Belle Chantelle

"The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast and you miss all you are traveling for." ~ Louis L’Amour

2012-01-26T21:24:00.001-05:00

I am so excited for the summer! Dianna Argon looks beautiful here. I will be (hopefully) posting some academic tips in the near future. I hope you're all doing well my lovelies.

Here are a few links to emulate this look...

Blouses- Equipment, Diane Von Furstenburg, Joie

Flowy Maxi Skirts- WildFox, Tibi, Torn by Ronny Kobo, Rachel Pally*, BB Dakota* [* have my faves]

Clutches that actually fit stuff: Rebecca Minkoff (Mini Mac), Foley + Corinna (Quilty), Alexander Wang

And because I don't have motivational points today, I leave you with Karl Lagerfeld's brilliant video.
It encapsulates all the greatest advice by all the greatest minds in history. This will light a fire in your behind and get you moving. Uncle Karl, you are brilliant and inspirational.

"A failure is a man who has blundered, but is not able to cash in on the experience." - Elbert Hubbard

2012-01-19T15:07:00.000-05:00

Images, words, and sounds that have made me feel el primo.

Grecian-inspired dresses by Carl Kapp -
Everything he makes is so light & flowy, in wonderful rich shades.

Have a fantastic amazing brilliant happy day!

"Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions." - Albert Einstein

2012-01-14T23:14:00.003-05:00

Hola hola holaaa,

I decided to talk about dreams, motivation, and hard-work today. From all the articles I've read lately, I managed to break down enough information to make sense of it all.

1. Positive thinking allows you to dream bigger, and instill in you the belief that you can achieve your goals.
2. Visualization allows you to see your future-self with more clarity.
3. This creates a deep desire to become the future-self you imagined.
4. You then work harder to have your dreams come to fruition. [Life as a Conscious Practice]
5. This speeds up life plans considerably. You are a productivity-machine, full of creative ideas!
6. Failures don't get you down and depressed for long periods of time, allowing one to have more hours/minutes/days to formulate innovate, original paths & plans to achieve success. [I'd like everyone to remember the trials and tribulations of Steve Jobs: He was fired from his position as Director of Apple, and within a few years he produced another multi-million dollar company called Pixar. Boom. He did not wallow around in self-pity, he pushed through and believed he would succeed again. If a flesh & bone human can do it, so can you. Don't be afraid of your failures, or let them define you.]
7. It's scientifically proven that happiness + positive-thinking have health benefits by decreasing stress hormones, which wreck havoc on your body. Genetics will be the limiting factor, but you're in control of the other 50%. Make it good. [Mayo Clinic. New Scientist.]
9. Positive people = happier people = network more efficiently by leaving a great impression = people remember you more = better & faster business deals.

I decided to load up on productivity links to get you on your way. Just thinking positively isn't going to magically get you where or what you want. Everyone must take action. Don't be all talk; let your results speak for themselves, and inspire others. So get crackin'! Hard work and efficiency, to the max! And start an inspiration board, or book, to push you through those intense nights before important events - although fear usually does that for me. I haven't kicked my anxiety, but I've curbed it to appear the day before tests/interviews/presentations. Hence, that gives me a lot of free time to be happy within 365 days of the year. And remember, for the days you're not freaking out over something important, write down everything that you're grateful for. It'll keep you content, and motivated.

BBC - The Happiness Formula

SelfControl App for Apple computers - Thanks H!

(I have it and love it. No matter what I do *delete app/reboot laptop/remove files* it will not let me log onto

facebook, tumblr, bloglovin, youtube etc until my designated time is up.)

:zenhabits (been a fan for years)

Double your productivity

Productivity and Business posts by Jen Dziura

(I don't agree with all her ideas, because it'd kick my anxiety into overload and put me in a coma by 25,

but her scheduling and task management tips are great!)

LifeHack --amazing bananas!

50 Productivity Blogs
How to get over being sad or upset - Luan Legacy (hi-lar-ious)

My Tip: Buy a Moleskine and a small Whiteboard. The whiteboard has my daily to-do list, and the Moleskine tracks my weekly goals, and fun stuff I enjoyed throughout the day. I don't really keep journals, so my agenda is like a baby diary of events. You should remember that stuff too! Oh, and when to do your next clay mask.

