P-A-R-T…Y? Cuz I Gotta!

Hi girls, HAPPY NOVEMBER!! Okay, so the month may have started some days ago…but who’s counting??

I adore this month for two reasons:

a) Thanksgiving: family, food, a cozy house to snuggle up in as the temperatures drop, plenty o’ movies, my own bed…and did I mention good food?

b) It’s my Birthday month! That’s right, this little 18 year old college sophomore is turning 19 in two days. On November 12th, to be exact That night my sorority has a themed dance with one of the bigger fraternities on campus, so it should be fun. The theme is VEGAS, joke…right? The boys obvs want us to sleaze it up. I’ll try to remain somewhat classy while obviously donning a crown! Queen Bee one weekend, birthday girl the next….I sound like such a narcissist. Oh well, you’re aloud to be on your bday, right?? Would looove some vegas ideas, by the way. Do share!

Although I don’t have too much to report, I did want to check in and update ya’ll with some yummy pics. The photography SUCKS, but that’s what I get when pictures are quickly taken in my poorly lit room. Le sigh!

Nom worthy as of late:

Plain Oikos + Cinnamon + Wf’s Blueberry Preserves + Trader Joe’s Unsalted Peanut Butter Pretzels

I got this snack idea from the lovely Katharina, and will definitely be having it again. I’m still not sure how I feel about the pretzel/yogurt combination, but the blueberry preserves sweetened it up just perfectly. And the little yogurt-y peanut butter bites? Gasm.

I also made it to Whole Food’s this weekend, and stocked up on a couple yummy thangs! So excited.

!!

Been craving these for ages. I remember seeing several bloggies dip these in wata, and well…it’s delicious! Apparently I dip my graham crackers in soy milk and animal crackers in water! I’m so weird, whatevah. I do what I want! I had these last night along with said glass of water, raisins and almonds.

shamelessly showing off my perfume stash...

So happy to have these little pillows of peanut butta back in my life. They taste like heavennnn when heated up with soymilk!

Wasabi peas and my favorite lotion, ever. Buy it! Laura Mercier- Almond Coconut Milk. Random people comment on it everyday. You’ll love!

And on Sunday, while watching a One Tree Hill episode from six weeks ago (yes, so I may be a bit behind)…I snacked on this:

Wf’s Wasabi Peas + pretzels + goji berries + (hidden) raisins + carob chips

Have no fear-i’m still getting plenty of fruit and veggies into my day, however i’m only picturing the delicious/sweet & salty masterpieces snackage for you all. I always squeeze a Hugh Jass into my day, along with plenty of apples, some raisins, oranges and bananas. Works for me!

As a side note…need yo’ salt & vinegar fix?! Buy these!!

My house supplied this flava of Popchips with yesterday’s lunch (make-your-own sandwiches + salad bar), and I obviously had to snag a bag! They are so salty. So vinegar-y. So good.

The past week or so has been filled with more exam prep, papers, surprisingly hot weather, a rock-star themed frat party, The Guardian (Ashton Kutcher, please marry me), and coffee!! Three cups in a week? Someone’s becoming a coffee girl…

Anyone doing anything special for Veteran’s Day? I’ll probably just get all of my school work done, so that I can go locaaaa on Thursday! And party! Speaking of, can anyone figure out what movie my post’s title is referring to??

Have a great week girls, xoxox

-Jess

Queen Bee

Halloween pictures for your viewing entertainment…

whatup kanye!

Friday night: I was the Wicked Witch of the west! Check out my crazy bright, orange-striped tights.

My hair was a messsss and the pictures are lacking…but it was a fun night. I’ll leave it at that.

There was also another round of frat-tastic festivities on Saturday: Yes, I ended up wearing the bumble bee costume

And somehow a sombrero ended up on my head….

There may also be a few pictures of me, posing with the boys who dubbed me a “queen bee” of the night….however i’ll spare them the food-blogging debut. That comment definitely went to my head! I even gave some boys the task of finding me a crown…since I was the queen bee and all.

I passed out by 3ish and woke up to a beautiful yogurt mess! Waking up to this makes hiding yogurt in my house’s fridge totally worth it. No girls drunkenly taking it from me….. ha, and you’d think I was kidding! Plus, I was getting wayy sick of oatmeal. But after three oatmeal-less days, its back in full-force… and today’s was topped with a banana, cinnamon, almond butter and honey. Divine!

