Syllabus Week- Organizational Tips

So you have a syllabus for every class, now what do you do with this hefty stack of papers?

This is the overwhelming question that many college students are asking themselves throughout the course of this week.  Being organized, early in the semester, is very important in order to be successful throughout the entire semester.

This year I'm taking a different approach to conquering my stack of syllabi.  Considering that one syllabus is over 40 pages I did not bother to print all of mine this semester.  I am attempting to take a semi-paperless approach to navigating this semester.  I bought all ebooks and I started using a google calendar...I didn't get rid of my agenda I'm just going to use it a differently this year. 

The google calendar is great because it allows you to send your calendar to others, print it, sync it to your other devices, and so much more.  Usually, I would take each syllabus and write the dates in my agenda, but this year I took each syllabus and entered the due dates on my calendar.  I color coded each class so that I could easily tell the difference.  I think this will work better than writing due dates in my agenda because course schedules are constantly changing so this allows me to not have to white something out every so often, instead I am able to make the necessary changes online and print a new monthly calendar.

Yesterday I spent most of my free time in between classes working on this. It took a decent amount of time but it was definitely worth it. 

Each week I plan to make daily to do lists in my agenda in order to complete all of these assignments on time.

How do you manage all of your due dates and assignments?

xoxo

-mQs-

New Obsession: Fruit Infused Water

Over the summer I worked on drinking more water on a daily basis.  I achieved my goal, but sometimes I drink so much water that I get sick of it.  Early in the summer I read an article on water consumption and how important it is to your health.  You should drink half of your body weight, in ounces, of water each day.  For example if you weigh 130 pounds, then you should drink 65 ounces of water each day.  

In order to add a little flavor to my water I have been infusing it with fruit.  This small change makes a huge difference, and it is a lot healthier than drinking juice.  My favorite fruit infused water includes lemons and strawberries.  

Pinterest has tons of recipes of fruit infused water too.

What's your favorite fruit infused water recipe?

xoxo

-mQs-

Hello Junior Year

Today is my first day of my junior year in college. Time really does fly.. Three years from now it could potentially be my first day of teaching in my very own classroom. Mixed feelings on that one, I'm not entirely ready to grow up yet.  This semester is going to be a very busy one for me, so I need to stay organized, driven, and healthy to  survive it.  What better way to stay focused than to create some personal goals. 

Goal setting helps me challenge myself, reminds me why I'm working so hard when I'm feeling overwhelmed, and keeps me on track when I'm slacking too. I make a lot of goals ( semester ones, monthly, weekly, and sometimes even daily ones as well). 

This semester my goals are:

One: Workout at least three times a week.

I'm determined to stay fit this year. I'm hoping to run a half marathon in the Spring, so I need to start training now in order to be prepared. Working out also makes me feel better, it's a great stress reliever.

Two: Wake up early enough to make a healthy breakfast and have time to sit down and eat it. 

Last year I formed a bad habit of sleeping too late. This meant I either set my breakfast while driving to school or I didn't eat at all... Neither of these are a good start to a productive day,

Three: Stay on top of my schoolwork- no procrastination. 

I'm a very organized person,but by mid semester I always hit a slump where I just don't feel like studying anymore. This semester I'm determined to make sure that doesn't happen. I've never made Deans List, so I'm trying to get good enough grades to do so this semester. My chrm professor told my class this morning that for every hour spent in class, we should spend 2 hours outside of class studying. This is definitely a time consuming approach but I'm going to try it out. 

Four: Keep my room clean.

Since I commute I live out of my room, rather than in it. I basically just spend time there sleeping and getting dressed. I tend to just leave my clothes and things on the floor making it really messy until the end of the week. By the time Friday comes around, just looking at my room stresses me out. This semester I'm going to out things away so that I never really have to spend much time cleaning my room.

Five: Take advantage of the opportunities the campus has to offer. 

Most college campuses have a lot to offer their students including academic resources, clubs, trips, speakers, etc. The past two years I haven't capitalized on these opportunities, so I would like to change that this fall. 

What goals do you have this semester?

Xoxo

-mQs-

Kitchen Adventures: Lasagna Edition

This summer I've definitely accomplished my goal of learning how to cook something besides mac and cheese, grilled cheese, frozen pizza, and breakfast foods.  

This is my second kitchen adventures post. 

