Everything Else – Vacation Like a Local

Meaningful Ways to be Intentional About Your Relationships this Holiday Season

November 18, 2020November 18, 2020 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Everything Else, Living Intentionally

Relationships and leading an intentional life is a topic that I love discussing. Sadly, it is not a topic that is discussed enough on this blog. With the Holidays quickly approaching and the P(l)andemic taking its toll on everyone, I felt that writing a post about being purposeful with our relationships would would be welcomed. Because, after all, it is very important that we do not forget our loved ones during the 2020 Holiday Season. Whether you are trying to social distance or not during this Holiday Season, I have done my best to include activities that are great for both social distancing or in-person activities. These are some fun ways that I plan on being intentional about all the meaningful relationships in my life this season.

Sending Handwritten Notes

For clarification purposes, I am not talking about going out and buying a Hallmark card then adding a nice little hand written diddy in the me margins. Instead, buy a unique and personalized stationery. A stationery is a personalized paper collection consisting of a blank card, matching envelopes, and (sometimes) writing utensils. If you are looking to buy a stationary, I have included some great resources below. Or if you do not want to buy anything, just use a some of your favorite pens and pencils; in some ways, this is more creative because you can get in-touch with your creative side and draw them a picture. It does not matter what route you choose to go; but when you do write your letter to your friends and relatives, be sure to tell them you have been thinking about them and wanted to know how they were doing.

Dear Lola Letterpress (ETSY)

Idea Chic (ETSY)

Cerulean Press (ETSY)

Foglio Press (ETSY)

Paper Affair Dallas

Cotton Paperie

Bake Them Something From Scratch (just because)

this is easily one of my favorite things on the list, simply because I love to cook. Although, I am a little biased as I have been cooking since I was 12 years old. Some of the most meaningful time I have ever spent in my life is spending time in the kitchen cooking food for others. Of course, 2020 has inadvertently turned most people into better cooks with the Covid19 lockdowns. Why not show your family, friends, and neighbors you are thinking about them by with your newly improved baking skills? Your baking options are endless. You could make cookies, a casserole, brownies, or even make them drinks. I have quite a few favorite recipes that I like. Here are some of my favorites:

Banana Cake or Banana Bread (My favorite recipe is from the Forum Feasts Cookbook … no nuts)

Skillet Cookie

Scooter’s Spaghetti Casserole

Chicken Spaghetti

Don’t see anything you like in the above list? Be sure to take a look at my FOOD! Pinterest board where you can find nearly 1,000 fun recipes!

Game Night

Game night is another personal favorite of mine. Games have a wonderful way of making people laugh. Laughter is key, when it comes to bringing people together. It has an amazing way of making you feel like you have a connection with the people you are sharing your evening with. At the end the night, you will feel like you have a deeper bond with those in you family or in your circle of friends. This is why game night is so important! In a time full of uncertainty, make sure that you set time aside with your family or friends to have a game night. Depending on your group here are some fun game night options:

After Dark (Adults Only)

Cards Against Humanity

Telestrations – After Dark Edition

Madd Libs

Five Crowns

Pandemic (See what I did there 😉 )

Family Games

Madd Libs (Yes, this is great for kids too. So long as everyone keeps it G-Rated)

Turn your Family Room into a Cozy Theater

There are so many fun ways to have a movie night with your loved ones! For those who have a media room, this is a great way to use it. A regular Television is always a great option (especially when it is right next to you fireplace). Another fun option is take a small portable projector point it a blank wall and watch your movie that way! No matter what room you decide to have your movie night in, make sure that you gather all your favorite blankets, favorite snacks, and fluffy pillows. Make it a cozy night, that will be worth reminiscing on in the years to come.

If you liked what you see here, or if you would like to see more ideas for home and travel, sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Parler. Or you can follow be by email just by filling out the field below.

5 Spooktacular Date Night Ideas for Those Who Live North of I-635

October 20, 2020October 20, 2020 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Everything Else, Living Intentionally, Local Businesses, Local Culture, Local Tastes

Whether it is sharing scary stories while sitting around a fire, the cooler weather, or throwing a fun costume party for Halloween; there are so many fun reasons to enjoy the month of October! Of course, none of these things can be enjoyed alone. This scary October moments simply must be shared with a close friend or a significant other. Getting a great scary adrenaline rush with my husband, is easily one of my favorite things to do, especially in the month of October. Here are some of my favorite “spooktacular” night ideas during the Halloween Season.

