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The Pretty City Girl | Indian Travel & Lifestyle Blog



India's Performance in T20 World Cup
India has played so beautifully this world cup. Proud of the team. Great performance. (Excuse me as I watch the semis now.)

Long Posts
I love such long posts where I write everything in details. The posts are as long as 1000 words and the satisfaction in the end is worth it. Here are two of such posts:
Summer Handbag Essentials for College
How to Stay Motivated while Studying

First Guest Post
I wrote my blogger-life's first guest post in this month. Even this is one of those long posts I love. I got a great response for the post Handbag Essentials for Interns, which I published on my blog too. Check out the guest post here: http://goo.gl/qe9ha8

'How to Create a Blog' Posts
I was getting requests for this since so long. Finally I wrote two posts on starting a blog--How to Create a Blogger Blog and How to Start a Blog & What to Do after Starting It.

New Gym Buddy--My Mom
My mom joined the gym from this month and it's great to have her. At least I never felt like not going, as she was always there. I love how now I have a partner in the gym. I'm also surprised to see how superbly she exercises! Indeed, proud of her.

What are your March favourites?
xoxo

March 31, 2016 No comments

Ever since I've uploaded a snap of my bookshelf, people around me have started asking me for books. They ask me about the books I own and if I could lend them. I don't mind giving away my books. The only concern I have is that eventually we lend so many books that we don't remember which book is with whom. 

To make things simpler, I have added a 'Page' in the 'Books' section of OneNote, with the name of it as 'Books given'.


All those books that are not currently in my bookshelf are written here. The Sachin Tendulkar and Steve Jobs books are my brother's and just for his sake, I have written about them too. They're probably with his friends; I have no clue.

I had given Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen to my best friend, Amrita. She returned it back to me a couple of days back, and hence, I've checked the box before that book. She's already done reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, but as my bag was heavy today, I asked her to get the book some other day. I lent her two books today, about which I've written here. 

This trick is such a saviour. You don't have to remember about the books any longer. Just update this page whenever you lend a book to someone. Also, if you're one of those with completed notes, I'm sure all the classmates must be borrowing notes from you; you can mention about those too.

And, don't forget to mention the books you've borrowed. Add a new 'Page' with the name as 'Books taken' and you can live your life easily. This is simply the best method to keeping track of your babies.

How do you track all the books you've lent and borrowed?
xoxo

P.S. As my exams are approaching, I may not be able to write frequently. Stay in touch with me on Instagram and I apologize for the inconvenience. I love you all!

March 28, 2016 No comments

I don't know how useful this tip is, I just wanted to share it with you all. When professors give you question banks for different subjects, you either read it on your computer or take a print. I suggest you to take a print. But before that, don't forget to add these little checkboxes before each question.

I took a pretty long route to do this. I downloaded the file and then pasted it to OneNote. Later, I added checkboxes and then printed the OneNote page. But due to this, two questions from each end of the page got deleted.

But, I just learnt a better way. Once you're done adding checkboxes on OneNote, just copy everything on the page, pressing Ctrl + A and then paste on a Word document. You'll get your questions with the checkboxes.

Though you can still put a tick before every question, there's an added benefit of adding the checkboxes--you exactly know how many squares are empty and how many are ticked. I loved this little trick as it's proving to be really useful (and fun, needless to say).

Do you put such boxes in your question bank?
xoxo 
March 27, 2016 No comments
I remember for my internal test, which was on last Saturday, I had studied really hard. The portion was as vast as that of the finals. And as I'm a little mad when it comes to leaving anything for option--I don't like to leave anything for option--I had to study, no matter how much less time I had. I could finish studying only because I was motivated, and I made sure I stayed motivated until the very end.


CHANGE PENS
Whenever I'm tired of writing, I change my pen. I might change to a ball point from a gel or ink pen, from blue ink to black ink, and from a pink pen to a green pen. Just using a different pen gives a fresh start to your writing, and you automatically focus on your handwriting and indirectly on studying.



