Hey everyone! I've been nominated for a second time for a Liebster Award by Farrah from Fairyburger! Thank you Farrah for nominating me! If you want to read my post on my first nomination for a Liebster Award click here!

Farrah's 10 Questions

1. What's your favorite comfort food?
My favorite comfort food is definitely chocolate. I will eat just about any type of chocolate except white chocolate. For some reason I feel as if it's fake chocolate and just doesn't taste as good to me as dark chocolate does which is my all time favorite! If I'm at the store and going to by chocolate, I always end up going with the Dark chocolate raspberry filled chocolate made by either Ghirardelli or Lindt!
2. What's a recipe you've come across recently that you'd love to try/make?
So I've been on Pinterest for like the past 20 minutes deciding which recipe to choose for this one. I'm obsessed with anything flavored pumpkin and am obsessed with chocolate. So I decided to go with pumpkin brownies! They look incredible and I'd love to make them! However, I'll have to change up some of the ingredients to accommodate the fact that I have to eat gluten-free.
3. What's a super irrational fear that you have?
Hmm this is a tough one. I think I'll go with seeing birds. I have absolutely no reason to be afraid of birds. I've never been attacked by one and I've never seen one attack someone. I'm not afraid of like one or two birds though; just big flocks of them. Every day when I walk home from class at 5pm there is this huge flock of birds (about 100) that flies over my head. I literally hyperventilate when I see them and can't look up.
4. If you could win an all-expenses paid trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
The place that I would go to would be Fiji. This past summer I volunteered at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. I love everything under the sea and would kill to go scuba diving in their coral reefs. I would also love to go to Nadi in Fiji to see all of the handcrafted objects at their markets. Touring Nukubaluvu Village would also be amazing because I would be able to participate in a sevu-sevu (gift) ceremony and dance with grass-skirts. As you could tell, I've done a good amount of research in the past haha.
5. What accomplishment from 2014 are you most proud of so far?
My biggest accomplishment that I did this past year would probably be asked to be a mentor for freshman at University of Indiana. It is such a great honor to be considered for this and to be able to help others in whatever they need help in. Freshman year could be a stressful situation especially if you're not used to being away from your friends or family. The transition from high school to college is intense and being able to help lessen that is a great thing to be asked to do.
6. What's your favorite way to treat/pamper yourself?
My favorite way to treat or pamper myself would probably be getting a massage. I know that's so cliché but it's true. I don't get one often but after each semester is over, I treat myself with a massage. Finals week and the semester as a whole is so incredibly stressful and being able to finally relax without having to worry about homework or exams is a great feeling!
7. What was your favorite childhood book?
When I was younger my favorite books were The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner. I loved the adventures that they had and what they overcame. I literally was obsessed but I haven't read them since I was a lot younger.
8. Favorite movie that you've seen this year?
I definitely have to go with Mockingjay. I'm OBSESSED with The Hunger Games and have read the trilogy like a hundred times. I loved how the plot of this movie wasn't about the games like the first two movies. I won't say anymore about the plot in case no one has seen it yet! I also have to say that Liam Hemsworth is beautiful in this movie! However, I'm super pissed that I have to wait another whole year for the second part to come out.
9. What are 3 of your favorite posts from your archives?
I have only been blogging since August and am soo grateful on how well my blog is doing! My 3 favorite posts would have to be my Helpful Study Tips, my 25 Before 25, and my Reverse Bucket List posts! Be sure to check them out if you have tim!
10. What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
I'm for sure most looking forward to my birthday this year! On February 26th I, finally, turn 21! Most of my best friends are already 21 and I can't wait to finally be able to go out with them! Also my boyfriend is going to be 24 in April and I'm excited to be able to go out with him and his friends!

My Questions For My Nominees

1. What would you think your spirit animal is?

2. If you could pick a decade to live in, what would it be and why?

3. What is the best trip you've ever been on?

4. What is your favorite quote that inspires you?

5. If you could meet anyone famous, who would it be and why?

6. What super power would you want to have?

7. What is the meaning behind your blog name?

8. What do you like to do besides blogging?

9. Are you a morning or night person?

10. What piece of advice would you give to other bloggers?

I'm nominating my fellow Lifestyle 1 tribe members!

