Thursday Three

Wow, if I thought I had a lot of work last semester, I was so wrong. This semester has a lot more work for all of my classes which has certainly been keeping me occupied. That, on top of having a position in my sorority and trying to balance clubs leaves me little to no time to do anything else. That being said, my classes are interesting so I don't mind it too much. Here is what I have been up to recently. 

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Right around Valentine's Day I got a bunch of cards from my family and friends. I'd added them to my bulletin board and I love looking at it when I come into the room. It is just so cute and I so appreciate the thought. Getting mail is always fun for me, and it was even better that it wasn't just more textbooks. 

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I am way to proud of this lunch I meal prepped. I made salmon cakes with a kale salad and then added avocado to mash on top once it was time for lunch. This lunch is amazing, so much so that I looked forward to lunch more than breakfast for the first time in my life. This week was pretty good, strictly because of this lunch. Would you be interested in the recipe?

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I've been lucky enough to snag a spot in front of the fire when I have been studying recently. I always seem to be cold when doing homework in the union so this makes the whole process more enjoyable. I miss weekend fires at home but this is the next best thing that I can find. When it is snowing out, nothing is better than a fire. 

How was your week?

xoxo,

Maddie

10 Healthy Snacks for the Busy College Student

It is inevitable that around 4pm I need a snack. I like to wait until 8ish to eat dinner, so I can't go the whole afternoon without eating. For some reason I start to feel sick if I get hungry. That being said, I always feel worse if I eat something unhealthy. Over the year I have learned about some healthy snacks that are portable and easy for anyone in college to have on hand.

| Celery and Peanut Butter |
This brings back childhood memories on ants on a log... and also of yesterdays snack. You can either make to go by adding the peanut butter on the celery right away, and putting a container in your backpack or you can buy individual serving peanut butter packets. Really anything can be paired with peanut butter: apples, bananas, crackers or dark chocolate.

| Clementines |
Clementines are easy portable fruit. You don't need a container for them and they are hearty enough not to burst during transportation. Really any fruit or veggie is a good idea for a snack. My favorites are blueberries, apples, bananas and carrots.

| Greek Yogurt | 
You will want a way to keep this cold if you are going to be out and about, but no matter way it is a great filling snack for a busy day. Make sure to pick yogurts that don't have too much sugar, but do have a lot of protein. I really like Siggi's yogurt which isn't greek but still really good.

| Veggies and Hummus |
Another filling snack. There are so many different options for portable hummus that there is no reason that this couldn't be a snack. There is also a lot of variation involved because you can pick any type of hummus and veggie to eat. Pita chips or pretzels would also be a great addition.

| Health Warriors Bar |
I love health warrior bars because they don't have so many calories that they become another meal, but they are still filling and good for you. I love their chia bars, especially the chocolate peanut butter flavor. Again, any bar would be a good snack, just make sure it is lower in added sugar and artificial additives because who needs that?

| Popcorn |
Boom Chicka Pop is my favorite popcorn. I just fill a little plastic baggie, and I am good to go. Popcorn is great because it has fiber which will help keep you fuller, but not so much so that you spoil your next meal. With so many different flavors to choose from, and the possibility of making your own flavors, this snack won't get boring too soon.

| Trail Mix |
I love making trail mix because I can control what goes in it, but any type is a good idea for a snack. The nuts help keep you full and add protein, the dried fruit gives you a little extra fruit in your day and of course chocolate is needed. The mixture of sweet and salty creates the perfect snack for anytime of day.

| Pretzels |
I really like pretzels thins because I think they taste better, but really any pretzel is a great snack. They can be combined with dip (like peanut butter or hummus) or just eaten alone. You easily stash some in your backpack for unexpected moments of hunger and not have to worry about them going bad.

| Cheese |
String cheese, cheese slices, cheese curds, cheese cubes... you name it. Cheese is a great snack as it has a fair amount of protein which will help power you through one last lecture or chapter of reading. With cheese, there are so many flavors and combinations with other foods that this snack is limitless in its possibilities.

| Applesauce | 
I always seem to forget how much I like applesauce even though it is a great snack. I recommend buying unsweetened applesauce since the apples already add their own sweetness. Also, adding cinnamon is a fantastic idea; it gives plain applesauce a little boost in taste.

