Houston

• First of all, for Meghan, this amazing link-up, and the rest of the blogging community 
• That my school gives us an entire week off for Thanksgiving break so I could visit a friend in Houston and explore the city
• For my car, which took me on my first solo road trip ✔️
• For my friend who let me into her life for the weekend
• For my eyes to take in breathtaking skies & sights like these

• For the time to give back and volunteer at the food bank in order for others to have a Thanksgiving meal too 
• That I share my love for food with my family. My contributions to this year's feast were a cranberry relish and pumpkin creme brulee
• For the ability to eat beyond fullness, sit with the uncomfortable, move on with life, and digest said foods 
• For Black Friday shopping that wasn't too crazy but where I was still able to get some holiday gifts crossed off the list
• For the ability to move my body during yoga classes 
• That Nickelodeon made a Hey Arnold movie (....even if it was almost 15 years later) 

• For having a mom that is willing to and does make cinnamon rolls for breakfast ☺️  Oh so satisfying
• In a weird way, that I have the stresses I do in life--school, recovery, etc. A reminder to put things in perspective as life can be so much worse. 
• And finally for Harry Potter movies that accompanied me while I finished up the first draft of a paper for class. With only three weeks left for the semester, it's downhill from here! 

Got my teeth cleaned at the dentist. That's one thing I hate more than doctor's visits.

Attended Smitten Kitchen's Dallas book tour stop. Deb Perelman is just as charming and funny and clever and witty in person as she is online. Making me want to consider becoming a full-time blogger of sorts..

Posted another round of must-reads.

Made & ate these tempeh breakfast sausages from Oh Ladycakes.

Survived the first actually chilly week of fall/winter season.

The usual chores: did, folded and put away my laundry (not all in the same sitting but all done nonetheless), ran and emptied the dishwasher, took the trash out.

Finally caught up on my book goals for the year, which serves as just another reminder that there are only 7 weeks left til 2018. Semi-side note: Follow me on Goodreads where I update more than on any other social media platform.

Squeezed in a quick visit to art gallery on campus before this exhibition ended. My school's art barn was demolished recently, which caused quite the controversy and uproar amongst students. Luckily, a new space to replace it recently opened a brief walk away from my apartment complex. Definitely gonna be keeping an eye out for the next exhibits.

Enjoyed a lovely road trip with my sister to Austin to visit family. Sang along to old pop punk music in between some deep, real talk. Seriously, the best conversations are the ones that go from topic to topic without any hesitation.

And lastly, an accomplishment that isn't really an accomplishment for most people, but leaving some things on my to-do unchecked. Got much less done than I had planned, which means the next few days will be crazy stressful. As a minor freak out last night depicted, I am still learning to be okay with this, to not take it against myself.

Happy Friday friends! 

Headed out this afternoon for a quick trip to Austin with family (though instead I really should be holding off since Thanksgiving break is a week away). Before I go, here are some things I have enjoyed on the Interwebs lately: 

Things to Think About

On practicing gratitude

Lovely advice from Megan on handling the burnout of life's daily grind 

"Even the things that are fun can become a little too much sometimes."

25 Tiny Changes That'll Make You Feel Really Good About Life 

Intuitive Eating/HAES/Anti-Diet Mentality/Recovery
Questions:
How do you practice gratitude?
If you own a cast iron too, how do you 'season' it? 
What TV show are you currently obsessed with?

Not a big recipe repeater but Naturally Ella's cauliflower skillet is too good. Especially love that spiced chutney with it. Also digging the simplicity but adaptability of grilled cheeses as of late. Bread + cheese + veg. Mmmhmm... (PS my hand is blocking the other half of that sandwich )