LEMON SODA

Not all of you lucky gals are cramming for exams like I am, but I thought we would all benefit from Hemingway’s Hack. Writer of The Sun Also Rises and For Whom the Bell Tolls, Hemingway was definitely one of the greatest, whose influence reached writers like J.D Salinger. We’re all fascinated by lifehacks, by tips and tricks to get a little bit ahead, the secret to success. Fortunately for us seeking souls, Mr. Hemingway left behind the key to his success:

The best way is always to stop when you are going good and when you know what will happen next. If you do that every day … you will never be stuck. Always stop while you are going good and don’t think about it or worry about it until you start to write the next day. That way your subconscious will work on it all the time. But if you think about it consciously or worry about it you will kill it and your brain will be tired before you start. — Ernest Hemingway

Okay! So not the typical productivity advice you’d hear (get organized, outline steps, keep a schedule); none of that! Just let your mind go wherever it wants, let it conquer the wonders of your quest and when momentum is maximized: stop. Like a cliff hanger of a murder mystery. Then pick up right where you left off! Assuming you are a firecracker of bottomless wit and creativity, this is probably the best advice you’ve ever received. Like Tennis star Pete Sampras, retire with the gold.

For those of us who love working by a neat outline, checking off things as we go, this would be a giant leap. But ladies! If all else fails, why not give this a try? I will be taking said leap of faith tonight, and continue my studying tomorrow. Hopefully my subconscious will do all the dirty work while I am sound asleep. Who knows? I think it’s worth a shot!

• I found this gem via here. Check it out!

Do you have any unconventional productivity hacks? Any slightly unusual habits that get your brain going?

Look at a star in the sky
not as something unreachable
but as a planet you would visit one day.
— 100 Acorns

If you are not a morning person (like me) or put off getting ready in favor of some last minute tv watching or just got caught up in the shower singing a really good song (like me), sometimes you might find yourself with a little less than 10 minutes to actually get yourself out the door. An all too familiar time crunch I’d say. I usually prefer to panic a little, but I don’t recommend it.

Know where you’re going
Unless your boyfriend has just invited you out on a surprise date, make sure you know where you are going and who is going so that you can choose your outfit. It is always best to be a little overdressed. If your boyfriend really is inviting you out on a surprise date, ask him what dress code would be appropriate — you don’t want to arrive at the fanciest restaurant in town wearing jeans! As a general rule one should try to leave the house looking one’s best. This does not mean go all out on makeup and jewelry, nor does it mean go out in sweatpants and sneakers. It just means, look as decent as possible (you never really do know who you’re going to meet or bump into!)

Plan while you freshen up
Buy yourself some time, and instead of just staring at your closet trying to pick something out, go through it mentally while you freshen up. Brush your teeth (decide on a top.) Cleanse, tone and moisturize your face (decide bottoms and shoes. Unless you went for a dress, then think of the shoes.) If you really are panicking and some pieces of your outfit are in the wash or not properly ironed, go for something simple and classic: dark wash jeans, a flattering top and a blazer are always a good alternative. Or if you must wear a dress, pick a versatile one and throw a cute cardigan over. Shoes can ultimately make or break the outfit, so choose wisely! Consider whether and how long you’ll be standing up for or walking.
♥ Tip: if you had not had time to wash your hair, use dry shampoo or baby powder. It works.

Actually get some clothes on
Put some music on, whatever makes you feel pretty, and start getting dressed. Do not overlook your underwear. Make sure it doesn’t show through or peek out at inappropriate places. Depending on how much mother nature has blessed you with, decide what kind of support is best for that look. Most of all make sure you feel amazing in them!
♥ Tip: spray on perfume before you get dressed so that it sinks in your skin. This works really well if you’re using a body spray that compliments your body wash or body lotion. Before you leave the house do an extra spray and ‘walk through it’. Don’t spray over your hair, otherwise dust is bound to stick on and make it look greasy by the end of the day.

Quick makeup
Go for simple makeup: cover up untimely breakouts or facial redness, brigthen any undereye circles, pile on the mascara, moisturize your lips and add a light lipstick or lipgloss. Ready! If you must go through your makeup routine, try to keep it simple.
♥ Remember: if you are emphasizing your eyes, keep your lips light or nude; if you are emphasizing lips, keep the eyes simple with some eyeliner à la Dita Von Teese. If you have no time to comb your hair in place, a messy updo will make it look intentional and as long as the rest of you is well put together, it won’t matter too much.

Turn off the music, grab your bag (which should have your keys and phone inside at the very least) and go!
♥ Tip: unless you are a master, do not run in your heels! Remember that you want to actually make it wherever it is you’re going.

Good luck!

Off to a good start for now (without counting the insane procrastination happening)! I welcomed 2010 with family, 12 grapes for luck as is tradition in Spain, and then off to a party where, while everyone else opted for rum and coke, I indulged in a bottle of champagne all to myself. It was fantastic. SO! I have been studying on and off, watching a lot of Dexter online with Tom at nights and sleeping in. Something that will stop starting tomorrow (really!). Except for the Dexter watching and studying, of course.

As with the start of every year I feel it is going to be a big one, but this time not in terms of change or moving around, but in terms of personal projects. I feel I am most productive when I am keeping up with a few things at once, rather than when I have tons of time (see above for major holiday procrastination.) So instead of new year’s resolutions which usually fall down to the back seat as often junk does in a car, I am sticking to detailed plans. Or strategies, if you are aiming to own the world by 2011.

My projects for 2010:

Continue my 101 in 1001

50 Book Challenge!
I’ll be using the same list as I slacked off majorly last year (though I started it around September.) I might revise it as well, maybe add 2 and make it the 52 in 52 weeks challenge? Either way, the point is to start reading more; not that I don’t have enough with class reading lists.

Start the 365 Project (part of my 101 in 1001)
I was hoping to start Jan 01 but I left my camera in my cousin’s purse after the nye party. Boo! I think it’s a nice project that I’ll like to look back on when I’m older, to see what my 21st year of life was like.

Inspiration board & Treasure Map
I’m planning to hang up inspiring images and words right by my desk and a Treasure Map behind my door of big time goals I want to achieve. But more on that in later posts!

Splurge on something
I have not splurged on something in forever. I want to treat myself to something amazing, which can range from some Agent Provocateur to a super fancy dinner (with Tom of course). Or maybe a fab shopping spree because I’m loving what I see for Spring!

Find a Job, earn own cash
This ties in with the splurging but not directly I suppose. I want to start making my own cash and manage it as I please. As it happens I’m usually more careful when spending money that I know I’ve worked for. Already got my eye on some things but they will have to wait until after Jan 11th!

Take an outside course
I am loving psychology right now, but I want to do something within the arts outside of that. I’m thinking some painting classes, or makeup for tv and photoshoots. I think the latter will be quite fun and who knows! There are always models looking for portfolios and so forth!

A trip that will mark the year
Go somewhere and make it a top 2010 moment. I already have plans with Tom for Springbreak, which will obviously be amazing, and I’m also thinking of other things that can happen around summer with certain very important people in my life whom I have not seen in a year (or three, in some cases.)

Create
I am always whining about how busy I am and I rarely ever put time into my art anymore. Tom’s dare for me this year was to paint more; to do a collection as if I were exhibiting somewhere (and of course if possible actually exhibit somewhere.) Luckily I have a cousin who might be able to arrange that for me if I am good enough, yay!

PASS YEAR 1!
This may seem silly, but when you are as inept at numbers as I am, you’ll understand that passing might actually be a bit of a struggle. I just have to get myself back on track, do some heavy duty nerding and get year one out of my way. Go me!

Big plans this year?