almost there

unrelated photo of pizza. it's whatevs. (the photo choice, not the pizza. the pizza is amazing.)

the end of this semester has been a long time coming. i don't think i've ever been as relieved to be done with classes and finals as i was this past week... even packing and cleaning has been a joy in comparison. that's saying a lot because packing is one of my least favorite activities in the world, right between going to the dentist and raking leaves.

minus some annoying housing issues (good old provo), this week is turning out pretty great. last days in provo mean eating as much pizza and waffles and tacos and ice cream as we can fit into our schedule. also this weekend one of my best friends is getting married! i'm going to be a bridesmaid and then i'm flying home on sunday to spend a couple days with my family before i head off to europe for my study abroad. i can't believe that i'll be arriving in greece in a week! i've been counting down to this for so long, it seems unreal that it's finally here. i'm kind of freaking out. i'm so excited about everything, especially italy and france. i'm planning to blog and upload photos while i'm in europe because i want to remember everything and i know my family wants to know what i'm up to. we'll be traveling to athens, rome, florence, venice, vienna, salzburg, munich, paris, and london. can you believe that list?!! i still haven't gotten over it.

once my program's over, i'll be spending two and a half weeks at home and then i'll be back in provo for summer term. i'm really excited because i've never been out here for summer before and i'll just be working part-time and not taking classes. paaarty.

but for now, i'm attempting to pack six weeks' worth of cute clothes in the smallest suitcase possible without having a meltdown. WISH ME LUCK.

happy first day of spring!

i celebrated by eating roasted spring vegetables, but i wish i was eating free water ice instead! i can't wait for warmer weather, sunshine, and the end of this semester! you know what else i can't wait for? thursday. HUNGER GAMES. i re-read the book on sunday in preparation and oh boy, do i love peeta mellark. cat and i are going together to the midnight premiere and i'm pretty sure i'm going to cry from excitement. just 2 more days! until then i'm just going to keep listening to this song.  also my mom and this girl will be here in p-town so soon! so, besides my 12-page research paper's impending deadline, it's gonna be a good week.

it's been an interesting week.

the title of this post is an understatement.

i had a couple weird allergic reactions this past week....one day i had hives and another morning i woke up with a really swollen face á la will smith in hitch.

or quasimodo.

but i'm feeling much better and my face is back to normal, which is wonderful! this semester's been pretty overwhelming so far, especially with the housing search, which is stressful. but i'm determined this week is going to be great. and so far it is, because today already included:

1. getting 2 things in the mail—an "i love lucy" get well card from my fam and a letter from my friend ali, which included some toy story silly bands. awesome.

2. a chocolate frosted donut. my fave.

3. a nap.

plus this bad boy from legends grille.

i hope your week is wonderful!

cookie craving

ever since it started getting colder i've been getting an overwhelming urge to bake things. cookies. cakes. all kinds of fall treats. liz, you can bet i will be coming over to your apartment soon to do just this, since the dorm kitchen is a little bit lackluster.

this past week i discovered my new favorite cooking blog! seriously. i spent way longer than i would like to admit looking at recipes on there. they're all so creative and they look to die for. here are the cookie recipes i just can't wait to try out!

double pumpkin kissed chocolate chunk cookies

oreo truffle surprise cookies

[they literally have an oreo hidden inside!]

chocolate peanut butter cookie duo

cinnamon roll sugar cookies

chocolate fudge butterfinger cookies

ummm yes, please!