You know what you want, now go get'em tiger!

imagesource: fashionista

P.S. I just logged onto my old Polyvore account (last visit > 2 years ago) and discovered I had 478 followers! It totally made my day; I swear I had 60 people when I left. I also flipped through my posts and realized my style remains the same. I have a "Chantelle Formula" that's going to stick around forever.

My first Alexander Wang - The Millie Satchel

2012-01-13T21:02:00.000-05:00

When this baby came in the mail, it was in a cardboard box the size of my torso. I nearly knocked down 3 people walking up the stairs to my apartment. Chivalry is morte.

Just to gauge size: the iPad 2 can fit perfectly in the front compartment. The two main compartments are larger.

This one also came with a removable strap - not all include one.

It's big, heavy, and I love it. I also can't find it on ShopBop anymore; I think I took the last one. This style is being discontinued, so if you want to get your hands on it, get cracking on Google. The Millie Satchel should be on sale, so you won't need to pay the ridiculous $1000 price tag [Although I've seen several high-end department stores keep it at the SRP]. I have more photos on my flickr (all the photos link back to my account) if you want to see small details before committing to a purchase. I had such a hard time finding information and reviews on this bag- the Rocco just takes over- so I did my best to share a 360˚online.

Have a great weekend! I'll be posting about dreams, motivation, and hard-work. Can't wait!

“Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein

2012-01-12T01:02:00.000-05:00

Salut!
I've been getting into some mind exercises lately involving visualization. It's so powerful that I feel great about myself after every session. Sometimes I psych myself out so much that I'm too excited and energized to get to sleep. I should probably start doing these sessions in the morning. -_- Haha! Anywho, I wanted to share some great articles about this technique to help you improve your everyday life. Remember, you CAN DO IT! And if you ever start getting upset, or sad, or anxious, and you consciously realize it, start repeating an affirmative phrase over and over in your head. It may take a while, sometimes 20 times, sometimes 700 times plus 40 mins of meditation and visualization. Make your life a little easier and a lot more fun!

Also, if you need an extra boost, just play this in your head/car/ipod/laptop. I find Bruce Almighty to be incredibly appropriate for this theme...also, I just laughed my rear-end off. Hee hee ^-^

Some links to help you on your way:

Psychology Today- Seeing is Believing: The Power of Visualization

"Thoughts, if powerful enough, are accepted by our subconscious mind, which then changes our mindset accordingly, as well as our habits and actions, and this brings us into contact with new people, situations and circumstances."
Creative Visualization

How to Visualize Your Success - Tim Brownson
[I liked his piece, and the last 2 paragraphs were solid.]

4 Stories of Successful Visualization - Marelisa

How to Increase and Sustain Positive Emotions: The Effects of Expressing Gratitude
and Visualizing Best Possible Selves
[.pdf link to Sonya & Kennon's study in The Journal of Positive Psychology]

There are a ton more articles out there, you just have to pop in the right keywords into Google!
Have a marvellous day!

image source: googleimages

"Whether you think you can, or you can't, you're right." - Henry Ford

2012-01-09T18:19:00.003-05:00

Hola world!

So I've been reading a lot about positivity, and the "scientific" methods and research behind it & how to attain it. In addition, I've read about the "spiritual" ways of manifesting your own optimistic, wonderful life. There is a lot of overlap in methods, except the latter lacks evidence. As a student in biomed, lack of evidence makes me cringe, yet I find inner spirituality and self-discovery a wonderful thing that can't be studied or quantified. Even though your brain's electrical activity can be recorded, the print-outs can't tell you/your physician/your operator what exact thought was running through your mind at a given moment. Only you are in control of your mind, and that's why I meditation and spirituality (believing in God/The Universe/Yourself/Star Wars, etc) are so fascinating! There has to be within you an undeniable conviction & belief that good is going to happen. With science, the statistics can sometimes get you down in the dumps, and you may relegate yourself to the "other 20%" that were unsuccessful in Study XYZ. That's why spirituality helps so many; there are no numbers and success rates to compare yourself to. It's just you. And in the end, the way you feel at a certain moment in time (even right now while you're reading this entry) is a product of your thinking. Some people may find their extra positivity boost through religion, while others will find peace and optimism within themselves. Do what's more in alignment with your way of life. But it all boils down to one thing, your thoughts must match your aspirations and desires in order for you to achieve them - negativity will fester doubt, and that'll pull you farther from success. Why? Because doubt means you've lost faith in your own abilities, and that's not acceptable! CONFIDENCE, MY FRIENDS!

As Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can, or you can't, you're right."

