Princeton: The Land of F. Scott Fitzgerald

Last weekend, I visited Princeton for the first time.  Most of my knowledge of the university is from F. Scott Fitzgerald's debut novel This Side of Paradise, that he penned shortly after graduation.

Matcha

After using a blender from the '90s for my entire life, I have finally joined the 21st century and purchased a NutriBullet (using coupons).  I'm really into it and plan on making delicious mixtures of everything, from horchata to lightly blended guacamole and more.  My first attempt at using the Magic Bullet was my creation of a Matcha Latte.  I love Matcha just like everyone else on this earth.

An Uplifting Winter Playlist

I love the moody skies, snow fall, and natural inclination to reflect that comes along with winter.  But, after a few snowless months hauled up indoors, I feel a bit restless.  This music evokes happiness and has a way of keeping me warm in the cold (all the time, really).

A Love Story: Me and My Planner

Nope, my love affair is not with the one organizer displayed above.  Last year, and the year before, I used a Day Designer.  One of my best friends, Emily, found it in her quest for the perfect organization tool.  Since I trust her opinion, I immediately bought one as well.  Two years ago, I was disappointed with it because I had ordered the large one (pictured here) which proved to be too cumbersome for me.

Protecting Our Oceans

Image via A Well Travelled Woman

Here are a slew of landscape and ocean photographs.  1. Because my cup runneth over and I take way too many landscape shots, and 2. President Obama recently banned oil and gas drilling in many US Arctic and Atlantic waters permanently (as one of his final actions as POTUS).

An Ode to my Grandma

My late maternal grandmother was born in 1922, just two years after women acquired the right to vote in America.  I may have witnessed the transition from the days of AIM to iMessage, but she was present for a much more drastic shift.  Whenever I was stressed or anxious about an event, obligation, or interaction, she calmed me down.  Her dominant personality traits were intellect, charisma, and verve, and she had a quiet wisdom about her that grew more pronounced in her later years.  I knew, after all that she had lived through from great personal loss to traumatic world events, that her advice was well worth absorbing.

Good Food, Good Drinks, Good Vibes

506 On The River Inn in Woodstock, Vermont, has a restaurant hidden inside.  It is a relaxed and delicious place.  As a guest at the inn, I ate there for breakfast in addition to dinner.  The breakfast is complimentary with an overnight stay, but it is not your average subpar continental breakfast.  It's classier.  My eggs were made to order (this is not always an option) and even the oatmeal is quite tasty.  I'm not a foodie, but I really appreciate well made, healthy fare.