How To Ace Your Final Exams

OH MY GOSH MY FINAL EXAMS START ON MONDAY AND I AM FREAKING OUT!
Raise your hand if this sounds familiar. Well, before you turn to coffee, late night cramming and hardcore procrastination - take a deep breath and read this post.

1. Make a study schedule
Before you get stuck into your exam prep, make a study schedule. Make a note of what you need to learn for each of your subjects, and how much time you need for each subject. Think about allocating more time for subjects you might not be as good at. Plan out when you're going to study, and specifically what subjects you're going to study when. Don't forget to include time for snack/youtube/read this blog breaks. This might seem like a bit of trek - but its worth it! Promise!

2. Learn how you learn
In order to study effectively, you've got to study the way you learn. Theres a whole bunch of quizzes you can do online that will tell you your learn, but this one comes up first on Google, so obviously its super professional! Check it out here, http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire

The types of learning are visual, aural, reading/writing, and kinaesthetic. So obviously if you're a visual learner you want to be looking at diagrams, aural learners will learn from speaking things, reader/writers can write notes, and kinaesthetic have to get moving!

I'm a bit of all of them, but I learn best from writing, so I make notes for most of my subjects.

3.  Quiz yourself
I find that quizzing myself is one of the most effective ways to learn content. Get some little notecards, like the kind you use for palm cards. Write a question on one side, and the answer on the other side. Borrow a family member and get them to quiz you, or just quiz yourself. It's a really good way to check how well you know your content, and an even better way to learn the content you don't know!

4. Take exercise breaks

Can I just put it out there - focussing for a long time is very very hard. So hard. It's so important to break it up. I normally study for around an hour on a subject, then take a 10 to 15 minute break. I'll be honest, in that 10 to 15 minutes all I want to do is hang out on Instagram. From experience, its so much better to drag yourself out of that desk chair! Get moving! I love to bring out my hula hoop, do some star jumps, or even stretching and yoga. That little bit of physical activity will help you focus on your study when you get back to it.

5. Eat Lo Gi
Lo Gi foods have a really slow release of energy, so they will keep you going for longer. These foods should be your go to foods on the days you have your exams, as they won't leave you with that dazed hungry feeling. Some examples of Lo Gi foods are oats, grain breads, peas, corn, carrot, mushroom, tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, chocolate, apples, strawberries, oranges, milk and yoghurt. Get creative and cook up some delicious lo gi food!

There are my study tips! I hope they've been helpful for you. I wish you all the best of luck in your exams, remember not to stress out. Be well prepared, and walk into that exam room with your head held high. Sadly, you won't be hearing from me next Tuesday as I'll be buried to deep into the exam hole to dig myself out and write this blog. But no worries because I am so so so excited for what is coming, and you should be too. Lastly, DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY BY FOLLOWING ON BLOGLOVIN AND INSTAGRAM! COMP IS DRAWN 3RD OF NOVEMBER X

Symmetry

Savannah Wears

Necklace - Thomas Sabo

Top - Surry Hills Markets

Skort - Princess Polly

Shoes - Rubi (not pictured)

What a week! Since we last spoke I've accomplished many great achievements. I've been more sick than I think I've ever been in my life, I've watched an entire season of Offspring, and I've spent more time on the couch than any other piece of furniture in my home. Solid effort Sav.
But in the midst of it all, I realized that I do not post as many outfits as I used to - and I miss it! I really do. So, here you go.

I found this skort in the city a few months ago, and I just had to have it! You know how it is. I just love the lines and symmetry, that the print creates. I paired it with this little white shirt, that I scored at Surry Hills markets a few weekends ago. It's quite minimalistic, but the little zig zag pattern puts a unique spin on it. Its cropped too, which I thought was quite interesting. 

I wore this little outfit to high tea over the weekend. My Grandma treated us girls to little cakes and other goodies. What a babe! Here's a little piccy from the afternoon. 

More Offspring awaits! 'Till next week we can chat on Instagram @zolablog :)

Click here to follow on Bloglovin' x

How To Op Shop Like a Pro

ITS TUESDAY! My blissful holiday of adventure has come to a close, and its back to the books with finals in less than a month. I'm hoping your first day wasn't as much of a slap in the face as mine, and if it was, I'm about to make it a whole lot better by enlightening you with my Op Shopping tips. Lets get started!

