thinking out loud

la passeggiata, an evening stroll in italy

2016-12-07T12:08:00.002-05:00

As the scorching summer sun winds down and begins to loosen its grip on the central piazzas, Italians take a natural gravitation to the streets to perform a see-and-be-seen social ritual called la passeggiata (lah PAHS-seh-JAH-tah).

From the verb passeggiare — “to stroll” — a passeggiata is a “little walk.”

Italians have a tendency to elevate every element of daily life into an art form, from the clothes they wear (Ferragamo, Fendi, Gucci, Armani) to the tea kettles they use (Alessi, Bialetti, Langostina) and the cars they drive (Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lamborghini, Ducati).

So leave it to the Italians to turn their daily, pre-dinner stroll into the premier social event of each day.

During the hours of 5 and 7 p.m., half the city turns into a babble of lively conversation and gossip, as everyone checks each other out, bump into friends, and perhaps, make impromptu plans to head off to eat together.

Originally, the evening stroll was a time for marriageable young ladies to catch the eye of potential suitor.; now, the passeggiata fills a range of other social needs.

A passeggiata is not about getting anywhere in particular. The main aim is to reconnect over a few laps around the piazza. It allows friends and couples to stroll arm-in-arm and nurture that true sense of community.

When traveling in Italy, if you are out and about at sunset, you will likely find yourself unintentionally a part of the custom.

In most villages, it’s easy to find la passeggiata. Just head for the main street or the liveliest piazza. Here are three of my favorite cities to "fare una passeggiata":

ROME

Mull about the Piazza di Spagna or find a perch on the Spanish Steps or head to the lively Piazza Navona, with its open-art art vendors, mimes, and musicians.

Prefer window shopping? Gravitate to the Via del Corso, a pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and churches.

FLORENCE

Many people weave their way to the Piazza della Repubblica, with its choice of cafes and bars for an espresso or aperitivo, while younger Italians completely crowd Piazza Santo Spirito.

If you prefer a more tranquil passeggiata, hike to the Piazzale Michelangelo or, continuing upward, to the church of San Miniato, where couples wrap their arms around each other as they watch the sun turn the Arno river to gold.

SIENA

The Sienese reclaim their town by making their way up the steep, winding streets to Il Campo, the shell-shaped main piazza. Circumnavigate the piazza, as many do, or venture into the tiny side streets and alleys.

For a bird’s eye view, climb the 400 steps to the top of the Torre del Mangia and gaze down at groups of townspeople walking and talking below.

However, it is easy to recreate tradition wherever you are in a few simple steps:

1. Take a few minutes to recover from the day. Freshen up and dress up a bit.

2. Head for the main street or center of town.

3. Walk slowly.

4. Greet everyone, and stop to share a few details about your day and your plans for the evening.

5. Stop for an ice cream or glass of wine before heading home to a delicious meal.

You’ll feel—as Italians do at the end of a passeggiata—that all is right with the world.

ohio state students to represent in national slam poetry competition

2016-12-06T15:33:00.000-05:00

The 2017 CUPSI team from left to right; Leonna Bell, Anna Wiese, Anna Voelker, Christina Szuch and Xavier Smith. Credit: Laurie Hamame | Lantern reporter

Some poetry is written to be read, but some is meant to be read aloud. Spoken word poems, also called performance or slam poetry, are crafted to be brought alive in front of an audience.

Since 2001, the College Union Poetry Slam Invitational (CUPSI) has presented a platform for young poets to be heard.

Five Ohio State students recently won a preliminary competition, giving them the opportunity to represent OSU against other universities at the competition in Chicago in the spring.

Xavier Smith
A fifth-year in marketing, Xavier Smith said he never thought he’d write a metaphor — but once he started, he couldn’t stop.

“It was the first time that I really started to express and start to process through a lot of the racism and prejudice that I experienced as a kid,” Smith said.

It wasn’t long before Smith threw caution to the wind and snatched a spot on OSU’s 2015 CUPSI team, which competed at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. He said his passion for racial issues and his experience of being biracial in America provoked his work to become more self-expressive, which landed him on the 2016 CUPSI team in Austin, Texas and the 2017 spring competition team.

Leonna Bell
Imagine a collection of poems rapped to a jazz beat. This is how Leonna Bell said she believes her words should be experienced. Bell, a second-year in criminology, combines music and poetry to create catchy work that she said is more receptive to her audience.

She found poetry — or as she said, poetry found her — when she needed an outlet to discuss critical issues happening in the world. When she needs a platform to challenge oppression, she uses her words to “speak about things that make people uncomfortable,” such as racism and inequality.

Bell is the youngest and newest addition to Ohio State’s CUPSI team.

Anna Wiese
This may be Anna Wiese’s third and final CUPSI, but what she’s most looking forward to is Chicago-style deep dish pizza.

Wiese, a fourth-year in psychology, said she has always been shy about her poetry, but Never Let Your Pen Dry (NLYPD), a student poetry organization on campus, coaxed her into sharing an original piece. Inspired by the outward encouragement, she said she thought, “Maybe I’ll do more of this.”

First time audience members may be shocked when Wiese takes the stage and swaps her bubbly and giggly persona for one of “anger and vulgarity.” Wiese said much of her poetry is rooted in feminism, and because it’s something she is inherently angry about, that emotion is conveyed through a loud, heated voice.

“Poetry has taught me to unapologetically share my voice. Specifically as a woman, you’re not supposed to be opinionated and if you are, you’re supposed to be polite and quiet about it,” Wiese said. “Loudly sharing my thoughts and emotions … has also become a part of my life outside of poetry. In my everyday life, I’m more outspoken and more opinionated; poetry has really helped me with that.”

Christina Szuch
Even as a fourth-year in English, Christina Szuch has a beef with traditional poetry.

“There is this pressure not to talk about yourself where as with slam poetry, it’s kind of the opposite. You talk about your own life experiences and I think that can be kind of cathartic” Szuch said. “Me personally, I would rather hear about somebody’s life experience than read about descriptions of nature.”

Her recent work has explored topics such as mental illness, relationship abuse and sexual assault. While many poems exist about these sensitive topics, Szuch said she believes that when more poems are written, stigma is diminished.

“I really like poems that give me chills because I can relate to them and somebody else is feeling what I’ve felt before,” Szuch said. “I want to have that effect, even if it’s just on one person in the audience.”

Anna Voelker
Anna Voelker’s passion for words paired with her enthusiasm for astrophysics lends itself to her writing and performance. As a secretly competitive person, she said spoken word is something she has always found to be thrilling.

“I’ve only ever competed through sports; I never knew you could do it with art also,” said Voelker, a fourth-year in astronomy.

Since then, she’s been a three-time veteran of CUPSI, a four-year member of NLYPD and now, the current president. Voelker said the community that forms around slam poetry makes her feel like she’s a part of something bigger than herself.

“Poetry draws a lot of beautiful, open-minded people because it’s a very expressive art form and a lot of people are looking for something that is exactly that,” she said.

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For those of you unaware, I am a reporter for The Lantern, Ohio State University's student-run newspaper. This is a published article, which you can read here.

columbus coffee fest: a brew-tiful experience

2016-12-04T18:19:00.002-05:00

Do you love coffee? So does Columbus.

Whether you're on the hunt for a creamy latte, a nitrogen-infused cold brew or a handcrafted Ethiopian pour-over, this city has you covered.

I like to believe that Ohio has a great coffee scene. With over 50 roasters and counting, who can disagree?

This morning, I didn't run to my Mr. Coffee machine. In fact, my drug of choice was simply handed to me over and over and over again thanks to the Columbus Coffee Fest! This brand new festival gave coffee lovers and caffeine addicts alike an opportunity to engage with local coffee pros and sample their pours.

The Ohio Village in the Ohio History Connection was transformed into a bustling coffee town. Entering an interactive recreation of an 1860s town to sample the quality craftsmanship behind each cup was a truly unique experience.

Coffee and food sampling vendors included: Coffee Connections, Staufs Coffee Roasters, Akron Coffee Roasters, Snowville Creamery, Dough Mama, Cherbourg Bakery, and more!

As well as plenty of samples of coffee, this event rendered a great opportunity to learn more about the art of coffee making with plenty of chances to ask questions.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages on the planet, but despite its popularity, most people don’t know very much about what they’re drinking. I met a java aficionado in line for a brew, and his expertise inspired me to do more research.

I've compiled a list of 5 cups worth coffee knowledge below to perk up your day.

1. Coffee is actually a fruit.

Coffee beans are actually the pits of a cherry-like berry that grow on bushes. Even though coffee is actually a seed, it's called a bean because of its resemblance to actual beans.

2. There have been five attempts to ban coffee throughout history.

Coffee was first banned in Mecca in 1511 because leaders believed it stimulated radical thinking.

3. When you add milk, it weakens the effects of caffeine.

Our bodies absorb coffee much slower when it has added fat milk content, which decreases the stimulants.

4. Dark roast coffees have less caffeine than lighter roasts.

Even though the flavor is often stronger, roasting actually burns off some of the caffeine.

5. Decaf does not mean caffeine-free.

An eight ounce brewed cup of decaf coffee actually has two-to-12 milligrams of caffeine. In comparison, a regular cup of coffee has anywhere from 95 to 200 milligrams.

photography club captures different points of view

2016-12-02T13:48:00.000-05:00

A photo of Ohio Stadium taken by photography club member Joshua Farr.
Credit: Courtesy of Joshua Farr

While photographing a nature scene, Nicole Badik was stopped by a stranger who admired her point of view and said, “Wow. I never would have stopped to look at that.”

For four years, amateur and professional photographers have gathered on Ohio State’s campus to learn and share in their quest to capture the perfect image in the Photography Enthusiast Society.

Badik, president of the student organization and a fourth-year in strategic communication, said she believes photography isn’t solely about the outcome, but the entire process.

“(I love) setting up the photo and capturing something so beautiful … something that someone wouldn’t even stop to look twice at,” Badik said. “It makes you see the world in a different way.”

At the bi-weekly club meetings, professional  photographers of various specialties are brought in to speak about topics such as photographing newborns, large zoo animals and weddings, said Joshua Farr, club member and third-year in logistics management.

“There are different genres in photography,” Farr said. “It’s not the same thing every meeting, and I like that a lot. You get a new perspective and get to meet new people.”

In addition to hosting guest speakers, the club alerts members to upcoming contests, photography exhibits and presentations locally and across the country.

Club members often hit the road together and test out their newly-learned techniques. Destinations include the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Franklin Park Conservatory and Hocking Hills State Park.

“During our Hocking Hills trip this year, a lot of people decided to do astrophotography,” Badik said. “So they all went out at some point in the night, and were gone for three to four hours, just helping each other shoot pictures of the sky. We improve by giving each other tips.”

Farr said he was inspired to buy a camera and start photographing after spending 20 months in Tokyo. He said the group has helped him take his photography to new levels of interest and technique.

“I went from not photographing at all to photographing a lot; I kind of did a 180,” Farr said. “While in Tokyo, I had a friend who brought her camera along everywhere. She would always pull it out and take photos, and I thought it was really cool.”

As a photographer who enjoys capturing events and portraits, he said he used his phone to snap shots before buying a digital camera.

“I try to carry my camera with me, but sometimes a phone is the most convenient,” Farr said. “They always say the best camera you have is the one on you.”

The club shows its work in an annual photography show, where members’ images are framed and hung in the Ohio Union. The gallery opens the first weekend of April and is open to the public.

Photography Enthusiast Society meets every other Thursday at 7 p.m. in Enarson Classrooms Building.