Kick some ass this year, LADIES!

image source: Vogue Paris May 2009 ft Daria Werbowy

New Year's Resolution: Get Out of Your Own Way.

2012-01-03T14:51:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!

I'm back in Chicago for the last 5 month stretch of my Master's program. I already miss the family and friends back home; I had such a great time going out with my home unit. They're the shiznit. Anywho, now that I'm settled and unpacked in my apartment, I gotta get to posting on positivity and leading the awesome life that you create/have envision for yourself. Every article, video, book I've read on positivity and success mentions the same thing: the ability to filter and control your thoughts will get you where you want, but it takes immense amount of practice for the rest of your life - and you should also have some form of media that will keep you inspired everyday. I found that reading and watching short videos works best for me. If I'm feeling down and uber-negative, I go back to my favourites and I talk to someone I trust just to vent a little. Then I let it go, and focus on myself & what makes me a happy baboon.

Moving on from your problems helps push the boundaries you've mentally set for yourself. You can't succeed, if you spend hours ruminating over an issue that was in the past. It's done. Don't waste time festering in negativity, it doesn't solve anything. That's the truth. These are precious minutes, hours, days you could have spent reading up on metaphysics, having tea at a new place with an old friend, learning how to make a perfect wingtip with your eyeliner, and the list is endless!

I hope all your New Year's Resolutions involve becoming a better version of yourself, closer to the woman/man you picture in the future. The only person stopping this progress, is you.

Get out of your own way.

My cousin and I before heading to a bar in Toronto. We ended up meeting a bunch of Brazilians (their way of life and manner of being always makes me content), and a fellow Torontonian who is also studying in the USA.

Winter Vacations to Sunny Places!

2011-12-28T22:35:00.003-05:00

Hello world,

I'm sorry for the lack of posts. My birthday week was a whirlwind of fun, but I got sick on Christmas Eve, and have been quite under the weather since. No worries, I'll get better! Here are a few fun links for resort shopping this winter - many of you are planning, or already in warm destinations. I'm jealous! Hahaha! Have a great one darlings!

Alice & Olivia

Tribune Standard

Marc by Marc Jacobs swimwear

Thakoon

Jenni Kayne

Portugal Gems: TemaHome

2011-12-21T15:26:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!

Since I'm home for the winter break, that means I get to watch satellite TV and a lot of Portuguese and Brazilian programs. There was a segment a few days ago on up-and-coming businesses in Portugal, and one of their original exports was TemaHome (who are based in Lisbon). Even during the recession, this company has flourished! I loved what I saw in their showrooms, so I decided to scoop out a few lovely pieces online. They're like an upscale, durable Ikea but with nicer designs. The minimalist in me is rejoicing, and the quirky weirdo in me is doing a 'cat-daddy when I dougie'. ^-^ Anywho, I hope you enjoy my petit discovery! It made me so happy, and proud. I'm now back to decorating my future loft/house in my head. Best visualizations ever!

I hope you're all having a wonderful holiday. Remember to keep thinking positive, happy thoughts. The more you practice, the easier it will get. Negativity just clouds judgement and does nothing to solve your problems.

Clear the mind, walk on sunshine.

images: temahome

I love TemaHome's tagline:

"Living your dreams"

Present tense. Booya.

Happy Birthday to Moi!

2011-12-19T18:43:00.000-05:00

Hola everyone,

Today I turn 23! I'm so glad I had a marvellous year under my belt, and I'm looking forward to the crazy adventures the next 12 months have in store for me. Currently, I'm laying in bed waiting for my family to arrive; we're going to eat delicious Italian food, have some Bailey's cheesecake, and a few glasses of white house wine. I'll be heading out later on, and if anything exciting happens I'll mention it on my blog or tumblr. I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful week. Christmas is almost upon us! HOOORAYYYYYY! That means lots of family and friend time, food, and many many laughs. I'm so excited! :D

image source: girlybubble

"Most of us would be upset if we were accused of being "silly." But the word "silly" comes from the old English word "selig," and its literal definition is "to be blessed, happy, healthy and prosperous." - Zig Ziglar

2011-12-17T00:43:00.000-05:00

Dear beautiful people,

I'm bouncing with excitement for my flight home tomorrow. It's going to be a marvellous holiday! I hope everything is going well on your end. I know many of you are finish up with finals, and I want to remind you to have something fun planned for right afterwards (be it a night bar hopping, or snuggling up with your favourite movie & a steaming hot cup of tea). Make yourself happy! It spreads like a virus, and the worst that can happen is a] nothing, orrrrrr b] someone gets inspired by you, thereby offering an opportunity/situation that makes you even more content. Hellz yeah! Keeps smiling, and don't let your current state of affairs imprison your mind. I know that each of you have experienced "It always gets better".

