Planner Probs

As I'm sure you've noticed from previous posts, I have an obsession with organizing. Charts, lists, color coding... It's all so exciting to me! Maybe I'm crazy, but at least I'm organized... Kinda... I tend to organize just for the look of it, then forget to keep it up. But this year, I'm determined to use my time well!

I'm obsessed with my Lilly planner.

So yesterday was Monday. And Mondays, for me, are torture. Four classes, starting at 9am and ending at 7:30pm makes for a loooong day. Plus, Mondays are just ew. Nevertheless, yesterday was probably one of my most productive day. Between my classes, I tend to nap, which I did yesterday, keeping me refreshed and focused in my classes. You'd think it would just make me drowsy in lectures, but it actually helps me out! As the day went on, I started to realize how busy this week is. Several tests, lots of studying, due dates, etc. And I figured, I spent $28 on this adorable planner, so I better use it! So I grabbed my wallet and my coupons and bought new highlighters. Okay, so I probably didn't really need them. But I knew what I was doing. I needed specific colors, cause I was about to get organized.

Monthly pages are so nice!

So here it is: my planner organization tips. You can find these all over Pinterest, but these are just my more personal version for y'all. I'm gonna format this like a page-by-page spread. (Each planner is different, I'm just showing you how I use the pages in my Lilly Pulitzer Large Agenda)

1. Monthly Pages: Almost all planners have these pages, and they can be annoying. Some people write every event on them. I, on the otherhand, stick to the important things. Major tests, due dates, birthdays, holidays, big events. Sounds like a lot, but in the long run, it's not that bad. These are color coded like my weekly pages, as you'll see in a minute. 

   

   Weekly pages- perfect for being
   very specific!

2. Weekly Pages: These are the reason we buy planners. These spreads have enough room for every homework assignment, church event, cookout, birthday, and what have you. The colors make the planner cute and organized- my two weaknesses.



• Color Coding: Each color has a designated use, helping me to visualize exactly what has to be done.
• Sticky Notes: Since this particular planner doesn't have notes sections for each week, I add in my own sticky notes.

  

  Notes pages are perfect for
  blog ideas! Yup, y'all are getting
  an exclusive sneak peek!

  My To-Do list can be removed and replaced if necessary. My shopping list can be taken out and accompany me to the store whenever I need it. The small note for caf meals helps me keep track of how many of my 5 weekly swipes I've used in the caf.
3. Notes Pages: These pages tend to go unused. Like, there's not enough for me to take class notes, and they're so awkwardly placed in the front or back of the planner. Obviously, you can use these for whatever you need. I decided to put blog post ideas on these pages. Usually these pages are best used for non-time-sensitive items and ideas. 



Pockets are perfect-
but only to hold a few
small papers. Don't
overload them!

4. Pockets: Most planners have at least one small pocket  omewhere inside. I rarely use mine, but it is useful for my color code sheet and small cards. For example, I have an information sheet on free tutoring offered at the university that includes hours and contact information. 
5. Stickers: Some of the fancier planners come with stickers! Use them, that's what they're there for! I'm a stickler when it comes to stickers (I just cracked myself up), so I don't use them often, but I'm gonna start! Plus, sometimes I add my own stickers. Momma gave me the Winnie-the-Pooh stickers before I moved out, so I put one in my planner every once in a while to remind me of home. :) -awwww- 

   

   Are these stickers cute,
   or what???

6. Random Suggestions: Planners are great, but sometimes you have to bring in your own resources to make them perfect for your personal needs. Here are some things that are helpful to me.


• Sticky Flags: Not only are these great for huge study sessions, they're great bookmarks! They aren't bulky, so your pages won't get all messed up. I like to put the arrow on the day I'm currently on. Otherwise, I put one on the monthly page just to keep track of where I am. Most planners do have tabs for each month and such, but those only help so much. Constantly flipping pages gets annoying!
• Best Handwriting: If my planner is a mess, I'm a mess. I do my best to make my handwriting extra neat in my planner. That way, every detail is very clear. Mind you- I don't have pretty handwriting as it is, so this is as good as it gets.
• Free Space: Use this to your advantage! Some may use it for more notes, if you simply don't have enough space. I, on the other hand, use it to doodle. That way, I keep my drawings in confined spaces and don't use up any unnecessary paper! Yay for saving the world, one doodle at a time! Plus, it makes my planner ever cuter!

