The feeling of loneliness is a very common feeling in today's day and age. Something as little as a status on Facebook, a picture of a cute couple on Instagram, none of your friends responding to your texts, or a Promposal in the school hallway can overwhelm you with loneliness. When the feeling hits, sometimes it's hard to focus on anything else. You get a hole in your chest, can't breathe, and hurt from the inside out.
When you feel alone, it's common to want to do one of two things: wallow in your self-deprecating thoughts, or make yourself feel better. Remember: it is okay to cry and sometimes it will make you feel better. :)
When I wallow, I like to do it comfortably. I change into the fluffiest pair of socks I own and put on my favorite pair of pajamas. Then, I either wrap myself in a blanket burrito style or I turn on my bed heater and lay under the covers. I will just lay there and let my mind wander for a while. I think about everything. I remember someone I miss, imagine what-ifs, and wish I was out doing something productive. If that doesn't work, I will turn on sad music with relatable lyrics. Occasionally, I will even eat peanut butter or ice cream (I know-- very cliché) and go through sentimental old photos. It may not be healthy, but oh man it is so satisfying to devour something yummy after a crappy day!
Elevating your mood after it crashes can be difficult. It really depends on the person. What works for me is to focus on something enjoyable, like reading a good book, watching Netflix, or doing my homework (not enjoyable, but distracting nonetheless). It's amazing how well distracting yourself can be. Due to tiny miracle workers in your body called endorphins, exercising also boosts your mood. Running purges all my negative energy. The harder and faster I run, the better I feel-- as long as I remember to stretch afterwards! When I need cheering up, I also like to write. I keep a journal that I write in occasionally. It's filled with a plethora of things: from to-do lists to emotional rants. If you need to let something off your chest, than this is very therapeutic and I highly recommend it. The final and most important thing to do when you want to alleviate the loneliness is.... PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE AND GET OFF SOCIAL MEDIA!!!!!! Social media will only make you feel worse. Do yourself a favor and take a break from the negative energy.
Loneliness is like a math problem: discouraging, but solvable! Good luck, feel better, and treat yourself. You deserve it! :)
Kisses,
Isabelle :)
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Memorization Hacks
One of the things that students always face at least once in school is having to memorize something. Many english classes require the memorization of vocabulary words. If your class is anything like mine, then you also have to remember it until the very end of the course or semester. Depending on the school, you'd have to remember those same words plus more for 18-36 weeks. That's a long time!
Luckily for you, I have compiled list of memorization tips and tricks!
1. Repetition. Repeat all the words until you know them all. This is probably the least effective for the long-term.
2. Retrieval. Create a list on Quizlet and hit "Test", or create one of your own. This helps you remember the information. It is also a proved method to help memory! It is called the testing effect!
3. Flashcards. This method never fails for me!
4. When presented a list of terms, try and connect them all in some way. A venn diagram, flow chart, cause and effect diagram, and even a web diagram work for me. This is especially good with connecting concepts, like in a history class.
5. Create a mental image of each word and then create a story out of it! I actually found this one on YouTube. To watch, click here. I thought this was really cool!
These are just a few of the methods I use when I'm handed a list of terms to know. I get all A's, so they must be at least slightly effective! :P xD
I hope you guys have a fantastic week! Good luck and I hope this helps!
Kisses,
Isabelle!
Luckily for you, I have compiled list of memorization tips and tricks!
1. Repetition. Repeat all the words until you know them all. This is probably the least effective for the long-term.
2. Retrieval. Create a list on Quizlet and hit "Test", or create one of your own. This helps you remember the information. It is also a proved method to help memory! It is called the testing effect!
3. Flashcards. This method never fails for me!
4. When presented a list of terms, try and connect them all in some way. A venn diagram, flow chart, cause and effect diagram, and even a web diagram work for me. This is especially good with connecting concepts, like in a history class.
5. Create a mental image of each word and then create a story out of it! I actually found this one on YouTube. To watch, click here. I thought this was really cool!
These are just a few of the methods I use when I'm handed a list of terms to know. I get all A's, so they must be at least slightly effective! :P xD
I hope you guys have a fantastic week! Good luck and I hope this helps!
