sakura-stvdies-blog

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

8 Tips to Start Learning a Language

I’m sure someone has already written something on Tumblr (or anywhere else, for that matter) about this topic, but I also wanted to contribute my opinion to the discussion.

Here’s something I hear often: I want to learn [insert name of language], but I don’t know where to start!

That’s actually a good question: how do you even begin learning a language? There is so much to consider: vocabulary, grammar, special expressions, tone, culture, not to mention the four skills—speaking, reading, writing and listening. 

Yes, learning a language isn’t easy. However, it doesn’t mean that it should be boring or downright impossible. Plus, learning a language is one of the most rewarding cultural experiences: once you can understand and communicate in a language, you immediately become part of the people who use that language. They are no longer strangers to you, and you are no longer a stranger to them. How cool is that?

So here is my philosophy of language learning and some tips for those who wish to pursue a new language. Enjoy!

Tip #1: Understand Why You Are Learning This Language

Determine your goals first. Do you want to make new friends who speak that language? Do you need to pass a test to work/study/live in a particular country? Do you just want to impress your friends when reading phrases in that language? Are you about to travel somewhere on your vacation?  Once you know what your goal is, you will know your priorities, too. If you just want to be able to order from a menu, you don’t need to buy a 400-page grammar guide. On the other hand, if you want to live somewhere longer than 3 months, you probably need more than just a grammar guide. So before you do anything, ask first: what is my goal? Why am I learning this language?

The rest of the tips are for serious learners whose goal is proficiency or fluency in a language.

Tip #2: Determine Your Strength

Are you naturally good at imitating accents? Then start by getting used to the sound of language through listening and repeating. Do you love reading? Then start with the alphabet and reading patterns. Are you a grammar nazi? Grab that grammar guide and dig right in! Are you good at memorizing? Find an app for learning new vocabulary and begin memorizing. Whatever you’re good at, don’t be afraid to start there. Exploit your strengths!

Tip #3: Do Everything at the Same Time

Okay, this may sound weird at first, so let me explain. In language learning, the four main skills are interconnected: reading, writing, listening and speaking do NOT function separately. So, it’s important to start developing all of these skills as soon as possible. Don’t wait until you’ve perfected reading before moving on to speaking, and so on. That being said, you have to determine your own schedule for when to practice what. For example, Monday can be your grammar learning and practice day; Tuesday can be your speaking and listening day; Wednesday can be your writing practice day, etc. It’s up to you to choose when to do what. My tip for you: DON’T do more than two skills at a time. More than two at once is too confusing, even if you’re good at multi-tasking. Take your time: consistency and diligence will pay off.

Tip #4: But Start with Reading

Yes, you should write, listen, read and speak at the same time as early as possible, but in my opinion, reading should come first. Here is why I think so: if you know nothing about a language, the fastest and the most effective way to immerse yourself in that language is to learn the alphabet and the reading system. Reading allows you to:  a) explore written and printed content at all levels b) make native-speaking friends online and communicate with them via texting c) practice reading aloud, developing speaking skills and proper pronunciation d) start copying words and phrases, developing writing skills e) learn new vocabulary words

Tip #5: Make a Native-Speaking Friend ASAP

Nothing motivates you in language learning like a good, funny, crazy friend! Finding a native-speaking (and I emphasize native-speaking, not a more advanced learner) friend is much easier than you might think. If there is a community of native speakers in your area, get out of your comfort zone and join them at community events or language classes, if they’re available. But I honestly like online language learning partners better because you can make friends more easily and start learning faster. I’d suggest these platforms/websites:

HelloTalk

Lang-8.com

Interpals.net

Of course, always be careful with meeting people online; but otherwise, this is a great way to make native-speaking friends. Oh, here’s another tip: try to find friends whose level of your own native language is very low—that way, you’ll be forced to use the language you’re learning, which is definitely a plus. Finally, be ready for lots of mistakes and corrections. Pride isn’t a thing in language learning, so forget it. The more willing you are to accept correction and learn from your mistakes, the faster you’ll get to that level when you won’t need too much correction.

