As an avid fan of The Vampire Diaries I have been waiting with barely contained anticipation for the, unfortunately, what is to be the last season of this thrill-inducing show. Season 8 premiers in October and because I was impatient (and missing my weekly dose of Delena scenes) I read a few article about which ship they believed would be endgame. I stumbled upon an article that inspired me to write my own take on the main love triangle in the show. I know this is debate has been going on for as long as TVDhas been airing and even when the books were written by LJ Smith. I haven't completed reading the books yet so my opinion is based solely on the TV show. I would just like to remind anyone commenting/reposting/reading this that offensive comments are not appreciated even if you are defending your OTP and dissing someone's favourite character or actor is rude and usually uncalled for. Now moving onto the debate. I read an article explaining why nine commonly used argument for why Delena would not be a good ship are utterly rubbish. I believe the author was right because a lot of these arguments were completely invalid (The link for the article is at the bottom). I would also like to mention that while I do prefer Delena as a ship I do not hate Stelena. In fact I think they are cute and I ship them but they are not one of my OTPs (and yes I am aware I said one of. I just can't decide). To begin with I would like to address the issue of trust between Damon and Elena in contrast to Stefan and Elena. While Stefan technically didn’t lie to Elena about being a vampire he also tried to conceal for as long as possible; this, of course, is understandable. What person tells their potential crush/love/romantic interest that they are a creature of the night whose species drains people of their blood for survival? However, while Damon doesn't exactly lie to Elena he does conceal the fact that they met first from her. Some of you might argue that it is because he loved her and didn't want her to feel guilty about being with Stefan or because he thought he didn't deserve her but he still concealed the truth from her. Relationships work on trust. However we can all rest assured knowing that Elena also lied to both Salvatore brothers. She lied to Damon when she helped Stefan hide the fact that he had killed Enzo (although if you think about it Enzo was the one who moved out of Stefan's grip) in season 5 episode 19. She lied to Stefan when he came back from his time with Klaus and she pretended that nothing was happening between her and Damon in the end of season 3. My second argument is that many watchers of the show assume that Elena will end up with Stefan because he is the “good” brother; however, let’s not forget that Damon isn’t just the “bad guy”. The Salvatore brothers have complex personalities and both possess equal sides of malevolence and benevolence depending on the occasion. In fact, it appears that when one of them is being the “bad guy” the other is being the “good guy”. When Stefan leaves with Klaus after becoming a ripper; Damon is there to help and protect Elena through the tough time. Although in the beginning Damon threatened to turn Elena into a vampire to get Emily Bennett’s grimoire (spell book) to help rescue Katherine from the tomb and Stefan was the one who protected her. A reason many people use when saying they ship Stelena is that they are cute. Now I understand we all love cute things like me I love cute kittens for example but I don't think that's an actual explanation for why you ship it or why it's better than Delena because a lot of people can tell you that they are cute too. So, therefore, this is not an actual argument and I tend to disregard it whenever it is set during a debate. Don’t you agree? Lastly, considering that this is also vital to the building of a long term relationship I would like to focus on each couples communication skills or lack of thereof. It is stated on more than one occasion that Damon and Elena have a connection, an understanding that helps them to communicate without words and only with looks or simple gestures. However it appears that the same cannot be said for Stefan and Elena as it seems that they miscommunicate the wrong idea to each other more often than they actually communicate effectively. Many times during season 4 Stefan pressures Elena into adopting his “animal diet”. However good his intentions it still does not change the fact that it made Elena feel as if she had to lie to keep his respect and her place on the pedestal that Stefan had erected her on. The same cannot be said for Damon and Elena because, as I mentioned above, Damon understood Elena’s struggle and tried to help her through moderation not abstaining completely (opinions on whether this was a better solution or not are for another argument). During the funeral when he helps her with her “throwing up blood” problem, it showcases their connection so well. This is why I believe that Damon and Elena communicate better than Stefan and Elena. That is, of course, not to disrespect the epic love that Stefan and Elena shared for the first two seasons. They might not have Damon and Elena’s wordless understanding but their immediate chemistry from their first scene as Elena bumps into Stefan as she exits the boys’ bathroom made, us fans, ship them from the beginning. In conclusion, I think that neither of the Salvatores is essentially “better” for Elena but that each of them helped her in the time that she needed them the most and that it is up to each viewer to judge whichever brother is more suited to being with Elena. Link for Article; 9 arguments against DE that don’t make sense: http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/damon-and-elena/articles/81318/title/9-crimes-nine-arguments-against-de-dont-make-sense