But back to the yogurt mess, this right hurrr was:

• 1 Plain Oikos (sweetened with stevia)
• 1 chopped gala apple
• tbsp of ground flax
• Shredded Spoonfuls
• Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin Granola
• Cinnamon and…
• Almond Butter!

And last night’s deeeeesert:

hideous lighting.

Oooh just another version of the infamous “baked apple”. This bowl had one “baked” red apple (microwaved for about 90 seconds), lots of cinnamon, crushed graham crackers, a splash of soymilk and sprinkle of carob chips. Look at the melty goodness, so good!

Alright, but before I end this lame-ish post….

Question: What do you define as your happy weight??

College girls (and all other women) really need to stop obsessing over their weight. If you’re happy, healthy and can rock a hot outfit, then what’s the problem?! I just wish that my roommates and other friends already knew what my awesome bloggies do! I know that for some it has been a long process, but so many of you have finally reached such an accepting, confident place…and i’m sure you’ve never looked better! Operation Beautiful, anyone?

Have a great week girls! I’ll be studying my life away, catching up on tv shows and prepping for homecoming!

Much Love, Jess

New Post! Orange You Glad?

Hi friends! How is everyone’s week going?? I want to hear Halloween plans! This weekend, I’ll be dressed up as a bumble bee (no liee), dancing to the sounds of Miley, Lil’ Weeeezy and Lady Gaga at the various frats. I would get more creative with my costume, but hey…it’s borrowed so i’ll take what I can get

Today is probably the first Fall day that has actually been cold. I mean 40 degrees and high winds, people! Although I dread walking around in chilly temperatures, I just adore being warm and cozy at night, with a hot cup of tea this time of year!

Speaking of tea…

buy this!!

The Candy Cane Lane Celestial Tea adds the perfect amount of sweetness to your typical mint. I’ve always been a fan of mint tea, so I naturally fell in love with this one! I’ve been alternating between this and Good Earth’s Sweet & Spicy the past few nights. My two favorites.

As per usual, my weeks have been filled with paper-writing, sorority schtufff and study sessions…but have also included some yummy [college] eats.

Exhibit A:

oats! once again, sorry about the fug/non-environmentally friendly plastic bowls

As you all may know by now, I have oatie breakfasts’ just about everyday i’m here! But when home, I loooove alternating between yogurt messes, overnight/regular oats, waffles…I could just go on and on.

This bowl of simplicity included: 1/2 cup quick oats (microwaved), about a cup of water, few spoonfuls of raisins, almonds, 1/2 a cup of cinnamon (just kidding…sorta) & honeyy! Once again, when home I usually sweeten my oats with agave, but my house supplies us with honey which does me just fineeee.

Exhibit B:

Pita Pit! Mine was stuffed with just about every veggie, lots o’ hummus and lots o’ hot sauce! I also had some honey mustard on the side for dipping. The hummus/hot sauce/honey mustard combo was out of this world. I kid you not, hello… sweet & salty?!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve also managed to snag a ride to Whole Food’s!

…and just could not leave without hitting up the (limited, Arizoniii) salad bar.

lettuce, veggies, various types of 'fu & a lemon herb dressing....consumed alongside a baked sweet potato

I not only purchased some new tea at Whole Food’s, but I also snagged a spooky z bar (cannot wait to try this!), Fire Roasted Kashis, almonds in bulk, raisins, oikos, tofurkey (the hickory smoked flavor, only way to go) and these little yummies:

sorry, icky lighting

Um, please microwave this if you’re craving an ooey, gooey, muffin-like (?) treat. I sooo did that today, and threw it in some oikos! Love.

(oikos sweetened with cinn & stevia)

Oooh, and exhibit C:

My house had fresh berries stocked!! Woooo. Happy days. This bowl of quick oats was topped with fresh berries (nuked), cinnamon, stevia, and almond butter. Aww, reminded me of home!

And now, would you like to see the nail color i’ve been sporting as of late?? It’s called “On The Same Paige”, inspired by this Halloween week! So what if it’s a summer color

Here I am, all bundled up in my go-to comfy, striped sweater… modeling it for ya!

But in other news, looks like next year’s study abroad plans are finally coming together! After meeting with some advisors, it seems as though España is just calling my name! If any of you have been, i’d love to know what cities you traveled to, where you stayed, what you studied/did, what you ate, etc! Gracias

Alright girls, I should really take advantage of this easy night and catch up on shows with some girls, snack and read blogs! Love you all!!