Tip #6: Accept the Fact that This Will Take Time

Language learning takes time. Building a foundation will take anywhere between 2-6 months. Mastering a language can take years. So don’t be discouraged if you feel like you’re too slow: in a few months, you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come. Again, consistency and diligence are key to language learning success!!

Tip #7: Don’t Spend Too Much Money

Here’s the beauty—and reality—of contemporary language learning: you can find everything you need without spending much at all. Why? Because most tools—grammar guides, listening exercises, sample readings by levels, language partnering platforms, etc.—are available online for free. So before you cash out, explore the web.  This doesn’t mean that you should completely ditch the textbook. Some publishers offer printed resources that are extremely helpful: things like dictionaries, workbooks, flashcards, illustrated guides, etc. can be lifesavers. Just my advice would be to explore free online options before heading over to the bookstore or Amazon for more costly options.

Tip #8: Always Remind Yourself Why You Are Doing This

When you’re on the 200th page of a workbook, or when your native-speaking friend can’t explain a grammar rule, or when you’ve written out a word too many times to count but still can’t remember it in conversation… it’s easy to get discouraged. You’ll want to give up. You’ll think, “Why did I even get myself into this mess?” At those times, remind yourself of the reason why you began learning this language in the first place. Why are you doing this? What’s your goal? Has this experience been changing you? If yes, how? Those questions will help rekindle that fire and keep you going. And seriously, this applies to everything in life, not just language learning. So don’t give up just because you’ve reached a slump! We’ve all been there, and it’s about how you get out of it!

And of course, remember that no experience is a waste. The fact that you’ve started, that you tried, that you did your best, that you met new people (whether they stayed or not)—all this now makes up part of who you are and what you’ve been through. It’s worth it.

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

if you ever think about sending me an ask and decide not to cause “oh she doesn’t care” or “oh I don’t want to bother her” literally I’m the loneliest piece of shit you can find and would still love you if you sent me the word nuzzle over and over again

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

Little ways to stay productive in holiday periods

Here’s a list of things I always do when holiday boredom hits. For people with Depression and anxiety like me, keeping productive is really important for mental health because lazing around for too long allows you to have long periods to think overthink which often leads to self-doubt and self-loathing. I stick to this list to keep my mind busy, occupied and to make sure I make the most of my holidays

1. try out a new, simple recipe

2. go through your email/s & unsubscribe all the random newsletters from sites you signed up for that you don’t actually read

3. go through your cupboards & find clothes, sports equipment, decor, kitchen utensils & electronics that you don’t use so you can donate or sell it

4. Change your sheets on your bed 

5. if you’re feeling bored of your room, buy some cheap bedding in a cute print to spruce up your space

6. learn how to sew a simple square throw pillow cover if you have a sewing machine (there are lots of youtube tutorials on this & it’s soooo easy)

7. go through your itunes library & delete all of that old music you never listen to

8. spend some time on your fav streaming service & find some new music

9. Have coffee alone at a café you have never tried before & just people watch

10. if you don’t know how to ride a bike, learn (borrow a friend’s bike if you don’t have your own)

11. spend a day doing food prep for the future with easily freezable food (like pasta dishes & soups) 

12. check Facebook events to see if there are interesting events nearby you

13. visit a weekend market (there’s always bound to be one somewhere)

14. visit your local nursery & get cute cheap plants (like succulents) & revamp your garden or balcony 

15. if you have a botanical garden nearby, visit & take with snacks & a book 

16. go window shopping

17. watch a documentary with a positive, uplifting storyline

18. go to the bookstore/ library and pick out a new read

19. Go through social media friends/ followers & delete people who you aren’t interested in anymore or who post frankly annoying content

20. if you haven’t spoken to a good friend/ family member, ask if you can give them a call & have a catch up session.

