Study Tips for Taking Better Notes This Semester

I don't know about you, but at the school I go to, we just got into a new semester- new classes, new homework. We're into the middle of the year now, so you're kind of used to everything, like taking notes during a video. We don't take notes during lectures or anything, just videos (which can be even harder sometimes). I've got a couple of tips for taking good notes, and then what to do with those notes (depending on the assignment). 

BEFORE~

-First, think about what you're going to be writing about and how much space it will take up. I HATE it when it's the middle of the video, and I run out of space on my paper, so I have to waste priceless seconds to get out a new sheet of paper, and then I miss something very important. So grab a couple of sheets of paper, and also use a pen instead of a pencil if you can, so that there's no worries about having to sharpen it if it breaks. (use a reliable pen!)

-Don't skip lines. Yes, it makes it look neat, but you're also wasting valuable space and this is pretty much why you're ending up using twice as much paper as you need. Fill the lines, save trees. 

-You know how right before a workout you do a bunch of stretches, to prepare? It's the same with taking notes. Your hands will surely get cramped up, so give them some mini stretches. 

-Give it a good title and the date, so that if someone asked what day you guys took notes, you can tell them. Plus, you probably have, like, a gazillion different notes in your locker so a title will help you out (don't just write "NOTES"). Do something like "Revolutionary War Vid Notes, Feb 11". 


AFTER~

-When you're all done and have multiple pages of notes all done and you're super proud of yourself, staple it. Don't just use a paperclip, their measly and weak, and will fall off and plus they'll just get lost or something. Staples are forever. 

-Put them someplace safe where you'll remember where they are, because the last thing you want to happen is to lose 5 pages of double sided notes which can't be replaced because you took the most notes out of the whole class. DON'T. LOSE. THEM. 

-Meet up with your friends afterwords, like on the weekend or something, for a study session. Compare notes and write down everything they have that you don't have. You can never have too much, and plus you could be helping someone else out. Discuss anything you don't understand. Study sessions can be super helpful, and you'll thank me afterwards. 

-*OPTIONAL* If you have very messy handwriting (like me), then it's gonna be even messier when you're writing down a million things at once at the speed of light, so grab some fresh paper and rewrite everything if it's something that someone else will be reading later. 

These should help you out a lot, and if not, then just remember- only 5 more months until all of this is over :)

xo Savannah

40 Ways Your Dog Makes Your Life 100% Better

I have 2 dogs, Darwin and Seamus, both Border Collies. Darwin is black and white and he's almost 6 years old now- Seamus is red and white but he isn't even a year old and we can already tell he's a total butt head. He digs a ton of holes, he chews up everything, and he jumps in and out of the truck freely when we go on hikes. Darwin is really skiddish around him but sometimes snaps when Seamus pulls his tail. I can't imagine my life without these beautifully blissful creatures- here are 40 ways they can make your life 100% better.

1. They can help you get in shape! My dogs always come with me on hikes on my journey to get active. 

2. They ALWAYS want to hear about your day, and chances are, they won't interrupt. 


3. They're always happy to see you when you get home, whether you were gone for 5 minutes or 5 weeks. They love it when I get back from vacation!



4. They serve as an emergency hand towel if you have poop on your hands... Just sayin. 


5. They always want to hang out if you're not up for talking. 

6. They make FANTASTIC nap-time pals ;)

7. Leftover food? No problem. 

8. Food spilled on the floor? No problem.

9. They will gladly be a pony for hire, if you've got little kids... And a great dane. 

10. They add so much pizazz to everyday chores and business. Shopping just got so much better...

11. Their smile makes up for every mess ever made (by them). 

12. They keep away unwanted and potentially dangerous intruders... e.g. the mailman. 

13. No matter what, they're always ready for an adventure. 

14. Taking them to the vet gives you opportunities to pet other animals and sample dog treats.

15. They looooove doing EVERYTHING with you and they are never not happy, which means they will promote a positive attitude on a daily basis!

16. You know you love seeing their faces flapping along in the wind when they get to sit in the front seat. 

17. They understand your peanut butter obsession completely and it's adorably hilarious to see them try to eat it. 

18. Isn't it cute when they jump into piles of leaves in the fall? It's cute. 

19. They'll stop at nothing to please you... Oh, you're thirsty? I'll start drooling. 

20. They're so eager to help you win world records!! *wink wink*

21. They know just the goofy face you need when you come home from work, and you know you need it, too. 





22. Oh, you accidentally threw your frisbee into the pond? On it. 

23. They will always watch TV with you when no one else is there. 

24. Who else but man's best friend to complete your synchronized swimming team? 

 25. But seriously, they will swim with you, and maybe save your life if you happen to drown. 

26. Sometimes, a good ole doggy birthday party is just what you need. 

27. Yeah, they'll play football with you!!

28. They keep the rodent population under control. 

29. They're cool with just staying in and relaxifying on a lazy Friday night. 

30. But are also always up for a good party every now and then. 

31. They're excellent nannies!! Especially retrievers and border collies. 

32. They'll help carry the groceries, because they know you bring home the bacon. 

33. Every now and then, they'll help with laundry by pulling off the bed linens. 

34. They'll make bath time hilarious... As apposed to cats. 

35. They'll share your love of your favorite foods, and they'll even split the bill (in half... with their teeth). 

36. They're great friends to each other and will keep each other company when you go out clubbing, if they don't come with you.

37. They WILL make you viral on YouTube.

38. They'll put on a tie, too, if you don't feel like showing up to work...

39. They're very helpful!!

40. And they will NEVER forget you.

I hope this inspired you to either love your dog even more than ever or get a dog. Thanks for reading!

xx Savannah