Women Do Not Have To

my masterlist of 'how to life’ tips

Cleaning & Tidying

Make your bed in the morning. It takes seconds, and it’s worth it.

Reset to zero each morning. 

Use the UFYH 20/10 system for clearing your shit. 

Get a reed diffuser and stick it on your windowsill. 

Have a ‘drop-zone’ box where you dump anything and everything. At the beginning/end of the day, clear it out and put that shit away.

Roll your clothes, don’t fold them - or fold them vertically.

Automate your chores. Have a cleaning schedule and assign 15mins daily to do whatever cleaning tasks are set for that day. Set a timer and do it - once the timer is up, finish the task you’re on and leave it for the day. 

Fold your clothes straight out of the tumble dryer (if you use one), whilst they’re still warm. This minimises creases and eliminates the need for ironing. 

Clean your footwear regularly and you’ll feel like a champ. 

Organisation & Productivity

Learn from Eisenhower’s Importance/Urgency matrix. 

Try out the two-minute rule and the Pomodoro technique.

Use. A. Planner. (Or Google Calendar, if that’s more your thing.)

Try bullet journalling.

Keep a notebook/journal/commonplace book to dump your brain contents in on the regular. 

Set morning alarms at two-minute intervals rather than five, and stick your alarm on the other side of the room. It’s brutal, but it works. 

Set three main goals each day, with one of them being your #1 priority. Don’t overload your to-do list or you’ll hit overload paralysis and procrastinate. 

If you’re in a slump, however, don’t be afraid to put things like “shower” on your to do list - that may be a big enough goal in itself, and that’s okay. 

Have a physical inbox - a tray, a folder, whatever. If you get a piece of paper, stick it in there and sort through it at the end of the week.

Consider utilising the GTD System, or a variation of it.

Try timeboxing. 

Have a morning routine, and guard that quiet time ferociously. 

Save interesting-looking shit to instapaper. Have a set time where you read through the stuff you saved to instapaper and save the shit that you like from instapaper to evernote (or bookmark it properly). 

During your working hours, put on your footwear, even if you’re sat on your bed. (Why?)

Have a folder for all your important documents and letters, organised by topic (e.g. medical, bank, university, work, identification). At the front of this folder, have a sheet of paper with all the key information written on it, such as your GP’s details, your passport details, driving licence details, bank account number, insurance number(s), and so on. 

Try using StayFocusd and RescueTime (or similar apps/extensions). (I promise, you’ll find that you’re not as busy as you think you are.)

Schedule working time and down time alike, in the balance that works for you. 

Money

Have. A. God. Damn. Budget. 

Use a money tracker like toshl, mint, or splitwise. Enter all expenses asap! (You will forget, otherwise.)

Have a ‘money date’ each week, where you sort through your finances from the past seven days and then add it to a spreadsheet. This will help you identify your spending patterns and whether your budget is actually working or not. 

Pack your own frickin’ lunch like a grown-up and stop buying so many takeaway coffees. Keep snacks in your bag. 

Go to your bank and take out £100 in £1 coins (or w/e your currency is). That shit will come in useful for all kinds of things and you’ll never be short on change for the bus or the laundry. 

Food & Cooking

Know how to cook the basics: a starch, a protein, a vegetable, and a sauce.

Simple, one-pot meals (“a grain, a green, and a bean”) are a godsend. 

Dried porcini mushrooms make a fantastic stock to cook with. 

Batch cook and freeze. Make your own ‘microwave meals’. 

Buy dried goods to save money - rice and beans are a pittance. (Remember to soak dried beans first, though!) 

Consider Meatless Mondays; it’s healthier, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly.

Learn which fruits and vegetables are cheapest at your store, and build a standard weekly menu around those. (Also remember that frozen vegetables are cheap and healthy.) 

Learn seasoning combinations. Different seasoning, even with the exact same ingredients, can make a dish seem completely new. 

Don’t buy shit for a one-off recipe, especially if you won’t use it all. If you really want to try out a recipe, see if a friend would be interested in making it with you, then pool for the expenses. 