-Jess

Fabulous Food Ahead…

Surprise! Guess where I’ve been this weekend??

…Homeeee! Ah yes, there is nothing better than spending a short weekend away with my family-relaxing, cooking, sleeping…in my own room, without the stress of school work and sorority life holding me down!

Don’t get me wrong, I love living in the house…but so far, this semester has definitely been the hardest. It’s tough to balance everything out and make time for myself, but that’s what college is all about! Learning how to balance everything in life…right dad?? (He doesn’t read the blog, but definitely tells me this all the time)

Sooo, withour further ado…time for a recap! I’ll try to make it as brief and picture-a-licious as possible, mmk?

Let’s start with friday morning’s breakfast…at my sorority house:

Pb & J Oats! My latest fave…1/2 a cup oats + mashed banana + wf’s blueberry preserves + wcw peanut butter + cinn…gloriousss!

I packed, ate lunch, went to class and then headed to the airport. Luckily half the girls in my house have cars, so getting there wasn’t an issue.

Dinner at home was delicious! My dad and I have the same thing every time i’m home. Vegan tamales from Whole Food’s (found in the freezer section) with some Amy’s refried beans, salsa and a salad on dee side. Mmm Goddess dressing, I missed you so! No pictures, losieinto

But here’s the gorgeous view:

However, I did catch a picture of one of my favorite snacks. Later that night, my mom and I obviously enjoyed our share along with some good ol’ Bev. Hills 90210 on dvd. She’s hooked.

a baked apple MESS!

You know the drill…gala apple ‘baked’ in the microwave for 90 seconds, lots of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, drizzle of sunflower seed butter topped with crushed grahams! The momz and I caught up on this week’s Grey’s during dessert. It’s so nice to just veg out and relax with some good tv (ha, definitely did plentyy of that this weekend)

Saturday morning we ate breakfast…

yogurt mess!!

So beautiful, it deserved another shot…

Fage 2% + sliced, frozen banana + frozen blueberries + sunflower seed butta (just can’t get enough) + cinn + a handful of pb puffins/kashi heart to heart + pumpkin butter (!!!!!!!!!). T’was fab.

After that we headed off to my favorite outdoor mall, did some shopping and walked around in the gorgeous, sunny weather. I finally purchased some very necessary fall items! It’s going to get colddd here, by Halloween. I bought a few sweaters from Nords, some fun scarfs, black boots (!), a t shirt and earrings. Did work, son! Thank youu for the shopping spree, Nordstrom gift card.

And no better way to re-fuel after a shopping trip than with a home-made wrap!

+ more carrots and hummus, obvs

In the wrap: Dr. Praeger’s Tex Mex Burger (so mushy, but soooo good), avocado, spinach and hummus! Dipped in salsa, of course. I also snacked on some yummy chips from Trader Joe’s while preparing this meal, have no fear!

do you love it, or do you love it?

After lunch I headed over to my dad’s. We took a lovely walk on the beach, caught up, laughed, et-cetera. It was nice father/daughter time. I’ve missed him so! But then….

I met back up with Jeany at Starbucks!

Mine: Decaf Skim Latte w/ pumpkin syrup, + a honeycrisp ! Hers: Decaf Soy Green Tea Latte (tried it…amazing!)

jeany says hi!

After we finished our (decaf) coffee, I headed over to the grocery store for some dinner ingredients. I had some cheetah fries and a tofu stir-fry on ma mind!

I decided to make this, and it was effin’ good with some sriracha on top! Excuse my french

stir-fry, cheetahs, KETCHUP!

gasm.

After dinner, my mom and I watched more Bev. Hills 90210 (finally finished season 6 on dvd, thanks to netflix) and laid around on the couch. Gahh, I love home!

Later on, I clearly needed to make a fantastic dessert…since I was home and all.

PEAR QUESADILLA! Oooh baby.

This is simply 1/2 a whole wheat wrap w/ some pear slices, sunflower seed butta, a sprinkle of carob chips and cinnamon! Folded that bad boy up, heated each side on the stove for about a minute….and devoured!

gasm #2

I clearly slept like un bebe after this (only referring to Sarah due to her adorably frequent use of espanol, girlfriend ain’t no baby) !