In the past month I've made to variations of lasagna: zucchini lasagna roll ups and skinny white lasagna.  Both recipes were really easy to execute and quite tasty. 

Skinny White Lasagna

1 box of no-bake lasagna noodles

1/2 c. butter

1 chopped onion

2 cloves garlic chopped

1/2 c. flour

1.2 tsp. salt

Pepper (For taste)

2 c. chicken broth

2 c. nonfat milk

4 c. mozzarella cheese, divided 

1 c. shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

1 tsp. basil

1 tsp. oregano

1 c. park-skim ricotta cheese

1 1/2 c. cooked and shredded chicken

1 small box frozen spinach, thawed and drained

1 small box frozen butternut squash, thawed

Place chicken in a baking dish with salt and pepper and bake in the oven until it is cooked all the way through.  Once the chicken has cooled, shred it. 

Melt butter in a saucepan. Add onions and garlic, then cook over medium heat until they are translucent.  

Add flood, salt, and pepper- cook the mixture for 2 minutes. 

Add chicken broth and milk. Bring to a boil then stir for 1 minute.

Turn off heat and add 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and 1.4 c. Parmesan cheese.

Stir in the dried spices.

Spray a 9x13" baking dish with cooking spray.

Ladle the cheese sauce onto the bottom of the pan so that it has a thin coating.

Add a layer of lasagna noodles. Layer is with cheese sauce, chicken, and ricotta cheese.

Add another layer of lasagna noodles.  Top with cheese sauce, spinach, and 1 c. mozzarella cheese.

Add another layer of lasagna noodles. Top with cheese sauce, butternut squash and 1 c. mozzarella cheese and 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese.

Add a final layer of lasagna noodles and top with the rest of the cheese sauce and Parmesan cheese.

Cover with tin foil and bake it in the oven for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.  

Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before slicing it.

Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups

1 box no-bake lasagna noodles, cooked

1 tsp. olive oil

3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 zucchini, grated

1 c + 2 tbsp. part skim ricotta cheese

1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg, beaten

1/2 tsp. salt

1 3/4 c. marinara sauce

1/2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a 9x13" baking dish with cooking spray

Ladle 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.

In a skillet- saute garlic and olive oil for 1 minute.  Add zucchini, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.

In a bowl, combine zucchini, ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.

Dry off lasagna noodles.

Spoon 1/3 cup of cheese mixture onto the noodle and spoon it out evenly. 

Roll up the noodle and cheese and place it seem side down into the baking dish.

Top with sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese.

Continue until all noodles have been rolled up.

Bake in the oven for 40 minutes.

xoxo

-mQs-

Monogrammed Lilly Binder Covers

Awhile ago I wrote a post about how to create your own monogrammed binder covers.  It has been my most popular post to date.  

I thought it would be fun to share with you how I make my binder covers now.  Since that last post I've definitely changed up my binder cover making.

1. Create your monogram here. 

2. Screen shot your monogram using command + shift + 4

3. Choose your print. I always use pinterest or tumblr to find my print. 

4. Save the print to your computer.

5. Open Microsoft Word

6. Copy and paste the print into a word document

7. Under format picture select wrap text and square. This allows you to edit the dimensions of the background.

8. Stretch the print so that it covers the entire page.

9. Insert a circle. Under the insert tab select shapes and choose the shape of your choice.  Select a color that is not the main color of the print you are working with. I like to add a white or black outline to the circle to make it stand out. 

10.Insert the monogram. Create a new text box to insert the monogram into. You will have to play around with the text box to format it properly into your circle. Every one's monogram is different so they each will fit a little differently into the circle.

11. Insert ribbon at the bottom of the page using insert and shape. 

12. Insert a text box and type what you would like to appear at the bottom of your binder cover. I use two binders- one for my MWF classes and another for Tues/Thurs classes. 

13. Now you have your finished product!

Enjoy making your binder covers!

xoxo

-mQs-

Textbooks the Affordable Way

This post was sponsored by Campus Book Rentals.

Textbooks, the dreaded word that college students absolutely despise.  Some professors make their students buy them while others could care less. For some classes you need the textbook to study from other classes you may never touch the textbook the entire semester ...until you return it or sell it.  Renting textbooks from Campus Book Rentals is the perfect solution for several reasons:

One: Renting textbooks can save you 40-90% of the money you would have spent if you purchased a textbook

Two: Free shipping both ways.

Three: You can highlight in the books without being charged for it.