Nightly Spirits Tour – Haunted Bar Crawl

Yes, this bar crawl is based in Downtown Dallas. However, it was too perfect of a topic to not be included in this post. It does not matter if you are a believer in the supernatural or not. This Ghostly tour is perfect for anyone and everyone who is looking to meet new people, spend time with your significant other/friends, learn more about the great city of Dallas and grab a few great drinks at the same time. The tour starts a the Green Door Public House on the weekends and makes a couple stops at the Harwood Tavern and City Tavern. Your tour will be guided by a few local ghost hunters who provide extensive knowledge regarding the history of the local sites as well as some witnessed occurrences in the local bars. For those who need more proof of the supernatural or if you would like to add some more entertainment to your tour, bring an an audio recorder with you to see if you can catch an EVP!

Haunted Shadows Lake Trail

This is a perfect date night idea for those who live in Southwest Frisco or in The Colony, especially because it is so close to home! This mile long trail is not for the faint of heart though. Along your hike, you will find you are not alone. During your date, you will be joined by creepy clowns, disturbing shadow people, disembodied voices, and unexplained sounds or noises. This heavily wooded trail is follows the shoreline of Lake Lewisville and is only lit by the moon. A great way to add some fear factor to the trail is to go on a night when there is a new moon.

Dark Hour Haunted House (Backstage Tours)

We were deeply saddened to hear that Covid-19 has prevented Dark Hour from opening its doors this Halloween Season. Especially since it is one of the best Haunted Houses in this region of the United States. While normally we would encourage those who are terrified of haunted houses to stay far away from this attraction. But that is not the case for COVID-19 conditions. This year, we highly encourage anyone (especially those who do not like to go to haunted houses) to take part in a unique experience that Dark Hour staff is providing. In Lieu of having regular shows, Dark Hour is providing backstage tours for anyone to see. This is a great alternative for those who would normally be unable to tolerate haunted houses to see the “science” behinds some of our favorite jump scares.

Netflix, Fire in the Fireplace, and Chill

This date night idea is absolutely perfect for any couple that is just wanting to spend a quiet night in. If you are looking for ways to save money or avoid exposure to Covid-19 this is a great alternative to a “normal” night out. Also unlike the other date nights, this date will actually allow you to set your own private fire and snuggling up next to your significant other. Netflix is one of the best options for scary movies/TV shows this time of year. Some of my favorite Netflix shows include: The Silence of the Lambs, The Haunting of Hill House, and The Haunting of Bly Manor. Of course, if you are looking for something different or if you do not have a Netflix subscription definitely check out the Top 5s Channel on YouTube.

Create your own Ghost Hunting Adventure

Texas (the state) is nearly 200 years old. But the history of the land is far older than the state itself. With all of its history, there are plenty of haunted buildings and locations in the area today. We cannot think of a more enjoyable way to discover the area than by going, finding and exploring some of these locations on your own. There are a few fun ghost towns and legitimately haunted locations in the area. But we recommend going to the Ghost Town of Preston (about an hour North), the Ghost Town of Elizabethtown (about an hour West), or visiting the Haunted Princeton Cemetery. Even if you do not find any ghosts, it can give you and your significant other a great story to share in the future. But if you would like to see if there are any ghosts, bring an audio recorder or an infrared camera to see if there is anything lurking about the area.

The Vendors that Helped us Achieve the Wedding of our Dreams (even during a COVID-19 Lockdown)

August 7, 2020August 7, 2020 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Local Businesses, Weddings

It is so hard to believe that our wedding was only 12 days. While my husband and I had the time of our lives. I think I can honestly speak for the both of us (as well as our families) when I say that we are more than relieved that it is over! But needless to say, we did have the time of our lives while celebrating our wedding. Of course, none of that would be possible with out the amazing vendors who have stepped up during the tumultuous time and helped us achieve the wedding of our dreams! Here is the list of the major vendors that we used and our honest opinion of each

Venue: Filter Building at White Rock Lake

The location is perfect because it has an amazing view of White Rock Lake. But it is also nestled away in Lakewood, making it a little more private and secluded than many other wedding venues in the Dallas Metroplex. Under normal circumstances the venue can only fit about 200 people. However, with current state regulations it is only able to allow for 50% of its capacity. Therefore, it can only allow about 100 guests (inside). Which was more than what we needed for our event. The price for renting this unique, historic venue was unbeatable.

