LIFESTYLE | PARTY VS. WORK

It's been a pretty few weird weeks for me and it's about to get HEAVY.

 

6000 word dissertation deadline, a mid-term essay and a project on Iran's nuclear program are looming ever closer.

 

LET'S DO THIS.

 

On the plus side I went to what was probably one of my best nights out in Leeds this week. A Set One Twenty night at the The Garage playing host to Duke Dumont and Isaac Tichauer on the decks.

BACK TO WORK FOR ME.

 

But watch this space...

 

No partying for me this week, however it is CHINESE NEW YEAR today and PANCAKE DAY on Tuesday so there'll be some goodies coming you way I hope.

 

I'm also going to attempt to make THESE beauties this week:

 

 

Photos (top-bottom): Set One Twenty; My Own; My Own; The Wannabe Chef.

ORGANISATION | FINAL SEMESTER (EVER!)

And so it begins... albeit a day late due to the snow but I'm back into work mode and ready to DO THIS.

I've got my hefty timetable with a ridiculous four contact hours at university a week with a delightful minimum of 30 hours independent study time per week. I've also included essential cat naps.

If you find where my life has gone can you point it back in my direction please? Thanks.

Hi library (aka NEW BEST FRIEND).

If you would like your own handy 8am-8pm timetable for Monday to Sunday then feel free to download your  very own version for free HERE.

You can download it and fill it in on a computer and then print it off or you can print off blank copies and choose to fill them in by hand.

My TOP TIPS for a SUCCESSFUL TIMETABLE:

1.  When making a timetable it is important to remember that it can be as loose or as rigid as you feel it needs to be.

2.  Include your university contact hours, appointments and personal commitments.

3.  Allow time for enough play alongside work, but realistically schedule in time for independent learning (aim for at least 2 hours a day if possible).

4.   Have a copy of your timetable saved on your laptop, that way you can update it on a weekly basis with any new personal commitments or appointments that may arise). 

5.  Set yourself personal goals and deadlines to keep yourself motivated and more organised with your workload. If you struggle with time-keeping and getting all your work done last minute then this can be a life-saver.

6.  Allow for procrastination time. If you know you are going to want to check facebook, watch TV, make a cup of tea or like me, nap, then allow for this in your timetable. If you do, that way you account for it and are less likely to feel guilty for doing that. Schedule your workload to fit around distractions, it is only normal.

If this is up for your street and you'd like to find out more ideas on how to keep on top of work then check out my article for the Leeds Student 'Get Organised: How to Have a Sussed Semester' HERE.

LIFESTYLE | CHRISTMAS BREAK

One more week and then I am free.

Free to go home for a month and enjoy the Christmas period and all its fine festivities!

As much as I love my little workspace I think a change of scenery would be warmly welcomed right now.

 

Okay, I'm technically not free.

No... not free at all actually due to a lovely workload consisting of a 1500 word report, 3500 word project, 3000 word essay... oh and a  two hour exam to revise for too!

*and that 12,000 word dissertation but we won't go into that...

I do however have lots to look forward to! For starters...

I have a lovely family and (warm!) home to return to. Then there's the annual process of transforming our house into a tacky Christmas grotto (it gets worse every year...). Frosty winter walks in the woods. Plus I'll also be making Mince Pie's with my Nana - she is going to teach me how to make a GOOD pastry this year!

To ease myself into the spirit of all things Christmas I am hosting what will hopefully be a rather jazzy Christmas Dinner this Sunday with some of my favourite boyos and I also have a few little Christmassy themed cooking/baking sessions and projects lined up for the weeks ahead so I will be keeping you posted with those. 

But for me right now...

Bring on the home comforts and some Christmas cheer!

INSTAGRAM | #4

The dissertation scare has kicked in.

I have had my first meeting and I am t e r r i f i e d.

I am really struggling to find a focus/angle which is narrow enough to tackle my topic.

I guess that's what happens when you try to assess US-China relations!

My last few weeks have been mainly work filled and making nice food and buying new things for my cupboard have been the highlights.

How wonderful final year is turning out to be...

Here are my last few weeks in INSTAGRAM (from L-R):

1.  An evenings worth of work... 9 pages just for one seminar which does not contribute to any final degree. Brilliant.

2.  Marshmallow fluff! This stuff is BAD ASS.

3.  Liquid lunch. Stewed apples and cinnamon topped with greek yogurt, and various crunchy bits.

4.  Apple Crumble and Custard Crunch. FREEZE DRIED CUSTARD PIECES. That is all.

5.  Essential late-night mid-dissertation crisis ice cream break.

6.  A spot of Sunday night DJing at a local pub.

7.  Apple and Custard Bread Pudding.

8.  An impromptu DJ set at a house party a few weekends back.

9.  Weekend guilty pleasure. Sticky toffee pudding vs. Custard.

You can see more of my instagram snaps and follow me HERE.