7 Ways to Upgrade Your Salad

      In case you haven't been able to tell through any of my Tuesday's Eats posts and my blog's instagram (@classyandcleverblog), I love eating vegetables and I have found that there is no better way to do that than to make a nice big salad. I have most definitely made salads that had my 5 a day in one meal. 

       Making fancy salads came out of necessity for me this year because living in my sorority house, the lunches are not always gluten free, but we at least have a salad bar almost every day. I had initially found myself making the same sad salad over and over again, but I have been experimenting all year and found some great ways to make a delicious salad. 

Add Sauerkraut 

Seriously, don't knock it 'till you try it. I initially made this salad inspired by a blogpost form Hummusapien. I recreated her salad one day, and since then I put sauerkraut on my salad whenever possible. It adds a great tang, but doesn't over power the other salad toppings. The juices from the sauerkraut seep into the lettuce which adds a new level of flavor. 

Change up your protein 

It is really easy to get into a rut of making the same salad over and over again, but changing up your protein makes it easy to add variation. Shrimp is my favorite protein to add to salads, but really what I chose is based on leftovers from the week. I also commonly add chicken or canned tuna on top.(one time was pulled pork on top)  I really like it when we have leftover protein that was in a sauce, because that sauce can then become the dressing. The protein is so important because that's what will help keep you satiated throughout the day, and makes your salad a meal not a side. 

Mix Roasted and Fresh Veggies 

Mixing vegetable types is my favorite way to make a creative salad. Most times I just use a leftover roasted veggies from dinner the night before and whatever fresh veggies are around the house. This makes for a salad with a unique texture variation which is a great change up from a regular salad. It's not like you aren't going to add vegetables to your salad anyways so might as well change it up. 

Experiment with Fun Dressings 

An easy way to change up a salad is by trying out new salad dressing. There are so many different recipes out there for you to try. My sororities chef makes the best salad dressings Above is  his chipotle ranch dressing which made for an amazing Mexican-inspired salad. He also makes a great blueberry vinaigrette for a more springy salad. One of my favorite dressing I've tried recently was a kiwi dressing (see two pictures down). Salad dressings are a fun, cheap way to change up a salad. They can help with a themed salad or just add some flare to a simple salad. 

Add Fruit 

Adding fruit has become one of my favorite ways to change up a salad now that the weather is getting warmer. This salad above had mango, strawberries and pineapple, and it actually made for a great breakfast salad. The juices from the fruit, particularly the pineapple, went into the lettuce to make for a great tangy base. Any fruit can easily be added to a salad, and they don't have to be all sweet based. I find the blueberries are a great addition to any salad, along with strawberries and citrus. 

Toss on Some Nuts/Seeds 

Adding seeds to a salad allows for an easy way to add a little extra protein and nutrients as well as some crunch. In a salad such as this one above (based on this recipe), the pumpkin seeds provide some addition calories and fats to help make the salad a full meal. Some seed ideas could be pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and hemp seeds, while some nut options are chopped pecans or walnuts. 

Clean Out the Fridge

Sometimes the most random combinations come together to make the best salad. For example, this salad is probably one of my favorites that I made all year, and it is just made of anything I could find. There is lettuce, cucumber, asparagus, tomato, avocado, orange and shrimp. This isn't your typical salad you would find anywhere, but it really hit the spot and made for a great meal. You can easily kill two birds with one stone by making a yummy salad and using up those leftovers in fridge. 

 Do you have any special salad making tips?

xoxo,

Maddie 

Recent Reads: Winter 2019

      I haven't been able to read a lot recently because of the craziness of school, but over winter break I read an absolute ton. I really enjoy spending my afternoons sitting down with a cup of tea and a good book. I really have no idea how many books I read between winter break and the bits and pieces of free time I had around finals, but these books were my favorites. Of all of these books, The Nightingale and The Alice Network were my favorites. I have always loved World War Two based books, starting from when I was little reading American Girl Doll books.

       I have copied the summary of all of the books below. As you can tell, this books cover a wide variety of topic from local eating to fluffy quick reads. I really enjoyed the variety over break because I never felt bored with what I was reading. 

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

"In an enthralling new historical novel from national bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption."