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For those of you unaware, I am a reporter for The Lantern, Ohio State University's student-run newspaper. This is a published article, which you can read here.

monthly recap: november

2016-11-18T14:07:00.002-05:00

November was tired eyes and big smiles. Clutching a cup of coffee for warmth. Fingers curled around the edges of long sleeves. Covers pulled up a little higher. Day that becomes dawn earlier. Closets congested with cardigans and coats. Gratitude.

- banana bread
- lemon poppyseed scones
- banana bread muffins
- apple crisp
- artichoke-walnut pesto crostinis
- lasagna from scratch

- inferno
- io non ho paura
- the little rascals
- how to lose a guy in ten days
- on the twelfth day of christmas

- dark places by gillian flynn
- sharp objects by gillian flynn

- benjamin francis leftwich

- donated blood
- voted in the presidential election
- deleted social media (twitter, facebook, snapchat, instagram)
- went to trivia night for the first time at a local gastropub
- attended a poetry slam
- watched ohio state beat michigan... again.
- attended two friendsgivings

Goodbye November, hello December. I look forward to what is in store. More books to read, goodies to bake, and life to be lived.

* turkey image credit: ramy

perfect apple crisp for holiday gatherings

2016-11-18T14:00:00.001-05:00

In the fall, I have a bowl of apples lying around constantly, which is a little dangerous now that I have this recipe on hand. Apple crisp once a week? Check.

This recipe is simple, requiring just 1 bowl to prepare and simple ingredients you likely have right now. It’s perfect for fall and winter, and will make you so many friends if you bring it along to holiday gatherings or friendsgivings!

In about an hour you’ll have an easy dessert of bubbling apples blanketed with a crunchy, sweet textured, warm and autumnal streusel. Feel free to adjust the sugar in this recipe!

Serve with vanilla bean ice cream or alone.

Let's get to it!

Laurie's Apple Crisp

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 50-60 min.

Ingredients:

3 medium-large tart apples (like granny smith) and 2 sweet (like honey crisp), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup uncooked rolled oats
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla (optional)
1/3 cup chopped pecans (optional)
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into small pieces, plus more for coating the dish

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Lightly coat an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter. Combine the apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon of the salt in a large bowl and toss to coat. Place the apple mixture in the prepared baking dish and set aside.
2. Using the same bowl, mix together the brown sugar, oats, flour, vanilla, and pecans and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt until evenly combined
3. With your fingertips, blend in the butter pieces until small clumps form and the butter is well incorporated, about 2 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples and bake until the streusel is crispy and the apples are tender, about 50 to 60 minutes.
5. Let cool on a rack at least 30 minutes before serving.

This dish can easily be made vegan and/or gluten-free by swapping butter for Earth Balance and oats for GF oats. Enjoy!

student group pays homage to 'wonderwall' with local band concert

2016-11-18T13:05:00.001-05:00

A poster for MEISA’s Wonderwallathon on Nov. 19.
Credit: Courtesy of Sarah Drees

While “Wonderwall” by Oasis may be remembered as an overplayed, lovesick 90’s Britpop song, members of Ohio State’s Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association agree on one thing: one “Wonderwall” just isn’t enough.

That is why MEISA is hosting Wonderwallathon on Saturday. A variety of genres will be showcased on the lineup of local bands, and each band will play an original set of music, ending with its own cover of Oasis’ song.

Wonderwallathon is a celebration of everyone’s favorite campfire jam, said club president Sarah Drees, a fourth year in arts management.

“‘Wonderwall’ is kind of a running Internet joke,” Drees said. “Every guy with a guitar plays ‘Wonderwall’ to woo the girls. It’s a really easy song with three chords, so no one’s ever quite that impressed.”

Local bands The Graphics, Booty & the Kidd, PZA PRTY, Patchwork Refinement and Holy Smokes! are set to perform.

“It’s going to be really interesting to see what kind of covers people come up with in their own style because we’ve got two alternative acts, a hip hop duo, an EDM disc jockey and an acoustic singer/songwriter,” said vice president Troy Tomasello, a fourth year in world politics.

The Graphics is an alternative indie rock group including Ohio State students and MEISA members. Its sound is influenced specifically by groups such as Catfish and the Bottlemen, Young the Giant and Two Door Cinema Club.

“The challenge is trying to making Wonderwall its own thing,” said guitarist and singer Zane Abraham, a second-year in exploration. “We don’t have any connection to the song, but that’s kind of the point. How can these bands make this one song different?”

MEISA has been around for seven years and is associated with the Music, Media and Enterprise minor at OSU. Music junkies attend meetings to listen to music, discuss new releases and plan social outings to local shows.

While many members see music as a fun hobby, some want it to be a part of their career path. Music professors and professionals in the music industry — including representatives from companies such as GROOVE U, CD102.5, Substream Magazine and Warner Music Group — often make appearances at meetings.

MEISA arranges and supports shows like Wonderwallathon to give up-and-coming acts a chance to perform for a new crowd, Drees said.

“It’s not just their immediate friend group. So for them, it’s really an opportunity to reach new audiences,” she said.

Wonderwallathon is set to take place at The Lodge house venue at 71 E. 13th Ave. Doors open at 8 p.m., and music starts at 9 p.m. with a $3 cover charge.
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For those of you unaware, I am a reporter for The Lantern, Ohio State University's student-run newspaper. This is a published article, which you can read here.

group focuses on photography as a developing art

2016-11-08T16:26:00.002-05:00

The Team at UA Creative Photography from left to right;
Erica Kay, Ua Chamberlain, Caitlin Elsass Sadler and Katie Hurier.
Credit: Courtesy of Ua Chamberlain

Ua Chamberlain stays busy splitting his time between photography, videography and graphic arts teaching at his local photography studio.

Chamberlain, a former Ohio State student, started his full-service photography company UA Creative Photography & Training in Columbus in 2013. He said the company is dedicated to giving clients creative control in their photo shoots.

But the company offers other services beyond capturing clients’ special moments, he said.

More than 50 students stop in the studio on King Avenue in Grandview each week for events such as one-on-one photography classes and group workshops. Chamberlain said this was inspired by an urge to build a community behind what is done in the studio.

“I didn’t really set out to be an instructor and to teach photography — it just kind of happened,” Chamberlain said. “My excitement, willingness to share and my ability to explain things are what pushed me in the direction of teaching. I’ve always been really excited by teaching people things that I know.”

Previously a sculptor, Chamberlain was introduced to the digital world of art in 2002 when he started using Adobe Photoshop for graphic artwork. In 2004, he purchased his first point-and-shoot digital camera, which led to doing photography part time. In 2008, he began teaching photography and Photoshop to enthusiasts, and also began working in a studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2010.

With a mindset of “two is better than one,” Chamberlain partnered with Erica Coffman, a photographer he met at the Small Business Development Center at Columbus State Community College.

Coffman first learned how to develop film in a dark room when she was in fourth grade. She said she enjoyed photography throughout high school, but never invested a lot of time, money or training. It wasn’t until she obtained her degree from Wright State University that her love for cameras clicked.

“Through the traveling opportunities that I had while studying, I realized that I really love photography and eventually bought a nice camera and just didn’t put it down,” Coffman said. “It went from buying that camera for my travels to shooting friends or family members to shooting weddings and now to this.”

With a background in topics completely unrelated to photography — including international studies, international politics and historical education — Coffman said she is proud of the name that she has built for herself in photography. Similar to her partner, Coffman’s love for teaching was a process. For private training, the two put together a custom syllabus for the students based on what they are interested in or what they want to improve upon.

Chamberlain said people don’t get the opportunity to be playful and creative very often, and his company seeks to give people more creative opportunities. It’s very much about the “making experience” at UA Creative, and Chamberlain said he believes this approach is what has led him to succeed in a world of iPhones and Instagram, where everyone and anyone is a photographer.

“At the end of the day, we’re not really selling our work,” Chamberlain said. “We’re selling ourselves. We’re selling the interactions we give people, the way we treat them and the experiences that they have with us.”

Coffman said she believes although the “everyone can be a photographer” mindset has devalued photography as an art, the company can help show its value to people.

“It’s more about continuing to produce art for ourselves and putting it out for people to see and that will slowly help people understand what we are doing and why it’s important,” Coffman said.

UA Creative Photography & Training is located at 780 King Ave #105.

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For those of you unaware, I am a reporter for The Lantern, Ohio State University's student-run newspaper. This is a published article, which you can read here.

book review: the girl on the train

2016-11-01T11:17:00.002-04:00

The Girl on the Train

Author: Paula Hawkins
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Source: Friend
My rating: (3/5)

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning and night. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. Jess and Jason, she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel goes to the police. But is she really as unreliable as they say? Soon she is deeply entangled not only in the investigation but in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?

“I have never understood how people can blithely
disregard the damage they do by following their hearts.”

Rachel is a divorced woman who would do anything for a drink, and treats alcohol like it's water. Her husband Tom had an affair that resulted in a pregnancy. He divorced Rachel, married the "other woman" and now all three (husband, wife and child) are happily living in the house that was once Rachel's.

The train that Rachel rides to London each day takes her past her old neighborhood. From the window of the train she observes the daily activities of another couple who reside down the street from her previous home.

In her imagination she has given the couple names and has created a fairy tale love life for them. Real life, however, cannot live up to her fantasy and the couple does not have the picture perfect relationship that Rachel has concocted. When something unimaginable occurs, Rachel becomes entangled in the investigation because of what she has witnessed on her daily commute.

This story is told from the viewpoint of three different women — Rachel, Anne and Megan — with intersecting timelines. All the women are unreliable narrators with something to hide. In fact, most of the characters in this novel, including the men are a self-serving and unsympathetic group with plenty of skeletons in their closets.

I love fast paced thrillers with twists and turns, and the many in this book easily drew me in, making it easy to devour this book in less than a day. However, "The Girl on the Train" felt a little flat.

I really struggled to sympathize with any of the characters in a book where all men are portrayed as controlling and deplorable and any sense of female empowerment is lost amidst the absurdity of the relentlessly twisting plot. I know I wasn't supposed to sympathize with them, but I didn't even find them interesting, I wasn't rooting for anyone, I didn't care about what happened to any of them.

I guess I expected more of this book; it felt lacking to me. I enjoyed both the movie and the book, don't get me wrong; they just disappointed me a little.

Though, I have to applaud the author for cranking out a best-selling thriller that even Stephen King is a fan of. And I have to call out Emily Blunt's stunning lead performance; she steals every scene she's in.

One thing that bothered me: The location of the movie changed to the U.S. which I found stupid and unnecessary for a director to say that they aren't sticking to the original book location. Though surprisingly, I think I enjoyed the movie a bit more than the book.

"The Girl on the Train" felt like "Gone Girl" without the tension, emotion or drama.

Follow me on Goodreads

vegan eats in columbus

2016-10-27T12:13:00.000-04:00

BBQ Bowl from The Angry Baker

Columbus Offers Plenty of Vegan Eats
Vegans might be used to eating salad when out with friends, but in Columbus, there’s a whole world of options for animal-friendly food, and most have something great for omnivores as well.

The Angry Baker
891 Oak St. and 247 King Ave

Tex Mex Tofu Scramble from The Angry Baker

One could never be angry, or “hangry,” when surrounded by gorgeous baked goods, pumpkin French toast, porridge, or a vegan curry burger stuffed with cilantro pesto, beets, and arugula.

This cozy, urban cafe at the corner of Oak and South 18th streets offers a full menu — including breakfast, lunch and dinner — along with the bakery, and a quaint cafe vibe. Three separate chalkboards communicate vegan, vegetarian and meat-lover offerings, and these erasable menus easily accommodate seasonal changes and ingredient availability.