Madison from The Wetherills Say I Do

Rebecca from Rebecca Chapman

Daniela from Lifestyle with Danny

Samantha from Second Chance Mom

Corinne from The Feminist Feline (but you were also nominated by Farrah as well!)
Jen from Escape & Inspire

Can't wait to read your responses ladies!!

xo

Olivia

My Favorite Apps

I just got my iPhone 6 this past week as an early holiday present from my amazing mom. Like everyone who has any type of smart phone... I'm obsessed!! I for sure am on my phone waay more than I should and I'll for sure have to go on a electronic detox over winter break (can't be away from my computer during finals). I have a good amount of apps and I'm going to share some of my favorite ones!

Reminder/Notes

The reminder app is literally my best friend along with the notes app (they kind of go hand in hand together). I use my notes app for anything possible: funny things I find/read, quotes, make grocery lists and anything else that I need! My reminder app is perfect for specific lists. I have multiple tabs going 24/7 for school work, shopping and blog ideas. It's even better because you can set notifications to remind you (hence the name of the app) to do something! It's perfect for those coffee deprived days when you seem to forget everything! I also love being able to check something off my lists! They also come with iPhones soo it's FREE!

Starbucks

This has become my righthand man the past few weeks. It's great being able to not worry about digging for your wallet when trying to get coffee. Most of the time my phone is on me so it makes it easy to pay on the go! I also love the fact that every 12 orders (with the gold card) you get a free drink or treat! I spend soo much money at Starbucks so it is a great thing to be able to get something back! Even if it's just a drink every once in awhile! It's also a free app!

Sleep Cycle

Sleep cycle is a great tool to help with determining what factors affect your sleeping periods. All you have to do is set the time that you want to wake up and place your phone face down on your bed in a spot that the "test" button approves! The point of this is to sense your movements while sleeping to determine when you're awake, sleeping, or in a deep sleep. It also slowly wakes you up at the optimal time during your lightest sleep cycle. This is to make sure that you get a better quality sleep! You can also make notes if you drank coffee/tea, had a stressful day, exercised, etc to see if those factors change the quality of your sleep! Unfortunately this app isn't free but it's only $0.99! I seriously swear by it! I now, usually, get the best sleep!

Instagram

This one is probably important to most of you guys as well. I love being able to post pictures about different things in my life that are important to me. It's an awesome little glimpse into my life! I also love reading feedback as well! It's also great to follow my friends, blogger friends, famous people, and other awesome accounts that I come across! It definitely brightens my day when I see pictures of cute puppies or beautiful places around the world! Such a great social media app!

Pacer

 This app is basically how it sounds... it counts how many steps you take each day! It's crazy how many steps you take to actually get somewhere. Seems like an obscure amount when you see the number on your phone from a 5 minute walk! It's great to help get you moving and you can set goals for how many steps you take in a day to determining how many steps and calories you should take/burn to achieve your weight goals (if you desire)! I think of it as a fun, competitive game to try and walk more steps each day!

There are soo many amazing apps out there! What are some of your favorites?!

xo
Olivia

December Monthly Goals

I can't believe that November is over already! It went by soo quickly. Now that December is rolling in, that means that it's time for the holidays! I celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas with both my family and my boyfriend's. However, this also means that it's time for my finals to finish up my semester... YUCK! Like always, here are my monthly goals!

November Goals

Unplug for 2 hours a day I can successfully say I've done this one!!

Continue to take more scenic pictures Now that I have my new iPhone 6 I take more pictures!

Make a dish for Thanksgiving Made an amazing squash casserole that I'll be posting the recipe soon!

Finish the Ellen Degeneres book along with another book

Remember to make my bed every morning Didn't exactly do it every day... oops!