The Nightingale By Kirsten Hannah 

"France, 1939 - In the quiet village of Carriveau, Vianne Mauriac says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he heads for the Front. She doesn't believe that the Nazis will invade France … but invade they do, in droves of marching soldiers, in caravans of trucks and tanks, in planes that fill the skies and drop bombs upon the innocent. When a German captain requisitions Vianne's home, she and her daughter must live with the enemy or lose everything. Without food or money or hope, as danger escalates all around them, she is forced to make one impossible choice after another to keep her family alive.

     Vianne's sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious eighteen-year-old girl, searching for purpose with all the reckless passion of youth. While thousands of Parisians march into the unknown terrors of war, she meets Gäetan, a partisan who believes the French can fight the Nazis from within France, and she falls in love as only the young can … completely. But when he betrays her, Isabelle joins the Resistance and never looks back, risking her life time and again to save others." 

Burnt Toast Makes You Sign Good by Kathleen Flinn

"A family history peppered with recipes, Burnt Toast Makes You Sing Good offers a humorous and flavorful tale spanning three generations as Kathleen Flinn returns to the mix of food and memoir readers loved in her New York Times bestseller, The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry. Brimming with tasty anecdotes about Uncle Clarence’s divine cornflake-crusted fried chicken, Grandpa Charles’s spicy San Antonio chili, and Grandma Inez’s birthday-only cinnamon rolls, Flinn—think Ruth Reichl topped with a dollop of Julia Child—shows how meals can be memories, and how cooking can be communication. Burnt Toast Makes You Sing Good will inspire readers (and book clubs) to reminisce about their own childhoods—and spend time in their kitchens making new memories of their own." 

The Little Way of Ruthie Leming by Rod Dreher

" The Little Way of Ruthie Leming follows Rod Dreher, a Philadelphia journalist, back to his hometown of St. Francisville, Louisiana (pop. 1,700) in the wake of his younger sister Ruthie's death. When she was diagnosed at age 40 with a virulent form of cancer in 2010, Dreher was moved by the way the community he had left behind rallied around his dying sister, a schoolteacher. He was also struck by the grace and courage with which his sister dealt with the disease that eventually took her life. In Louisiana for Ruthie's funeral in the fall of 2011, Dreher began to wonder whether the ordinary life Ruthie led in their country town was in fact a path of hidden grandeur, even spiritual greatness, concealed within the modest life of a mother and teacher. In order to explore this revelation, Dreher and his wife decided to leave Philadelphia, move home to help with family responsibilities and have their three children grow up amidst the rituals that had defined his family for five generations - Mardi Gras, L.S.U. football games, and deer hunting. "

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty 
"Imagine your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret—something with the potential to destroy not only the life you built together, but the lives of others as well. And then imagine that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive…
      Cecilia Fitzpatrick has achieved it all—she’s an incredibly successful businesswoman, a pillar of her small community, and a devoted wife and mother. But that letter is about to change everything—and not just for her. There are other women who barely know Cecilia—or each other—but they, too, are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband’s secret"


Currently Reading: A State of Wonder by Anne Patchett'
I am currently reading a State of Wonder and have mixed feelings about it. At times, it is really entertaining but for the most part it is repetitive. So far, I've read about how Marina goes to the Amazon to discover more about the death of a co-worker and to find out what a secretive scientist is up to. I am going to finish the book, but so far I wouldn't recommend it. For me, this book is more to help me fall asleep by letting my eyes relax from all the screen time than an exciting read.

Have any book recommendations? Send them my way! 

xoxo,

Maddie 

What I Eat in a Day- Low FODMAP

I love reading about what people eat, or reading anything about food. I decided to share what I eat in a day since even though I have tons of restrictions I still mange to eat well. Being on the low FODMAP diet means eating in the dining hall is pretty much impossible. No dairy, gluten, beans, garlic/onion seasoning and specific produce means that there is never anything I can eat. Schools are supposed to help you, but I got no help after contacting the dining services. Thankfully I have been making my own food for most of the year so I was already used to it. I have had to be more creative with my meals, but that part has been fun. 

| Breakfast |

My favorite breakfast has always been a parfait, so I have made a low FODMAP version. These days I have lactose free yogurt, 10 strawberries and a 1/4-1/3 cup of peanut butter granola. I love this breakfast because I can get some fruit which isn't always easy on this diet. All fruit servings are limited and I can only eat one type at a time to limit fructose intake. This breakfast is also great for the protein. It gets me through to lunch or my morning snack. 

