Food

aysiaphilly1
Travel

Welcome to the home of the Tastykake, Rocky Balboa, Wawa, and, of course, the cheesesteak… I am taking you to Philadelphia! Growing up, my family and I would travel from my hometown of Collegeville, a suburb of Philly, into the city nearly every weekend to explore museums, eat wonderful food, and check out other hotspots. For you, dear traveler, I have come up with the perfect itinerary to help plan your first day trip to this lively, multi-dimensional city. Welcome to The City of Brotherly Love!

Morning

For breakfast, try one of the Green Eggs Café locations. This trendy, eco-friendly restaurant is dedicated to serving locally produced foods at reasonable prices, while allowing their customers to support the movement by using only recycled paper and dishware. I highly recommend the Smoked Atlantic Lox Omelet or the “Kitchen Sink” (think a skillet of eggs, cheese, potatoes, peppers, biscuits, and gravy everywhere). The portions are rather large, but don’t worry because you can ask for a biodegradable take-out container.

After the amazing meal, you are surely going to want to walk off the food coma. Spend a few hours browsing the collections at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Located at the end of the scenic Benjamin Franklin Parkway, this massive museum holds the most beautiful European, American, and Asian artwork. Don’t forget to run up the museum steps in proper Rocky fashion!

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Afternoon

From the museum, walk through the bustling Center City neighborhood to reach Reading Terminal Market. You’re going to brave some lines and crowds here, but this market is a prime location to eat and browse. The market carries nearly everything you could imagine, from local and exotic produce, Amish specialties, meat, seafood, handmade confections, flowers, to cookbooks and other trinkets. The delicious aromas will make you hungry for lunch here, so head over to my favorite vendor in the market and favorite cheesesteak joint in Philly, Carmen’s Famous Italian Hoagie. If this is your first visit to Philly, order a classic and prepare yourself for a serious mouth party. After all, President Obama ate here, so you know it’s good.

By this point it’s time to say goodbye to the market and get ready for a little history lesson. Make your way to Philadelphia’s Historic District, which is full of museums and historic buildings. Philadelphia was the first capital of the United States and birthplace of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and Betsy Ross’ home and first American flag. Stroll along the grassy squares and cobblestone streets, making sure to pass by the Liberty Bell, and imagine what life was like while the United States was young.

aysiaphilly3

Evening

The fun-filled Philly day trip is sadly coming to an end, so it’s time to wrap up with a glorious dinner. There are few options here. For the Francophiles and wine-lovers, try the quaint Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro near Center City and make sure to order the Beef Bourguignon. If that is not your ideal cuisine, right next door is El Vez, known for their funky rock n’ roll atmosphere and tasty enchiladas. Finally for the sports fan, go to Chickie’s and Pete’s, the Philly sports fan’s go-to stop for crab fries. I guarantee after eating at any of these restaurants, you’ll be more than ready to head back home and recoup after a great day of eating and exploring.

Time-Permitting

If you have a few extra minutes to spend in the city, be sure to stroll by the water at Penn’s Landing, shop around Rittenhouse Square, or bike in Fairmount Park.

And there you have it – a whole day of activities for your eventful day trip to Philadelphia. Time to grab a friend and make it happen!

Image: Aysia Woods

aysiasobresema
CultureHealth

You know that moment during a meal when everyone is pleasantly full after finishing their entree, just before someone reluctantly reminds the table the restaurant is closing soon so it’s time to sign the check? That soul-warming instant when conversation flows effortlessly? This moment has a name. Sobremesa (n.) is a Spanish word meaning, “the time spent around the table after dinner, talking to the people you shared the meal with; time to digest and savor both food and friendship.” This word is the essence of why in an over stimulated, hectic world, it’s so important to make time to gather around a table for meals.

While I admit my love for the sobremesa is partially because I am a certified foodie, it’s even more so because the Sobremesa is a time for true conversation, an art seemingly dwindling in our generation. We are so used to texting and Facebook messaging entire conversations, that it’s easy to forget how beneficial face-to-face conversation is. While you might feel you know someone well, a deeper realm of connection opens upon seeing facial expressions, gestures, and all the multifaceted characteristics of speaking in real life.

There have been numerous studies detailing the benefits of “table time” in families and in any type of relationship. According to Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology and countless other sources, table time strengthens solidarity in relationships (families, friends, sports teams, roommates, and so on), alleviates stress, improves conversation skills, encourages healthier eating, and broadens intellectual horizons by sharing and listening to different perspectives. All this while possibly exploring new cuisines!

At least once a month, my roommates and I plan a “roomie dinner” where we each pitch in to help; someone purchases ingredients, another provides his/her cooking skills, and another roommate sets the table and helps clean. We gather around the table, leaving all school and life-related stresses at our desks for a few hours to simply enjoy each other’s company. Most dinners, we will choose a meal theme - anything from Mexican to Italian cuisine. Here are a couple of our favorite dishes:

In college, it is easy to get used to eating quick meals while watching Hulu between classes or meetings. I challenge you, however, to take a break. Carve out a few hours of your time and experience just how restorative and forever calming a dinner and its Sobremesa are for the soul.