Make your own goddamned pasta sauce. Jamie Oliver has a decent recipe here, but the beauty of tomato sauce is that you can totally wing it and adapt the fuck out of it. 

Misc

Have a stock email-writing format. 

Want to start running, but find it boring? Try Zombies, Run!. 

Keep a goddamn first aid kit and learn how to use it. 

Know your OTC pain relief. 

Update your CV regularly. 

Keep a selection of stamps and standard envelopes for unexpected posting needs. (It happens more regularly than you would think!) 

Some final words of advice:

Organisation is not a goal in itself, it is a tool. Don’t get caught up in the illusion of productivity and get distracted from the actual task at hand. 

Routines and habits will help you. Trust in them.

You have the potential to be an organised and productive person, just as much as anybody else. It just takes practice. 

life cleansing tips:

- delete conversations between people you no longer talk to. its healthy to let go of the past and not letting yourself dwell on things.

- say kind things about people you like. say good things about yourself. don’t speak or think about people you don’t like.

- look in mirrors. you shouldn’t be afraid of facing yourself.

- clean sheets make clean sleep make clean minds

- allow yourself time to feel and grow. don’t be too hard on yourself for crying, you need to vent in order to move on to better times. even rainy days work towards sunny days.

- if things don’t work out, stop forcing them. there’s no reason for you to keep working and failing if there’s other places/people for you to excel and be happy.

- kiss your body, caress your body. make yourself feel loved.

- running away doesn’t always solve everything. sometimes, the reason that made you run will still be with you. focus on freeing yourself before starting anew.

- a glass of water and a good nights rest can go a long way

home made vanilla chai tea latte 🍶

ingredients: 

two black tea bags

cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon) 

nutmeg

ginger

four black peppercorns 

all spice

cloves

vanilla extract 

brown sugar

milk

instructions: 

put the tea bags and the spices in a heatproof mug or glass (the bigger the better)  (i use a 32 oz. mug soooo) 

boil water 

pour hot water over the mixture 

let sit and steep for 5 minutes or longer 

strain the tea into another mug 

add brown sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to taste

enjoy! 

@cinnamon-studying i finally did it!! next up…cinnamon rolls 

just a little reminder from you to me. everything is momentarily, don’t burn yourself out. i’m here for you. we’re here for you.

In case no one told you growing up

Bras last longer if you let them air dry. Don’t put them in the dryer.

If you have a problem with frizzy hair, don’t dry your hair with a towel. It makes the frizzies worse. (I recently read an article that said to use a t-shirt? I brush mine out and let it air dry.)

Whites wash best in hot water. Everything else can be in cold - save on your electricity bill.

You can kill 99.9% of germs in a sponge by putting it in the dishwasher for a cycle or by microwaving it for 2 min (be sure to make the sponge damp before microwaving and to put a cup half full of water in with it and please DO NOT squeeze the sponge until it has cooled off)

Airing out your room/house and letting sunlight in every so often can decrease the number of household pests like silverfish and ants.

Black underwear is best during your period as stains are less likely to be visible.

To save money, put aside 10% of each paycheck into a savings account. It’ll add up.

Unless your hair has something on/in it (like grease or mud or something), using conditioner first can actually be the better choice. The conditioner holds in the good oils that help you hair look sleek and beautiful, which shampoo would otherwise wash away.

Speaking of shampoo - if you have long hair, washing just the bits that touch your scalp is generally enough. The rest of your hair gets cleaned with just the run off from your scalp.

If you put a tampon in and it’s uncomfortable/you can feel it, you didn’t do it quite right. A properly placed tampon is virtually unnoticeable by the wearer.

Apply deodorant/antiperspirant a couple hours in advance of when you need it. This gives the product the chance to block your sweat glands. Using deodorant just before going somewhere where you’ll sweat (this means walking outside for people in high humidity places) results in your sweat washing the deodorant off and starkly limiting its usefulness.

After running the dryer, use the dryer sheet from that load to brush out the lint catch - it gets everything off in a fraction of the time it’ll take you to get it clean with your bare hands. Paper towels also work well.

Wash your face everyday, or as often as possible. Forget which brand of cleanser is best. Just washing your face everyday will guarantee you clearer skin. And do you best not to pop pimples, as tempting as the urge may be.