But before bed I made my very first y0gurt-infused batch of overnight oats! Wow, so many exclamation points in this post, no? This weekend was just so dang fab (hence the title), alright!?

before shot: as an ugly duckling

Soaked overnight:

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup fage 2%
• lots o’ cinnamon
• some banana slices

Added in the morn:

• frozen berries
• spoonful of tj’s roasted almond butter
• maple syrup (meow)
• and more cinnamon

and after: as a beautiful swan

I kid you not-this tasted like cookie dough! You must combine yogurt with uncooked oats, immediately. Must must must. I will be making this again…hey, Thanksgiving’s only 6 weeks away! Hahaa..

Alright, enough obsessing. But seriously, you all need to try this!

While I was “mmm-ing” after every bite, mama was enjoying some of her home-made pancakes!

whole wheat pancake mix, blueberries, pecans, maple syrup...she loved!

And did I mention that she also made coffee??

reppin' the christmas-themed Victoria's Secret pajama pants

After breakfast we stopped by Ulta & Target for some necessary Bare Minerals face makeup, a few razors and deodorant. Can’t leave this girl hairy, make-up less and stanky! That’d be no bueno.

I also snagged some goodies from Tj’s to bring back to school:

Peanut butter pretzels, roasted almond butter, flattened bananas….fab again.

Once home, we assembled similar (unpictured) wraps for lunch and snacked on these sweet potato chips from none otha than Trader Joe’s!

Once lunch was over, my mom headed off to work while I stuffed my duffel bag with fresh laundry and a huge (I mean, huge) suitcase with winter clothes!! Like I said, it’s going to get cold here…and very soon. Although the weather has been hot lately.

At my dad’s I snacked on some toasty corn tortillas with hummus and salsa (fave combo) then headed off to the airport. One of my sorority friends was also home for the weekend, so we gabbed and read magazines for the entire 50 minute plan ride, while I ate leftover stir-fry and kashi crackers for dinner.

Now i’m back at school…and already stressed out! Joke. This week i’ve got more papers to write, a spanish presentation to memorize, and test to study for! On top of everything school-related, it’s also initiation week for the new girls. Sophomores run every night’s “bonding event”, which means i’ll be busy not only during each event…but also before, setting up! YEEEE, SOOO HAPPY TO BE BACK AT SCHOOL…just kidding, I still love it!

Alright, night girls! Time for me to sleeeep. Sweet dreams, i’ll try and catch up with you all in the morning, while I eat my standard bowl of oats!! XOXO

-Jess

The Reveal

Hi hi! I’m a horrible blogger-I know. I’m still reading and commenting (as much as possible), but just do not have anything very revolutionary to post, sorry girls.

The daily eats are pretty routine, but at least i’m finding what works for me! In a sorority house, the vegetarian options can get pretty dullwhich is why I love my snacky foods so so much.

Latest go-to? TJ’s flattened bananas (taste so very sweet, loooove them to pieces) rolled up with some smeared peanut butter and carob chips inside! You have GOT to try this out. Let me know if you love it!!

But here are some extremely boring for you, but good enough for meeee eats:

pretzels & hummus

amy's split pea soup + hot sauce!

tj's flattened banana & maranthana crunchy peanut butter (this was BEFORE I learned about the carob addition....do ittt!)

lightly salted rice cake (x2), laughing cow, cinnamon and an apple

oikos + annie's honey bunnies (love) + sliced banana + pumpkin spice/cinn + carob

Can you tell I like carob?? Nah… (PS! Tried the most amazing vegan carob-y cupcake this week! A new cupcake shop opened up right off campus, and made hundreds for my sorority house, yayy)….

But anyway, I digress…so i’ve also written five papers this week (all 3-6 pagers, nothing too intense…but still very time-consuming), and now this girl is worn out. At least last night was the big/lil’ sis reveal!! I love my lil’….and she better love me after all those damn gifts!! Am I right, or am I right?? Every year each “family” has to dress up in a matching theme, and ours was…..zebra. You know you love it!

yes, rhasta girl DOES have two 40's taped to her hands. champ

my "twins"twin- lil's....so confusing, I know

But before I go! Question: Your top two nut butters would be…???

So I’m usually stocked with several at a time….but coincidentally ALL FOUR jars are down to the last tablespoon or so, meaning this girl needs to replenish her stock, and fast! I’m heading to the grocery store tomorrow, and thinking that some type of peanut or almond butter would be perfect alongside another fun Pb & Co flavor!! Always gotta have my options, right? So necessary.

