Scary Movie Recommendations

Posted on October 31, 2024

Hello, Hawkeyes! Hope your transition into fall has been as good as mine! With Halloween season here, let’s dive into my favorite scary movie recommendations.

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Evil Dead

Rating: 9/10
If you’re looking for heart-racing jump scares and intense suspense, Evil Dead delivers! Here’s a quick summary: Mia, hoping to overcome her drug addiction, asks her brother David, his girlfriend Natalie, and their friends Olivia and Eric to join her at their family’s remote cabin for support. Things take a dark turn when Eric discovers the mysterious Book of the Dead and unknowingly awakens an ancient demon. Chaos ensues as the malevolent entity possesses Mia, leading to a terrifying night they’ll never forget.

 

 

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Monster House

Rating: 8/10 (mostly for nostalgia!)
Monster House may not be super scary, but 8-year-old me would disagree! This animated classic is about three teens who can’t resist investigating their creepy neighbor’s “haunted” house, especially after he warns them to stay off his lawn. As they uncover the house’s dark secret, they realize that it may be alive—and they’re determined to find out why.

 

 

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The Visit

Rating: 7/10
This one’s just…odd! But in the best way. The Visit follows two siblings who go to spend a week with their grandparents in rural Pennsylvania. As the week unfolds, the kids start noticing that something is definitely off with their grandparents. The entire movie keeps you guessing with twists you won’t see coming.

 

 

 

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If you haven’t seen these three, I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. If you have, they’re definitely worth a re-watch! As Halloween wraps up, stay tuned for my Christmas movie recommendations.

See ya! 🎃

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Tips to Avoid Academic Slump

Posted on October 28, 2024

Hello Hawkeyes! Hope you’re enjoying the start of fall weather as much as I am! As the days get cooler, it can feel a bit tougher to stay academic, so here are some tips to keep the motivation going and avoid the slump.

Take a Break

Midterms, homework, and projects may be piling up, but sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a break. Whether it’s going to the gym, reading a book, watching a movie, or trying a new hobby, giving yourself a breather can be just what you need to reignite that academic flame. My personal favorite is catching an episode of House whenever I can.

Get a New Hobby

You might wonder, If I’m already so busy with school, why would I add something else to the mix? Trying something new can actually relieve stress since there’s no pressure like a grade hanging over it. Plus, it’s a great way to unwind! I picked up crocheting over winter break last year, and it’s become a relaxing go-to when I need a mental reset.

Go Outside

Fresh air does wonders for the brain! Spending all day indoors isn’t great for your body or mind, so take advantage of our beautiful campus green spaces or nearby parks. Whether you walk, sit, run, or even play games outside, a dose of nature can be refreshing.

As winter approaches, it’s easy to fall into the habit of skipping class or letting the homework slide, but hang in there—fall break is just around the corner for a much-needed reset! See ya!

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Hey Hawkeyes!

Posted on September 24, 2024September 25, 2024

We’re back in Iowa City for another semester! If it’s your first time here, welcome to Iowa City!

Home to amazing restaurants, the best student sections, the friendliest people, and so much more. Let me take you through my three favorite parts of being back on campus!

1. Iowa Football

   Nothing beats a game day at Kinnick Stadium! The energy in the student section is unmatched. Personally, I wasn’t a big football fan until I went to my first game last year, and now I’m slowly getting hooked. Whether you’re into football or not, traditions like the Iowa Wave make Kinnick come alive as we cheer on our fellow Hawkeyes!

2. Outdoors

   If you love the outdoors, Iowa City has plenty to offer. On and near campus, there’s a ton of green space, like the Pentacrest and the park across from Hancher Auditorium. If you’re looking to venture off campus, I have two amazing recommendations.

   Lake MacBride State Park is about a 20-minute drive north of downtown and offers beautiful lake views and trails that take you into the woods.

