How To Study...No, Actually

Hello! I have seen post after post about study tips, (I am guilty as well). But none of them actually tell you HOW to study. Now, most people have their own method, but I have had some people tell me that they just don't know how to study. I feel like either people figure out how to study in high school, or they just never really quite find their own method. I'm going to do my best to lay out the ways that there are to study.

Everyone learns differently, but there are 4 basic types of learners:
1. Visual Learners: Learn best by seeing things explained down on paper. These guys learn math best by seeing the process done.
2. Auditory Learners: Learn best by having something explained to them. Make sure you go to class! You'll get the most information from the professor's lectures.
3. Reading/Writing Learners: Learn best by reading instructions, reading the explanation that the textbook provides, etc.
4. Kinesthetic Learners: Learn best by doing something themselves. Want to know how to put something together? Just sit down and try to do it.

Methods of studying:
1. Flash cards: Do you learn best by repetition? Flash cards are great for vocab words. I also use flash cards for stepped processes. I also used them as fact cards for the different disorders when I was taking abnormal psychology. When studying flashcards, put aside the ones you got correct and mix the ones you got incorrect back into the deck in your hand.

2. Mind Maps: These are a great ways of writing down all the details associated with something in no particular organization. I don't do mind maps because I'm a little too much of a perfectionist to do mind maps. However, I know that they can be very helpful for some people, especially on the topics that have a good chunk of detail.

3. Practice Problems: This was so important for me during all of my math classes in high school. I did practice problem after practice problem. Practice problems are pretty much best for STEM classes, however, they can be modified to other classes. For example, if you're going to have short or extended response questions on an exam, you could come up with a list of possible questions and practice what you would say to each question. If I remember correctly, we were given practice extended response questions in AP American History. If your professor doesn't give your practice problems, ask around. If another professor is teaching the same class, perhaps he gives out practice problems to his students. Also, look around on the Internet, many professors at other universities put their materials online.

4. Record Lectures: If you are an auditory learner, this is a great option. Record your professors lectures and then play them back and listen to them. Take extra note of things that were said that seem important. I've seen some people listen to their lectures while they're doing every-day things like cooking, or walking on the treadmill. If you're going to do this, make sure that you're listening to your recorded lectures while you are doing tasks that don't require a whole lot of thought. That way you can pay attention to the recording.

5. Talk about it: This one is again great for auditory learners. You get to take the information and kind of kick it around. Find a way to talk about it. Teach your cat about the nervous system. Talk to your roommate about the symptoms of schizophrenia. Get together with a group of classmates and discuss your material. If you're with a group of classmates, y'all can discuss any questions. Chances are that someone in the group knows the answer. 

Second Semester

Good Morning! (In my head, you all read that as gooooooooood morning!!!)

Some schools have already started their new semesters, which is crazy to me. I'm also super jealous of those schools! I am ready to get back to university! So, what about the new semester? I feel like this is such a no brainer, but I do want to throw my two cents in. I feel like they're aren't nearly as many things to do before second semester as opposed to before first semester. Probably because first semester, you're dealing with moving back to campus. There are some pretty self-explanatory things to do before classes start back up again, and then there are some things that you might not think of.

Step One*: Clean up from last semester.
This can include multiple things: your desk, your room (although hopefully you tidied up before you left for break), your backpack, your computer files. Make sure you throw out any unnecessary papers (I don't think you need that 10-point worksheet from September). Double check your computer files. Some people (like me) keep everything,  some people pick and choose, and some people dump it all. It's however you live your life. 

Step Two: Buy new school supplies
Who doesn't love this part? Granted there are no big set ups in the store like there are in August and September, but that almost makes it better because you aren't trying to enjoy your supply shopping while attempting not to get hit by the mom's with school-provided shopping lists. Stock up on pencils, highlighters, notebooks, all of the essentials! Check out my post on the essential College Supply Must-Haves. 

Step Three: Reflect on last semester
Look back on last semester. Your greatest successes. Your greatest failures. What worked? What didn't work? Did you discover a great new way of studying that got you great exam scores? Awesome! Did you finally start studying for finals? Cool! Did you figure out how to get yourself into a good rhythms? Great! The important thing is to remember to reuse what worked for you and toss out what didn't. 

