How to get things done AND Cake Batter Rice Krispy Treats

Today has been a mighty productive day for me. I’ll share the highlights, thus far, of my productive day, and I’ll let ya’ll know my secrets for getting things done!

I woke up this morning excited to try out a new breakfast recipe.  I didn’t have an actual recipe, per say.  I’d read a lot of recipes for this particular breakfast I was trying to make, but I wasn’t really happy with any of them.  I decided to try my own invention of a recipe, and it failed. Miserably. Completely inedible. After that was tossed in the garbage I downed a ginormous bowl of puffed wheat and coconut milk.

Then I set to work on an MCAT biology practice session. That went…okay.  Sadly, my strength is molecular biology because that has been the focus of my undergraduate career. However, the MCAT also tests human biology, anatomy, and physiology. I’m still really weak in these topics despite my studying efforts.

After that humbling practice session, I did some food photography. Then I showered. Then I swept the house. That was a chore, but it was desperately needed. I love my ragdoll kitty, but he sheds horribly!  After sweeping I did an MCAT verbal reasoning practice session.  That went considerably better than biology. I’ve improved a lot in the verbal reasoning section.

I can’t sit still for very long, so after that MCAT session and lunch, I set out on a walk.  I walked and listened to my ipod for about 20 minutes.  It was a short walk, but it was relaxing and reviving which was just what I needed after studying. Now I’m here writing this blog.

These are my suggestions for having a productive day:

1. Sometimes I feel like getting things done, and sometimes I just feel like being a little bit lazy.  I try to take advantage of my “getting things done” mood by maximizing my work when I’m feeling this way. If I’m feeling really resistant to doing something-like sweeping the floor for example-I try to take a break or do something else until I feel more like doing it.

2. Take frequent breaks!  Seriously, I cannot stress this enough.  Taking breaks is especially important for me when I study.  Usually if I’m studying for an exam I will give myself a 10 minute break at the end of every 50 minute studying interval.  This keeps me super productive because while I’m studying THAT IS ALL I am doing. I’m not checking facebook/email/pinterest.  Then, in my 10 minute break, I relax my mind by doing those things.

3. Keep fueled. Being properly fed and hydrated is essential for productivity. If I’m hungry, work just isn’t going to get done. I can’t focus when I’m thinking about the emptiness in my stomach. Good food will keep your mind and body working at it’s peak.

4. Make a list. Sometimes I lay in bed at night, and I literally can’t sleep because I keep thinking about all the things I have to do the next day. The best solution to this problem is to write everything down. That way your mind will be able to relax, and you won’t forget anything the next day. As an added benefit, I find that crossing items off my to-do list is super gratifying.

So…these cake batter rice krispie treats were not on my to-do list yesterday. But what better way to spend my time when I’m bored and happen to have a full box of rice krispies on hand? These rice krispie treats taste different than normal ones. They have a cake flavor that is not too subtle, but not too prominant either.  Cake Batter Rice Krispie treats are an easy way to change up an old favorite.

Yes, I realize these have valentines day sprinkles on them. Sometimes you have to improvise.

Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 1 (10 oz.) bag of mini-marshmallows
• 1/3 cup yellow cake mix
• 6 cups crispy rice cereal
• sprinkles

Method:

Melt butter and marshmallows in microwavable bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring inbetween, until marshmallows are melted. Stir in cake mix. Stir in cereal so it is completely coated with marshmallow mixture. Sprinkle some sprinkles into the mix. Press into a baking dish (any size will do) and top with more sprinkles. Let these sit until cool, then cut and enjoy!

XOXO,

Jamie

About these ads