Believe it, and it will happen. ☺

image source: closet therapy

No one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore, you have the power to change anything about yourself, or your life, that you want to change. - Barbara de Angelis

2011-12-15T02:46:00.002-05:00

BONJOUR MES BELLES!

I just had a great epiphany the past 7 days, and I'm walking on sunshine. 70% of my days are now spent jolly-good and happy, especially before I go to bed - I'm practically bursting at the seams with excitement. After a 5 days of research into positive psychology, meditation and the likes I realized two things:
1] always be grateful
2] situations are never as bad as they appear, you're just a victim of your own thoughts.

So I stopped thinking about negative stuff (which gets me nowhere), and I started focusing on beautiful, wonderful thoughts that make me HAPPY!

There are a couple things that keep me on track, because this takes practice and dedication:

1] Every day I write a list of things that I'm grateful for/made my day (ie/ talking to my parents on the phone and hearing how excited they are to have me home for Christmas, listening to a song that really moved me, getting invited to an event I think is going to be crazy fun, etc)

2] I attempt to meditate every night to get to sleep. Sometimes I can nail it and clear my mind then pass out in 15mins, but other nights my brain is in overdrive and I have to consistently force myself to stop thinking and focus on my breathing/a blank wall/ocean waves.

3] Every time I feel upset, I stop whatever I'm doing and force myself to get rid of those thoughts & replace them with fun, positive, optimistic ones. It's harder than I thought, since your emotions get the best of you, BUT your mind controls your emotions. There's much more practice ahead of me for the next few months, years, life, but if the outcome is continuous joy = I'm up for it.

I looked up fun balloon editorials for this post and ended up discovering the photographer of these beautiful shots above: Luis Monteiro [He's either Portuguese or Brazilian, which makes me super proud.]

* CHRISTMASSSSSSS: Flight home in t-2 days!

* Blogger just linked up my Google + account, add me! [I dunno how to use it and never use it.]

* My tumblr is full of good stuff that I find on my 'positive psychology' journey.

* I just downloaded an iPad app that will play "Feeling Good" by Michael Bublé every.single.morning. Hellz yeah!

Cheers,

"Stay hungry. Stay foolish." - Steve Jobs

2011-12-09T15:11:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone,
I've come across some amazing stuff on the internet as of late. Thought I'd share. I absolutely love reading!

+ How to use your brain to its full potential
+ I've just recently taken an interest in positive psychology, meditation, and happiness. I'm going to start a personal word document where I collect all the information to keep me on track, and discover more about myself. Here's 95 Questions to Help You Find Meaning & Happiness. I'm working through it this weekend!
+ I also started writing a list of things I'm grateful for/ made my day, each day.
+ The surprisingly relaxed lives of elite achievers -> I really hope I'll reach this level one day. I am one of those people that spreads things out, and takes a lot of breaks, which cause me to work later into the night.
+ I've added the gmail app onto my ipad, so now my school email (which worked something out with google, because we use the same platform. AMAZING!) and my regular gmail for this blog don't conflict.
+ Talking to my dad for 2 hours about the recession, and having him explain the economics behind it in layman terms. It was amazing. I love having conversations where you get a lot out of the other person, and in turn become a more informed being. Good stuff!
+ Caramel dip. Makes apples taste even more delicious. I just used it in a bowl of raspberries, blueberries and flakes. Nom nom nom....
+ I was watching a positive meditation video, and this one question came up that has been sticking around in my mind since then: Picture yourself ten years from now. What would you say to your present self?

Cheers,
CC

“It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.” - Fight Club (Tyler Durden)

2011-12-06T19:27:00.001-05:00

I'm in love. I'd wear this entire get-up in a heart beat.

image source: stardust & sequins

P.S. This is the first time I deactivated Facebook. I am doing it until the end of exams, and possibly further. It's such a freeing experience.

P.P.S I'm still updating on my tumblr, but I've made it a bit more personal with random daily photos, or exercise & diet journals. I'm NOT trying to lose weight, but rather keep/increase my total muscle mass the healthy way. I detest when people tell me to get fatter by eating a bunch of unhealthy foods. Le GROSS!