  

  Doodles, for the win! Cute way to take up extra space, and to
  keep me awake in boring classes! -coughchemistrycough-

I apologize for the messiness- I told y'all I don't have the best handwriting. And the pictures are kinda messed up on this post... I couldn't get them to go where I wanted them to! I tried picking a good looking week to photograph, so I'm going with this week. Always keep in mind, your planner is, as my professors like to say in their syllabi, "a living and breathing document." Meaning, things can change quickly! For example, I meant to post this yesterday, but I didn't have time to take pictures and such, so I moved it to today! 

Hope y'all enjoy my post! I hope it helps some of my fellow scatterbrains, or even my fellow neat freaks. It's actually kinda fun being organized. It definitely helps me remain a little less stressed than usual. 

xoxo, a.

Gettin' Crafty

One for me, one for Kaye! At least we'll have one matching thing in our room.

Who doesn't love arrows?

A jewelry hanger I made!! Super easy!

I've always said the artistic gene skipped my generation. Though I still believe I lack in most forms of creativity, I am proud of the cute things I've made for myself and my friends! Nothing fancy, but a little paint and glitter never hurt anybody, right?

Short post, sorry guys. College stuff, ya know. I'll write whenever I can. Wish me luck!

xoxo, a.

Learning How To College

Well, it's been a month since I moved to Montevallo. Crazy how time flies, isn't it? I was so nervous

"If she doesn't scare you, no
evil thing will...." Props to
you if you got that reference.

about leaving home, but I'm learning to love it. Heck, sometimes I'd rather be in my way too tall bed in Brooke Hall than in Hoover. Literally everything has changed, and I love it. I have tons of holes in my ears (thanks mom). My hair is two colors. I have a new roommate (because Kaye betrayed me, now I'm stuck with Kelsey... Just kidding, y'all are both fab!). I actually study sometimes, but usually I'm sleeping or eating. Man, what a life it is...

It's an obsession... Whoops.

I'll have to admit, the biggest change I've encountered is my attitude. I've learned that I will be loved by great people if I am myself around them. My real friends will always come through for me. There's no better person to act like than myself. It's actually kinda fun, ya know? Not having to worry about how people will react to my hair, jewelry, makeup, clothes, etc. is so relieving. You wouldn't believe how much time you spend thinking about that stupid stuff! If I like the way it looks and feels on me, then I'm gonna wear it! Funny enough, I get more compliments when I'm wearing my favorite outfits than when I wear the "popular" clothes! Who knew?!

I guess y'all are probably wondering about how the sorority stuff worked out.... Unfortunately, I was dropped from recruitment. Nobody "wanted" me, so to speak. But fear not! While I was upset at first, I was expecting it, and there are no hard feelings! My closest friends all got bids, and I am so happy for them! Thank god we can still all be friends, Greek or not. Besides, that's money I don't have to spend.... (Not like I had the money anyways) Oh, and a great big shoutout to all the lovely Pi Chis, who read the blog too. :) Y'all were fantastic, especially group 5 ;)

I really have some great friends. I spend more time just watching tv with people than anything. It's so relaxed around here, so my stress levels have stayed down pretty well. It's manageable, at least. I have found the motivation to study for all my tests, which has helped my grades, though I haven't taken many tests yet. Plus, especially in the fall and spring, it's too beautiful to not go on the quad just to write and study, as I am doing at this very moment. And although I, like so many other college students, hate going to class, I don't gripe nearly as much, or as seriously, as I did in high school.

Overall, college is great. I have a feeling I'm gonna be saying that a lot. Montevallo is absolutely stunning, despite the calf-ache inducing hills and the squirrels that are absolutely hell-bent on attacking you. College is pretty cool, even though it's still technically school. More updates soon, I promise I'll try to write whenever I possibly can.

xoxo, a.

Honey, I'm Home!

I swear I don't get how everyone posted pics of their adorable dorms all finished and cleaned just hours after moving in... It took Kaye and I 3 days to get almost everything situated. But, now it's all kinda cute. Nothing matchy-matchy, and it's not like a super organized space, but it's pretty good for what little space we do have.

My bed-ft. Cheez-Its and my Macbook, of course.

Unfortunately, Brooke Hall isn't what I thought it would be. It's not the newest, nor the cleanest or updated halls. We can't control the temperature in our rooms, and we don't have carpet. However, the closet space is absolutely phenomenal, and I wouldn't trade our private bath for anything. Overall, I think I'll like it here. I can just go buy a rug and we have a fan blowing in our room and blankets for nighttime.

I can't say all of my planning and charting was in vain, but a lot of it was. About 2 things actually hold what they are supposed to, and there's still a couple storage things we need to buy, so we have a couple random items laying around the room.

Yoga with Kaye and Britt!