Four: Flexible renting periods.

Five: 21 day free return period.

Campus book rentals also has a way for college students to make money off of their textbooks through the new Rent Back Program.

How it works:

One: Go to Rentback.com and find your books.

Two: Ship your books using their free printable shipping label

Three: Campus Book Rentals receives your books and makes them available for other students to rent.

Four: Your books are then rented and you get money for them.

Five: Your books get sent back to Campus Book Rentals and are rented out again.

Six: As the semesters continue on you continue to get money each time somebody rents out your books.

For every textbook rented, Campus Book Rentals donates money to Operation Smile. A children's charity that performs safe cleft lip and cleft palate surgery to children.  The charity also delivers postoperative and continuous therapies to children in low income countries. 

Do you rent your textbooks?

xoxo

-mQs-

ALS Challenge

In the past few weeks you've probably noticed that every social media network has been blowing up with videos and pictures of people dumping buckets of ice water on their head and challenging other people to do the same.  The whole idea is to dump a bucket of ice water on your head and challenge at least three people to do the same in 24 hours or donate $100 to an ALS foundation of their choice.  It's a publicity push to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.  It is a neurodegenerative disease that impacts the nerve cells in the brain and spinal chord. 

The whole ALS Challenge is said to be controversial due to the fact that some people are not donating any money. I think it is a good thing to do whether you donate money or not. It is just like people wearing pink for breast cancer.  According to an article in the Huffington Post the challenge has lead to a 1,000% increase in donations for ALS Associations across the nation. To learn more about how the ALS Ice water challenge checkout this article that Elle published recently. 

Instagram: Shorelifeofmqs

This weekend I accepted the ALS challenge thanks to one of my sorority sisters.  I accepted the challenge by dumping a bucket of ice water on my head, challenging three other people, and by donating money to the ALS foundation. 

Have any of you accepted the ALS Challenge?

Xoxo

-mQs-

Tuesday Tunes: Jocelyn Faro

I don't know about you, but where I live the weather today is quite rainy.  It has been a steady down pour since about 10 am this morning.  It's okay though, sometimes rainy days make for very productive days. This afternoon I spending time getting some blog posts done, selling old textbooks online, and doing some work for my officer position in my sorority.

As I sit here with my cup of chai getting things done I decided today was the perfect day for a Tuesday Tunes post featuring a friend of mine, Jocelyn Faro.  Jocelyn is a singer songwriter native to Maryland. Her music can be categorized as a combination of blues, folk, and pop.  She has a wonderful voice and her music has a calming sound to it. I know Jocelyn on a personal level. She and I met going into our freshman year of college.  We were both incoming freshman on our college's field hockey team and we met at a camp a month before going to school. She actually left the camp to try out for The Voice. During freshman year we lived in the same building across the hall from each other. I always loved hearing her play the guitar and sing while I was studying.

Recently she has put a lot of focus into her singing career and has launched an album titled Between The Lines.  It is available on spotify as well as iTunes!

I highly suggest you check out Jocelyn's music

xoxo

-mQs-

Advice for college freshmen

Today is the first post in my Back To School Series. 

Looking back on my freshman year there are a lot of things I wish I would've known. Today I am sharing some of the advice I gathered throughout my first year at college.  

1.Now is the time to explore what your beliefs are, take the time to do so!

2. Use an agenda.

3. Respond to emails with a 24 hour time frame.

4. It's okay to cry.

5. Be on the best terms as possible with your roommate, living in silence is no fun!

6. It's always a better decision to get a few hours of sleep than pull an all nighter for an exam.

7. Attend home sporting events. They make a great study break and provide some social time.

8. It's okay to order that pizza you've been wanting.

9.Don't be "that freshman girl" at a party.

10. Bring your phone charger with you during the day.

11. First impressions are important, now is your time to make a good one.

12. Make goals and stick to them.

13. Be kind to every one you meet, everyone is fighting their own set of demons.

14. If there's a chance of rain, be sure to bring your rain jacket or an umbrella to class.

15. Learn how you study best earlier rather than later in your first semester.

16. Chances are someone will spill a drink on you at a party, so don't wear your best shoes/clothes out.

17. Don't buy text books from the school bookstore unless it's the only option.

18. Go to your professors office hours.

19. There is nothing wrong with a netflix binge from time to time.

20. Always hold the door open for others.

21. Don't procrastinate.

22. Try something new, break out of your comfort zone.

23. There's nothing wrong with changing our minor or major...or even the school you attend.

24. Be sure to always say thank you to everyone you encounter: the cashier, someone who holds a door open, the bus driver, the security guard, your professor, an RA, friends, etc.

