Monday, July 30, 2018

Ashland University Dietetics Blog

I am only an amateur blogger, but while I was an undergraduate student I had the privilege to write several posts for the Ashland University Dietetics Blog. Below are the links to the post I wrote, all written for pleasure and because I was interested in the topic of research. They do not follow any sort of pattern and are not related to one another in any way, but they are all written off of scientific, evidence based articles.

Flavorful Grilling
Functional Foods
No More Midnight Munchies
Healthy Holiday Parties
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Cranberries Recipe 

I would like to thank Dr. Vanata and Professor Reed for being inspirations to always be on the look out to discover something new. Just because I am done with my schooling does not mean I am done with my learning.

Friday, July 27, 2018

Reason to Smile #18

Farmers Markets

It's that time of year, where every Saturday you can find communities gathering together to buy and sell fresh produce at pop-up markets called "Farmers Markets." Some places have lovely weather year round and can host Farmers Markets outside of summer, but I am blessed to live somewhere that experiences all four seasons so sometimes I call summer farmers market season. Sometimes I'll go "shopping" at the farmers market and not even buy anything. I love how every weekend there is a different variety of fruits and vegetables being sold as things ripen up on the vine/tree to be picked and the eaten as is or turned in to a scrumptious dish. In my town they don't have set places for the stands so each week people rotate and sometimes you have to hunt to find the booth you are looking for. There is more than fruits and veggies to be found, you can buy jams & jellies, baked goods (my favorite is the zucchini bread), homemade towels, local paintings, sweet scented lotion & candles, all these and more if you just choose to explore. The best part about it all is that it is local, and decently priced (although most do require you pay with cash). As a future dietitian, I love the concept of "farm to table" and farmers markets help make this possible.
Farmers Market = farm fresh smiles

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Reason to Smile #17

Mugs

I am not a coffee drinker, and today someone asked me if that makes me a tea drinker which I am also not. One doesn't have to drink coffee or tea to enjoy a mug, plenty of other liquids (including soups) can be drank from a mug. I love mugs, I wouldn't say I collect them because I only own 5 . . . well now that I said that it almost sounds like it could become a collection. Each mug is unique and has its own story: one has a lid and was given to me by my bother, another is from my grandma's house, and another is from my roommate that is my favorite color. Mugs can have words of wisdom on them, I always catch myself reading the quotes on mugs. Mugs can have cute animals on them, real pictures or paintings. Mugs can have flowers on them, they can also have flowers in them; whenever I can't find a vase a mug can do the job. They come in all times of sizes from small to large; some are tall and some are short, some have handles and some don't. Even mugs that are broken can find a purpose. Has a crack? Turn it into an indoor plant's pot. Handle fell off? Use it as a pencil holder for an office desk. Sometimes I have to stop myself from buying a new mug anytime I venture to the store because they really do make me happy and bring a smile to my face.
Mugs = raise your mug to mugs, toast, and smile.

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Reason to Smile #16

Smiley Face Fireworks

It's a week after the Fourth of July and I luckily got to enjoy plenty of fireworks this year. I can probably write a whole blog post  about how much I love fireworks (with tons of pictures too). Some would say I'm a bit of a pyromaniac, but it simply because fireworks including fountains and sparklers and army tanks that light up make me smile. I love the sight, the sound (only if not too close), even the smell of fireworks. My favorite firework this year that always instantly put a smile on my face was a smiley face firework. How can you not smile when you she a face smiling at you in the sky? I wonder who invented that one, and if it is hard to make such a happy explosion.
Smiley Face Fireworks = an exploding smile

Friday, July 6, 2018

Reason to Smile #15

Drive-In Movie Theaters

First I’ll give a tip, bring a radio - it’s all fun and games until you kill your car battery. Going to the drive-in always makes me smile because it seems like so much more than going to the movies. Normally they play a double feature, which means two movies for the price of one, a true deal that can’t be beat. You have to go early if you want to get a good spot which means spending time in the car with people as you wait in lines to get in or playing hide and go seek after you’ve parked or visiting the snack shack to get popcorn. Tip two, bring lots of pillows and blankets to keep comfy in the back of the car, fold up chairs are a must as well. When you arrive the sun hasn’t even set and when you leave it is in the wee hours of the morning. 
Drive-In Movie Theaters = double features and double smiles