| Lunch |
I meal prep a lunch every week to make getting ready in the morning easier. This week was a kale quinoa salad with a lemon olive oil dressing. I added almonds (10) and a clementine to make it more filling, and again, add some fruit. I typically make some kind of kale salad because it keeps me full depending on what I put in it, and it makes for a bigger size lunch.

| Snack(s) |
I typically have a snack in the morning and the afternoon. Since one of the symptoms I had of IBS is losing weight, and I was training for a 20K, I needed to make sure I was getting enough calories to at least keep my weight stable. My favorite snack is rice cakes with nut butter and 1/2 a banana. I also like to have corn chips with a homemade salsa or popcorn. I always have to make sure my backpack is full of snacks because there is almost nothing around campus that I can eat if I get hungry.

| Dinner |
This dinner was gluten free pasta with a homemade tomato sauce and spinach. The tomato sauce I made with tomato paste, water, carrots for sweetness, and Italian seasoning. It was a little runnier than a typical sauce but it was still really good. For this week, I pretty much ate this every day since I made so much sauce. Sometimes for a dessert I will have a small amount of dark chocolate, but normally my eating ends with dinner.

I might have a really restricted diet, but I am pleased that I was able to maintain my level of eating. Being placed on this diet was really intimidating because it seemed like all I was able to eat was plain meat and rice. Although that has been dinner some days, I have found that a little experimenting has allowed me to eat well, ultimately eating my way to being healthy.

What is your favorite snack?

xoxo,

Maddie 

Why My Mind was Elsewhere

  

     I haven't been able to focus on blogging a lot recently because I just couldn't focus on it. My life was taken over by school and my health. For most of this year I have been having stomach problems, and February and March is where it peaked.
     Starting in early October, I would find myself randomly bloating and having days where my stomach would just feel sick all of the time. I thought this was just stress related or something similar so I just tried to keep going. My symptoms kept getting worse until I decided (after a lot of persuasion from my parents) to visit my doctor over Thanksgiving. I chatted with her, and after having a negative Celiac Test, we decided I should visit a GI specialist in Madison. Throughout this time, I was never really sure how I would feel. Somedays were completely normal and other days meant I was curled up in bed with a massively bloated stomach after barely eating all day. The idea of eating had become scary, because I never knew how I would react. Winter break was weird because I went a full week feeling fine, but then every other week I would have a different set of symptoms.
       It was after break that everything started to go downhill. I began losing weight quickly, bloating abnormally everyday and after almost every meal, burping all of time (it made the library a place to avoid), and I began getting headaches almost daily. The bloating was getting so bad and common that I pretty much started only wearing leggings because jeans would hurt. On top of this, there were a couple occasions where my stomach would be in so much pain I could barely walk.
       This began to effect my social life because I would feel sick every night and not want to hang out with people, let alone go to a party. It felt like each moment I wasn't doing homework was consumed by trying to figure out what was wrong with me. I spent hours on the internet looking for causes, went to numerous appointments and test, and if nothing else, the constant bloating made sure it was never far from my mind.
      At my next appointment with my GI doctor, it was decided that I would go see a nutritionist and also get a CT scan to see what could be done. Thankfully the CT scan was normal, but that still meant I didn't know what was wrong and continued to feel sick almost all of the time. It was decided that I probably have IBS, which can only be determined through the elimination of other health issues. There is no test for it, it is just having all other tests come back normal. It was at the nutritionist that it was decided I would start the low FODMAP diet, while emphasizing eating a lot in order to at least regain some weight.
     Since starting the low FODMAP diet at the end of March, I have been feeling a lot better. The goal was to be 50-80% and I am definitely in that range. Of course, there have still been some days where I bloat like crazy or have these weird burps but it is no longer a daily occurrence.

What is the low FODMAP diet?
    FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharide and polyols. If you want to know more about it, check out this blog by Kate Scarlata. My dietician has worked with her so a lot of this information is exactly what I have been told. The goal of the diet is to remove FODMAPs consumed as they are typically malabsorbed. The easy way to describe it is that it is Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free, with no onions, garlic and a lot of fruits and vegetables with the fruits I can have being limited in portions.
     This has made cooking for myself a lot harder. I struggle with making big enough meal as you can't "layer" FODMAPs because then it will make a high FODMAP meal. I have had to be creative in my meals and I also need to eat a lot more often because even with the small meals, I still need to gain back the weight I lost. You should see my backpack when I leave for classes, it is always filled with snacks because I can't eat anything sold around campus.
     This is a temporary diet so soon I will be starting to add foods back in order to see what I react to. This will then structure how I eat in order to be healthy and feel my best.