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Omg! This is super helpful
HOLLA i get like 746 asks per week about bullet journals so i thought i would compile a bunch of resources here 4 u lovely people ~ these are for the people who have never heard about bullet journaling, for the people that want to try it, or for the people who have been doing it for months :]
tutorial set ups
set up by @ studyign
official bullet journal site
set up by @ littlestudyspot
set up by @ ir-studyblr
set up by @ caffeinatedcraziness
set up by @ ambivity
set up by @ study-timeeee
set up by @ stemstudy
set up by @ staticsandstationary
set up by @ future-slp
set up by @ deinterlacing
set up by @ scriptsandthings
set up by @ mestudyblr
set up by @ organizeandstudy
set up by @ kingofwands
set up by @ study-for-your-future
set up by @ studygains
set up by @ lucidtransparency
cute spread insp
color coded n fun
neat n minimalistic
colorful n crafty
divider tabs in use
simple n v cute
pocket b journal
using diff methods
artsy n organized
so many highlighters
bright n super neat
lots of doodles
page/list ideas
some of my pages
v nice weekly spreads
tips on it lookin cute
printable spreads
study schedules
whole bunch of em
health trackers
study check calendar
tips on inspiration
manage the future
expenses / spreads
other jounals
sketchbook/journal ideas
journal/planner inspiration
+ masterposts
productive summer
succeed @ school
ap world history
web resources
ap psychology
ace ur exams
stress reliefs
essay writin
printables
supplies
sat help
hope this was helpful xoxo sareena
PARMESAN & GARLIC LINGUINE
CREAMY PESTO SHRIMP PASTA
SMOKED OYSTERS, CLAMS, AND COCKLES LINGUINE
SPICY CHORIZO TOMATO LINGUINE
Italian Seafood Linguine
garlic butter white wine shrimp linguine
creamy prawn (shrimp) and mushroom linguine
TOFU & ARTICHOKE SCAMPI
TOMATO LINGUINE WITH BASIL & BURRATA
One Pan Creamy Parmesan Linguine with Shrimp
Follow for recipes
Get your FoodFfs stuff here
i found this super helpful so I thought I’d share
I’ve decided to do a sleep masterpost, because people are always saying that you need to sleep early so you can wake up early, but if you’re like me and have insomnia, sleeping early is not always an option. This masterpost is supposed to help you sleep.
Stick to a sleeping schedule: always go to bed and get up at the same time every day, including weekends,
Avoid naps: I know how naps can be a gift of God, but napping during the day make it more difficult to sleep at night. If you really need a nap, limit it to 30 mins before 3:00PM.
Get regular exercise: exercise can improve symptoms of insomnia, but it’s not a quick fix. Aim for 30 mins or more of exercise every day, but not too close to bedtime.
Avoid late meals: Try to avoid heavy, rich foods within two hours before bed. Fatty foods can take a lot of work for your stomach to digest. Spicy foods can cause heartburn.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine: Stop drinking caffeinated beverages at least eight hours before bed. While alcohol can make you feel sleepy, it interferes with the quality of your sleep, and nicotine is a stimulant.
Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool: Noise, light, and heat can interfere with sleep. Try using a sound machine or earplugs to hide outside noise, an open window or fan to keep the room cool, and blackout curtains or a sleep mask to block out light.
Avoid stimulating activity and stressful situations before bedtime: This includes vigorous exercise, big discussions or arguments, or catching up on work. Instead, focus on quiet, soothing activities, such as reading, knitting, or listening to soft music, while keeping lights low.
Turn off screens one hour before bedtime: The light emitted from TV, tablets, smartphones, and computers suppresses your body’s production of melatonin and can severely disrupt your sleep. Instead of emailing, texting, watching TV, or playing video games, try listening to a book on tape, a podcast, or reading by a soft light.
Abdominal breathing: Breathing deeply and fully, involving not only the chest, but also the belly, lower back, and ribcage, can help relaxation. Close your eyes and take deep, slow breaths, making each breath even deeper than the last. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Progressive muscle relaxation: Make yourself comfortable. Starting with your feet, tense the muscles as tightly as you can. Hold for a count of 10, and then relax. Continue to do this for every muscle group in your body, working your way up from your feet to the top of your head.