Step Four: Set goals
Now, we're not talking new year's resolutions here. Take some time and really think about what you did last semester that you want to change this semester. For example, I didn't make any time for personal reading last semester. I haven't finished a book since maybe July, and that makes me sad. So, this semester, I am going to make sure that I make time for reading.

Step Five: Buy textbooks
Obviously, new semester means new textbooks. Check out my post on  Paying Less for Textbooks. No one should ever have to pay full price for textbooks, your school bookstore is a complete rip off. 

Step Six: Take a look at your schedule
Take a look at the way your classes are laid out during the day. Where can you fit in lunch? When will you go to the gym? When will be your best time to study? When will your me-time be? Have a general idea of how your days are going to look before you just dive right it.

Step Seven: Get excited (last one)
Get excited! Its a new semester! New classes, new people, new routines. Get excited for new things and then they won't be as daunting. 

"Take the attitude of a student, never too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new."

*These are in no particular order, though they should be followed in a logical sense. 

A Fond Look at 2015

I feel like the general consensus of the internet was that 2015 wasn't that great. I have my days where I agree, 2015 was a little rough. But what is the point of life if we only focus on the negatives? So, I take a look back on the fun, positive things that happened in 2015.

January:

I started off the year with some new ink and a new semester. I was especially excited for the classes I was taking, beginning the actual classes for my major and starting to learn Italian.

February and March:
February was a very exciting month as my best friend since the 4th grade got engaged!! (geez are we old!) I also got involved in a research lab during the beginning months of the semester. It has proved to be an absolutely amazing opportunity. I also should probably have my own room in the psych building, I'm there so much. I spent these two months studying, in the lab, and in the dance studio!

The 2014-2015 Miami Ballet Corps

April:
April was a very busy month! I had my first show with the Miami Ballet Corps on the 13th. Two days later, I did one of the craziest things I've ever done! I cut my hair! *gasp* I have not tried to change my hair style pretty much since the 7th grade. Then this year, I just decided to make a change. I cut something like 7 inches off and never felt better!

Goodbye long hair!

The MBC Spring Showcase

May:
I finished my first year of college!! After the stress of finals week, I was more than ready to pack up my room and go home. But saying goodbye to the friends I had made, the horribly wonderful 13x9 dorm room, and the amazing roommate I spent too much time with was very bittersweet. As I said goodbye to Miami for the next three months, I looked forward to the summer with eager anticipation. Soon after getting home, it was time for my favorite weekend of the entire year. Rock On The Range!! Three full days of stadium food, band merch, and amazing concerts. I got to see one of my top five favorite bands and was absolutely blown away!

The aftermath of unloading everything from school... Where am I supposed to fit?

The crowd at Rock On The Range day 3... something like 100,000 people.

June:
I turned 19! Woo hoo? 19 seems like a pretty lame-duck age. Nothing exciting happens and you're already an adult. I did take a birthday road trip with my best friends and roommate to Cedar Point!

You might as well call us the Three Musketeers.

Our dorm room was 307. Our hotel room was 307. Aren't we cool.

July:
My beautiful roommate and I continued our tradition (does two years count as a tradition?) of attending the Alternative Press Music Awards. I had a summer filled with concerts (just as it should be) and this was a wonderful one.

Our annual Celeb Selfie ft. Tony Perry of Pierce The Veil

August:
Another new tattoo! I wish I could successfully explain to you how busy my August was! The weeks leading up to going to school were filled with to-do lists and lots of apartment shopping. Speaking of: I moved into my own apartment! That's not a big deal or anything. A new apartment and a new semester! August was a big month!

Who doesn't want a selfie with Frank the dog?

She said it was wet, so she wanted to dry it off. (It had healing stuff on it)

Our trip to Ikea for apartment shopping. 

Our own apartment!

September:
So. Much. Lab. Work. I spent a good chunk of time in the lab, but more time in the lab means more time filling up the experience meter! I spent September being a social butterfly (weird, right?) and finally got my roommate to come out with me and enjoy the night life that Oxford has to offer.

Labor day family fun! 

The name of the party was Red, White, and Jew... Them frat boys think they're so clever.

Our fall photo shoot for dance was a success!

We love our new apartment, but really we love that we aren't in a tiny dorm and have room to do things like lay on the floor.