Fold laundry asap after taking it from the dryer to avoid wrinkles. This may seem obvious for dress shirts and silly for things like t-shirts, but you’ll notice the difference even then once your shirts stop looking like unfolded paper balls.

List of most effective books for learning Russian.

0.

Learn Russian for Everyday Life: The Big Audiobook Collection for Beginners

Do you want to learn Russian the fast, fun and easy way?

Then this huge audiobook compilation is for you.

Learn Russian for Everyday Life: The Big Audiobook Collection for Beginners is for people who want to finally speak and use real-life Russian.

You learn the must-know conversational phrases, questions, answers, social media phrases, and how to talk about your everyday life in Russian. All words and phrases were hand-picked by our team of Russian teachers and experts. By the end of this audiobook compilation, you will be able to….

1. Communicate in Russian on social media

2. Master common greetings

3. Have basic conversations with locals

3. Talk about your daily routine - from morning to night

4. Order food at restaurants

5. Ask for directions

And much more….

With this audiobook compilation, you get:

Audiobooks inside: Must-Know Russian Social Media Phrases, Top 400 Activities: Daily Routines in Russian, and 3-Minute Russian

+ 60 audio lessons in total

+ 5 hours in total

+ 319-page PDF so you can read along

+ Two bonus conversation cheat sheets

Get Learn Russian for Everyday Life

1. The New Penguin Russian Course: A Complete Course for Beginners

This is the best book for learning Russian from scratch without teachers or classes even you know absolutely nothing about Russian.

PROS

1. A solid understanding of Russian grammar.

2. A vocabulary of some of the most useful words in the Russian language.

3. The logical and straightforward methodology with no spoonfeeding or watered-down grammar lessons accompanied by cutesy cartoon pictures.

4. In each lesson, you would first memorize a list of new vocabulary words.

5. You would study several concise grammar principles which were clearly explained.

6. You would examine a brief Russian text which incorporated the new vocabulary and applied the new grammar principles which you had just learned in the lesson.

7. You would translate an English text into Russian to test yourself on the new vocabulary and grammar.

8. A key which showed the correct translation of the English text into Russian, so you could check yourself.

9. The numerous additional Russian texts and conversations so that you can see how the vocabulary is used in context.

10. The answer keys at the back of the book show the Russian-English translation as well as the English-Russian translation of the exercises.

11. The translation exercises at the end of each lesson and their corresponding answer keys at the back of the book. Translation is probably the best way to test whether or not you really understand the grammar and vocabulary taught in the lessons, and this book gives you plenty of opportunities to test yourself in this manner.

12. it’s small enough to carry anywhere, unlike those bulky Russian 101 textbooks used in college classes which use a slow, watered-down, almost infantile approach to teaching the language. If you want to learn Russian, buy this book and work through the lessons.

CONS

The only major drawback is that you’ll never really learn proper pronunciation without listening to native Russians speak the language (in this case join our chat with native Russians), and this book doesn’t have tapes to accompany it. Other than that, however, you won’t find a better book for beginners who want to learn Russian.

Get "The New Penguin Russian Course" Now!

2.

Russian Learners’ Dictionary: 10,000 Russian Words in Frequency Order

Many people study languages and in the process learn many words they may not actually need. Any serious student of language will find such a reference most valuable.

PROS

This book literally lists the most frequently used words in order of occurance in normal conversation and writing.

It is perhaps wise to note that language is a dynamic beastie and words may shuffle in frequency of use, even inviting new words into the process.

It is a work built upon past efforts to document usage patterns, expanded to include more than simply what you would need to pass a scholastic requirement.

CONS

But remember, this is a list, not a text book.

There are examples of usage offered (for the first 600 words) as well as tenses, but no detailed explanations of application.

Get "Russian Learners' Dictionary: 10,000 Russian Words in Frequency Order" Now!

3.

Russian Complete CourseBook. Living Language

.

Complete Russian: The Basics (Book and CD Set): Includes Coursebook, 4 Audio CDs, and Learner’s Dictionary (Complete Basic Courses)

PROS

The most initial rate of Russian in a line of rates of the largest American publishing house LIVING LANGUAGE.