Image: FoodiesFeed

SONY DSC
Health

Late night cravings are possibly the worst of temptations and probably of the unhealthiest. Fighting them off is a very difficult thing, as many of us have experienced. But how do you resist that bag of Doritos while watching your favorite TV show or finishing that essay? Here are a few tips to help keep the bad snacks away:

Integrate a Well-Balanced Diet

Eating balanced is perhaps the most effective thing you could do for your body. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will call for an alkaline system and absorption of all of the fibers, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs to function properly. Protein is essential whether you attain it from meat or plant derived proteins, and making sure you get just the right amount is absolutely vital. Just the right amount of carbohydrates and sugars will give your body the fuel it needs to function. As long as your fats and oils are controlled, you are likely to be replacing those cravings with a healthier alternative.

Eat On a Schedule

Making sure that you eat on time is strongly correlated with how much you will want to consume later in the day and the types of food you will crave. Make sure that you eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at equally spaced out hours with healthy snacks in between to keep your metabolism and blood sugar levels steady. Waiting too long to start eating lunch of breakfast can skew your routine which can cause confusion in your system.

Drink Tons of Water

Try chugging an entire glass of water when you begin to feel hungry. Many times, your body is actually dehydrated and what it really needs is water. Not only will this fill your stomach and replace the hunger but it will also cleanse your digestive system and free it from unwanted radicals.

Get Busy or Release Stress

We usually tend to think about food when we are in either stressful situations due to the inflow of anxiety or when we are bored. If we are stressed, relaxing or mediating is perhaps the best way to create an outlet for the anxiety we are feeling. Releasing it through food late at night is not only unhealthy but can also cause more anxiety because of the sugar spikes. On the other hand, if you happen to be bored, it is almost instinct to walk over to the kitchen. Try doing something other than thinking about food like finding a hobby, complete an unfinished task, or even go to bed early.

Build New Habits

Habits play a huge role in your cravings. Instead of eating on the couch or on your bed, make sure you make the effort to sit at your dinner table to eat. This will help you avoid the unnoticed urge to finish the bag of chips or box of cookies. Eating at the dinner table makes you focus on just eating and you become aware of how much you are consuming, making you more conscious and likely to avoid overeating.

Another trick can be to have dinner an hour or so later. This will make you fuller before your usual bedtime. Another strategy you could use to deceive your brain is to pre-pack healthy snacks throughout the day and have a special one saved for night. Pre-packing your snacks helps create portion control and reminds you that you’ve already put the effort into preparing them (meaning you might be less inclined to scarf down that left over pizza!). These snacks can include sliced fruits, nuts, or granolas.

Late night cravings tend to lean towards fattening foods rather than healthy nutrient-rich foods. For that reason, they are usually dangerous to your health and can cause weight gain. However, hopefully with these tips you can alter your approach and dodge cravings completely!

Image: A Dash of Cinema

J. Gamboa
SpotlightYouth Spotlight

We are always so inspired by students who take the leap of faith into entrepreneurship while still taking classes and juggling a handful of other responsibilities. One of these inspiring students is Michelle Schechter, a current senior at Northwestern University who started the company For Real Dough. FRD takes a spin on a classic - chocolate chip cookies - and offers its customers an assortment of delicious edible cookie dough (that’s totally safe to eat!). In between classes and friends Michelle answers emails, dreams up new flavors, develops branding and packaging, and so much more. We are in awe of what she has accomplished so far, and can’t wait to see where she takes FRD next. Pass the cookie dough, please!

Name: Michelle Schechter
Age: 22
Education: Northwestern University
Follow: For Real Dough | Facebook | Instagram

Carpe Juvenis: How do you define “Seizing Your Youth”?

Michelle Schechter: I believe taking advantage of any point in my life is about being present. As we get older, we’re surrounded by more and more external (and largely technological) stimuli while becoming increasingly invested and obsessed with the next step, the next job, the next assignment, the next party, the next environment. I think by concentrating on being fully wherever I am and grateful for whatever that is, I have the best chance of stopping time from moving by so fast.

CJ: Why did you decide to attend Northwestern University for your undergraduate experience?

MS: At age 8, I fell madly in love with my next-door neighbor. He had his heart set on Northwestern and I decided right then and there that I did, too.

CJ: What are you studying? Do your passions for arts and cooking intersect at all?

MS: I’m pursuing a theater major, business minor, and music theatre certificate. I think I’ve realized my passions intersect more than I ever anticipated. Baking is creative and so is branding. They’re both very hands-on and experiential. And every business pitch or presentation is kind of like a mini performance.

Rafi Letzler. (Northwestern Magazine Cover)jpg

CJ: What originally drew you to cooking and experimenting in the kitchen?

MS: When I was about 6 or 7, I would present my own “Food Network Show” to anyone home who would listen. I would usually teach the viewers (my mom and dad) how to make cereal or a peanut butter sandwich. It was my absolute favorite game of make-believe. Maybe one day it won’t be make-believe.

CJ: As the CEO of For Real Dough, what do your day-to-day responsibilities entail?

MS: I oversee everything from production to branding. I’m in the kitchens once a week mixing up cookie dough. I’m also busy taking meetings, working on the website and brand design, conceptualizing flavors, and lots more. I have the help of some amazing friends and teammates who greatly contribute to the design and growth of the company.

CJ: Can you please tell us more about how FRD came to life?

