Monthly Archives: August 2014

WIAW: iPhone Photography

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Wait, I’m still posting?

I’m still at FYSOP and all, but I decided to type up some posts during the weekend so I could still check in with you guys! Also, What I Ate Wednesday with Jenn is just fun.

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I mentioned last week that I will be abandoning the DSLR while I’m at college, so I’ve been trying to brush up my iPhone food photography with the help of the VSCO Cam app. I feel like this vscocam is the LA-hipster-foodie app to use, but I can’t resist feeling like Cait’s Plate or Molly Yeh (except a lot less refined) when I edit photos there.

So here’s a mix of my last DSLR and iPhone/vscocam-edited food photos from home AND college the last week!

Breakfasts

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iPhone: blueberry pancakes at brunch with my three best friends

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DSLR: Greek yogurt with chia, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, banana, zucchini banana bread, and sunflower seed butter

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DSLR: cookie dough cereal with chia, banana and mango

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DSLR: fluffy chia banana oatmeal with sunflower seed butter

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iPhone: FYSOP breakfast of muffins and half a bagel with cream cheese. SUGAR RUSH FROM THOSE MUFFINS.

Lunches

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DSLR: pita bread with avocado, salt and pepper + spinach with crab-tofu-egg-zucchini scramble

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iPhone: sushi lunch with mama

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DSLR: udon noodles with Chinese takeout

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iPhone: Greek chicken wrap from a service station en route to Boston

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iPhone: Dining hall food! Turkey, mustard, onion chutney, maple turkey, lettuce, tomato sandwich on wheat + mozzarella tomato balsamic salad 

Snacks

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iPhone: sharing waffle fries with Daliza

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DSLR: nighttime snack of yogurt with cinnamon and stevia

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DSLR: the usual dried fig with Greek yogurt

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DSLR: grilled veggies (eaten with fingers because that’s more fun)

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iPhone: banana with peanut butter and sea salt

Dinners

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DSLR: Soba noodles + leftover Thai chicken + big green salad

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DSLR: Leftover rice pilaf + pork + avocado

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DSLR: Salad with curry chicken + avocado toast

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iPhone: {really dry} roasted chicken + {really tasty!} sweet potatoes + veggies from the dining hall

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iPhone: roasted potatoes + salad with tofu and chickpeas from the dining hall

Desserts

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iPhone: frozen yogurt + bubble tea with mom

peach cobbler

DSLR: The one and only— peach cobbler

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iPhone: vanilla soft serve from the dining hall 😀

I just had a spoonful of peanut butter here in my dorm because I didn’t get my fix at breakfast. Once I start going to the dining hall for breakfast during the school year, I’m actually going to bring a little container of nut butter with me. Bring on the judgmental stares. BRING IT.

The college experience is going well so far, by the way! I must admit that I’m a little homesick, even though my parents are visiting this weekend for parent day. Nevertheless, I’m making friends (woo!) and having fun learning about the issue areas for which we are all volunteering. Maybe I’ll be able to sneak in a quick “thinking out loud” post tomorrow, but we shall see if time (and sanity) permits. 🙂

Hope you guys have a great Wednesday!

So tell me:

Do you use VSCO cam to edit iPhone photos?

Three things you’ve eaten and loved recently.

Were you homesick in college?

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Goodbye, New York

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Oh, hello!!

I have two confessions:

1) I said I wasn’t going to post in a while after Friday, but I forgot that I could write up a blog post this weekend to schedule for today. So here I am!

2) I didn’t make peach cobbler on Thursday like I said I would. I made it on Friday. But time does not dictate the pure deliciousness of peach cobbler, so whenever I made it/ate it/swooned at it, it was all good.

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I knew I needed to make peach cobbler before summer ended and before I went off to college. We finished it within a 1.5 days because it’s the dessert of all desserts (in my opinion). If you’re not sure what peach cobbler is, it’s stewed peaches beneath a biscuit-like dough that’s crispy on the outside and doughy on the inside. I need to stop right there before I become sad that it’s all gone.