I have to say, as nervous as I was, I'm adjusting well. Yes, it's difficult, but I really truly enjoy it. Sunday, I went home to visit my parents and Sasha. Sasha greeted me like she's been away from me for years, peeing on the rug no mater how recently mom had taken her outside. Mom and dad were happy to see me, even though I'd only been gone for two nights. I will most likely be going up to Hoover every week or so,  depending on what's going on around campus. I just text Momma and tell her to make me some food, and I come home to nice hot Pizza Rolls. Naturally, when I came back, my friends and I went to hang out with some people, and the guys decided to make us Pizza Rolls. Go figure.

My Mondays are crazy, with 4 classes spanning from 9am to 8:30pm, but I get downtime in between each class. Tuesdays are chill, with only an 11am class, then yoga and frozen yogurt (aka Froyoga) with some friends, then Baptist Campus Ministries bible study in the evening. Very relaxed. Turns out, Kaye and I basically have the exact same schedule time-wise, but no classes together. Our Tuesday and Thursday schedules are switched though, so we will get some alone time.

Frands...

I sent a picture to my mom with all my friends like "Look!!! I actually have friends!! Yayy!!" I've actually had some people refer to me as "popular." Of course, I take that with a grain of salt, knowing that popularity isn't the key to everything. However, just hearing that made me very happy, and honestly proud, because I finally am comfortable enough with myself to be outgoing and make new friends and do new things. It's truly a great feeling.

I know this is a long post, and there are so many awesome stories I'd love to tell you, but I'll end with this one. This morning, Kaye and I had 9am classes. No problem, right? Wake up at about 7-8, get ready, go to class. Piece of cake. Unfortunately, Kaye's alarm(s) did not go off, not even one (she had set 3). At 8:48, I scraped the crusties from my eyes, rolled over, and looked at my phone, wondering why the sun was already so bright. After a few double takes, then some math, I yelled "KAYE IT'S 8:48!!!!" What happened next can only be described as a wild dash to see what was really necessary. I brushed my teeth, put on deodorant, thanked the good Lord I had fallen asleep in my clothes, and dashed off to class. Small campuses were made for rogue alarms, no joke. We both scooted into our classes right on time, looking absolutely horrid and probably not smelling much better.

Well, I'll leave it at this. I love college, I really do. Montevallo is such a wonderful place with such amazing people and activities. I feel so blessed to be here. Despite all my worries and the struggles I have faced,  I feel like this is my home. I know God sent me here for a reason, and I'm excited to really find out what that reason is. I wish I could explain how accepting, open, and fun everyone here is. And to my friends and fellow classmates: thank you. Y'all are so amazing and I love each and every one of you soooo much!

xoxo, a.

And So It Begins...

Tomorrow is the big day! It's hard to believe that after 18.5 years, I'm actually moving out. Packing has been... Interesting. I feel so overpacked, but there's still so much crap in my room that I'm not even bringing... How did I accumulate so much stuff? I blame my packrat sentimental mother. I keep EVERYTHING. Oh well, I'm sure my dorm will be full enough.

The guest room.. So much stuff...

Of course, the anxiety is starting to kick in. I'm excited, definitely. But this is such a huge step! I wish my sweet Zachary could be here with me, but duty calls (sob sob, sorry). At least I have my parents and 'Vallo friends. I wish Ern could be there with me (long story, miss you babe) but I have Marlee and Kaye and Britt! Yay me!

I have plenty food to keep me goin for a while, hallelujah!!!! College girl's dream, right?

Stay hydrated!

So. Many. Snacks.

I'm gonna cry, mom's gonna cry, dad's not gonna cry, Nanny's gonna cry, and Sasha will probably pee. Is it bad that I'm most upset about leaving the pup, though? Sorry mom, Sasha is my baby. I'm still excited though, really.

Packing the cars... Now there was a task. How the heck was I supposed to get everything I own (not really) into two cars??? Ugh, the struggle. Well, I mean.. They're actually packed pretty well. Between my OCD and mom's HUGE car, it fits pretty well. It's weird to have an empty closet and all but one outfit in the car... I'm beyond thrilled that it's supposed to be in the upper 90s-100 in Alabama this weekend. Man, what great weather to run in and out and up and down in.... Sooo looking forward to that....

This is a short post, but I have tons still to do... Wish me luck! I'll be posting whenever I can, but I may be relying on drafts for a while, so there may not be too many updates. Again, prayers and thoughts requested, this is gonna be tough. Thanks!

xoxo, a.

Things I Should Have Learned Long Ago......