Here’s a few things you should know before you book:

Like most weddings, communication can get kind of crazy (especially closer to the date of the event). To help prevent this, any questions/concerns that you have for the venue regarding your event needs to come directly from the bride/groom only.
You are given a 2 hour walk through of the venue with your venue prior to this event.
However, the 2 hour walk through is only from Monday to Thursday (We ended up doing our rehearsal on a Friday at a different location).

Instagram: @thefilterbuilding Facebook: @TheFilterBuilding

Coordinator: Tie-A-Bow Special Event Planning

With all of the national and global events that have occurred between Thanksgiving of last year to now, this event could not have been accomplished without the help of Jennifer Hines at Tie-a-Bow Special Event Planning. She helped us come up with really great cost effective ideas that added a little extra “umph” to the decor and design. She helped us find vendors that were within our budget. Finally, she came up with practical yet effective ideas and solutions that would help limit the spread of COVID-19 and give our guests a piece of mind during our special day.

Instagram: @tieabowdallas Facebook: @Jenniferhinesdallas

Photography: Daylilies Photography

Daley Kappenman is the incredible woman behind the amazing photos on this post and some of my Instagram posts. We specifically choose her for a few reasons. But one of the biggest reasons, is she is really good at capturing the personalities of her subjects as well as the dynamics of the relationships in her photos. Daley started out with doing our Engagement Photos, which turned out amazingly! Matt and I both really enjoyed working with her, so we decided to hire her (and her husband) for our Wedding photos. They not only were able to take the amazing photos you see on this post; but they were also able to keep us running on time (if not early). Huge Kudos to Daley and her husband Donald!

Instagram: @day_lilies Facebook: @dayliliesphotography

Floral: Lace Bouquet

I love, love, love flowers! The florals are easily my favorite part of any wedding and they have a magical yet elegant way of pulling together all the colors and creating the desired ambiance. The colors I picked for my wedding included Dusty Blue, Misty Grey, and Lavender Purple. This combination of colors are not often used together in weddings. Because I used such a uncommon color scheme, I wanted a florist that has experience using an uncommon combinations of flowers.

The Lace Bouquet, caught my attention on Instagram before my husband even proposed. I fell in love with her unusual flower selection in the bridal and great taste in flower arranging. She is wonderful to work with and came up with some really amazing cost effective ideas that would still help us make the venue look amazing without breaking the bank.

Instagram: @thelacebouquet Facebook: @Thelacebouquet

Caterer: Two Sisters Catering

Hands down, best catering food I have ever eaten in my life. Prior to COVID-19, we had catered food a lot at work. I have found that most catered food tastes the same. But the catering from Two Sisters does not fit this category by any means. The Chef (Brock Boyd) does an amazing job with mixing and matching different spices; then combining them and makes them into this wonderfully delicious dish. For example for our wedding we chose Avocado Deviled Eggs, Grilled Peach wrapped in Prosciutto, Salad with a Greek Yogurt and Sriracha Dressing, and Grilled Chicken covered in a Mustard Sauce. The food was amazing and the left overs have fed my husband and I for the last week.

Instagram: @cateringtwosisters Facebook: @twosisterscateringdallas

DJ: DJ Haze

DJ Haze did an amazing job and we loved working with him! During the Ceremony, he did an excellent job at coordinating the music to the processional and recessional. After the ceremony, he played a wonderful mix of genres for the cocktail hour and dinner; all of which perfectly fit the mood. The dancing, however, was the best part of the wedding (as it always should be). DJ Haze had a couple of assistance working with him. His assistants would join us (and even sometime lead) the guests on the dance floor. At times even DJ Haze himself, would make it a point to join us in dancing during the reception. We all had a great time!

Facebook: @RogerHayesDJHaze

Calligrapher: Bethany’s Letter Shop

Not enough can be said about this lovely lady that will do her justice. She has been tremendously helpful during the whole process of preparing for a wedding. (Due to unforseen circumstances with Covid) she was able to step in at the last minute an help design some of the most beautiful wedding invitation suites I have ever seen. But she does not only do invitation suites. For our wedding, she provided me with “Mr.” and “Mrs.” signs, uniquely designed table number, a cake topper, and a seating chart for the reception. She also created an amazing welcome sign for our guests. I highly, highly recommend Bethany as your wedding calligrapher.