21. clean your kitchen & bathroom (you’ll be surprised what some countertop cleaner & elbow grease can do)

22. Put in effort to drill holes in the wall for the painting/ poster you’ve been meaning to hang up forever

23. clean out the fridge & the inside with hot, soapy water.

24. wash your car (inside & out)

25. email that person you have been needing to contact

26. update old photo frames by getting new, relevant photos printed

27. if you have an S.O., take them on a picnic or treat them to coffee at their fav café - their appreciation will make you feel good about yourself & they’ll think of you as a true romantic

28. delete all of the apps on your phone/ PC you don’t use 

29. go through your photos & delete all the duplicates & useless pics

30. go through your stationary &  throw out all the dried up pens

31. if you’re lucky to have grandparents & they live close by, visit & bring some cupcakes - you have no idea how much they’ll appreciate it.

32. go through your wardrobe & find the clothes with holes & missing buttons & fix them (it’s literally so easy)

33. throw out your socks who have lost their friend through the laundry

34. Take a bath & treat yourself to bubbles, candles, music & a glass of wine

35. clear & sort the pile of papers that’s been on your desk for months now

36. Soak, cut, file & paint your toenails

37. Wash your makeup brushes & beauty blender

38. go through your makeup bag & throw out the expired or used up makeup

39. review your monthly budget, & see if there’s somewhere you could save more because of silly spending habits

40. meditate for 30 minutes with some binaural beats in the background

41. get your ass to the gym, go for a run, do a home workout, go hiking etc.

42. if you have a S.O. write them a little love letter to show how much you love & appreciate them

43. change the light bulbs in your house that no longer work

44. if you have a pet, spend some time playing and snuggling with them

45. Wash your hair & spend some time blowdrying/ braiding/ straightening/ curling it so that it makes you feel all pretty & special

46. if you’re into tats, make a Pinterest board with inspo for your next tattoo

47. Call your mom, tell her you love her. Your dad too.

48. update your wish-list on your fav online store

49. if you feel down/ anxious a lot lately, make an appointment with your therapist to talk it out

50. if you’re tired, try a 30 minute nap instead of your 5th coffee of the day

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

I swear I’m about to lose my shit, Wench is not an insult!

“Wench” has never meant “bitch”. Please don’t use it like that. “Wench” Is literally just a young, single, woman, of marrying age. It’s basically slang for “eligible bachelorette.”

Some common, fairly PG insults that don’t make your insult weaker by ending it with the equivalent of “m’lady”:

- Wretch: A useless, pitiful, and/or often unlucky person

- Worm: A creature slightly better than dirt

- Shrew: A woman who shrieks and nags all the time. A proud, unmarriable woman.

- Wanton: gender-neutral word for slut.

If you want to get TRULY Shakespearian, throw three adjectives and a phallic symbol in front of an animal no one really likes.

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

concept: let’s go to bed at 9pm instead of 3am. let’s drink more water for our bodily health and less coffee for the aesthetic. let’s not skip breakfast because it’s worth running a little behind even if it’s just some fruit or cereal. let’s go socialize even if we’re kinda nervous. let’s love ourselves when we feel down, because flaws are not the end of the world. let’s work hard but take breaks in between instead of procrastinating and then rushing. let’s ignore what people who don’t know us have to say about us behind our backs. let’s be kind to each other because we’re all trying here. let’s hype up being mentally healthy rather than being perfect. let’s live our lives like we want to.

just a thought.

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

im a simple girl.. i see book, i buy book, i let book sit on my shelf for months unread

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

How to pump yourself up for a workout you don’t wanna do

Usually I’m working out after an 8 hour day of work/class and sometimes I am just NOT feeling it. But consistency is key and exercise is important!!! So I have a few tricks up my sleeve to get my booty to the gym (so I can grow that booty)

1. Drink water. Hydration is everything!! And sometimes all you need is a big ol bottle of ice water to wake you up and make you feel super refreshed.