Everything from their crumbly, flaky scones to their creamy mushroom gravy is made from scratch. Flavor is not sacrificed in my favorite dish, the Tex Mex Scramble, stuffed with tofu “scrambled eggs,” black beans, peppers, red onion and leafy greens. It’s served with a side of homemade salsa verde.

To satisfy a sweet tooth, try the rich and decadent chocolate brownie with a blueberry base (replacing eggs). You’ll never eat a regular brownie again.

Pattycake Bakery
3009 N. High St.

Carrot Cupcake from Pattycake Bakery

I once asked Jennie Scheinbach, an owner of Pattycake Bakery, if I could pay rent to live inside her pink-and-blue bakery.

After being greeted by a smiling cartoon cupcake, guests enter a treasure trove of pastries, all boasting a delectable secret — they’re all vegan.

Pattycake is one of the most precious gems of the Columbus vegan community. Their sticky buns, available only on Saturdays, are a true addiction, and their wide selection of perfectly presented pastries are so delicious that non-vegans won’t believe they’re free of eggs and milk. In fact, my mom believes that the entire shop is a lie, claiming, “There is no way these are vegan.”

Pattycake Bakery is the perfect place for people with a sweet tooth. The business even delivers if the Clintonville location is too far for most students. My favorites include the Co-Operative Cherry Chocolate Chip Bar and carrot cupcake, generously iced with luscious “cream cheese” icing.

Condado Tacos
1227 N. High St. and 132 S. High St.

Let’s taco ‘bout it. Be prepared for a dizzying array of possible combinations to customize tacos and margaritas to your liking.

The atmosphere has a personality unlike any eatery to appear in Columbus, where church pews are used for seating, sugar skulls are painted on the walls and two dressed skeletons perch atop a bicycle in the corner of the restaurant.

For gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free or carnivore diets, this place has the tools to create the ideal taco and margarita.

The taco ordering process is like a Scantron exam, in that you get a sheet with a pencil and you bubble in your choices. If this is intimidating, there are savory suggested selections.

The three vegan protein options include thick and meaty roasted portobello mushrooms, Thai chili tofu — which is drool-worthy enough to make a carnivore give the vegetarian life a shot — and barbecued jackfruit, which has a fibrous texture that mimics pulled pork.

The tacos are downright criminally good. It took every ounce of self-restraint not to swan-dive into the kitchen and kiss the server square on the mouth with my pineapple salsa breath.

I’ve decided to have my paychecks deposited directly into my Condado Tacos savings account. It’s that good.

Destination Donuts
Inside North Market at 59 Spruce St.

Chocolate Strawberry Donut from Destination Donuts

Destination Donuts makes me feel like Plankton trying to steal the secret Krabby Patty recipe. They’re huge, 3 inches tall, fried to golden perfection, with soft, fluffy interiors that make my eyes roll and everything around me disappear.

It’s difficult to pick just one doughnut, and eating a second or third is worth the sugar coma. They sit behind the glass counter, drenched in sugar and icing, begging for attention. The vegan ones are denoted by a small “v” written on a piece of tape at the front of the pan.

In general, the doughnuts are dense, fluffy and breathtakingly tender, and new flavors emerge each week. Flavors include cookies and cream, a doughnut dipped in ganache and covered in cookie crumbs; or apricot pistachio – dipped in sweet apricot glaze and covered in pulverized pistachios swimming in glaze; Blackberry Sage, Red Raspberry Hibiscus, and so on.

After eating one of these buzz-worthy bites, you’ll be saying, “TGIDD — Thank God it’s Doughnut Day.”

Vegan Apricot Pistachio Donut from Destination Donuts

Honorable Mentions:
Portia’s Cafe
Whole World
The Loving Hut
Acre
Katalina’s
Banana leaf
Alchemy
Brassica
Dirty Franks Hot Dog Palace
Melt Bar & Grilled
Carabar
Level
Lemongrass
Nazareth
Northstar
Strongwater Food & Spirits

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For those of you unaware, I am a reporter for The Lantern, Ohio State University's student-run newspaper. This is a published article, which you can read here.

morning glory: breakfast in columbus

2016-10-20T16:23:00.001-04:00

Morning Glory
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Do it right at one of these five Columbus spots known for their a.m. offerings.

Katalina's

This easygoing, Latin-leaning cafe may be small in size, but it offers big flavors and a focus on local and organic ingredients. In 2009, owner Kathleen Day turned a 100-year-old gas station, into an eatery for breakfast, brunch, sandwiches and pancake balls—lots and lots of pancake balls.

The restaurant has served more than 1 million pancake balls since opening, and the buzz-worthy bites are made with local stoneground flour and filled with Nutella, dulce de leche, or pumpkin-apple butter. Served aside real Ohio maple syrup and Katalina’ s Original Sweet 'N' Spicy Bacon, the pancake balls are the most sought-after item on the menu. “I always made them for my family, and I knew when I opened a restaurant, I wanted to put them on the menu,” says Day.

Ingredients are ethically, locally and organically sourced as much as possible, and Day counts Ohio's own Cooper's Mill & Market, Fowler's Milling Co., Shagbark Seed & Mill, Snowville Creamery and Thunderkiss Coffee among her suppliers.

The restaurant's laid-back, come-as-you-are atmosphere also features colorful visitor-drawn art and funky flea market finds. “You can come and feel like you’ve discovered your own little find, a hidden out-of-the-way place,” adds Day. 1105 Pennsylvania Ave, Columbus 43201, 614/294-2233, katalinascafe.com

Northstar Cafe

This Short North Arts District restaurant's commitment to carefully prepared foods has earned it many fans since opening in 2004. And while Katy and Kevin Malhame have opened other Northstar locations in Ohio since then, their original corner eatery still draws faithful diners.

"The people on our team are so incredibly caring and friendly and genuine...that is a big part of it," Kevin Malhame says. "People come to eat the food and feel the space, but the smiles and the friendliness really go a long way."

Whether you're stopping in for a quick breakfast of a warm biscuit and hot coffee or a relaxing dinner date of wine and appetizers, guests will always find plenty of tasty, made-from-scratch fare. The eatery's most popular breakfast item is its Cloud Nine Ricotta Pancakes, which are infused with an airy lightness.

"[They have] ricotta cheese," explains Malhame, "which adds a component of richness and lightness that makes the whole thing taste more like an Italian dessert than a standard pancake." 951 N. High St., Columbus 43201, 614/289-9999 (visit website for information on the other Columbus and Cincinnati Northstar Cafe locations), thenorthstarcafe.com

Pistacia Vera

Pistacia Vera's name alone let's you know that this spot doesn't serve up your usual diner fare. Instead, its elegant bakery items and morning creations look like they'd be right at home at a cafe in France.

"We're not doing bacon and eggs to order," says co-owner Anne Fletcher. "We nail it when it comes to just having that great quiche."

Fletcher opened the restaurant and cafe in 2004 with her brother Spencer Budros, and what began as a cozy dessert spot has since evolved to include daily brunch offerings. The quiche — popular for its decadent French crust and creamy cheese — comes in two types: There's bacon, Swiss chard and onion for those seeking a traditional French combo, as well as a vegetarian version featuring crimini and shiitake mushrooms. But pastries remain a staple here, with everything made from scratch. The frangipane, an almond cream cake baked into a shortbread crust topped with seasonal combinations such as pear and ginger, is a favorite.

"All of the food we do is pastry-inspired," says Fletcher. "A lot of folks come in and get a croissant, a cappuccino, and that's their breakfast." 541 S. Third St, Columbus 43215, 614/220-9070, pistacisvera.com

DK Diner

The DK stands for "Doughnut Kitchen" at this eatery that merges a home-like atmosphere with beloved diner fare and more than a dozen classic doughnut varieties.

The whopping DK All The Way breakfast promises a hearty first meal of the day with its two over-easy eggs, crispy home fries, biscuits and griddled Canadian bacon all smothered in creamy sausage gravy.

Even though it's located in a metropolitan area, manager Anthony Teny says DK Diner tries to stay true to the spirit of neighborhood joints, right down to the prices.

Omelets range from $5 to $7, and everything else on the menu follows suit. "We want to keep our price point [lower]," says Teny. "We don't want to get to a point where we're pricing a lot of our regulars out."

DK Diner is wonderfully casual, even down to letting you pour your own drink, which completes the make-yourself-at-home vibe. Want some coffee? Grab one of the mismatched mugs from the shelf and help yourself. But no matter what you order, you really shouldn't leave without trying at least one of DK Diner's made-on-site doughnuts, ranging from the softball-sized apple fritter to the retro chocolate long john. 1715 W. Third Ave., Columbus 43212, 614/488-5160, thedkdiner.com

The Guild House

A year-and-a-half ago, Columbus businessman and art collector Ron Pizzuti approached restaurateur Cameron Mitchell about creating an elegant, farm-to-table dining experience at The Joseph hotel in the city's Short North Arts District.

The restaurants team of chefs collaborates to create rotating breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert menus but they also stay carefully attuned to dishes their guests love and keep them around.

One such breakfast favorite is the smoked chicken hash with two poached eggs, sweet potatoes, bacon, roasted poblano, caramelized onions, creamy gouda and spicy salsa verde

"We really wanted to try and do something different in the area.," says Ian Rough, a regional chef for the company. "We wanted to try and bring something that has that farm-to-table flair to a nice, upscale atmosphere."

Furnishings made from repurposed wood and visual works by local artists help create an inviting space for The Guild House's guests to relax. The decor plays to the artful approach embraced here.

"You get away from the hustle-bustle of your day," says Rough. "It's kind of a little escape." 624 N. High St, Columbus 43215, 614/280-9780, theguildhousecolumbus.com

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For those of you unaware, I was a summer intern for Ohio Magazine. This is a published article in the October 2016 issue, which you can read by subscribing to receive a physical copy. Photos provided by restaurants.

weekly open mics around columbus give poets an outlet

2016-10-19T14:37:00.000-04:00

A poet performs at Writing Wrongs at Ruby Tuesday on Summit St. Credit: Courtesy of Ethan Rivera

Poetry open mics give opportunity for poets searching for an underground outlet, or someone just interested in being part of a small, artistic community. With open mics almost every night of the week, Columbus offers a range of options for poets to show off their work.

The Poetry Forum

The longest running poetry series in Columbus, The Poetry Forum at Bossy Grrls Pin-Up Joint, offers a featured reader followed by open mic each Monday at 7 p.m.

A small, dimly-lit venue, Bossy Grrl’s Pin Up Joint is known for its pin-up theme. A refurbished couch, chairs and a decopaged table fill the space and ladies’ undergarments hang from the chandeliers.

The Poetry Forum was founded in 1984 by a group of Columbus poetry lovers. It branched out from the Poetry in the Park event at the Park of Roses in Clintonville in an effort to bring more poetry to the city of Columbus, according to its website. The forum bounced around to a few campus-area locations before settling at Bossy Grrls in 2012.

The Poetry Forum meets at 7 p.m. on Mondays at 2598 N. High St. Admission is free.

Writing Wrongs

Ruby Tuesday has been a part of the Columbus community since 1973 and hosted music as long as it has been around. Writing Wrongs Poetry Slam has catered to literary lovers for almost a decade.

Writing Wrongs is a weekly open mic and slam series on Tuesday nights dedicated to building a safe and supportive space for people to share their work, said Ohio State graduate Ethan Rivera, the Slam Master and host of the event.