He will help to learn to speak, read and write in Russian, will lay the foundation on which you can enhance the knowledge further.

The modern rate “Russian without problems” is based on an effective method which since 1960 is used for training in diplomatic academy of the USA. In the first fourteen chapters the most important and basic elements for beginners are selected to learn Russian.

If you are able to devote to a rate of only 30 minutes in day, then in several weeks you will be able already to learn to speak on primary subjects and to understand written … The method of natural training is the basis for a rate, that is we will begin with studying of sounds, then phrases and separate words and then offers.

And to repeat everything that you need – to listen to an audio recording after the announcer for whom Russian is native. Listen, you speak, plunge into language.

This full course covers all aspects of language – skills of oral speech, the letter and grammar.

In the book you will find the translation into English of all texts of an audio recording and short explanations in each lesson.

The first five lessons belong to an explanation of rules of a pronunciation that is a basis for studying of new words, phrases and grammar.

If you already studied earlier Russian that can use the book for repeating and as the reference book on grammar, is tables of irregular verbs and the reference book on correspondence here.

Get now! "Complete Russian Basic Course"

4.

ELI Picture Dictionary Russian \ Иллюстрированный словарь “Русский язык”. Джой Оливер, Альфредо Бразиоли

The interesting, cheerful and entertaining illustrated thematic dictionary will be your faithful assistant in studying of Russian.

* more than 1000 words

* 43 illustrated themed pages that introduce well known topics such as home, family, school and work, as well as up-to-date and specific topics like the environment and astronomy.

* Nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs and pretexts.

* The glossary lists more than 1000 words alphabetically and cross-referenced to the relevant themed page.

5.

Русский язык как иностранный (начальный курс). Меренкова Л.А., Ярось Л.Б.

The benefit contains pourochno the distributed language and speech material.

Illustrations, photos, drawings, schemes, tables.

the system of exercises directed to step-by-step forming at students of speech skills and abilities are widely provided.

The edition acquaints students with sound system of Russian, with the main types of intonational designs.

Grammatical material is presented in the form of typical and communicative and significant speech samples.

6.

Русский язык - мой друг (базовый уровень). Шустикова Т.В., Кулакова В.А.

The textbook is calculated on 300-350 hours and consists of an introduction fonetiko-grammatical course in which letters, sounds, an accent and intonation of Russian, and a basic course in detail are considered.

The first part of a basic course is devoted to studying of prepositional and case system of singular of nouns, adjectives, pronouns and numerals; aspectual-temporal system of the Russian verb.

In the second part plural of nouns, adjectives, pronouns and numerals is studied.

The textbook is universal – in is mute data of the comparative analysis of Russian and native language of pupils aren’t considered.

Independent work on the Internet with use of the websites corresponding to the studied lexical and grammatical subject is offered to pupils.

7.

Русский язык в картинках. Геркан И.К.

In the collection lexicon, limited, urgent for the initial stage of training, corresponding to subjects is used:

family, room, audience, dining room, polyclinic, city, nature.

The book lights the following sections:

- inducement of nouns in singular (one-two values for each case),

- plural nouns in the Nominative case,

- verbs in this and past tense,

- verbal aspects,

- adjectives in the Nominative case,

- some elementary types of compound sentences.

8.

Здравствуйте! Учебное пособие для курсов русского языка. Иванова Т., Федотова Н., Феоклистова В.

The benefit is intended for the foreigners having elementary preparation on Russian and learning Russian on short-term rates.

The benefit purpose - activization of language knowledge and enhancement of skills of oral informal conversation.

The benefit is expected 100 - 160 class periods (depending on terms of training and level of training of foreign pupils).

9.

Illustrated Russian Grammar by Goutta Snetkov

llustrated Russian Grammar.

Covers all the key points of elementary Russian grammar.

Infographics and illustrations in the book produce visually engaging explanations.

Practice exercises.

Comprehensive table of regular and irregular Russian verbs.

Can be used for self-study or as a supplement to any textbook.

10.

English Grammar for Students of Russian

A great book which teaches you how English grammar works so that you can understand Russian grammar!

