Happy Valentine's Day

"But you always were wrong: only I can't help loving you."

- George Eliot, Middlemarch

how to learn new content and never forget it

save this for your next academic year and finals, and it’ll save your grades and time.

1. whenever you read a paragraph with new content, close the book/look away and ask yourself: “what have i just learned?” explaining the concept to yourself right away and asking follow-up questions will change the way you retain new material forever.

2. at first, it’ll be daunting, and it’ll be pretty hard to actually bring yourself to do this. trust me, it’ll be worth it - as this is scientifically proven one of the most effective study techniques.

3. to try this out, set yourself a timer for how long you estimate learning a concept might take. now take away 20% from that estimate. you won’t be able to reach this goal with basic highlighting and re-reading techniques - but with active recall, you will.

4. once you’ve understood the concept, use spaced repetition systems like anki flashcards to force yourself to retrieve this information in a set period of time. this way, your brain will always be reminded of this concept before it could possibly forget it.

5. teach it to others as much as you can. as with the old wisdom “see one, do one, teach one”, one of the only guarantees you’ve really gotten something is when you can effectively teach it.

hope these are helpful for you!!

more content like this on my instagram, @softmedstudent

shadow and substance

can someone tell me where to find a Christmas village

the future is unknown

yet ignorance is bliss

Awww, warm hugs to the lovely @fenoy7!!

Also hugs to all my gorgeous mutuals: @skinnydiariesxoxo @macademia-blog @fictionalaffection @orphic-studies @schwarze-cat @kant-getenoughofyou @somberscribbles

Hug time! Pass this around and hug whoever you think is an amazing mutual 🎉🌹

@emoscot @laismoura-art @scentedcandleibex and the person who sent this ask!

frantic writing and study halls

dark academia / winter capsule wardrobe

tops

• a black turtleneck. preferably cotton or cashmere.

• a white collared shirt. silk, cotton or linen.

• a dressier top. something to wear with jeans when having poetry nights with your friends; i would still advise to go for black, but the style can be more extravagant – puff sleeves, maybe?

• a basic long-sleeved t-shirt. choose a dark, muted colour or go for black.

• an oversized knit. white, grey or black; wool is best at keeping you warm.

• basic knit. possibly black; doesn’t have to be boring in style – could be a wrap cardigan, a turtle or mock-neck, balloon-sleeved…

bottoms

• a pair of black straight-leg jeans. stick to 100% cotton.

• a pair of black or dark grey trousers. wool or cotton is good.

• a black skirt. mini or midi; wool is, again, great for winter, but anything will do.

dresses

• a long-sleeved little black dress. pick a style you like, be it frilly or clean cut.

• a dark knit dress. just try to stay away from acrylic & polyester, they won’t keep you warm.

underwear

• a few pairs of bras. go for neutral colours & comfort.

• enough underpants. black or baby pink lace is always nice; cotton is good.

• different types of socks. black & white, thick & thin; make sure your ankles are covered.

• black tights. they keep your legs warm when you wear a skirt or a dress.

jewellery

choose gold or silver, whichever suits you best, & stick to it.

• two dainty necklaces. you can wear them on their own of stacked together.

• a few rings. one bigger & more interesting, the rest more minimal to complement the more intriguing piece.

• a pair of everyday earrings & a more elegant pair. if you wear earrings; make sure both pairs fit your other jewellery.

accessories

• an over-the-shoulder leather bag. black or brown; it should fit your school papers & at least a few extra books.

• a small bag for special occasions. whatever style you like; it should go together with your little black dress & fit at least a lipstick & everything you might need at a party – a tiny bottle of vodka & a small notebook?

• a black or checkered (but dark in colour) umbrella. for those beautifully gloomy, rainy days.

• a leather belt. black or brown, depending on the colour of your bag & shoes.

• a scrunchie. black velvet or white satin.

shoes

• a pair of black or brown boots. either a chelsea boot or a dr. martens type shoe; these should be the same colour as your everyday bag.

• a menswear-inspired shoe. should match your bag; oxfords, brogues, derbys…

• occasion footwear. type depends on your style; could be heeled ankle boots, pumps, ankle-strap heels, loafers, ballerinas or even the same derby shoes from the previous point.

outerwear

• a long woollen coat. preferably black; could also be a checkered dark grey.

• a tweed jacket or checkered blazer. in grey or brown tones; could be worn under the oversized coat for added warmth.

• a pair of mittens. in a dark colour; maybe a friend or a lover knitted them for you?

• a big long scarf. matches the mittens; favour natural materials for warmth.

cashmere and forgotten love letters

"All that we see or seem

Is but a dream within a dream."

- Edgar Allan Poe