justkeesh

[justkeesh]

Some TED talks that will change your life.

How to make stress your friend by Katie McGonial (14.5 minutes) 

“Stress. It makes your heart pound, your breathing quicken and your forehead sweat. But while stress has been made into a public health enemy, new research suggests that stress may only be bad for you if you believe that to be the case. Psychologist Kelly McGonigal urges us to see stress as a positive, and introduces us to an unsung mechanism for stress reduction: reaching out to others.”

8 secrets of success by Richard St.John (3.5 minutes)

Why do people succeed? Is it because they’re smart? Or are they just lucky? Neither. Analyst Richard St. John condenses years of interviews into an unmissable 3-minute slideshow on the real secrets of success.

A simple way to break a bad habit by Judson Brewer (9.5 minutes)

Can we break bad habits by being more curious about them? Psychiatrist Judson Brewer studies the relationship between mindfulness and addiction — from smoking to overeating to all those other things we do even though we know they’re bad for us. Learn more about the mechanism of habit development and discover a simple but profound tactic that might help you beat your next urge to smoke, snack or check a text while driving.

Don’t regret regret by Kathryn Schulz (17 minutes)

We’re taught to try to live life without regret. But why? Using her own tattoo as an example, Kathryn Schulz makes a powerful and moving case for embracing our regrets.

How to make hard choices by Ruth Chang (14.5 minutes)

Here’s a talk that could literally change your life. Which career should I pursue? Should I break up — or get married?! Where should I live? Big decisions like these can be agonizingly difficult. But that’s because we think about them the wrong way, says philosopher Ruth Chang. She offers a powerful new framework for shaping who we truly are.

The danger of silence by Clint Smith (4 minutes) 

We spend so much time listening to the things people are saying that we rarely pay attention to the things they don’t,“ says poet and teacher Clint Smith. A short, powerful piece from the heart, about finding the courage to speak up against ignorance and injustice.

How to speak so that people want to listen by Julian Treasure (10 minutes)

Have you ever felt like you’re talking, but nobody is listening? Here’s Julian Treasure to help. In this useful talk, the sound expert demonstrates the how-to’s of powerful speaking — from some handy vocal exercises to tips on how to speak with empathy. A talk that might help the world sound more beautiful.

Your body language shapes who you are by Amy Cuddy (21 minutes)

Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how “power posing” — standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident — can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.

The happy secret to better work by Shawn Anchor (12 minutes) 

We believe we should work hard in order to be happy, but could we be thinking about things backwards? In this fast-moving and very funny talk, psychologist Shawn Achor argues that, actually, happiness inspires us to be more productive.

A call to men by Tony Porter (11 minutes) [TW: graphic desc. of rape] 

At TEDWomen, Tony Porter makes a call to men everywhere: Don’t “act like a man.” Telling powerful stories from his own life, he shows how this mentality, drummed into so many men and boys, can lead men to disrespect, mistreat and abuse women and each other. His solution: Break free of the “man box.”

[justkeesh]

So it was around this time when I was in first year that I started writing my personal statement. Early, I know, but I knew that it was going to be crap (and boy it was). So I started early, and did ten drafts before getting that perfect balance that I needed, as I was applying for 5 different courses at 5 completely different unis. The formula that I used and what I included in the finished product gave me three conditional offers, one with reduced requirements, two unconditional offers, and a heck of a lot of praise. 

Because I submitted so early, I ended up drafting and editing around 12 of my friends statements too, all of which eventually got them into their dream universities (I was so happy for them!) So long story short, I’ve kinda gotten the hang of this over time, so here’s my bulletproof guide to writing your personal statement for UCAS.

Introduction: short, no cliches or talking about your passion (avoid that word at all costs), why do you really want to study this subject?

Next paragraph: what are you interested in within the subject, what have you learnt so far that’s fascinated you and what do you want to learn more about? maybe provide an example of wider reading and learning?

Next paragraph: what have you done within the subject and within college/high school that makes you a suitable candidate for study? What skills do you have and have developed over time? (They like independent learning and organisational skills a lot, if you have an example of that)

Next paragraph: what have you done outside of college, hobbies, work, sport, and what have these taught you/what skills have you gained? (They tend to particularly like charity work or volunteering if you’ve done any)

Conclusion: short + snappy, why you would be a fantastic addition to their course? Summarise your skills and assets within one sentence, like this, from my statement: 

I am a dedicated student, who is enthusiastic, organised and persevering and these qualities combined with my love of the arts, languages and cultures would, I believe, make me a hardworking and focussed undergraduate on your programme.

I call it a bang sentence, and so far it’s been 100% effective!

Pro tips:

Be confident! They’ll cast you aside in a second if you don’t seem sure of yourself

Don’t use the passive voice, and be sure to say sentences like ‘I am’ not ‘I think I am’

It’s all about you! So make it personal, make them connect with you

Don’t use contractions eg. I’m or wasn’t, I am or was not is preferred

Don’t use quotes, or make jokes, or try anything wacky, just stick to your skills, what you’ve learned, and what you want to learn.

Reminder: The required length is 4,000 characters (with spaces) or 47 lines, whichever comes first. 

If anyone has any questions, about this or UCAS in general (know that thing like the back of my hand) or would like to see my statement as an example etc, my ask box is always open!