25. Get involved in several organizations.

26. Be proud of where you've come from, but there's no need to brag. 

27. Don't be reckless with what you post on social media, future employers will look at it eventually. (rule of thumb: if you wouldn't want your mom or a family member seeing it, then you probably shouldn't post it)

28. Take the time to call your parents and siblings.

29. Don't drink the punch at a party, and never drink out of your cup once you've set it down.

30. Sometimes it's better to not go to class rather than show up 30 minutes late.

31. Don't be the reason your group gets a bad grade on a group project, do your fair share.

32. Do sort your laundry by color, you don't want your white shirt to be pink by the time your done doing your wash.

33. Take pictures often.

34. Don't carb load in the dining hall, try to eat some fruits and veggies too. 

35. Do your reading prior to the night before a test.

36. There's nothing wrong with being sober at a party.

37. Keep your roommate neat (even if you aren't a neat freak do it for your roommate's sanity).

38. Take a class that interests you.

39. Taking the class for an "easy A" is a good thing as long as you balance it with something that challenges you.

40. Learn how to forgive yourself.

41. Get dressed for class, don't look like you just rolled out of bed and brought your backpack with you.

42. Learn to forgive yourself, freshman year is a learning process filled with successes and mistakes.

43. Personal hygiene should always take priority.

44. Keep your room key and ID in a safe spot, and never leave your room without them.

45. Don't panic if you fail one exam, if you study hard enough you can get an A on the next one.

46. Have a good work ethic.

47. Take advantage of the free things your campus has to offer (career center, fitness classes, t-shirts, etc).

48. Make at least one friend you can depend on.

49. Silence your phone before entering class, you don't want to be that girl who's phone rings in the middle of class. 

50. Take the time to have fun! 

xoxo

-mQs-

Wishful Thinking

Happy Thursday!

Today is my last day of nannying for the summer.  The weather is so nice today, I wish I could be sitting on the beach instead of working today.  

Since today I'm doing some wishful thinking, here are some beach items I wish I had for the beach.

monogram bathing suit top

 striped bottoms

a lilly tote

 sunnies

This week Warby Parker just came out with a new line of glasses. They are perfect for summer days at the beach, time spent on a boat, every day wear, and they even have regular eye glasses too!

xoxo

-mQs-

This post was sponsored by Warby Parker. All thoughts and ideas came from me.

A New Opportunity

One of the things I love about blogging is the opportunity to connect with fellow bloggers.  I always enjoy hearing the thoughts and ideas of other bloggers.  It provides me with insight, inspiration, and answers to the questions I have about blogging.  Through networking with other bloggers I have won free items, participated in link ups, made new friends, found Alpha Delta Pi sisters from across the nation, and have learned many new things (crafting tricks, hair styles, beauty tips, college survival advice, etc.)

I'm excited to share that I have become a member of the Fab Girl Bloggers Network founded by Miss Ashley who blogs over at Private School Prepster.  The network was created by Ashley for young adult bloggers to collaborate in one place. The network allows for events, link ups, brand opportunities, and a place to show case quality blog posts. 

Feel free to check out the Fab Girl Bloggers Network's website here.  

You can also follow the instagram account: fabgirlbloggers

xoxo

-mQs-

Pattern Party

Scarlett over at The Trendy Chick is hosting a link up party this week. The official link up day is Tuesday, but since I already have a post scheduled for that day and I really want to participate I'm doing so today!

This summer most of my outfits have consisted of a pair of pattern shorts from Jcrew,  Lilly 

Pulitzer, or Gap paired with a v- neck tee or a tank.  Pattern shorts are comfortable and can be dressed up or casual depending what they are styled with.  

Yesterday I went out to breakfast and wore a pair of Lilly Pulitzer Nautical by Nature print shorts with a white v-neck tee and a pair of jacks. 