Get back on my blogging schedule Minus the break for Thanksgiving

Cross something off my 25 before 25 list

December Goals

Take a cute holiday pic with Ky

Figure out what to get Ky for the holidays

Finish the Ellen Degeneres book (I'm almost done!)

Get 20 more followers on bloglovin'

Don't procrastinate for my finals

Have someone guest post on my blog

Excited it being the beginning of December and for the holidays!

xo

Olivia

Holiday Music Playlist

Hey guys! I know it's been awhile since I posted last. I decided to take a little vacation break while I was home from school for Thanksgiving! I had a great week and I hope everyone did as well! Since Thanksgiving is over it now means that the holiday season is in full throttle! Here are some holiday music to help you get in the holiday mood!!

- It' Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas by Michael Bublé
- This Christmas by Chris Brown
- Winter Wonderland by Jason Mraz
- White Christmas by Irving Berlin and Bing Crosby (such a classic and a great movie!)
- Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley
- The First Noel by Frank Sinatra
- Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town by Bruce Springsteen
- Frosty The Snowman by The Ronettes
- Baby! It's Christmas by Jessie James Decker (LOVE)

I know some of my readers are Jewish like me! I know the list isn't as long but here are some songs to help get in the Hanukkah spirit!
- The Chanukah Song by Adam Sandler
- Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah by Glee Cast
- Hanukkah Blessings by Barenaked Ladies (weird name but good)
- I Have A Little Dreidel by Barenaked Ladies
- The Hanukkah Waltz by Béla Fleck and the Flecktones

Have a great Monday Everyone!

xo
Olivia

Music Monday-Covers Playlist

Not only are the original songs amazing but so are their covers! There are soo many beautifully talented people in the world and I have to show you guys some of my favorite covers of some of my favorite songs! To make it even better, I've provided the links for each of these songs so you can find them easier!! Enjoy!

- Wake Me Up by Madilyn Bailey (Originally by Avicii)

- Leave the Night On by Megan and Liz (Originally by Sam Hunt)

- Chandelier by Alex G and Max Schneider (Originally by Sia)

- Cool Kids by The Gardiner Sisters (Originally by Echosmith)

- Landslide by The Dixie Chicks (Originally by Fleetwood Mac)

- Jolene by Miley Cyrus (Originally by Dolly Parton)

- Torn by Hannah Trigwell and Alex Goot (Originally by Natalie Imbruglia)

- Try by Max & Kurt Schneider (Originally by Colbie Caillat)

- Rather Be by George Twins (Originally by Clean Bandit)

- Who You Are by Anna Clendening (Originally by Jessie J)

- Fix You by Austin Percario and Kurt Schneider (Originally by Coldplay)

Such amazing songs! Can't even decide which would be my favorite cover! Love them all!

Have a great Monday!

xo

Olivia

November Blog Challenge- Day 16-22

Happy Friday everyone!! I hope you all had a great week! I've had a pretty stressful week finishing up homework assignments before I left for Chicago for Thanksgiving break! Soo excited to see all of my friends, family, and Ky!

Day 16- Proudest Moment
Hmm this is a tough one. I think my proudest moment was being nominated to become captain on my dance team my senior year of high school. Dancing has been a huge part of my life and I was lucky enough to become a leader for my team! On top of that, we also won state that year!!

Day 17- Meaning Behind My Blog Name
The meaning behind my blog name is fairly simple. I'm in college and I wanted to share my experiences from college and my life with people who can relate either in college, about to be in college, or was in college. Being able to help with writing is really important to me!

Day 18- My Collections
There are a few things that I collect. I'm big on collecting shot glasses. For some reason everywhere I went I would buy a shot glass to remember it! I have soo many now. Since people know that I collect shot glasses, I have gotten some from family, friends, and Ky from places that they've gone as well! I also collect books and hope to have a huge library in my future house!!

Day 19- Difficult Time In My Life
I think one of the hardest times in my life was my freshman year of college. I loved that year too so that's a little confusing. While it was a great year at school, it was hard being away from home. It was my first year away and was such a change for me. It was also the same year that my dad and sister moved to Indiana. It was definitely a big change for me and a very difficult time to go through.