   For now, this is where I am. I spend a lot of my time planning what I eat. keeping up with homework and trying to still enjoy myself. Feeling better has allowed me to focus more on other things in my life such a blogging. I am hoping I can get back into the swing of things and post more often. Of course, that being said we are headed into the time when finals are starting soon and projects are due so we'll see how this goes!

Have you heard of the low FODMAP diet before?

xoxo,

Maddie

Bullet Journal Inspiration

I mentioned last week that I started bullet journaling in a Thursday Three. I have been loving it as a way to destress at night. It combines so many things that I love: organization, doodling, and planning. Starting out was hard for me because there were so many different choices, but now that I started I can't seem to stop. I spend too much time on Pinterest and looking at blogs for new ideas of what I can do. I have found some ideas that I really love, so I thought I'd share them!

*via

For me, I always seem to drink more water when I am tracking it so this would be a perfect way to keep myself accountable. Something this pretty would be such a fun way to do this. 

*via 

I write down what I am doing to eat every week to help with grocery shopping and this is so much better than just doing it on my phone. This way I can look back on what I made in the past weeks which would make planning easier. 

*via 

In this upcoming year, I am doing a 20k, a half marathon and a marathon! I have found that writing down a training plan has helped me in the past keeps me motivated, and I also always know what I need to do. I will definitely be setting something up like this for these races, especially the marathon in the fall. 

*via 

I always start and then lose book lists so this would be perfect for me. I love to read and by doing this set up, I can keep track of what I want to read by writing in the name, and then what I have read by coloring in the book color once I finish. 

*via 

My record with wishlists is similar to that of book lists; I make them all of the time and then lose it. This would be so helpful when I comes to my birthday and Christmas so I don't have to scramble to give other people gift ideas. I also want to make something like this, but for gifts to give. 

*via

Healthy habits are so important to have, but there are some that I struggle to keep. I love this one because it isn't overwhelming with things to do, but it will still help. I can chose the things I actually care about such as flossing and eating fruits and veggies, and ignore ones I don't want or already do. 

I have really been loving bullet journaling as a way to destress. As much as I love blogging and reading, sometimes the last thing I want to do at the end of the day is sit down and stare at a computer screen or read more. Most of my classes involve online reading daily so by the end of the day, my eyes are always tired. I would really recommend bullet journaling to anyone.

Do you bullet journal?

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

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

What I am Watching: Netflix & Amazon Prime

Being in college gives me a lot more time to watch the types of TV shows that I like, but having been home, my family introduced me to a bunch of new shows. Everyone in my family has different tastes when it comes to watching TV so one of my favorite things is that I can watch whatever I want, whenever I want. Here are some of my favorites that I have been watching or recently finished. 

     When I was home for break, my mom showed me Victoria for the first time, and my sister introduced me to The Good Place. All of these shows make up the most random combination possible. Most people know about House of Cards, but if you don't, it is a legal thriller about corrupt politicians in Washington D.C.. Another thriller-esque show is Riverdale. Most people have heard of this show by now, but I really liked it. It was just enough teenage drama to be interesting, but it was different from all the other shows on Netflix. It is fun change of pace.
      For more of a funny sort of show, you have The Good Place on Netflix. Eleanor ends up in the good place when she was supposed to be in the bad place. It is a funny show about the troubles she accidentally causes and her attempts to be a better person. I love how these are short episodes; perfect for watching right before bed. The Great British Baking show is another funnier show on Netflix, that is, if you like baking or cooking shows. The hosts are amazing, and every season I get attached to random contestants. This is my favorite show of the bunch, and if you haven't seen it yet, you need to.
       On Amazon Prime, Victoria is the best there is. It is about Queen Victoria and her time as a monarch. Only the first season is out at the moment, but you can bet I am impatiently waiting for the second season to be released. This show is similar to The Crown on Netflix, but less serious in a way. You may also be able to watch this on your local PBS channel.
      I am always looking for new shows or movies to watch. If you have any recommendations, let me know!

