GOOD MORNING HOMETOWN!

Just a quick hello to let everyone know my flight went smoothly and I made it home alright- SUPER surprised my grandma (there were tons of tears- her part) and then snuck back into my house and snuggled into bed with my mom and woke her up. We cuddled and chatted for a bit and it was fantastic. My dad's on his way home from work soon and doesn't know I'm here yet!!! I'm especially excited to see him since he leaves tomorrow morning! Right now I need to go shower, and then I'm hoping for a 'Big Lots' run with my dad to start christmas shopping (it's a tradition we have together, haha, we're thrifty and love gag gifts). I've already gotten a promise from my mom for dinner at my favorite Italian place with just the two of them (which I happen to have a coupon for!) so I'm looking forward to that already! 

Gahhh, SO excited to see my dad!

After my shower I'll show you guys some pictures of Thanksgiving #1 (on saturday with the roommates- I still wasn't really being spoken to except by one of them... but it was still good eats...)

Best Humpday Ever!!!

two souls

HELLO!!! I exist. thank you SO much to all of you who commented/cared. It meant so much to me. Well, I took a hiatus because my world has turned a Bit upside down here. I feel like I'm being torn in two.

I GET TO SEE MY DAD EARLY! I leave on a plane for home at 7a.m. tomorrow and get there about 830 which gives me an Entire day to see him- it's a surprise, so keep it on the down-low ;) It's one way, so I'm still driving back up with my roommates.

However; like I hinted at there is a very ugly side to this. My roommates are furious with me. I was meant to ride down with them, thus splitting gas. The $ isn't an issue, I was going to give it to them anyway since I backed out of the plan- that's just a common decency thing. But apparently the only reason their father (they're brother and sister) was coming up in the first place and they didn't look for flights home was because they thought that, if they didn't drive, I wouldn't be able to afford to go home for Thanksgiving.

That may or may not have been the case; either way, I emphasized to them initially to Not change or make plans with me in mind as life has been known to change dramatically. Though I said this, they are really caring people and, apparently, made the decision Solely for my benefit. Also, I asked if it would be alright to book a flight and only ride one way with them before I booked the plane ticket- the answer was 'sure, go see your dad.' They are also now saying that their father 'has trouble driving and swerves uncontrollably' so it's dangerous; making me feel doubly guilty.

I really care about this family and would Never do anything to put them out in any way, and Certainly not to put anyone in danger! They've been great friends for a long time and have pulled through for me when I was going through an incredibly traumatic roommate situation earlier this quarter and needed to move off campus, taking it upon themselves to take me in early. However, now I am not being spoken to or looked at. I don't know what to do. While I guess I understand where they are coming from, I did everything in my power to make sure that I was making a good decision. I did not realize that my action would hurt or really even affect them; but apparently I've inadvertantly really caused their family pain. It's been Really tense which has affected not only my mood/perception of myself, but my food choices.

Hence the lack of posting. I was just so lost that I didn't really know how to articulate it.

Thanks for accepting me back into the fold! There are definitely some pictures worth seeing that will be spread throughout later posts, but right now I'm at the computer lab.

Hope everyone is getting ready for a relaxing thanksgiving and/or just a calm happy day! You guys are amazing ;)

Missing family...

Hey guys, I'm taking a semi-hiatus today (other than commenting on others blogs, of course!) to mope a bit. Haha, well, not mope exactly but I don't feel super in the mood to chronicle everything.

I just found out that my dad is working over thanksgiving. I don't get home until about 1a.m. and his flight leaves at 7 a.m.... that, combined with the fact that I'll only be able to see him Maybe 4 days over christmas break has me pretty down. My father and I are Really close and he's been the only constant support in my life. He always ends every conversation with: "I love and support you in everything you do" and it's become more of a joke, haha. He's also the guy who drove me to school (in the sidecar of the vespa!) Every single day of my youth and I could always cry in front of. Even though we talk all the time, there's nothing quite like a hug. Anyway, I'm hoping Something works out. I mean, I'll get over it because I know I'll see him at some point; but I'd rather have more than a couple of sleep deprived hours!

Thanks for understanding, guys. Your constant positivity and support means a lot!

