Some Eldritch Blasts

some eldritch blasts

You're not always going to be motivated. So you must learn to be disciplined.

having online friends who are busy is just like. I LOVE YOU. I miss you. YOU GOT THIS. I'm giving you space to work. I LOVE YOU.

hello all! i have written quite a few research papers during my time in university, and these are some of the tips and tricks i’ve used while writing! (disclaimer: these are from the perspective of a history and spanish major so the process may be different for other majors and of course everyone is different! this is just what helps me)

1. spend time at the library

this is the most important tip in this post, hence its spot as number 1. not only is it great to spend time writing in the library to help you focus, but there are countless resources at your university’s library that will help you write the paper. depending on your university, you may have archives, an extensive array of books on the subject, and staff members specifically hired to help students do research. take advantage of these resources!

2. write an outline

having an outline is immensely helpful while writing a research paper. it helps you organize your thoughts and write more cohesively, especially when the paper is 8+ pages long. another important part of outlines is coming up with a clear thesis before you start writing so research is guided by a main point. 

3. go to your professor’s office hours

going to office hours can be helpful in multiple ways. your prof can help you identify a topic, can read over a rough draft, and give you research tips. as professors, they have done research themselves and can help point you in the right direction. plus, professors love when students visit their office hours because a majority of their students don’t, so your professor will appreciate it!

4. give yourself time to revise a rough draft

including myself, we have all procrastinated. the last couple years of school have been really hard, so don’t blame yourself if you find yourself behind on your work. but, if you can, writing a rough draft ahead of time and working on the paper throughout the semester can make the final product so much better! try to find a friend (or your professor!^) to read the rough draft to get multiple eyes on the paper. some professors will even require that you submit a rough draft for the class.

5. do research at an archive

obviously this is not possible for every paper you’re assigned in college. but, if it’s for an important class for your major, doing research in person at an archive can make your paper unique and make you stand out. find a local institution or your university’s archives and see if they have any sources relevant to your topic. then, make an appointment or just show up (depending on their policy) and gain access to archival materials!

Femme Fatale Guide: Products & Services Worth The Splurge

Fashion:

A great couple of bras in black/nude (your best skin-toned shade)

Comfortable, breathable, and seamless underwear

Outerwear (Coats, jackets, blazers)

The perfect pair of jeans

An LBD that works from day to night

Comfortable, sturdy, sleek, and timeless footwear (a versatile black boot, a black heel, white sneaker, and a black flat/loafer/sandal)

A timeless and versatile crossbody or shoulder bag (a larger one for the daytime/work or school and a smaller one for nighttime/events)

One or two well-made classic jewelry item(s)

A conversation-starting item or accessory

Beauty:

Sunscreen

Any skincare/skin cosmetic products that are game-changers for you

A quality hair brush, comb, and hair towel

Your signature scent

A quality razor/hair removal product

Vitamin C/Retinol serums

Reliable hair tools and sturdy nail tools

A quality hair heat protectant/scalp cleansing or conditioning spray

Makeup brushes and beauty tool cleaners

Home:

Lamps/lighting

Couch/desk chair

Everything for your bed: Bed frame, mattress/sheets/pillows, etc.

Knives

Dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe dishes & cups you love

A full-length mirror

Vacuum

Storage solutions/cedar blocks or moth balls

Quality holders for everything: Paper towels, shower storage, hooks, mailbox/key bowls

Name brand paper products/household cleaners

Electric toothbrush & Waterpik

Sound-proof headphones/Airpods

MacBook Air

Health & Wellness:

High-quality lettuce and/or sprouts

Organic frozen fruits and vegetables (if fresh is too pricey)

BPA-free canned goods

Potassium bromate & glyphosate-free grain products

Snacks free of artificial colors

Quality coffee

An at-home massage tool/heating pad

Fur products for skin/hair removal

Vitamin C/Retinol serums

Quality running shoes

Anything that goes near your vulva or into the vagina: Sex toys, lube, condoms, toy cleaners, pads/tampons/menstrual cups, cleansing wipes, etc.

A yoga mat, resistance band, and a pair of small ankle weights

Spotify subscription

Books and audiobooks

Services:

Therapy

A top-tier haircut

House cleaning (even if it's only once every couple of months)

Top-tier hair removal/brow maintenance services of your choice

Best doctors, dentists, OB/GYN, and dermatologists you can get

At least one personal training/styling session in your life

Professional/Social:

Ownership of the domain for your full legal/professional name and/or business name

A CPA/bookkeeper/fiduciary financial advisor

Automation workflow/content management system software

A lawyer for contract review/LLC services

Personalized stationery/"Thank You" cards

Memorable client gifting for the holidays/milestone successes

Niche skill-based certifications (Google, AWS, Hubspot, etc.) or courses made by trusted professionals in your field

Subscriptions in world-leading and industry-authority digital publications

I hope everyone grows tired of being cruel to each other soon