Since 2008, people of different races, genders and ages have piled into the bar tucked into the corner of Summit St. and 19th Avenue. Doors open at 8 p.m. but the excitement doesn’t start until the open mic at 8:30 p.m.

“We believe that our space is built on our community sharing their work with each other,” Rivera said. “So, no matter what else we are doing that night, whether it be a slam or feature, we always want to make sure we prioritize that the open mic is going to happen.”

But the open mic isn’t the only attraction.

Writing Wrongs also brings in featured poets from across the country to keep fueling writers with new sources of inspiration, Rivera said. He added that he is extremely selective with features, and promises to bring in not only reputable voices, but poets who are also amazing human beings.

Writing Wrongs is a Poetry Slam, Inc.-certified slam competition that sends representatives to the National Poetry Slam, Women of the World Poetry Slam and Individual World Poetry Slam every year. Rivera said he hopes to foster an environment of both competitiveness and supportiveness.

“Poetry really is a non-contact sport when it comes down to it,” Rivera said. “So while somebody might do an amazing poem, it doesn’t mean that your poem doesn’t have a space on that stage. Yes, it’s a competition, but this is also your poem and your space and your ability to do it, so don’t let anything else get in the way. We want to make sure our stories are heard.”

Ruby Tuesday is located at 1978 Summit St. Admission is $5 at the door and $3 with a valid student ID.

Writers’ Block Poetry Night

Writers’ Block Poetry Night takes over the intimate and book-filled Kafe Kerouac every Wednesday, packing it wall-to-wall with poets from all walks of life.

Co-founder of the program, Scott Woods, doesn’t let anyone walk into Writers’ Block unnoticed. He boasts an irreverent show by cracking crude jokes and making fun of audience members.

“Our open mic is a little different than others. I make fun of the poets, I make fun of their poems, I make fun of the audience,” Woods said. “Everybody kind of gets the joke. We’re all ultimately there for the poetry, but the humor is what feeds into a full experience.”

Doors open for Writer’s Block at 8 p.m. at Kafe Kerouac at 2250 N. High St. Admission is $5.

The Ness Open Mic Experience

The Ness Open Mic Experience always promises more than poetry. Host John Gibson even refers to this weekly event as “what happens when poetry meets party.”

Every Thursday night, a diverse and lively audience takes over The Lincoln Cafe. Presided over by DJ Dommy Styles from radio station Power 107.5, Gibson said it isn’t a surprise when open mics turn into dance parties.

Gibson said he wanted to bring “newness,” “freshness” and “dopeness” to the Columbus poetry scene. The show’s name was created upon realizing all those words end in “-ness.” He said the attendees are mainly members of the Columbus art community, but Gibson hopes more college students will stumble in.

“College students and college poets bring a certain energy,” Gibson said. “As a poet, and I’ve been performing for 12 years, I can’t duplicate that energy they bring.”

Poetry parties at Lincoln Cafe are every Thursday at 740 E. Long St. Admission is $5 at the door and $3 with a valid student ID.

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For those of you unaware, I am a reporter for The Lantern, Ohio State University's student-run newspaper. This is a published article, which you can read here.

i broke down in a fitting room

2016-10-11T18:09:00.000-04:00

Maybe it’s the sting of the harsh lighting. Maybe being surrounded by mirrors. Maybe I take the phrase “retail therapy” a little too seriously. Whatever the reason, I have a history of tearing up on shopping trips.

Last month, I blogged about overcoming the fear of weight gain. But here's the thing I forgot to mention: eating disorders are not really about a fear of getting fat; in fact, they don't have anything to do with weight at all.

The starving, the bingeing, and the purging are the weapons with which we fight off the demons of inadequacy who tell us we are nothing until we've proven that we are perfect at maintaining self-control.

It's not about weight; it's about perfectionism and punishment for failing to meet that standard, for failing at "the game,"...which sadly, revolves around an ability to control a disorder meant, in the end, to kill us.

So, there I was, standing in the Francesca's fitting room, staring vacantly at the girl in the mirror. I don't recognize her. She is bigger. She has bulges and lumps and jiggle. Her bones aren't visible anymore. Her face is round and full. Her hips take up space. She takes up space. She's taking up so much space. She...

Waterworks. No clothes will ever look good on this new body.

"Is everything ok in there?"

"Yeah! I'm fine."

I'm tired of lying.

I walked out of the fitting room and, with desperation in my voice, asked for help.

"Can you please help me? Shopping is... it's such a huge trigger for me and it stresses me out. Can you help me find some outfits?"

If you've ever shied away from asking for help because of fear that you may seem weak, you're not alone. Sadly, this is the norm. But the truth is that we all have gifts to share – time, talent, insights, experience, skills – and most people love to share them!

The employee looked genuinely delighted to do a favor for me. We can all do so much more together than we ever can alone. Too often though we "tough it out" rather than reaching out to ask for help when we need it most. Fear gets the better of us while depriving others of a chance to show they care and share their gifts.

For the next hour, I let myself be dolled up. I let her pick clothes with earth-tones colors to complement my olive skin and dark hair. I let myself be dressed from head-to-toe without judgement. I listened to her when she described different ways to pair outfits and let myself be complimented.

One pair of pants, a handful of shirts, two pairs of shoes, and a few accessories later, I grinned, toothy, and said, "I think I'm going to take them all!" She laughed, "Really? That's so awesome!"

I could barely keep my composure at check-out. I was completely in awe of the customer service that I received. "Is this your one big shopping trip of the year?" she asked, acknowledging my high total cost.

"Actually, to be honest, I'm in recovery from an eating disorder and I just...none of my clothes fit anymore and I needed to go shopping.. and it's just been so emotional and I can't even begin to tell you how much you have helped me."

We hugged. She was delighted. As I walked out, she told me, "Come back and visit us again soon! If you need any help with winter clothing, I am always here for you."

I immediately called my friend Madison Swart (she's a blogger too — click!) and we set up a photoshoot. The photos began as an accent for this blog post, but flipping through them now, I know they are much more than that.

These photos were a release. I learned that this body isn't a"new body." It's the same home I've inhabited since birth. I gained LIFE when I gained 40 pounds. I gained pizza nights with friends and glasses of wine with dinner and an extra serving of my mom's amazing cake. I gained nights at home with my roommate instead of slaving away at the gym. I gained spontaneous ice cream outings with my boyfriend and surprise dinners with old acquaintances.

Our brains tell us that we're not allowed to take up space—but we are. When you expand your mind and your imagination and your comfort zone and your social circle, your body might expand too, but that's more than ok; it's making room for your growing soul!

I have been feeling so beautiful and inspired after the photoshoot, so I've decided to create an event where others can share in this experience.

ALL ARE WELCOME to this celebration. If you are in the Columbus area, click the photo above to view more information.

You guys read about me all the time. Now, I want to hear YOUR voices. I am implementing more reader involvement into my future posts.

I want to celebrate YOU. I want to celebrate us—beautiful, unretouched human beings. Grab an outfit that you feel like a goddess in. Grab that sweater you've spent too long being insecure about wearing. Wear something that screams "THIS IS ME" and come out so I can photograph you being your authentic self.

If you are willing to share, I will follow up with you for a conversation about your self-love journey. If consent is given, I will share your photo and text on my blog.

Francesca's
Grey Splitback Sweater
Quinn Quilted Puffer Vest
Eunina Dark Skinny Jeans

Windsor
Beige Delight Booties

Francesca's
Perrie Long Sleeve Solid Top
Eunina Dark Skinny Jeans
Martiana Braid Wrap Riding Boot

Forever 21
Faux Leather-Trimmed Floppy Hat

Francesca's
Perrie Long Sleeve Solid Top
Eunina Dark Skinny Jeans
Martiana Braid Wrap Riding Boot

Forever 21
Striped Frayed Trim Poncho

Francesca's
Camden Tunic Sweater Tank
Eunina Dark Skinny Jeans

Windsor
Beige Delight Booties

Charlotte Russe
Leather Jacket

Francesca's
Solid Myla Scoop Neck Tee
Eunina Dark Skinny Jeans

Francesca's
Eunina Dark Skinny Jeans

Windsor
Beige Delight Booties

Forever 21
Contemporary Fringe-Hem Poncho

Windsor
Beige Delight Booties

Francesca's
Indigo Rd. Iggy Stamp Cutout Slingback

Francesca's
Martiana Braid Wrap Riding Boot

Francesca's
Sawyer Oval Tassel Pendant

overcoming post-exam blues

2016-10-07T16:23:00.001-04:00

It is currently 4:30 p.m. on a Friday, hours after my last exam. It feels as if I have been prepping for these tests for a couple weeks now. My mind has been such a fog of study guides, flash cards, and black coffee.

It is times like these, when school is the top priority and all of my focus goes to grades that I start to disconnect with myself. In this span of a few days spent studying, bailing on plans last minute, and camped out in sweats, the girl I think I am feels an ocean away.

When I walked home from my last exam, I let my head hang and my eyes memorize the crack in the sidewalk. Even though I felt confident about the exam, I felt depressed and defeated. I felt tired and empty.

Here are a ten things that I have been doing to help bring myself back during the chaos of finals when my brain is blurred with test bubbles and eraser shavings.

Write down things that happen. Whatever way you choose to record, it be one sentence a day, the best thing that happened to you, or a recap of your entire day. This life is your story and you should record the things you are passionate about, things that inspire you, and moments that make you happy.
Read something that is not on a screen. It can be a book, a magazine, a flier, a free newspaper, whatever you choose to read, focus all of your attention on it and put your phone down. Feel the pages, thumb through them, and rip them out.
Talk to someone about anything but school. Connect with another human. Remember the things that keep you here.
Meditate. Inhale, exhale, repeat. Meditation is beautiful, it gives you time to sit and relax. You have no obligation other than to be in that moment. You can create a bond between your mind, body and soul just by breathing.
Listen to killer tunes. Find music that reminds you of road trips. The feel good song that you’d shout out the window with wind whipping through your hair. Turn on the song at full blast and dance around your room for its entirety.
Compliment somebody, and really mean it. Try to praise someone about something other than their outward appearance. Notice their talents, personality, sense of style, their manners, and speak up about it. It is okay if person you compliment is yourself.
Cultivate gratitude. Make it a ritual, either right when you wake up or right when you go to bed, to list off ten things that you are genuinely grateful for.
Sweat. Get your body moving in whatever way you love best. I like running, dancing, walking, and doing yoga.
Laugh uncontrollably. Laugh so hard you cry. Laugh so hard you pee your pants. Be with people who make you laugh, listen to stand up comedy, laugh at a TV show, and mean it.
Connect with nature. Go outside no matter what the weather is like. Even if it just for a few minutes, really sit and feel the energy swirling around you, the sunshine beating down on you, wind in your hair, rain on your skin, chilled toes.

Why is is so hard to take care of ourselves during exam week? Why do we put off things essential to our health and brain function, like eating and sleeping?

The point of college is to get good grades and you are paying a lot of money to be here, so you put this first.
It's hard to take time for yourself when your mind keeps drifting to what you could be doing for school.
There is so much drive in our society to work, work, work.

Now don't get me wrong, hard work is valuable, but it is also on a spectrum. On one end, there is giving up; on the other end, there is working too hard. Are you giving up? Or are you shooting for unattainable perfectionism and compromising your health? A balance of hard work with time to eat, sleep, and re-energize are necessary to not hit your breaking point!

I always remind myself that numbers don't define my worth, but this is usually in regards to weight. But doesn't this also apply to other numbers? Grades do not equal worth either. If you do poorly on a test, it doesn't mean you are a failure. Remember, there are so many other aspects of life that you are thriving at, so don't forget to focus on those things too.

