The Burns Effect

Best & Worst Books of 2016

I am a bookworm, through and through. There's nothing like picking up a good 'ole book and getting lost in it for the day. Rain, shine, snow, or hail - I'll always have a book with me. Last year, I set a goal on Goodreads to read at least 20 books. Proudly, I read 22. This year, I set a goal of 30, which I just hit. I'm currently reading Rush (Breathless, #1) by Maya Banks, so I might hit 31 books before the year is officially over.
Now, you might be thinking that these goals are nothing. Regardless, I'm proud of myself because of how much I forced myself to read, despite having such a busy schedule. During 2017, I plan to read at least 40 books. While I do have a busy schedule, I do recognize that I find time to watch Netflix and Hulu, so there isn't really an excuse for me to not reach my book goal. So, my goal is to limit my screen time and substitute it for reading time.
Now let's get to it. Here are my favorite (and least favorite) books that I read this year. It's a mix of romance, crime, thriller, erotica, and action. Feel free to follow me on Goodreads.

Most Favorite

My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix This book was unbelievably unique and awesome; it kept my attention throughout the entire thing. It's a little bit (ahem -- a lot of bit) crazy, full of suspense, and will really have you anxiously waiting to see what happens next; nevertheless, it's worth it. Do not let the title or cover fool you. This is a book that you definitely will want to read. The Pact by Jodi Picoult This was another book that will have you anxious to see what happens next. It's a peculiar case of loving someone too much, and Jodi definitely hit it right on the head. It took me forever to finish reading this one, though, but that was my own fault (seriously, guys, college is a *insert profanity here*). Once I finished reading this gem, I fell in love with Jodi's writing and everything about this book. And to think that I randomly chose this book at the thrift store.
The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks First of all, I absolutely adore Nicholas Sparks and all of his books, no matter how cliche they get. There is something about love and Nicholas' writing that draws me to his books. I got The Guardian from a book-sale at the library, and I immediately wanted to read it because of how enticing it sounded. I never could have imagined how much my heart would swell from reading this. It was a little bit crazy, a little bit adorable, and a little bit heartbreaking.
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith If you love crime novels, this is a great one to read! I remember when I was about to sign up for a book club, this was the book they were initially going to send me. In the end, I didn't; however, I found this book at Dollar General (really!) for $3, and I was immediately sold. Regardless of the price, though, this book drew me in from the description all the way to the cover. The thing is -- about this book -- you cannot expect it. It was oddly familiar yet new, and this ranged from the setting to the characters to the plot. I absolutely loved it.
After You by Jojo Moyes I wanted to add Me Before You to this list as well, but I technically read that in 2015. But I'm going to speak on both books - FREAKING AMAZING. They make my heart experience all types of emotions and I don't know how to feel about that. In Me Before You, I cried, smiled, laughed, and went through the whole nine. In After You, I think my emotions were trying to get back on my good side because I did not cry, but I did feel hope and love and faith. (And please, please, please do not base any commentary on MBY on the movie. It was good, but the book was far better.)

Least Favorite

Bared to You by Sylvia Day I overall enjoyed the book, but it there were far too many moments where I wanted to stop reading because of how much it lacked a plot. It was also far too similar to Fifty Shades of Grey; the only difference was the better development and interest of and in the characters, which I greatly appreciated. I will be continuing with the series, nevertheless.
Looking for Alaska by John Green The ending of this book drove me nuts! The premise of this book seemed like it would be good, but I personally feel like it lacked. While I wanted to fall in love with Look for Alaska, the beginning was slow, the middle was blase, and the ending made me want to throw the book out of the window like in Silver Linings Playbook.

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In Christmas Break, College

4 Things to Do Before You Return to College After the Holidays

Christmas passed by extremely fast. I honestly was not expecting it to come and go so quickly. One moment I was on the plane, flying away from Ames to Detroit, and the next thing I know, gifts have been opened, food has been eaten, and the Christmas music is drifting away. What's next? I suppose my flight back to Ames, which I am bittersweet about. But I'm not going to sit here and dwell on the amount of days I have left here in Michigan, and I don't want you college students to become bummed out about going back to uni. Let's focus on the time you have left at home and what to do with it!

1. Hang out with your hometown friends!

Remember all of those "I miss you"s and "We'll definitely hang out when I get back home!" messages that you and your hometown friends shared when you left for college? Don't let them be in vain. Hit up your friends and seriously hang out with them. Maintaining friendships can be hard when you don't put in the effort. I know that my friend group and I do not always communicate (we have different schedules!), but when we do, it's like we never stopped talking. Now that I am back home for the holidays, I am trying to get around and spend much needed time with my friends. "I miss you" doesn't mean much when you have the chance to hang out with someone, yet don't. Actions speak louder than words, my friend.

