs to be noticed.

Today is the day to be thankful. Today is the day to make someone else happy. Today is the day to remind yourself that you are strong, talented, and fierce. Today is the day to stop worrying about all your problems and inconveniences. Today is the day to relax and enjoy.

XOXO
Chloe

It's Been A While Since I've Posted Poetry

Happy Friday, everyone! It's been such a hectic week for me but I've made it. I hope your week hasn't been too chaotic. The weekend is here and it's now time to relax and unwind for a bit. As I've been scanning my previous posts, it has been a while since I have shared some of my own personal poetry with you. My writing schedule has been almost nonexistent to be honest. It's something I feel guilty about, but at the same time, no one has an easy, slow, chaos-free schedule. So here's one poem I wrote some time ago, and have recently finished revising:

Kids Are Accessories

The girl with the colorful heart

couldn’t resist feeling remorse.

She knew.

She was wrong to blame the child

for taking away her liberty

Marrying the boy just because

she feared being perpetually alone

and having children, lots of them

to prove she had a purpose

Now 28 years old and alone and exhausted because

Boys and girls don’t stay boys and girls for long.

Kids in society tend to be accessories

how many kids can you fit inside your house

that sits quietly on the cul-de-sac?

Kids make lovely decorations and trophies in America’s eyes.

I am not going to go into the details of why I wrote this or what I intend for it to mean. That is strictly up to my readers. I believe all of you are intelligent and creative enough to decipher your own unique meaning and/or opinions. All I can say, is that my poetry is super special to me. It's a part of me and it can never be separated from me. It's an unbreakable bond. We all process the world differently, and for me writing is how I make sense of the crazy and oftentimes confusing world around me. Paper does not judge me for asking so called "stupid questions". (which by the way, I firmly believe no question is ever stupid. We are all learning at our own pace, and a work in progress) So enjoy and/or agree/disagree. I leave my intention and the meaning of this work completely open for interpretation. 

XOXO

Chloe 

The Ultimate Win-Win Situation

Hello, to all my gorgeous readers! I'm so sorry I missed you last week. I got caught up in a lot of work for school but now I am back! I have fallen deeply in love with an amazing company called Pura Vida Bracelets. They are based out of La Jolla, California, USA and it was started by two guys who took a trip to Costa Rica, met a some talented artisans who made bracelets, took those bracelets back to America, and sold them to people, and decided to give back to artisans in Costa Rica. Pure Vida means "pure life" and the company is all about giving back to not only artisans in Costa Rica, but also doing their best to support non-profit charities and organizations. Just about nay cause you can think of, Pura Vida most likely has aa bracelet that will give back money to them.

If bracelets are not quite your thing, you can also purchase water bottles, jewelry holders, clutches/bags, hair ties, and clothing. They also sell anklets too if that's your type of thing. I love that each bracelet and anklet are handmade by artisans in Costa Rica. It's important to me that we do our best to support artists and individuals rather than only relying on factories and machines. There's just something extra special and genuine/authentic about hand made items.

If you're reading this and are interested, I have some great news! I am now an official Pura Vida Rep and I would love to hook you up with some awesome and fun goodies. Go to http://www.puravidabracelets.com to start shopping, once you added some goodies to your shopping cart, when it asks if you have a coupon code, type in CHLOEPARK20 to receive 20% off any item. You can also use this code in the future. This is NOT a one-time offer. If you live in the United State, there is also free standard shipping, s no more dealing with ridiculous, overpriced, overrated shipping and handling fees. And the items are all reasonably priced, so once you enter in my code for 20% off, it's super cheap and each bracelet purchased gives a full-time job to an artisan in Costa Rica. I understand this part is going to sound a bit selfish, so please forgive me: I also receive a 10% commission for being a rep. Your purchase will really help out this college student's wallet even if it's only one small purchase. I truly appreciate your consideration, time, and support. It means a lot to me, and I am forever grateful. You get pretty accessories, artisans get full time jobs, money, and support, and you also get discounts from yours truly! It's the ultimate win-win situation. Happy shopping and please join the Pura Vida Movement today! It's a decision you will not regret!

XOXO
Chloe

Making Time For Yourself

Hello everyone! I hope that this blog post finds you content and relaxed. Today's topic is on making time for yourself. That's right. Just for you.

It seems like we never have enough time for ourselves. We are on-the-go and have duties to fulfill. You might have a demanding work schedule, kids to take care of, obligations you must attend, etc. And while those things aren't all bad, they take away from treating yourself well. Even if you only have 5 minutes, then for those 5 minutes, do something nice for yourself, make a cup of coffee, give yourself a hug, spray some perfume, or watch a short funny video. Stress kills. It is so important to find an outlet where you can release some tension and check in with yourself. You work hard, you deserve a small break. Don't let others make you into a machine. The work will eventually get done and everything will be okay. If you have to stop for a few minutes to breathe, then it is a reminder that you are a human. A strong and successful human...