I like to tell myself that as long as I study and try my best, then that is all I can do. Worry is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere.

What are you doing to take care of yourself this weekend?

afraid to gain weight

2016-09-14T14:53:00.000-04:00

Thursday, January 28th, 2016 is a date that I will never forget: it was my first day of treatment, the day I decided I had to start to eat again. It was the day I said goodbye to starvation as the unquestioned companion of my days and years.

I can only imagine how my life would be different, as a young girl, had I seen more diverse body types that are real and not manipulated by the media. Bodies at their "unflattering" angles and bodies that are treated with love.

I remember the countless meltdowns I had upon realizing the only way to make strides in recovery is to gain weight. I couldn't recover and stay at the unhealthy weight that I was. The weight gain, though subtle to everyone else who refer to me as "looking healthy" or "having a glow," was beyond evident to me.

I could literally see myself expanding, which I came to learn is just a delusion. Then, my clothes became too small. My bras stopped fitting. I couldn't get my jeans past my hips. Shirts that were once baggy became tight.

I broke down. I put off clothes shopping for so long, convincing myself that I could shrink enough to fit in my old clothes again. My sick clothes.

And then it hit me: it's literally just fabric.

The space I take up through recovery is my birthright. I am allowed to take up space!

Everyone, even those without body images struggles, have to go shopping for clothes. Humans have bodies that grow and shrink and change. It happens. And when it does, it involves mirrors, misery and meltdowns.

Ask yourself: What part of yourself have you transferred into this inanimate piece of clothing? Maybe you felt sexy, powerful, in control, invincible, competent, pulled-together, mainstream, acceptable, sassy, or brave in that pair of jeans.

Remember: The jeans don’t have feelings and they don’t transmit feelings to your brain either. You need to let the jeans find a new home. Discard the jeans. They hold so many dark secrets that have kept you a slave to your distorted relationship with food/yourself/your body.

Now let’s imagine for a moment that you will, in fact, never stop gaining weight. Would you end up in the Guinness World Book of Records as the only living creature on the planet that never stopped getting bigger? Would you become planetary-sized? Cause the cataclysmic end to our galaxy?

When I tried on my favorite pair of jeans yesterday, I almost broke down in tears. My stomach hung over them. I realized that I have love handles. My hips could have busted their way out.

I wanted so badly to wear them. I thought if I sucked in hard enough, they would fit me again.

Those jeans from your restricting days shouldn't fit you because they represent the falseness of pretending you have control to the detriment of your health, wellbeing, sanity and life.

I didn't realize that while staring at myself in the mirror with disgust. I didn't learn it while I changed into something baggier. There's no way I could have thought clearly while my emotions were running wild.

Hours later, when I tucked myself in to sleep, I realized: the jeans don't fit me, and that's why they feel so unflattering and tight. All I have to do is buy a new pair of jeans. Mind. Blown.

I can't force my weight to be in my control, and when I tried, I harmed my body and my life. Now, when something doesn't fit, I remind myself constantly that it's the clothes and not the body. Move on.

You need to let go of the weight you consider acceptable. I know this isn’t easy... AT ALL, but you can trust the wisdom of your body.

At some point, your weight stabilizes at its most optimal weight. This isn’t a specific number, but a range in which your body genetically wants to be and gravitates towards, even when you have celebrated the holidays with elaborated dinners or when you spend an evening with a pint of your favorite ice cream. (It is biologically impossible to gain weight overnight).

You will know when you’re on your set point weight when all body functions are working properly (ladies, are you menstruating?). When you can eat in an unrestricted way, without rules or compensatory behaviors and your weight remains stable, you’ve reached your set point weight. You've reached healthy. You've reached freedom!

Be patient and trust your body! In order to have this experience in the best way, you need to be healthy, and you need to be fueling your body correctly and you need to feel good.

Life is not meant to be lived in restriction; life is meant to be lived in abundance! If you're recovering from an eating disorder or a past of restrictive eating or maybe you just need to gain weight regardless of food issues, my #1 tip is to focus on feeling good rather than looking a certain way.

All the photos in this post are of me, post-treatment, eating or drinking. In these photos, I am happy. I am with friends. I enjoyed life's simple pleasures without any inhibition!

Does this mean I no longer have a fear of weight gain? Sadly, no. But it is something I am working on daily, and do not spend hours thinking about anymore.

It is hard. Seeing your body changing is hard for anyone.

But first off, lets forget about the scale. Those jumble of numbers do not define you. You sure as hell can't measure your talent or worth or heart of gold or how how much you giggle when your tummy is tickled by a number on a scale.

It's just a number... just like your age, your height, the time, the date, the price of gas... its a number. It means nothing. I can proudly say that I haven't known my weight since January, and I don't think I ever will.

Think about all of the things that the fear of your weight is preventing you from doing. Going to the beach, drinking another glass of wine with your girl friends, dancing at your cousin's wedding...

What are you left with? Exhausting exercise, loneliness, a downfall of mental health, loss of friendships, loss of identity, and overwhelming feelings of guilt and shame.

I wish that I could give you some magical advice, but there is no magical solution. You just have to know that gaining weight is for the best, that gaining weight is a natural and normal part of being a human being. Keep strong, find your reason to recover and never give up.

To celebrate my recovery, here is a photo of me doing something I never thought I'd be able to do. Eat a donut while flaunting my pooch. In public.

My stomach cramps. It bloats. It retains water and gas. It digests food. It gets constipated and bloated. My stomach is not flat. It rolls and squishes and moves. Six packs are nice, but so is squish.

I may not always be comfortable but I will always be grateful for a body that works to keep me alive. The rolls on my stomach are perfect, the softness of its touch is sensational. The bits and bumps and all the squish I loathed so much are now the things I love most about me. Because I choose to love them.

In the words of my beloved friend Savannah, "Life is short, so eat the damn donut!"

10 signs you lived in italy in a past life

2016-09-09T11:56:00.000-04:00

Ah, Italia, how I've missed you so. Just one year ago, my blog was flourishing with day-to-day posts about my 7-week stay in the birthplace of The Renaissance. 409 days later (...but who's counting?) and I still have yet to forget Italy's soul-stirring and heart-thumping food, landscapes, people, and art.

I'm knees-deep into my second year of studying the language, I eat pasta at least three times a week, and oh... did I forget to mention I'm dating an Italian-American who is as nuts about the boot-shaped country as I am? Yes!

Here are signs that you lived in Italy in a past life (or you're just like me, and consider yourself spiritually Italian).

1. Everything you say is punctuated with a perfectly orchestrated hand motion. Sometimes, hands replace words entirely. Difficult boss? A shake of the fist. Don’t understand what someone wants? Purse your fingers together. Absolutely starving? Tap your tummy.

2. You dress to make an impression. Sweatpants in the grocery store is a fashion no-no, and you don't believe in wearing sportswear unless you are at the gym.

3. Most fabulous person in the room? That’s you. But you already knew that. Your confidence is off the charts!

4. Something worth saying is worth saying loudly. "Inside voices" don't allow room for expression. Sometimes it is hard to tell if you are yelling out of joy or anger.

5. Family comes first. Period. Holidays or events are just an excuse to celebrate together. You use dinner time to catch up and reconnect.

6. Personal space—what is that and why would you want it? In restaurants, you pick the one table next to other diners. You are not afraid to squeeze into an impossibly small space on the bus. You hug and kiss friends with abandon, and greet everyone with two kisses on the cheek.

7. Coffee is espresso. Do not underestimate the power of the dark side — the intense, sweet, brutal little vice that is an espresso sweetened with cane sugar.

8. Say no to diets. Bread, pasta, pizza: you love it all. You believe there is nothing wrong with a bit of indulgence and feel no meal is complete without a hearty helping of carbohydrates. You embrace the “perchè no?” philosophy. Would you like a second glass of wine? Why not!

9. You will literally give the shirt off your back (even if it's Armani). You have infectious generosity and hospitality. You find yourself at the airport at 1:30 a.m. picking up a cousin’s friend that his girlfriend met in college six years ago.

10. Love is your purpose. You let yourself get totally caught up in the emotion and appreciate the beauty in the small things. Love is a critical part of the good life, but does not have to be of the romantic variety.

Italy is the place dreams are made of. You daydream about Italian vacations and buying Tuscan villas. When you can’t be there in person, you still know how to adopt Italian customs into everyday life.

ohio state book club turns a new page

2016-09-09T11:51:00.002-04:00

Madie Ramsey searched through thousands of student organizations offered at Ohio State for one in particular — a book club. A campus club for bookworms previously existed for four years in the past, graduating along with its members.

Ramsey, a third-year in speech and hearing science who dubs herself a “super nerd,” texted two of her friends without consultation: “Hey, I signed us up to start this new club.”

While the original Book Club at OSU delved into more political, controversial and philosophical topics, the reinvented organization wants to do more casual reading of popular books.

Kayla Knoll, fourth-year in biology and event coordinator for the group, didn’t think twice about helping develop the group, saying that she was tired of reading textbooks.

“Not a lot of science classes have required fun books to read,” Knoll said. “We don’t want to make (reading) an assignment … having a club or a group of people who also enjoy reading gives people a little more of an incentive to fun read and find that extra time to do it.”

With hearts set on bringing a love of reading to campus, co-presidents Ramsey and Caitlin Reyes, a third-year in human development and family sciences, said they want their club to be free from obligations, stress and worry. The group’s founders said reading two books a semester should help encourage a fun environment different from that of a classroom.

“It’s just fun to meet people who have the same interests and not feel stressed about it,” said Ramsey, who is currently reading “The Mortal Instruments” series by Cassandra Clare.

After accumulating nearly 50 book recommendations at the involvement fair, the founders narrowed the list down to 10 of all different genres, ranging from classics like “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath to New York Times bestseller “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr. The winning books for subsequent readings and discussion format will be voted upon by members.

“There’s so much to discuss in a book and everyone has different opinions,” said Reyes, who just finished reading “Carry On” by Rainbow Rowell. “Its really interesting to hear what other people have to say and how they view it.”

Ramsey said she reads every night before going to bed in lieu of scrolling through Twitter. The relaxation that reading provides resonated with each of the founders.

“I go through books like crazy,” Reyes said. “I read the entire Harry Potter series over winter break last year just for fun.”

The group acknowledges that reading isn’t for everyone, but hopes that those opposed will give bibliophilia a chance.

Knoll said simply sitting and listening to what other people have to say could lead to interpreting a book in a whole new way, and that is part of the fun of reading.

“You might hate a subject just because you didn’t like the teacher that taught it. I think reading is the same way,” said Knoll, who just began reading “Running with Scissors” by Augusten Burroughs. “You can read one book and talk to one person about it, and they might totally turn you off, but if you read that book with a different group of people, you might realize it’s a really cool story.”

Book Club of OSU meets monthly on Mondays at 8 p.m. in Lazenby Hall in room number two. The first meeting is Sept. 12.

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For those of you unaware, I am a reporter for The Lantern, Ohio State University's student-run newspaper. This is a published article, which you can read here.

arts in ohio: ageless artistry

2016-09-07T13:12:00.001-04:00

As light from countless incandescent bulbs bathes the translucent plaques showcased at the Toledo Botanical Garden, they spring to life revealing detailed images ranging from political figures to food to animals. Since 2002, the northwest Ohio conservatory has been home to the Blair Museum of Lithophanes, a gallery filled with a treasure trove of these delicate porcelain creations dating back to the 19th century.