Instagram: @bethanyslettershop Facebook: @bethanyslettershop

Cakes: Dallas Affairs

This was a choice that my husband and I made together prior to the wedding. From the moment we started talking with them we knew that we were in good hands! When we first met with them, the meeting itself was nearly 2 hours long. We discussed everything we needed to discuss regarding our wedding cake. There were even aspects of the wedding caked and grooms cake design and delivery that we did not even know exists; nevertheless, these were all discussed. By the end of our meeting, we both had a very clear understanding of what the cakes would look like, how they would taste, and so on.

And of course, the cakes were absolutely stunning and tasted amazing.

Instagram: @dallasaffaires Facebook: @dallasaffaires

Cover Photo: Daylilies Photography

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5 Beautiful French Chateaus that are Perfect for Destination Weddings

January 20, 2020January 19, 2020 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Destination Weddings, Travel, Weddings, Where to Stay

After my engagement, I seriously considered having a destination wedding. Of course, my dream venue for a destination wedding would have been a unique (yet stunning) French chateau. This would allow my guests and I to spend a ween on vacation, then celebrate the end of the week with a wedding. Eventually, we decided to stay in the Dallas area for my wedding. But I did want to share the five chateaus that I was considering prior to making the decision to stay in Dallas. Even if you are not planning a destination wedding, you can still rent theses Chateaus as a holiday/vacation home.

Chateau de Jaques

Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels

This stunning property is a fantastic place for anyone who is looking for something small and private. The chateau can comfortably accommodate up to 32 guests. There are so many sights for you and your guests to see during your stay at Chateau de Jaques. The Chateau itself is on roughly 24 acres of land which includes lush gardens, wooded areas, and a courtyard. For those who love the outdoors, there are cycle and equine trails nearby. The Marne River is also about a 15 minute walk from the Chateau. For those who are looking more for the hustle and bustle of a city, the stunning town of Chalons-en-Champagne is a 10 minute drive away. There are several fun activities for you and your guests in Chalons-en-Champagne, but definitely try Caves Joseph Peirre (also function as a champagne house), a canal cruise, Musee des Beaux-Arts et d’Archeologie, Les Jards, Circus Performances, and Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Epine. It is also worth noting that Paris is just an hour train ride away.

Max. Number of Guests: 32

Estimated Price: $33/guest/night

Region: Champagne

Chateau des Joyaux

Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels

Chateau des Joyaux is perhaps one of the most notable chateaus in the Loire Valley. The ornate appearance and decor makes the beautiful chateau look like it came straight out of the pages of your favorite fairy tale story. For anyone who is looking for a fantasy dream wedding, the Chateau des Joyaux is available to rent as a holiday home and can accommodate you, your significant other, and 48 of your closest friends and family. There are many things for you and your guests to do during your stay. The Loire Valley is home to some of the best wine in the world. While you are there, be sure to take advantage of the A La Francaise! Loire Valley wine tour!

Max. Number of Guests: 50

Estimated Price: $149.68 (if 50 people go)

Region: Loire Valley

The Exclusive Village

Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels

Why get married in a French Chateau, when you can get married in a fully renovated 13th Century French Village? This lovely village is complete with 14 houses (with modern pluming and Wifi access), a church, private garden, and a vaulted reception room.This venue is a fantastic option for you and your wedding guests, because the separate houses will allow your guests to have more privacy should they need it. The Exclusive Village is located in Gascony which is the most rural region of France. However, there are somethings to do. About a 20 minute drive from the village down of Condom, France. For activities to do there are several options available Condom; try the distillery tour at Chateau le Courrejot, a boat tour with Gascogne Navigation, and Le Padoue Bar and Restaurant.

Max. Number of Guests: 80

Estimated Price: Inquire with the Website

Region: Midi-Pyrenees

Chateau Crystal

Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels

This lovely estate is located on 105 stunning acres. The estate is large enough for just about any desired outdoor activity, including: Hot Air Ballooning, Hunting, Cycling and Equine. For your guests who enjoy fishing, there is a 22 acre pond on the estate property that is perfect for their favorite activity. If you have guests that are looking more for the hustle and bustle of a big city, Angers is just a 20 minute drive! While you are there be sure to visit Musee Jean-Lurcat (12-century hospital), Musee des Beaux-Arts, the Angers Cathedral, Jardin des Plantes, and Carre Cointreau (Triple Sec Distillery).