"Here's kind of my motto - if you're not happy at home, you're not happy anywhere else." - Angie Harmon

2011-12-01T00:22:00.001-05:00

I've been on such an interior decor high this past month, that all I can think about are crisp whites & beautiful topaz. Anywho, here's a lovely gem from last week. Also, if you don't have flipboard on your iPad... get it!
Sometimes I think about my future abode and get excited. I hope it's a nice mix of old and new. Sometimes TOO NEW stifles creativity.

source: freshome

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all." - Stanley Horowitz

2011-11-27T03:56:00.001-05:00

I'm so in love with this photo. I hope you're all having a wonderful Sunday! See you on the flip-side. I'm studying for my next exam, so the days have been filled with green tea & yogurt. Hee hee ^-^

(image source: the simply luxurious life)

"Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do." - Orison Swett Marden

2011-11-25T00:28:00.001-05:00

How to make a French omelet by Jacques Pépin. I've now got my long weekend brunch all set up! I absolutely love his accent. What a wonderful man!

If you have time, please read Wendy's incredible life story. I started tearing up by the end. What an inspiration!

Have a wonderful Friday everyone! I'll be hibernating in my apartment studying for Tuesday's exam. Hopefully I'll get a few more posts in during my breaks. xoxo

OMG OMG BLACK FRIDAY - FREAK OUT!

2011-11-22T19:09:00.001-05:00

Lily from ShopBop just sent us an e-mail for their upcoming Black Friday sale, which starts TOMORROW Wed Nov 23, and ends on Nov 28. It's 20% off everything, plus an additional x amount of dollars depending on how much you spend. Ladies, this is the time to buy yourself that super-expensive bag or pair of shoes you've been eyeing for 3 seasons. Bonne Chance!

“An invisible red thread connects those destined to meet, despite the time, the place, and despite the circumstances. The thread can be tightened or tangle, but will never be broken.” - Ancient Chinese Proverb

2011-11-22T03:46:00.001-05:00

Hope you are all doing well this week! I've been inspired by white interior decor lately, and began mentally furnishing my future abode. Such a girlie thing to do. ^-^ See you on the flipside.

All images from tumblr.

"There is nothing we like to see so much as the gleam of pleasure in a person's eye when he feels that we have sympathized with him, understood him. At these moments something fine and spiritual passes between two friends. These are the moments worth living." - Don Marquis

2011-11-19T01:22:00.001-05:00

Hello my wonderful people,

I've just come back from the gym, and discovered a blister on my palm. Damn elliptical. I began using it a few days ago, and now I'm secretly in love with this contraption. I've finally put on a few more pounds since I moved to Chicago, and I'm hoping to keep them on for good. Hence why I started strength training this week. Anywho, enough about me! There are some lovely things I've come across on the internets lately and I'd love to share.

+ Neutrinos! Helloooo revolutionary physics discovery =D Einstein is probably pretty pissed right now. Speed of light, whaaat? Muahahaha.

+ Eat Your Kimchi is a Youtube channel about a young Canadian couple in Korea. They're hilarious, and absolutely adorable together. Every week they have "WTF" segments where they review odd Asian objects we don't see in North America. Here's high-heel pain fixers. I dieee.

+ Lissa Rankin M.D post on how the media shuts down any talk about vaginas, but allows penis and sperm to be freely aired on TV or published. This actually got me pretty pissed off. I detest inequality; it's the kryptonite that gets me riled up/ dragon-lady. Dr. Rankin is the author of "What's Up Down There?"

+ I've been telling ignoramuses that you can still catch STI's even when wearing protection. Dr. Rankin backed me up. Some of them include warts, herpes, public lice, and molluscum contagiosum.

+ Gala Darling's 100 ways you can start loving yourself right now. I love her blog. Been a fan for years.
+ I finally bought Shatter polish. It's amazing. I have light pink under metallic silver cracks. Try it out!
+ Fitspiration blogs. Here's the one that got me to the gym within a week: lookingoodinundies. I love her abs <3

[images all from tumblr]

"It’s a 106 miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes; it’s dark and we’re wearing sun glasses. Hit it!" - The Blues Brothers

2011-11-18T00:53:00.001-05:00

As promised, here are a few pictures from my day in downtown Chicago. I had lovely evening weather, and great friends for company (& food!!). Have an amazing weekend everyone. TGIF!

Fall to Winter Transition: How to Look Cute in a Snow Storm.