What are your favorite TV shows?

xoxo,

Maddie

8 Ways to Up Your Coffee Game

Annnnd, we are back to school! What does this mean? If you are thinking an increasing in coffee consumption then you might just be correct. I love my coffee, but that being said, coffee with a splash of almond milk can be boring. I love going out for coffee, but in Madison, it seems hard to get a drink without paying over $5 (no thanks!). Instead of going out for coffee when a change is needed, I have come up with 8 ways to make your morning coffee more exciting. 

| Flavored Syrup |

You can just buy the flavored syrup you so love to get at a coffee shop. They are sold at most grocery stores and on amazon. Just add a splash to your coffee to instantly amp it up. If you are feeling more adventurous, and want to save extra money, make your own syrup. There are tons of recipes out there that only involve sugar, flavoring and water!

| Add Flavored Extract |

If you don't want to have the added sugars found in flavored syrups, extracts are a great way to go. I like adding vanilla or cinnamon extract to change up my coffee. BE CAREFUL WITH PEPPERMINT EXTRACT... one time I put too much in and my lips tingled for over a 1/2 hour. 

| Use Cream or Whole Milk |

I loved to add whole milk to my coffee in the mornings before I had to stop having milk. It makes the coffee so much creamier and what is not to like about that? You can even make your own creamers with just milk and extracts. This is such an easy way to make your cup of Joe seem fancier. 

| Make Coffee Ice Cubes |

Are you an iced coffee type of person? Then if you haven't made coffee ice cubes yet, you are missing out. Having watered down coffee is no longer an issue. Just take your leftover coffee one morning, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze! I also love adding these to peanut butter smoothies instead of normal ice. 

| Cinnamon |

This is probably the simplest, and cheapest way to spice up your coffee, literally. Just sprinkle in some cinnamon and mix it up. This adds a unique sweetness to your drink that plain sugar just won't do. By adding cinnamon, you are making your coffee healthier due to the health benefits of cinnamon. 

| Ice Cream |

Affogado. This is really all the explanation necessary. What could be better than coffee over a scoop of ice cream? Don't limit yourself to just vanilla ice cream. Any flavor will work. I love to have caramel based ice creams with a shot of expresso. This is my favorite guilty pleasure in the summer. (with a bunch of Lactaid pills of course) 

| Salt |

Bitter coffee is no fun. I have never tried it, but supposedly if you add salt to bitter coffee it, it with create a smoother taste. If you try this, let me know, I have always been interested in this idea, but never remember it when I have bitter coffee.

| Sweeten Condensed Milk |

Vietnamese iced coffee is a thing for a reason. It is simply just adding sweetened condensed milk into your cup, then hot coffee. This can be made either iced or hot, but it looks so pretty iced that I would recommend it this way. 

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee - The Gilmore Girls 

xoxo,

Maddie 

What I Wore This Week

 This week was a crazy cold week. I had to break out the parka for almost everyday, which meant planning my outfits around that. I didn't want to be too warm since it was still round 30 degrees so the parka wasn't 100% necessary. I also wore the bean boots a lot, but my feet have been hurting and they seem to provide enough support for me. With that being said, here is what I wore this week. 

Halloween over? That means I can finally wear my christmasy flannel. It doesn't scream Christmas, but I feel like I can't wear it until Halloween is done, but then I will wear it all winter. I love just pairing flannels with sweaters or vests for cozy, but cute fall look.

One day this week was warm enough to just wear a vest (for 1/2 the day) so I knew I needed to take advantage of that. I love my J. Crew vests because they are legitimately warm, and look so cute. I have vests in black and navy so there is nothing that they don't go well with. 

Remember how I said it was parka weather, well I wasn't lying. I have been so thankful I brought my jacket to school right away. This week I was crazy busy with homework,  and this particular day I sat in the library all day. The comfort of a sweatshirt and jeans cannot be matched. 

This shirt is probably one of my favorite ones. I got it from Vineyard Vines early this fall, and I wear it any chance I can get. It pairs really well with a vest, scarf or just on its own. It is honestly the best purchase I have made recently 

And finally, it round out what I wore this week we have Friday's outfit. I felt a sudden urge to wear my oversized Vineyard Vines quarter zip so I just went for it. Sometimes being comfortable and lazy is the nicest outfit for a Friday. 

