#RandRGoBTS Week 4: Dear Underclassmen

 

  Dear Underclassmen, it's a quick two years, I promise. Filled with books, projects, quizzes and a possibly some tears, I promise you can do it. Plan. Buy a cute agenda, fill it with your to-do's and stay on top of things- your grades depend on it. Take time for yourself. Dim the lights, set flame to a candle wick, put on a face mask, drop a bath bomb and take a moment to love yourself. These are your foundation years. Try your hardest, and let God do the rest. Study, focus on your goals, smash them and clap for yourself and never wait for someone else's clout. At the end, it's only God's view and your view of yourself that matters- humans often speak through emotion and not truth. Look out for yourself. If you think something is sketchy, watch out and take heed. When it comes to friendships choose wisely, don't try to hang with a particular group simply because they might seem better than the group you have now. Know your worth. Never sell yourself short- you're worth much, much more than you can comprehend. Worship often, even when life looks a little tough. Pray. A lot. Before a test, before you eat, before class- pray and be led to act in God's steps. Your steps can only make your life 10x messier. Never listen to someone who says "follow your heart". The heart is foolish and flies and runs behind whatever you think is the right move in the moment. Always ask for God to ordain your moves. Also, don't tell people your moves if you know they can alter them- your friends can often not be who you think they are. Go to games. Go to dances. Join a club. Join a sport. Bottom line, don't let four years pass you by and you spent them watching life on the sidelines. Be nice to your teachers. Don't be that kid who gives a teacher sheer hell to "amuse" your peers. Compliment someone. Compliment yourself. Take time to celebrate every small victory. Drink water. Always pack a granola bar- trust me, a quick snack in the hall can make a world of difference. Lastly, don't forget to always put your best foot forward. Get up, pray up, dress up and do the thing!!! You have this and God has you, I promise.

stay blessed,

rebecca. 

#RandRGoBTS Week 3: Study Resources + Apps

stud·y

ˈstədē/

noun

     1. 

  the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on an academic subject, especially by means of books.

Studying is an absolutely crucial act and can make or break your grades. Hence, this week Ruth and I will be letting you in on some top insider secrets on acing your assignments, tests and quizzes. The resources I'm about to share with you, will hopefully give you an amazing edge on your peers. Study up, and study well.

1. Crash Course

Ah, yes the Green brothers. I give a hefty chunk of clout and credit to Hank for making sure that I passed AP World. These videos are witty, quick and chock-full of information. They come in a wide variety and you can find any subject you're looking for. With any luck at all, you'll enjoy these videos as much as I do. You can find these super helpful videos here.

2. Do Not Disturb

If you are anything like me, you know it can be a little struggle to give studying your 100% focus when your phone is constantly vibrating or you want to check YouTube, Pinterest, or any social media. This app called Do Not Disturb, created for Macs, will cancel out that temptation for you. The program blocks any website that you type in, for however long you want it to. 10/10 would recommend. 

3. Studyign

No, I did not spell studying wrong! This YouTube channel is the absolute best. From organizational tips, motivation and study tips, this channel has it all. Check her out here! 

4. Pinterest

Now, don't get side-tracked on this app. The outfits can wait! Look on pinterest for study tips, printables + more!

5. Spark Notes

I'm an English lover. As much as I can say I enjoy novel studies, I can admit to mising a chapter or two before a chapter quiz. Reading up on a quick Spark Note can boost that quiz grade, rather than not knowing anything at all! It's also great for further insight and finding deeper meaning and symbolism. 

6. Quizlet

Take some time out, and make a deck. Quizlet makes it so easy to memorize vocabulary and key events. You can play games with the deck you made, study the cards, or turn them into a test! However, don't be stingy! Share your deck with your fellow peers and watch the success seethe.

Try these resources out sometime! They might just help you this year. Have a great school year! Also, don't forget to see Brains and Burberry's post this Friday, right here. 