2011-11-15T12:18:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone,

I've been bogged down with exams and travelling this month, hence the large delay in posts. I came across this selection of clothing on ShopBop a few weeks ago, and it has been sitting on my desktop ever since. Hope it can still inspire some of you to invest in a couple good pieces to battle the winter this year [& many more to come!]. I was just in downtown Chicago two weeks ago, and the decor and horse-drawn carriage rides got me in the holiday spirit. I am SO EXCITED! Also, I'm going to have my first American Thanksgiving this year. Double the fun! (Pictures to come soon)

+ warm coats: Mike Gonzalez, Duvetica, Rag & Bone

+ dark skinnies: J Brand

+ neutral blouses: Equipment

+ comfy sweaters: Roseanna, Dolce Vita

+ snazzy hats: Eugenia Kim

+ BBB: Botkier, Foley + Corinna

+ sexy booties: Joie, Boutique 9

+ simple tees: Vince

Catch ya soon :D

“Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward; they may be beaten, but they may start a winning game.” -Goethe

2011-10-28T18:21:00.000-04:00

Wow, I just spent 40 minutes tagging old posts. I'm almost done; 210/380! I can't believe I actually wrote that much. See... I'm committed. :D [chuckle] Anywho, let's proceed:

+ 10 things you should be able to say before you die

images from: home-designing

I never thought a Hermés Birkin would be on my future wish-list... but after seeing Carla Peres' videos, it has made top 3. If only I was [finally] 35 and bringing in some big moolah. I know, patience is a virtue.

+ I'm so excited for Sydney & Tys' baby arrival! Any day now...

+ Fall break is in two weeks! I know I have an exam before and after it, but I'm excited to get back home to Toronto!

+ We don't have Simply Lemonade in Canada; I just discovered the Raspberry version here in Illinois...and I'm HOOKED!

+ My new obsession is Betsey Johnson & Madewell jewelry. It is so quirky & fun <3

+ I've been trying to find a warm anorak for the fall transition to winter, but not luck. I've been on the lookout since late August. This is quite frustrating. :(

+ I'm going to set up a few give-aways before Christmas, so keep your eyes peeled.

+ Does anyone know if they're still selling those leopard scarves at H&M? I think I want to get my hands on one next weekend. If not I'll get this silk one by Yarnz, but it's not quite winter-friendly.

What's up with you!?

Academic Toolbox #2: Keeping Your Cool During Midterms

2011-10-27T00:13:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone,

Here are a few more tips for midterm season. I hope everyone is doing well, keeping sane, and not losing hope. I just had a rough week on my end, so I'm glad it's over and Halloween is approaching!

- Always make sure your written notes have the correct information. I've found myself memorizing incorrect points many times!

- Don't be afraid to ask questions, either through e-mails or in person. This doesn't mean pestering your professors on the daily, but rather having a studying group where you can hash out details. Then if you're all stuck on a concept, you can go to the teacher/prof/TA for clarification.

- Which brings me to the following point, get a study group even if you're a solo learner. You'll keep each other sane as exams approach. Who else is going to answer your nagging questions at 4:30am the night before a test?

- Study where you peak, if it's a library, stay there, if it's your room, stay there! Also, keep in mind your best studying time frame. Mine is 11pm - 3am [I'm working on it.]

- Take this quiz to see what kind of learner you are, and how to adapt to it

- If it's 1-2 days before a test, and your stress has caused extreme anxiety attacks. Stop. Breath. Do something relaxing. I tend to take hot bubble baths or do some yoga. Trust me, you'll get 80% more work done afterwards! Extreme anxiety isn't conducive to proper memory solidification. Chill.

- Don't give up. EVER.

- Look at the big picture. What's the main point of each lecture? How is this material related to the lecture before and after? What does the prof want me to see by relaying the information in this order?

Good luck! Here are my exam tips from Academic Toolbox #1!

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer." - Albert Camus

2011-10-21T04:23:00.002-04:00

Winter is coming...

[Jacket- BCBGMaxAzria, jumper- Pull & Bear (Portugal), jeans - Zara, socks - Stradivarius (Spain), boots- Charles David]

Which means I may finally be able to read the 5th instalment of "A Song of Ice & Fire"! ... But according to my grad school schedule, I have exams when I arrive from Christmas break. Fun-suckers.

What do YOU plan on doing over the winter break this year? I hope at least some of you are having fun! ^-^