The most important thing to remember when deciding what to eat is to consider how you will feel. If something makes you feel bad, then don't eat it. I know this is easier said than done (I am looking at you, brownies) but in the long run you will feel so much better. All of these snacks are great options whether for in your dorm room or to bring to the library. Nothing is crazy expensive and all are easy to change up so you don't get bored.

What do you like to eat for snack?

xoxo,

Maddie

Winter Favorites

Now that we have hit the depth of winter (or so the new 5 inches of snow has told me) it is finally time to share some of my favorite things this winter. It is a totally different feeling during winter when you  have to walk all of the time to go anywhere. I have never appreciated the ability of having a car so much as now. A 20 minute walk in sub-zero wind chill is never enjoyable, that being said, here is what I have been loving this winter. 

| The Kitchn | Winter Hat | Bean Boots | Sweater | Turmeric Tea | Goat Milk Ice Cream | | Yeti | Cookbook | Kale | 

      Is there any surprise that half of these have to do with food? Yeah, probably not. I got the cookbook for Christmas to help me think of new things to make (it is great for people who only need to cook for 1 or 2) and through this I have come to really like recipes that involve kale and quinoa. Finally hopped on those bandwagons. I got a Yeti over Christmas break after my Starbucks Tumblr spilled all over me when I was walking to class last semester and ruined some of my books. This tumbler is so much nicer. It hardly spills and keeps things warm and cold forever! I love to use it when I bring tea with me to study on the weekends. The Rishi Ginger Tumeric tea is a great herbal tea. I love that there isn't caffeine so I can have it whenever, but it still have a strong flavor unlike most herbal teas. Just in case I was sounding too healthy right here, I also have loved La Loo's goat milk ice cream! (see my article about it here) The flavors are all amazing and best of all it doesn't make my stomach hurt! The last food related thing is The Kitchn. This website has become one of my new favorites, and I love getting their daily newsletters. Every article is interesting and I have found so many recipes I want to try through it. 

     Now away from food. I got this sweater earlier this fall and can't seem to stop wearing it. It is so cute and comfortable. I just throw it on with a necklace or scarf and call it a day. I know I have talked about my Bean Boots before, but these have become a necessity in college. I have avoided falling on my face so many times because of these boots, not to mention how warm my feet stay. Finally, my hat has been amazing. I used to never wear hats, but walking for around an hour or more a day really makes you reconsider. Any day I forget my hat is a bad, cold day. 

What have you been loving this winter?

xoxo,

Maddie

Thursday Three

These posts seem to get harder and harder to write because my life is pretty simple. It seems like most of what I do is homework (more like all of what I do) so there isn't anything interesting to report on. That was the main reasoning for not posting last week, oh well, here is this weeks!

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It has been so cold this week and has snowed a ton. There was almost no snow at the beginning of the week, but now there is around 5 inches. At Madison, one of the most popular things to do in the winter is walk on the lake. You can also go do a snowboard/windsurf mix across the lake which is always entertaining to watch when studying.

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Okay, so did you see last weekends post all about how I am loving wraps? If not, check it out here. Well, I ran out of tortillas but had sandwich bread so I figured I would try to make a killer sandwich this week and boy did I ever. This had multigrain bread, avocado, spinach, cucumber slices, ham, and a garlic lemon yogurt dip I made. I had this for two days, I don't think I have ever looked forward to lunch so much before. Making random sandwiches or wraps is a great way to change up your meal.

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One of the things I have really gotten into recently are daily email newsletters. I have always read the skim, but for some reason, I am more excited about opening my email now than ever before. I also love getting The Kitchn email. Sadly, it comes too late in the day for me to read over breakfast, like I do with The Skim, but I am away ready for when it pops into my inbox. (image is screenshot from Wednesday's email) 

How was your week?

xoxo,

Maddie

5 Easy Ways to Save Money in College

Most college students seem to be constantly complaining about not having a lot of money. It's understandable as it is hard to have a job, and still balance a sleep schedule, social life and keep up your grades. For me, I work only in the summer and save everything to spend during the school year. This has worked out for me with some of these easy tricks to minimize the amount of money spent so that you still have enough to go out with friends and have a good time.

| Pack Snacks to Go |

I'd be lying if I said I didn't get hungry at the most random times. An easy way to fix this is to set aside some snacks in your backpack or purse so that you don't have to stop and buy extra food. This way you are using up what you have already purchased and using it before it goes bad. Anything you buy that is prepackaged will be more expensive than when you buy it in bulk and pack it yourself.