Tired Tuesday; and Tuesday's Tip

Good evening!! I'm not sure why but I have been incredibly tired all day! I actually dozed off for two minutes at work until someone wanting to use the gym nudged me awake, haha. I'm really hoping it's just the lack of sleep from the last 4 or so nights catching up with me; I don't think I slept more than a couple hours straight due to schoolwork and general tossing and turning. So, in the interest of keeping this short but interesting so that I can go to bed, I'm veering away from today's eats (practical and boring) to bring you: Tuesday's Tip! Now, I'm definitely not sure whether or not this will be a 'weekly feature' or anything, it just happened to be awesome alliteration for right now ;)

How to shop on the cheap (skate):

I'll admit it freely: I'm pretty cheap. Heck, I work for my money and don't work enough to make a lot of it, having other educational priorities. In these times of economic crisis, everyone is looking at the little things that they can do to help 'trim the fat'- and with the holidays coming up it'll be in more ways than one ;)  How do you shop healthily, on a budget, at different stores?

New Leaf is fantastic. It's very similar to Whole Foods (which we don't have anywhere near) but doesn't have as appropriate a nickname as 'Whole Paycheck,' though I'm trying to come up with one! (any ideas?) They specialize in local and organic products. Because of this, it tends to be a bit pricier; but you really can tell the quality!

Here are the goods!

Tip 1: I know a lot of people say that their healthy/cheap tricks involve going to the grocery store with a plan. I disagree. Sure, I write down things I know that I need (this trip I needed frozen veggies); however, I just make sure I don't go in hungry! I also write down generalities ("tea," "yogurt," "fresh vegetables," etc). This way, I can go into a store and shop based on not only what is on sale, but what looks fantastic. FYI- Everything but the Oikos was on sale; and All of the winter squashes were 89 cents a Pound! I knew I needed a vegetable so I decided spaghetti squash, being on sale and the right size/price, was absolutely the way to go. Also, I wanted tea and the seasonal teas were on sale- why not try something new?

Spice-Tastic! Seasonal things always get me into the spirit.

Tip 2: coupons, Coupons, Coupons! Seriously, sunday is one of my favorite days of the week just for the paper. Also, a lot of these more specialized stores will often send out their own newsletters or flyers and/or have them around the store. New Leaf, in particular, has a "Healthy Clippings Catalogue" free to pick up which includes coupons for popular items (I grabbed a 'winter' And a 'holiday' one-shh!). 

Nope, that's not a typo.

From a bill that began at $10.02, I managed to coupon and 'on sale' my way down nearly half! Part of that is great thanks to the amazing Jenn- thanks to her Oikos win the yogurt was free. 

Tip 3: The most lucrative tip? Combining 1 and 2! Look at what is on sale, and then look at what you have coupons for. I chose that particular brand of frozen vegetables because I had a coupon for them (plus they're amazing); the holiday teas were all on sale but I happened to have a coupon for the Celestial Seasonings brand; and I knew Oikos was in my future when I opened my amazing care package. In fact, the only thing that I did not have a coupon for was the Spaghetti squash which, I think, ended up being the most expensive thing I got. Still, it was a sale item as well.

So, sorry for the potentially boring post, I was just amazed at the store the other day and felt the need to share my tips. These may sound time consuming, but it honestly takes all of five minutes to look through the paper, another five to make a list, and once you're at the store looking around it's a snap to combine the two together. What are your healthy budget tips?

Happy cheap shopping!

Sigh.... And AWARDS!

of relief! I really hope everyone's week started off with a bang (in the best way possible). 

Just a quick note to let you all know that I miss you! Just finished my big midterm/final that's been distracting me and I'm going to whip up dinner- but then update this post.

 I cannot wait to get an hour of me time to relax and blog (sad, or what? haha). What can I say, I thrive on the mutual support in the community ;) Catch up with ya soon!!

Update:

First off..... 

Thank you JENNGIRL!!!

I definitely wore my beanie proudly all of friday and, lucky me, that was also the roommates and I's 'grocery night'- I just grabbed 1 oikos to try because we were in a rush but one was enough to know that they are AWESOME! 

I highly recommend this brand of yogurt for the amazingly thick and creamy taste while still managing to be non-fat. It's truly incredible. Greek yogurt Is the ambrosia of the gods ;)

I just tried the plain version but I cannot wait to look through the coupons and try Lots of stoneyfield products. There's some great information on the pamphlet that I promise I will update this with later, but at the moment I'm sitting comfortably with a mug of tea- but a review will follow; I've put a ribbon on my finger. 

Second of all....

I'm a superior scribbler!!! :)

Thank You Jenngirl And Megan!  

It really means a lot to me that I was in your thoughts. I know I've been lacking on the food related posts lately, but I really try to come on each day and say hello, as well as comment to support all you ladies. This blogging community has been so accepting and I'm so thankful for the connections I've made already and really hope to strengthen them in the future. You ladies are so incredibly strong, inspirational, amazing and creative with not only your food choices but your Life choices. I feel blessed to be among you!!