October:
October was a very, very busy month. I went to my first NFL game! Go Bengals! I spent a good chunk of time in the studio choreographing and teaching my first group number (just a tad scary.) I also had many late nights finishing up an application for a undergraduate research award (and was approved!!!). Also, did a pretty kick butt job doing my roommate's halloween makeup!

First NFL game with the beau. Go Bengals!

This gem came up from UK to visit us.  

Our second halloween together. <3 I would say that she's only not smiling because of her costume, but she very often doesn't smile in pictures.

November and December:
Three concerts in two months! Had some fun exploring the night life in Dayton (who doesn't love a good drag show?) Also, has some cute impromptu middle of the night driving fun with the beau. Seriously struggled my way through finals and yet pulled out the best semester GPA I've gotten so far. I was very pleased with my efforts during finals weeks and couldn't have been more happy!

Late night drives to the middle of Indiana produce fun memories and interesting photographs.

The Instagram caption on this reads: "All Time Low with All Time Bae." I know I'm a caption connoisseur. 

How was your 2015? Life has its ups and downs, but if we only focus on the negatives then we aren't really living life, are we? Make sure to take time to reflect on the great things that happened in your life in 2015, and be thankful that you made it to 2016. (Hmm, did that get a little to cliche? Oh well)

Thank You, Dearest Followers

Hello all you lovely people!

It has been a while, I know. Fall semester was a lot of work; and truthfully, I didn't have time to blog at all. So, instead of squeezing in maybe 1 or 2 blog posts, I instead went on a blog hiatus. But, it is now time for my wondrous return to my little corner of the web!

We have many thing to discuss over the next few weeks. As the new years begins and new semesters start, I have multiple posts for all you lovely ladies and gentlemen. But, before we get into that, I wanted to say thank you. Over my hiatus, I periodically checked my numbers, and you all surprised me. My page views stayed a very steady number even in my absence. I am definitely thankful for your continued interest and loyalty. 

Thank you! Happy New Year!

Syllabus Week Shuffle

Good morning! I appreciate you all being patient and loyal as I get settled into my first week of my second year here at Miami.

The worst thing about syllabus week is the shuffle that is forced by it. I don't know about the rest of you, but I am a huge planner. (Just in case you haven't picked up on that by now.) I do a lot of reading ahead over the weekends to make my weeks move smoother. That option is pretty much taken away with syllabus week. There is no "ahead," there is only today. (A metaphor for life perhaps?) So, this week was a little more hectic for me than I would have liked. I had some sort of reading due every day, and usually an assignment to either go with it or just in another class. To make my struggle yesterday even bigger, I forgot to take my notebooks to campus with me and had to take notes on the back of single-sheet papers. Ugh! (Silly anti-technology professors)

But thankfully, the weekend has arrived! Meaning time to put some decoration on my walls and time to work ahead! Enjoy your weekend!

What if...

Good morning, all. It is on my schedule today to blog. However, I'm not particularly in love with the topic, and I'm not really in the mood. So, enjoy this fun yet educational ASAP Science video.

See you on Thursday!

Hello, New Semester!

As I begin to wrap up the last little bit of my summer, I find it a good time to reflect back and to look ahead. When I was accepted into Miami University on December 15, 2013, I only thought I knew what that meant. Who knew I could fall so deeply in love with a place? I've only spent one year in Oxford, and I already consider this tiny Ohio town my home. I know that when I go back next week, everything will fit into place without a single hitch.

The last year could not have been a better first year of college. I met some awesome new people and did pretty cool things (like almost falling off a small cliff). I spend too much time at my desk and made up for it over the weekends. I fully embraced college and let it shape me, and I'm only 1/4 of the way done (with my undergrad).

I look forward onto this year with a smile and the knowledge that it will be just as great or even better than this year. I look to the great classes I am taking and the awesome apartment that my roommate and I are lucky to have, and I can say that I look forward to the nights that I will spend hunched over a desk with a pencil in my hand because that's what college is for. I look forward to the nights that I will spend with my friends, laughing until we cry, dancing until we fall down and having the time of our lives. I look forward to another wonderful year with the Miami Ballet Corps and the great things our new leadership will plan for us. I look forward to another year to cheer on the Miami Hockey team and hopefully a more successful football season. I look forward to another year to "gently" remind my roommate to pick up her stuff, even though deep down I love her and her messiness. I look forward to another year of watching my beautiful campus change with the season.