#RandRGBTS Week 3: Agendas

  

   Agendas are crucial during the academic year. They keep you organized, your brain cleared and overall provides a piece of mind. I am a living testimony that agendas can bump your past test grades up. Writing down what you need to do ensures that you don't forget that you had that vocab quiz coming up, hence providing no fail! In this week's edition of #RandRGoBTS, Ruth and I talk about our favorite agenda(s). 

     My favorite agenda is the Lilly Pulitzer agenda. I buy the large version. It's spacious, has a nice side bar on the monthly view- which is rather useful as a to-do list, and it overall is a fantastic planner. At the price of $30, I think this agenda is absolutely worth the investment. It also has these cute little stickers in the front. They are mainly for social activities such as brunch and parties- however, they have nameless stickers that are good to just make your planning a little bit more adorable. 

     The agenda also has a section for writing down Holidays and birthdays! Make sure to add your teachers birthday and make their day by wishing them a good one! Also, if you're one of those people who run out of paper quickly, the agenda offers around eight pages for note taking! So, if you are not in reach of some paper, reach for your agenda and jot down some quick notes. 

     All in all, the Lilly Pulitzer agenda is a great investment and can completely help give your report card and sanity a boost! I hope you enjoyed this post and have an amazing week! Don't forget to tune into Ruth's site for her post on Friday!

stay blessed, 

rebecca.

     

Your Identity in Christ

 

     Hedonistic adaptation. Also known as the act of mainly noticing the bad in things versus the good. This tends to show some form of itself in most human beings. For example, someone claims your unattractive while 15 other people say you're gorgeous. Chances are that your instinct is to be more attentive to the person that thinks you don't look that great. This is not how Jesus wants us to live. Satan is pro- hedonistic adaptation and doesn't want you to know who you are in Jesus Christ.

     I know it can be so hard to scroll through social media and not think you're good enough. However, understanding and claiming God's view on you makes a world of difference and the spirit of envy, hatred and lack of confidence must flee. I promise you it does not matter what anyone, and I mean anyone has to say about you. If it's good, then great! Claim it! However, if it's negative, be prepared and know what God's word says about who you are and the power encompassed in you.

     So, what does this mean for the girl who's jealous of Jane Doe at school? Or the girl with low self-esteem? The girl who never feels she's good enough? The girl who doesn't know her identity in Jesus Christ? This girl should know that because she has Jesus in her, she cannot fail (Pslam 46:5). She should know that charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but because she fears the Lord, she is worthy to be praised (Proverbs 31:30). She should know the power of god is not only invested in her, but surrounds her daily. The Holy Spirit is "A wall of fire around her" (Zechariah 2:5). She should know that she lacks nothing and her Holy father's love is sufficient for her and her needs (Psalm 23).  She should know that though the mountains around her crumble, she will not (Isaiah 4:10). She should know that, whatever situation God allows, nothing is without purpose and it's for her good (Isaiah 66:9). She should know that, she has a purpose and it is within the Lord's ultimate will to fulfill it, and He will (Psalm 138:8). She should know that, the Lord is with her every step and leads her in her walk (Psalm 143:8). She should know that, she has no reason to ever be fearful and she can confidently trust the Lord, (Psalm 112:7). She should know that she is gifted, and no one can do anything like she can (Romans 12:6-8). She should know that, she is valuable (Psalm 17:8). She should know that, in everything she does, God will me the glory in her midst (Zechariah 2:5). She should know that, the Lord's love is steadfast and sufficient and that His faithfulness is great (Lamentations 3:22-23). She should know that, she can have high self esteem in anything she does because the Lord allows her to step as "sure footed as a deer" and she can climb the heights (Habakkuk 3:19). She should know that, she can praise the Lord, because she is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). She should know that, every morning she has the opportunity to rise up and pray (Luke 22:46). She should know that, patience is a virtue and everything God does is in perfect timing (James 1:12). She should know that, she is created for a special purpose in her life and the time to fulfill it is soon coming (Esther 4:14). She should know that, her soul is beautiful and whatever fills her heart, she speaks (Luke 6:45). She should know that, when she is fearful she can trust in the Lord to take care of her and that He will, (Psalm 56:3). She should know that, the creator of the Universe chases after her heart with such a fervency (Hosea 6:6). She should know that,  the Lord promised to be her strength and her song in her time of trouble (Psalm 118:14). She should know that, God is her peace at all times (Micah 5:5). She should know that, she is more loved than she will ever know and that the King of all Kings died to win her heart (Romans 5:8).