Thanks lovies! NIGHT! Tomorrow will be spent laying around catching up on shows (gossip girl, grey’s, glee-new obsession!!!!!, etc), studying, grocery shopping & snacking

Much Love, Jess

Snack Happy

Hi girls! Today’s been a fab day. It was exactly what I needed after a super intense, stressful, annoying week. I was constantly studying for tests, scheduling my life around when I could study/ finish that homework assignment/read that chapter, etc…and I also had to craft for my future lil’ sis! She’s gonna love all her sorority gear and presents…..it’s all supposed to be may-juh bling bling; blue tones, rhinestones and lotssss o’ chocolate. We spoil them for 5 days straight (money in da bankk), then take them out Friday night ! Last year was so fun-since you know, I was the one getting spoiled. 

Anyway, so I know this blog is called jesslikeitHOT (super awkward, trying to figure out a new name..ideas?), but I haven’t been devouring many of my fave, spicy foods lately. I have been doing a lot of snacking though! A girl’s gotta have her late-night snacks to accompany all that online tv watching & blog reading studying! 

yogurt mess!!

Brown cow greek yogurt + chopped gala + cinn + shredded spoonfuls/annie’s honey bunnies + a drizzle of almond butta….divine. 

caught in the act.

Well, helloooo lover. Did you know Mr. Chuck Bass has an accent in real life?! Ooooh, I love it. 

goji berries!

Okay, so this wasn’t a snack…this was breakfast! 1/2 a cup quick oats + ~ 1 cup water + cinn + goji berries + peanut butter!! I am loving these goji berries. They’re supa sweet, but not overly so! And perfect when my house’s fruit bowl is only stocked with overly-ripe bananas. Yuck. 

mid-day snackage

Holy moly! I’m obsessed with this popcorn. It’s from Whole Foods, and seasoned with mushroom powder, onion, celery seed, black pepper, salt, garlic, cumin, parsley, rosemary, basil & paprika. The stats are amazing… plus, it’s volume-eating at it’s finest

cottage cheese mess!

Changin’ it up (you know, from the usual yogurt and gala apple, hellloooo)! Green apple + cottage cheese + cinn + a dash of tj’s pumpkin spice (love) and Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin Granola (best. granola. ever). 

And for the lasttt of my pictures, but not least…!? The delicious, voluminous, sweet n’ salty snack I just happily munched on: 

more, please

In the bowl: Whole Food’s Herb Natural Popcorn, goji berries, carob chips, cashews & Annie’s Cinnamon Bunnies. Sometimes I ate a piece of each flav together, sometimes I ate ‘em separately. It was wonderful.

beautiful

Who needs a boyfriend when you can have this?! Ha ha….that was extremely pathetic. Maybe I could use a boyfriend right now. 

So i’ve got three papers and three reading assignments to accomplish by next week, more crafting to do, and a weekend to enjoy!! I’m sure they’ll be some frat-hopping, dancin’ and coffee involved. Have no fear.

Oh, but before I go!! Question: What’s your favorite soup brand/flavor & tea of choice?! It won’t get too chilly in Zoni-land for another month or so, but i’m already whipping out the Good Earth Sweet & Spicy Tea, my favorite. I also adore Amy’s Split Pea Soup! Can’t wait to start workin’ soup and tea into my daily routine, once it gets colder! Have a great weekend girls! xoo

Ps-please disregard all of the plastic-bowl usage in this post. I love you, Earth…promise! 

Much Love, Jess

 

Dancing, Groceries & Snackage

Hi dolls, i’m back with some (fun) photography to share! By the way, thanks for all the sweet compliments on my wedding-recap post. Totally unnecessary, but thank you. 

This week i’ve been studying like it’s my job, eating hummus like nobody’s business, getting my danceface on at the frats and taking lovely trips to Whole Food’s and Trader Joe’s. Yes, I finally found another veg. girl who loves her name-brand (foods) just as much as she loves her name-brand (clothing). 

‘Cuz you know, if you aren’t trying the latest Chobani flavor, living off of Sabra hummus or trying some new type of Food Should Taste Good chips, then… who are you??!  

I have a few weekend shots, grocery pics and late-night snackage to share:

First, some weekend debauchery. 

My sorority had a Saturday Night Fever- themed dance last night, so clearly I had to rock some guy’s afro for a bit. 

Gold hoops? Check. Hippie/disco-y (kinda) headband? Check. Vest, (unpictured) high-waisted shorts & some funky heels? Checkk! 

