How I revise and organise my time

Now that the academic year has started, I thought I'd show you how I organise my time and revise!

I use a week-to-view diary/planner so I can easily see what I have coming up in the next week. Here's a quick guide to what you see above! My lectures are highlighted in orange, the pink sticky note bookmarks what week we're in, so I can quickly turn to it, and the green sticky notes bookmark my assignment deadlines. When I've completed something, I draw a line through it, and when I don't do something and move it, I put diagonal, squiggly lines through it. As you can see, I didn't write this post yesterday, so scribbled through it and moved it to today. I've also scribbled out one of my English tasks and moved it to next Tuesday because I have the day off.

Sometimes, I plan my days out by the hour. Don't worry, I'm not that organised - I only do this on the days when I have a lot of uni work to do. For the purpose of this post, I've quickly written one up today. 

As you can see, I have an hour in between each task. I find that this usually gives me the motivation to do my work. If I can't be bothered to do a task, I just think that in an hour, it will be over and I'll have an hours break.

I never used to do this and just tried to revise for as long as I could so I could get it over and done with. This wasn't a good idea because it used to make revising a daunting task, rather than a manageable one.

Some people may think that I lose a lot of time revising like this, but when I start early on my days off, I can revise for 6-7 hours a day. 

Here are some of my revision notes from last year. I never used to have a revision technique and it really damaged my year 12 grades. I then stopped trying to make fun revision games and did what came naturally - Writing lists! I break down the notes in my folder and list the main points. I then memorise the lists until I know them off by heart. To memorise them, I either repeat them in my mind or write them down countless times. It may seem tedious, but it works for me and that's what really matters!

That is how I organise my life and revise for exams! When I write assignments, I do what I've done in the second photo. Obviously, If I'm 'in the zone', then I'll write for longer than the hour provided.

Washi Tape Haul and Notebook Decorating

I've been meaning to buy some washi tape for months, so when eBay had a £5 off code the other night, I thought it was the perfect time to order some!

If you don't know what washi tape is, it's coloured and patterned masking tape which can be used to decorate nearly anything.

Here are the ones I ordered. I have a tendency to collect things, so I couldn't just buy a couple rolls! The descriptions below are linked to the washi tapes' listings:

Mint green

Green stripes 

Yellow polka dots

Red floral

Roses

Blue and red little hearts

Pink polka dots

Teal pattern

Yellow

Blue

Most of the tapes above are from the same seller and P&P is 70p, no matter how many rolls you buy.

I've just ordered a red polka dot one as well! Next on my list: Some orange varieties.

With some of the washi tapes, I decorated this notebook (Paperchase, £1.50). I love it! I can't wait to decorate more things. Next, I'm going to put some washi tape on the ends of my make-up brushes because I have multiples that I use for different purposes. Also, I'd love to decorate glass jars (Fill with sweets and you have a great present), a photo frame and make my own birthday/Christmas cards.

Do a quick Google search and you'll find thousands of ideas!

Do you own any rolls of washi tape? If so, what have you made/decorated with them?

More Winter Buys (Primark, New Look and Paperchase)

I did a spot of shopping today, even though I only went in town Wednesday! (You can read my 'Primark Winter Haul and more' post here). I now have a draw full of socks. I can't help it! Socks are one of my weaknesses.

Primark - Various socks - £4, £3, £1.50 and £3

I was actually restrained today - Only the burgundy/red socks are for me. Both of the penguin pairs are for my sister for Christmas :)

New Look - Vests and owl slippers - £2.49 each and £9.99

How cute are these slippers?! When I walk, the little wings move, making it look like the owls are flying!

The vests are a size S and they're a little big, so I think I should have bought the XS ones (Yes, I did try them on - I've just changed my mind on the sizing!). They're still wearable though, so I'm going to keep them and just buy XS ones next time. Why did they have to change the sizes? Numbered sizes are so much easier to understand!

Paperchase - Notebooks - £2.50 and £1.50

I've been looking for some small ring bounded notebooks for a while because they're perfect for writing lists! The bird notebook cover is made out of wood, which is cool. I bought the plain notebook so I can decorate it with the washi tape I have coming in the post.