Kisses,
Isabelle!
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
After High School
College. Very scary. Very intimidating. There are so many different choices perfect for any criteria. Want a nursing school? There is one. A college specific to aerospace engineering? There is one for that too. For goodness sakes, there is even one for if you want to be a character in Disney World! There is a college out there for everyone. So why is it so hard to chose one? Heck, I can't even chose four or five to seriously consider! I thought I knew, but I didn't.
And when did my options start to dwindle down? When I was kid, my parents and my teachers constantly told me that I could do anything I wanted, go anywhere I wanted when I grow up. When did that start changing? Why, when I say that I want to be a music major, do people all attack me with phrases like, "You'll never be successful" "You'll never have a high paycheck" "You'll have no job security." Yes, I have considered it! I'm not going to change my mind. I love what I do and I want to do it for the rest of my life. I'm so tired of people criticizing my passions by telling me to grow up and choose something more practical. It's my life, not yours and gosh darn it, I am going to enjoy it.
When did the idea of going anywhere for college dissipate? All of a sudden, people are trying to encourage me to stay in state. In fact, my parents are practically making me. What if I don't want to go to an instate college? Money can be issue, I get that. But, I have a high enough ACT score to get decent scholarships and plenty of opportunities to raise that score. I'm also applying for several separate scholarships in addition to that. Plus, I'm already planning on getting a job! Money is not an issue. Another reason they want me to stay in state is because of travel time. They don't want to travel long hours to watch my marching band performances or concerts or anything else. They also want me to be able to visit them. They'll miss me. I understand that. I really do. In fact, I'd love for them to watch me, but I also want to go to the best undergrad school I can for music. That school is not instate. Music is a very competitive field, with lots of people vying for minimum spots. I need that leg up for graduate school. My parents also say that some schools I am considering aren't good enough for me. "Their accepting ACT score is way too low" "People only go there when they can't go anywhere else." Yes, I completely understand that. They want me to be successful and challenged. Very plausible. But if it's a good school for music, why shouldn't I at least consider it?
My parents have good intentions. They just want what's best for me. They want me to go to college cheap for my bachelor's to save all my money for graduate school. They want to see my band performances and support me. They want me to succeed and go to a good instate school that will challenge me! I appreciate all their time and research and help and advice. I just don't want my options limited. I want to be free to go wherever I want that is good for music and that I can get money for. I want the freedom to be an adult and make adult decisions for MY future and MY success. I don't want someone else to make those decisions for me.
And when did my options start to dwindle down? When I was kid, my parents and my teachers constantly told me that I could do anything I wanted, go anywhere I wanted when I grow up. When did that start changing? Why, when I say that I want to be a music major, do people all attack me with phrases like, "You'll never be successful" "You'll never have a high paycheck" "You'll have no job security." Yes, I have considered it! I'm not going to change my mind. I love what I do and I want to do it for the rest of my life. I'm so tired of people criticizing my passions by telling me to grow up and choose something more practical. It's my life, not yours and gosh darn it, I am going to enjoy it.
When did the idea of going anywhere for college dissipate? All of a sudden, people are trying to encourage me to stay in state. In fact, my parents are practically making me. What if I don't want to go to an instate college? Money can be issue, I get that. But, I have a high enough ACT score to get decent scholarships and plenty of opportunities to raise that score. I'm also applying for several separate scholarships in addition to that. Plus, I'm already planning on getting a job! Money is not an issue. Another reason they want me to stay in state is because of travel time. They don't want to travel long hours to watch my marching band performances or concerts or anything else. They also want me to be able to visit them. They'll miss me. I understand that. I really do. In fact, I'd love for them to watch me, but I also want to go to the best undergrad school I can for music. That school is not instate. Music is a very competitive field, with lots of people vying for minimum spots. I need that leg up for graduate school. My parents also say that some schools I am considering aren't good enough for me. "Their accepting ACT score is way too low" "People only go there when they can't go anywhere else." Yes, I completely understand that. They want me to be successful and challenged. Very plausible. But if it's a good school for music, why shouldn't I at least consider it?