Day 20- Fave Foods
Oh I love this one! My favorite food is for sure sushi. I literally could eat sushi all day every day. Ky and I always get sushi when we're going somewhere for dinner. We always go to a place in Wrigleyville in Chicago called Oh Fusion that is "our place". It's amazing food and such a cute, little restaurant!

Day 21-Best Thing That Happened This Year
This one's easy! One of the best things that has happened this year is that I started blogging! I've always wanted to start blogging and finally created one in August! There were a lot of bumps in the road but now I'm finally getting the hang of everything! Such a great thing to keep steady during my days!

Day 22- Dream Job
My dream job has changed like a million times lol. When I was younger, I would say I wanted to be a teacher. When I got a little older (about high school time), I would say I wanted to be a surgeon. That one was crossed off the list when I realized I can't keep my hands steady. Now, I would say that my dream job would be to work for the government and help keep the public informed on health facts. Keeping people safe has always been important to me. The plus side to this is that I got to kind of combine my two previous dream jobs! Luckily, I'm very grateful to be able to say that I'm on my path to getting my dream job!

xo
Olivia

Helpful Study Tips

Finals are coming up and you know what that means... time to study. There are a lot of people who don't actually know how to study. Some people got by at other schools doing the bare minimum. However, that doesn't actually help them in the long run. Doing these helpful tips to study will for sure make a difference in your grade at the end of the semester!

Study Location

Picking a study location is soo important. A lot of people, like myself, get distracted easily. Studying at a place where a lot of people will be walking around and talking (like Starbucks) won't help you stay concentrated on the task that you need to be doing. I prefer going to the library. Find a floor that you feel comfortable in! I like to study in the stacks which is a floor with a ton of books that is completely silent. It's a great place to focus!

Music

A lot of people like to listen to music when studying. For some, it helps block out the noises around them but for some, it can make it staying focused worse. The reason for this is the type of music that you listen to. Listening to music with a lot of words are not what you should be listening to. This is because you end up paying attention to the lyrics unknowingly. The best music to listen to is classical music. I know, why would you want to listen to music with no words from people who lived a hundred years ago. The reason for this is that music helps stimulate your brain. When listening to classical music, it calms your mind down and helps you focus on what you're doing rather than the words you're listening to.

Draw Pictures

I know this one seems a little elementary. However, when you make pictures, graphs, or charts it helps you remember what you're studying. This is especially helpful for those who learn by seeing. For sciencey classes, drawing things out a bunch of times helps you visualize the material when you get to the exam. For me, I recently took an anatomy test. I drew out how the blood flows through your heart and body soo many times. When I got to the test, I was able to see the picture in my mind. You can also redraw it out on the exam to help remember!

Flash Cards

Flash cards are soo important! I know they seem like they're a pain to make but they seriously help. It's great creating piles of the ones you get wrong and right to be able to see which you got wrong. After making the piles after going through it once, pick up the pile of those that you got wrong and focus more on those (obviously reviewing the ones you got right as well). There is a great website that I like to use called quizlet that helps you make flash cards on the computer. The only problem with this is making sure you don't end up on Facebook or other social medias when you're studying.

Highlighters

After making a study guide like in my previous post, highlighters come in handy! Highlighting the main topics, vocabulary words, and other important facts helps you find the words easier. Having everything pop out in color makes studying easier. The important thing to remember is not to highlight everything. Only highlight the important information that you find necessary and then list the other facts underneath.

Don't Procrastinate

There are a lot of people that have a problem with procrastination. I actually believe that everyone does at some point in their lives. It is soo important not to fall into the habit of procrastinating before finals. I know a 2 hour binge on watching your favorite TV show on netflix seems more appealing than studying for your final exam but you'll thank yourself later when you get to finals week. Not stressing before finals are a key factor to getting better grades on your exams!

Good luck studying for finals everyone!!

xo
Olivia