I shared with everyone, don’t worry. It wasn’t easy to share, but I did. 😉

I used this recipe (cutting down the sugar by half for both the batter and the peaches), and although it’s not like the cobbler my aunt made that I first fell in love with, it’s still so delicious and satisfying. A la mode of course!

The sad, inevitable time came to say goodbye to my last two friends that were still in New York this weekend, so we had a three-part celebration for going off to college. Part 1 on Thursday night was ice cream and a walk (the default friend activity).

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Daliza and Mike were the last two!

Part 2 on Friday night was going to the diner and then to the park in the dark to pass around a soccer ball, attempt rollerblading, and play “Ninja”. It was humbling getting on those roller skates, especially since I used to be a figure skater! I almost fell on my face approximately 12 times. It’s also humbling kicking a soccer ball around two soccer players. It’s a good thing we were best friends before they witnessed my poor foot-eye coordination.

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I shared some waffle fries with Daliza. They made me smile.

via Daliza’s Instagram

Part 3 on Sunday was basically just chatting for a bit and saying, “see ya soon!” Why are we not emotional?

Besides soccer and rollerblading on Friday, my moves included handstand practice and a 16-minute arm workout from PurelyTwins (I’m just obsessed with their workouts). Holy moly, that one is a shoulder smoker during the workout, but my lats were actually more sore the next day!

On Saturday, I ran 3 slow miles with walking rests and some bodyweight exercises in between each mile. Oof. Endurance on a scale of 1-10 is like a 5. Something to work towards!

My last dinner at a restaurant in New York for a while involved Turkish food (…thanks to Groupon 😀 )! The food really hit the spot. We had an appetizer plate to share that was so big that we had to take some home as leftovers, and I ordered the grilled salmon for my entree. Everything was so tasty!

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I think I finally see the resemblance between my parents and myself

Sunday morning started with a beautiful 4 mile walk with the ‘rents at our favorite trail (so much shade + a lake view!).

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Like the ambiguity as to which college I’m attending?

Finally, last night ended with a family prayer and watching Food Network. Loveeeeee.

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A marvelous weekend, I’d say!

This weekend was the best way to say farewell to the Big Apple and hello to Beantown! Hope you all have a wonderful week! I’ll be popping in for WIAW 🙂

So tell me:

How did you treat yourself this weekend?

Three things you did this weekend!

Boston-Bound + Fascinating Friday Links #41

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I’ll try not to be dramatic…

…But this is the last post I’m posting from my New York home before I go to Boston. From now until Thanksgiving, I’ll be posting from college— sometimes via ethernet cord, sometimes from a library, often when I’m procrastinating work. YAY!

I’m moving in on Monday, but I actually don’t start classes until September 2nd. Next week I’m participating in a volunteer program for freshmen called FYSOP➔ First Year Student Outreach Project. It’s an optional program during which you get to volunteer in a certain focus area with some of the current Boston University students and of course, fellow first-year students.

My roommate and I are both doing the “Hunger” focus area (hmmmm…wonder why I chose something relating to food), which explains the #NOMaste I posted at the end of this week’s WIAW. They want us to use that hashtag along with #KungFoodFighting on social media. I love these people already!

So that’s what I’ll be doing this coming week. I’ll do my very best to update you all on what I’m doing and eating sometime! If you don’t hear from me though, you’ll know what’s happening.

Alrighty! I’ll catch ya on the flip side, but in the meantime, check out some of these awesome links from the blog world!

Since there is a slim chance I will be doing these Fascinating Friday Links every week from now on, I’m making this week’s roundup slightly longer! (I also just found a ton of great links I needed to share with you all.)