PROS

You get knowledge about:

Parts of speech — how to identify English and Russian nouns, verbs, adjectives, prepositions and etc.

Functions of words — how to identify English and Russian subjects, direct and indirect objects and etc.

Grammatical terms — explanation of conjugation, case, declension, agreement  and etc.

Step-by-step analysis of examples — how to get from an English structure to an equivalent Russian structure.

Each chapter of the book covers one grammar point.

In English

Grammar explained as it relates to English, anticipating concepts necessary for Russian.

In Russian

Grammar explained as it relates to Russian.

Examples with explanations of the rules applied.

Possible pitfalls for English speakers.

11.

Грамматика русского языка в упражнениях и комментариях (Морфология+Синтаксис). Глазунова О.

Part 1.

The collection of exercises including the most important sections of practical grammar, and also the theoretical material necessary for their accomplishment.

Tasks are constructed on the basis of the most frequency designs of informal conversation.

The attention is paid to the contextual and style use of language units.

The exercises, most difficult for accomplishment, are supplied with keys.

For average and advanced grade levels, and also for preparation for delivery of TRKI-2 (the humanities and journalism), TRKI-3.

Part 2.

The second part of benefit “Russian grammar in exercises and comments. Morphology” O. I. Glazunova.

The specially formulated exercises provided in the collection will help pupils to understand how they are based in Russian of the phrase and offer what methods exist for expression of the main and minor members and what it is necessary to pay attention in case of the use of synonymous pretexts, the unions and connective words to.

The abundance of comments gives the chance to use the collection not only under the leadership of the teacher, but also for independent work of pupils.

There are keys and index.

12.

Russian-English Bilingual Visual Dictionary

Russian-English Bilingual Visual Dictionary of DK’s bestselling series makes language learning accessible by using photographs to put the everyday vocabulary of the modern world into context.

A thematic organization of more than 10,000 fully illustrated terms labeled in both Russian and English and comprehensive two-way indexes put the perfect translation at your fingertips.

Additional feature panels include abstract nouns and verbs, as well as useful phrases that you can use in conversation once you are feeling more confident.

Russian-English Bilingual Visual Dictionary is a colorful and stimulating learning resource ideal for all levels, whether you are a student, teacher, tourist, or business traveler.

Now fully updated with new text, images, and a bold new look.

13.

750 Russian Verbs and Their Uses

Verbs–the key to a living language.

750 Russian Verbs and Their Uses gives you the key to a living language–verbs in context.

Verbs give speech power and movement.

Russian verbs have subtleties that usually can be appreciated only after years of study and conversation with native speakers.

750 Russian Verbs and Their Uses gives you all the correct variations and adds immediately to your command of the language.

Correct usages are illustrated in common phrases and idioms, and close attention is paid to verb aspect–a special concern to students of Russian.

Perfect for students or for businesspeople who are working to develop one of the world’s most exciting commercial markets, here is the book that will help you understand and express yourself in an important and intricate tongue.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ISSA R. ZAUBER, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in linguistics from Leningrad State University. She is currently a senior lecturer in the Department of Slavic Studies at the University of Chicago. Series Editors: Jan R. Zamir, Ph.D., and Sonia N. Zamir, M.A.

14.

The Big Silver Book of Russian Verbs: 555 Fully Conjugated Verbs (Big Book of Verbs Series)

The Big Silver Book of Russian Verbs is the most comprehensive resource available for learning and mastering Russian verbs. Designed for beginning through advanced learners, this indispensable guide will help you conjugate verbs with ease, enabling you to communicate in Russian confidently.

555 fully conjugated verbs, listed alphabetically.

Current idioms and expressions for each verb.

The Top 50 verbs, with many examples of their usage in context.

More than 4,200 verbs cross-referenced to conjugation models.

A handy guide to deciphering irregular verb forms.

15.

Colloquial Russian: The Complete Course For Beginners

Combining a user-friendly approach with a thorough treatment of the language, it equips learners with the essential skills needed to communicate confidently and effectively in Russian in a broad range of situations.