MS: Yeah! I had the recipe for a few years and always loved cookie dough. But last Spring, I was enrolled in an Entrepreneurship class at Northwestern where I was able to explore the product in a more tangible way. At the end of the class, my team won a pitch competition and outside interest in the idea started growing. I decided to meet with the President of Northwestern on a whim to see if I could sell For Real Dough at the Northwestern Convenience Stores (“C-Stores”) and, after sharing samples and memories of cookie dough with everyone in the office, he agreed.

Jennifer Gamboa

CJ: How do you juggle finishing your senior year of college with friends, family, and business?

MS: It’s tough. And very busy. But I really try to spend my time and exert my energy towards things that bring me happiness and positivity. So at the end of the day, excitement and passion can overcome stress. It also helps to be surrounded by supportive and loving friends and family.

CJ: In your experience, what has been the most surprising part about entrepreneurship so far?

MS: The generosity of others. I never could have imagined that so many people would support and help turn a dream of mine into a reality. It’s been an incredibly humbling and eye-opening experience.

CJ: As a self-starter, how do you keep yourself on-track with goals and deadlines?

MS: I try to determine what success means for me and keep that goal in mind with every decision I make. From there, it’s passion for the project itself. It feels good to harness productivity and love and put it towards something that I know will make me feel artistically and intellectually fulfilled.

Michelle S Qs

CJ: What does a day in your life look like?

MS: Wake up, have a little dance party, work hard towards my dreams, hug the people I love, take a nap, eat a snack, sleep.

CJ: What has been the best piece of personal advice you’ve been given?

MS: Your will to live must be stronger than your fear of death. (JK Rowling taught me that)

CJ: What has been the best piece of professional advice you’ve been given?

MS: You must believe that what you have to say and give to the world is important.

CJ: What advice would you give your 17-year-old self?

MS: Nothing is permanent. Laugh more. Believe in yourself; don’t wait for someone else to.

Justin Barbin3

Image (top to bottom): Jennifer Gamboa, Rafi Letzler, Justin Barbin

berries
Health

Fruits are all gems. They’re filling, nutritious, and low in fat. Most of the time, they tend to be overlooked and sometimes, the popularity of chia seeds and kale has shifted the spotlight. However, there are many benefits in certain fruits that perhaps you were not aware of. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will be able to select the crème de la crème in the fruit department.

1. Blueberries

Like all berries, blueberries serve as a powerful antioxidant. They help fight off cancer and the degeneration of cells. These antioxidants can help to improve better brain function and an increase in memory. In addition, they contain properties that help protect against UTI’s (urinary tract infections).

2. Oranges

Oranges hold a variety of benefits! Of course, vitamin C is on the list and everyone is very aware that one orange can provide anywhere from 78%-93% of a days’ worth of it. However, they also have a great deal of potassium and the white lining many of us are guilty of peeling off provides hesperidin which can help lower cholesterol. Lastly - according to studies, even their smell can offer a calming effect.

3. Raspberries

Another member in the berry family: raspberries. Raspberries are actually one of the fruits that contain the highest amount of fiber with eight grams per cup. You’ll notice that they are also deceivingly sweet and I say “deceiving” because they are low in sugar (and carbs and calories). Not surprisingly, they are packed with antioxidants that can help prevent cancer.

4. Apples

I’m sure you’ve heard it: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” And yes, the saying is on point! One apple contains 15% of your daily fiber needs and it contains ample amounts of antioxidants like quercetin, catechin, phloridzin, and chlorogenic acid. They hold both soluble and insoluble fibers which lower cholesterol and keep the digestive tract working properly. The Nutrition Journal has actually claimed that they can help reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and asthma.

5. Grapes

Red or purple, grapes are grapes. They are packed with resveratrol, the mega popular property in wine that is said to be the modernized fountain of youth. One cup of dark grapes could get you as much resveratrol as that of a five ounce glass of merlot.

6. Strawberries

One handful of these could help those that suffer from type 2 diabetes. They also help fight off heart disease and inflammation. They serve as an exceptional dose of vitamin C and antioxidants.

7. Avocados

A personal favorite, avocados are definitely of the richest in nutrients! They have plenty of fiber, vitamin, and healthy fats. Yes, healthy fats. These fats actually assist your body in the absorption of vitamin E, D, and K. If you’ve been worried about inflammation lately, avocadoes inhibit the production of these inflammatory chemicals.

8. Watermelon

Watermelon is the perfect summer fruit! However, this should be your year-round fruit! They are packed with lycopene which is essential for cardiovascular health. It also holds pliantly of citrulline which helps improve blood flow and may reduce the fat in fat cells. And here’s a fun fact: it turns out that the juicy center is not the area with the highest amounts of nutrients - the area beside the skin is! It has the highest concentrations of phenolic antioxidants, flavonoids, lycopene, and vitamin C. In addition, watermelon is incredibly alkaline which calls for numerous health benefits!

When choosing your fruit, try including these in your selections. More importantly, try varying your selection and try fruits you have never had before! You may surprise yourself with a nutritious, tasty delight!

Image: Liz West

EducationSkills

Finals are among us. For those in college, this means papers, projects, and a lot of cramming. For those in high school, this also means papers, projects, and a lot of cramming… There’s just so much to do! Homework, extra credit, paper outlines, group projects. Besides that, part time jobs, internships, after school activities. And before all of those, sleeping and eating! There’s a lot that seems to be happening right now, but there are some ways to deal with all the havoc that is December!