Max. number of Guests: 38

Estimated Price: $44.84/night/person (if all 38 people)

Region: Loire Valley

Chateau le Duc and Gite

Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels

This beautiful chateau encompasses all the elegance of french decor, yet has the coziness of home. You and your guests will feel secluded on the 12 acres of land. There are plenty of activities to do on the estate including Badminton Tennis, and barbecue. If there is anyone who loves to golf, there is a golf course in Excideuil that is about 15 minutes away. Or if you would like to include a wine tasting as part of your nuptial festivities, Chateau le Duc can host a wine tasting for you.

Max. Number of Guests: 43

Estimated Price: Inquire with the Website

Region: Dordogne

All these holiday Chateaus were chosen organically found on Oliver’s Travels

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Engagement Photos in Downtown Plano

January 9, 2020January 13, 2020 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Gourmet Coffee & Tea, Local Businesses, Weddings

Happy (Belated) Holidays! Life has been a little crazy recently with the holidays and the new year. On Thanksgiving 2019, my boyfriend proposed. I was so surprised. As I knew it was coming, I just was not expecting it until this year. So along with celebrating Christmas and New Years, we have also been planning a wedding. Of course, what would wedding planning be if we didn’t get engagement photos? Here are all the lovely details about our photographer, our props, and the location.

Photography: Daylilies Photography

We heard about Daley (the photographer) through my mom, who has worked with Daley previously. Now, those who know Matt and I will tell you that we are both extremely camera shy. For example, the photo below (right) is the first photo he and I have taken together as a couple, taken over a year ever we started dating. Daley did such an excellent job with helping us to overcome our shyness and become more comfortable in front of the camera. We loved working with her!

This is the only photo that Matt and I have taken together. It was taken after we got engaged (over a year after we started dating).

Daley is the perfect photographer for anyone who is looking for someone to capture their personality and relationship dynamics. She is a great photographer, not only for engagements but also for families, heads hots, and dancers. Even in some of the photos below include some of the dynamics between Matt and I. One photo includes a rather funny mannerism that Matt expresses a lot. Another one of the photos below was taken right after Matt poked me in the ribs (which is a rather sensitive area).

Photos Courtesy of Daylilies Photography

The Mugs: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made Crafts

Funny story about these mugs, I bought these months ago so that I could do some sort of giveaway during Wedding season for coffee and tea lovers. However, the idea fell through and I decided to hold on to the mugs for another day. Then December came around and I was looking for really nice mugs to have for our engagement photos. then I remembered these mugs and brought them with us to the engagement shoot.

These mugs were actually purchased on ETSY at Fearfully & Wonderfully Made Crafts. However, the owner has taken a break for the holidays. Be sure to check out their website, Instagram, and Facebook!

Location: Historic Downtown Plano

There were two main locations in the Downtown Plano area that we used. The first was one of my personal favorites, 1418 Coffee House. The second location was at Shinola.

1418 Coffee House

1418 Coffee House is one of my favorite coffee shops in Plano! It is a favorite for so many reasons. First, I love how they have renovated their antique little building and made it their own. The couches, chairs and the whole ambiance is very relaxing and cozy. Over the last two years, it has become one of my favorite places to go and work solely because of the warm atmosphere.

Or if you are just looking for a local place in Plano that sells locally sources, fair trade coffee and teas that taste amazing. Then look no further than 1418 Coffee House. They sell coffee that is locally roasted by a small coffee roaster that provides the community with Direct Trade coffee (Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters). Plus, they have some of the best Chai Tea around!

Now regarding the pictures. While 1418 is an easy choice because of the unique decor and historic location, there was a little bit of more sentiment to the decision. 1418 Coffee House was the location of our first date. It was the place where he and I officially met each other (in-person).

Shinola

All of the pictures that were taken inside, were taken at Shinola. This is a really great store for anyone looking to buy any high-end leather items. They sell jewelry, jackets, bicycles, journals, and other supplies for outdoors, travel and home. However, their watches are some of my favorite items. The faces of each watch are uniquely designed and the wristbands are so well made that they are sure to last.

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Living Intentionally – How Writing a Daily Letter to a Deployed Friend has Helped Strengthen our Friendship

April 10, 2019August 29, 2019 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Everything Else

Before I started dating, I was about 25 years old and had my mind set on other things. Over the last four years I have gone out on many dates, met even more men, and even made a few friends along the way. Like many people, I definitely have a “type.” This type tends to be Veterans (many of which are Combat Vets).