     Overall, Jesus never intended for us to live with a lack of confidence, as our identities are found in Him. As God's daughter's there is no reason to ever feel inferior. As aforementioned, the power of the Almighty lives within us, and that's quite to reason to rejoice and live well esteemed.

stay blessed, 

rebecca, 

The Power of Speech

    

      As you may or may not know, your tongue has a lot of power. Not only physically, as it is the strongest muscle in your entire being- but it also has the power to change both your life and others. This is why Jesus speaks so strongly on watching what you say. I know personally, as little miss chatterbox, it's very hard for me to keep my mouth closed and to not speak at inappropriate times or say the wrong things. Of recent, I have been trying to only say things that are beneficial to the receiver and pleasing in God's sight.

     However, keeping an eye on your tongue is not solely about being nice to others, (as that is a very major deal), but you can also benefit yourself. You have the power invested in you by Jesus Christ, to change your life for the better. You can speak things into existence. No, I'm not speaking on some Houdini ritual, I mean you can get that promotion you want or that spot on the team you want, simply by speaking it. Now, this is not some magical chant where you can say " I want a Benz." and *poof*, have it come into existence. I mean that God's will shall always be done. So, if you ask for something and it is within God's ultimate will, you're in luck. It's going to happen, and vice versa. Praying and fasting open so, so many doors for Jesus to work in your life. "You do not have because you do not ask God." James 4:2

     If the severity of the power of speech is still not resonating with you, let's take a look at some verses to change your point of view.  There are 76 verses on the tongue in the Bible, but these are most profound to me! 

1. Proverbs 18:21- Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat it's fruits,

2. 1 Peter 3:10- For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. 

3. Proverbs 15:1- A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

4. Ephesians 4:29- Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

5. Psalm 118:5- Out of my distress, I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.

I hope you enjoyed this post and that it helps you!

stay blessed, 

rebecca.

Back to School Style Staples: #RandRGoBTS Week 2

Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was fantastic and that your upcoming week is productive and beneficial. As you now know, Ruth and I have been fervently working to bring you our back to school series! I hope you enjoyed the last two posts about back to school essentials. You can find my post here and Ruth's rendition here. This week, we are sharing our back to school style staples!

1.  T- Shirt Dress

I absolutely love t-shirt dresses during the school year. Scratch that- all year. They are comfortable, chic and à la mode. At five 'o clock in the morning, draping myself with a simple dress is a lot more enthralling than prying myself into my favorite pair of skinnies. Old navy is the legitimate spot to grab these gems. For a rather reasonable price you can snag one of the most wearable cloths in life. 

2. Pearl Earrings

One of my most genuine style staples are pearl earrings. I say 'genuine' because I honestly wear them daily. Pearl earrings are a favorite of mine because they are so versatile. From a brimming day of school, to a Girl's Night Out- pear earrings are the ultimate go-to. 

3. A Solid Pair of Denim Jeans

Whether it's with riding boots, sandals, Bean Boots or whatever shoes are of your liking- jeans pair with it. A good pair of jeans covers a multitude of sins. Find your favorite pair of skinnies and claim this school year! My favorite place to grab a set is American Eagle.

4. Alex and Ani// Charm Bracelets

A quick way to spice up any outfit is by adding some arm candy. My staple is Alex and Ani bracelets and my Brighton charm bracelet. Stack em' and go!