2. Spend quality time with your family. (No, saying "hi" and "bye" doesn't count. Get out of your room.)

I know that I missed my family a lot when I was away at college. As soon as I got home, I hung out with my parents, sister, grandma, aunt, and some cousins. I know that family can get on your nerves in a special kind of way that nobody else can, but it's all out of love. Allow yourself to hang out with them and not just in passing by.

3. Hit up some of your old-time favorite places.

Were there any places that you consistently went to back when you were in high school or middle school? A place that you know like the back of your hand, or that you consider your second home? Make sure you stop there are experience a bit of nostalgia.

4. Grub, grub, grub.

I'm talking homemade food and some city specialties that you won't be able to find back at your university. Before I even flew back to Detroit, I already had a list of foods that I wanted before I returned to college. I'm still waiting to get my favorite Mexican food, but I've been gradually crossing places and foods off my list. Enjoy while you can!

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In Best places to Study, College

Best Places to Study at Iowa State

Finals week is officially here! Day one is over (hopefully, unless you have a night final tonight - good luck, then). How are you all keeping up? I can say that I am beat down and ready to go home and sleep my break away. But alas, finals is not over for me and for plenty other students. I realized that I probably should have posted this post about a week ago during Dead Week, but it's better late than never, right? Here are some of the best places to study on campus or near campus when you attend Iowa State!

1. The Library (duh!)

This one is pretty common, as it's a library and libraries are the best place to buckle down and get your head in your books. (Please don't do this literally, as you will most likely fall asleep and defeat the entire purpose of you going to the library.) Park's Library is great to study as there are a bunch of space to study, whether you want a private room, a concealed space, or a large area for a group study session. The only downfall is that everyone is literally thinking the same way as you and like to study in the library, especially during Dead Week.

2. The Multicultural Center

I love going to the MCC in Memorial Union! It is literally the best place to study because it's rather quiet, there are private cubicles as well as open spaces and rooms to study in. And no, you do not have to be a multicultural student to go there and study. Everyone is welcome!

3. Cafe Diem (Main Street)

This is a cute little cafe that I recently found with a friend. It is literally the most adorable place you might ever go. The decor is cozy; there is free WiFi; and the lattes are amazing! (I am drinking an Eggnog Gingerbread Latte right now. Yum!) It's standard size for a cafe, and it's a semi-popular place, but you most likely will find a spot to study. The later it gets, though, the more crowded it can be.

4. Your Dorm ('s lounge or Mezz)

I like the convenience of study in Larch's lounge. I can literally not change out of my pajamas, yet still get the heck out of my room for the day.

5. MWL Commons

Can you say food an study sesh? You literally have Season's downstairs (and East Side Market), so if you ever need a break or to grab some food, it's extremely convenient. During Dead Week and Finals' Week, it tends to get pretty crowded the later it gets in the day, so be prepared to have to spread out on the floor (if you don't mind).

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In Christmas, College Life

College Students' Packing Guide for Christmas Break

Christmas break is quickly coming up, and as a college student, I am more than ready. College is great, don't get me wrong; it's just exhausting and stressful. I'm not really complaining because it's school, and hello, school is never a walk in the park. However, a break never hurt anybody, so bring it on!
For those who go to college out-of-state, this post is specifically for you. Having to a catch a flight back home is quick and convenient, but it's really annoying because of our luggage limit (unless you don't mind paying money to check in additional luggage). I'm flying back home to Michigan on the 17th, and I only plan to bring a carry-on and a backpack. Normally, I would be panicking. Three weeks away from my "home" would be a nightmare because of how limited I'd be with my clothes and toiletries. But flying back home from college isn't stressing me out this time - luckily - because I know that if I cannot bring something or happen to forget something, I'm going home. I can just buy it there. While that is typically the truth for wherever you go, I get much more relaxed when I know that I'll be back in my comfort zone and not just anywhere. It makes everything much easier.
I know that everyone isn't like me, and some of you guys are probably stressing out while trying to pack now. I have your back! Follow this list below, and you'll be packed and ready to go in no time!

1. Sweatpants, Yoga Pants, and Leggings

Unless you live on the West Coast or Down South, you definitely want to pack sweatpants and any other type of comfortable, warm pants that you can. Not only will you live in these over break, but you will also appreciate the fact that you brought them when you are freezing or just want to be comfortable.

2. Sweatshirts and Long-Sleeve Tops

Bring clothes that can easily be layered. This helps to save space because you're not going to be over-packing the heavier items as layers = warmth.