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

While getting to know these men, they would always tell me how they enjoyed receiving and writing letter to and from their loved ones while on deployment. They would tell me how they really enjoyed the small details in the letters. For example: one person told me that he enjoyed reading about how his sister went to Starbucks with one of her best friends then later she went to the grocery store. It has always been a mystery to me; why do you want to know every detail about what is happening here? In my mind, I find these small details to be rather boring. Wouldn’t someone who is deployed feel the same way about the small details of life at home?

Fast forward a few years to present day. I now have a friend who works part time for the National Guard (Former Air Force Officer) and was recently deployed. During his deployment, I made the decision to intentionally write him a long deployment letter every day at noon. I didn’t know his physical address, so all of our communication was via Facebook Messenger.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

At first, I had no idea what to tell him about. So naturally, I started telling him all about the weather. Then eventually, with the more letters I sent him, the more comfortable I became with telling him about other things. I would tell him about my minor victories and losses, frustrations, sicknesses, plans, work, friendships, and so on. Often times he would respond in ways that I was not expecting.

Unexpectedly, my deployment letters turned into actual conversations. They became conversations of substance. We become more comfortable with each other during his deployment because of my letters.. Despite being thousands of miles apart, we became closer and our friendship became much deeper.

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This Post was originally posted on The Chronicles of Kelsey. If you like what you see please leave a comment below and follow this blog. Also, be sure to follow Kelsey on Instagram and Facebook.

Increased Productivity by Pacing Yourself

March 20, 2019August 29, 2019 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Everything Else

Throughout my life, I have been consistently told “just take 15 minutes out of your day to work on (insert task here).” However, it was not until I was 25 years old and working towards my second Bachelors degree when I realized the importance of timing yourself.

As stated in my About page, I am currently working full-time and going to school part-time. My first bachelors degree is in Exercise and Sport Science. Now, I am working towards a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. Eventually, I would like to earn a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. With all the course work and the stress load that I have to handle outside of school, using a timer to pace myself throughout the day has proved to be very, very, very helpful.

shallow focus of clear hourglass — Photo by Jordan Benton on Pexels.com

The nice thing about timing yourself is that it can be applied to just about any and every aspect of life. For example, it can be applied to your professional life. If you are working on multiple projects time, use a timer to time yourself as you work on each project. If you are a housewife and mother, you can time yourself for cleaning the kitchen, cleaning your bedroom, or taking a nap.

In a way, timers have taken over my life (especially on the weekends)! Right now, I am taking only two classes (University Physics I and Calculus III). Usually when I study, I spend 30 minutes studying Physics, 30 minutes studying Calculus, and 15(+) minutes during a break. It is during these 15(+) minute breaks, I spend time cleaning/organizing my room, working on my blog, working on other social media, eating, and so on.

young woman thinking with pen while working studying at her desk — Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

Since I am constantly on my computer (perhaps a little too much), most of my timers are on my computer. There is an app on most windows computers labelled “Alarms & Clock.” Using this app, I have created several generic timers that are my go-to when it comes to intense studying and working. Below is a graphic listing the names of my timers and how long they are set for.

design desk display eyewear — Photo by energepic.com on Pexels.com

Fair Warning:

When you first start trying to get into the habit of setting timers, you are going to feel very unproductive. It will feel like nothing was accomplished in the last 30 minutes. When I first started doing this, that is exactly how I felt. Originally, I started out by setting 30 minute timers. At the time, I only completed about two problems. But this is perfectly fine! Usually, I finish the problem then move on to the next subject. Bottom line, when you start doing timing yourself you will start to feel a little down because you will not accomplish everything on your list within that 30 minutes! It is completely and totally normal. I am here to tell you, hang in there! It will get much easier

business newspaper page near black click pen and coffee — Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Fortunately, There Is Good News!

If (and only if) you keep timing yourself, you will be so much more productive. During each 15 to 30 minute timer, you will feel like nothing was accomplished. If you keep at it, eventually, you will finish whatever it was you set out to do. Not only will you finish, you will also find that you accomplished more than what you have originally intended. Timing yourself allows you to focus on what you are doing without distraction. Taking timed breaks, allows your brain to dwell on what you were just studying. Finally, timing yourself allows you to find ways to make your studying more efficient and effective.

This Post was originally posted on The Chronicles of Kelsey. If you like what you see please leave a comment below and follow this blog. Also, be sure to follow Kelsey on Instagram and Facebook.