5. Patagonia

My school's classrooms are cold year-round. I beat the freeze by layering up one level with my Patagonia. As I previously mentioned in my last post, this warm layer of blessings keeps me warm, focused and ready to tackle whatever lesson is hurled my way. I highly recommend investing in one this year!

6. Riding Boots

Riding boots are my go to shoes in the fall. They add class to almost any outfit! T- shirt dresses, shift dresses, jeans and a tee... you see where I'm going with this. I strongly want to fund a pair of Tory Burch boots this year! However, whatever brand of boot you opt for- it's a grand decision in my opinion. 

That's my style staples for this upcoming school year! I hope you enjoyed.

stay blessed,

rebecca.

Are You a Fellow Coffee Addict?

Back to School Essentials: #RandRGoBTS Week 1

     Happy August! I hope you had a fantastic July and that your August is fabulous. For me, this month means, ending summer, going back to school, and my birthday! Another addition to my thoughts during August is #RandRGoBTS. One of the most talented, intelligent and absolutely stunning writers on my list is Ruth Samuel! Ruth is the founder and writer of Brains and Burberry- "Where academia meets style". Ruth and I have teamed up to bring you all a month long series on going back to school. You can find Ruth's take on Back to School essentials here on Friday!
     The inspiration for this collab is because Ruth and I both understand going back to class can often be very hectic. We hope this collab provides clarity, help, advice and whatever you just so happen to be looking for this upcoming year. Our hopes are that you completely "Rule the School" and that this is your best school year yet. So, to follow up this memo- without further ado; I present: Back to School Essentials.

1. A Makeup Bag

A huge must for me is a small makeup case. I, personally get super oily on my nose so I always carry blotting paper and/or setting powder to maintain a matte look throughout the day. A makeup bag is great for small touch ups throughout the day. This also happens to be a lifesaver after gym class! Throw in some hair ties, chapstick, mascara or whatever little things you need to stay primped during a frantic school day. 

2. Chapstick

I can't stress chapstick enough! I am obsessed with the Original Chapstick. I'm not too much of a lip stain or lipstick gal during the school year because that means constant reapplications.  I tend to focus more on different aspects of my face and go for a bare lip. My lips stay moisturized and I can spend my 5 minute grace period in between classes, actually going to the bathroom and not evening out my lipstick!

3. Wallet Lanyard

I started carrying a lanyard my freshman year. I have my house key on it and I have my student ID and cash inside of the wallet portion. It's always good to keep on hand if I want a drink from the vending machine or if I need my student ID for some reason. It is also is such a help during AP exam week, because plenty of people forget to bring their ID's!

4. An Agenda

I use the Lilly Pulitzer Agenda. It's spacial, functional and has a to-do list on the side bar which is very helpful to jot down long term assignments. I used to just cram projects and test dates into my head, but a lot has improved since my agenda.  I highly recommend purchasing one for this year!

5. Patagonia

I have two Patagonias. When I tell you it's worth the money, it's worth the money. If your school is anything like mine, it's cold. Throwing a Patagonia in your backpack is super helpful in the school year to keep yourself warm and focused. 

6.Riding Boots

Riding boots are an absolute staple for me during the fall. They look great with almost everything. They maintain and classy and sleek-rustic (oxymoron?) look and complete any outfit. Pair them with some knee socks and watch your outfit transform. 

7. Camelbak

WATER. WATER. WATER. Staying hydrated in the school year is an absolute must. I am a living testimony that drinking water can save quite a grade or two. I maintain information more efficiently,  I function more fluently and I have an insurmountable amount of patience when learning about a new topic. If you're like me and you usually don't enjoy drinking water, try a Camelbak, I can refill mine up to 6 times in an hour. Camelbaks are spill proof and make water drinking much easier. Bonus: You won't be that girl who faints in the hallway due to dehydration. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and want to try something listed! 

 stay blessed,

rebecca.