My parents have good intentions. They just want what's best for me. They want me to go to college cheap for my bachelor's to save all my money for graduate school. They want to see my band performances and support me. They want me to succeed and go to a good instate school that will challenge me! I appreciate all their time and research and help and advice. I just don't want my options limited. I want to be free to go wherever I want that is good for music and that I can get money for. I want the freedom to be an adult and make adult decisions for MY future and MY success. I don't want someone else to make those decisions for me.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Check Out My Bucket List!
Hey guys! I just posted my personal bucket list. It should help you get to know me a little better. You guys should check it out! Let me know what's on your bucket list!
Sorry for the short post! Have a nice day!
Kisses,
Isabelle :]
Sorry for the short post! Have a nice day!
Kisses,
Isabelle :]
Sunday, March 20, 2016
10 Best Starbucks Drinks!
As most typical white girls do, I love Starbucks coffee! I could drink one every day! Here are my top ten all time favorites:
1. Peppermint Mocha Frappachino
This is my overall favorite! I love the crisp taste of the peppermint. Add the chocolate flavor and it's music to my taste buds! Unfortunately, it is a seasonal drink. It is only available around the holiday season, so snatch it up when it's available!
2. Molten Chocolate Frappachino
This comes in second. It is so chocolate-y! It's perfect for chocolate lovers like me! It's very rich, however, so I would recommend a Grande max. This chocolate heaven is topped off with chocolate whipped cream and a spectacular chocolate drizzle. Again, this is a seasonal drink available around Valentine's Day. Don't miss out next year!
3. Java Chip Frappachino
Rolling in third, is the Java Chip Frappachino. Lucky for us, it is available year round! I get this one every year for my birthday. It has a strong coffee flavor, augmented by chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, and chocolate chips! Mmmmm, delicious!
4. S'mores Frappachino
Coming in fourth, this delectable drink is only found on the Starbucks Secret Menu. This drink is packed with coffee and chocolate with a pump of hazelnut syrup. Sprinkled on top of the whipped cream is chocolate drizzle and crushed graham cracker. Perfect for the upcoming summer season!
5. Pumpkin Spice Frappachino
This fall favorite comes in fifth. It is a pumpkin flavored seasonal drink, available around fall. I'm not sure what is in this one: maybe a little magic! Don't forget to pick this one up come September!
6. Cherry Blossom Frappachino
The springtime drink comes to us all the way from Japan! This drink has no coffee in it and it originates from the Strawberries and Creme Frappachino. It has a special syrup in it to add the taste of Japan. But don't delay; today is the last day it is being sold!
7. Cinnamon Dolce Frappachino
This drink can be ordered with or without coffee with minimal effect on the taste! This is available year round. It is topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sprinkles, and a dash of vanilla flavored powder.
8. Gingerbread Frappachino
This drink tastes like gingerbread cookies fresh out of the oven! The rich, warming flavor is enough to make anyone smile. Also recommended is the Gingerbread Latte. This is a seasonal drink sold during the holiday season.
9. Creme Brûlée Frappachino
This dessert flavored drink is a seasonal drink available during the holidays. It's authentic taste is accented by a topping of whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and toffee chunks on top. Yes please!
10. Eggnog Frappachino
This festive drink is available during the holiday season. The Eggnog Frappachino is modeled after the traditional holiday drink; it tastes just like it! This is definitely a winter must-have!
These are my favorite Starbucks drinks! While I listed the Frappachino version (my personal preference), most, if not all, of the drinks can be sold as a latte, mocha, etc. Drink on!
Kisses,
Isabelle 😊
1. Peppermint Mocha Frappachino
This is my overall favorite! I love the crisp taste of the peppermint. Add the chocolate flavor and it's music to my taste buds! Unfortunately, it is a seasonal drink. It is only available around the holiday season, so snatch it up when it's available!
2. Molten Chocolate Frappachino
This comes in second. It is so chocolate-y! It's perfect for chocolate lovers like me! It's very rich, however, so I would recommend a Grande max. This chocolate heaven is topped off with chocolate whipped cream and a spectacular chocolate drizzle. Again, this is a seasonal drink available around Valentine's Day. Don't miss out next year!