USE STICKY NOTES
If you want to break the monotony of those off white coloured pages and black or blue inks, add some colour using the stick notes. I always use this trick, and trust me, my motivation level remains unchanged.

TAKE BREAKS
And when you've studied so much and there's absolute 0% of motivation left to study, know that you have to take a break. Here are few breaks you can take while studying--http://goo.gl/xXMyCR--but don't stretch that break for too long; let it be of 15 to 30 minutes. Because if you're studying since morning, it's obvious that your exams are near and you have lot to study; don't waste your time.

USE COLOURFUL PENS
Often when I'm writing and I get bored of it, I take my highlighters and start highlighting all the topics. It's like a few minutes of break for me. I love to see some colours on my pages.



STUDY FROM VIDEOS
We're out of motivation probably because we're not understanding anything. If at all you come across some concepts that are beyond you, you can study from YouTube. I'm sure you'll get something or the other out there.



CHAT WITH FRIENDS (RELATED TO STUDIES)
Trouble your friends when you feel troubled! You can check your cellphone and meanwhile message your friends asking about doubts or how much of the portion they've finished studying. By this way, you can know their status, which will keep you motivated.

READ (OR WRITE)
This one thing I'm glad I did. For the internals, whenever I was bored of writing down self-notes, I just read notes, while underlining/highlighting important lines. And whenever I felt bored of reading, I started writing. This change in study pattern definitely kept me interested to study throughout the day.

CHANGE POSITIONS
You can change the position if you want. Whenever you're tired of sitting upright, you can lie down and read. If you're feeling sleepy while lying down, sit upright. Change your positions so you won't be low on motivation. 



TICK OFF FROM THE CHECKLIST
Finally, make a checklist or a study schedule, and tick the topics/chapters/answers off as soon as you finish studying them. This will motivate you to study more and more and make you happy along with it.

What are your tricks to keep the motivation alive?
xoxo

P.S. Want some motivation to start studying? Check out this post: http://goo.gl/57FnHr
March 25, 2016 No comments

Often when we're studying, we come across difficult terms. Sometimes, we don't even understand what's written in our notes. To make things clear, you have to go to the world wide web. I first search in the normal 'Web' feature of Google, and if I'm too worked up reading the theory already, I go to YouTube. Youtube's my favourite way of studying, and I'd already written a post on it.


As soon as I read the extra stuff, I bookmark it for future reference, especially for finals. I have made one folder in the bookmarks bar, namely 'Study'.


Until now, I have saved three links. If you have lot to bookmark, you can make different folders of the subjects or chapters, depending on how much of the internet you use.

Do you bookmark the extra study material?
xoxo

March 23, 2016 No comments
I've applied black colour on my nails after so long. Earlier, right since my 7th standard to TYBMM, I used to apply only black. Sometimes, to match with the outfit, I used to put other colours, but black used to be on my nails for 80% of the times. I used to think there's just one colour out there--black. I owe it to my favourite singer back then, Avril Lavigne. I was a mad fan of hers. She's probably the only celebrity till now whom I've looked upon.
But now, I apply any kind of colour, except neon colours; they're hideous, I feel.


I purchased this Black Angel-83 shade few days back, on an urgent basis. I'll need it for today evening. I got this 7ml bottle for Rs. 108, after discount. The cost of it is Rs. 120, and I got 10% discount on it. I bought it from a local cosmetic store.

PACKAGING
Honestly, the packaging could have been better as the bottle looks like an eyeliner. The long cap of it just increases the size of the whole product. I wouldn't have purchased this seeing just its packaging.


APPLICATION
The bottle says it needs two coats, which is definitely true and needful. One coat comes out like a grey watery colour. The wand of the brush is too long, which is good. Also, the brush has lot of bristles, which makes the application process quite easy. You can apply on two to three nails at one go. Just see to it that you don't take too much of it on the brush. The application is not as smooth as the shopkeeper said it was. You won't get that perfect straight glow-line.

