One of A Kind Study Tips

May 23, 2015May 23, 2015Leave a comment

May. It’s that time of year again; the dreaded month filled with finals, standardized tests, and AP’s. Studying is on the top of your ‘To Do’ list. I for one am not a fan, and probably, neither are you. Here are some un-cliché tips that I have used for studying:

1. Delete apps on your phone. Instead of doing the turn off your phone or putting your phone in a different room drill, try deleting apps instead. I listen to music while I study on my phone so turning it off is not an option. Also, texting classmates about the material definitely helps. I delete social media apps, such as Instagram and Twitter. If a texting friend is a distraction, block their number for a bit, your grade will thank you 😉

2. Keep a glass of water besides you.

This is one idea that I discovered last year. Instead of grabbing my phone, I would grab my glass of water instead. It definitely helped. Additionally, the water replenishes your cells which keeps you energized and awake. It’s also a great way to stay hydrated. Lastly, the bathroom breaks and refills will keep your legs moving.

3. Set alarms

This is a great way to keep yourself from procrastinating and not sleeping too late. Set a timer on your phone for 30 minutes to study algebra and when it rings, take a break or move on to a different subject. It will keep you accountable.

4. Make it fun!

Can’t stand reading the chapters in yor history book? Find quizzes and games online (quizlet.com is great) that will make studying more interesting and won’t make you fall asleep. I also find images of concepts I am studying which also helps because I am a visual learner. And if you don’t get off topic easily with a friend, get a study buddy (do this with caution).

5. Create a schedule.

Don’t know where to start? Create a schedule based on the day the test is, the rigor, how important the class is to your grade (don’t study 2 hours if you have a high A), and the amount of material you need to study. This will relieve your stress and keep you accountable and organized. Keep it where you can see it everyday, such as your mirror or on your phone.

Hope these tips helped & good luck my friends!❤️

XO, FS

Summer Salad Recipe

May 6, 2015May 7, 2015Leave a comment

Aloha ❤️Today I am sharing with you guys a mouthwatering summer salad recipe. This recipe is super healthy and flavorful. It is like eating California in a bite. With local ingredients and lovely flavors, you will forget that you are eating a salad!!

Ingredients:
– 1 Box of Spring Mix Greens
– 1 Tomato , thinly slices
– 1 Persian Cucumber, sliced
– 1 Lime
– 1 Avacado, sliced
– Handful of Blackberries
– 1 Fuji Apple , thinly sliced with a squirt of lime juice to prevent it from browning
– Handful of fresh mint and basil
– Pinch of Red Chilli Flakes
– 1 tsp. Red Chilli Powder (optional)
– Handful of Walnuts, chopped
– 1 clove of fresh Garlic, minced
– dash of lemon pepper
– dash of Italian Seasoning
– dash of Mediterranean seasoning salt
– Salt & Pepper, to taste
– drizzle of Olive Oil, for sautée
– leftover roasted/baked chicken

Directions:
Part 1: Cook Chicken
Drizzle some olive oil into a pan on medium high heat. Add minced garlic. Allow the garlic to infuse into the oil for a minute. Then, add the chicken.
Allow the chicken to warm through and get slightly browned. This adds flavor. After, add the spices ( lemon pepper, seasoned salt, chilli powder & flakes, italian seasoning) . Stir the chicken on low heat. In the end, add a handful of chopped basil ( about 1/4 cup or so). The basil adds an earthy and fragrant flavor to the chicken. Voilà , your chicken is ready! Set aside.

Part 2:
Wash all of the fruits and vegetables needed for the salad. In two bowls add some of the spring mix. This is the base layer of the salad. Next, add the sliced avacado on both salads. Squeeze a bit of lime on the avacado so that it doesn’t go brown. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to flavor it. Next, neatly arrange the cucumbers, tomatoes, blackberries, apples, and mint on top of the salad. Afterwards, add the chopped walnuts. Lastly, place the chicken on to the salad.

Tips:
Add the same amounts of fruit/vegetables to both salads. Arrange in a pattern for a pretty presentation.

Variation: You can leave out the chicken for a vegan salad. It will taste just as good!

Bon Appetit
Xx,
Shiza

Slice of Italy in LA

May 4, 2015May 4, 2015Leave a comment

Hello loves!! A super cool place in LA everyone should definitely visit are the Venice Canals located in Venice Beach. Just a couple of blocks away from the pier, it is proxy of the real ones in Italy, but they are still quite beautiful. The entrance may seem a bit dodgey and the water may seem murky and unwelcoming, but as you walk on, it becomes more delightful. Bordered by unique and gorgeous homes and their beautiful flowers and plants, it is stunning in the spring time. In the canal itself, we spotted some fish and ducks in the water. Also, we spotted a sea slug and abandoned boats (a black swan shaped one!). And to top it off, there were pretty monarch butterflies and bees flying around. There were bridges of different truss (engineering side ha) designs that connected the canal to adjacent streets. It’s a wonderful place to get a bit of exercise and chat with a friend. So simple, yet so lovely at the same time. Can’t wait to go again soon. Enjoy the pictures.

xx- Firda