make these years count

just something for me to keep track of my student years music | books | health | life

[studentinglife-blog]

Hiatus

Sorry about the hiatus, but I’ve been too busy recently. I’ll be more active after the AP exams are over, which I can’t even say I’m studying too hard for anyway considering it’s my senior year

[studentinglife-blog]

skincare

Date: 3/21/18 10:54pm

I went on a Sephora haul during the weekend of all-state band (there was a very big mall right next to the hotel we were staying in). I’m typically very stingy when it comes to how much I spend on makeup, but my mom has always taught me that it is important to invest in skin care because I have sensitive skin and the difference between costly brands and drugstore products is between night and day. Remembering this, I decided to take a nice long stroll in the skincare department and finally purchase some expensive creams and masks for my face. 

I ended up spending over $100 dollars on Fresh products and let me tell you, it was a total life changer. This rose-scented deep hydration cream and rose-infused deep hydration toner, in particular, were miracle workers for my hopelessly dry skin. The face cream is on sale on Amazon right now too, so I highly suggest you give it a shot. 

I get a small commission if you choose to buy it from the links above, but I would never recommend anything if I wasn’t satisfied with them myself. I’m telling you, the fresh skincare line is totally worth your bucks, at least if you have sensitive skin that is used to not seeing results from cheap drugstore products. This is the first upper-end product I’ve invested in (the rose scents completely drew me in), and I am beyond happy with them. I will keep you updated if I try other brands in the future.

[soupsane]

鍵倉  [Pixiv]

[studentinglife-blog]

current mood

[gracespdf]

Bullet Journal Pages

Basic

Future planning

Index 

Yearly

Monthly

Daily

Weekly

Trackers

Weight

Exercise

Grade/assignment

Mood

Habit

Savings

Gratitude 

Blog stats

Water

Study

Car maintenance

Sleep

Period

Dreams

Weather

Lists

A-Z - Make a list from a-z of things that inspire you, you love, your favorite _____. Whatever you want!

Movies - Watched/to watch/favorites/review

TV shows - Watched/to watch/favorites/review

Books - Read/to read/favorites/review

Foods/recipies - What are your favorite foods? Favorite recipes? Any recipes you want to try?

Words - Favorite words, words that inspire you, words you love the meaning to.

Favorite blogs - Make a list of your favorite blogs. 

Places - Make a list of places you’ve been to/want to go to. For more creativity draw a map and color in these places!

Currently - What are you currently listening to, reading, watching, feeling, doing, eating, needing, wanting?

Things to try - Want to try some new restaurants, crafts, projects, etc?

Happy - Make a list of things that make you happy. 

Sad - Make a list of things that make you sad. Maybe add things that you do to feel better.

Firsts - First kiss, date, job, house, car, concert, vacation, thing you do in the morning, thing when you get home, teacher?

Rainy day - What are things you like to do on a rainy day? What do you eat/drink? How do you feel?

Bored - What are things you do when you’re bored? Ideas for the next time you’re bored?

Wants/needs - What are things you want? What are things you need?

Songs/artists - What are your favorite songs?

Bucket list - What are things you want to do before you die. 

Advice - What is your favorite advice you’ve given? Received? 

Relax - What are ways you relax?

Questions - What are questions you want to know the answer to?

Fears - What are your fears?

Funny - What are some funny things that have happened to you? What are things you find funny? 

Games - What are your favorite games? What are some games you want to play?

DIY projects - What DIY projects you want to try?

Playlists - Create some playlists for your moods. 

Colors - What are your favorite colors? Color schemes?

Smells - What are your favorite smells?

What I learned today - What is something you learned today? Maybe do this by month/week/day. 

Flowers/plants - What are your favorite flowers/plants? What’s their meaning? Draw doodles of them.

Admire - Who are people you admire?

Things you can’t leave the house without - Or a what’s in your bag list.

Drinks/beverages - What’s your favorite drink? Any drinks you want to try?

Childhood memories - What are some of your favorite childhood memories? Memories in general?

Stationery - What is your favorite stationery? Pens, notebooks, etc. 

I hope you all enjoy these prompts! I might add some if I think of more! X

[studentinglife-blog]

Song Title: Shalom Artist: stillsunrise

I’m in a kind of a grieving period right now, and this song just beautifully soothes me and gives me hope. We all need some chicken soup for the soul sometimes.

Dear Little Angel, I know that you've been counting So many places The world has got you waiting On this adventure; this time it's a little cloudy Clear out the smoke now Let the light find your soul.