COLOUR & LASTING POWER
The colour is a typical black, only after two applications. I love black colour and so there's no need to comment on this one. The lasting power is up to 4-5 days.

ADVANTAGES
- Good consistency
- Good colour
- Long wand
- Wide brush

DISADVANTAGES
- Packaging could have been better
- We don't get the straight glow-line
- A bit pricey

CONCLUSION
If there are other good options, go for them. However, I suggest you to try some other colours in this brand.

Have you tried the Lotus brand for nail polish yet?
xoxo

March 22, 2016 No comments

Wrote this as a guest post on Yomaks Online Magazine. Check it out here: http://goo.gl/wuI43L


When I was working for Zoom TV, I used to carry most of these items. They helped me to be ready to go to the Mehboob Studios, any time to take snaps of Salman Khan & co., and ensured I looked my best all the time.


One of the biggest problems that a college-going intern faces is what to carry in the handbag. The difficulty is in packing the bag perfect enough for college as well as for the job. And, if you are working in one of those top-most companies where you need to present yourself nicely too, then the struggle is real. From lunchbox to dry fruits and notebooks to scarves, I've covered it all. This list will help you to cope up with both the worlds, thus ensuring you don't miss out on anything.

So, here are the handbag must-haves, compiled together for you.



COLLEGE NOTEBOOK
If you feel like you can miss out on college during internship, then you are wrong. College is more important than your internship, because education comes beforehand. Make sure you carry a thin notebook to write down notes as and when your professor dictates. I carry my 100 pages notebook, and trust me, it's too light to be real. You can use this Striped Notebook as it is lightweight and pretty.





PEN
As soon as the professor starts dictating notes, there's always some murmuring you can listen to. People are asking for pens. Don't be one of those. Carry your pen as you'll need it for college as well as in your office. This Ball Pen by Parker is gold and absolutely chic.



GLASSES
Carry your glasses or your contact lenses as you'll need them both in college as well as office. Plus, if you have a desk job, your eyes might sore due to the computer. I liked these wayfarer glasses as they're geeky plus smart.



NUTRITION BARS
This is one thing you must, must carry. When you're low on energy or are hungry and broke, these will save you. They're great to munch on while working. If you have a field job, you'll need these. I've always loved carrying Protein Bars as they're sugar-free and taste like coffee mixed with chocolate!



WATER BOTTLE
When you are travelling from college to work, you'll definitely be thirsty. Especially in summer months when your body gets dehydrated, drinking water is absolute must. Plus if you have this stylish bottle, I'm sure you'll want to flaunt it. Water is not just essential while travelling, but also for field and desk work. I hope you've not forgotten the rule of drinking eight glasses of water per day!




LUNCHBOX
I recommend you to carry a lunchbox instead of eating outside every day. Carrying your lunch will keep you stay healthy, save your hard-earned money, plus who knows how clean your office canteen is? I loved this lunchbox set by Milton as it is pink and adorable. I'm sure you'll love it too!



NOTEPAD
For jotting down notes your boss tells you, a notepad is a must. You can either keep it at your desk, or carry it around in your bag. This spiral bound notepad is perfect as it will match with your pen too!


SCARF
There are three important uses of a scarf--1. To protect your face while you travel from college to work, 2. As a style statement, and 3. To wrap around yourself in that surprisingly cold atmosphere of office. My colleague, back then, used to carry a scarf to wrap herself whenever she felt cold.
To make your outfit go from okay to wow, I recommend this leopard printed scarf.



SUNGLASSES
These are optional. If you feel like you need glasses, then you can carry them. After having so many things inside the bag already, I wouldn't have carried a pair of sunnies to add to the weight. But if you're a sunglasses-girl, go ahead! Pack those huge glasses and make the on-goers go wow! P.S., I'm buying these Fastrack sunglasses real soon!




