American Version of Ireland

Posted on March 20, 2017 by Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves

It’s 12:15am and I’m eating frozen bananas while standing in front of my radiator.

But I wanted to blog! My brain can only organize things into an incoherent list right now though, so that’s what we’ll work with today.

This past week:

1) We had a snow day on Tuesday and it ruined everything.

My gross anatomy lab practical that was supposed to be last Tuesday is now tomorrow, the same day as the gross anatomy lecture exam. #ILoveEverything.

2) I can’t complain about sleeping in and having warm Slytherin socks though (thanks, Fiona ♥︎).

3) Megan and I also made a mini snowman after Mass that day.

same.

we named him Stello, the counterpart to Stella the storm

3) Megan, Briana and I were craving a taste of Ireland on our snow day, so we baked Irish brown bread (one of our favorite foods when we were abroad) using this recipe. It ROCKED fresh out of the oven with butter and jam/honey. *Irish jig*

3 mini loaves

we have finally mastered the art of baking in our hell-hot box of an oven

4) Another low regarding the snow/ice was that I walked 30 minutes to dance on Wednesday morning (and royally wiped out on the ice on the way there) all to find out that class was cancelled. ‘Twas totally my fault for not checking the facebook page for an update after the large snow storm.

5) I forgot how much I liked getting sandwiches/wraps at the dining hall until I ordered this beauty last week.

roast beef, provolone, roasted veggies, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, honey mustard on whole wheat wrap

6) Some of my favorite moves and grooves from last week:

Wednesday: 10-1 pistol squat/burpee ladder (10 of each, then 9, 8,7…1) + squat clean practice

Saturday: 5 rounds of this functional workout from Peanut Butter Fingers + overhead squat practice

Friday: alllll the dancing for St. Paddy’s day!

ugh this night was so fun!

7) I tried making a healthy homemade shamrock shake with peppermint stevia drops that had been sitting in my pantry unopened for ages.

milk, yogurt, oats, chia seeds, frozen banana, 1/4 avocado, greens, vanilla protein powder, peppermint stevia drops

My friends hate me for making this.

It was tasty and creamy, but I should have just left out the stevia because it wasn’t that strong, so I kept adding more until it just left a nasty aftertaste.

At least it wasn’t as sickeningly sweet as the McDonald’s version? And it’s green!

8) I helped out with a high school confirmation retreat on Saturday and the church spoiled the volunteers by inviting us to their St. Patrick’s/St. Joseph’s potluck dinner!

salad, lobster ravioli, jambalaya, clam fritter, eggplant parmigiana, shepherd’s pie, soda bread

#global.

all the boxed baked goods!!!

I also ate Welch’s fruit snacks and Cheez-Its earlier in the day during the allotted snack time, and I was on cloud nostalgia.

9) Despite the complain train of this post, I am truly grateful for the many wonderful people and privileges I have in my life. And especially this week, I am grateful for the little trials and heartaches that God uses to teach me how to be better.

I hope you all have a fantastic Monday. Go get ’em!!!

So tell me:

How did you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Danced and snacked the night away with my friends (and watched them drink because I’m still a baby here in America).

Two things you’re grateful for.

The best thing you ate this weekend. That one lobster ravioli (raviolo?) I ate at the potluck was smashing.

Current Simple Joys

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves

Life is hectic and cluttered enough, so let’s keep things simple today.

current simple joys

Snow days.

{last Thursday}

Making waffles with my roommate on said snow day.

and glasses of milk in mason jars

Ecstatic Californian friends who have never experienced a snow day before (@Sarah).

crooked smiles because I’m pretty sure the left side of my face was frozen

Sipping hot cocoa and talking about the mystery of the universe with friends after coming inside from the frigid cold.

Situations/statements that make me or someone else laugh like an idiot.

When people do spot-on impressions of other people.

Workout dates with Christina.

Followed by lunch dates + good lighting for food photos.

@ Mei Mei’s Street Kitchen – we shared corn fritters…

…and I got a classic double awesome

When my best friend gets me a piece of carrot cake with a glass o’ milk at the dining hall.

Waking up after less than 7 hours of sleep but still feeling alert.

Bending over to stretch and letting blood rush to my head after a long day.

Perfect avocados.

Which turn into perfect avocado egg toasts.

When hundreds of gross anatomy flashcards pay off.

Friends who are undyingly loving of one another.

Gelato on sale.

Painting my nails while studying.

Standing close to the stage for an acoustic concert with my best friend.

Hailey Knox opened – she is insanely talented!!!

just supporting my close pals

they are incredible ♥︎

Discovering a new song to play on repeat.

Breakfast that’s already made.

Having pockets of time to move and groove in some way every day.

Mountains of guacamole.

not a joy – stomach ache after eating this whole thing #whoops

FaceTiming with the family.

Having something to look forward to this weekend (retreat + long weekend + Rachel turning 21!).