As I once again pack up my stuff to move back to Oxford, I am filled to the brim with excitement. So, hopefully I can pass some to you. Or maybe you have as much as I do? Either way, let's be excited for the new year together. Mostly because if you start off with a negative attitude, how is it going to be a good year? So, as corny as this all sounds, get over it. College is supposed to be fun, yes?

So, as the new year begins, embrace it, enjoy it. Before you know it, midterms will be here.

Have a good day, all. Go Redhawks!

How To: Use Your Syllabus!

Good afternoon, all! As semesters are beginning, one of the first pieces of papers you will be handed on the first day of every class is the syllabus. The first thing you want to do it throw it away, or toss it in you backpack, let it get crumpled up and never use it. Okay, not really. But that was funny? Well all of us super-organized people cringe at the thought of people who just discard their syllabi. So, what is the best way to use the many syllabi that you are given in that first week of school?

1. Read it. Yes, read it, the whole thing. It contains important information about that specific professors policies on things like attendance, make-up exams, extra credit, and grade scales. It should also include a week-by-week calendar of the semester. This will give you an idea of what you are going to be doing, how often your exams are, and if you have any other assignments like homework or quizzes.

2. Make an assignment spread sheet. You can find a great post HERE, from Organized Charm, about creating one. I organize mine by month and them by week, with everything in order by due date. This can be a great tool! I print mine out and stick it in the front folder of my Lilly Planner. This way I always have access to it, incase I need it.

3. Write the due dates in your planner. Go down the list of your assignment spread sheet and write all of the dates in your planner. If, for some crazy reason, you don't want to put every single assignment in your planner (why? that's what the planner is for), then pick the most important ones and just write those.
I would recommend some extra-precaution by writing the big assignments on multiple pages. Got a big 10-page paper due? Write it down once a week for the month leading up to it, that way you won't forget.
For the actual date that these big assignments are due, I use double arrow stickers so that I don't mix up the due-date with days I have it written to remind me to work on it. I get all of my planner stickers from The Nifty Studio on Esty. She works out of Cleveland, OH and shipping is super fast!

4. Study hard! Enjoy your semester and don't forget to use that assignment sheet!

Enjoy another syllabus meme, because why not? Have a great day!

Playlist: Tattoo Tuesday

Good morning, a rather early morning if you ask me. I've been on vacation in Michigan, still am actually. But today, lovely people, is Tattoo Tuesday! I am someone who listens to music while I'm getting inked, so here is my playlist for sitting in the chair. Be sure to get enough rest and eat something before you head to your chosen tattoo parlor.

Artist Spotlight: Saint Asonia

Good afternoon, all! While at Rock on The Range this year, I had the pleasure of seeing Saint Asonia for their world premiere. The artist slotted for the first Sunday spot on the main Monster stage was "Special Guest." I was up in the stands with my mom and brother while we were talking (over text) with our cousins who were down on the field about who the "Special Guest" was. While showing a #ROTR twitter feed on the jumbotron, we saw that someone said something about being excited to see Saint Asonia perform. Since they weren't on the lineup anywhere we figured that was who the special guest was. Not long after, we got a text from our cousin who said that it was Adam Gontier's new band (formerly of Three Days Grace.) However, my brother was convinced that the name of Adam's new band was named something differently, so we looked online but couldn't find anything. Then, we got another text saying that the mic stand on stage was most definitely Adam's mic stand. So, me the die hard Three Days Grace fan that I am (not so much anymore with the new singer) rushed down to the field to see them from as close as I could. I ended up pretty damn close to the stage and got to see the first show ever that Saint Asonia will play.

Saint Asonia frontman Adam Gontier.

Saint Asonia is a "super band" whose members include: Adam Gontier on guitar and vocals (Three Days Grace), Mike Mushock on guitar (Staind), Corey Lowery on bass (Eye Empire and Dark New Day), and Rich Beddoe on drums (Finger Eleven).

Saint Asonia drummer Rich Beddoe and frontman Adam Gontier.