| Make a Budget |

An easy way to save money and not spend too much is know how much money you have. I like to make a monthly budget while keeping in mind any income and mandatory expenses. This way you know any discretionary spending allowed and be able to not spend too much. I keep my budget in my agenda and it is a life saver. 

| Drink Water Out to Eat |

Is is so easy to order a soda or fancy drink when out to dinner, but that is an easy way to bring your bill up. Water is free, and you can have as much as you want without paying more. Water is also an easy way to make the meal a little healthier while you are at it. Save some calories, some money and feel better coming out of dinner. 

| Use Public Transportation |

Uber isn't cheap, so save yourself some money and walk or take the bus. Not all situations are perfect for walking or taking the bus, such as at night. That being said, a little planning ahead can make a big difference. Figuring out when a bus comes means that you can time when to go home. Also, you can figure out a plan to Uber back with someone else and then split the bill.

| Don't Go Grocery Shopping Hungry |

We all know that when you go grocery shopping hungry, it is so much harder to stick to getting only what you need. Suddenly everything in the store looks so yummy when you're hungry. It never seems to be the healthy, less expensive foods that catch the eye. Make sure to go the store after meals, and then you will save yourself a bunch of money by not buying extra snacks or treats.

With these simple tips, along with some common sense, you can mange your money a little better. Saving money in some little ways means that you will have enough that you can still go out with friends and not have to worry. Your social life shouldn't have to suffer due to unnecessary spending as long as you spend wisely. 

What do you do to save money?

xoxo,

Maddie

Easy Wrap Ideas

Wraps are my thing right now. Don't ask why, but all of the sudden I love making wraps. I typically pack a lunch  so I can make the most of my time studying  (lame I know). I started making wraps because I was too cheap to buy bread and tortillas in one week. I made a basic ham and cheese tortilla all week last week and now I am hooked! I have spent way too much time searching for easy, but yummy wrap ideas. I am pretty sure that I have found some winners.  

Tangy Veggie Wrap 

Veggie wraps might be the easiest thing for me to make. All I have to do is stop at the dining hall the night before and take the salad topping I want for my wrap. This way I don't have to buy a lot of produce, only for it to go to waste. This veggie wrap is particularly interesting to me because I love the idea of a mustard yogurt sauce; two things that go really well with veggies. This would be a great wrap to make now that lent is coming up and Fridays are meatless. 

Salmon and Kale Caesar Wraps

There might not be an easier wrap to make. All you need is kale, cheese, canned salmon and a tortilla. I am really interested in the idea of canned salmon right now, because I love fish, but I am not about to go buy it right now. Canned salmon would be an easy alternative. I also have finally gotten on the kale bandwagon, so this is right up my ally. 

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Wrap 

Last summer I started to make a version of this wrap when I went to work. Again, I love fish, so this smoked salmon wrap is amazing. It is pretty much bagel and lox, but with a wrap and no bagel ie the more portable version. I like to add capers and dill to this wrap to make it even more like a bagel and lox. I already can vouch for this wrap, so try it and let me know your opinion. 

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps

For some reason, I have been under the impression that BBQ chicken would be hard to make.... yeah no. It is just adding barbecue sauce to cooked chicken. I love this wrap because it uses pineapple, which makes for a different type of wrap than you normally see. I really want to make this Hawaiian BBQ chicken wrap, but maybe as a dinner since it is a little more time consuming to make. 

Tuna Wrap

Another weird food fascination that I have is tuna salad. I no idea where this comes from, but my guess would be the same idea as canned salmon (actually getting to eat fish). This Tuna Wrap looks super easy to make, and it has an absolute ton of protein in it, so there is no need to worry about being hungry in the middle of the day. 

Grab-and-Go Gluten Free Breakfast Wraps  

You didn't really think I would go through a recipe round up without adding something sweet? As much as my application for savory foods has grown, I will forever have. sweet tooth. These breakfast wraps look so good, I think a friend and I are going to have a wrap making session to meal prep tons of these. I have never thought of adding rice or oatmeal to wraps, but I feel like it would be so good. 

I am hoping to be able to try all of these wraps throughout this school year. This past week has shown me how nice it is to be able to bring a lunch with me around campus so I have more time to get homework done. All of the recipes for these wraps can be found in the title underneath their respective photo. If you try any of these, please let me know how it goes!

xoxo, 

Maddie