"Visitors are just enamored with these one-of-a-kind pieces because they are so unique," says museum director Kelly Sheehan.

Devoted solely to showcasing the exquisite works of art, the Blair Museum of Lithophanes holds the world's largest collection, numbering nearly 2,400 works. Native Toledoan Laurel Blair discovered the art form in 1961. While visiting the home of a friend, he say several illuminated by the sun shining through a window.

"He fell in love with what happens when light falls upon them," Sheehan says. "It was a magical 'ta-da!' moment, so he started collecting lithophanes wherever his travels took him around the world."

Sheehan adds that the play of illumination on image is what really captures the imagination of all who see the lithophanes. "The impressions are imperceptible," she says. "But when back light is added, a beautiful, three-dimensional picture appears in incredible depth and detail, with al the gradations of light and shadow."

The word lithophane is derived from the Green words litho meaning stone, and phainen meaning "as if to appear in," and literally translates to "as if to appear in stone."

Lithophanes were first produced in Europe during the 1820s as artists created molds by carving images in warm wax, then pouring liquid porcelain into the impressions. Once the porcelain dried, it was fired in a kiln. Today's artists employ the use of modern technology, including computer-aided design, to create the pieces; and resin has replaced wax.

But, Sheehan says, no matter how these works are created, the effect is stunning.

"Lithophanes offer a glimpse of a bygone era that was filled with quiet beauty," she says.

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For those of you unaware, I was a summer intern for Ohio Magazine. This is a published article in the September 2016 issue, which you can read by subscribing to receive a physical copy.

arts in ohio: a new spin

2016-09-07T13:01:00.001-04:00

Founded in 1939 as one of the first non-collecting contemporary arts centers in the United States, Cincinnati's Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) has a long history of exhibiting cutting-edge, innovative and challenging work – or, as CAC director Raphaela Platow says, "[it] is art of the last five minutes created by living artists of our time.

And as it has for 77 years, CAC strives to make art accessible to everyone in an environment that's both friendly and comfortable. Designed by architect Zaha Hadid, the arts center's present location opened in 2003. It was heralded by The New York Times as "the most important American bulilding to be completed since the Cold War."

The center offers free admission, which means anyone can come in and enjoy six floors filled with local, regional and internationally acclaimed creations.

"While walking through the gallery, guests are encouraged to come forward with their questions about contemporary art. We don't want our visitors to feel frustrated if a [piece] aggravates them or challenges them," says Platow. "After all, there is nothing more boring than an experience that doesn't move you in some way."

The CAC is also one of the few contemporary arts centers to offer a performance series, which includes work by groundbreaking artists who create art filled with live music, movement and multimedia. The fall season begins Sept. 9 with the first solo museum exhibition in the United States by London-based artist Glenn Brown. Brown is renowned for putting his own interpretation on reproductions of world-famous paintings by old masters through the use of color, compression and Photoshop techniques. The result: An exhibit that exudes an immaculate, almost supernatural level of detail and fluidity.

"There's something for everyone here," Platow says. "You can check us out for three minutes or three hours. But [visiting us] is always a beautiful experience that is inspiring in different ways."

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For those of you unaware, I was a summer intern for Ohio Magazine. This is a published article in the September 2016 issue, which you can read by subscribing to receive a physical copy.

milan melon festival

2016-09-07T12:46:00.000-04:00

Every Labor Day weekend, the small town of Milan welcomes the masses. An estimated 100,000 people stop by the northwest Ohio village of fewer than 1,500 residents to experience the annual Milan Melon Festival.

Dating back to a time when the area was home to an abundance of melon growers, the festival is now celebrating its 58th year with amusement rides, food booths, contests, a 5k run, live entertainment and more family-friendly activities. The melon theme carries itself throughout the Milan Village Square in watermelon-eating and -carving contests, as well as festival apparel. You can also buy muskmelons and watermelons from local grower Tender Shoot Farms.

On Sunday at 2 p.m., you can catch the parade, which rolled through town with nearly 90 participants last year. “This year being an election year, we have quite a few candidates [participating],” says Bill Harris, a member of the Milan Lion’s Club, a sponsor of the festival parade.

The Classic Car Show, which takes place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. just a few blocks away from the main festival hub at Milan Village Square, features vintage vehicles ranging from Ford Model T’s to Plymouth Roadrunners.

“The last five to 10 years, it had gone away,” says Susan Trizna, a member of the Edison Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization and organizer of the car show. “The PTO decided to bring it back.”

But it’s no secret there is one thing that keeps many festivalgoers returning year after year: the ice cream. You’ll find long lines of people waiting for their scoop of cantaloupe ice cream or watermelon sherbet — two treats that Sandusky’s Toft Dairy produces exclusively for the Milan Melon Festival.

“We focus everything around the ice cream,” says festival chairperson Tracey Timbs. “You can only get it this time of year.”

For more information, visit milanmelonfestival.org.

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For those of you unaware, I was a summer intern for Ohio Magazine. This is a published article in the September 2016 issue, which you can read online here or by subscribing to receive a physical copy.

national poets set to slam at ohio state

2016-09-01T12:39:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth Acevedo is a spoken word artist from New York City who has performed at multiple venues, most notably the Madison Square Garden. Credit: Courtesy of OUAB

Thursday night, the Ohio Union is set to showcase word welders and alphabet architects alike.

Three professionals in the national slam poetry scene — Oveous, Lacey Roop and Elizabeth Acevedo — along with three Ohio State students, are set to perform some of their pieces.

Upon seeing poets at a conference, Sofia Barcos, visual and fine arts committee chair for Ohio Union Activities Board, was inspired to bring poets to OSU, as the organization had not brought such an event to campus in recent times.

“Art is a process, or the means by which we can explore our world. This event is a representation of that,” Barcos said. “Students can come to this event as an escape from classes to enjoy an artistic experience unlike many others.”

Spoken-word poet Oveous said his voice could be described as “sophisticated street poetry with an academic flair.” With a commitment to keeping his late brother’s gift of lyricism alive, he said he was able to turn his brother’s suicide into a message of hope.

Oveous said he and his brother were exposed to the art of lyricism through the poetic verses of hip-hop they heard while growing up in The Bronx.

“(My poems) convey a message of overcoming internal struggles to keep going day after day, the good times and the bad times,” Oveous said. “What I do is kind of what a stand-up comedian does — storytelling — but through hip hop and poetry.”

The dreadlocked, tattooed and pierced Lacey Roop, who identifies as genderqueer, said her politically charged poems do not surprise people, given her appearance. She advocates for female empowerment and marginalized voices, covering topics of gender and sexuality in her pieces.

Roop first experienced slam poetry in a coffee shop while studying for a college exam. Now, at age 29, she is the author of a full-length book of poetry, “And Then Came The Flood.”

“(Poetry) has taught me the miracle of a story,” Roop said. “How a story has a life of its own and how marveling that is to share and witness.”

Poet Elizabeth Acevedo said she writes poetry to bring what she sees as unheard voices to light.

“My poems affirm that we are powerful,” Acevedo said. “That diverse stories and experiences are important to read and learn about — that black lives matter. That history matters.”

After 12 years of performing on national and international stages, including venues like Madison Square Garden, Acevedo said she still believes performing at universities is both a challenge and an honor.

“I’m also inducting (students) into a subculture of poetry, snapping, hollering and responding verbally and visibly to a performance,” she said.

The event is on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Ohio Union Performance Hall. Tickets are free, with two offered per BuckID and available at the Ohio Union Information Desk. Doors open at 6 p.m.

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For those of you unaware, I am a reporter for The Lantern, Ohio State University's student-run newspaper. This is a published article in the paper, which you can read online here or pick up a physical copy on campus.

how we took a road trip on a college budget

2016-08-31T11:40:00.000-04:00

How We Took a Road Trip on a College Budget

If ever there was a country made for road trips, it’s the States. Road trips are really keen on the idea "It's not about the destination, but your journey." And regarding our grand continent that stretches from sea-to-shining-sea, this is totally true.

Before this summer ends, I chased that great affair and set out for the horizon. My best friend Jasmine and I teared up some open road and traveled along the New England coast. For anyone yet to depart on a roadside adventure, here’s a quick guide to budgeting for a road trip.

Mount Washington Auto Road - Gorham, New Hampshire

Vroom Vroom.
Gas. While you can’t eliminate the cost of fuel, there are a lot of little things you can do to help alleviate the cost. Here are a few suggestions:

Keep your tires inflated, oil fresh and engine tuned for better mileage.
Fill up away from cities. With some exceptions, the closer you are to a metropolitan area, the more you’ll pay for gas.
Use a smartphone app like GasBuddy to find the best prices in your area.
Use a GPS device to avoid getting lost and wasting fuel.
Invite others on the road in order to divide expenses between a greater number of people.
Take a more fuel efficient vehicle.
Maintain a steady speed. According to the Office of Transportation and Air Quality, cars reach the best fuel usage at 60 miles per hour. They estimate that every 5 miles per hour over 60 mph costs an additional 26 cents per gallon. Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a consistent speed.
Park your car and walk whenever possible if you want to explore an area.
Avoid rapid acceleration and braking, which uses more gas.

Providence, Rhode Island

We drove Jasmine's full-hybrid Prius, and filled never let our tank tread below half empty. In total, we only spent $93 on gas, and split between the two of us, we each paid around $45. Pocket change.

It helped that we drove a fuel-efficient car, but also that our destinations were close together. Our longest drive through the New England states was around 3-4 hours to Acadia National Park in Maine, and our longest drive in total was of course, from Ohio and back.

Benefit Juice Bar & Cafe - Providence, Rhode Island

Catch some ZZZZ's
The next big expense of road tripping is lodging. It's always a score when you can crash at a friend or relative's house, but if you’re staying in hotels or motels, there are a few things you can do to find cheap rooms:

Use aggregator sites likes Kayak to quickly narrow your search.
Use smartphone apps like Hotel Tonight for last minute deals.
Call the hotel directly and ask for rates. Sometime the over-the-phone price is different from the Internet price.
Avoid staying in metropolitan and tourist areas where high demand drives up prices.
Inquire about membership discounts through organizations like AAA and AARP.

Cape Cod - Falmouth, Massachusetts

If you’re open to alternatives, hostels, Airbnb, and campsites tend to be far cheaper. Another indispensable resource is CouchSurfing.org, a website that helps travelers find free lodging with hosts all over the world. If all else fails, you can always find a quiet place to park and sleep in the car if you feel safe.

We used the app Hotel Tonight to find last minute deals, and shared one bed to lower the cost. Lodging was our most expensive cost, but finding rooms between $100-$180 and splitting the cost did help.

Atlantic Ocean - Ferry to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Having a safe place to rest our heads at night was a priority, so we felt most comfortable staying at reputable places such as Holiday Inn Express. During our long drives, we took turns sleeping in the car while the other drove.

Tip: Book hotels and motels with a flexible cancellation policy. With weather, car troubles, and unplanned events, road trips can be unpredictable.

Tip: Find lodging coupons at rest stops, gas stations, or on the websites of official state guides.

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Nom nom nom.
There is a lot of room for creativity when putting together the food portion of your budget. It’s not hard to survive on less than $10-20 a day. You can save significant moolah by grocery shopping in advance rather than eating at restaurants three times a day.

How much you spend is determined entirely by preference. For some people, food and travel go hand-in-hand. Others couldn’t care less about culinary indulgences. It's smart to decide in advance how much you want to spend, so immediate hunger cravings don't lead to money splurges.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

We took full advantage of free hotel breakfast, eating two bowls of oatmeal to fill us up for the day, and grabbing fruit, granola bars, bagels, and yogurt to-go. Lunch and snacks were stored in a cooler in our car and were accessible to eat along the way.