The band was formed in Toronto, Canada and "Asonia" is a noun meaning tone deaf. However, if you heard Adam sing, he is certainly not tone deaf. Asonia is on RCA records. The band released their first single, "Better Place" May 15th. Next was "Blow Me Wide Open" on June 29th. "Let Me Live My Life" was released July 17 and "Fairy Tale" 10 days later and "Trying To Catch Up With The World" was released two days before the album.

Their self titled album was released only a few days ago on July 31st, listing 11 songs. The same day the band released their first music video for their first single "Better Place."

As a long time fan of Adam's voice in Three Days Grace, it was pretty great to hear he was doing something new, and to be able to see their first performance ever. Take a look at their music video and their channel on Youtube. You can buy their CD on iTunes or at Best Buy, Target and FYE. Their about to kick off their tour, check out their dates at SaintAsonia.com.

Saint Asonia frontman Adam Gontier walked down the center of the crowd. 

Playlist: Wake Up, Love

Good morning, all! I thought I would toss up a quick post this morning before I head out on my busy day. Summer mornings are my favorite, especially the ones that are cool and sunny. Matching the perfect playlist with these types of morning is important. If the playlist isn't quite right, then I can get a little frustrated, but if the playlist is perfect, then things only get better! Obviously my music tastes aren't the same as some of yours, but here is my morning playlist. Have a good day y'all!

College Supply Must-Haves

Hello, all! As school quickly approaches (I know high schoolers who have already gone back!), it's time for another school-oriented post. I have always been a school supply junkie! From early on in elementary school, I would make my lists and spend my time shopping for just the perfect supplies. The "Back To School" sections in Staples and Target are like Wonderland for me! (No, really!!) I was one of those ridiculously organized students in high school who has a binder for every class with perfect tab dividers. I knew where every single piece of paper was, if a friend needed to borrow notes, I knew exactly where to find them! However, I knew that college would be different. There aren't numbers hand outs to keep track of and you're in charge of taking your own notes. So, here are a few ideas of the school supply must-haves for college!

Kate Spade Cedar Street Small Harmony//Paper Mate Clear Point Mechanical Pencil//Lilly Pulitzer 2015-2016 Large Agenda in Lilly's Lagoon//Lilly Pulitzer 8-Pin Mobile Charge in Lobster Roll//Camelbak Eddy Water Bottle in Raspberry//Apple EarPods with Remote and Mic//Staedtler Triples Fineliner Pens-10 Pack//Greenroom Patterned Binders

1. Computer: Preferably a laptop. Unless you are some sort of Computer Science major or Graphics Design major, I suggest the Macbook Air. I prefer Apple computer over another kind of PC. (Have I mentioned that I vehemently hate Windows?) The Macbook Air is built to be extra-lightweight and runs wonderfully. The Mac running system (OS-X) is super user friendly! They also have a student discount with any valid .edu email address. Take a look here.

2. Bag: Everyone needs a bag, you can't carry everything you need around without a bag. My favorite is the Kate Spade tote (get it here). For days when all I need is my laptop, I carry around my Michael Kors Hamilton bag (get it here.) I have noticed that the Longchamp totes are also very popular and seemingly sturdy (get it here.)

3. Planner: I have gone on and on about how important planners are in the college life. Take a look at my post about choosing the right one for you here. My favorite are the Lilly Pulitzer. Get a 2015-2016 here.

4. Phone Charger: Either carry around a phone charger or a portable spare battery. You either do this from the beginning or you learn quickly that I'm not just suggesting this.

5. Pens/Pencils: Colorful pens are very helpful when re-writing notes and of course pencils are a basic need (especially in any kind of math class.)

6. Post-It Notes: As I mentioned in a post earlier, lists are my life. They keep me organized and I use them on a daily basis. Post-it notes are great for jotting down small lists and sticking them wherever I need. They're also good for reminders or little motivational quotes. They're also a good way to communicate from roommate to roommate (but don't be passive-agressive.)

7. Stapler & Staples: Professors will except you to turn in a stapled paper. And in college, essays and papers are NOT limited to English classes. If you don't turn in a stapled assignment, your professor might not except it. Save yourself the trouble and pick up a stapler and some extra staples. 

8. Notebooks: Taking notes is YOUR responsibility in college. Professors will not hand out fill-in the blank note sheets to fill out while they teach. Notebooks are a great way to keep all of your notes in one place without the hassle of loose leaf paper.