Prioritize.

Always do what you need to do first. Which one comes first: the big thesis paper or that extra credit project? Watering your plants or giving yourself a shower? Going to a club meeting or studying for an exam for that really tough teacher? Always do what is important, and don’t bother with the small stuff during this time crunch. The little things can be slipped in, but devoting large chunks of time to a 10 page paper is an efficient way of getting ideas out, onto a document, and out of the way. The little things you can do as mini breaks in between. Get up to stretch and do a 10 minute yoga pose for exercise, but do this between paragraph four and five of your essay. Moderate and prioritize.

Eat and sleep.

My university’s labs are open 24 hours during finals. In the early 3­-5am hours, students can be seen sleeping at their desk with the screen doing a five hour export. Other students can be seen with three empty cups of coffee next to their sewing machines with half finished shirts and dresses. But whether you’re in art school, business school, or high school, you need to get your sleep and your nutrients! You and a friend can do food­runs. Someone runs out to get dinner for both of you, then you trade and do the same for lunch. Do this for fabric material, photo paper, paint, ink, printer paper. One person can do that half-hour-run to Staples and the other person can do that half-hour run to the cafeteria. Roommates, workshop partners, lab buddies, you name it. It is the time to keep your body functioning during a time when there isn’t enough time.

Know your limits.

Alright. You didn’t sleep in the last 24 hours, and the night before, you only slept
three hours. Your hands are shaking from too much caffeine, and for some reason the words on the
screen are starting to move on their own. You have a dull headache that has turned into nauseousness and your neck is cramped. You haven’t seen daylight in two days. It’s time to stop. Yeah, that presentation is important and people are counting on you. Sure, that exam is 50% of your grade. But what’s the point if you’re going to pass out in front of your professor or wake up to the exam sheet stuck to your cheek? Sometimes enough is enough and there’s only so much you can do. That’s when you take a breather, take a walk, take a shower, take a break.

Dealing with everything is crazy. You and everyone around you are in high gear. Once
you figure out all you need to do, you’ll do them. Keep yourself going with enough sleep and
food. Sometimes, you have to just put everything down. Take it easy and good luck!

Image: TMAB2003

Health

Before I decided to cut meat out of my life, I loved a good chicken salad. Sometimes I see a rotisserie chicken salad at the supermarket and feel a tiny pang of sadness and regret (not really, but I do get a craving every now and then). So, imagine my utter joy when I came across this mashed chickpea salad recipe from The Simple Veganista.

The ingredient list is short and sweet, just like the preparation. It requires no cooking, just a little chopping ,a little mashing, a little mixing, and a lot of face-stuffing.

And oh my, it is so, so delicious – very reminiscent of a good ole’ chicken salad. But don’t take it from me – try it yourself! I put a slight spin on her original recipe, but kept it pretty close to the original.

You’ll Need:

1 can (15 oz.) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup shredded carrots (you could also dice carrots)
½ cup green onions, sliced
¼ cup Simply Mayo (if you want a vegan mayo that tastes like mayo, TRY SIMPLY MAYO. Amazing.)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Sea salt and cracked pepper to taste
Dash of garlic powder (ok, I used more than a dash… I like a lot of it)
Juice of ½ lemon (optional, but adds refreshing flavor)

The prep:

Drain and rinse your chickpeas, then mash them in a bowl with a potato masher or the back of a fork, until your desired texture is reached.

Add the remaining ingredients and stir until mixed.

You’re done! All you need to do now is serve it on a sandwich, with crackers, on a bed of greens or straight up out of the bowl. My favorite way to eat it is in a pita pocket with spinach.

It is an amazingly delicious lunch, dinner and snack, full of protein and fiber. Let us know what you think!

What smart snacks are you enjoying?

Image: Emma

holiday
CultureSkills

No matter what you are celebrating this holiday season, a party is a great opportunity to see those closest to you. The task of setting up a party is easier than you think. Here are some ideas to make sure your party is a success:

1. Decorate

There is a time to decorate and this is it. Your residence doesn’t have to be all holiday themed if you have guests of more than one faith. Snowflakes, snowmen, or other seasonal themed decorations are appropriate. Decorations that you have collected over the years can be charming. If you don’t have those on hand, homemade or new decorations could be just the thing to make your place seem like a home. “‘Tis The Season: DIY Christmas” by Nicolette Pezza will give you some simple tips to make homemade decorations.

2. Make A Holiday Playlist

There are lots of Christmas albums out there these days. Mix and match your favorite tracks to give your party some background music. It’s a great way to set the mood.

3. Watch Holiday Movies

There are tons of holiday movies out right now which is a great opportunity for a holiday movie marathon. Channels like the Hallmark Channel play holiday films pretty much continuously. Dig up some good holiday flicks or tell your guests to bring their favorites. You may learn to love something new.

4. Get Holiday Themed Food and Drinks

Holidays are a great time for making treats and distributing them to friends and neighbors. At my holiday parties, I let my friends help in the creation and design of their cookies. It’s a good way to be creative and productive when making your party spread. Think of some seasonal items for the rest of the menu. Take a look at “3 Easy To Make Holiday Beverages” by Marian Rose Bagamaspad for drink ideas.

