Will I call Baltimore home?

by Olivia

In one year my life will change in some major ways. The town I’ve called home for 17 years I will be leaving behind. Family and friends I’ve formed close relationships with I will parting from in order to start my own journey. Although the farewell to my hometown, friends and family will be nothing but bittersweet, I am filled with excitement for my future.

My college search started in October at Quinnipiac University. Ever since my first encounter I thought that had to be “the school.” My college search continued today at Towson University and Loyola University Maryland. I got a taste of both the larger and smaller sized schools. As we drove up to Loyola University Maryland’s campus it immediately felt like home, a place I felt like I instantly fit. I was intrigued by the stone, brick buildings where class would take place and by the equisite Catholic Church with stainless glass that captured my eyes with its character. So now I wonder will Quinnipiac, Loyola, or possibly a place I’ve yet to explore be my future home?

Thursday night we arrived in the city of Baltimore (about 2o minutes from Towson & Loyola). My Mom and one of my best friends stayed with me at Brookshire Suites by the Inner Harbor. I was fascinated by the modern/contemporary rooms with a delightful Bath & Body Works scent that crawled in and out of each hallway and room. We decided we definitely had to take a boat ride on the Inner Harbor, we all were greeted with such hospitality from the Seadog (speedboat) employees. They constantly called and updated us on the weather conditions to inform us whether or not the boat would leave the harbor. From there we enjoyed a dinner at an Irish Pub within the harbor. I enjoyed a savory meal of a Crab Cake Sandwich and Muscles because how could I not get seafood in Baltimore, Maryland?!

Storm clouds rolled in this Baltimore night.

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Healthy Taco?

by Olivia

Lately I have been all about the healthy eating. Now and then you’ll catch me indulging in my favorite dairy free treats like Len & Larry’s protein cookies (found here) or So Delicious Chocolate Cookies n’ Cream Ice Cream made with cashew milk (found here) but I try keeping it rather clean with my eating habits. When I scrolled through Pinterest for healthy meals, snacks and etc. I came across these yummy appetizers. As soon as I saw the image I thought immediately of P.F. Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps. I’m sure most of us have tasted how sweet and savory those appetizers are, definitely a favorite of my families.

One thing I love about these is that you can easily personalize them to your liking. You can add tomatoes, peppers, chicken and more toppings to enhance the taste of these healthy, filling appetizers. My suggestion would be to add seasonings. The ingredients consist of mainly vegetables and beans but I do believe seasonings would give a kick of flavor especially if you’re not into the plantish tasting foods, you know what I mean? It’s almost like a healthy taco…almost


Take A Stroll With Me

by Olivia

My heart is so happy when I’m in Red Bank, New Jersey. Nothing feels more like home. Shops, cafes, restaurants, a bay and more can be found scattered across this lively and thriving town. Broad Street is a favored area, where its cobblestone path can lead you to shop after shop. On this afternoon I was more relaxed then usual. The breeze captured me, with each inhale of air I felt at peace.  As perfect as this afternoon sounds there was one thing I needed as a cherry on top to this day and of course that “thing” was food. I would be crazy if I didn’t get food while in Red Bank, it has the best of everything! I am obsessed with Earth Pizza an organic and all natural restaurant. Ryan and I shared the Vegan pie (due to my dairy allergy) and we ordered it dressed up with multiple toppings to give our pizza some extra pizzazz. My tastebuds went straight to heaven as I crunched down on my first bite of pizza. The crunch of the crust and gush of the tomatoes made me crave each bite more and more. Being a girl who can’t typically enjoy her pizza loaded with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella, I finally found a place that made all my food dreams come true! I no longer envy all of the pizza eaters out there. Here’s pictures from a fulfilled day of relaxation and yummy food.

 

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Asbury Sun & Sushi

by Olivia

On a day full of endless sun and toasty weather we all just want to be outside. When I began to get tired of the same routine summer activities I decided I’d head just a half hour south to Asbury Park. They’re focusing on modernizing the space and creating a relaxed, slower paced urban area. A hotspot for older teens and adults to enjoy a nice bit to eat, the boardwalk, concerts at The Stone Pony and so much more. You may even catch Bruce Springsteen strolling around (that is if you’re lucky). I adore the atmosphere and relaxed vibes the area gives off. It reminds me a little of West Village in NYC based on its ambience.

I just can never get enough sushi! At this point I’m surprised I haven’t turned into some type of sushi roll. Is that possible? Technically no but at this rate you never know. My friend and I headed over to Taka, an adorable Japanese restaurant in Asbury where you can be seated inside or outside. The Japanese restaurant seemed very modern, young and hip with its vibrant colors and fun furniture. I went the basic route in all my sushi choices although, I dressed each piece up with a number of different sauces. My sushi rolls were constantly soaked in teriyaki, eel and soy sauce to kick up the flavor of my not so exciting choices. Needless to say I ended up in a food coma but it didn’t matter because I enjoyed every bite of my sushi, to the last slice of ginger. The day was filled with the aroma of salt coming off the beach and savory pieces of sushi being guzzled down. I think it’s time to learn how to use chopsticks!

xx

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What’s all the talk about Playa Bowls?

by Olivia

If you live along the Jersey Shore you know all about Playa Bowls. If you don’t live here then you’re probably wondering just what are “Playa Bowls?” Playa bowls are a tasty, healthy treat. They are bowls that have a base of acai (a berry frozen sorbet) blended with a variety of fruits. It’s then topped with granola, fruit and sometimes almond or peanut butter depending on what you choose to get. It gives you a boost of energy on those hot summer days, nothing is as refreshing as a mouth full of fruit. The granola is so heavenly as you crunch you’re way to an empty bowl. What’s so great about Playa is the variety. If acai isn’t your favorite you can pick a Pitaya (Dragon Fruit) base or a green base (mixed with kale for color). You can always customize your order to make it exactly the way you want it! Don’t worry vegans, they have you covered! The bases to all the bowls are 100% dairy free and vegan. (Vegans may have to alter orders to get it to be fully vegan) It’s the most mouthwatering, fresh and healthy treat on the shore. In every bite I can’t wait to dig my spoon into more, go bowls deep! Check out the website here!

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