So tell me:

Three current simple joys in your life!

What are you doing this weekend?

I’m Happier Without Instagram

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves

SNOW DAY!!!

It’s been two years since our last snow day here at BU. The last time this happened, we were experiencing snowpocalypse and had 5 snow days on almost every Monday of the week from January-February.

#tbt

Someone noted that the Patriots won the Super Bowl that year also…

Yesterday it was sunny and warm, except for the morning when I got to ice skate to dance class. This is actual footage of me ~~walking~~ perilously penguin shuffling across the frozen-over bridge.

I have never more greatly appreciated the function of salt on the sidewalks.

From salt and snow to INSTAGRAM. (#NoSegueNoProblem #BloggerLife)

I’ve been on a break from (what used to be) my favorite social media platform for over a month now. I miss it sometimes as I’m not “in the loop” with health living bloggers and friends as much anymore, but I can’t say that I truly miss it. In fact, I dare say that I am much happier without Instagram.

The main reason for which I am happier is that Instagram was a comparison trap for me, whether I liked to admit it or not, and now I’ve finally cut it out of my life. This mostly applies to fitness. I am much more content with my workouts (vs. thinking about the workout that someone else posted on Instagram today), and I’m less concerned about what my body looks like on a day to day basis.

The temptation to obsess over comments, likes, followers and notifications is gone.

I feel incredibly liberated in not having any social media icons on my phone. I don’t mindlessly pick up my phone to check notifications anymore. My right thumb also feels less fatigued due to less scrolling (true story).

My attention span has probably improved.

I don’t crave noise as much anymore. In fact, I find myself craving silence, which never used to happen.

I take fewer photos, which might be more of an advantage for my friends/family than it is for me.

I just have more brain space without Instagram.

Disclaimers: I do still have Facebook, because it’s a practical way to stay in touch with people and organize school events. Plus, the temptation to scroll on FB isn’t as great as it is on Instagram. Also, I’m not at all saying that everyone will be happier without Instagram. I just know for myself that Instagram has more negative than positive effects on my life.

I’m only a little bit sad to be admitting all of this. I did enjoy sharing workouts and tidbits of life, but I don’t need it, and others don’t need my Instagram presence. I’d say a personal blog is enough of me in the world wide web.

Other scenes from the week:

an evening with the brachial plexus

check out this pristine sky on the day I gave my first campus tour in 8 months!

one thing I like + one thing I like substantially less

banana bread baked oatmeal with pb + glass o’ milk

Thrive Market delivery!

Some moves and grooves I was diggin’ these past two weeks:

// Lower Body Supersets //

3×10 squats
3×20 jump squats

3×10 deadlifts
3×30 side jump lunges

3×3 wall walks
3×10 box jumps

// Hillary’s 400 Heavy Rep Workout //

// 45 Minute Fightmaster Vinyasa Yoga //

// AMRAP and EMOM //

12 min AMRAP (as many rounds as possible):

6 pistol squats each leg
10 burpees
10 situps

10 min EMOM (every minute, on the minute):

Even: 5 Katniss pushups each side
Odd: 15 box jumps

10 min EMOM:

Even: 20 hamstring ball curls
Odd: 20 KB swings

// Fitness Blender 20 Minute Abs and Obliques Workout //

// 16 Minute Workout //

4 rounds, 30 seconds work, 10 seconds rest

burpee tuck jumps
goblet squats
high knees
single arm KB thrusters (alt sides each round)
burpees
weighted sit ups

Stay safe and warm if you’re in the snow storm! Enjoy your pre-Friday, friends ♥︎

So tell me:

Have you ever taken a break from social media and discovered that you’re happier?

Is it snowing where you live?

Three things about your week!

Your favorite way you’ve moved this week.

Things I Learned Last Week

Posted on February 16, 2015 by Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves

HI!

I know I checked in with Weekly Moves and Grooves yesterday, but I missed sharing life happenings with you all and hearing about your lives too. Last week was jam-packed with studying and activities, so blogging just couldn’t happen.

But now I’m here and ready to share some of the crazy-fun-weird things I learned last week!

Studying with a friend really does do wonders.

I usually like studying by myself, but the night before our anatomy exam, my friend Cassandra and I reviewed all the material by testing each other and using a white board to draw bones, tissues, and muscles. It definitely made me feel more confident during the test!

Breakfast for dinner in the dining halls should be a weekly occurrence.

Carbs and dairy and carbs. The essentials.

Two snow days in a row doesn’t mean a thing anymore.

We had another blizzard last Monday, which resulted in cancelled classes on Tuesday as well. That would be a total of five snow days this semester! What is school?

Some professors are holding classes on a couple Saturdays to make up lectures and labs, which is good from the academic standpoint as well as the *ahem* tuition standpoint.

Oh we had a blizzard yesterday too. It’s time to migrate, like, last month.

Officially taller than me.

Boston wears snow beautifully though.