5. Hand Out Party Favors

The point is to get your friends something to remember their time. Holiday baking would count as a party favor. There are a lot of sales going on now. Find something small for the people in your life. This could also be a time to pass out Christmas cards.

6. Do What Works For You

Do whatever you feel comfortable with. I know many people who bought themselves Christmas sweaters this year. Have a Christmas sweater party! Share a holiday tradition with your friends or create a new one. It’s a good way to get to know people better. The important thing is to have fun with what you have.

These are just a few suggestions for throwing the ideal holiday party. Use what is around and available to you. The holiday season is a great time to see all those people you miss the rest of the year. You’ll want everyone to have a good time.

What are your holiday party must haves?

Image: Daniel Ramirez

thx 6
CultureHealth

Thanksgiving is right around the corner – are you hosting friends? Helping family cook up a feast? Bringing a dish or two to a potluck?

Having just moved across the country and begun a new job that doesn’t afford me the time or moolah to jet back across the country on holiday, I’ll be spending my first Thanksgiving away from home. I’m lucky to have a group of friends here who will also be celebrating without family, but we’re not the most experienced chefs, and most of us have never hosted a Thanksgiving party.

Many of us are vegetarians and vegans, which means a little creativity is required to whip up a meatless meal worthy of celebrating on a day that’s known for its turkey, gravy and cheesy casseroles.

Below are recipes for an easy, last-minute, vegan Thanksgiving feast that won’t have you missing meat one bit:

Appetizer

Start off with a fresh, seasonal holiday salad.

thx 1

Holiday Salad with Cranberry Apple Orange Vinaigrette – from Oh She Glows

Sides

It’s not Thanksgiving without the green bean casserole.

thx 2

Vegan Green Bean Casserole – from Fat Free Vegan

Forget the gravy, make this delicious twist on mashed potatoes.

thxn 3
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Avocado Garlic Aioli – from Oh She Glows

Stuffing

A delightful veggie twist on traditional stuffing.

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Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprout and Bread Stuffing with Apples – from Food52

Main Dish

Simple, protein-packed and delicious.

thx 5

Quinoa stuffed sweet potatoes – From Veggie Dream Girl

Dessert

Easier than pie.

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Vegan Pumpkin Dessert Bars – from The Happy Housewife

What? I didn’t say it was a healthy, low fat vegan Thanksgiving meal. It’s just animal product-less. And it’s super delicious – click each of the links above for the recipes! Happy, happy Thanksgiving!

What are you eating for Thanksgiving? Share below!

Image: The Happy Housewife

drinks 1
CultureHealth

Whether you are having guests over for a celebration or hanging out with friends for a cozy night in, it’s great to know some quick and affordable drink recipes. These simple and delicious beverages are great to have and share!

drinks 3

Cranberry Citrus Punch

Tangerine or Orange slices
Pineapple Juice
Cranberry Juice
Club Soda

Place a few orange slices at the bottom of a champagne glass, then pour equal parts cranberry juice and pineapple juice. Add 2/3 cup of club soda for some fizz!

drinks 2

Apple Cinnamon Tea

1 Cinnamon Apple Spice Tea Bag (Celestial Seasonings Brand used above)
Fresh cut apple
Cinnamon
Condensed Milk

Add a fun treat to this simple tea by spreading some condensed milk onto an apple slice. Use a knife to scratch a design in the center and sprinkle some ground cinnamon on top. The sweetness of the apple slice is delicious against the tartness of the tea!

drinks 1

Chocolate Coffee

Your choice of coffee (Kirkland Pacific Roast featured above)
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Coconut milk
Nutella
Pecans

Brew a cup of coffee and add two heaping tablespoons of cocoa powder. Feel free to go for sweetened cocoa powder if you’d like it extra sweet. Add 1/3 cup of coconut milk. If you prefer a milkier coffee, include creamer and sugar to your liking. Spread Nutella along the rim of your mug and dip the rim into sliced up pecans or nuts of your choice. Coconut flakes or crushed up candy canes would also be great cup toppers.

All the cups and glasses featured in this article have been purchased from a local dollar store. You don’t have to spend a lot to entertain! Cheers to you and yours this holiday season. Happy sipping!

Images: Marian Rose Bagamaspad

thanksgiving
CultureSkills

There are many things to be thankful for when the Thanksgiving pieces have fragmented into a “disastrous holiday.” This very American, very well planned, very much awaited for holiday may not be the picturesque family-filled weekend.

The Away-From-Home Blues

Not everyone gets the marvelous chance of traveling home for Thanksgiving as intercontinental trips can result in two entire days of travelling, exorbitant holiday fares, or simply lacking the luxury of time to do so. These away-from-home holidays can be seriously depressing - especially when you scroll through your relative’s posts of family reunions or phone calls that report you’re on speaker and all family members you love and secretly hate are together dining without you screaming their “Hellos.” However, if you are away from home, it doesn’t mean you need to celebrate Thanksgiving alone. Call up some friends who are also away from home and have a five-person-Thanksgiving-dinner; try cooking it all together. Amateur cooking without the guidance of your Mothers expertise is only calls for hilarious memories! Another option could be tagging along with along with a friend who has family in the area. Why not experience a different kind of Thanksgiving?