Here’s some of the delicious late-night snackage i’ve been getting into. Studying makes you hungry, didn’t ya know?? 

Chopped gala apple + cinnamon + carob chips + maranthana’s crunchy peanut butter + annie’s cinnamon bunnies 

 

one more time…..

But here’s my other latest obsession….Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin granola heated up with soy milk, cinnamon and a few sliced almonds

may look yucky but tastes amazingg

And lastly, groceries!

• The Works Food Should Taste Good Chips (!) 
• Cashews
• Whole Food’s Natural Herb Popcorn (!)
• Goji Berries (!)
• Wild Blueberry preserves
• Tj’s flattened bananas (!)
• Tj’s Sea Salt & Pepper crisps
• Tj’s Pumpkin Pie Spice (!) 

The unpictured, refridgerated groceries include some Plain Brown Cow greek yogurt, Tofurkey, and dijon mustard.

Since half of these items are new to me (hence all the exclamation marks), give yo’ girl some tips! 

Question: What do I need to try first, and with what??  

Thanks girls, have a great week! 

-Jess

Wedding Weekend Recap

Hi girls! Sooooo apparently everyone is just as obsessed with trail mix as I am. It’s a classic combo, no doubt. I actually just snacked on another delicious mix a few minutes ago…spelt pretzels + carob chips + annie’s honey bunnies + tj’s fruit & nut trail mix! Can’t go wrong with that, am I right??  

My oldest brother is now a married man, and will soon be lounging on some of the most beautiful islands with his wife, for their honeymoon. They’re actually heading over to several different islands, and are obviously ecstatic to get some much-needed relaxation and pampering in! 

The weekend was chic, fun, classy, wild, comforting, exciting and joyful. Honestly, I had the greatest time! I also got to see a lot of my brother’s friends from high school, who couldn’t believe that little 5-year old Jessica was now a college woman! I boogied my a$$ off on the dancefloor, tangoed with the groomsmen, sipped champagne with the bridemaids, got my nails and hair done, listened to a countless number of speeches and felt genuine excitement for my brother and his now, wife’s future together. It was a glorious weekend, to say the least.

May I also add that I worked on homework/started studying admist all the madness. I had to get something done, this wasn’t an easy weekend to miss…..but still all too worth it. Sit back, and get ready for a looooooooong picture-filled post filled with foodie pics, at-home eats, wedding scenary and dancing shots! 

Thursday’s “Mexicana Chic” Rehearsal dinner: 

me and my mama

Friday’s Cocktail party:

Fancy cheese! mmm

And Saturday’s main event!!

Pre-Wedding

with the bride, before walking out

a food platter for the bridesmaids: fruit, breads & cheese

 And a very candid, but supa fierce (?!?!?!) photo in 3, 2, 1….

the set up (for 200-something people)

And after a beautiful ceremony, comes the reception! 

with one of my new sisters-in-law

ROASTED MUSHROOM-SOMETHING RAVIOLI…..oh my gawd (just one of the THREE gorgeous courses)

cupcakes!

But after some speeches and food, it was time to danceeee:

The end. I lasted till about 2 am, whereas a majority of the wedding party ended their night in the presidential suite, drinking more beer, dancing to more Michael Jackson and crashing around 5 am. It was a wonderful night. 

Oh, and don’t think I went home without whipping up some of my fave thangs! 

meatless meatball wrap + kechup & mustard, baby carrots, tj’s edamame hummus

yogurt mess!

With the usual suspects…fage 2%, kashi heart to heart, pb puffins, sunflower seed butter, cinnamon, ground flax, a peach and frozen blueberries

veggie burger, dijon, spinach, avo, wrap (+ lots of sriracha, spicy love)

post-cocktail party dessert: toasted english muffin w/ a bit of dark chocolate dreams and roasted almond butter, + 1/2 a banana

oats, tj's strawberry preserves & roasted almond butter, banana, ground flax, cinn, cashews

Pb & J Oats!! Finally, loved it. 

And....today's lunch! Hugh jass, cheetah fries

In the salad: spring mix, cherry tomatoes, balls, brocc, baby carrots, red pepper and Annie’s goddess dressing

+ taters! 

and THIS is why I miss having a kitchen/stove at school.

