When I wanted to get work done in college, I always knew just where to go: The Indiana Memorial Union, or, as IU students more fondly call it, The Union. If I wasn’t in class or being social, more often than not you could find me cozied up on one of those big leather couches reading over notes and studying for exams in my favorite study room of the IMU. There were plenty of places created for productivity all over campus, but  I always went back to the same one. There was just something about the quite murmur from the adjacent Starbucks, the shuffle of pages and whisper of voices, and the brush of pencils and pens taking notes. I was more productive in those moments than any other time!

Some people crave absolute silence when they need to focus, but for me, it’s all about the background noise. I don’t know if it’s from growing up in a family of 7,  or just the fond memories of college study dates, but having a little somethin’ somethin’ in the background just puts me at ease! So, on days when I’m home alone editing, I always struggled with just what to use for that purpose! Netflix works for some people, but I always find myself drawn into the story more than my work, and while music is always my favorite go-to, there was still just something missing!

Enter, Coffitivity.      

I first heard of this website from Anna K. Photography, and knew I had to check it out too! I opened the page, and immediately was taken back to my college days — it sounds just like you are sitting in a coffee shop!

My favorite part of Coffitivity is that, unlike in an actual coffee shop, you control the volume. No more random loud person ruining the atmosphere — Coffitivity collects the best parts of a cafe and puts them to work! I like to turn it down pretty low, so you can just barely hear it in the background; it amazes me just how much work I get done when I put it on and get in the zone.

If you love working with a bit of background noise, I highly recommend checking it out :) And, the best part about it is that it’s FREE! There is a subscription you can purchase, but I have found the free options do the trick just fine. “Morning Murmur” is definitely my favorite, but “University Undertones” is a close second! If you do try it, let me know what you think — I’d love to hear your thoughts :)

And, because posts are always more fun with a photo, here is what Coffitivity has helped me work on this week :) Can’t wait to show more of this snowy family session soon!

Happy Friday!

Love love love,

Sami