Preparation Timeliness

It’s almost law that you pay a price for the good stuff, no? Food: delicious, anticipated, and the entity that makes Thanksgiving actually happen. In other words, it is one of the most, if not the most important part of any Thanksgiving dinner. However, in order to have your guests roll their eyes in heavenly delight, you must first prepare this complex meal - aka the ultimate “OCD-enticing-price” as people are stressed out of their minds because the food is either finished too early or too late. Both can be disastrous because nothing is better than eating a home cooked recipe fresh out of the oven and nothing is worse than having to wait hours for your long awaited meal. Take a piece of advice: relax. Nothing ever turns out perfectly and that’s just a part of life! The premise of Thanksgiving may have a food component thrown in there, but when looking deeper into the holiday, it’s about being around family and friends and being able to reflect on just how lucky you are to have them!

Bizarre Selections

The quintessential Thanksgiving Dinner: turkey, apple pie, and stuffing? These are all foreign to me as my family celebrates with only a traditional turkey and Colombian food. Maybe we will get the occasional pumpkin pie that is bought from the nearest convenient store and left untouched throughout the night. Our unconventional dinners allow me to realize that there is true beauty in this holiday: the convergence of two cultures. On a different note, there are great stress-inducers other than the turkey not being prepared on time: not having a turkey. Not having turkey is only the worst thing that can happen in any Thanksgiving. But why? Why not have what vegan/vegetarian families have and eat seitan instead? Why not solve the catastrophic problem of having all stores having sold out turkeys by having a chicken substitute instead? The odd substitutes for what is representative of this day may just bring other little surprises!

Family Reunions

Aside from the obvious mishaps that can happen to anyone on any given family gathering, this can be the most unsettling: awkward reunions. It can be the horrible to have to introduce that semi-announced boyfriend or girlfriend. The impressions, the expectations, and the anxiety can all be a bit nerve wrecking. How about this situation: the absolutely irking family members who try to catch up with the happenings of your life by prying with totally eye-rolling questions. They’re all the same. “Any new boyfriends/girlfriends I should know about?” “You’re turning into such a woman/man!” or the expected comparisons to other relatives. Maybe you’re about to see relatives you have not seen in ages. What to expect? Expect anything from total joy to total awkwardness. But, hey, family reunions do these things - they are good problems to have!

Two Ideals. One Night.

“Bye! I’m off on a shopping spree,” everyone practically screams as they hurriedly move from feasting on gluttony to feast on the “more is better” American mantra. You just had a night of thanks for everything you have had and everyone you have had in your life and suddenly America hurries off to Black Friday to catch those 50% off deals like a heard of sheep desperate for a grass buffet. I have forever been curious and mildly disapproving of this concept but it’s very much present in this culture. Perhaps discern this transition with some extra-thanks? Thanksgiving is the time of year when everyone meets in loving gathering - most of the time. It is the time of year when everyone gives thanks for the experiences, opportunities, people, and things in their lives. But it’s also a time when patience, emotions, and your ability to “let go” is tested.

How will you manage your Thanksgiving mishaps?

Image: Satya Murthy

thanksgiving
Culture

Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated among all sorts of families from all walks of life. The moment they came to America, my family resolved to understand how the culture and holidays work here as part of their immigration process. I’m from a Chinese family, and with that comes its own values. One of them, like many cultures, is to be thankful for the good that has come, and to hope that there is good in the future.

The way my family celebrates Thanksgiving isn’t too different from other families. We put on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade broadcast on our television. Over the years, the television went from a big bulky block that sat on our table to a nice flat screen. Sometimes it would be the sound of the Nintendo Wii, and me kicking my cousin’s butt on Super Smash. While the sounds of trumpets and music and the voice of an announcer cheerfully declares the coming float, the sounds of metal clanking comes from the kitchen.

Our family has turkey like many others. We also have rice and fish, salads and cooked dishes of vegetables. The important thing is that everyone is happy and eating what they want, so having both turkey and chicken wasn’t unusual on some Thanksgivings. I always liked my little bowl of cranberry sauce, and my dad makes a great mixed salad, and my mom orchestrates the way the extended oval table, with its orange and white Hawaiian flower cover, is arranged.

We did prayer every year, with my grandparents leading, and this year is special. The prayers involve incense and a neat arrangement of oranges, meats, sweets, and vegetables by the window. The prayer is to the spirits, ancestors or gods or what have you, to thank them for protecting us and that we would appreciate their protection in the future. Any deaths in the family, especially any within the past year, would especially be remembered, as the spirits of those people are most close to us. This year, we indeed have one of these close spirits, so the prayer will not be without deep contemplation.

The fun comes after the food is done, after the prayers said. That’s when we get to eat, and my family, as well as extended family from all over NYC, come to one household. It’s a loud event with a lot of noise and clattering and energy, but there is a lot of love. More than anything else, this love, not the food or the parade or the incense, is what makes Thanksgiving so lovely.

How does your family celebrate Thanksgiving?