2. Splash water on your face. Sometimes I’ll just splash some cold water on my face to invigorate me, so simple but so effective.

3. Have a snack. Preferably some carbs and protein. I like almonds and orange slices, crackers and hummus, banana and almond butter, and my current fav, whole wheat bread with half an avocado, sea salt, and EVOO. Droooling.

4. Do a quick warm up. Sometimes I’ll do some basic calisthenics just to remind my body how good it feels to move. A few minutes of jumping jacks, burpees, or squat jumps can really wake you up and do wonders for your energy levels.

5. Update your playlist. New music always gets me so jazzed to workout!! Spend a few minutes downloading some new jams to get you real hype to go hard at the gym.

6. Have some caffeine. A lot of studies have shown that caffeine before a workout can be really effective. I like to have a cup of green tea, my friends do espresso shots, whatever works for you!! (Dark chocolate works great as well)

7. Remind yourself why you’re working out. Most of us have fitness goals whether that’s running faster, lifting stronger, losing weight, or looking hot in a bikini (or maybe all of the above!!!). Spending a couple minutes meditating on your goal before a workout can really bring about some powerful feelings of intention and focus.

8. Get a workout buddy. Working out with someone and having a schedule really holds you accountable. It’s easier to let yourself down and not go to the gym than to let your friend down and not show up, you know.

9. Do an at home workout instead. There’s soooo many awesome videos out there on the internet so if you really don’t want to go to the gym, you can easily find a killer workout video of your choice on the web.

10. Take a warm up walk outside. Fresh air and nature are really quite powerful. When I’m feeling sleepy, I find that just being outside and breathing in fresh air for a few minutes really does wake me up and make me feel more energized for my work out.

11. And of course, take a rest day and listen to your body. If you’ve been going hard for weeks and you’re feeling tired, just take a day off and don’t beat yourself up over it!!!! The gym will always be there tomorrow and your body will be grateful for the break.

Xoxo

Insta: kellyeatskale

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

IF YOU EVER NEED SOMETHING TO READ READ THIS

OK ARE YOU EVER IN NEED OF BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS BUT DON’T KNOW WHAT TO READ NEXT?

I present to you, straight from the internet, whichbook:

Here’s how it works: You click the link, and choose four categories and the extent to which these categories matter:

Then click “go” and it’ll come up with a number of books you might like.

DON’T LIKE THE CATEGORIES? NO PROBLEM - see this little thing:

THIS LITTLE THING WILL TAKE YOU TO THIS SLIGHTLY LARGER THING WHERE YOU CAN CHOOSE A BOOK BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:

YOU NOW HAVE NO EXCUSE TO NOT BE READING SOMETHING BECAUSE WHATEVER YOU WANT THIS SITE WILL COME UP WITH IT.

… Apart from bisexual retired alien dudes. No books on that. Yet.

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

Just a reminder, but you do not need to “earn” being tired.

You’re allowed to be tired, even if you haven’t “done” anything and you’re allowed to be tired even if you did less than someone else.

Being tired is a normal thing your body does for a whole plethora of reasons, and is a basic bodily function. You don’t need to “earn” basic bodily functions, no matter what anyone else tells you.

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

i think bo burnham is my sugar daddy

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

always be honest with your intentions, considerate with your words, and kind with your actions.

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

love ur body:

look at ur hands: they have pet so many cute animals and dried so many of ur tears

look at ur feet: they have walked you to some of ur favorite places and walked you away from the bad ones

look at ur belly: think of the days when its been full and warm with your favorite foods

look at ur legs: they have held you up when you thought you weren’t strong enough to stand

look at ur eyes: they have seen so many beautiful people

look at ur mouth: it has told so many people that u love them

ur body has been there for you since day 1; love it, it loves u.

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

You matter. Please, take care of yourself

[sakura-stvdies-blog]

This is SO SO important!!! Please show this to anyone you know who owns a bar or restaurant.