And that my friends, is the wedding weekend recap! Hope you all enjoyed it and didn’t fall asleep! I know it was a long one, believeeeee me. Time for this girl to hit the hay, I have a ridiculous amount of homework/tests for the coming week, so wish me luck!! xoo

Promise to catch up with everyone soon, have a great week!

Much Love, Jess

Sweet N’ Salty Girl

Sooooo it’s 12:11 (pm), and after literally hours of communication homework, spanish homework, and packing up my fave pink duffel bag (more on that in a sec) with some meals/snacking/showering in between…I suddenly feel compelled to post! 

Well, I know that I was home a mere two weeks ago, BUT this weekend…

My oldest brother is getting married! I’m in the wedding, and on Saturday night I will be sporting this gorgeous, absolutely gah-geous fuschia floor length gown (pictures to come!). There’s also a cocktail party Friday night and a fun dinner rehersal tomorrow. Plus, it’s all going down in this amazing hotel, that happens to overlook the beautiful Californian coast. It’s also all walking-distance from my dad’s house! 

Since i’m never one to miss classes, I can assure you that the stress is running high. You know I got it under control though, I know exactly what needs to get done this weekend, and I am content with the fact that over 50 % of my sh-t is already completed.

But here are some of the past week’s eats:

pei wei lovin' in a disposable target bowl, classy.

I pulled a Gina and ordered a tofu + veggies + brown rice dish sans sauce, but then proceeded to cover it all in a mixture of extra spicy mustard and chili sauce! Yowza, loved it. I also loved having the leftover veggies and brown rice with some tofurkey the next day for lunch (my house was serving two types of grilled fish, rice and veggies)….uhhh, where’s the protein at for us vegetarians, man!? No thanks, I’ll take my pei wizzle leftovers instead, gracias.  

white chocolate wonderful + banana LOVE

This, and some newman’s spelt pretzels has been making me so happy lately! I’m a sweet n’ salty girl, what can I say?! 

What’s your fave sweet + salty combo?? You know i’m all about the home-made trail mixes! Tj’s wasabi peas (salty) + carob chips (sweet) + dried fruit (sweet) + newman’s pretzels (salty); nom. 

amazing plate of veggies from my campus' salad spot

So my sorority house serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday -Friday. But, we only get brunch on Saturday and dinner on Sunday! So what’s a girl to do? Hit up the delicious & healthy fast-food restaurants of course (aka my fave salad spot and pei wizzle) ! 

They have hundreds upon hundreds of  salad options to choose from, and you just tell them what you want and of how much! It’s dreamy.  

On the plate: romaine, dried cranberries, celery, carrots, broccoli, feta cheese, cucumbers and beets, with honey mustard dressing (new favee) on the side! I also added some of my tj’s pita chips for that extra crunch factor. Very necessary. 

glory shot, mid-chew

And that was perfect fuel for….grocery shopping! I’ve realized that I kinda like food. I kinda like changing it up, and I kinda like trying new thangs. Therefore, I can’t live with what the sorority supplies all day, every day! Now I’ve added just a few more thangs to my snack drawers, and i’m soooo much happier to have some of the faves back in my life! Some. 

All three of my roommates were gone this weekend, so you knowwww I took that opportunity to take some bedroom shots! Two went home, and the other one was with her boyfriend and his fam for a b-day. 

Get ready, it’s very…pink. 

necessary carbs

So the house always has a fully-stocked salad bar, a big bowl of fruit and massive quantities of string cheese. Therefore, I need my carbs. New thangs: Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin Granola (I. am. absolutely. obsessed. with. this), Ryvita Sesame Rye Crackers (they’re ok) and Annie’s Cinnamon Bunnies (loveeee). I already had the amazing, Shredded Spoonfuls and Safeway Quick Oats (hiding in the back right) stocked.

nut buttas, bars, rice cakes, cinnamon, vitamins

I like having my options, ok??

Newman’s spelt pretzels, dried mangos, trail mix, sliced almonds, soup, tea (Good Earth, sweet n’ spicy) and apple sauce.

and lastly, drawer 3

Carob chips (!!), Heart Thrive Cookies, disposable bowls & stevia packets.

my corner

here's our day bed....everyone actually sleeps at the end of the hall in our "sleeping porch"

my desk's on the right

And…our balcony!! 

it's adorable, no?

 And since I reallllly should get to bed, i’ll end with this little beauty. Ah yes, so glad to have you back in my life! Too bad I can only really “hide” about 2 of these guys at a time. I gotta be careful, when the drunk munchies hit girls will ATTACK anything and everything in sight! Ha ha hahaa…… the fridge is stocked with yogurt, but they’re always those fake, diet-y ones. No, thanks. 