What's your go to pattern this summer?

xoxo

-mQs-

Sorority Leadership Conferences

At the end of June I spent a long weekend in Atlanta, Georgia with Alpha Delta Pi sisters from across the United States and Canada.  I flew to the Peach State, representing my university, with my chapter president and one other sister.  This year was not a convention year for us, but instead we had two types of leadership conferences Impact and Leadership Seminar. Impact, which I attended, was for rising leaders in the chapter to attend, while Leadership Seminar was a leadership workshop for chapter presidents.  The whole weekend was quite an experience from maneuvering an airport that had its own subway, finding out my roommate would be a total stranger, getting to see my sorority's memorial headquarters, and just listening to the stories that other sisters had to tell about their chapters. 

Yes, this is the country singer Deanna Carter pictured with us!
She gave us a mini concert our last night at the conference.

It was an unforgettable weekend that I am so fortunate to have attended.  I loved making new friends, learning things to bring back to my own chapter, polishing my leadership skills, and just being totally immersed in so much Greek love. 

10 Things You'll Learn From Attending Convention

I do have to admit that reading TSM articles is my guilty pleasure just because of how ridiculous they are sometimes.  The other day as I was browsing the site I came across this article and actually completely agreed with it.  TSM does it right this time.  Check out the article on the 10 things you'll learn from attending convention or something like it.

Did any of you attend your sorority's leadership conference this summer?

xoxo

-mQs-

Friday Five: Happy August 1st

One: Hello August

I cannot decide if I am happy or sad to see you, such mixed feelings. I'm happy because that means fall is right around the corner, and fall is one of my favorite seasons. I love the clothing, weather, pumpkin flavored everything, apple picking, carving pumpkins, and thanksgiving festivities.  However, August is here this also means the first day of classes is right around the corner too. I'm ready to be reunited with my friends and sisters, but I am definitely not ready to back in the classroom again. 

Two: Agenda Season

Today is the first day that we can all use our Lilly agendas! The organized freak inside me gets so excited about using my agenda each year for the first time.  There is just something about filling those blank pages up that I love, of course I color code everything. This year I opted for Lilly's jumbo agenda in the Biggest Fan Print.  The previous two years my agendas were blue, so this year it was time to add a little pink to my life and switch things up a little bit. 

Three: Me Time

This summer has been incredibly busy for me.  This week was the first week since the summer started that I had a few free days to do absolutely nothing.  I loved every minute of them.  Yesterday and today I work at night, but I still have the whole day to do anything I want. I have been enjoying the relaxation time to do things for myself. Each morning I've made breakfast and browsed blogs/drafted posts for several hours before getting dressed for the day and accomplishing some sort of task from my to do list.  I love having this free time, but I am glad that I have been busy because I think it makes me appreciate down time even more.

Four: The magic number 

Four is the magic number this week.  Four is the number of stitches I have in my chin right now.  I play in a summer field hockey league, and during this week's game I got hit in the face with a stick.  Stitches are not a good look, especially when they're on your face.  I have to wear a lovely nude colored band aid on my face until I get them out and it's just such a great look, especially when paired with my all black waitressing uniform.  The good news is that in four days I will hopeful be getting them taken out!

Five: Exciting Blog News

Next week will be the start of my Back To School Series of posts.  I plan to post about college packing lists, lunch boxes, backpacks and tote bags, buying textbooks, decorating a dorm room, advice for the incoming freshman, a what's in my bag post, college fashion, sorority recruitment, and much more.  The posts will last though the entire month of August and will be posted sporadically. If you are interested in linking up for this series, send me an email (shorelifeofm@gmail.com). 

Have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

-mQs-

Target Treasures

I absolutely love Target.  They have adorable clothing, office supplies, school supplies, party supplies, kitchen tools. house ware, a beauty section, and so much more.  The other day I went in to grab just a few things.  Of course they didn't have what I was looking for, so I decided to browse around a little bit (such a dangerous idea for my wallet's sake).  

I've been looking for blank cards that I can use to write thank you notes, "just because" notes, etc. I found two sets that I couldn't resist leaving the store without.  They are both very classic looking. I couldn't choose between the pink and white quartile or the navy ones with gold anchors, so I bought both! 

Photo Credits to me!

I am a HUGE list maker, especially during the school year.  I opted for the larger Lilly agenda this year, so that I could write lists in there.  However, I still like to have a small notebook where I can keep all of my lists and thoughts in one place.  As I was browsing, I found a pink and cream striped notebook with thick paper.  The top of each page even has a spot for a subject line and a place to check off what day of the week it is, perfect for list making! On the front cover there is a spot to put anything you want, I will most likely be personalizing my notebook with a monogram.  The inside of the notebook has a large pocket to keep other items in, which will be very useful.