    As I've started to get extra busy with college preparations, I've realized that getting an early start would have really helped me transition more smoothly and with less confusion. But considering my personality, I can never escape confusion. Here are a few things I should have done long ago...

1. take the ACT with plenty time to spare: I was fortunate enough to go to a school that provided a very helpful ACT Prep class, so on my one and only try, I made a 30. Cool, right? But what if I hadn't made that? I took it in April 2013, and the next test-taking option was like September. Heck, I was accepted to three colleges by the end of July, with two scholarships to boot. Applying to college in the summer is much easier than during the school year, which I would have been forced to do if I hadn't gotten so lucky on the exam.
2. DON'T LET ANY ODDITIES DURING THE ACT GO UNNOTICED: I simply cannot stress this enough. Long story short, I noticed the kid next to me sitting a little close, but didn't think much of it until 5 months later when my 30 on the ACT was being questioned. I nearly lost my score, my acceptances, and my scholarships. Luckily, I send them a heck of a letter along with grades and previous test scores proving that I actually am smart enough to make a high score. The other kid probably wasn't so lucky... The ACT board apologized and promised to keep my score as valid. Phew.
3. apply for housing early: I only got lucky in getting into Brooke, with private bathrooms...
4. start making lists: Okay, so I do this all the time. (Noooo, you don't say!!) This is more of a suggestion to everyone; preaching to the choir, I suppose. As high school wound down, I started to realize how many different things I have to keep track of. Now it's in full swing. Dorm rooms and classes and money, oh my. 
5. become independent: This seems obvious but even in high school we were babied. I still relied on my teachers to tell me the exact homework assignment, when it was written on the weekly syllabi or whatever. Learn to be proactive and get everything done ahead of time, if possible.
6. fall in love with your planner: I did it. I got my Lilly Pulitzer planner and I regret NOTHING. It's beautiful. Worth every penny, I'd say. I mean, c'mon, it lasts for 3 regular semesters!
7. save money: Boy, I love shopping. But would I rather smell like a peppermint or eat....? Priorities, ladies and gents. 
8. visit your school multiple times and just walk around campus: If it weren't for my almost weekly trips to 'vallo with friends, I would get beyond lost. At least now I have some sort of grasp on where most things are... I hope.
9. obsess over your school: If you love the school, you most likely will already do this. Get t-shirts, decals, cups, whatever. Be proud of the place you're going to further your knowledge! Be proud that you were able to achieve this great thing! I have several shirts, cups, pens, decals, and so many other things showing my Falcon pride. PV, anyone? (PS. No, I'm not decided, but I will most likely be choosing the Purple Team--- Montevallo stuff, it's pretty big.)

There's so much more I have to learn but at least I'm not in denial... I'm sure I'll have more to add to this list later.. Maybe it'll become a series??

xoxo, a.

How To: Prep for Freshman Year

So, I'm actually sitting here starting this post in the middle of July, when I still don't know how I really need to pack. But I'll forget to write this if I don't start now... Scatterbrain problems. Anyways, I love packing and organizing. The neat and orderly part, at least. All the messy bits annoy me. Whenever I decide to clean out drawers and such, I always end up with that one freakin' pile of random crap that has absolutely no place in my room. As I get ready to move out on my own (kinda), I am bound and determined to make it all as physically painless and seamless as possible. The emotional part carries no such promises, though. These tips are based on my personal situation, with one roommate with whom I share a bedroom and a bathroom, and we each have our separate closets. Plus, I will be going to school not far from home, so I have that advantage. So, once again, take these tips with a grain of salt, everything can be molded to your own situation in some way.

• Label your boxes. This one is kinda a no-brainer... If you use any plain cardboard moving boxes, just stick a sticky note on them saying what specifically is in them!! (Sticky notes so you won't write all over the box- they can be reused a million times and constantly marking things out gets really annoying) That way, you won't have to run around screaming "WHERE ARE MY UNDERWEAR?!?!?"
• Put things in their designated drawers/containers and take it all in together. For example, I'm using a small plastic set of drawers for my makeup. Instead of boxing up all that crap and having to reorganize it on move-in day, go ahead and put it in the drawers! Just tape the drawers shut really well for traveling. You'll save room in the trunk, plus you'll keep yourself sane when you  move in! It may be a little heavier than carrying things in separately, but it's totally worth it. Just don't load cheap drawers with heavy sweaters...
• If you can, leave seasonal stuff at home. I'm lucky enough to be going to school less than an hour from home. Hence, I will be leaving my sweaters and boots home until the weather starts changing. No fear, I do understand Alabama weather (or.. I know to expect really crazy stuff... ) so I know to keep a few jackets with me, because you never know when you'll need a blanket in August.... If you live too far away, I really dunno what to tell you. Your best bet would just be to buy a couple big bins and stuff them under your bed.