3. Java Chip Frappachino
Rolling in third, is the Java Chip Frappachino. Lucky for us, it is available year round! I get this one every year for my birthday. It has a strong coffee flavor, augmented by chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, and chocolate chips! Mmmmm, delicious!
4. S'mores Frappachino
Coming in fourth, this delectable drink is only found on the Starbucks Secret Menu. This drink is packed with coffee and chocolate with a pump of hazelnut syrup. Sprinkled on top of the whipped cream is chocolate drizzle and crushed graham cracker. Perfect for the upcoming summer season!
5. Pumpkin Spice Frappachino
This fall favorite comes in fifth. It is a pumpkin flavored seasonal drink, available around fall. I'm not sure what is in this one: maybe a little magic! Don't forget to pick this one up come September!
6. Cherry Blossom Frappachino
The springtime drink comes to us all the way from Japan! This drink has no coffee in it and it originates from the Strawberries and Creme Frappachino. It has a special syrup in it to add the taste of Japan. But don't delay; today is the last day it is being sold!
7. Cinnamon Dolce Frappachino
This drink can be ordered with or without coffee with minimal effect on the taste! This is available year round. It is topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sprinkles, and a dash of vanilla flavored powder.
8. Gingerbread Frappachino
This drink tastes like gingerbread cookies fresh out of the oven! The rich, warming flavor is enough to make anyone smile. Also recommended is the Gingerbread Latte. This is a seasonal drink sold during the holiday season.
9. Creme Brûlée Frappachino
This dessert flavored drink is a seasonal drink available during the holidays. It's authentic taste is accented by a topping of whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and toffee chunks on top. Yes please!
10. Eggnog Frappachino
This festive drink is available during the holiday season. The Eggnog Frappachino is modeled after the traditional holiday drink; it tastes just like it! This is definitely a winter must-have!
These are my favorite Starbucks drinks! While I listed the Frappachino version (my personal preference), most, if not all, of the drinks can be sold as a latte, mocha, etc. Drink on!
Kisses,
Isabelle 😊
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Lessons Learned From Music: Patience
Music is not just a form of mental stimulation. It is not just a hobby or for pleasure. Music is a lifestyle and there are many important lessons to learn from it.
One of the most important things I've learned from my journey with music, is how to be patient. Patience, in my opinion, is one of the most essential things to have if you want to be successful in life. Without patience, you get nowhere. Music teaches patience through practicing. As any musician knows, the first time through something is not perfect. Not even close. In order to master the peice, practice is required. The progress can be slow and grueling, but advancements in performance quality are gradually made. Patience is required to stick with an instrument, especially while just learning.
The patience learned from music can also be applied in other areas of life.
Patience helps financial situations. Financial stability is not a guarantee and is very unstable. It also takes time to get there, especially if coming out of debt. The good news is that having patience allows delayed gratification. I define delayed gratification as waiting until there is room in the budget for something before purchasing it (as opposed to putting it on a credit card).
Patience can also improve relationships with others. Humans are unpredictable. Our actions and emotions affect those around us. To effectively deal with others, it requires patience. So much of our time is spent with family, spouses, friends, and significant others. A lot of time spent with the same group of people can get exhausting. For example, when I've been around my family for a lot of time, I get short with them and easily frustrated. Being patient with family, even when it's hard, has high yields and can lower the frequency of quarrels.
There are many more instances where patience is ideal. Overall, patience is a necessary and useful skill that can open up the path to success! Patience transcends all areas of life and is required for developing musical talent. Music teaches patience, and in return patience allows musicality and technical skills to burgeon into something magical.
Thank you music for teaching me such a wonderful skill!
Kisses,
Isabelle! ❤️
One of the most important things I've learned from my journey with music, is how to be patient. Patience, in my opinion, is one of the most essential things to have if you want to be successful in life. Without patience, you get nowhere. Music teaches patience through practicing. As any musician knows, the first time through something is not perfect. Not even close. In order to master the peice, practice is required. The progress can be slow and grueling, but advancements in performance quality are gradually made. Patience is required to stick with an instrument, especially while just learning.