   

   

3. Shopping and Coffee

   Iowa City has a variety of shops where you’re sure to find something you love. My current favorite is Beno’s Flower Shop—the atmosphere is so cute and cozy. If you’re into plants, crystals, or jewelry, you’ll definitely find something here. I love getting their small, shaped crystals because they’re adorable, and their crystal wall has so many options. When it comes to coffee shops, I have one requirement: they must serve good chai. While many shops offer it, I think Poindexter does it best. It’s also one of the best spots to study, thanks to its dim lighting and quiet atmosphere. I haven’t explored the full menu yet, but the seasonal items are always a hit—my favorite is the Maple Praline Latte.

   

   

   
   Welcome back to Iowa City, and enjoy the fall weather! See you around!

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Preparing for the Next Semester!

Posted on March 1, 2024

I can’t believe it’s already time to begin preparing for the next semester, which is crazy to say because time is flying by! So, I’m going to give a brief overview of how I prepared for my first semester at Iowa!

• Scholarships

Definitely something you don’t want to miss, when you hear people saying scholarships are important, listen to them! Iowa has a pretty good scholarship pool for first-time students that is based on your major, interest, or personal background. You can never have enough scholarships so it’s also really good to apply for outside scholarships which can be a little harder to qualify and receive because there are more applicants than just those who attend your school!

• Finding a Roommate

If you are living on campus and aren’t single it’s important to find a good roommate that suits your living style. I currently live with a friend from my high school and I found it made my college adjustment so much easier because I already knew who I was living with. But, honestly, if you don’t know your roommate beforehand I definitely recommend reaching out to them and being honest about how you live to avoid uncomfortable conversations down the line!

• Planning Out Your Room

I know it seems a little odd, but your is going to mean a lot to you because you won’t really have any other place to hole up some days. I started by planning on Pinterest by looking at how other people used similar-sized spaces for some cute decor and ideas. From there I tried to find places where I could just make a huge order so I would have a ton of little packages, I used Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon! From there I would open and test everything I brought because when you buy dorm things early there is no time to try it actually in the dorm so, the house ends up looking a little messy but in the grand scheme of things it is definitely worth it. I plan on making a more detailed dorm guide in the next month so definitely be on the lookout for where I will go through some of my best and worst purchases to my dorm!

college is stressful, exciting, and everything in between but if you aren’t prepared for even the basic overlooked part of it you will definitely find yourself more stressed out. Without these three tips, I don’t think I would have adjusted to college life as easily as I did, which I am incredibly thankful for. Anyway, definitely be on the lookout for my in-depth dorm guide, and I will see you soon<3

 

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Iowa City’s Top 3 Coffee Shops

Posted on March 1, 2024

If you haven’t gotten the gist of today’s post it’s all about coffee shops! Recently, I’ve been on an insane kick for buying coffee and different types of pastries, so let’s get started with my top 3 shops!

• Java House

The best place for super sweet drinks! My personal fav is the Decadent Dark Mocha Frappe, so so good! If you like dark chocolate with no taste of coffee then this is for you. I don’t like to taste coffee super strong because I think it is too bitter, so the sugar masks it up really well. Another plus is the cookies, specifically the chocolate chunk. I know the chocolate chip is a little played out but you can never go wrong with a classic, especially in Java House. Definity is one of my favorites because they are super big and have so many chocolate chips, which is so yummy!

• Prarie Lights

BEST HOT CHOCOLATE EVER! If you’ve never had rose hot chocolate, please try it:) I’m not really sure how to describe it but it’s like a light flowery blush along with the hot chocolate. The first time I tried it I was super surprised at how much I really enjoyed it and I think if you’re into sweeter but lighter flavor you would definitely enjoy this.

• Encounter Cafe

My personal favorite because I am a big fan of chai! A lot of cafes don’t have the best quality chairs because they use syrups and not the real thing but encounter is not playing around when it comes to their chai. I try to avoid drinking actual dairy so their chai blend works so well with almond milk with it being too overpowering.