And last but not least I might as well throw in the Halloween Costume. I didn't end up taking good pictures with friends (go figure) so this is the best I have. I was a gum ball machine and in my fanny pack I had a bunch of gum balls to give out. 

Hopefully this could give you some outfit inspiration or ideas. I probably changed my clothes about two to three times each day because it seems like something else is always needed, but this is the best representation of what I wore. Sometimes I get in such a rut with wearing the same thing over and over which always sucks.

Is this a type of post you'd want to see more often?

xoxo,

Maddie

A Day in the Life

One of the things that I was the most excited about going to college was being able to create my own schedule for life. I would be able to make more decision on what I wanted to do and when. Well, being a creature of habit, I pretty much live life how I did in high school but now I just workout in the morning instead of going to school right away. I still wake up early and still need to go to bed early, but I am guessing that it will change by the end of the school year. 

In general, I really like how my day is structured. This kind of a day happens three times a week for me, and the other days are similar except I have no classes in the afternoon. On those days I try to keep up on other things I need to do such as laundry and cleaning my dorm. The only thing I would change about my day is doing homework with all of my free time, but sadly that is the one thing I don't have a choice with.

What is your day like?

xoxo,

Maddie

College Cooking: Taco Night

I am dead sick of dorm food. I have already complained about this several times on my blog, so I won't go too in depth on this. Mainly, I have decided to stop my constant complaining (at least for now) and do something my dining situation. This week I went grocery shopping with the goal of picking up ground beef based meals. Last night I made tacos and it was amazing. This is probably the simplest thing to make, but it is so rewarding to make my own food. 

Ingredients
1lb Ground Beef
1 Packet of Taco Seasoning
2 Torilla Shells
1 Tomatos
1/2 Avocado
Sprinkling of Shredded Cheese

Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, and then add the packet of taco seasoning according to the instructions on the package.
- Add desired toppings.
- Save the other have of the avocado and the ground beef for leftovers.

Here are the other meals I have planned for this week:
Bagel Pizza's
Beef and Cheese Quesadillas
Pasta w/ tomato sauce and beef

I am now ready to attack this week with good food, and avoidance of the dining hall.  If nothing else, this week will be one of the best dining weeks of the year so far. I finally feel somewhat like an adult with the grocery shopping and making my own meals. This has been one of the most exciting parts of the month for me since I have been able to start cooking again. 

I'll let you know how this goes!

xoxo,

Maddie

My True College Experience

     College has been something else that's for sure. I have been at school for about a month and a half now but I can sincerely say that it is nothing like I thought it would be. I was expecting to fall in love with Wisconsin right away, I was going to meet a ton of friends right away, be best friends with my roommate, and overall just find my place right away. 

     Nothing has really gone how I planned, which had made for an interesting start to my year. I did not really want to go to Wisconsin, but I not matter what I was determined to make the best of it. Right away things started off on the wrong foot with the roommate situation. We just don't get along very well which makes for being in the dorm uncomfortable for me. Well actually, we just don't talk.... ever.  

     I have always had issues meeting people right away. I have been able to meet a fair amount of people right away, but I really haven't been able to become close with anyone. I am close(r) with a couple girls but there is no one for me to really be with. If it wasn't for my sorority, I really don't know how happy I would be at school. 

      School in general has been so overwhelming with the combination of homework, clubs, blogging, greek life and more homework. I can hardly fit in time to create halfway decent blog posts. I feel like I never have time to spend on myself. All I have been wanting recently is to go out for coffee and treat myself, but it seems like I never have time to do anything

     College has not been anything like that of the movies or books. I knew that this would be the case, but I didn't think it would be like this. I can't say that I am really unhappy at school, but this definitely isn't classified as the best time of my life. I certainly hope that things get better and I can't wait to be able to post a more positive life update. 

sorry for the rant...

xoxo,

Maddie

Easy Halloween Costume Ideas

Halloween is a really big deal at UW Madison so having a good costume is important. I have never been big into Halloween, so putting in effort will be a new thing for me. Pinterest has been my go to for finding ideas. I really don't want to go as a "sexy (interest random object)", like a cat. Thankfully, there so many ideas that would be warm enough for the end of October, but still fun enough to hang out in. 