HAND CREAM
This one is a strangely needful item. Hands get so dry due to the air conditioner, you feel like applying something to make things all right. I recommend this Milk & Honey Hand Cream by Oriflame to smell good and soften your hands.



LIP BALM
I'm not a lip-balm girl, but if you are, carry one stick of Maybelline Baby Lips and dab some whenever your lips are out of moisture. I warn you, the air conditioner's gonna suck moisture from those pretty puckers of yours.



MAKEUP
If you're working in a fashion house or in such a company where keeping yourself neat and pretty is one of the unwritten rules, then carry some basic makeup items like Lakme Compact Powder or its Orange Edge lipstick for a quick touch-up.



DRY TISSUES
You'll need pocket tissues while travelling and for cleaning the hands after you're finished secretly eating a pack of Lay's. I bet you know the Tempo Classic Pocket Tissues!



DEODORANT
In summers especially, you'll sweat and the perfume you'd sprayed at morning 6:30 is sure to fade away until you reach office at 11:00. Spritz some deodorant whenever you feel you're stinking! I recommend this sexy and light Avon Little Black Dress deodorant.




NAIL POLISH
And again, if your office demands staying pretty all the time, carry the bottle of the nail polish you are wearing. I loved this shade of Lakme 9 To 5 Nail Color. It's a cute pastel shade and perfect for college as well as work.


 
HAIR TIES
Don't underestimate them. Sometimes the urge will be so much, that you'll miss these badly! Keep at least two of such Metallic Rubber Bands in your bag!


HAND SANITIZER
If you're too lazy to wash your hands, you can use your bottle of hand gel. This sanitizer by Bath and Body Works is to die for!



PLANNER
Don't forget to carry your planner in order to remain updated with what's going on at college during work hours, and what's cooking at the office during college hours. You can plan when to study or do assignments using a planner. Carry a light planner like this one, so that you won't ever keep it out of the bag, considering it useless (and heavy).




PEN-DRIVE
You'll need this little guy in college and work too. And if your colleague has a super awesome collection of movies, you'll definitely want to carry a pen-drive.



BRUSH
If you want your locks to look gorgeous, buy this brush by Roots. It is detachable and is a multi-purpose one. I have it in my makeup pouch and it's a travel size brush!



FACEWASH
You can carry if you want. I never carried one as I was not really bothered. Plus, as soon as I reached office, the air conditioner made me fresh and good to work. If you're looking for which to buy, try this Clean & Clear Face Wash.



MINTS
If the seating is very congested at your office, then you'll need mints after the lunch-break. Sometimes, if you're feeling low, the mint flavour will boost you up. I would recommend the good ol' Orbit--they're good for your teeth too.



EARPHONES
I suggest you to carry a pair of plain black earphones like these by Skullcandy. You'll need them while travelling and at office if ever you have to use music for editing videos or other activities. I always needed earphones for adding music in videos.



MAKEUP POUCH
If you're wondering how all that stuff will fit in your bag, the makeup pouch is your answer. All the makeup items and toiletries will go right in this, and you'll have to just take this to washroom if ever there's an emergency! I liked this sultry pouch by Kanvas Katha--it's huge plus absolutely sexy!



OTHER ESSENTIALS
EXTRA MONEY
Late at night, due to any kind of emergency, you'll have to hire a cab instead of taking the everyday public transport. If that happens, you'll need extra cash. Also, if your colleagues invite you to dinner after work, you should be having some cash at your disposal.

DRY FRUITS
Trust me, these are super-must. They'll give you instant energy and can be filling too. You can either carry them or keep at your desk. And yes, if you are badly craving for some chocolates, there will be nothing better than the dried black currants. Whenever I felt like having chocolates, I munched these and trust me, all the cravings were gone! This is the best way to eat healthy and avoid chocolates! I'd kept a box of these in my desk's drawer.