Oikos + Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin granola + a sliced gala apple. I could eat this everyday!

Oh, and question: Who all was/is a sorority girl?? Why or why not?! 

Well, i’m kinda a girly girl, I’ve always love being involved/participating in everything possible/always stayin’ busy and i’ve already got GREEK in my blood… since my three brothers and dad were all frat men back in the day! Ahaha too funny. 

Alright, xoo! Have a wonderful weekend ladies! I’ll be eating (yogurt messes, sweet p fries, wraps galore, wedding fooood), spending time with ma family (cousins and aunts and uncles, oh my!), taking on bridesmaid responsibilities (i’m one of the 8 or 9!) and maybe taking a few tequila shots… for the bride & groom, of course.  

MUCH Love, Jess

Mmm Mochas.

Girls, what is uppp?! I am currently sipping on the most delicious drink, ever. It’s simply  some coffee mixed with a “no sugar added” hot chocolate packet. It’s my own take on a traditional mocha coffee! The girls in my house have gotten me hooked on this little treat,  and even though i’ve never tried it before today….i’m officially hooked. It’s the perfect way to nurse my very exhausted-self after a night out! Plus, I just got back from an all-house pool party (where the new freshmen girls did their first keg stands, how precious). And now, it’s time to get some homework done. 

I need to read an entire play for my theater appreciation class (Tartuffe, ever read it?), work on a comm. assignment and read/annotate for my women’s studies course! Funnnn.

But speaking of fun… last night certaintly was! A bunch of girls and I dressed up in all neon colors and headed over to a “rave-themed” frat party. But now I have soar thighs and memories of dancing with one too many freshmen boys. Whoops! I’m such a wild girl. Ha ha..

Anyways (!!), I’ve snapped a few pictures over the past few days, so I thought i’d share some of my sorority-house eats! 

If you haven’t already, you need to try these veggie chips from Trader Joe’s. They’re in a red bag, they’re purely baked veggies and are extremely delicious! They remind me of pringles!!! 

Mid-afternoon snackage: Gala apples + string cheese (and unpictured pita chips)..

Have I mentioned that i’ve been hiding some yves fake turkey slices and a tub of sabra’s roasted red pepper hummus in my sorority house’s fridge??

Whole wheat, oat-y & delicious bread + sabra + spinach + yves fake turkey slices + mustazz on the side! I’ve eaten these sandwiches with a side salad, fruit and or chips! Depends on whatever i’m feeling/whatever the house or my room has stocked. 

And oooooh, Heart Thrive Cookies. Love! These little gems are found all around my school, and a la Jenny’s recommendation, I snagged the chocolate and poppy-seed flavors! 

After trying the apple flav a week or so ago, I wanted more! I sampled the chocolate first….

They have a fab ingredient list, might I add….

look at all that vegan chocolate !!

 These are perfect when warmed up in the micro. for a mere 20, 30 seconds. This vegan dessert (or snack) is melt-in-yo’-mouth delicious!

microed oats!

 Standard friday morning oats: 1/2 cup quick oats + a “baked in” gala apple + cinn + stevia + a spoonful of pb & co. cinnamon raisin swirl and a spoonful of some regular, crunchy marantha pb (the best!!!). 

and a typical sorority-house lunch

 From the house: salad-bar salad with romaine, carrots, red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, sunflower seeds and a roasted-red pepper dressing, with cottage cheese + pepper and hot sauce on the side. The 2 rice cakes were supplied by moi. Usually I’ll add toast if the house meal is less than appealing, but they were all out! So rice cakes had to suffice. Lunch dessert was a fresh n’ juicy pear. 

Told yaaa I’ve been loving these sandwiches. This guy was filled with more sabra hummus, yves fake turkey slices and some left-over cherry tomatoes (that were sauteed in olive oil and pine nuts).

I’ll leave you with this drool-worthy shot. All for my fave HHH.

Question: What’s your go-to coffee shop drink? I’m obsessed with Starbuck’s soy lattes. Iced or hot! They’re just so simple and comforting! And the added soy milk gives it the perfect amount of sweetness. Mmm! 

Have a great Saturday girls! Party hard, study hard, watch a movie? Whateva, just enjoy yourself…it’s the weekend, after all!

Much Love, Jess