Image: martha_chapa95

snow
Health

It is still fall and yet, somehow, winter is already upon us. I know that there are people who are fortunate enough to live or go to school in a state where snow and cold weather are not a problem. But for those of us who have to deal with freezing temperatures and (worst of all) snow, here are a list of ways to stay warm:

  1. Tea/Coffee/Hot Chocolate - Having a nice, hot drink is essential to keeping warm. Not only are they extremely yummy but they also help warm you up in a matter of seconds. Get yourself a travel mug and fill it with a hot beverage of your choice.
  2. Layer up! - I know you might feel ridiculous at first but you won’t regret it later when you’re feeling nice and toasty. Put on several long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, a hoodie, two pairs of socks, and leggings underneath your jeans or sweats. Throw on whatever you have and don’t worry if it doesn’t match. The more layers you have on, the warmer you’ll be. Trust me!
  3. Gloves, hats, and scarves - Remember that hat and scarf set your grandma made you? You know the one you didn’t want to wear because it makes you look funny? Well, now is the time to break it out! If your grandma doesn’t knit or crochet, then you should probably go to the nearest Walmart or Target and stock up on gloves/mittens (2-3 pairs will do) and get yourself a scarf and hat set if you don’t already have one.
  4. Are you sleeping near the window? - Unfortunately, I had to push my bed up against the window so we’d have more floor space in the room. If you’re in the same predicament as I am, make sure to keep more than one blanket on the bed. Also try to keep the curtains closed at all times to block the air out and keep the heat on when you’re in the room. If you don’t have heat in your room, get a small space heater (if it’s allowed on your campus). Lastly, don’t forget to sleep with a pair of socks on and a warm pair of pajamas or a onesie!
  5. No canvas shoes - I learned the hard way that canvas shoes don’t really do anything to keep your feet warm. If you can, try to avoid wearing them in the colder weather because your feet will freeze up as soon as you step outside. If you don’t have a wide range of shoes to pick from, then wear two pairs of socks with your canvas shoes to protect your feet from the bitter cold.
  6. Eat warm food - No ice cream or frozen yogurt during this time of the year, unless you really can’t live without it. Instead, eat any soup or stew you can find. Those are the kinds of things you eat when it’s cold out. Not only are they filling but they also will help keep you warm.
  7. Are you forgetting something? - I have quite a few friends who walk outside without some sort of coat or jacket on and I never understand it. Don’t be like them! The key to surviving these cold months is to stay as warm as possible and the best way to do that is to wear a coat or a jacket. Whatever it is that you have! If you forget to put it on, then you’ll more than likely regret it.

There are not any right or wrong ways to stay warm. Do whatever works for you! These are just a few tips that help me survive the colder months. How do you stay warm?

Image: Jens Cedar

internet
Culture

Whether you are a self-professed media geek (guilty as charged) or are simply looking for a boost to your weekend party small talk, here is a roundup of the coolest, most innovative, creative, and significant videos we’ve seen on the Internet recently.

1. Actress and activist Eva Longoria’s recently released documentary, “Fair Food,” advocates for the rights of farmers in the U.S. The Fair Food Program, on which the documentary focuses, hopes to increase the price of produce in our country from 1 penny to 2 pennies per pound, which would double the salaries of farmers. You will be both entertained and informed by Longoria’s recent interview with Stephen Colbert. So far, McDonalds, Chipotle, and Burger King have pledged to join the Fair Food Program.

2. What do you get when you cross fashion, technology, and functionality? MICA: My Intelligent Communication Accessory. Fashion house Opening Ceremony teamed up with Intel to create a stylish and utilitarian wristwatch complete with a curved sapphire screen and built-in wireless radios. As a bonus, the promotional video stars the ultimate cool girl, Rashida Jones, as the Girl Boss we all want to work with.

3. Yes, we originally fell in love with Eva Chen during her tenure as Teen Vogue’s Beauty Director, but it’s her vibrant personality and obvious intelligence – not to mention her awesome #EvaChenPose daily Instagrams – that make us love her now! Even though this video is from July’s New York Internet Week, we recently discovered it, and loved every minute! Chen is charismatic and engaging as she discusses the impact of social media on the changing world of fashion.

4. This video is also sort of old news (it was delivered four weeks ago), but I would be remiss not to post it. Monica Lewinsky’s speech at the Forbes Under 30 Summit provides a jarring look into the effects of media scrutiny, bullying, and name-calling. We can all learn from Lewinsky’s experiences, from the power she gained through her vulnerabilities, and from the noble cause she is pursuing today.

5. Thirteen-year-old Ireland Hobert-Hoch of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, is making national headlines this week after refusing to be weighed in her junior high’s physical education class. Ireland declined to be weighed in front of her entire class, was sent to the office, and told school administrators she didn’t feel her weight was their business. Watch the De Moines Register’s interview with Ireland to get her perspective on the incident.

6. This newly released video from NASA tells the tale of a year in the life of global carbon emissions. The video is not only aesthetically beautiful, but it also provides some enlightening narrations that provide a glimpse into the interactions between the human community, the seasonal cycle, and C02. Most importantly, though, NASA scientists state that “we’re seeing higher concentrations of carbon dioxide accumulate in the atmosphere each year. This is contributing to the long-term trend of rising global temperatures.”

Image: Kristina Alexanderson

friends
Culture

We’re so excited that one of our favorite holidays is just around the corner. While delicious food is a major perk of Thanksgiving, it is also a great time to remember what you are grateful for. We’ve talked about ways to show your gratitude throughout the year, Spotlighted a guy who started a company that encourages sending thank you cards, the power of random acts of kindness, and have offered tips on different ways to say thank you.