9. Highlighters: Much like colored pens, highlighters are important for note talking. Also, they're great for use when you're reading textbooks. 

10. Index Cards: This is somewhat optional, though I highly recommend it. Note cards are great for studying, especially if you're taking a foreign language. However, there are many apps that provide an electronic version of note cards.

11. Flash Drive: You'll want a flash drive to save your work on. Nothing is worse than finishing up a paper the night before its due (at 2:00 am no doubt) and having your computer crash. Not only do you have a dead computer, but you not have no paper. So save yourself a meltdown and buy a flash drive to double-save your work on.

12. Binders/Folders/File Folders: You will probably want some sort of way to keep track of your old exams, old papers, any handouts, your multiple syllabi (syllabuses?). I have a filing system with file folders and a label maker, but you might want something a little less formal like a binder or folders. 

Extras:

13. Water Bottle: Every food place on my campus lets you fill up your water bottle for free, so I carry one around and fill it up between classes. Its healthier than drinking soda, and also cheaper than paying $1.80 for a small soda.

14. Headphones: I am someone who loves music, so for me it is a terrible, terrible day if I forget my headphones. Getting from class to class is easier when you can jam out to music. 

15. Hair Ties: Ladies, this one's for you (or you guys with long hair.) Sometimes the day is windier than we expected and all we want is our hair out of our face. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty much genetically programmed to carry a hair-tie on my wrist. These kind that double as cute accessories are gentler on your hair than the basic black elastic. You can get them almost anywhere. Plus, they're pretty darn cute!

16. Gum/Mints: Sometimes you just get that icky taste in your mouth (is that the scientific term?) and you really want some gum. Toss a pack in your bag and you'll be happy you had it one day.

17. Hand Sanitizer: Especially during cold season, this stuff is great! The little ones from Bath & Body Works are my favorite, and they smell so good! 

Blog Faves: The Organised Student

Good afternoon, all! Today, I'm going to introduce you to one of my favorite organization tools!

Ellen is a recent recent graduate from England who runs a studyblr (study oriented blog) on tumblr. There is a whole community of people who basically post "study porn." Its ridiculously motivational and I love it. Anyway, Ellen does a wonderful job running this blog and has created printable to help her followers. She has created an entire line of organizing printable FOR FREE! They are lovely and super useful! Check them out.

Her blog: The Organized Student.
Her Google Drive folder: The Organised Student Printables

Her printables include:

• 5 page study plan
• "My study planner"
• Topics to study
• Study plan
• Study schedule
• Motivation
• Weekly Planner (with or without times)
• Daily Planner (version 1.0 and 2.0)
• Assignment planner
• Definitions sheet
• Essay planner
• "Goal getting"
• Grade tracker
• Month @ A Glance
• Semester planner
• 24/7 Planner

I hope you all enjoy these printables as much as I do! Have a good day!

My New Bedroom: Kate Spade Style

Hello, all! I move to school in less than a month and this year, my roommate and I are moving into an apartment! This is practically unheard of at my school. Generally, universities make you stay on campus the first year. Miami requires that you live on campus both your first and second year. So, my roommate and I were gearing up for another 2 semesters in the dorm. However, the university accepted too many freshman and were short almost 300 beds. To solve the problem, they subleases from 2 different student apartment complexes. Read more about it here. So, A and I will be sharing our apartment with two other girls.

Moving from the dorm to the apartment means switching from a Twin XL (the dorm standard) to a full sized bed. As I was thinking about the new bedding I have to buy (which I love buying new bedding), I was thinking about changing things up a bit. Last year, my roommate and I went with a gray and purple color scheme. As I was looking through Pinterest, I had an idea. So, I did what I do and started a new board. After finding many inspiration pins, and making many lists of what exactly I will do with my new bedroom, I have decided. I will have Kate Spade inspired decor! I am very excited for all of the DIYs to come and have already began.

The first thing I had to decide was a pattern/color scheme. Thinking Kate Spade, I decided gold polka dots, blacks/white stripes and a bold pink. As I have scrounged Pinterest for inspiration pictures, these are the best ones that I have rounded up. Fear not, lovely readers, I will of course be posting before and after pictures of my new bedroom. The areas I will be focusing on will  be my bed, desk and wall decoration.