Rules:

1. Post the award on your blog

2. Link those who gave it to you 

3. Link the original posts by Jenn and Megan

4. Pass it on to five deserving people

5. Post these rules for your recipients

Well well well, this award has been making the rounds a bit, but there are definitely special ladies who either deserve to get it for the first time- or Again!!

1. Veggiegirl for seeming to find time for Everyone always- she is the most thoughtful amazing multi-tasker I've ever 'met'

2. The Biggest Diabetic Loser for coming up with incredibly creative and delicious recipes. Apparently I'm her #1 food fan and, I'll admit, I've copied a few of them down into my own recipe book (I won't take credit, promise!)

3. Julia from SBfitness for having great workout as well as food advice. I know that I can go to her with any questions, fitness related or otherwise; especially now that she's just passed her certification exam (congrats!!)

4. Megan at the fitnessista for staying so strong in the face of hardship and longing. I feel for you girlie. You are such an inspiration to me (being in a long distance relationship, though Not with your obstacles) and I enjoy reading every one of your posts; no matter if it's positive or if you're looking for a bit of support!

and, last but Never least

5. My opposite/twin Lara from Thinspired. I love that I've found someone who I feel like I have so much in common with, yet so many subtle differences also. Your relationship (both with matt and with food! haha) inspires me daily and your struggles with acclimating to a new life and area really make me curious about my own future. Can't wait too stay friends; even if we're Not crossing airport paths ;)

Independence day (minus the aliens...)

With it being my first quarter away from home, though I am a Junior, the question of what it means to grow up has been circulating. Is it defined by a certain age? A locale change? Or just an inner feeling?

Lost on the 'tube,' except not really ;)

Some people go and seize the day in an effort to prove independence. My dad, not knowing a direction, joined the Marine Corps. My sister chose a school she felt was an appropriate distance from home. A cousin got married.

Hey there Paddington!

My family has always loved to travel. Because I did not get the opportunity to go away to college straight away and lived at home while going to community college, another opportunity presented itself. I worked, I went to school, and I saved. With this money, I decided to go backpacking... however... 

Hanging with cows...

I went alone. Why? Well, I suppose it was a way to assert my independence; but really it came about more organically than that. I wanted to use my own money and had seen more than enough of my parents the past two years that I knew I wouldn't be homesick for five weeks. My friends, though ambitious, prefer a more high-maintenance aspect of traveling than I do (focusing on spas and nightclubs as opposed to hostels and museums). It also bears mentioning that not a lot of people had funds available for a trip, nor the right timing. 

Right before they attacked- the bike survived, but with copious amounts of slobber

So I had an amazing 5 week hostel experience through the United Kingdom. It was amazing and, while inadvertent, became a really important tool in learning infinitely more about myself. Because of this trip (as well as various other amazing experiences and/or traumatic events too numerous for this post, haha) I became a more confident person which helps me assert my independence each day. 

Was there an event that (intentionally or not) helped you learn about yourself? Did you have any show of independence? How do you define being grown?

(p.s. thanks so much for your guys' patience with the change of pace/posting the past week or so- I cannot wait till midterms are over. I have a few pictures of some yummy eats which bear mentioning.... all in due time!)

We Are Lucky

This is the same highway that runs outside my house 500+ miles away!

Good evening blog pals! Well, just because I'm still on midterm/finals hiatus doesn't mean I'm off posting completely (I was thinking about it, but it's far too addicting! Haha). 

For the first time, I live somewhere different from the area where I grew up. I was both extremely excited and nervous to move. There are things I love about my home town, but for the moment I'd like to focus on the present and future.

Do you have a favorite bike route? What's the longest bike experience/hike you've taken?

I absolutely love Santa Cruz. I love that I'm within walking distance to the beach. I love that the weather is still relatively mild (though generally much cooler than I'm used to, but it's still California!). I love that I'm within walking distance to school. I love that strangers smile and say hello just by virtue of living in the same town and loving life. I love that there is an emphasis on health if you look for it, and farmer's markets. 

Hello rollercoaster at the warf!

I love that it is an incredibly diverse and varied area. Basically, anything or any type of person you would want to find is out there; you may have to look a little bit. On the same note, anything you would like to avoid (for instance, I'm not big into the 'party' scene) there are plenty of places to feel comfortable. My mother was worried about the area being "sketchy" (we're from small town southern california, remember) and, while there are areas with homelessness and drugs, it is most definitely not dangerous or trashy! I mean, anywhere can be dangerous if you don't have your head on your shoulders!

The forest meets the ocean.

So what do you love about the town that you live in right now? We are all incredibly lucky to have health, and (at most times!) sanity and happiness- so let's remember just how fortunate we are! Happy thursday ;) Back to some elbow grease!