What are some of your favorite things from Target right now?

xoxo

-mQs-

Tuning In

This summer I have been using Spotify significantly more than I have listened to Pandora.  Today I'm sharing with you some of my most frequently listened to Spotify playlists.  

Acoustic Morning

Re-Energize

Have a Great Day!

Beach Workout

Chill Hits

A Summer of Country

Mood Booster

I'd love to hear what some of your favorite Spotify playlists are!

xoxo

-mQs-

A Mid Afternoon Snack

Looking for a mid afternoon snack, I have just the solution for you...homemade chocolate chip cookie ice-cream sandwiches.  I made them the other night and they were such a tasty snack. 

First you'll need to make the chocolate chip cookies.  I used the recipe on the back of a bag of Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chips.

2 1/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon Baking Soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 sticks softened butter

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 cup of chocolate chips

1. In a large bowl combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a mixing bowl combine the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.  Beat the mixture until it is creamy then add eggs and continue to mix.
3. Gradually add the flour mixture to the mixing bowl.  Once all of the flour has been used add the chocolate chips and continue to mix the cookie dough.
4. Chill the cookie dough in the fridge for 30 minutes.
5. spoon the dough onto a cookie sheet and bake for 10-11 minutes.
6. After the cookies have baked and cooled get your favorite ice-cream flavor from the freezer.
7. Scoop a few spoonfuls of ice-cream onto a cookie then add the top cookie to create a sandwich.  Roll in sprinkles for some extra fun.

Enjoy your snack!

xoxo

-mQs-

Monday Morning Check In

watching. Revenge Season 2. I just finished it this weekend and it was so good. I highly recommend this netfilx series. 
excited. To see what the rest of the summer brings and for the Luke Bryan concert in August!
loving. Not having to work today.  The family I nanny for is on vacation this week, so I have a few days off. 
missing. The beach. Although I spent a week at the beach last week, I still haven't spent nearly as much time at the beach as I would like to.
obsessed. with fruit infused water.  I have been trying to drink more water and one of the ways that has helped me is by adding fresh fruit to it. 
enjoying. My relaxing morning.
wondering. What this upcoming school year will have in store for me. 
laughing. At myself for some of the silly things I've said this week. What can I say, I'm a brunette with blonde tendencies.
wishing. That there was more than a month left of summer. 
wearing. The perfect summer  casual wear- norts a running tank and vineyard vines flip flops.
drinking. Raspberry Zinger Tea
wanting. Everything on my to do list to be done. 
looking. For somebody to monogram the backpack I just bought. 
waiting. For everything I just ordered online to ship to my house. 
smelling. The pumpkin bread I bought at the Amish market this weekend. 
thinking. Of all the things I should be doing but instead I'm having a lazy morning. 
feeling. Lazy. I've been so busy lately that just having a day of nothing seems quite refreshing

smiling. Because it's the best medicine.

xoxo

-mQs-

Sunshine on Saturday

  

One of the perks to living out in the "country" is that we have tons of amish farms.  Most of the amish farms near us have their own produce stands.  This morning it was cloudy and rainy out, my mom and I spent some time picking out fresh fruits and veggies at one of the local amish markets.  I found a vase full of sunflowers while we were browsing the market, sunflowers are one of my favorite types of flowers! The saying a cloudy morning doesn't always mean a cloudy day is true for today.  The dreary morning brought on a beautiful saturday afternoon.  

"Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul"

Enjoy your weekend!

xoxo

-mQs-

Kitchen Adventures: Pasta Box Inspired

I've always wanted to try the recipes that are on the back of barilla pasta boxes, but I've never had all of the ingredients to make it.  A couple of weeks ago I finally was able to find all of the ingredients for a pasta box recipe, in my house.  

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of olive oil

1/2 carton of grape tomatoes (cut in halves)

1 zucchini (sliced into small pieces)

1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese

A few Basil leaves

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

1 clove of garlic

1 box of whole wheat pasta

1. Boil water and cook pasta.
2. While pasta boils, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet.
3. Add the garlic and let it cook for two minutes or until it is golden in color.
4. Slice the zucchini and add it to the skillet. Let it cook for 4 minutes or until slightly browned.
5. Add the sliced tomatoes and basil and simmer it for two minutes.
6. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the sauce.
7. Drain the pasta and put it in a large bowl.
8. Cover the pasta with the sauce and add the freshly grated cheese.