Thanksgiving is a time to count your lucky stars, appreciate your family, and give back to those you love. It is also a perfect time to share with friends and show how much you care about one another. A fantastic way to do this is by hosting a Friendsgiving! Friendsgiving is the celebration of Thanksgiving dinner with your friends, and it usually happens the Wednesday before or the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Whether you plan a Friendsgiving a couple of days before Thanksgiving or if it replaces actual Thanksgiving (since you might not be able to make it home for the holiday), there’s no better way to spend time with friends.

These are the 6 benefits of hosting a Friendsgiving:

  1. Experiment with new recipes.

Have you been waiting for the perfect event to make those mini pumpkin pies? Here it is, your perfect moment has arrived. Since you’ll be cooking or baking for a crowd, you can try multiple recipes and show off those kitchen skills.

  1. Experience different traditions.

Encourage those attending to incorporate their family traditions – does your best friend play football with his family before the feasting begins (hello Friends!)?, does your other friend watch football on TV afterwards? Is there a movie that one of your friends watches every Thanksgiving? Does someone love playing board games post-meal? Perhaps your family goes around the table before eating to say what they are grateful for?

Include these fun and new traditions into your Friendsgiving. By kicking off Friendsgiving, you and your friends will be starting a tradition of your very own.

  1. Try your friends’ favorite foods.

Make your Friendsgiving a potluck and tell everyone to bring their favorite dish (you’ll want to coordinate this so you don’t have four types of mashed potatoes). Through the variety of foods, you will experience the different flavors that your friends have enjoyed and celebrated over the years.

  1. You’ll get two days to focus on being thankful!

While being grateful every day of the year is important, this year you’ll get two days to focus on what you are thankful for – Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving. Lucky you!

  1. Start celebrating Christmas early without judgment.

So you and your friends want to start listening to Christmas music without being judged for it? This is the safest environment to do it in! Blast those Christmas carols and holiday tunes and make a dance party out of it. Who better to rock out to Jingle Bells with than your best friends who love the holidays just as much as you?

  1. Cleaning has never been faster.

Once the meal is over, there are multiple hands to make the clean-up process move much faster. For a stress-free post-meal experience, clean before you eat dessert. This way there won’t be that huge task looming over you. The job gets done sooner when everyone helps out.

Happy Friendsgiving!

Image: Friends Season 10

veggies
Health

When it comes to veganism and/or vegetarianism, there are endless misconceptions that people have toward those who adopt this diet and more often than not, they’re unfortunately negative ones. I know that I have experienced that classic deep sigh or eye roll when people find out I am a vegetarian, and I many times don’t see the need for it. For that reason, I hope that this piece helps you recognize that not all of these judgments apply.

Stereotypes

Two stereotypes that are very much present is that any given vegan or vegetarian is either an extremist animal rights activist or a tree hugging hippie. Not all vegans and/or vegetarians are animal rights activists trying to shove their beliefs down your throat. In fact, some may be indifferent as their choice of diet may be due to many different reasons ranging from the ethics of the meat industry to their personal health. And not all are hippies that cry out for peace, and one must realize that very different people adapt the “veg-head” lifestyle - people of all backgrounds, races, sizes, classes, personalities, and genders. For example, some vegan/ vegetarian celebrities include Pamela Anderson, Brad Pitt, Russell Brand, Mike Tyson, Bill Clinton, Andre 3000, and Ariana Grande. As you can see, veggies are all scattered all around!

Nutritional Deficiency

Another misconception that vegans and vegetarians experience is that all suffer from some sort of nutritional deficiency. When I first told my mother I had decided to stop consuming meat, she asked me to consume a protein shake a couple of times a week. It is important that people understand that there are many alternative ways of acquiring protein; meat is not the only source out there. For example, there are other foods that have a high and/or equivalent amount of protein to meat such as seitan, tofu, beans, quinoa, tempeh, chia seeds, spinach, nuts, and peas. These are all excellent sources of protein.

Another worry is attaining a sufficient amount of calcium. The famous “Got Milk?” commercial really sparked the belief that the only way to attain calcium is through milk. However, like protein, there are many other ways to attain calcium. For example, consuming collards, black-eyed peas, tofu, beans, lettuce, green peas, soy milk, oranges, and even almonds are all exceptional sources of calcium.

Iron deficiency is another big one. Other ways of attaining iron are by eating beans, dried fruits, iron-fortified foods, spinach, tofu, pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, olives, peas, asparagus, coconut, berries, and arugula.

Hopefully you’re starting to get the idea! Veggies are basically superfoods and having a good amount of them can definitely call for a balanced diet with all of the necessary vitamins and minerals!

Carnophobia

The very last point I would like to bring to light is that not all vegans and vegetarians have carnophobia, aka they’re scared of meat. Many times I will experience friends who get a bit anxious when picking a restaurant because they want to make sure there are vegetarian options. Or other times, they are almost apologetic when eating meat in front of me. Personally, neither of these should be issues. Most restaurants now have vegetarian options and for my fellow vegans, salads are increasing in popularity. On the other hand, why not check out a veggie restaurant? Delicious and untried always make a fabulous combo!

There are many vegan and vegetarian misconceptions out there and sometimes they may not always be true. The reality of vegans and vegetarians may be very different from the common perceptions people have of them. For that reason, I invite you to always check out the facts of any situation before forming opinions.

Image: Lauren Jessen