We treated ourselves to dinner each night, making sure to plan restaurant destinations ahead of time. We used Yelp to find affordable eats in cities along our route, Happy Cow to find vegan-friendly places, and Find Me Gluten Free to locate dining with GF options.

If a low-budget vegan chic and her celiac buddy can find grub in states they've never been to, so can you!

Boston, Massachusetts

Weeeee!
If you’re not having fun, you’re missing the point! Do and see all you can along the way. Natural sites, city exploring, and roadside attractions generally won’t cripple your finances. The best advice we can offer is create a plan, but make sure that plan leaves room for improvisation. You should have a list of things to do along the way, and you should know exactly how much each will cost. But you should also set aside a little time and money for unpredictable opportunities!

Boston, Massachusetts

We calculated the cost of all the major attractions we wanted to visit prior to our trip. Our more costly expenses were National Parks, but we spent hours at each place, so our money was well spent!

Visit the official tourism websites of the states and cities you plan to visit. Most sites will provide links to free things to do.
See if any museums in the areas you plan to visit offer free days.
Travel during the summer months. Warm weather means free fairs, festivals, art shows, concerts, and more.
Check out an area’s parks, art districts, or libraries, which often offer free concerts, lectures, or plays.
If you’re a student, bring your ID card to receive student discounts!

Overall cost???
Our total with gas, lodging, parking fees and attractions, we spent around $500. Split between the two of us, we each paid around $250. Not bad!

Cadillac Mountain - Acadia National Park, Maine

Travel Tips:

Most people aren’t born savvy road trippers. I'm here to help you reach your full travel ninja potential!

Pack light. It’s OK to wear the same t-shirt a few days in a row. Take half the clothes you think you will need…you won’t need the rest of it.

Don’t be afraid to use a map. Looking like a tourist isn’t as bad as getting really lost and ending up in the wrong neighborhood.

But don’t be afraid to get purposefully lost. Wandering aimlessly through a new city is a good way to get to know it. You might be surprised by the hidden gems you find.

Always visit the local tourism website or office. It can point you to free activities, special events happening during your stay, and everything in between. Use this resource.

Lunchtime is the best time to visit historical sites. The sites empty out and you’ll have fewer crowds to fight.

Cadillac Mountain - Acadia National Park, Maine

Carry a basic first-aid kit. Accidents happen (pictured above...), so be prepared. I take with me bandaids, antibacterial cream, and ointments for cuts and scrapes.

Never eat in a touristy area or near a tourist attraction. As a general rule, I walk five blocks in either direction before I find a place to eat.

Be open to strangers. Not everyone bites. You just might make some lifelong friends.

But keep your guard up. Some people do bite, so keep a healthy level of suspicion.

Take an empty water bottle and fill it up in a water fountain, hotel, or sink. It'll save money and the environment.

Get good shoes. You walk a lot when you travel. Don’t beat up your feet. Love them as much as they love you, and they’ll take you to amazing places.

Take a jacket. Nights get chilly.

Sand Beach - Acadia National Park, Maine

Be patient. Things will work out in the end. No need to rush. You’ll get to where you are going in due time. Travel is about the journey, not the destination.

Be frugal — but not cheap. Look for deals and don’t waste money, but don’t miss out on great experiences or walk 10 miles to save a couple of dollars. Time is money. Spend them both wisely.

Finally, wear sunscreen.

Bubble Rock - Acadia National Park, Maine

Our Driving Itinerary*

DAY 1 (Thursday, August 11)
Columbus → (11H 20M) → Benefit Street (24 Meeting St, Providence, RI 02903) → (1H 15M) Old Silver Beach- Cape Cod (351 Quaker Rd, Falmouth, MA 02540) → (18M) Ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard (75 Falmouth Heights Rd. Falmouth, MA 02540) → (35M ferry ride) Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard → (1H 7M) Boston, MA → HOTEL

DAY 2 (Friday, August 12)
Boston, MA → (40M) Harvard (Cambridge, MA) & explore Boston!→ (1H 12M) Market Square, Portsmouth, NH → (1H) Cape Elizabeth, ME (Portland Head Light @ 1000 Shore Road Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107) → (22M) Portland, ME → HOTEL

Day 3 (Saturday, August 13)
Portland, ME → (3H 6M) Acadia National Park → (2H 9M) Augusta, ME (Dinner) → (2H 50M) HOTEL- Express Inn & Suites (21 Railroad Street, Lincoln, NH 03251)

Day 4 (Sunday, August 14)
Express Inn & Suites → (4M) White Mountains Visitor Center (200 Kancamagus Highway, North Woodstock, NH 03262) & Flume Gorge (852 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251)→ (1H 24M) West Lebanon, NH (Dinner)

Day 5 (Monday, August 15)
Berkshire Valley Inn → (14M) Mount Greylock Visitor Center (30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA 01237) → (9H 40M) Columbus, OH

*subject to change, and it sure did!

The Flume Gorge - Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

Mount Washington Auto Road - Gorham, New Hampshire

Pack Snacks!

Cooler
Fruits + veggies
Apples, celery, carrots, clementines, green beans
Popcorn
Pre-measured/flavored oatmeal
Water bottle + coconut water for headaches
Nut butters (Justin’s mini packets?)
Trail mix
Pretzels
Sandwiches
Yogurt
KIND Gluten Free Bars, Lara Bars, Clif Bars, etc
Dates
Ziploc bags, grocery bags, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, paper towels
Spoons

Mount Washington Auto Road - Gorham, New Hampshire

Mount Washington Summit, New Hampshire

Pack it up, Pack it up

Documents & Money

PHYSICAL map/copy of directions (in case of lost service/no wifi)
Credit cards and money
Small bills for Toll Roads
Driver’s Licence
Car documents

Hygiene & Toiletries

Dry Shampoo
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Mouthwash
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
Hair Brush
Contacts (case, solution, extra pair)
Glasses
Tissues
Deodorant
Tampons
Razor + Shaving Cream
Fash Wash

Clothes & Stuff

Rain Jacket
T-Shirts
Pants/Shorts
Underwear
Swimwear
Socks
Pajamas
Sports wear
Sundress
Hats
Sunglasses
Shoes: Sandals, gym shoes
Beach towels
Backpack/Suitcase
Pillow
Blanket

Electronics

GPS
Phone + Charger
Camera + Charger + extra SD Cards
Pharmacy
Prescriptions
Advil/Ibuprofen
Dramamine/GF Tummy Drops for motion sickness

Mount Washington Summit, New Hampshire

Want to share your tips and advice? Leave me a comment below!

local dance group to perform evening of tap

2016-08-24T18:10:00.000-04:00

Local tap dance troupe, Movement Afoot, is set to make their first evening-length debut.
Credit: Amy Planchet

Columbus’ only dance troupe dedicated solely to tap, Movement Afoot, will unveil its first evening-length performance, “Ph(r)ase 1,”on Friday and Saturday.

Audiences can watch tap dancing along with Appalachian clogging, contemporary and Kathak dance as well as live jazz and folk music by local artists.

“What sets tap apart from other forms of dance is the fact that we make sound with our feet as we’re dancing,” said Lauren Squires, director of Movement Afoot. “I think the relationship between the sounds you’re making in your feet and what the rest of your body is doing is one of the key differences between different styles of tap.”

Squires is also an assistant professor in Ohio State’s English department and adviser of campus tap club, Buckeyes on Tap. Of the two major types of tap, Broadway and rhythm tap, Squires said she prefers to focus on the latter. She said she is driven to find the tiniest ways to produce the biggest sounds, and her choreography explores sound and space in combination with improvisation, which is true to the history of the art form.

“[In] Broadway tap or show tap, there is a little more emphasis on the body … doing kicks, using the arms, sequin costumes,” Squires said. “There are other styles that I’m more interested in, specifically how you can make complicated, elegant rhythms that are really producing a form of music with your feet.”

Squires founded Movement Afoot in 2014 in order to present more tap dance within the Columbus community. With a goal to be established in the local dance world, Movement Afoot practiced for months for “Ph(r)ase 1.” While performing mainly at festivals was enjoyable, Squires said, each performer would often have to bring their own wooden board to tap on, limiting what the dance company could do choreographically.

This weekend, the ensemble will have a full stage.

“We wanted to have our own stage and be able to do numbers that really show all you can do with tap dancing as a group,” Squires said.

Rachel Cooke, a first-year graduate student in clinical mental health counseling and member of Movement Afoot, has been tap dancing since she was three years old. She grew up practicing all forms of dance but said she formed a special connection with tap.

“You get to make awesome, crazy rhythms with your feet and then feel those rhythms throughout your whole body,” Cooke said. “I totally lose myself in tap. Not very many things create that.”
The former vice president of Buckeyes on Tap looks forward to this weekend’s performances.
“We’ve all been working really hard toward this for so long; it’s exciting for it to finally be here,” Cooke said. “It’s kind of a big deal for us as a group.”

“Ph(r)ase 1” is set to be performed on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at The Van Fleet Theatre inside the Columbus Performing Arts Center at 549 Franklin Ave. Tickets are $15 with a student ID and $20 general admission.

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For those of you unaware, I am a reporter for The Lantern, Ohio State University's student-run newspaper. This is a published article in the paper, which you can read online here or pick up a physical copy on campus.

fresh choices at farmers markets

2016-08-08T16:24:00.000-04:00

Fresh Choices
Farmers markets can be found throughout our state this time of year. We asked dietitians to identify eight highly nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables that should be on your shopping list.

In a way, having a seemingly endless variety of produce at the grocery store is a luxury, but if what you’re buying isn’t in season, it’s not the highest quality in terms of nutrition. The good news is farmers markets across the state provide the opportunity to stock up on locally grown fruits and vegetables. We asked dietitians from Ohio hospital systems about foods to put on your shopping list and ideas for how to work them into your daily meals.

Zucchini: This famously abundant vegetable overwhelms many home gardens and is a common find at farmers markets this time of year. “They have a lot of nutrients for just a little bit of calories,” says Adrian Porter, a registered and licensed dietitian at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. This fiber-filled squash is a fantastic noodle replacement. Just use a cheese grater or a spiralizer to create your “zoodles,” and then steam or saute them in heart-healthy oil until they are slightly tender. “I love to saute tomatoes in olive oil with a little bit of basil until they are almost saucy,” says Porter. “I add zucchini and saute that all together. I top it off with freshly sprinkled Parmesan cheese.”

Blueberries: Beyond their woodsy, sweet taste, blueberries contain a multitude of antioxidants. “They have wonderful phytochemicals called anthocyanin in them that help contribute to their dark blue-purple color and [have] health-promoting properties such as blood-vessel health,” says Porter. Sprinkle a handful of blueberries over hot and cold cereal, yogurt and salad, or bring them as a compact snack to enjoy throughout the day. “Jams are a great way to preserve berries,” says Jane Graffin, a registered and licensed dietitian at Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green. “Low-sugar jams or fruit salsa provide a sweet treat that is not packed with fat.”

Apples: We tend to think of this crisp, refreshing fruit in the fall, but the early varieties make their appearance well before the equinox that marks the end of summer. “Apples are a good source of soluble fiber, which is going to help your digestive tract and help lower cholesterol levels,” says Hannah Tomcisin, a registered and licensed dietitian at Berger Health System in Circleville. “As your cholesterol levels are healthier, your heart [will be] healthier; it’s all related.” Slice them up for apple cinnamon oatmeal or seize their portability by packing them with your lunch. “They’re a great snack sliced with peanut butter or Greek yogurt,” Tomcisin adds.