Iowa City definitely has so many unique cafes that all have different vibes that can fit everyone’s unique style. nothing is better than a good drink from any of these three cafes if you take my word for it, but there are still many cafes I still have to explore! I’ll definitely be doing a restaurant review shortly because there are so many hidden gems I think everyone should know about! See you soon<3

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A Winter Weather Guide: Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on February 1, 2024

Winter is coming back regardless of how nice it is right now, sooo the only thing to do now is to prepare for the inevitable. I am the type of person to be completely bundled up in winter, I can’t stand the feeling of the vicious cold on my body so I try to get the most useful things against the cold.

Long puffer jacket

My saving grace of the winter season, genuinely I don’t know what I would do without it. My jacket is from Nautica and it has done a really good job of lasting since I got it a year and a half ago. I say when it comes to winter coat there are three things I look for: the fit, length, and thickness, and this jacket hits all three marks. Starting with the fit I got mine a little bigger so I can still wear sweatshirts and sweaters easily underneath it. In the past, I have had jackets that have been super tight when I wear their types of tops and it makes me really hot with all the layers on so tightly. Going onto the length, something about a long jacket is going to do it for me every time. You are probably thinking who cares how long the jacket is? I used to think the same way until I slipped and fell into a wet puddle of slush that left my butt soaking wet, so having a longer coat really helps to avoid these situations and longer jackets look better for layering outfits too! Finally thickness, not all winter jackets are made the same, some are made for light wind and some are made for freezing temperatures. Luckily, my jacket leans on the thicker side which is perfect for the various winter temperatures of Iowa City. Regardless, without a winter jacket, it is impossible to stand a chance against the winter weather if you don’t have something to protect yourself.

Snowboots

Another holy grail that I completely underestimated how useful they would be. Before coming to college I hadn’t worn snow boots since elementary school because I found them unappealing to the eyes but times and designs have changed. I recently purchased the Sorel boots and haven’t looked back because of their comfort, stability, and durability. Easily one of my winter staple shoes because they go with a lot of outfits and still look good. The best part is my feet don’t get cold when I wear them because of the wind compared to my tennis shoes. These are also AMAZING when it comes to walking on ice, snow, slush, and even puddles so no more wet socks. Overall, I am totally in love with these boots because they are so versatile and durable through the winter elements, so I wouldn’t mind some more snow.

Accessories

While winter is cold it easily has some of the best accessories. Starting off with my favorite, earmuffs, I can’t rave enough about these. I purchased mine from Amazon in November when it started getting a little cold and they’ve held up really well. Personally, I don’t like wearing beanies because they mess up my hair so earmuffs are perfect for protecting your ears without compromising a great hair day. Since they are pretty small it’s easy to just throw them inside your back if you are not sure how cold it will get that day and they are even comfortable enough to wear all day if you don’t want to take them off. Next up are scarves, I rotate between two scarves, a monogram and plain colored, which allows us to switch up the look depending on what I wear. Most importantly, scarves are perfect for having some protection against harsh winds and snow from hitting my face.

Between my top three winter picks, I can’t even choose a favorite, each one works so well with the other that I really think about them as a one-fluid option when it comes to getting ready for cold snow days! No matter how cold winter gets, I hope everyone can stay warm and stay tuned for my next post of cute and cozy places for Valentine’s Day! See you there <3

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The Inside Scoop of Catlett Hall

Posted on January 31, 2024

Choosing a residence hall is one of the most important decisions I think you will make before the next semester begins. On campus, there are 11 residence halls split between the east and west sides with different options for bathroom and room styles.

I live in Catlett Hall which is on the east side of campus and is close to the Honors building and the Chemistry building. Catlett is easily one of the most convenient halls to live in because of the dining hall and easy access to classes that I take on the east side.

Starting off, I live in a double, which at first feels a little tight but it’s really easy to get used to. I think it is super easy to decorate and make the room look super cute because when you have the desk and bed there isn’t a ton of room left besides the walls so picking decor is really easy. When it comes to storage space I think Catlett does a pretty good job. Even with sharing a closet, having drawers on the desk, a separate dresser, and additional storage underneath my bed really gives me all the storage I need for now… Regardless of storage, it’s really important to get a roommate that you can live with comfortably because living in a new place is already tough enough so the last thing you want is a terrible roommate.

