I've MOVED!

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Croque...Fromage?

Croque Monsieur is a French sandwich that was originally served as "fast food." I have to say, they really kick our butts when it comes to fast food. Croquer means "to crunch" and Monsieur means "mister". Croque Monsieur is the most basic and traditional rendition of the sandwich. It's even found in French McDonalds known as the Croque McDo! This original is made with gruyere cheese and ham. Unfortunately, gruyere cheese is extremely expensive here in the states (at least, for a college kid though whole foods has shredded gruyere that runs about  $3.50/tub) so I used mozzarella and cheddar. More American, if anything :p

I don't typically eat lunch meat unless it is high quality and natural, something the dining halls here do NOT cater to, so I decided to veto the ham. I wasn't sure what rendition of the sandwich it was called. I looked it up, but found no answer. I figured fromage would make do, as it means "cheese". Oh boy, did I mean cheese.

Today was my lucky day with bread. The dining hall was serving cheesy garlic loaf and I cut off four hearty slices and stuck them in my togo box. After taking a cup of mixed cheese from the salad bar and a cup of mixed greens with spinach, my mouth started watering.

Ten minutes later, I had my creation. The first bite took me back into the days of sitting at my grandma's counter, snacking on grilled cheese and sipping strawberry soda. It. Was. Delicious. 

New March Favorites

Since being back in Fort Collins, I've only been to one party. I'd much rather dedicate myself to my studies than go out and jeopardize my health. My new idea of a fun Saturday night: reading, writing, and drinking tea. Don't worry. I'm not knitting sweaters for my cats...yet. But I am feeling a late night blog post.

1. Chamomile tea. It's a natural sedative that eases the body by means of mind, muscle, and sleep. Studies have shown that those who drink four cups throughout the day are significantly less anxious, stressed, and get wonderful sleep. Note that studies also show those who do not space out the time of consumption and drank concentrated doses quickly had a side effects of drowsiness. After I finish soaking the tea bags, I always put the hot damp bags under my eyes...it rids you of those awful dark circles! 

2. Fats. Nuts. Avocados. Whole milk. Creamer. I seem to eat significantly less when I consume more fats than carbs or sugar. Speaking of...I didn't have any sweets today. Yay for adhering to the rules of lent!

3. This Clothing Store

4. The Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCoy. I tend to trust Jenna's choice in novels. She recommended my all time favorite: Still Alice and though I do not generally read historical fiction, I reckoned a try was in order since I haven't found a favorite book since. So far, so addictive! 

5. The Temper Trap (specifically the song "Fader"). One of those songs that sound 10x better bouncing off the shower walls. 

6. Veggie sandwiches composed of vegan bread, toffuti, cucumbers, tomatoes, mustard, spinach, and hot sauce! 

7. Yoga. It's no longer a 30 day challenge...it's a lifestyle! 

8. Hiking. I'm dying to hike here:

Phoenix, Arizona's Camelback Mountain. Only 5 more days until I'm home and conquer this bad boy. I plan to do yoga on top of that rock that the man is standing on. 

9. My old t-shirts. I love worn cotton. In fact, I've slipped on my pi's every moment that I've been home just for an excuse to wear my comfy t's and a pair of slippers. 

10. Disney's Good Luck Charlie. It's such a cute show... and a guilty pleasure that you can't tell anyone about ;) It reminds me of my family. 

On Relationships & Chick Flicks

Girls, guys don't want to watch chick flicks. They're guys. Unless the movie is about a flesh eating zombiefying disease, good luck getting them in that theatre. I will never understand why girls break up with guys because they won't partake in "similar interest activities" when these activities include pedicures, sappy romantic movies meant to be seen only with another biologically ticking woman, or window shopping. [Disclaimer: I am being sarcastic. I know that girls have many other interests, but for the sake of the conversation that I am hearing behind me at the coffee shop, I decided to write this post.]

While I don't think you should ever drag your man to an activity he's not willing to do, once in a while a "chick flick" is something you are just dying to do with that special significant other.

How to lure him into that tear jerker: 


1. Bribe him. Hey handsome, would you like to see The Vow if I make you your favorite meal complete with dessert and a coupon that says "I'll do anything for you. Just fill in the blanks" Warning: The coupon could backfire, he might say, "Don't take me to this movie." But be prepared to offer any favor.
2. Sacrifice another event he doesn't want to do. Hey stud muffin, would you like to go see The Vow instead of seeing my parents this weekend? 
3. Pull the holiday card. But it's my birthday! Won't you please take me?


For all of the above, make sure YOU offer to pay for such movie and related expenses. 


Good luck!