Also, don't be afraid to ask for help if you want a longer break. Ask someone to watch the kids while you go get a pedicure or manicure. Maybe you just want to go out for a nice dinner sans little ones. There will always be someone who understands completely and would love to offer their help. Just ask. The worse case scenario is they say no and someone else will step us and say yes. Be assertive and make the first initiative instead of waiting for others to offer.

Enjoy the rest of the week and take a few deep breaths. You'll feel so much better. Take care of yourself before worrying about everything else. If you're not healthy and well taken care of, then how can you care for others and do a good job?

XOXO
Chloe

Perfectionism

How's it going, everyone? I realize I am posting this early, but I'm doing it because this Friday is going to be very busy and I won't have enough time to write this out, so I'm doing it now. I hope this week has been kind to you so far.

Today's topic is on an issue that is close to me. Very close to me, it's called perfectionism. The thing is a lot of people make jokes about perfectionists and assume a bunch of things. I am an individual who struggles with expecting too much and there's really nothing funny about it. If you don't associate with being a perfectionist, it's easy to assume people like being overly organized and overachieving. It's easy to think people have their lives completely together and it's all neat and happy. It might be easy to assume people are perfectionists because they have nothing better to deal with and are just bored and overly dramatic. Let me tell you from experience, it's absolutely NOT like that. I do not want to make this a sob story, victimizing myself or being a drama queen but all I'm saying is please have a little bit of compassion before judging others. It's not easy living as a perfectionist. That is why perfectionism is something I want to overcome and get better at accepting whatever comes my way. I want to be able to embrace any situation and let things go instead of getting tied down with every single detail. Life will still be okay if I get an A- instead of an A. Life will still go on if I mix up a couple of words during a speech. Life will go on if my desk ins't perfectly tidy and my clothes for the next day still aren't picked out. Not everything is what it seems when it comes to struggling with perfectionism. I may have rough days, but I am not a victim. I choose to accept what is.

1.) Nobody chooses to be a perfectionist. Don't tell someone to get over themselves and stop what they're doing. Please don't say "you're being overly dramatic" or "I don't get why this matters so much"  It doesn't help at all. Instead it makes it a lot worse. It might make them feel more depressed because they aren't pleasing you and they feel like more eyes are judging them.

2.) Ask if there's anything you can do to help. They might refuse. Sometimes I can be very stubborn about how I think things should be done, but it never hurts to have a friend who can sit and cheer you up. Sometimes taking a break from studying by watching silly youtube videos or a nice movie can help ease stress. Sometimes even asking them to go out for a cup of coffee can make their day so much brighter.

No matter what, please remember compassion is always the best choice. Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird told his children that in order to really understand what someone is going through, you must be willing to walk around in that person's shoes for a bit of time. I understand it is very easy to assume things right away or say snide comments but it can be hurtful. If we all took a little bit of time to understand what our friends were going through, then the world might just be a happier place. Speaking with gentleness will always soften people up. It's amazing what tenderness does.

Have a wonderful rest of your week! It's almost the weekend. You can make it! You're going to do amazing things. Now go and conquer!

XOXO
Chloe

Your Mind is Stronger Than You Think

Happy Friday! Congratulations, you're almost done with the week!
Lately I've been thinking about how powerful the human mind is. You can talk yourself into doing just about anything, and also talk yourself out of doing certain things. It all starts with your thoughts and attitude.

I often find myself complaining when things get hard. (Don't we all?) and it's super easy to drown in an ocean of self-doubt, hopelessness, and irritability. It seems like there's no light at the end of the tunnel, and my body's too weak or too tired. And as soon as I start telling myself I'm too tired, not good enough, or need more inspiration, then the quality of my work goes drastically down. Negative thoughts will always make your body and mind crash.

I love running. It's how I process and reflect on the day. Some of my very best thoughts and ideas have occurred while on a run. But let me tell you, it's not always easy to start the run. There's thoughts like "I just need to rest." "This couch is so comfy" "But I'm going to be so sore tomorrow and it's going to hurt." However, as soon as I lace up my shoes and take the first few steps, it's all over. The happier thoughts come: "It's going to hurt but it's all worth it." "You can and you will make it." "Keep going." And then somehow three mils feels like nothing. If you just speak positively to yourself, it's incredible to see what can happen. Life's a lot like running: You just need to keep going no matter how slow, and then the "runner's high" will catch up to you. Be your own motivational coach. Running and life are both mental challenges. Positivity will see you through.

Have a wonderful day! Keep your head up and charge the mountain(s). You can do it!