Back To Reality

Happy Monday!

I'm back from vacation and ready to start posting again! The past week was filled with fireworks, fun in the sun, mini golfing, sunsets at the bay, reading, good eats, watching the sunrise on the beach and a little relaxation too.  This morning I began working again, this week I am working three jobs all in one week, luckily they only overlap one day.  

I have lots of posts planned for the future that I am excited about! 

xoxo

-mQs-

Friday Five: Life This Week

One: Summer Jobs

There are definitely a whole lot of positives and negatives to having not just one summer job but two.  Last week I was only able to find the negatives, but this week I have turned my attitude around and I've actually enjoyed the time I've spent working.  I am nannying for the same family again this summer and the children behave much better this year compared to last.  I've actually had a lot of fun with them this week.  Yesterday we spent some time drawing and playing tic tac toe with side walk chalk.  I highly recommend nannying as a summer job for any college student.

Two: Coffee Dates

Who doesn't love a coffee date or three in one week?  That's right three coffee dates in one week.  This summer is flying by, and just like I'm busy working and traveling so are my friends.  Some friends live near by, while others live a little further away.  While it is fun to go out to eat, it can get very pricey for a college student's budget.  This is why coffee dates are perfect: cheap, great for busy schedules, and if you want to sit and talk a server isn't bugging you to leave.  In a few hours I will be meeting two of my best friends for my third coffee date of the week.  

Three: Beyonce and Jay Z

Last weekend I went to Beyonce and Jay Z's On The Run Tour. Let me just tell you it was an amazing concert: good friends, good music, and so many memories were made.

Four: Read of The Week

Now that my summer classes are over I'm back to reading again! This week I have been reading All You Could Ask For written by Mike Greenberg.  It is such a good read.  I highly recommend it.  Just a little fun fact- he is from Mike&Mike on ESPN radio. 

Five: Vacation

I leave for a week at the beach tomorrow morning with my boyfriend and his family.  I still have yet to pack, so that will be what my afternoon will consist of.  Needless to say, there probably won't be any blog posts for the next week or so! 

You can keep up with me via instagram: @shorelifeofmqs or twitter: @mich_quigley

xoxo

-mQs-

The Parent Trap on Netflix

As a child I was never big into watching television, especially not cartoons.  Very few movies I would watch on repeat.  The Parent Trap was one of the movies that made it to that "few" category.  I loved and still do love this movie.  It is humorous, relatable to viewers of all ages, and who doesn't love a plot with a little love story in it. 

For my Parent Trap fans out there, I have some good news for you.  The movie is now on Netflix.  You can now watch it whenever you want as many times as you want without pulling out the VHS player.

xoxo

-mQs-

Weekend Reads

My breakfast this morning because I am a foodie.  

Croissant with strawberry jam, herbal tea, and yogurt with fresh fruit and granola.

1. A simple summer recipe

2. 7 things to do in July

3. Tips for braiding

4. 15 Lessons from 20 years of the French Laundry

5. Change your mood now

6. Choosing a monogram necklace

7. Morning green drink

8. An adorable outfit

9. Summer travel: how to pack like a pro

10. 10 books to read this summer

xoxo

-mQs-

Friday Four

I thought I'd be clever and do a play on the usual "Friday Five" since the fourth of july falls on a Friday. 

One: Drafts on Drafts

Although I haven't been posting regularly, I have managed to accumulate over 20 drafts of future posts.  The ideas are flowing and I have lots of fun things planned for the month of July.

Two: Fresh Fruit

This morning I went to a local farm and bought fresh blueberries.  Let me just tell you they are like a little bit of heaven in your mouth.  I love love love fresh blueberries, so I was excited when I found them sitting on the produce stand. 

Three: Summer Classes

I'm finally finished with my two summer classes.  It is such a relief to be done.  These classes moved at a fast paced, which definitely had its pros and cons.  The classes weren't too difficult just a lot of work.  I'm just glad to have my time back to enjoy the remainder of the summer.  

*Future post to come on summer classes*

Four: Happy Fourth of July?

This year Fourth of July is rather lame for me.  I've spent the morning doing laundry and grocery shopping, and I will be spending my afternoon/night waitressing at the country club.  However, if I was celebrating this is what I would most likely be wearing.  

Enjoy your Fourth of July!

Xoxo

-mQs-