1. Think about your timing

Op Shops rely on donated items, so obviously stock doesn't come in as regularly as other shops. So, you're likely to find the most stock after a lot of people have donated stuff. I'd say the best time of year is around spring, because everyone is doing their spring cleaning. If you want to get serious, the best day to Op shop is supposedly a Tuesday. This is because everyone cleans out on weekends, and the monday is spent sorting the clothes.  

2. Go Op Shopping in cool places
This one is a serious key to success. The Op shops with the coolest clothes are always the ones where the fashionable people live. For example, some areas I know in Sydney include Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, and Glebe. I also really love the Op shops in Avalon and Manly. You can find all the Op Shops in Australia on this website, http://www.opshop.org/ .




3. Take a bag
I know all my favourite Op shops are always short on bags. Often when you buy something, there won't be a bag available for you, so play it safe and bring a little tote bag when you go on an Op shopping trip. 




4. Be nice to the volunteers
My lovely Op Shop buddies Aimee, and Caitlyn. 
This is just a general ethics one, but its super important! All the people that work in Op shops are 100% volunteers. Their often super cute old ladies, actually. So be friendly and polite!




5. Look thoroughly 

Op shops can have a tonne of stock, and their not usually as well set out as your average store. Go ahead and get in the spirit by taking the time to dig through the racks. You're sure to find something awesome. 

6. Go out of your comfort zone

An Op shop is probably a place you wouldn't normally shop, so don't be afraid to go for things you wouldn't normally wear. Try finding some vintage, and brands you wouldn't normally go for. Make sure you try whatever it is on first though!

7. Get creative!

One of the reasons op shopped pieces are so cool are you can make them totally your own. Often I find amazing fabrics, cool accessories and fun styles, but something just isn't quite right. This is where you can get creative! Think as big or small as you like, and don't forget to have fun with it. Try bringing out the sewing kit, a pair of scissors or even dye. You could even just style something a little differently. For example, I scored the cutest pair of shorts from an Op shop in the holidays. They were wayyyyy long, and I never would've worn them, but with just a few rolls around the bottom they were transformed into a cute boyfriend short! For only $9!

8. Don't forget to look at the rest of the shop
You'll probably head out on an Op shopping excursion with clothes in mind, but don't forget the other sections! When we went Op shopping, my friend Aimee turned to me and said 'what I love about Op shopping is you never know what your going to find!'. It is so true! You'll often find a treasure trove of books, shoes, and jewellery. I even found some records! 

9. Don't give up

If your Op shopping trip isn't a success, don't give up! Op shops have new stock coming in all the time, and honestly it's not very consistent. Sometimes I'll go op shopping and want to buy everything, and other times there's nothing that catches my eye. If you don't find anything, make sure you go back. It might also be a good idea to try your luck at a different shop.

10. Think about donating

Op shopping is so much fun, but it wouldn't work without donated items. If you're in the mood for a wardrobe/room clean out, sort your good quality things into a bag and take it down to your local Op shop. You can donate pretty much anything from wetsuits, to those old High School Musical DVD's. Plus, all the money made on the things you donate goes to charity! #winning

So there you have it! Happy Op shopping!

P.S. My Instagram has been going crazy over the past few days, so a shoutout to my new followers! If you want to join the party follow me @zolablog

P.P.S. If you haven't entered my giveaway yet, your missing out!! Keep scrolling for all the details x

ZOLA'S FIRST BIRTHDAY // GIVEAWAY

I AM SO EXCITED.

Just to put it out there. Today marks the 1st birthday of Zola Blog. Since my humble beginnings of fashion photos taken in my backyard, I've had a year of amazing growth and enjoyed every minute of it.

As much time as I put into my blog, its really nothing without my amazing readers! You all mean the world to me, and today I am saying thank you with a GIVEAWAY! Woo!

This bad boy features a whole bunch of my favourite products, that I've hand picked just for you! Two classic striped tapes, from Typo, A Born Lippy in watermelon, from The Body Shop, A triangle ring from Lovisa, 5 mini blocks of white chocolate, An aqua nail polish from Sportsgirl, and an awesome holographic clutch from Lovisa! What more could a girl want!