A snow day does not mean more free time.

Holy smokes, last week was BUSY. The snow days were used to catch up on work, and then the work/appointments/meetings kept coming, which is why I didn’t get to blog.

Busy, but good busy (for the most part). 🙂

Grilled cheese + tomato soup is one of the greatest food combinations.

I already knew this, but I learned that I should have it more often, especially during the winter.

This grilled cheese was swiss, tomato, and caramelized onions on wheat. Mmmm.

My friends talk about my blog when I’m not around.

Rachel told me, “I was telling Cassandra that if I were Alison, I would be making my dessert look pretty and taking a picture of it.” I am both flattered and embarrassed.

I will go the distance for brussels sprouts.

I don’t usually like tempeh, but the dining hall was serving orange maple tempeh with brussels sprouts and zucchini, so I got it just for the brussels sprouts.

The tempeh was bland, but the brussels were worth it.

I am a certified Boston University tour guide!

Come to Boston University so that “I can show you the worldddd…shining, shimmering, splendid!” (<— Aladdin, anyone?)

A little bit o’ love can mean so much to someone.

Some people at the Catholic Center got together to put together Valentines for people who are homeless in Boston. The joy of the recipients is always a reminder of what love is all about— giving. #cheeeeeese

How to dissect a cat.

For anatomy. My lab partner and I named our cat Larry (is it terrible that we named him?).

I have a new favorite way to eat cottage cheese!

Remember my usual concoction of cottage cheese with strawberry yogurt, banana and peanut butter last semester? I guess I wanted a new combo along with this new semester. Now I’m loving it with frozen blueberries, peaches, and granola!

Cheetah Girls 2 is still fabulous.

Rachel and I had a little “Galentine’s” night in with popcorn and classic Cheetah Girls 2. We knew all the words to the songs and loved every minute.

I have a banana problem.

I feel the need to stock up on bananas whenever I leave the dining hall, so now I have enough bananas in my dorm room to make a pyramid out of them.

Chill pill. I’m on it.

Luckily, there are no fruit flies in the winter!

I’m evil for liking raisins.

A loving Valentine’s snapchat from Rachel (who does not approve of raisins at all):

Hope you all have a rockin’ Monday! Happy President’s Day to my fellow Americans! My parents are coming to visit Ben and me for our day off 🙂

So tell me:

One thing you learned last week!

How did you spend your Valentine’s Day?

What is your favorite childhood movie?

Please tell me you like raisins.

Virtual Breakfast Date

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves

Have a seat and join me for some Monday morning conversation and delicious breakfast!

…We would give thanks to God for having food to keep us nourished 🙂

…You would see that my breakfast has peanut butter and banana in it, and you’d roll your eyes at me because what else is new? If you have peanut butter and banana in your breakfast too, consider us best friends. If you don’t, consider us frienemies (just kidding, still best friends).

…I would tell you that Boston University has not had a full week of school yet this semester, and we will not have a full week of school until at least the week of February 23. Why? Because we have another snow day today (CRAZY!) and it’s President’s Day next Monday, so we have the day off.

…I would tell you that this is a sign to just adopt the four day work week.

…I would tell you that I’ve been eating bacon for breakfast sometimes, and I don’t hate it.

…I would tell you that I’m a flippin’ DOOFUS. Exhibit A: I almost wore socks and sandals outside on two occasions (and apparently with the same pair of jeans). I wear socks with sandals inside my dorm because it’s convenient and so Gucci, but I’m not willing to share that kind of style with the rest of the world.

Exhibit B: I was trying to do a little oats-in-a-jar action in the dining hall with my almost empty sunflower seed butter jar, but I didn’t wait long enough for the hot oatmeal to cool down before I put it into the plastic jar. I took a few bites of the oats and immediately noticed a plastic-y taste. I reasoned that consuming carcinogenic material was not worth the sunflower seed butter goodness, so I chucked it and ate French toast instead. Goooooo me!

…I would tell you that Tori Kelly’s new single, “Nobody Love”, came out yesterday and it’s perfect.

…I would tell you that I love foods smushed between bread.

(and that the sandwich guy was totally judging me for wanting guac on my roast beef sandwich)

vegan bbq meatballs on a wheat roll!

…I would tell you that anatomy is really testing my brain capacity (and patience).

…I would tell you that my roommate knows me well. She brought back peanut butter cookies for me one night last week.

…I would tell you that life is super busy but oh so beautiful. I am blessed.

…I would tell you that I must go now and take advantage of this extra time to study!

…I would ask you to tell me:

What is a doofus moment you’ve had recently?

Are you a huge fan of bacon?

Anything about your life!

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Daily Moves and Grooves

pray. eat. move. groove.

Tag Archives: snow day

American Version of Ireland

Current Simple Joys

Things I Learned Last Week

Studying with a friend really does do wonders.

Breakfast for dinner in the dining halls should be a weekly occurrence.