CANDIES
I always carry candies with me wherever I go. Sometimes, I feel low on sugar and energy. I immediately pop them in my mouth and it feels so good and I'm literally relieved. Remember those candies with a shape that of orange slices? Well those are my favourites.

IDENTITY CARDS
Don't forget to carry your identity cards, both of college and office, if you have one. Also, carry your bus or train season tickets. If you drive to college/job, take the driver's licence and other important documents, if any.


OFFICE TOTE
Finally, to fit all that junk in, you need a large tote. I really liked this Caprese Tote and I have one in similar fashion. Check out this guide for selecting better handbags.


All set for work and wondering what to keep at your office desk? This post is sure to help you: Office Desk Essentials
March 21, 2016 No comments

This is a requested post. My classmate had asked me to write on this one when I told him I was done studying from the two PPTs our professor had mailed us for the internal exam that was yesterday.
There are no serious tips here, but just the procedure I use for studying from the PowerPoint presentations. 


DOWNLOADING PPT(S) AND PUTTING THEM IN FOLDERS
I hate it when the exam material is lying in the Downloads folders, amongst many movies and pictures. I have created a separate folder for my notes in the Documents. Every semester I make new folder. This semester, the name is MACJ Semester II Notes. After creating a folder, I have created more folders in the main folder. I have four subjects, so there are four different folders. Plus, additionally, I have added one for all the Assignments and one for previous years' Question Papers. When you download your PPTs or other study material, segregate them and put them in different folders. An organized folder is gonna keep you stress-free.


MAKING A STUDY SCHEDULE
Once you know how many PPTs of one subject you have to study, open them and check for the slides each one has. Divide the number of slides using this guide--http://goo.gl/HURVxB--and know exactly how many slides to finish studying in one single day.


SPICING UP THE SLIDES
I hate the boring plain coloured slides, or those with some heavy duty colours. I like my PPTs to be pretty, calm, and fun. You can play with colours and fonts of your slides using this guide.


READING SLIDES & MAKING SELF-NOTES
So now the main studying starts. Start reading the slides, preferably on a computer or a laptop. Sit with your self-notes. Whenever you come across anything important, like an important line, a chart, an example, a formula, or simply anything you wanna make a note of, go ahead and write. You can make charts, make distinguish-between columns, add extra information from the net, print extra information and stick, use stick-notes, highlighters, and flags, and make your self-notes readable.

GLANCING THROUGH THE SELF-NOTES
Once you're done reading and writing notes, just glance through whatever you've written. You can add more information if you like. 

READING FOR EXAMS
Finally, when you study the notes one day before the main exam, read thoroughly or casually; the choice is yours. I usually just glance or say aloud the answer without reading the notes. If I can say aloud without seeing, I know I've understood the concept. Here are some tips for the last minute study guide: http://goo.gl/XNMis5

How do you study from PPTs?
xoxo

Also Check Out: How to Study From Printed Notes

March 20, 2016 No comments
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I'm Rutuja, a travel & lifestyle writer and youtuber. I make videos and love to explore the unexplored. Welcome to my blog! Read more about me.

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      • March 2016 Favourites
      • Keeping a Check on Books Lent & Books Borrowed
      • Adding Checkboxes in Question Bank
      • How to Stay Motivated while Studying
      • Bookmarking Extra Study Material
      • Lotus Black Angel Nail Polish Review
      • Handbag Essentials for Interns
      • How to Study from PPTs
      • How to Keep Up With the Instagram Theme
      • How to Create a Blogger Blog
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      • How to Set a Weekly Study Schedule + FREE Printable
      • How to Start a Blog & What to Do after Starting It
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      • How I Stay Organized Using My Planner
      • Notebooks I'm Using this Semester
      • Summer Handbag Essentials for College
      • Sports Schedule on the Wall
      • Huge Makeup Haul
      • Book Review - Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less
      • March 2016 Goals
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