I will very excitedly be moving in August 21st and will most likely spend the entire weekend unpacking and decorating. I am excited for the new adventure that the upcoming school year brings, and I hope that you fellow students feel the same. Have a good day all!

DIY: Designer Notebooks

Good morning, my dearies! When I was in high school, I was the organized friend. I still am the organized friend. But ever since my freshman year, I have always kept my school stuff very organized. I had a separate binder for every class. Every binder had tab dividers and was color coded. I would even buy color coordinating scrapbook paper, and have the names of the classes on scrapbook paper in the binders. I continued this throughout all of high school. I even still have some of the binder cover inserts that I made. Why? I have no idea.

Since coming to college I have changed my system a little bit. I not keep things filed. I realized that I didn't need to always carry around everything, but I still needed some sort of system. So, I keep things neatly filed in a drawer using file folders and a label maker. (I LOVE my label maker!)

I have always loved cute notebooks. I also like to rewrite my notes. Thus, I don't usually buy cute notebooks. They're a tad expensive for a notebook, and I use too much paper to buy a bunch of them for one semester. So, noticed that regular 70-page, college-ruled notebooks were on sale at Staples for $0.25. I went that night and bough 24 notebooks. There were 7 colored, I actually meant to buy 4 of each color, but I ended only buying 2 orange and 2 green. (Hence the 24.)

I had the idea to cover them with scrapbook paper to make them more attractive, but didn't really want to go to the effort. Then I figured, why not? I'd rather spend a few hours with Mod Podge hands than have boring notebooks for the next four months. So, I went to Michael's. My mom and I were furniture shopping a few exits up, so we went to a different one than our usual. I found a few single-sheet scrapbook sheets that I liked, but forgot the Mod Podge. So, on the way home, we stopped by the Michael's down the street from our house. On a display rack, we found a pile of 12x12 scrapbook page books. They were on sale for $5! (They're usually about $20). I fell in love with the first one I flipped through, grabbed the glue and headed home! 

I ran into a few bumps along the way, but in the end they turned out looking pretty great and I'm very happy with them. 

Step One: Collect your supplies. I ended up using:
A paper plate (to put the Mod Podge on).. A foam paint brush.. Matte Finish Mod Podge.. A Ruler.. A Pencil.. An Exact-o Knife.. Grocery Bags(To cover the table).. Notebooks.. Scrapbook Paper..  A Magazine(As a cutting pad. Use a sheet of cardboard or craft mat)..

Step Two: Trace and cut your paper!
Its better to have a little extra than to not have enough. You can do this one of two ways: 1. Trace the outline of the notebook cover. This way is guaranteed to have correct angles and such. Or 2. Measure the notebook cover and then measure out a corresponding square on every sheet of paper. I went with option 1, I thought it would be faster and cause less frustration. Now cut them out. I used a ruler and an Exact-o knife because I knew it would be faster, but you can use scissors.

Step Three: Glue it on!
This is the hard part. "Paint" the Mod Podge onto the cover of the notebook. Don't get too close to the spiral, you don't want to glue your cover to the spiral. Make sure you get extra glue around the edges! When the edges start to come apart, then you have trouble! Carefully place the cut piece of scrapbook paper on the notebook cover. Again, this is when its better to have extra than not enough. Make sure you press them together, it will insure that you have a well-glued piece of scrapbook paper and no bubbles. Let them dry!

Step Four: Trim off any extra!
Take a pair of scissors to the edges. Make sure there isn't any extra paper hanging off the side. 

Step Five: Enjoy your new notebooks! 

Problems I ran into: 
1. Not placing the paper correctly. There was one specific notebook when I put the glue on and then placed the paper on the cover and realized that there was a strip at the top of the notebook where I could still see the cover. How I fixed it: I pulled the cover off (careful because it will curl) and I very carefully replaced the paper to fit correctly.

2. When they began to dry, the covers began to curl. Now when I say "curl" I mean that they didn't stay flat. How I fixed it: after they're dry, place something heavy over them for a day or so. The covers will flatten out in no time! 

The best thing about designing my own notebook covers is that I can have as many notebooks and I want and they all match! I have 5 classes and usually use 2 notebooks for some classes because I like to re-write my notes.

Hope this inspires you to DIY your own notebooks for a fun touch of your own!