[studentinglife-blog]

my favorite stationery

I’m a huge fan of fine-tipped pens/pencils. Jetpens.com is my number one most recommended website for any kind of stationery you may need. These are my current favorites that I use pretty much on a daily basis:

Pens:

Uni-ball Signo DX 0.28mm black gel pen (a daily use pen that is very fine but still manages to be beautifully smooth and consistent)

Pilot Juice 0.38mm 12 gel color set (colors are very vibrant and the clip can be an organization lifesaver)

Muji 0.38mm black gel pen (the most aesthetically-pleasing pen in town, and also quality-guaranteed)

Uni Jetstream 0.38mm hybrid pen (the hybrid ink makes this pen highlightable and I think this is the smoothest of all the pens listed)

*Erasable* Pilot Frixion slim 0.38mm pen (leaves no residue when erased; probably the best erasable pen in the market)

*Multi-Pen* Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto Multi Pen (multi-pen with customizable colors that varies from barrel designs to number of color-compartments)

Pencils:

Pentel Orenz Mechanical Pencil 0.2mm (yes you read that correctly: 0.2mm!! This is the finest pencil you’ll find in the market, and the guard protects the lead so it’s actually usable. Good for small spaces like margins or in books)

Pilot Airblanc 0.3mm Mechanical Pencil (this pencil is so underrated but it’s a personal favorite because of its ergonomic grip and how sturdy it is despite the fine lead)

Uni Kurutoga Mechanical Pencil 0.3mm (another cult-favorite. This pencil is just so cool and you can watch it rotate the lead in action, which keeps the writing consistent)

Highlighters:

Zebra Mildliners (cult-favorite, and rightfully so. The pastel colors are gorgeous and incredibly unique, and it is also double-sided to allow precision for art)

*Erasable* Pilot Highlighter Frixion Light  (pastel and erasable; perfect for textbooks/notes where you may need to erase your mistakes)

Brush Pens: 

Tombow Dual Brush Pen (how could I not mention this? The brush is perfect for calligraphy and hand lettering and it comes in a large variety of colors good for even the pickiest artists.  I personally prefer the pastel colors as they give off a minimalistic vibe in my bullet journal)

Pilot Futayaku Double-Sided Brush Pen (comes with a broad and a fine tip that is perfect for notes and margin titles)

Tombow Fudenosuke 2 pens set (this set comes with a soft and a hard brush. It’s perfect for beginners who need to figure out their preference and start off with a smaller brush)

Art:

Sakura Pigma Micron Set (truthfully the only art pens I’ve ever tried, but they work so well that I don’t see a reason to buy new ones. Archival quality that makes it perfect for journaling as well)

Staedtler Triplus Fineliners (comes in great vibrant colors that are perfect for bullet journaling and coloring books)

Prismacolor Colored Pencils (the 72-count pack is currently on a HUGE sale!! The quality is guaranteed to be wonderful in any paper and blends beautifully)

Miscellaneous:

Uni-ball Signo Broad Gel Pens (perfect for crafts. The white pen, in particular, is something I use daily as just a white-out pen for covering smal mistakes)

Uni Boxy Eraser (this eraser works miracles. Not only do the pencil marks erase completely, the shavings also clump together for easy clean-up and less mess. The shape also gives a great grip and sharp corners for details)

Tombow Glue Tape (every crafts/scrapbooking lover needs to give this a try!)

Pilot Juice 0.38mm Dark Red gel pen (my personal favorite color that I always use when I need something to contrast black pen marks)

[studentinglife-blog]

losing weight

Date: 3/21/18 10:20pm

Real talk: Losing weight is hard when you love food so much.

I exercise fairly regularly, though I will admit I’ve been in a bit of a fitness slump throughout the winter due to the weather. I snack a good bit, and since I don’t even eat that much for meals, I’m going to make a safe assumption and say that snacking is the number one reason why my weight hasn’t changed in a year despite how active I am or how little I eat during meals.

This is a “putting it in perspectives” post. I am officially laying it all down right here and now: from now on if I ever want to snack without being hungry in the slightest, I will make myself do something productive and wait for at least 10 minutes. If the urge is still there, THEN I will go and grab a snack.

[studentinglife-blog]

Book Title: All the Bright Places Author: Jennifer Niven

“We do not remember days, we remember moments.” 

This book opens with the attempted suicide of two depressed teens. It ends with... well... I guess no spoilers allowed right? 

It’s my opinion that there’s something to gain in every book about mental health, and this book is certainly no exception. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t be bummed about how predictable and ordinary this book is. 

This book was inspired by the author’s own experiences, so the emotions portrayed in the characters are truly raw and original. I liked the premise and I liked the writing, the separation of the POVs with a cute drawing of a finch or a violet. The cover is also minimalistic, which is my not-so-secret obsession when it comes to book aesthetics. But that’s about it. 

Forgive me if I’m too much of a critic, but I’ve just read too many books like this one. Nothing surprised me and the plot truly wasn’t going anywhere. HOWEVER, if you are a die-hard fan of John Green, Jay Asher, or even Suzanne Young, give this book a shot here. You’ll probably enjoy it much more than I did.

I will say that I did learn a lot through the first-person POV from each character; I think Niven effectively illustrated the emotions of each character to the reader and it’s not something you’d ever really understand unless you were in the situation. Props to her for that. 