The patience learned from music can also be applied in other areas of life.
Patience helps financial situations. Financial stability is not a guarantee and is very unstable. It also takes time to get there, especially if coming out of debt. The good news is that having patience allows delayed gratification. I define delayed gratification as waiting until there is room in the budget for something before purchasing it (as opposed to putting it on a credit card).
Patience can also improve relationships with others. Humans are unpredictable. Our actions and emotions affect those around us. To effectively deal with others, it requires patience. So much of our time is spent with family, spouses, friends, and significant others. A lot of time spent with the same group of people can get exhausting. For example, when I've been around my family for a lot of time, I get short with them and easily frustrated. Being patient with family, even when it's hard, has high yields and can lower the frequency of quarrels.
There are many more instances where patience is ideal. Overall, patience is a necessary and useful skill that can open up the path to success! Patience transcends all areas of life and is required for developing musical talent. Music teaches patience, and in return patience allows musicality and technical skills to burgeon into something magical.
Thank you music for teaching me such a wonderful skill!
Kisses,
Isabelle! ❤️
Friday, March 18, 2016
City versus Beach
This year for Spring Break, my family went to a beach town on the Florida coast. It was superrr relaxing! I've never been less stressed in my life! However, in the past I disliked the south. I always complained about the constant heat, sunburns, and humidity. I used to loathe the beach even more. The salt water burns your eyes and the sand! The sand gets EVERYWHERE. It would take me days to get it all out of my hair. I used to hate that so much.
Recently though, I've been out enjoying the sunshine. I even went to the beach and I loved it. *gasp* I don't think I have ever spent that much time in the sun (for fun) ever.
This trip really got me thinking: what if I go to a college by the beach? Then I'd never have to leave. I've always considered myself a big city girl, but man I love the beach!
Here is what I love about cities:
Big cities and beaches: two completely different things and polar opposites of each other. Yet, both fill my heart with joy. Which one is better? I'm gonna have to call it a draw. Feel free to weigh in on the poll found at the bottom! Active until 3/25/16
Kisses,
Isabelle
Recently though, I've been out enjoying the sunshine. I even went to the beach and I loved it. *gasp* I don't think I have ever spent that much time in the sun (for fun) ever.
This trip really got me thinking: what if I go to a college by the beach? Then I'd never have to leave. I've always considered myself a big city girl, but man I love the beach!
Here is what I love about cities:
- The busyness is the best!
- The metro/subway
- Everything is close by
- Encourages exercising via bike or walking
- So many opportunities
- Air pollution
- Noisy
- High crime rates
- Can't see the stars at night
- Can become dull
- Hectic at times
- So peaceful and serene
- Getting tan
- The feeling of the sun hitting your skin
- How refreshing it is to get in the water after a hot day
- The smell of fresh air
- The sound of the ocean and birds
- Sea shells!
- Excuse to eat ice cream!
- Sand Sand Sand everywhere!
- Sunburns
- Sunscreen
- Sweating from the heat
- Humidity
- Tropical storms
- Once you get used to it, it isn't as special anymore.
Big cities and beaches: two completely different things and polar opposites of each other. Yet, both fill my heart with joy. Which one is better? I'm gonna have to call it a draw. Feel free to weigh in on the poll found at the bottom! Active until 3/25/16
Kisses,
Isabelle
A Brief Hello
Obviously, I'm new here, so hello! *awkward wave*
My name is Isabelle. To read more about me, please click on the "About" tab.
I have been wanting to start a blog for a while now. I'm glad I finally have the opportunity! Since I am in high school, I am extremely busy and it's hard to find the time.
Anyways, thanks for visiting! The real first post coming soon!
Kisses!
Isabelle :)
My name is Isabelle. To read more about me, please click on the "About" tab.
I have been wanting to start a blog for a while now. I'm glad I finally have the opportunity! Since I am in high school, I am extremely busy and it's hard to find the time.
Anyways, thanks for visiting! The real first post coming soon!
Kisses!
Isabelle :)
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