XOXO
Chloe

An Open Letter to (the soon-to-be) 21-Year Old Me

So I know it's not Friday but I'm posting this early because this week is going to be crazy with schoolwork and now's the best time to write. My birthday is on Wednesday and yesterday I was reflecting back on the past years, and what I would like myself to know/remember as I embark on my 21st year on earth, so I wrote a letter to myself because letters are simply how I best articulate my feelings. It might seem weird to you, but that's just how I work. Here it goes..

Happy 21st birthday! You can now enjoy being an actual adult. It wasn't too long ago since you were playing with Barbies and singing the wonder pets theme song. I hope this year is a time when you can learn more about the woman God has created you to be. Here is some advice as you embark on the next chapter of life.  

1.) Never ever forget that you are unique and beautiful no matter what anyone says about you. Your worth is never based on a number on a scale or how many calories you ingest, or how many followers on Instagram you have. Always be authentic to yourself and never change just to make others like you more. The person God has created you to be is far more beautiful than anyone you could ever pretend to be. A beautiful heart and spirit is ultimately the most important thing. 

2.) Work hard and don't slack off. If you want something, you have to earn it. Nothing is ever handed to you on a silver platter. Although culture says things should be easy and take minimal effort, go the extra mile in all you do. If you don't have time to do your very best, then why are you even bothering? Doing the bare minimum never works out. Don't give up just because it gets too hard. A woman with a strong work ethic is sexy. 

3.) But don't work too hard without playing hard. While you are young, be carefree. Enjoy laughing with friends and doing silly things. This is the time to kick back and enjoy life before there's too many not-so-fun responsibilities. It's okay to make mistakes. It's how you learn. You are such a perfectionist and a go-getter but sometimes that limits you and is your downfall. You don't have to be so type A. It's okay to let loose.

4.) It's okay to occasionally spoil yourself. Make time for you. You always seem to have a busy schedule and it's important to slow down and unwind. If you don't take care of yourself, who will? And if you really love those shoes, stop obsessing about them and buy them. What the hell, it's a pair of shoes, it's not as serious as a heart transplant. Do something nice for yourself. Eat chocolate, take a hot bath with a glass of wine, or just stay in wearing your favorite pajamas, watching Netflix, and eating nachos. (Netflix and nachos won't fail you)

5.) Embrace all relationships God gives you. Although there will be people who only want to use you and take advantage of you, also know that there are many people you will meet (or already know) who are more than willing to walk beside you as you go through life. They will celebrate your happiest days but also cry with you when your heart feels like it's been shattered in a million pieces. Cherish those friends Be the best friend you possibly can towards them. Be gracious, loving, supportive and loyal. Choose people who inspire you to be a better person and who treat everyone with kindness instead of being catty and cruel. 

This next year has so much potential to be one of the greatest years of your life. Always know that your calling in life is to be a source of joy and love to others. You are smart and have a lot to contribute to this world. You have so much light to share and a sparkly personality that can be so endearing when you aren't taking yourself so seriously. You have such a zest for life and an adventurous and cheerful spirit. Here's to another amazing year with incredible people and many memories to make! 

My Happy List

Hello, I'm back everyone! Happy Friday!

One of the things I believe is super important to create from time to time is a happy list. There's something really uplifting about reflecting on the things that make you smile and the things that remind you to be thankful. We live in a world where there's always an option to add things to our "wish list". It's easy to see what other people have, and wonder "what can't my life look like that?" However, when we take time out of our busy days to write down the things we already DO have, it is so freeing from the oppression of envy and jealousy. Today I thought I'd share part of my happy list.

1.) My friend's parents bought me flowers. Honestly, the easiest way to make me smile is through flowers. I love them so much. I don't know exactly what about them makes me so full of joy, but they just do. I feel so loved because it shows that someone took time out of their hectic schedule to think of me.
2.) I had another friend help me with a paper. I think she's an incredibly strong writer and her input was super insightful. She was so cheerful about helping me work through my concerns and we were able to make my paper stronger than it originally was.
3.) The other day, I woke up earlier than usual and i had extra time to just sit and enjoy my cup of coffee without being in a rush. I was able to embrace the present moment and only focus on the comfort a nice hot cup of coffee can offer.

Honestly, I think this is a practice that is still really hard for me. It's hard to ignore posts on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest and not compare some aspect of my life to what people post. But I've learned that if I just keep trying to recognize the things I do have, then the likelihood of being sad goes down. I still get a bit envious but in the end, but regardless I've chosen to be thankful that I get the privilege to be me and live my own life. I wouldn't trade my life for anybody else's. And that's just something I have to keep saying to myself multiple times a day.

Have an amazing day! Come back next Friday!
XOXO
Chloe