Mindfulness meditation: (This one is my favorite one) Sit quietly and focus on your natural breathing and on the way your body feels in the moment. Allow thoughts and emotions to come and go without judgment, always returning to focus on breath and your body.
Piano at 3pm (instrumental)
Meditation/sleep/study/yoga (white sounds)
Amazing classics (instrumental)
Nature Escape (white sounds)
City wanderer (instrumental)
Sweetest Female Vocals (acoustic)
I only have an Iphone, so these apps are the ones I found at the App Store.
Sleep Cycle alarm clock.
Digipill - Sleep, Relaxation and Mindfulness.
Stop, Breathe & Think.
Headspace
i’ve compiled a masterpost of tips that i have reblogged over the past few months and i thought it would be easier to have it all in one place. none of these posts are by me! huge thanks to everyone that has created these tips.
finals: survival guide for the brave
pennyfynotes’ guide to exam season
study tips for exams
tips for doing well on exams
how to accept and grow from failure
how to avoid education burnout
how to be an efficient test-taker
how to cope with exams
how to get straight a’s
how to get straight a’s 2
how to overcome failure
how to study effectively
how to study as a busy student
how to study when you don’t want to
how to utilise your studyblr
how to do well in a class taught by a crappy teacher
improve your handwriting
improve your life
5 easy productivity tips
7 productivity tips
productivity 101
the no bullshit guide to getting your shit together
4 tips for delivering a perfect presentation
a self care masterpost to help you get through school
school cheat sheet
back to school
back to school advice
habits of successful students
search google like a pro
useful things for those going back 2 school
6 things people don’t always tell you about studying
effective note taking
memory tips
my 3 steps in studying
memorisation tips for different types of learners
random study tips
study habits
study methods
study smarter
study tips
strategies for writing good conclusions
things not to do when studying
tips + tricks for learning a language
types of study breaks for every situation
unconventional study tips
when to use
work smarter, not harder
four rules for a disciplined life
self discipline tips
self soothing techniques
small gestures of self-love
tips on how to get up earlier if you aren’t a morning person
thought this might be of help
How to care for cuts
How to care for burns
Helping to calm down: 1, 2, 3
Alternatives to self-harm
Natural antidepressants
How to fade and cover scars
What to say when someone sees
Helpful websites
Tips for stopping
Suicidal?
Friend self-harms?
Anxiety
How to tell someone
Hotlines
Notetaking
Sound Note - take notes while you record audio
Evernote - notetaking that syncs across platforms
Paper 53 - minimal notetaking that syncs
Microsoft OneNote - collaboration and syncing, best for Office users
Google Keep - jot things down, best for Google suite users
Notability - take notes and annotate PDFs
Mindly - create mind maps
Day One - a digital journal
Flash Cards
Quizlet - the quintessential flash card app
StudyBlue - another commonly used app
Cram - best for its “cram mode”
Eidetic - uses spaced repetition for effective memorization
Planner
My Study Life - schedules, tasks, reminders, and more
StudyCal - keeps track of tasks, exams, and grades
24me - automated reminders and event planning
iStudiez - schedule and prioritized task list
Google Calendar - a calendar, best for Google users
Glass Planner - a calendar and to do list with incredible functionality
To Do List
Clear - organized to-do and reminders
MinimaList - simple to-do and focus timer
Trello - collaborative project organizer
Todoist - clean and functional task manager
Default notes app on your phone
Time Management
Forest - plant trees by staying focused
Pomotodo - pomodoro timer with to-do list
Timeglass - custom timers
Tide - pomodoro with white noise
Alarmy - forces you out of bed
Pillow - smart alarm that tracks sleep cycles
Productivity
Workflow - automate tasks
Habitica - turn your habits into an RPG
Continuo - simple, colorful activity tracking
Freedom - block distracting apps
Free Learning
Coursera - free MOOCs
TED - listen to Ted Talks
Duolingo - language learning
Memrise - spaced repetition language vocabulary
Khan Academy - free video lessons
Ambient Noise
8tracks - curated playlists
Spotify - online music streaming
Coffitivity - cafe ambience
Noisli - background sound generator
Rain Rain - rain sounds
Binaural - binaural beats
Health
Rockin Ramen - recipes based on ramen
MealBoard - meal planning
Lifesum - healthy eating
Stop Breath And Think - mindfulness meditation
Pacifica - mental health management
Sworkit - personalized video workouts
Waterlogged - hydration tracker
Reference
WolframAlpha - Google on steroids
Oxford Dictionary - all of English at your fingertips
RefMe - citation generator
PhotoMath - solve math problems by taking a photo
Mathway - step by step math help
Desmos - free graphing calculator
Wikipedia - not the best source, but it’s handy
Miscellaneous
Companion - stay safe when walking alone
Mint - money management
Toshl - finance manager
Tiny Scanner - scan documents
i found this very helpful for my English narrative assignment and i thought i’d reblog it to help someone else out
Want to create a religion for your fictional world? Here are some references and resources!