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Health and Fitness

[Assess your workouts] Top 5 Reasons Your Workout Isn’t Working via Eating Bird Food

[Drastic restriction just does not end well] This is What Dieting Does To Your Body via Better With Sprinkles

[Drop it lowwww] 40 Squat Variations You Need to Try via Greatist

[Core strength is essential] 5 Core Exercises That Will Take Your Adventures to the Next Level via Sierra Social Hub + Your Trainer Paige

[For mind and body] 6 Easy Ways to Be Healthier via I Heart Vegetables

[We all wonder this at some point] WTF Does It Really Mean to “Listen to Your Body?” via Greatist

[Move and groove] 30 Minute Dumbbell Workout via Your Trainer Paige + Dumbbell Circuit Workout with 10 Min. HIIT via Fit Foodie Finds + Cardio Core Circuit via Run Pretty

Food for Thought

[“Yes” isn’t always good for us] The Small But Soul-Crushing Word You Use Every Day via Goins Writer

[Life.] 25 Things to Remember When Life Gets Tough via Marc and Angel Hack Life

[You absolutely cannot judge a book by its cover] Rethink Homelessness via LifeBuzz

[Fitness for life, not looks] Fitness Isn’t About Building a Better Body, It’s About Building a Better Life via Peanut Butter Fingers

[For new moms and dads] 12 Things I’ve Learned in My First Year of Parenting via Sweet Tooth Sweet Life

Food for Belly

[Who wouldn’t like these?] Healthy Cookie Dough Bites via Yeah…Imma Eat That

[Heck yes] Gluten-Free Peach and Oat Pancakes via Cookie and Kate

[Flaaaavor] Garlic Butter Salmon with Caramelized Shallot Relish via How Sweet It Is

[Brunch at its finest] French Toast with Pear Chutney and Mascarpone via Pinch of Yum

[All of it] 9 Gourmet Grilled Cheese Recipes That Are Totally Easy to Make via Greatist

Miscellaneous Fun

[So…don’t go to a club?] Admit It: Clubbing is LAME via Youtube

[For real?!] Can You Grow Oats at Home? via Kath Eats Real Food

[Gotta get me some mason jars] Ways To Use Mason Jars in the Kitchen via The Lean Green Bean

[Build a business] How to Grow Your Blog and Make Money via Peanut Butter Fingers

Ta ta for now, folks!

 

Behind the Scenes #30: College Anticipations

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Thinking-Out-Loud

Sharing my thoughts, fears, and excitements on Amanda’s blog!

College Thoughts…

1) …On saying goodbye to friends: Life is about to change in 4 days when I leave for college. A bunch of my closest friends have already left, and I can’t help but still feel that it’s not really happening. Either that, or I’ve just accepted this time of transition and I’m cool as a cucumber. Whatever it may be, my goodbyes with all my friends these past two days have been anything BUT emotional. We’re obviously going to miss each other so much, but we all know we’re going to be occupied with new friends and experiences, so it’s more sweet than bitter.

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Said goodbye to these three beauties yesterday. They’re gonna kill it!

2) …On saying goodbye to family: I told my dad last night that I think I’ll be homesick, but I don’t think I’ll cry. He just silently smiled, which usually means he’s laughing at me on the inside. He’s right— I’m probably going to cry at some random time during the evening when I’m studying or trying to find some dried figs and Greek yogurt.

At least I’ll have Ben 10 minutes away from me, so we can chill!

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If we’re not mauling each other, that is.

3) …On food: I’ve been spoiled silly with my mother’s epic home cooking, but I’ll still be pretty spoiled with the food choices at Boston University. After all, they gave me special healthy cookies when I went there once.

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I’m also taking initiative on the nut butter front, so #thatnutbutterlife (right, Lilly?) will still be rocking.

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Three full jars + a container to bring some to the dining hall for breakfast 😀

4) …On dorming: I’m not too worried about much when it comes to living in a dorm (except for moving in and seeing if everything fits in there), and I’m actually pretty excited! I already know my roommate is awesome, and I’m looking forward to meeting more friends.

Actually, one thing that is on my mind: the showering situation. It’ll take some time getting used to the teeny showers, but I hope I manage well without hurting or embarrassing myself too badly. Number one thing is to not forget a towel/robe when I go to take a shower. “TowelRobeTowelRobeTowelRobe.”