I hope you have a great weekend!

Primark Winter Haul and more

Primark - Socks - £4, £2.50 and £2.50

I love Primark's socks and pyjamas in the Winter! The ones above look and feel so cosy.

Primark - Bird print pyjama bottoms and owl gloves - £5 and £4

Another pair of cute pyjama bottoms to add to my collection :) The owl gloves are also adorable!

Primark - Tights and hair turban - £2.50 each and £1.50

I love Primark's thick tights. These ones are lovely because they don't go 'bobbly' and stay opaque, even when stretched over your legs. The hair turban was an impulse buy. Towels can be too heavy on my head, so this should be perfect :)

I also bought a coat for £26. In store, I thought it was a dark green, but when I arrived home, I realised that it was actually black, so I've given it to my sister. My hunt for a coat continues!

New Look - High waisted super soft skinny jeans and plimsolls - £22.99 and £6.99

Both of these are repurchases. I've been wearing the jeans a lot, so thought I'd buy another pair. I had never worn super soft jeans before these because I thought they'd easily lose their shape, but they haven't and I really, really like them. 

Superdrug - TRESemme shampoo 900ml bottles and long beaded necklace - 2 for £6.99 and £2.99 (Originally £6.99)

I'm running low on TRESemme shampoo, so stocked up while they're on offer. They're usually £4.99 and £5.49 each, so that's quite a saving! It's even better when they're half price, but I couldn't wait until then. The necklace is really pretty and was a good price. I'll probably wear it with a plain white top.

Poundland - Chocolate cream wafers - £1 each

Wilkinson - Flower cookie cutters and scented ornament - £1.50 and £1

I loveeeee these chocolate cream wafers and always buy some when in town. I can't wait to bake and use the cookie cutters. The scented ornament is cute and looks pretty hanging on my chest of drawers.

My Favourite Affordable Duvet Sets!

Sorry about the creases!

I was looking through my phone and Twitpic profile, and found these photos of my duvet sets, which reminded me to blog about them!

Since getting a double bed, I've been investing in duvet sets because I know I'll be able to use them when I get my own place. I've bought 4 or 5 in the last few months, but the two above are definitely my favourites. They're from eBay and were very reasonably priced. When I say eBay, I mean an eBay store, not a personal seller, so they come brand new.

The first bedding set is from here and cost £14.97, including P&P.

The second set is from the same seller, but the listing is no longer available (for a double), but you can buy it here for £19.80, including P&P, or here for £19.95, including P&P. All of them are from top-rated sellers.

Do let me know if you've found any nice and affordable duvet sets!

Meet Buddy!

This is Buddy, our new family member. He's one-one and a half years old and a Rottweiler cross Bull Mastiff. He's already had a few owners in his lifetime because he's rather big. The woman we got him off lived in a flat, which was too small for him. She also didn't live near any woods or fields, meaning he couldn't have a much needed run. 

He is the biggest baby and not like his breed's stereotype at all. Even with Jessie growling at him, he hasn't growled once. He just wants to play.

The main things we need to teach him is to not chase Jessie or the cats. His intentions are innocent and playful, but they don't like it, for obvious reasons.

We haven't had a male dog before and we've always had animals from birth or 2 months, so this is a new experience. My dad is great at training dogs though and all of our others have been very well behaved, so we have no doubts that Buddy is going to make a great dog. His obedience has already improved after a few days.

Because of his name (He was already called Buddy before we got him), I think he would make a great Christmas elf ;)

Nails of the Week

Although the camera on my phone isn't as clear as my actual camera, it picks up colours better, so I've used it for today's post. Above, we have China Glaze's Secret Periwinkle with Models Own's Silver Nail Art Pen for my French tips. At first, I wasn't sure I liked it, but it's grown on me. I initially wanted to do this manicure with a dusky blue polish, but I don't have one, so went with this darker, purple blue.

I hope you have a lovely Sunday! We're having roast chicken with a fresh loaf of bread this evening - Yummm. I have my first 2nd year lecture tomorrow, which I'm not looking forward to because I don't know many people in the module.

Also, I should have a post up in the next couple of days about our new family member! He's very cute.