*via

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Of these, I really like the gum ball machine or the Waldo costume. Both of them would be warm enough for a night that will probably be about 50 degrees. Where's Waldo was always my favorite game to play at family gatherings. The gum ball outfit could be really easy to make which is exactly what I am looking for! Make sure you check out the Thursday Three after Halloween to see what I wore!

Which one of these is your favorite?

xoxo,

Maddie

Dorm Grocery List

     I hate dorm food. I couldn't even make it one month before finding that I can't stand the dorm food. It's not always warm, the food just isn't good, and the having the calorie count on everything really makes food seem less appealing. I know that sounds dumb, but seeing a calorie count on every muffin, sandwich and piece of fish. I just don't want to know the calorie count, especially if it is dessert or breakfast. 

     In order to keep myself away from the dining hall as much as possible. These days I always have breakfast in my dorm, dinner in the dining hall, and then lunch tends to vary. Certain days I make a sandwich so I can study and not leave the library, and other days I will pick up something from the dining hall. I keep a well stocked pantry in order to be able to make some good food. Here is what I keep in my dorm. 

All of these items allow for a variety of meals to be created. Here are some examples of what I will make. What to make is pretty self explanatory such as parfaits, sandwiches, oatmeal & bananas, and apples & peanut butter. Any combinations of these foods make food a good breakfast, at least one that is more filling and better tasting than anything I can find in the dining hall. 

What do you keep in your dorm?

xoxo,

Maddie

Mastering the Farmer's Market

As you know, I love any and every farmer's market. I adore getting fresh produce and baked goods for the week. Now that I am in college, going to the farmer's market means that I will actually have good food to eat over the week. Each Saturday morning I wake up, make a coffee to go, and then meander my way to the market. The market has been my favorite part of the summer for as long as I can remember so here are the lessons I have learned over the years. 

| Bring Cash |

This seems like an obvious thing to say, but you don't want to find yourself eyeing up a muffin when you only have a dollar. Bringing cash ahead of time means that you can avoid ATM fees and make the most of the time you set aside. 

| Bring Your Own Bags |

Not all vendors have bags, and bringing your own means that you don't have to walk around with a bunch of plastic bags. I like to bring a canvas bag, since they are sturdier and I like how the look. Finally, bringing your own bags is more environmentally friendly which is never a bad thing.

| Don't Buy Right Away |

Make sure to walk around the whole market (depending on size) before you buy anything. There are so many reasons for this. 1) It sucks to buy something then see the same thing for less money 2) It makes the time at the market longer 3) This allows you to scope out the best looking product of your choice.

| Ask For a Sample |

If there is something that you haven't tried, don't be afraid to ask to try something. If they say no, oh well, but most times they will gladly give you one. Just last weekend, I had to ask to try a plum and needless to say, I walked away with some amazing plums.  

| Get Heavy Things Last | 

The last thing you want to do is buy a melon and then have to lug it around. Just make sure to take note of the price for the heavier things so you don't run out of money. Also, keep one bag empty for later so you can keep the heavy things in one bag so they don't squash any lighter foods. 

| Treat Yourself |

It is unimaginable to me that one could go to a farmer's market and not get something for breakfast. At home, I loved getting an egg roll or hand pie, and in Madison, I've gotten an amazing sticky buns and scones. I make my treat breakfast for the day and then I may or may not get something for later as well. 

Whether you decide to go alone or with friends, the farmer's market is my favorite way to spend a Saturday morning. What is not love about fresh air, local produce, and baked goods? 

Tell me how your trip to the market is!

xoxo,

Maddie

10 Things I Miss

It is crazy to think that I've been away from home now for three weeks as of tomorrow. These weeks have gone by so quickly, which I am thankful for because it hasn't always been great. That being said, being away from home for so long is weird since I am such a homebody. I am proud of how well I have adjusted, but let's be real I still miss home. It always hits me at random times, and as you'll see, some of the things I miss are just as random. 

1. My Family

I feel like this goes without saying. I thought I would miss my family right away, but I barely thought about them unless I was talking or texting one of them. Then, all of the sudden it hit me that they aren't just around the corner for me. 

2. Working Wifi

This sounds really random, I know. Wisconsin's wifi has been a mess for the past week and right now all I want is to be able to looking something up without having to worry about whether or not anything works. Super random, I know. 

