First Week of Spring Semester Inspiration

Well hello pals.
The time is here. Spring semester is beginning! If you're like me, you're feeling excited, exhausted, stressed, and definitely behind on packing.
I'm here to tell you you're not alone! I'm sitting in my dorm right now, in my pajamas ready to head off to bed before starting my spring internship tomorrow. My winter break sailed by, I have so many things I didn't get to do, and my bank account is frighteningly low.
I am here to help you get through the first week struggle. Scroll down for some cute puppies, inspiring women, and quotes that will push you towards success.

 The first day sucks. Being away from family again takes its toll, but girl you got this! Keep your eye on the prize and look at this new semester as 4 months of opportunities. 

This cute little pup would be terribly upset if he knew you were feeling down in the dumps! Buck up and take on the day with a smile! (For the pups sake of course) 

So your first day wasn't so great? Don't stress! Tomorrow will come, full of new opportunities and new chances to do something incredible. 

This queen inspired little girls to be strong, and taught us all that being smart was something to be proud of! If Emma Watson could be a major movie star, an advocate for education and women's rights, AND graduate from Brown- you can get through today, I swear. 

Make today the day you start to fight for what you love, and do what brings you joy. 

Take time for yourself. Go for a drive, get yourself a delightful iced caramel latte with almond milk. Self care is so important. You don't have to be superwoman all the time! Take a nap, read a book,ease yourself back into the school routine. 

LEAVE F**K BOYS IN THE FALL SEMESTER. You have no time for them, this semester is the one where you find happiness in yourself.

Don't worry about other people. Seriously. Just do you. Make this semester about you and your own success! Don't compare yourself, don't stress about the competition, just be proud of yourself. Every day you do something remarkable, no matter how small. 

You got this. Breathe.
Happy Spring 2017. <3

Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes

Hey Y'all! 
When we get close to the holidays, I absolutely love to bake. Something about warm cookies in the cold weather puts an instant smile on my face! I have celiac disease, so these recipes are modified to fit a gluten free diet, but feel free to use regular flour if necessary! 
I hope you enjoy! 

Snowball Cookies

Ingredients:

              1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, lightly softened

              5 tablespoons granulated sugar

              2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

              1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

              2 cups all-purpose Red Mill Gluten-Free flour

              2 cups finely chopped walnuts (Optional)

              1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar for dusting 

Prep:

1. Cream together butter and sugar, beat in the vanilla and salt

2, Gradually add gluten free flour; beating after each addition

3. Stir in the nuts; mix until fully incorporated (optional)

4. Divide dough in half and refrigerate in plastic wrap for approximately 45 minutes

5. Arrange oven rack in middle of oven and preheat to 350ºF. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. Place confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl; set aside

6, Measure dough using a small, 1-inch spring-loaded scoop making sure each scoopful is level

7. Roll dough between palms of hands to achieve a small rounded ball

8. Place dough balls 1½ inches apart on prepared baking sheets

9. Bake in preheated oven until the cookies are just beginning to brown, about 12 to 14 minutes. The underside of the cookies should be only lightly browned

10. Cool cookies on baking sheets on wire racks for approximately 2 minutes

11. While cookies are still warm, gently roll them in the confectioners’ sugar. Place the sugar-coated cookies on wire racks to cool completely. 

12. Roll cookies once again in the confectioners’ sugar.

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Ingredients:

                1/2 cup Butter

                1/2 cup Peanut Butter

                1/2 cup Sugar

                1/2 cup Brown Sugar

                1 tsp Vanilla

                1 Egg

                1 1/3 cup Gluten-Free Flour

                1 tsp Baking Soda

                1/2 tsp Salt

                24 Hershey Kisses (unwrapped)

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Cream together peanut butter, butter, sugar and brown sugar until smooth.

3. Add egg and vanilla and beat until smooth.

4. Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl.

5. Slowly add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, beating until incorporated.

6. Roll into 1″ balls and place on cookie sheet several inches apart.

7. Gently make an indentation in the center of each cookie.

8. Bake 12-14 minutes.

9. Place a Hershey Kiss in the center of each cookie.

Monster Cookies

Ingredients: 

                 1/2 cup softened butter, margarine or coconut oil

                 1 cup packed brown sugar

                 1 cup sugar

                 1 1/2 cups peanut butter (I prefer using creamy, but you can use crunchy)

                 3 eggs

                 2 tsp. baking soda

                 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

                 4 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats or instant oats

                 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

                 1 cup plain M&M's

Prep: 

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, cream together butter, sugars, peanut butter and eggs until light.

3. Add baking soda, vanilla extract, and gluten-free oats and mix on low speed until well mixed.

4. Stir in chocolate chips and plain M&M's.

5. Use a large cookie scoop to scoop rounded balls of dough and place on lined cookie sheets, leaving space between them for them to spread. I only do 12 per cookie sheet, less if using a smaller sized sheet.

6. Bake at 350° for 10-15 or until they don't look gooey in the center. These are better slightly under-cooked than overcooked.

7. Remove from oven and leave on the cookie sheet for a couple of minutes before moving cookies to wire racks to cool.