Keeping organized part 1

It's a new year and many I know have resolutions about getting things organized. I thought it only fitting to have a few posts on that topic.

I have a lot going on at the moment (who I am kidding my life has always been like this) taking 7 classes, working multiple jobs, attempting social life and daily household needs. I constantly hear how do you do it? Well there is no magic secret I am just super organized and I use a few tools to keep up it. So here are a few tricks I do to keep it all together mostly it's all about visuals and repetition.

these are my favorite with the eraser attached & magnet

My top secret is dry erase markers! I love these things...you can write reminders on the mirrors, on picture frame, page protectors, and more. Don't the the white board limit you! Be forewarned though they are not stain removal friendly so if it gets on cloth you're out of luck


Having schedule visible at all times is a great visual cue reminder. In my room I have a weekly schedule. I like that I can glance quickly at a snapshot of the week...plus the bright colors help make it more cheerful. I've made a couple of these for gifts and they always seem welcomed  treat for the busy student.

To make this is super easy DIY craft just find a collage frame. There are lots of different styles and prices. I like the 8 photos since it gives you an extra day for notes. Use scrapbook paper or any other paper and cut to fit into frames. Really dark paper or a busy print makes it's hard to see your writing. Attach marker to a string and attach to back of frame. Viola you are ready to go.

One more tip for managing a number of people or items is having some kind of code. Color coding and symbols worked wonders growing up in a busy household of 6. We each had colors to distinguishing was going where..hmmm maybe that's where I get all this list making from.

all ready for next semester

 With my classes I like to match my notebook or folder with the color I make the class on the schedule. That way early in the morning when my eyes are still half glued shut I know to grab the blue and red folders for the day and yellow the next. I got started on this in high school. My school rotated class meeting times every single day of the week...so I quickly had to come up with a system to maximize those 3 minute class change breaks so I could get as much socializing in as possible!

The other things I can not live without is page protectors! These babies are great for writing on with a dry erase and I used them in my classroom all the time. Plus they are super cheap! Print desired list or assignment and put into to sleeve and then write away to your hearts content. It's a great learning tool, they really help me memorize/quiz myself for anatomy class. I just used a ring to keep pages together and carried it all over for a study session on the go. I also used it to help sort out what was due for all my classes and a giant to do list. You can laminate (I have one of those too) pages but it can be costly and is permanent.


Overall the main thing for staying organized is finding what works for you! Try a few things, adapt them to your needs and you might be surprised how simple things can help.

#3.13 Party Popcorn Round Up

So not too proud that some dinners reflect being a super busy college student *cough like carrots, a coke, and popcorn *cough, cough.  Oh well but it's counting as a vegetarian dinner list item

Other times I like to make what I call "party popcorn" to take to events and make as gifts. Basically it's popcorn with melted chocolate and other yummies mixed in. Here is a round up of some of my favorite concoctions as well as others that look pretty darn good. 


Popcorn (basic)

I like to make my popcorn in the microwave lunch bag style. It's simple, mess free and allows you to start with a blank canvas to add as much or little seasonings and mix ins to it. Plus I figure it's a whole lot healthier than whatever chemicals and oils are in microwave popcorn bags!

All you need is a 1 brown lunch bag, 1/4 cup of whole kernels, and a microwave. Dump kernels in bag (kernels have all the moisture they need to pop inside so no need to add any oils)

Fold over top of bag a couple times and place in microwave standing up for 1-3 min, depending on your microwave. Just listen for popping to slow down. Dump in a bowl and top with whatever. It should yield about 8 cups of popcorn. 

Sometimes to get flavoring to stick you might want to lightly spray with olive oil or pam.  I like it salty/sweet so I add salt, cinnamon and bit of sugar to mine mmm. Get creative with siracha, garlic powder, lime, rosemary and any other flavor combination you can think of!

Party Popcorn

Make your basic popcorn.  1/4 cup kernels = 8 cups popped I usually do two batches (it goes quickly)

Lay out kernels in jelly roll pan or large mixing bowl. It's messy no matter what you do.  Be sure to remove all unpopped kernels out this could be a choking or tooth hazard later! Sprinkle popcorn with a bit of salt to help pull out the flavors even though it's a sweeter treat.

melt chocolate until it is pretty fluid

Melt about 10-12 oz of chocolate melts in the microwave or double boiler until liquidy. Be sure to do it in small increments as to not burn the chocolate. Pour over kernels and mix with your hands...it can be hot be careful!

Coat Popcorn with chocolate...this is messy!

Quickly sprinkle liberally with rainbow nonpareils, mixing to make sure it is evenly coated. Allow popcorn to set for an hour or so (optional but seems to turn out better). Keep in a air tight container for up to 3 days if in the rare occasion you have left overs

Monster Munch

 Now that you have the basic this is where the possibilities are endless depending on what color chocolate, caramel, or sprinkles you use and add ins. You can use other candies like m&ms or candy corn, nuts, pretzels, cereal, and dried fruit.

Monster Munch or Turkey Feed

Start with party popcorn base. I used orange chocolate melts to go with the theme. I added about 2 cups of peanuts, 1 bag of candy corn and yellow/orange/white nonpareils to this mix. I packaged it up in little treat bags and gave out to friends at school. It was fabulous and so addicting!

Here is a round up of other recipes that look delicious

Salted Caramel Popcorn via  cookies and cups

Christmas Crunch via Cooking Classy 
you can change this up for any holiday really...just switch up the colors

1. Cinnamon bun popcorn (cinnamon caramel corn with pecans and white chocolate) via Our Best Bites

2.  pink party popcorn (made with white chocolate) via Erin Cooks

3. Poppin’ popcorn brittle (caramel, M&M’s & peanuts) via Orville Redenbacher’s

4. S’mores popcorn via Nest of Posies

5. Chocolate & peanut butter popcorn  via Brown Eyed Baker

6. Popcorn trail mix with dried fruit and nuts via GoodLife Eats

-Sriracha, Lime, and Sesame Popcorn
-Rosemary, Brown Butter, and Lemon 
-Popcorn, S’mores Popcorn
-Maple-Bacon Popcorn
-Parmesan-Garlic Popcorn

recipes for these 5  amazing options at Buzzfeed 

As you can see possibilities are endless and they make a great gift, party food or even dinner. Enjoy!