5) …On academics, activities, etc.: I’m just going to play it by ear in terms of figuring out how to balance it all. If I try to plan too much right now, I might get frustrated if things don’t turn out just so. I just know that academics come first, and I hope to get involved in a few clubs and to stay active! Oh, and sleep. That will help.

6) …On making friends: Daliza and I were thinking last night: “How do you even make friends anymore?” Seriously, though! Whatever happens, I’m going to have to keep myself from being this person:

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[source]

I hope to meet tons of people, but I know my close friends will fall into place eventually. Just let it rock.

7) …On blogging: Oh, beloved blogging. I’m afraid things will be changing quite a bit starting next week since time will be of the essence! I want to continue blogging without a doubt, but I know I will not be able to post as much or read as many blogs. As with everything else, I don’t want to plan my college blogging too much, but I’m hoping to share my moves and grooves semi-regularly while in a new environment!

8) …On taking photos of food: I’m unfazed by taking photos of my food in front of people now since I’m pretty open about my blog at this point. That being said, I’m not going to lug around DSLR camera for pretty food pictures in college (not that my pictures are all that fabulous now). iPhone or point-and-shoot photos are going to be the best I can do, but I’ll just take that as an opportunity to improve my iPhone photography and editing! 😉

One of my favorite iPhone food photos on my Instagram

Miscellaneous Thoughts

9) Moves yesterday included a jump rope warmup, Jess’ lean legs workout, and some pistol squats to Beyonce and Shakira. Shaky legs!

10) I’m going to make peach cobbler today and I’m PUMPED. It’s my favorite dessert ever, and I haven’t had it in maybe 4 years now. Holy moly, I can’t wait. Pray that I don’t mess something up, or else I’ll cry.

Hope you all have a fabulous day!

So tell me:

Any college advice?

If you’re going to college, what are you thinking about?

Which summer dessert do you want to make/have you made?

WIAW: Short and Sweet

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Morning!

This post is up quite a bit later than usual because I wasn’t feeling too great last night, so I hit the hay rather than writing this post. Man, was it worth it because I cannot remember the last time I slept that long! I feel like a spring chicken!

I’ve got a ton of photos for you all of the food that has been makin’ me smile recently. Happy WIAW!

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Click over to Jenn’s blog to see more eats!

Breakfasts

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Peanut butter banana rice bowl

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Greek yogurt with chia, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, banana, leftover waffle, and almond butter

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Long time, no hot oats! Greek yogurt with hot banana oats and peanut butter on top + cereal for crunch!

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Overnight oats in jars. Favorites.

Lunches

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Soba noodles + egg tofu crab zucchini scramble (all thanks to mom) ➔ went back for seconds!

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Daliza’s leftover (torn up) corn tortillas with avocado, salt, and pepper + two soft boiled eggs

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Babysitting lunch on the go: grilled ham, brie, jam, spinach panini

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Avocado toast + carrots + crab scrambled eggs

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Toast with avocado + toast with sunflower seed butter + crab egg scramble + sautéed zucchini

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The BEST chicken gyro I’ve ever eaten. I ate the whole thing and I had mega food baby.

Snacks

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Super quick peanut butter banana green smoothie to fuel me through carpet removal

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Amanda’s peaches and cream smoothie + greens

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Lucky Charms!!!

zucchini bread

Zucchini banana bread with sunflower seed butter

Dinners

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The big green salad with two soft boiled eggs + sunflower seed butter toast

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Another panini + carrots

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Our Korean feast

Desserts

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Americana

I have to keep this super short and sweet today because I’m headed to brunch with Veronica, Je’lyn, and Jeannine. They’re all leaving me for college in the next two days, so this will be our last hurrah! Oh my GOSH.

Hope you all enjoyed seeing some of noms this week. #NOMaste (I’ll explain more about where I got that from later 😉 ) Have an wonderful Wednesday!

So tell me:

What is the best thing you’ve eaten this past week?

Any ethnic foods?