Love,

Jennie x

[justkeesh]

June 0516, [8/100 Days of Productivity] Besides rewatching the first and second season of Pewdiepie’s The Walking Dead Game Walkthroughs, I created a habit tracker! I’ve written about nine habits to do and it looks neat! Last night I found a goldmine of Spanish resources for me to study over. I’m really ecstatic to improve in the areas of grammar + words I barely use since I often speak Spanish slang / “spanglish”. 

 also posted on my studygram: @bookmochas

[justkeesh]

Awesome idea!!

I’m free!!! This past week I celebrated my last week of school/my belated birthday by going to Disneyland with my friends! It was so great to relax after a week of nonstop studying and finals; we went on all of my favorite rides and I even got a birthday pin and a Monsters University cap! It was also one of my friends’ first times at disney so we had a great time showing her our favorite spots around the park. Overall, this was a great way to kick off the summer (: 

[justkeesh]

Oh my gosh, these meatballs. I based them on this recipe for Meatballs alla Parmigiana from I Breathe I’m Hungry. I used extra lean ground beef and half ground turkey and left out the onion to cut the calorie count to 70 calories per meatball. Despite the lower fat they are still so, so tender.

For three meatballs, that’s: 209 calories, 12.3g fat, 1.3g net carbs, and 21.4g protein.

I topped them with some of Rao’s Tomato Basil marinara and stuck them under the broiler with some shredded provolone and mozzarella. Served over spaghetti squash, this meal was around 318 calories. I’ve served these over chopped spinach and they were equally enjoyable.

[justkeesh]

Vitamins and Supplements on Keto

My routine has tested, changed and adapted a lot in the last 36 months of Keto. It is a fine balance to find what works for you and when. I used to have a much more massive list of pills I was going through every day, tinkering here and there I’ve come down to what at the moment is my golden mix: with these I am slowly but steadily losing weight again after some 9 months stall of calorie watching.

Morning:

2 x 600mg Alpha Lipoic Acid

2 x 1000MG L-Carnitine

2 x 400mg Magnesium

1 x 1300mg Primrose Oil

1 x 500mg Choline

Evening:

2 x 600mg Alpha Lipoic Acid

2 x 400 Magnesium

1 x 300 Silymarin (Milk Thistle)

consider that, along with this, I am on the contraceptive pill and an SSRI, I personally found neither to negatively influence my weight / appetite.

Here’s what they are useful for and links to the brands I use (especially for Carnitine and ALA, I found brands to make a crucial difference in effectiveness): Alpha Lipoic Acid: activates the fat-burning switch, also mimics insulin reducing the effect on carbohydrates assumption on ketosis by pushing glucose in the muscles. Careful cause what it does is lowering blood sugar and in too high quantities can then make you collapse for low blood sugar

L-Carnitine: basically aids in the transport of fat out of adipose cells, to be used for energy when in ketosis. Can make the difference between healthy fat loss on keto and a stall.

Magnesium: helps with muscle cramps, keto flu, and bowel movements. I found it definitely needs to be split throughout the day (every 12 hours or so) to make you regular, if that’s what you are after with this supplement.

Primrose Oil: very large effect on insulin and glucose  synergy with alpha lipoic acid

Choline: supports l-carnitine function

Silymarin (Milk Thistle): For those with PCOS , FATTY LIVER ( high liver enzymes ) and dealing with insulin resistance this can be very helpful.

Most of my interest/ knowledge about supplements on keto come from the Optimal Ketogenic Living group on Facebook.

[justkeesh]

My advice is very simple; if you want something, work your ass off for it. I try not to tell them, ‘as long as you believe in your dreams it will come true’, because the reality is that you really need to work hard for it. But if you do, it is going to come true.

Camille Leblanc Bazinet  (via stayhungry-getbig)

[justkeesh]

Hello 2016 #goals #lifechanges #reinvention #thebestyearofmylife #visionary #allthingsworkingformygood

[justkeesh]

My boo in his pajamas that our elf left before she returned to the North Pole. #mostwonderfultimeoftheyear #holidayseason

[justkeesh]

Happy Friday Everybody!! I wore my Christmas green today for our Christmas Luncheon here at work. Somebody's in the spirit. Lol! #holidayseason #bestseasonofall #mostwonderfultimeoftheyear

[justkeesh]

Currently listening to #augustalsina #jadakiss #anthonyhamilton #courtesyofapplemusic #job #applemusic

[justkeesh]

I cannot start my day without listening to these two songs on repeat!! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 NIV He is forever faithful towards me. He keeps on providing for me. Great is Your mercy towards me! Great is Your grace!! He is always worthy to be praised!! I hope everyone has a great day! I know that I will!

[justkeesh]

I absolutely love when I nail one of my favorite restaurant dishes at home. #winning #salsaspecial #elsombrero #happyplate

[justkeesh]

Me, Lauren, and my niece, Caitlyn #sundayfunday #cookout #fam

[justkeesh]

Me and my sissy #loveher #besties

[justkeesh]

It's not his first day but he wanted to take a pic. Lol! He sat on the step and said, "cheese!" So mommy got it done. Lol! The sun was not in our favor today!

[justkeesh]

First Day of School - August 10, 2015 Kiersten is headed to the 4th grade. Lauren is headed to the first grade. Ace is returning to daycare after turning up all weekend. Lol! I pray that all the students have an amazing first day and a great school year. #firstdayofschool #newbeginnings #2015 #scholars #highexpectations