My PhD: Writing your dissertation in 15 minutes a day

Today I would like to share a book tips with all of you: Writing your dissertation in fifteen minutes a day by Joan Bolker. 
I was recommended this title by another PhD candidate (thanx Minna!), checked it out at the library and decided to get my very own copy. It is a pretty quick read, only 150 pages . The title is of course a bit misleading, it is not about actually writing a thesis in just 15 minutes a day. It is about creating a writing habit and finding your own preferable work style. "Writing in order to think" might be my favourite advice.

Reading this book is a bit like having a conversation with a friend about writing. Bolker is adressing everything related to the writing process, from psychological aspects to dealing with distractions. She provides different methods for creating a work flow, such as free writing (but also a little less free writing, which might work better for some people.) I find it quite useful to re-read the different chapters now and then since Bolkers tips and advice might be seen in different light depending on where one is in ones writing process and which problems that might have surfaced. The book was written in 1998 which means the section on computers is outdated, but it doesn´t matter. I think this book applies to any larger writing job and is a great book for all writers :-)

Underbart är kort, alldeles för kort, så som när Magnolian blommar...💗

Underbart är kort, alldeles för kort, så som när Magnolian blommar...💗

Some favourite second-hand categories

There are some things which might be extra worth looking for when going vintage- and thrift shopping. Some of my favourite categories are:

WOOL JUMPERS. We have all read terrible articles in the news about how many cashmere- and other types of woolen clothes are being produceed. Taking animal welfare into consideration, I believe that buying such items second-hand is a much better option and"safer" than buying a new piece if the seller can´t tell you how it was produced.

BELTS. With a little patience you can find all kinds of nice belts, even as good as new ones in leather.

SCARVES. Most second-hand shops sell nice quality scarves for just a few euros. 

SHOE TREES. Both wooden as well as plastic ones can often be found in good condition for a bargain price.

Easter thrift shopping

Easter was definitely my favourite holiday season when growing up! Spring on its way and I also loved all the bright colours, greetings cards and traditions associated with the holiday. April is also my birthday month, which might have had something to do with it... For many years I have not given much attention to Easter decorations etc, although still enjoying the calm holiday. This year, however, we have decided to fill our home with a little more light and colour. A perfect way of finding nice decorations without spending too much money is of course to go thrift shopping :-) It is quite easy to find new -or as good as new- items as well as nice retro textiles, all for just a few euros in total. The tradition of decorating twigs of birch (or other trees) with colourful feathers has been criticized the recent years, as people have become more aware of how those feathers are produced. I did not buy any feathers today, but if one wants to have them, I think the perfect place to  buy them would be at a thrift/secondhand store.