Yes, I have things designated for specific drawers.




Who's bringing what? Color coded, naturally.





• Plan ahead. Y'all know I do this big time. Make lists, spreadsheets, whatever it takes to stay organized. I have spreadsheets on my computer as well as handwritten lists in notebooks. Everyone is different, I just do it all. Some may call me crazy, others call me.... Crazier.

• Get creative. Who needs air freshener when you can just tape a dryer sheet to your fan? It works, I do it all the time! Leave it on for a few minutes to get a nice fresh smell, then stick it in your drawers to make your undies smell all purday. Better learn to play Jenga, your room is about to be stacks on stacks on stacks. (Unfortunately, said stacks are plastic and filled with sweaters, not cash)
• Learn to be cheap. Or, to be proper: thrifty. I prefer to be honest and say cheap. The Dollar Tree is your friend, folks. Dollar General brand products are actually fairly decent. In general, generic brands are the best thing ever. School supplies from the dollar store are my particular favorite. Soon to come: an entire post on my money-saving cheapskate strategies! Be on the lookout!
• One step at a time. You have all semester to procrastinate. Don't do it for move-in. Us Montevallo folks move in on August 22nd. Guess what day classes start? The 25th. That is 3 days to get settled in before it all begins. 3. Days. Although I won't complain, it's all because of some awesome renovations on campus (brand new furniture- turn down for what). Box up what you can as you go. Start a few weeks ahead of time. Whatever you can live without until you move in, pack it up. That way, you'll have even more time to keep it organized.

Erin and I!! She's a doll.

• Get to know people ahead of time. I'm fortunate enough to be a fantastic social media stalker (it's a known fact, I can do some major damage), so I have been able to make several friends by putting myself out there and introducing myself. I feel much more comfortable knowing a few people that will be living near me or in some of my classes. Of course, we're all gonna be strangers the first few days, but it's still nice to have someone to get lost with.

• That being said, don't be a stranger. Open your door! Talk to people! Your life starts outside of your comfort zone, so do something different! I would never have met Erin and become so close if it weren't for me commenting on her instagram picture. (Yup, I'm a creep. And yes, Ern, you have me to thank. Love ya!)

Yes, I am well aware that I'm giving you tips on stuff I haven't experienced yet. So, this is partially a reminder to myself of what I really need to do... Sorry for such a long post, I combined several drafts that I couldn't quite pull into full posts on their own. Best wishes!

xoxo, a. 

Down in the 'Vallo

One of the several gates to enter the cobblestone-covered campus.

To the right of my homepage, if you are reading this post before August 22, 2014, you will see a countdown until I move in to Montevallo. Can you tell I'm excited? Lemme tell y'all a little about my school.

First of all, it's beautiful. I mean, look it up online. Here. No excuses. It's covered in cobblestone walkways, which are infamous for tripping everybody. But, (hallelujah) they are relaying the bricks this summer, so the walkways will be flat, therefore safe---er... The lawn is always pristine and everything about the school is so beautifully made.

"Becoming" sculpture- unfortunately it's too slick to climb into the hands... I've tried.

It is a liberal arts school, with one of the best art programs in the country. However, the business, science, and education (holla!) programs are also top-notch. Everything as Montevallo is just perfection. It is a small school, with only about 3000 students. It sits in the heart of Montevallo, Alabama, about 45 minutes south of Birmingham. Montevallo is a college town, for sure. The town consists of the high school and college, and that's about it. Main Street is full of food and banks and everything geared towards the students, since it's just two blocks off the main campus. It's definitely not impossible to get lost on this campus, but compared to the giant campuses of Alabama and Auburn, I consider myself lucky. I have printed out my maps and circled all the important buildings; aka food, more food, student activity center (for the weight room pool), my home (Brooke Hall turn up!), and of course, classes. Everything is within a 10-15 minute walking distance, so there is no reason to be too worried. 

Everyone at this school is beyond amazing. They're all so talented... It's such an accepting environment, which is a huge deal to me, coming from such a preppy upscale school. When I walk on campus, I feel comfortable being who I am, not having to act like anyone else to look cool. I love the atmosphere. It's comforting to me, which is very good for my anxiety issues. 

Brooke Hall, my beautiful new home awaits!!

Needless to say, I'm beyond excited. I have already made so many friends, and I just can't wait to be with them all. 4 weeks and counting!

xoxo, a.