One Pimple is One Too Many - School Prep

Hey Everyone!

I know what you may be thinking... Are you serious Ariel? SCHOOL PREP? It's still summer!
Very true!
However, many of us (ahem, like me) are heading back to school in a month and sometimes need a reminder that summer doesn't last forever!

Even if school doesn't start for another few months in your case, it's never too early to be prepared!

Here are some fun ways to get prepped for school without making it seem like work!

Play a Game
- Whether it be a board game or a video game, there are plenty of games out there that promote education and learning without being stuffy or boring! BrainAge for the Nintendo DS is a good example as well as the game Cranium! Instead of breaking out the games only at parties, make playing "brain games" a daily part of your life. Your brain will thank you!

Read a Book
- I have always loved reading. My grandma taught me to read when I was three years old and instilled in me from a very young age to love books and reading. As I've grown up, that love has only grown. Although I have to read more for work than for pleasure, I still enjoy reading to this day. For some of you, that may not be the case. Maybe you've grown up HATING reading! Never fear my friends! I am of the firm belief that if someone doesn't like to read it's because they haven't found their book yet. By that, I mean the book that encourages a love for books and stories. For me, that book was Clotee: The Diary of a Slave Girl from the Dear America series. Although I have always loved reading, that book really made me appreciate stories, books and keeping a diary. (Which I started when I was eleven and still do to this day) Make it your mission this summer to find your book. Go to the library or to a local bookstore and browse! Look for things you're interested now and go from there... you never know what could be in store between the pages of a good book!

Research
- Before you stop reading, hear me out! Research is usually thought of as a form of torture brought on from teachers. Not true! Researching new and exciting things can be a lot of fun! Ever wondered how peanut butter was made? Or how the internet was invented? Look it up! Through the wonders of the internet and your local library, there's a whole world of information available to you! Find something you've always wondered about and see how it was made!


Previously, I posted this column weekly and then once I started college I posted whenever I had the time. After a lot of thinking, I've decided to post once every month. Not only will I have a chance to be consistent but it will still give me time to focus on my schoolwork and academics.

I hope you all are having a fun and restful summer!

Ariel <3

One Pimple is One Too Many - Fresh Start

Hello!

For many, today marks the start of a new semester. Whatever happened last year is dead and gone! Today's the chance to start fresh!

Every breath is a second chance. - "Always" by Switchfoot
Every breath you take is a second chance -- a second chance to love, to hope, to dream, to pursue -- to do everything and anything that you've set your mind to. If last year//semester wasn't your best, choose today to make this year//semester different! If you were late on assignments last year, make the extra effort to finish and turn in your assignments early. If you were lonely or didn't have many friends, decide that this year will be different. Smile, be kind to people -- the only way to have a friend is to be one.

Something to remember: Sometimes the only thing you can change in your life is yourself. Choose to be the better person in all situations. It's not easy but ultimately, it will be worth it. Another important thing to remember is to be content with what you have. We all have dreams, goals and things we want to accomplish in the future but if we're not content with what we have and who we are today, we'll never be happy! I know this may sound like a contradiction but it's truth -- you should always hope and make the effort to better yourself. But at the same time, realize that all that changing isn't going to make you happy. If you're not first happy with who you are, no matter what you change you won't be happy.

Believe in yourself. Love yourself. It's not being selfish -- it's taking care of the amazing gift that you are! Treat others as you would want to be treated... while that means you should be kind and loving to people -- that also means you should be kind and loving to YOURSELF! You are one amazing person! There is no one on earth like you! You are a peculiar treasure, a masterpiece, a cherished one!

Every time you smile, you make the world a little brighter. :)

Have the best week everyone!

Ariel

postscript: Something funny I came across the other day
What is the meaning of life, the universe and everything?
Google it. You will be amazed. :)

<3

Posh Dorm Decor-Back to School

Hey V.I.T.s,

Well it is that time to start thinking about going to school. Another school year another adventure. It is all good, right? Today I bring you ideas for your dorm and/or small space to get organized for back to school!!

This is from WestElm, which I love and own many of their products. It is time to get that desk organized. Notice that this piece is not even a desk but it is turned into one, and I must say I love brown and orange.

Smart Storage. Take advantage of every inch and get yourself organized. Boxes and wire baskets will do wonders for you.

Oh yes, the closet. Get it back to school ready. Organize it and your life will be much easier in the morning, trust me!

Don't just throw all your stuff in a cabinet and shut the door. Oh, no no!!! Organize the inside of that cabinet with boxes, file containers, shoe boxes, and etc. You get the point. Don't you hate when you can't find something? My advise is to label all these boxes to.

OK, you are ready for school now! Have fun planning and organizing.

Wink...Wink...Posh

BTW-Happy Birthday, Dina :) love ya

One Pimple is One Too Many - Back to School

It's that time again - you're back from summer vacation and it's time to start a new school year! Here a few quick tips to make this year an amazing one!

Always eat a good breakfast before school.
Grabbing a breakfast bar on the go doesn't count. Studies show that eating a healthy breakfast every day helps you focus better and increases your chances of making a better grade.

Make sure you have everything you need before you leave the house.
To make sure you don't forget anything, talk to your parents about getting a dry-erase board that you can hang right beside the door. Write down everything you need to take to school the night before (projects, homework assignments, field trip permission slips etc.), be sure to pack everything in your backpack and cross it off before you leave.
(You can also look into getting a dry erase board to hang in your room. (or wherever it is that you study) That way, you have a better chance of not forgetting to complete an assignment.)

Pay attention while in class and take notes.
Always have a pen and/or pencil ready to take notes of what the teacher is saying. Be sure to write down all your assignments as they're given to you and to listen to the lesson so you'll have a better understanding of what you're supposed to learn.

Be a friendly face.
Every year there's always the "new kid". Get to know him or her. Ask them where they're from and what they think of their new school. You never know, they could become a great friend! Even the kids you normally don't hang out with, maybe the shy girl in math class or the the guy in band who eats alone - reach out to them. Remember, the only way to have a good friend, is to be a good friend.


You're in charge of your school experience. Make it a good one!

Remember:
Life's what you make it so, let's make it rock! :)


Have a great year everybody!

Ariel