Featured Image: Found on Pinterest.

Studying: Best Practices

March 6, 2019December 10, 2019 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Everything Else, Student Life

This post was originally posted to Preparing for a Career in Healthcare Blog. To see the full post click here

Hello everyone! It is the hard to believe that we have completed three and a half weeks for the year 2019! Where has the time gone?

Despite the year still being one quarter complete, many things have happened. I have set up a Facebook Page, reconfigured my Instagram Account, started the Spring Semester of school, passed two tests, and I have two more tests coming up that I need to study for. Thus, I have taken inspiration for today’s blog post from having to study for school.

Studying comes in many different forms. For my first degree, my time studying was almost entirely spent reading, writing and memorizing. However, I am in school trying to earn a second bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. This major is an entirely different breed. Engineering is almost entirely math. Studying for math involves more practice and deduction than anything else. But I am getting off topic, so I digress.

Since returning to college there are many things that I have learned about regarding study habits and college success. Below, I have listed out a few major points about studying do’s and don’ts.

1) The Relationship Between Comfort Level and Studying

The more experience I have with successful study, the more evident it has become that there is a correlation between comfort level and studying. In other words, the more comfortable I am, the less productive I am during my studies. To combat this, here are a few things I have found that help tremendously with my productivity during study hours.

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Dress Nicely (Try to Avoid Wearing PJ’s and Athletic Wear)

No, you do not have to wear your fanciest clothing. But you will not be as productive dressed in your PJ’s or athletic gear as you would in regular clothes. Make it a point to wear jean pants or jean shorts and a nice blouse or graphic T-shirt. Another option, is a casual maxi skirt/dress, sun dress, or jean skirt. Since it is cold outside, I usually wear skinny jeans, boots, a fashion T-shirt, and a cardigan/jacket/vest. In the future, I might write a post that includes some of my favorite outfits to wear during my studies. But for now you might be able to find some inspiration on my Pinterest board I’m a Citizen of the World (pay particular attention to the Cozy Section, Casual Date Section, and the Weekend Section).

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Do not Study on your Bed

I know that I cannot be the only person who is like this, but my bed is my heaven. It is the most comfortable place for me to be. Because it is so comfortable, it is a terrible place for me to study. I am not nearly as productive if I study on my bed as I am when I study at the kitchen/dinning room table or my desk. When I am sitting on my bed, I often time get distracted doing other things. This is not ideal for an environment that needs to promote learning

Better yet, Get out of the House

Being at home makes us comfortable, since comfort level seems to be inversely correlated with productive study. Therefore, it is probably best that you get out of the house entirely. Where you go does not matter, just get out of the house. I find that cafes are my favorite places to study. But libraries, classrooms, the Math Lab, your Professor’s office are all excellent alternatives to sit and study your material. On Friday’s I go study in my Physic’s classroom and study. On Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, I sit in my Professor’s office and complete Calculus III homework.

brown book page — Photo by Wendy van Zyl on Pexels.com

2) Read your Textbook and Write Down Everything!

There is something about writing things down that make concepts much easier to memorize and understand. As you sit and read your textbook, be sure to jot down as many notes about what you are reading. Also, it is very important that you review and rewrite the notes that you have taken while in class. For example, one of the things I do (especially in Physics). I sit and read the book and write down any and every major point and revelation the book gives me. Then you sit and practice the sample problems. Generally, I will try to attempt the sample problem myself, then go back and see what I got wrong (you do not learn a thing by getting everything right). Finally, I will attempt to solve every odd numbered problem at the end of each chapter (these problems have the solutions in the back of the book).

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3) Setting Timers

This subject will most definitely require another post, because it applies to every situation (not just school). Plus, if you have never gotten into the habit of timing yourself, then there are a few things that you might want to know prior to picking this up as a habit. Therefore, I will follow up with a post in the next few weeks regarding this topic.

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4) Finally, Take Breaks and Do No have “Study Marathons.”

As humans, some of our biggest flaw is thinking that we learn more if we sit for several hours and study the same subject they whole time. This could not be further from the truth. Be sure to take breaks during your studies. During those breaks, be sure to actually get up and do something. There are many things you could do during your breaks, clean your room, clean the kitchen, go for a run/walk, lift weights, spend time working on a hobby, blog and so on. This is why timing yourself with timers are so important, so that you do not get so caught up in studies. Also timers help you time your breaks so that you do not loose yourself in these hobbies during these breaks.

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