3. 1 Pair of Boots and 1 Pair of Flats

Most likely, it will be snowing when you return home. Even if it isn't, it'll be cold. You do not need to bring a million pairs of shoes with you. Bring a comfortable pair of boots (matter of fact, wear them on the plane) and stuff a pair of flats in your suitcase. Also, make sure these shoes are something that you can wear with all of your outfits! Versatility is key when it comes to smart packing.

4. Miss Out on the Toiletries

Toothpaste and toothbrush? Lotion? Any of the things that you can by for cheap when you get back home, don't pack it. This will save you space and the headache of trying to find the right size bottle that can make it past TSA. I guarantee you that your family will not let you walk around with morning breathe and will provide you with what you need.

5. 1 Nice Dress/Suit

It's the holidays! There will most likely be at least one party that you'll want to attend, and for that, you will need something other than sweatpants and a crew-neck. Take something that can attend any type of party (also, consider what shoes you packed).

6. Save space for any potential gifts!

Once again, you're going home for Christmas break (unless your religion says otherwise), so you will most likely be getting at least one gift. Just in case this gift is something that you absolutely want to take back to college with you, do not pack your suitcase to the brim. Keep it cut down to the basics! Also, you can stuff any gifts that you are bringing back for your family/friends in this space, and when you give them out, you automatically have saved space!

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In Holiday, I'm Thankful For

I Am Grateful For...

...my family. There is little that I would or could do without my family's support. I value family so much, both immediate and non-immediate. They have been there for me through literally every ordeal that I've had to endure as well as every amazing event. Whenever something happens to me, I automatically want to tell my family. Whenever I want to cry, I know who has my back.
...my health. Health is easily something that is pushed aside until we start to have health problems. I have really started to realize this and put myself in check. (It was actually my stuffed nose a month ago that got me to this point - hehe.)
...my education. Not everyone has the opportunity to get an education, which really makes me sad. Education is something that shouldn't be a privilege; it should be a basic human right. Unfortunately, that is not the reality we live in, so I will forever be grateful for what this privilege.
...my friends. There is nothing like good friends to laugh and spend time with. Over the last year, I have really come to know who I want in my life and who is healthy for my life. I've had to leave some unhealthy relationships behind this year, but I happy now, so I have no regrets. For those who are still with me, I am beyond grateful for them and everything that they do for me, whether that's simply sitting by me when I'm feeling down, sending a silly meme at 5 AM in the morning, or for going on random drives with me 'til 4 in the morning.
...books! Books give me the release that I crave so much. There's nothing like a cold day, snuggled up in a blanket with hot cocoa and a good book. But there's also nothing like a gorgeous day outside, when I'm lying on a blanket with a refreshing smoothie and some tunes playing in the background.

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In campus, College

Why You Should Choose Iowa State

There are over 4,000 colleges and universities that a student can choose to attend in the United States. Some are two-year institutions; others are 4-years; there are also public and private institutions to choose from. I happen to attend Iowa State University, a public 4-year institution in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State was not my first choice; it was my second. But if you were to ask me whether I regret choosing ISU (because I did get accepted into my first choice, which was the University of Central Florida), I would say no with no hesitation. I chose my adventure.

1. Majors Galore

When I originally began to look at colleges, I chose Iowa State because of the vast amount of majors and minors available to study. Anybody who knows me (and maybe even those who don't) knows that I am super indecisive. This means that whatever university I ever considered attending needed to give me options as far as what I could study; a few majors that I considered once upon a time include the following: veterinary medicine, graphic design, interior design, architecture, journalism, and criminal justice. Iowa State provides all of the above, plus more. After all, I am currently double majoring in Event and Hospitality Management and considering minoring in Public Relations.

2. Campus Clubs & Student Organizations

Another reason why I ultimately chose Iowa State is the amount of extracurricular activities, clubs and organizations available for me to become involved in. I was not a super involved person in high school, but I knew that I wanted to be once I attended university. Even if I ended up not participating in anything, I wanted it to be because I chose not to - not because I didn't have the chance to. I am a member of the general assembly for the Black Student Alliance, Society for the Advancement of Gender Equity, Womyn of Colour Network, Connect 4, and the Historian for the Freshmen Action Team (umbrella-ed under BSA). I tried out Develop, which is a photo club, and a couple of other clubs; however, my schedule doesn't really permit me to participate in so many.

3. The Campus is Beautiful

Iowa State University's campus is breathtaking. It was actually named the fifth most beautiful campus by Buzzfeed in 2015. Every campus tour that I went on was rainy. RAINY. Yet I still fell in love with the school. Now that I am a student, I have had the opportunity to see the campus in rain and shine (no snow, yet!), and I still cannot believe that my campus is so gorgeous. There are little pathways that boast the beauty of the campus; the architecture makes my heart happy.