General:
General Folklore
Various Folktales
Heroes
Weather Folklore
Trees in Mythology
Animals in Mythology
Birds in Mythology
Flowers in Mythology
Fruit in Mythology
Plants in Mythology
Folktales from Around the World
Africa:
Egyptian Mythology
African Mythology
More African Mythology
Egyptian Gods and Goddesses
The Gods of Africa
Even More African Mythology
West African Mythology
All About African Mythology
African Mythical Creatures
Gods and Goddesses
The Americas:
Aztec Mythology
Haitian Mythology
Inca Mythology
Maya Mythology
Native American Mythology
More Inca Mythology
More Native American Mythology
South American Mythical Creatures
North American Mythical Creatures
Aztec Gods and Goddesses
Asia:
Chinese Mythology
Hindu Mythology
Japanese Mythology
Korean Mythology
More Japanese Mythology
Chinese and Japanese Mythical Creatures
Indian Mythical Creatures
Chinese Gods and Goddesses
Hindu Gods and Goddesses
Korean Gods and Goddesses
Europe:
Basque Mythology
Celtic Mythology
Etruscan Mythology
Greek Mythology
Latvian Mythology
Norse Mythology
Roman Mythology
Arthurian Legends
Bestiary
Celtic Gods and Goddesses
Gods and Goddesses of the Celtic Lands
Finnish Mythology
Celtic Mythical Creatures
Gods and Goddesses
Middle East:
Islamic Mythology
Judaic Mythology
Mesopotamian Mythology
Persian Mythology
Middle Eastern Mythical Creatures
Oceania:
Aboriginal Mythology
Polynesian Mythology
More Polynesian Mythology
Mythology of the Polynesian Islands
Melanesian Mythology
Massive Polynesian Mythology Post
Maori Mythical Creatures
Hawaiian Gods and Goddesses
Hawaiian Goddesses
Gods and Goddesses
Creating a Fantasy Religion:
Creating Part 1
Creating Part 2
Creating Part 3
Creating Part 4
Fantasy Religion Design Guide
Using Religion in Fantasy
Religion in Fantasy
Creating Fantasy Worlds
Beliefs in Fantasy
Some superstitions:
Read More
hey guys !! this is my first masterpost hahaha exciting so exams are coming up soon (for me), aka those early may dates.. here is just a bunch of resources that i found !!
study tips 101
i have terrible memory! how do i study? by @estudying
conquering procrastination by @studybudyblr
how to stay focused, motivated, and on track by @briellestudies
how to study for math by @enfpfocustudyblr (making a math masterpost soon)
focus and motivation by @katsdesk
study methods by @heystudy
“the oh god it’s the night before the exam” by @renaistudying
another test is tomorrow by @getstudyblr
stress help by @highschoolering
101 study tips by @study-early
6 things people don’t tell you about studying by @behindonstudying
ap testing tips by @katsdesk
3 steps in studying by @milkystudies
studying from ..
how to study from textbooks by @strive-for-da-best
four steps to reading textbooks by @kimberlystudies
lecture notes by @strive-for-da-best
revision notes by @raistudy
how to: flashcards by @pseudocodead
more flashcards by @studydiaryofamedstudent
how do i study ?? / being organized
study schedule by @mindofamedstudent
pomodoro printable by @cmpsbls
printables masterpost by @studie-s
vocab and formulas printables by @studeyh
how to maintain good notes by @skeletonstudy
typing notes by @study-well
colorcoding by @kimberlystudies
highlighting by @studygene
highlighting pt 2 by @ayetstudies
how to use sticky notes by @etudiance
organized study spaces by @etudiance
sketches for notes by @staedtlers-and-stabilos
how to revise by @youaretheairinmyalveoli
if any of these links are broken, please message me so i can update it. hope you find these helpful !!
- xoxo j
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