Entering is easy as 1, 2, 3.
1. Follow Zola Blog on Bloglovin here
    OR 
    Subscribe to Zola Blog by Email, by typing your email into the box on the left, and opening the confirmation           email
2. Follow @zolablog on Instagram here

3. Post the photo below, and tag @zolablog #zolagiveaway

The winner will be selected randomly, and announced on the 4th of November. So good luck everyone! And have a fab week x

Blue Sky Shenanigans

Its been 23 days since we let go of Winter, and ever since the season changed I've been desperate for beach days, and with the start of these holidays, they've finally started! Over the weekend, my gal pals and I celebrated the start of the blissful holiday period in the sunshine, with bare feet (and sunscreen! #whitegirl #iburnsoeasily #faketanrepping)

The water in Sydney is sitting at a... refreshing 18 degrees, so at the moment the swimming is only for the hardcore, and the proud owners of wetsuits. After a bit of a picnic feast, we decided to do a little exploring/photography. Instead of the surprise attack selfies that are currently spamming my snapchat (you know who you are.), I thought I'd kick it up a notch with some shots from our blue sky shenanigans. Enjoy!

Have a great holiday week everyone! Keep your eyes peeled for next weeks post - THE GIVEAWAY IS COMING!!

Hair Inspiration

Looking back on this now it seems I may have gone a little overboard with the amount of images I included in this post...I just love these inspiration posts! As you can see, this weeks post features the most inspiring hair images I could find. A little something for everyone I feel! There is just so much you can do with your hair - especially if it's straight. I envy you!

Braids are one of my best friends, because my hair is layered. There are so many amazing different braids out there, and many of them are easier than you might think. Master a simple french braid, and the only way is up!

Another hair trend I'm loving at the moment is coloured hair! Especially pale purples/pinks, and dark red/browns. I've been dreaming of a little Ariana Grande/Jenny Gross (Winners and Losers! Best show!!) inspired red hair. I thought it would be fun to try out a little bit of red for summer, which really, is just around the corner! (Ok, maybe I'm being a little optimistic, I'm sitting at my desk in summer PJs, cocooned in 3 blankets)

The number one hairstyle I just can't get over is the bob. After my frizztastic bob of 2006, the bob has made a rather stylish comeback. The reason I love it over the typical long straight hair is its utter versatility! A bob can be any length within the ear to shoulder sort of range, and can be casual, formal, or anything in between. My favourites are the longer bobs, with the loose salt spray look. Another massive upside for this cut is that its totally achievable for most hair types. Just a quick chop, a spriz of salt spray and you're done.

If you like these photos, and want to see more, be sure to follow my tumblr for a indie, fashionable mess. Have a great week xx

P.S. Let me know what you think of the red hair in the comments below/on Instagram! (@zolablog)

Disclaimer: None of these amazing photos are mine. I don't take any credit for them, but rather give all credit to the rightful owners :)

Peace, Love, Bart Simpson.

Beanie - Rubi Shoes
Choker - Tropix
Top (Worn Under) - Big W
Shirt - Glebe Markets
Jeans - Cotton On
Shoes - Converse
Watch - Ice

After last weeks semi-sunny bliss, Sydney weather has hurtled all too quickly toward a full on freeze. On Saturday our plans for a Spring Fair were washed (Or should I say flooded...) out. Beanies were in order. I teamed my much loved mustard beanie with this new find from Glebe Markets. To be perfectly honest, I was never even allowed to watch the Simpsons, but I just couldn't go past this print! Isn't it just so much fun!? My classic black jeans and trusty Converse finished it off, for this easy look.

We spent the afternoon at the mall crushing over new season shorts and sun dresses as it continued to pour. We also often go on a hunt for the ugliest piece of clothing or accessory we can find. This time we selected a dress from a store that will remain unnamed. It had much likeness to a black garbage bag, only with a lower cut... Enjoy that mental image.

Apart from that I've had a rather long week, as the count down toward holidays begins. It's 11 days people. Lately, I've spent much of my time reading my ever growing book stack (it now rests at 6...), enjoying endless rainbow Snapchats, and contemplating applying for a summer job. Much stress on the last one. I've seriously been asking every wise person I know whether I should get a job. If you're feeling particularly wise feel free to add your opinions in the comments below!

This post is quickly turning toward a full blown verbal vomit session, so I'll leave it with this one last crucial detail. Tomorrow marks the first Revolution Red Campaign. It's an event run by The Roar Effect, which aims to eradicate youth suicide by the year 2020 by sharing hope. This is such a great campaign, and you can support it by wearing a little red. Even if it's just a red ribbon with your school uniform, or a red pair of socks; it's saying 'I have hope that we can and will eradicate youth suicide'. For full details check out The Roar Effect website and follow @theroareffect on Instagram. 

Don't forget to follow on Bloglovin x