4. Iowa Charm

Lastly, the students, faculty, and staff are friendly! I've been told before that what people consider southern charm is how Iowa really is. I am not surprised. While not everyone might be super open, and some may be downright rude, but the majority will make you glad that you chose ISU.

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In Christmas Movies, Holiday

6 Holiday Movies to Watch this Season

Guys! I cannot believe that we have less than a month left in 2016. I can still remember ringing in the new year with my friends in Düsseldorf ; we had fireworks, sparklers, wine, and good food. It was amazing. I can also remember the intense emotions of my last night in Germany; how I felt when the plane touched down in the US; and being surprised by my family and friends when I returned home. Everything seems like it just happened. But, in reality, it didn't. All of this will soon be qualified as happening a year ago. That's insane! In less than six weeks, we will no longer be in 2016 - are you guys ready for 2017?
But let me slow down a bit: let's talk about the holidays. It's getting colder; it's beginning to snow in some states; I am simply in the Holiday Spirit. I've already began playing Christmas music, watching Christmas films, and talking Christmas gifts. I fly back to Michigan on December 17th, and I cannot wait to see my family and spend the holidays with them! It is seemingly a family tradition to gather and watch holiday movies together. My favorite film of all time is The Polar Express. I've been addicted to the movie since elementary school. Below I am sharing some great holiday films to get you in the spirit! Share some movies that you enjoy below in the comments.

1. A Madea Christmas

Tyler Perry has so many great movies out. It's hard for me to a choose a favorite general one, but A Madea Christmas is easily my favorite holiday movie of his. While the movie revolves around the holiday, it is great to watch at any time throughout the year; it's main theme is interracial relationships, family, and honesty. It stars Anna Marie Horsford, Tika Sumpter, Eric Lively, and Chad Michael Murray among others. Of course, expect to laugh a lot; after all, it's "MA to the d*mn D-E-A."

2. The Holiday

I recently watched this movie on Netflix. It stars Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, and Jude Law. Initially, I did not know how I would feel about the movie. After I finished watching it, though, I loved it! It's such a cozy movie, and it's also hilarious (I tend to find most movies with Cameron in them funny, though). I highly suggest giving this film a try.

3. Love Actually

Do I actually have to explain why you should watch this overly-cliche holiday movie? If you love love, then you'll love Love Actually. This is my go-to feel-good movie. Also, you should watch it because of the catchy song by Billy Mack, "Christmas Is All Around."

4. This Christmas

I love, love, love this movie! It features Chris Brown, Columbus Short, Lorreta Devine, Lauren London, Idris Elba, Laz Alonzo, Delroy Lindo, and many other awesome actors/actresses. This is a great family movie as it focuses on a family's first Christmas together after a long time. Plus, there's great music and singing, so if the former didn't convince you...

5. The Polar Express

This has been and will always be my favorite holiday movie. It's an animated film, so if you're into that type of thing, this is the movie for you. It focuses on a train-full of children and conductors heading toward the North Pole. The main character doesn't believe in Santa anymore, but by the end of the movie, you'll have to watch it to see yourself.

6. Home Alone (all of them)

I'm not going to write much here. Home Alone is the traditional holiday movie that anybody who's anybody has seen.

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Best & Worst Books of 2016

Most Favorite

Least Favorite

4 Things to Do Before You Return to College After the Holidays

1. Hang out with your hometown friends!

2. Spend quality time with your family. (No, saying "hi" and "bye" doesn't count. Get out of your room.)

3. Hit up some of your old-time favorite places.

4. Grub, grub, grub.

Best Places to Study at Iowa State

1. The Library (duh!)

2. The Multicultural Center

3. Cafe Diem (Main Street)

4. Your Dorm ('s lounge or Mezz)

5. MWL Commons

College Students' Packing Guide for Christmas Break

1. Sweatpants, Yoga Pants, and Leggings

2. Sweatshirts and Long-Sleeve Tops

3. 1 Pair of Boots and 1 Pair of Flats

4. Miss Out on the Toiletries

5. 1 Nice Dress/Suit

6. Save space for any potential gifts!

I Am Grateful For...

Why You Should Choose Iowa State

1. Majors Galore

2. Campus Clubs & Student Organizations

3. The Campus is Beautiful

4. Iowa Charm

6 Holiday Movies to Watch this Season

1. A Madea Christmas

2. The Holiday

3. Love Actually

4. This Christmas

5. The Polar Express

6. Home Alone (all of them)

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