Home stretch!!

One final down, and one to go - almost there! During study breaks I have been hitting up Pinterest to look for Christmas treats to make.  My Grammy and I are throwing a PINK Christmas Party for all of our friends and family - it will be so much fun! Everyone was instructed to wear pink, and bring a pink gift for a gift exchange.  We are also going to serve a light buffet of - you guessed it - PINK food! A couple weekends ago when I went home I helped her decorate in all things pink. I can't wait!

I have been wanting to make French Macarons for some time now, so we are going to try those out. I've been looking for some good recipes and I thought these sounded so good (and look pretty too!)

These are so cute!

Recipe found here!

We are also going to make pretzel rods dipped in white chocolate with pink sprinkles, as well as marshmallows decorated with pink accents too! Maybe even cake pops! I hope they turn out like these - I found them on this website.

How adorable

Love these 

Who know what else we will make - but I will be sure to post about it!

Enjoy your day!

Love,

Study Strategies

I have two finals left to go - one Monday and then one on Friday.  I am glad they are spaced out so I don't have to focus on Friday's until Monday's is over, but I almost wish it was sooner so I could get home earlier.  I absolutely can not wait to enjoy the Christmassy season without thinking about studying.

These are a few studying strategies that work for me:

#1 Leave your phone and laptop in your backpack - I always find myself getting distracted with Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, texting, etc.  I've found that I am much more productive if I don't have these electronics out!  If you need your laptop for studying,  exit out of all tabs that could take your mind off of studying.

#2 Only focus on studying for one exam at a time.  It can get confusing and be overwhelming if you try to tackle too much at once.  Prepare yourself well for one exam, and then begin working on the other.

#3 Highlight highlight highlight!  And color code, too! I find it helpful to choose one color to highlight the main points of notes, and then use different colors to highlight supporting details.  This can break up long monotonous notes and makes it easier to follow.

#4 Make notecards to quiz yourself.  This is very helpful for me, and I think it also helps because it's proven that when you actually write something out, it's easier to remember.  Perfect!

#5 Study in study-friendly places.  Although I enjoy studying at my sorority house, it can be distracting with so much going on an so many people to talk to. And even though I love studying in my room [while laying on my bed], it's easy to get too comfy and fall asleep [oops].  I find it best to study in a library, study room, or quiet dining hall.  There are so many options - find one that works for you.

#6 Study with friends.  I honestly think I have spent more time with my friends this weekend than any other weekend this semester - and we've been studying basically the whole time (well we took a few fun breaks.. We even went ice skating for an hour or so on Saturday)!  But it's easier to study because you will have your friends to hold you accountable.  Even better if y'all are studying the same subjects.

#7 Take breaks! Your mind can only handle so much at a time - and you don't want to overwhelm yourself anyways.  Every half hour, 45 minutes, or hour take a 5 to 10 minute break to stretch, get a snack, get some fresh air, workout, or whatever! You don't want to get stressed - but make sure you get right back to studying.

I hope these tips help y'all do well! Remember: YOU'RE TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Love,

The Reason for the Season

Wow wow wow! School and life have been so busy lately!

BUT on the bright side - IT'S CHRISTMAS SEASON! My favorite! Christmas brings so many fun activities, great times with family and friends, a break from school, and some free time to enjoy Christmas movies and hot chocolate while snuggled up on the couch!

Hot chocolate with my best friend!

Unfortunately, the glorious Christmas season also means the end of the semester (yay!) ... but also finals (ugh!).  As the semester comes to a close end and exams and finals are in full swing, sometimes we get caught up in studying and solely thinking about our grades. It can be easy to think that our grades, GPA, and success determine our worth and identity. But, thankfully - we are not defined by how well or how poorly we do in school, or in anything for that matter.

It's so freeing to know and believe that we will never be perfect - we will fail in so many aspects, time and time again.  And that is OKAY, because it is bound to happen!! We are broken people living in a broken world.  The only person who ever has been and ever will be is Jesus, whose birth we celebrate this time of year.  He came to earth as a baby, lived a life that was perfect and without sin, and died for us, for all people! God send Jesus to earth to bridge the gap between us and God - so that we can know Him, put our trust in Him, find our identity in Him, and spend eternity in heaven with Him someday! Grades and circumstances do not define me - Jesus does.  In Christ alone, my hope is found - because without Him, I am nothing.

So while we should try our best in school, on exams, in everything we do (Colossians 3:23), we can rest assured that when we do fail, Jesus will always pick us up.  He always loves, cares, and wants us!

[as working for the Lord, not for men.]

Although we are bombarded with final exams, projects, paper, and the hustle and bustle of the joyous Christmas season - remember that Jesus is the real reason for the season!  Let's strive to find joy in each moment - whether we are studying, baking yummy Christmas cookies, spending time with family, or watching Christmas movies, remember the One who gives you life - and celebrate Him throughout this Christmas season and every season that life brings.

^^^

Good luck on finals!
Xoxo - Roxanne