Progressive coverage of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills

Structured, jargon-free explanations of grammar

An extensive range of focused and stimulating exercises

Realistic and entertaining dialogues covering a broad variety of scenarios

Useful vocabulary lists throughout the text

Additional resources available at the back of the book, including a full answer key, a grammar summary and bilingual glossaries

Balanced, comprehensive and rewarding, Colloquial Russian will be an indispensable resource both for independent learners and students taking courses in Russian.

Language learning and langblr tips from me

What to learn first when learning a new language

How to stay motivated when learning languages

How to learn a language with a different script

How to learn kanji

Vocabulary list topics

How to make vocabulary lists

How to expand your vocabulary

How to learn vocabulary and verb endings

How to improve your listening skills

How to practice speaking your target language

How to go from intermediate to advanced in your target language

How to learn two (or more) languages at once

How to learn all the languages you want

How to avoid mixing up languages

How to study languages with depression

How to practice speaking when you have social anxiety

How to study with a language exchange partner and what to talk about with them

How to study with Duolingo

How to make a language notebook

How to divide your language notebook/what to write in your language notebook

How to use bullet journal in language learning

How to find native speakers to practice with

How to know what level you are in your languages

How to start a langblr

I hope you find comfort in these c:

hello! the studyblr community is constantly growing, so i thought i’d make a post to help new studyblrs get started. i hope this helps you!! (header inspired by rifle paper co.)

- ̗̀ general information ̖́-

studyblr = study + tumblr! the studyblr community is incredibly supportive, and there are so many valuable resources and kind people out there to help you. anyone can be a studyblr. you don’t need expensive stationery to be productive and successful! here are some useful links and chrome extensions:

what’s a bullet journal? by @studypetals

calligraphy and hand lettering

momentum (a studyblr favorite!)

xkit (a tumblr lifesaver pls download xkit omg)

lanes (new tab w pomodoro timer)

plan & my study life (organizes ur daily tasks!)

mendeley (research lifesaver!)

lagom (super cute tab page)

gistnote (highlight on ur computer!)

- ̗̀ setting up your studyblr ̖́-

create a unique url. many people incorporate their name or interests into their urls somehow. for example, my url is studyplants because i love all kinds of flowers and plants. @studyquill​‘s studyblr url generator may give you some inspiration! feel free to check out my saved urls page as well :)

find a theme. your theme will help you stand out! a clean and organized theme will help you and others find useful posts. i’ve included some of my favorite theme makers and specific themes to give you some ideas:

acuite​  [ calypso / clio / thalia ]

sorrism [ helium / breezeblocks /  kindred ]

felinum [ bakovia / shortcake / mediocre ]

- ̗̀  original content  ̖́-

the introduction post. this should be your first studyblr post! it’s never too late to introduce yourself. be sure to include your name (if you’re comfortable with that!) and whether you’re a high school, college student, etc. you can also talk about your interests and what you hope to accomplish by making a studyblr. finally, mention some of your favorite studyblrs! you can look at other people’s studyblr introductions here. 

studyblr photos. you can photograph anything, from your notes to your workspace to the contents of your pencil case. keep in mind that most studyblr photos are edited. you definitely don’t have to do that, but if you do, here are my secrets for editing photos. some people use the vsco app, but i just edit from my iphone 5. 

step 1: change the cast!! you’ll find this under the color settings. basically you just need to give your photo a slight blue tint. trust me, it makes a huge difference!

step 2: adjust the lighting! i like to play around with exposure, brightness, black point, and contrast until i find a good balance

masterposts. if you’re not comfortable posting photos but you have tips you want to share, i’d recommend making a masterpost! you can include useful links and your own advice. making a cool header image (like the one on this post hehe) can make your masterpost stand out. my all-time favorite resource for this is canva. it has TONS of free templates and fonts. you can read all about it here. 

- ̗̀  final thoughts  ̖́-

i really hope this helps you! if you have any intros or studyblr posts you want to share with me, i track #studyplants. this is ironic because i’m actually pretty shy, but i’d definitely suggest putting yourself out there and trying to make new friends! you can start by tagging lots of studyblrs in your original posts or by messaging some of your favorite bloggers. good luck!

-adi  ♡