Now forgive me as I go pick up a sci-fi dystopian book to get myself off this contemporary train (review coming soon). 

[heymaes-deactivated20190214]

I’m so scared of college, but fuck high school I’m ready to leave

[studentinglife-blog]

Book Title: Six of Crows Author: Leigh Bardugo

“Kaz leaned back. "What's the easiest way to steal a man's wallet?" "Knife to the throat?" asked Inej. "Gun to the back?" said Jesper. "Poison in his cup?" suggested Nina. "You're all horrible," said Matthias.”

I would’ve gone with the classic “No mourners. No funerals,” quote, but I just really liked this one:)

Honestly, the only synopsis anyone would need for this book is already on the cover. “Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist.” What more do you need to know? 

As a super fan of thief and spy books, those six words and the gorgeous cover (along with the black painted sides) were all I needed to pick up the book. Luckily, it didn’t disappoint. 

I loved every second that I spent reading this book. Each character is so complex and 100% best friend material, no matter how messed up they may appear on the outside. The heist they pull is dangerous and near-impossible, but they approach it with such poise and wit, mastermind Kaz being one of the smartest criminals I’ve ever encountered. 

Currently, I’m reading the sequel to this book, Crooked Kingdom. I’m about 30% in and it is every bit as wonderful as the first book. I urge you to do yourself a favor and pick it up here! You won’t regret it, if only because of how absolutely beautiful the book looks on your shelf.

[studentinglife-blog]

Song Title: Cigarette Daydreams Artist: Cage the Elephant

I love songs with a careless energy that are slightly melancholy. This is beautifully that.

You can drive all night Looking for the answers in the pouring rain You wanna find peace of mind Looking for the answer

[studentinglife-blog]

Song Title: Liability Artist: Lorde

What’s the most important thing high school has ever taught you? My friends and I came to this conclusion: no one is alone in suffering. 

They say, "You're a little much for me You're a liability You're a little much for me" So they pull back, make other plans I understand, I'm a liability Get you wild, make you leave I'm a little much for E-a-na-na-na, everyone

[studentinglife-blog]

skipping school

Date: 3/13/18 Place: Local cafe Mood: Lazy/Melancholy

Recently, some family matters have come up that caused me to really contemplate life a little along with how my near future may play out. I skipped school yesterday and today, not only because of the massive amount of work I have yet to do but also just because I’m tired. Tired of my schedule, tired of interacting with others. I think I just needed this break. 

Now, I’m afraid to go to school the next day, but we are participating in the walk out as support for gun control and I couldn’t bear to miss that. I’ll be better soon. Hopefully, I’ll also get my life together by then.

[studentinglife-blog]

Song Title: Real Friends Artist: Camila Cabello

While everyone is bopping to Havana, I was pleasantly surprised to discover this song in my recommended. The mellow acoustic vibes are perfect for a rainy day in the car.

I'm just lookin' for some real friends All they ever do is let me down Every time I let somebody in Then I find out what they're all about I'm just lookin' for some real friends Wonder where they're all hidin' out I'm just lookin' for some real friends Gotta get up out of this town

[studentinglife-blog]

Book Title: Warcross Author: Marie Lu

“Everything’s science fiction until someone makes it science fact” 

Warcross is an internationally acclaimed game that is integrated into every part of daily life. There is not a person in the world who hasn’t heard of Hideo Tanaka, a young billionaire and the creator of the game. Emika Chen, a young hacker, struggles to make a living working as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet on the game illegally. When she accidentally hacks herself into the game during the international Warcross championship, she is suddenly thrust into the game as a player and international sensation. However, unknown to others, she is actually participating in the game as an investigator to uncover a security problem that could prove detrimental to the entire game.

How could I not pick up a Marie Lu book? Every time there’s something to look forward to in her writing, and this is coming from someone who didn’t even finish her other two series. I finished this book all in one night; the imagery was so prevalent that I just couldn’t put it down. There were certain down points in the book that I should address: the plot twist wasn’t entirely mind-blowing, and Marie Lu seems unusually fixated on making sure the reader realizes that Emika has rainbow hair. However, these were minor things and although the twist wasn’t unexpected, it still made me excited to read the sequel. 

This was an easy read, no doubt about it. Most importantly, I had fun delving into the world and thinking about the characters. If you are looking for a light-hearted sci-fi book filled with imagery and well-written action scenes, this is definitely for you. 

More of my thoughts can be found on my book reviews page. I urge you to try this book out, and you can get it here.

[deeplifequotes]

Don’t play any victim card this year. You can’t claim that you are the creator of your destiny and simultaneously blame others for your problems. Develop inner equanimity, self-discipline, and perseverance, and firmly reclaim your power.

Akin Olokun (via deeplifequotes)

[studentinglife-blog]

Help??

I’ve made redirect pages that are meant to take you to pages of all the posts with certain tags, but I’ve found that this doesn’t work for some of my posts (the ones I’ve reblogged or linked videos from). Does anyone know how to fix this?