Strawberries: Deep red, shiny strawberries aren’t just spring crops. You can find these sweet berries loaded with vitamin C into the summer months. “My rule of thumb is to smell the strawberries,” says Selena Baker, a registered and licensed dietitian at Ohio University’s WellWorks. “If they don’t smell like they should, I wont buy them because I know the flavor won’t be there.”

Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes are a great source of potassium and lycopene, the phytochemical that contributes to the red color and helps make them such powerhouses of nutrition. “If you look at studies with lycopene, a lot of them look at reducing the risk of prostate cancer, but also [look at it] from a perspective of general reduction of cancer risk,” says Kristin Kirkpatrick, a registered and licensed dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute. Extend the harvest of locally grown tomatoes by freezing, canning or making tomato paste.

Bell Peppers: A world of color, shapes and flavors makes peppers a popular choice, and most are delicious roasted or grilled. As you explore more colors in your diet, you’re going to ingest a wider variety of vitamins and minerals. “Peppers are a great source of vitamin C if people can’t eat citrus, [which] helps with your immune system and wound healing,” says Wood County Hospital’s Jane Graffin. Red bell peppers offer the highest amount of vitamin C and deliver several phytochemicals and carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, which provide antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Cabbage: With so much talk about the color of produce, this wrinkled green vegetable is often overlooked. But this low calorie, fiber-rich food is a storehouse of nutrients. “[It] is high in vitamin K, vitamin C, B6 and … manganese, potassium and fiber,” says Natalie Romito, a registered and licensed dietitian at Firelands Regional Medical Center. A member of the cruciferous vegetable family, cabbage is best known for being anti-inflammatory. “When you’re chronically inflamed, your risk of developing cancers and heart diseases increases,” adds Romito.

Kale: This leafy green appears on many lists of superfoods for containing high levels of vitamins, minerals and brain-boosting phytonutrients, such as vitamin K, which assists in blood-clot formation. Kale is also high in calcium, which supports bone and teeth health, making it a convenient choice for people with dairy intolerance. “One of the things that can decrease the strong flavor is to saute it … it becomes less bitter and less fibrous, so it’s easier to chew,” says Berger Health System’s Hannah Tomcisin. “Using kale in smoothies is good, but you need to freeze the kale. ... It’s less bitter in the smoothie than if you were to just use raw kale.”

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For those of you unaware, I am a summer intern for Ohio Magazine. This is a published article in the August 2016 issue, which you can read online here or by subscribing to receive a physical copy.

my journey to body positivity

2016-08-07T19:43:00.001-04:00

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On the road to loving ourselves, we’ve been set up to lose from the start. How many of us can remember the first time we saw an impossibly beautiful body plastered on the cover of a magazine, and compared it to our own?

How many of us can remember the cruel comments, the torturous diets, the nights picking ourselves to pieces? You’re not alone in your body image struggles.

When I look at my body now, I see belly rolls, I see stretch marks, I see a million flaws that have previously sent me spiraling into self-hatred. But now, I also see happiness. I see beauty beyond the one-dimensional edited form we’re taught to aspire to. I see worth that extends far past the physical. My vision is no longer clouded by the “not good enough” mentality we’ve all been taught.

I don't look at my body as a reflection of who I am anymore. It's merely the vessel to my soul. It is my brain bag. It is what allows me to live and experience life. That's it.

My journey to this point was far from easy, but was it worth it? Hell. Yes.

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I still remember pointing to a jeans advertisement in a magazine and telling my mom, “I wish I had her butt and legs.” I remember sitting down in class and feeling insecure of how my thighs filled so much more of that tiny plastic chair than the girl next to me. I worried that others could see my stomach puffing out of my clothes.

I was already being taught that fat is the worst thing a person could be, and that beautiful (read as “thin”), is the best thing a person can be. It’s unsurprising that over the years my insecurities grew into all-consuming demons, and at 21, I was diagnosed with an eating disorder.

I used to suck my stomach in until it hurt. I was brainwashed into believing that I needed to look as thin as possible at all times to be worth something.

I've hated myself into over exercise,
I've hated myself into binging,
I've hated myself into purging,
I've nearly hated myself into an early grave, almost starved to death.
None of it took the hate away; it only helped it to grow.

Now, I know that I was a warrior all along. That every pound gained back through recovery is a demon defeated. That my belly rolls are soft and beautiful reminders of battles fought and won. That the body I had tortured for so long has done everything it could to keep me alive, and for that, it deserves my love.

Here's the truth: YOU'LL NEVER HATE YOURSELF INTO LOVING YOURSELF. And the biggest secret that diet culture doesn't want you to know? Happiness is not a body type. Self-love is not found in diets and LIFE ISN'T FOR LIVING 10 POUNDS FROM NOW! Life is already happening! It doesn't wait for anybody! And you're already good enough to live it in the body you have right now.

Ask yourself: Is self-hate is really working? Are you willing to spend your whole life at war with your body, trying to hate it into something else?

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At any angle, in any outfit, posed or not, we are good enough. We are valuable.

I have pulled it, poked it, punched it, and loathed my body for so many years. Thanks to body positivity, I choose to love my body: the hard parts, the soft parts, the rolls, the jiggle, and every part I used to hate for not matching up to the impossible image the media pollutes our ideas of beauty with. I won't let them brainwash me any longer into thinking there's a wrong way to have a body.

My body is real. It moves. It bends. It squishes. It rolls. It has muscles. It has fat. FAT! The "horrible F word" that so many of us are afraid of. But why? Does my fat make me less of a human being? Any less beautiful? Any less worthy of respect? Of love, from myself or others? NO.

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rates of any mental illness. Imagine a world where people don't starve themselves to death in the pursuit of the thin ideal because they know they're worth more than their body type.

Imagine a world where people don't turn to binging and purging in times of distress because they can turn to body positivity and self-love instead. This revolution is not about “glorifying obesity” and it certainly isn't only beneficial to “fat” people. This benefits all people. This teaches all people that they are deserving of acceptance and respect regardless of their outer shells.

Health and happiness come in more than one size and—damn it!—all those sizes are BEAUTIFUL. You don't have to sacrifice yourself in the name of media body perfection because YOU ARE MORE THAN THAT.

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Self-appreciation need to be an indisputable reality. Your body has 100,000 miles of blood vessels (source). Your nose can remember a trillion different smells (source). Your heart pumps with enough pressure to squirt blood 30 feet across a room (source). Our lungs inhale over two million litres of air every day, without even thinking. (source). You are made up of 7,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (octillion) atoms (source). That’s a lot of atoms; wonderful, unique, fascinating little atoms.

We are constantly witnessing and experiencing a miracle: our own bodies. Every day, your body fights for you to be alive and enables you to experience billions of emotions, colors, smells, and sensations. Still, for some reason, we find it nearly impossible to completely escape feelings of hate.

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Recovery is a blur for me, fueled by sadness and an unrelenting rage.

I remember telling my dietician, “Whenever I lost weight, the number still wasn’t good enough, so I’d lose more. And more. And it still wasn’t good enough. When will it ever be good enough? When I’m hospitalized? When I’m in my grave?”

It was at that moment when I realized that self-worth and weight have absolutely nothing to do with each other. I could not live the rest of my life hating myself. Thinness will never actually equate to happiness.

I stopped following people I idolized for beauty alone. I filled up my social media with body positive activists. I threw out magazines with diet tips and celebrity body shaming. I read books that changed my whole worldview. I surrounded myself with people who love and support me unconditionally.

I stopped avoiding negative emotions through unhealthy coping mechanisms and started facing them head on and asking for help.

I stopped grabbing and poking the parts of my body I didn’t like and started touching them with kindness instead.

I stopped exercising as a form of punishment and now move my body (and listen to my body) to make it feel good and healthy.

I stopped tearing my body apart for its physical appearance and started appreciating everything that it let me do. All the ways it allowed me to live, cared for me and healed me, despite all I’d put it through.

And most of all, the real secret to my body positive transformation: I got angry again. And once more, I refused to let the body image demons that had been planted into my mind by our culture steal any more of my life from me.

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Every time we don’t wear something, or eat something, or do something, because we think we aren’t good enough, we let a little bit of life slip through our fingers. We tie ourselves down with chains of “I’ll do that when I lose weight” and “I can’t do that how I look now,” and we give up our current happiness for a promise that never comes.

We let our power be controlled by huge multibillion-dollar diet and beauty industries that profit from our self-hatred, and teach us self-hatred for exactly that purpose.

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You do not exist to look like that impossibly beautiful magazine body you compared yourself to all those years ago. You do not exist to be looked at by other people. You are not an object. Your body is not here for the viewing pleasure of the public. Your body is here to let you LIVE! To let you exist so far beyond what you see in the mirror!

You are capable of so much, of LOVE, of JOY, of ADVENTURE, of CREATIVITY and INTELLIGENCE and KINDNESS and COMPASSION and SO MUCH MORE THAN LOOKING A CERTAIN WAY!

Whatever you’ve been taught to hate about yourself, whether it’s your weight, your height, your skin color, your gender, your age, your ability – you are more than that thing. Yes, you deserve to embrace and love that part of yourself, because it is truly beautiful (you’ve probably guessed by now--you get to decide what beautiful means!), but you also deserve to recognize your wonder outside of that part.

Your purpose, whatever it may be, is so much more than your outer shell.

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So however you feel about your body right now, please believe that it can get better. You can learn to love every part of yourself, without changing a thing. And you deserve that. Take it from someone who never thought they’d find a way out; there is hope, happiness, and freedom on the other side.

There was a time when I couldn't stand the thought of existing in a body like this. When I would have rather die than see so much softness when I looked in the mirror.

These days, I wouldn't change a thing. Not a single crease or line, not a single dimple or scar. Every part is how it's supposed to be, and I'm done fighting my body. I am the only person who gets to decide how I feel about myself. I am perfect.

Perfectly imperfect. People often say that nothing is perfect, but I disagree. I believe that everyone and every thing is perfect and beautiful in its imperfect state of being. Think about that. Imagine that just maybe, your imperfections actually make you perfect. Don't you just love the freedom that thought gives you?

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What is your truth? What is your reality? Shut down your demons and listen to the soft voice inside. What is she/he revealing to you? I say you are so worth it. And the moment you love yourself, unapologetically, wholly, and kindly, you are unlimited.

This is my summer body. It is my winter body. My autumn body. My spring body. It doesn’t need changing. This is a body that carries me through life. I never weigh myself, and I never will, and if my body changes, I am ok with it. I aim to love myself regardless of my shape. A life controlled my calories is not a life I want to live.

Yes, I have fat on my body. I have rolls when I bend and move. My belly has a pooch and it squishes over my jeans when I sit down. When I exercise, my tummy gets flat, and when I eat, my tummy gets full. My legs spread out when I sit, and they jiggle when I run miles and miles.

But I love my body, every inch of it. Even when I don’t like it sometimes, I still love it. And I am still loved by so many. Bodies can be whatever they want to be and I wouldn't have me any other way. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to do as my shirt says and CARB UP.

“Losing weight is not your life’s work, and counting calories is not the call of your soul. You surely are destined for something much greater, much bigger, than shedding 20 pounds or tallying calories. What would happen if, instead of worrying about what you had for breakfast, you focused instead on becoming exquisitely comfortable with who you are as a person? Instead of scrutinizing yourself in the mirror, looking for every bump and bulge, you turned your gaze inward?” – Lisa Turner