3. Company at meals. 

It is so weird to eat alone for every meal. I eat breakfast in my dorm (the foods better), lunch while studying, and then I just have dinner whenever I am done studying. Conversations over meals make them so much nicer and longer. 

4. Privacy with Dorm Showers

 My dorm shower is the worst. There is no gap between the communal area and the shower so I have the choice of either getting my robe sopping wet or hoping that there is no one outside when I need to grab my robe. It adds excitement to my day that I didn't want. 

5. Air Conditioning  

It has been 80 degrees recently and I am not thrilled. There is only so much that having the windows open with a fan going can do. I have had to sleep without covers, which I dislike, and just being in the room is uncomfortable. Let's just say I am ready for the cold. 

6. Ability to Drive  

I have walked over 15,000 steps everyday I've been here and let me tell you, it is tiring. It is a 25 minute walk to the Tri Delta house, and a 15 minute walk to the Memorial Union, which is where I do all of my homework. I love to walk, but boy, would I love to be able to just get somewhere at a reasonable pace. 

7.  Ice 

I really only like to drink water with ice, but sadly I have had to learn how drink iceless water. My water pickiness has finally come to an end. The ice machine doesn't work with my Swell water bottle which means no ice for me. I really miss the ease of ice, it was luxury I didn't know I had. 

8. Cooking

I knew I would miss cooking. Being limited to a microwave and fridge is hard, especially when you can't use the microwave when the roommate is sleeping. The dorm room recipes online aren't helpful, like I don't want to buy a package of eggs for one egg. TBH, I just want to make warm muffins.

9. My Best Friends

Meeting new people is great, but you are in a weird place for a while where you can't get to deep about anything. There is nothing like the relationship you make by being friends with someone forever. I miss being able to just say anything and not worry about making the wrong impression. 

10. Mom's Cooking

This is the one I missed right away. The dining hall food is subpar, especially since I am used to high quality food. All I want is breaded chicken, steak or a real dessert. I would take even some of my least favorite meals, if it meant that it was homemade and not from the dining hall. 

Even though I miss a lot, I can't say I would go back to high school for it. I love the independence that I have. I like having less class, even if they are more work. There is so much happening that there is rarely time to miss more than one of these at a time. College hasn't been all rainbows and butterflies for me, but it has been an interesting and exciting change none the less. 

What do you miss from home?

xoxo,

Maddie

What I Wore for Sorority Recruitment

Sorority Recruitment was a long process but I am so happy that I did it. I started planning what to wear in May, only because I was so excited. I put a lot of effort into making sure what I wore represented who I am, and not what I thought the chapter might want to see. The girls at Wisconsin were wearing a wide variety of outfits so my best piece of advice would be to wear what you love and  to not base it off of what you find online. With that being said, here is what I wore for Sorority Recruitment!

Round One 

For round one we were told to wear a cute outfit with shorts or a skirt, something fun and casual. This round lasted two days, where you visited 6 houses on each day, which meant two outfits were needed. For this round, I wore chino shorts both days along with a cute top. 

Round Two

The clothes for round two were supposed to be something that you would go out to tea with your grandma. I chose to wear a fit and flare, geometric pattern dress I got a while back from Dillard's, but I managed to find a similar one to show you all. This round involved seeing 8 houses and was based on philanthropy.

Round Three

Round three was the same as round two, but I decided to look a little nicer because I just wanted to wear my Lilly Pulitzer Dress. For this round, we visited 5 houses, got a house tour (!) and the basis was sisterhood.

Preference Round

The dressiest night of all. I wore a super cute black dress from Lauren James. I love this dress so much because it has pockets, scallops and an open back. How could you not love it? We visited three houses, and had more intimate conversations as well as some really good food. 

Bid Day

Bid day, or night for my case, is super casual since you are given a t-shirt. I just wore white jean shorts and Birkenstocks. The shirt I got was so cute. It was a light blue tank that said "Dropping Jaws since 1888" which went along with the share theme! 

The whole process had a lot of ups and downs, and being told to "trust the system" but in the end I can safely say I ended where I belonged. I love the girls in TriDelt and I simply cannot wait to get to know them better. Delta Delta Delta was the place for me, and I can say that the next four years will be better because of them. 

xoxo,

Maddie