Give Thanks

I know, it's a little late.

But better late than never, right?

Deviled Eggs

Macaroni and Cheese

Cornbread Stuffing

Deep Fried Turkey

The Master Carver

They knew something tasty was happening...

Turkey!

Green Bean Casserole

Sweet Potato Fries

My Plate!

Our leftovers...

Dessert!

I don't really think more words are necessary at this point ;)

Where The Heart Is

Home sweet home.

There really is nothing like it...

I was a little nervous that upon my return I would feel like a visitor.

But within moments of arriving, I knew I was home.

Also, within a couple of hours, 

I was already in the kitchen!

Mexican Munch was the product of my elation over the availability of a kitchen!

 Smiley face bowl, I've missed you too.

A Pampered Chef recipe...naturally.

One which I made last year too, I believe.

My mom and I are obsessed!

Can't keep our fingers out of it!

Mexican Munch

Adapted from The Pampered Chef

• 1 (4-ounce) can shoestring potato sticks
• 1 (3-ounce) can French-fried onions
• 2 cups Chex type cereal
• 1/2 cup Cheerios
• 1/2 cup sweet oat squares
• 1 cup rice noodles
• 3/4 peanuts
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds
• 1/3 envelope taco seasoning
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (not packed)
• 1 tsp garlic and sea salt
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 250

Combine all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl

Mix it up!

The face is necessary for the flavor to be right.

It should look like this when you're done!

Pour half of the butter over and mix again.

Repeat with the rest of the butter.

Now pour all of it into a deep pan and put it in the oven!

Bake for thirty minutes, stirring every ten.

When it comes out, let it cool completely.

Then store and enjoy!

The one thing that being home has reminded me?

This is where I belong.

Not quite Longview, just with my family.

Thanks isn't enough to give when it comes to these people!

Waiting

I am just impatient.

Currently cannot wait for Wednesday.

Because I am so ready to go home, its crazy.

These next two days couldn't go by fast enough!

But, in the meantime, I've been trying to keep busy.

I've had a good weekend.

Doing the college thing...

You know,

studying ;)

Went to a game yesterday,

The last home game of the season!

Hook 'Em Horns!

Even though we lost, every game is so much fun!

Just an indescribable experience.

I've also been relaxing a lot.

They really weren't lying when they said you nap more in college than in preschool...

I swear, not having nap time is like the coming of the apocalypse!

My bed and I have really become closer in these last few months...

As have my teddy bears and I!

Paws Up.

See that bruise on my knee?

Fell down some stairs.

I'm a graceful ballerina, you know!

All around, it's been a great weekend.

And tonight, I got to eat at one of my favorite places on the Drag.

Rasta Pasta!

Tess and I shared a delicious ravioli dish.

Doesn't my phone take great pictures?!

Called Dreadlock Ravioli.

Yes, everything at this restaurant is Bob Marley themed.

So fun. Moderately cliche.

Altogether delicious!

This was ricotta filled raviolis in a marinara sauce with jerk chicken.

Ahh, how I love having someone to split these delicious dishes with!

Tess is as adventurous with food as I am, which is a total blessing.

Now, I'm about to watch Princess and the Frog.

And be nice and cozy.

In my stuffily hot room!

Seriously though, 80 degrees in November?

It's not right at all.

Hopefully this week fixes this weather weirdness!

New week, clean slate, and only two days of school.

Let's just hope that time flies!

Wednesdays

For some reasons, Wednesdays are always my worst days.

Maybe it's because they are the hump day.

Maybe the fates just don't look in my favor on those days.

Whatever the reason, they always seem to be a little darker than the rest.

And this Wednesday started out no different.

But in the end? Definitely one of the best!

Two girls in my nutrition program, Danielle and Jessica, and I went out for dinner.

At Sandra Bullock's restaurant, no less.

It's called Bess Bistro and is on Sixth Street.

Did you know it existed? I didn't either until earlier this week!

But let me tell you. Yum.

Classy too! 

That dark, comfortable vibe just filled the restaurant.

The type of ambiance that makes you feel fine about spending around 2 and a half hours at dinner.

And that it is perfectly acceptable to order two desserts.

=)

Anyway, enough words.

Time for some food porn.

Chop Salad

Danielle had the Chop Salad.

With turkey, avocado, tomatoes, hard boiled egg.

And it's supposed to have bacon.

But, like I would have, she opted out of it.

Asparagus and Macaroni

Jessica had the Macaroni Au Gratin.

And Asparagus side.

Both of which were phenomenal.

So many cheeses in the mac, and the asparagus was perfectly cooked.

I would know, because I ate half of those veggies...

And what did I order?

Spinach and Fried Egg Salad

The Spinach and Fried Egg Salad!

By fried egg, I mean the egg is that fried ball on top.

And next to that ball?

A good ole' smear of goat cheese =)

You know me, and my adoration for that bitter taste.

It was such a decadent salad, with so many aspects to its flavors.

I loved it!

And before you think that we Nutrition girls don't eat fun foods,

Just keep scrolling down!