Catlett bathrooms are pod style so in each bathroom there is a sink, shower, and toilet so you don’t have to share with anyone. Honesty, I have mixed feelings about it. While I do like the private-styled bathrooms, I do find that they get really dirty with all sorts of stuff. Since I am never on my floor that much it hasn’t really become a big issue for me but, when I am there to use the shower, it is really common to find hairballs and a soaking wet floor which isn’t always the most pleasant but, it is what it is.

My favorite part of Catlett would easily be the dining hall because of how convenient it is to me. For example, when we had the virtual day of classes it was really nice knowing that I could simply go downstairs for my meals. It is also nice to have one of the better dining halls because I personally am not the biggest fan of the Burge dining hall just because they typically don’t have the food I like.

Overall living in Catlett is really convenient for classes and the dining hall because of its location. I love living in Catlett because my room is awesome with all of its little quirks and having a great roommate that I get along with really well. I honestly would recommend Catlett if you prefer a little more privacy for the bathroom and a decently sized room. Coming next is a guide for everything you need for winter. See you there <3

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Home for the Fallidays

Posted on December 1, 2023

The highly anticipated fall break finally arrived! Time to be at home and relax without the worries of being late to class, cold weather, or forgetting last-minute assignments. Finally free, I boarded my plane to sunny Orlando.

During the break, I was able to spend time with my family and dog by taking a trip to the Kennedy Space Center, hanging out at the beach, and relaxing at home.

The Kennedy Space Center has a lot to offer, showing many different types of spaceships throughout the advancement of space travel in the US. I’m not really into space but it was definitely really cool to see the insides of spaceships and some of the artifacts that were found in space like space rocks

 

Going to the beach was definitely the highlight of my trip. Sunny clear skies, crystal clear water, and endless sands make a perfect beach day. Honestly, words don’t do it justice so I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves:

 

Going home for fall break was great, being able to spend time with family and relax without worrying about school. In 3 weeks I will be able to completely relax with the semester coming to an end giving the the entire month of winter break off. See you next time for tips on getting through the rough Iowa winters!

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Preparing to go Home Again

Posted on December 1, 2023December 1, 2023

Now begins the shortest and most important time of the semester. Not only did we just get back from break but we are preparing to leave again in less than 3 weeks and have finals to worry about. But before we leave again, we have to get through the last 2 weeks of classes and finals week.

Important things for the next 2 weeks:

The best way to get through the next 2 weeks is to stay focused and keep attending classes and completing assignments. This isn’t easy, I find myself thinking “Do I really need to go to class today anyway, we’re almost done”, but I know for myself that I find lectures to be the only way I can be successful in my classes to complete the assignments.

Completing assignments is time-consuming work that no one wants to do, but it has to be done eventually. Since I’ve come back from break, I’ve really struggled with not procrastinating assignments until the night before. No matter how many times I tell myself I will do a little bit of the assignment each day it never seems to happen, causing me to have another not unusual all-nighter. Planning out all my assignments definitely helps me not forget about assignments until the day before it due, letting me sleep full nights.

Balancing time for school, student organizations, and personal time is crucial to avoid burnout. At the beginning of the year, I was able to do this very well because my classes had just started with fair workloads. Unlike now, my classes have definitely picked up with the workload. Alongside this, some student organizations require more time than others for some weeks, causing me to lose time that I normally keep for myself to hang out with friends, go to the gym, or even just relax. Once I got into a pattern that allowed me to do all 3 balanced, I could feel a difference because I felt less stressed in my day-to-day.

As finals approach, my main goal is to take my time studying so I can really do well in all my finals. While my grades are looking good right now, there is always room for improvement.

Going into the last few weeks of the semester I wish everyone good luck for finals week!

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