Cherry and Apple Cobbler

Affogato Chocolate Brownie

That's right. We had two.

And not at the same time.

We ordered the cobbler.

Devoured it in moments.

And deemed the brownie a necessity!

Both were delicious, but I would definitely recommend the cobbler.

Oh, it was good.

The whole meal was!

And those girls?

Let's just say I can't wait to spend at least the next four years of my life being graced by their company =)

Danielle, Me, and Jessica

What can I say?

The best remedy to a bad day:

Good friends, good food, and good times!

Take Five.

It's true what they say, you know. 

Taking a few minutes each day just to breathe and appreciate what life has given you is really good for you.

And I feel like it's important all the time to do so.

Not only around Thanksgiving!

And so, today I am appreciating Whole Foods.

Once again!

My ability to bike to it, to buy myself treats, and to experience such variety of quality foods.

I went yesterday.

And it sure was a good trip.

With the beautiful backdrop of...sheets. Yes it's classy.

The trip itself was another break I had taken.

You see, I have a bio test today.

And a presentation for a research inquiry.

Both of which I've been prepping for diligently over this past week.

But it's not a good thing to just cram cram cram.

The real world does exist, and its just a few steps away from my laptop!

Momentary ventures out are very necessary.

And very satisfying.

This time, I bought a couple of things which I haven't tried before.

Mmm carbs. Carbs carbs carbs!

You could say I was feeling adventurous.

Or just curious.

Or just satisfying my cravings.

Either way, I'm a happy girl!

I also tried Maple Pecan Sorbetto...which was decadent.

Delicious.

Delightful!

All around a perfect afternoon treat for a little me.

And if you're wondering where I put all of this food in my cupboard of a room?

All of that food belongs to Marianna!

Don't worry, I had an empty half of a fridge!

Which is now plenty filled.

As it very well should be.

I only bought enough for about a week...because in just one week I get to go home!

I cannot wait.

Too bad I'll be studying...as always!

Before I leave and go back to work though, I'd like to take a moment to appreciate my lunch today.

It's peanut butter jelly time!

If I could explain the way I have been yearning for peanut butter, you would think I'm crazy.

But the fact that I just referred to it as a yearning for such a common item...

I think it's already obvious that I am insane!

But oh, I was so happy when I came in today from dance.

Soaking wet from our morning monsoon, I might add.

Got all dried up and clean.

And got to enjoy some peanut buttery goodness =)

Dip it, smear it, whatever. I totally made a mess of my desk!

And now, I must leave to make a final presentation.

And take my last bio test before the final!

Wishes of luck are much appreciated!

Sugar Fix.

A little while ago, my best friend was having a tough time.

So, of course, I bought us cupcakes.

Because what's better than girl time and cupcakes to fix things up??

Not much in my books!

As I've previously said...my food choices here on campus can be limited in quality.

That definitely includes dessert items.

And so, for these little babies, I had to walk.

About a mile or so.

Which isn't too bad...

I'm getting used to this city living thing!

But I walked down to a bakery called Polkadots.

And man, am I glad that I did!

A S'mores cupcake and a Strawberry Shortcake one were just what she needed.

Oh, how I have missed real cupcakes!

These sugary confections brought me back to my summer job in the bakery.

Back to the real world, where I'm a girl named Michelle.

Not just a "student"

Ahhhh yes. The good old days!

Back to these days though...Tess and I enjoyed these babies, and talked out our troubles.

It was therapeutic in all aspects!

The box that the cupcakes came in, though?

I decorated on all sides =)

Sometimes, the littlest gestures can brighten a day.

And you know what they say is true.

It really does feel incredible to do something for someone else.

And quite rewarding...for my taste buds in this case!

Ho Hum

I've just got that feeling.

The lazy, comfortable, low key feeling.

Motivation? I've never heard of it.

What have I been doing, you may ask.

I have been satisfying cravings.

The craving to pass, so I've been studying my buns off.

At least, I've been working on it...

The craving for a social life, so I've been going out with my friends.

Even though I tend to be a little recluse at times...

The craving for good movies, so I've been watching multitudes.

Toy Story 3, Benny and Joon, my usual comfort films...

Oh, and all six Star Wars. All week.

All awesome =)

The craving for flavor, so I've been working with this dining scene.

I think I've spent the majority of my dining plan on fruit...

It's a taste I can't resist!

And you know, I am a carb addict.

And fresh bread Thursdays have me pretty happy!

It's almost like I can make myself food...almost.

This sandwich was about the most cooking I have gotten to do.

Don't worry though, it was delicious!

What I really want to make right now is cookies.

I want to bake like crazy and have dozens and dozens of cookies to prove it.

But...that requires ingredients. And a kitchen I can use.

Two things that aren't super easy to come by in this dorm life!

I'll figure it out though, I'm sure of that.

The one craving I haven't satisfied?

The craving for home...

You know how they say that the first semester is the worst?

The ominous "they" weren't lying.

Not one bit.