Apartment Meals I Actually Eat

At the beginning of the year, I was so excited to have an apartment with a full kitchen so I could cook all of my meals. However, now the charm of having a kitchen has sort of worn off and I'm becoming pretty lazy when it comes to cooking. Being healthy is fairly easy in Los Angeles because everything seems to be gluten, dairy, and sugar-free. However, I tend to get really lazy when it comes to cooking because I want something fast, easy and fairly healthy. These are a few of my absolute favorite meals to make because they have all three of those qualities!

Avo toast + an egg
I actually just recently learned how to fry an egg and I'm really excited about it! Avocado toast is one of my go-to's because it's the best thing ever and semi-healthy. I usually keep my bread in the freezer so it doesn't go bad because I don't eat it quickly enough. Usually, I'll scramble one or two eggs and put them on the side or on top of the toast w/ a bit of salt + pepper! So easy and yummy.

Chicken, rice + brussel sprouts
This is one of my absolute favorite dinners. I used to buy fresh chicken breast, however, I never ate all of it and it would always go bad. I swear, half the battle of cooking in college is using up all the ingredients I buy! Now I buy frozen chicken (or tilapia) and cook it as needed. The Trader Joe's brown rice pouches are the best and cook in 3 minutes. For the sprouts, I cut them in half and season with olive oil, salt and pepper. I cook for 20 minutes or until crispy!

Tilapia tacos
Tacos are a go-to when hosting people in the apartment because they're really easy and can be made in bulk. I buy tilapia frozen and bake it for 15 minutes seasoned with salt, pepper and a bit of Trader Joe's seasoning. I eat it on corn tortillas with a bit of chipotle mayo, lettuce, cheese and avocado!

My favorite salads
I'm actually a huge salad enthusiast, and really like them when they have the right ingredients. I have two salads that I'm going to share with you that are absolutely amazing.

Fiesta salad - I used mixed greens in pretty much all of my salads, I usually like a blend of spinach and arugula. I add in some black beans, roasted corn, roasted onions, roasted red peppers, avocado and crushed tortilla chips on top. I use TJ's sriracha ranch for dressing!

Caesar salad - One of my favorite things to add on top of my salad is homemade croutons. I buy the mini loaf of pretzel bread from TJ's and chop it up into cubes. I season it with olive oil, salt + pepper and bake it in the oven at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until crispy. Again, I used mixed greens, grilled chicken, parmesan cheese and these homemade croutons. I top it off with the Bolthouse Farms yogurt caesar dressing. Not the healthiest salad, but definitely delicious!

I'm always looking for new recipes to try in my teeny tiny kitchen. Please share with me below. What's a meal you actually make that you love?

Xoxo

10 Fun Facts About Me

I've been at sort of a standstill with what to write on this blog. I used to never even think about what to write, it would always come naturally to me. However, recently I've been feeling a bit uninspired. So, if you're new around here, or you're a loyal reader but don't feel like you know enough about me here are ten fun facts!

1.  I'm a video editing junkie. I've always loved to edit videos on iMovie when I was a kid, and I practically documented my entire childhood on that application. Even still I love filming when I visit a new city or when out exploring with friends. I got Final Cut Pro X for my birthday and it's been so fun to play with because it is infinitely better than iMovie.

2. YouTube is a disgustingly prominent element in my life. I've been a YouTube addict for as long as I can remember discovering the site. I'm subscribed to well over 100 channels and watch at least an hour of videos each day. Where I go to school is actually really close to the YouTube space and when I saw it for the first time I kind of freaked out!

3. I am a huge procrastinator. I don't think I've ever been someone to get things done well before they are due. I remember doing my book reports as a kid the night before and staying up until 10 pm while my mom got angry at me for delaying it until the last minute. Even in college, I'm guilty of pulling all-nighters because I have no sense of getting things done early.

4. I rarely wear makeup. Personally, I hate the feeling of makeup on my face. And I am not ashamed at all to go out barefaced, or with just a swipe of mascara. People probably think I am constantly tired (the bags under my eyes are intense) or sick, but I really don't care. I like my skin to breathe!

5. The weather often controls my mood. Part of the reason I love living in California so much is that every day I wake up and it's sunny. Chicago is such a great city, but I tend to become lazy and uninspired when it is often cold and dreary out.

6. I am always listening to music. When Spotify did their yearly recaps for each of their users I had listened to over 80,000 minutes in the past year. I listen to music while I do everything and I've really discovered some of the best music since I've been in college. If you're interested, follow me on Spotify here.

7. I have two siblings. This might be obvious for people, but I thought it'd be fun to include if you never knew! My older sister, Kristen, is 22 and goes to school in Chicago, but is graduating come spring. My younger brother, Brian, is 17 and a senior in high school.

8. I love kombucha. My sister has been a kombucha addict for so long and I finally tried it during my senior year of high school. Thankfully, living in LA kombucha is everywhere and even on tap at my school's local coffee shop.

9. I'm much more of a computer addict than a phone addict. I've broken my phone numerous times, and always put off getting a new one due to cost or (honestly) pure laziness. I cannot go a day without my computer I literally sleep with it, but I don't care about my phone at all. And honestly, I hate Snapchat ;(

10. I'm obsessed with chickpeas. This is a more recent obsession and you're probably like whyyy. But I swear, roasted chickpeas are the greatest thing! I simply crack open a can of chickpeas, lay them on some tin foil on a cookie sheet, sprinkle them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder and cook for 35 minutes. They're crunchy like chips but packed with protein and fiber!

I want this to be something that is reciprocated! Now that I told you about me, I want to hear about you. What's a fun fact about yourself? Share with me below. 

Xoxo

My Christmas Wishlist 2018

This year for Christmas I really have two things I'm asking for. If you haven't realized by now, I'm absolutely awful at managing money. So, this year for Christmas I'm really only asking for my parents to pay my sorority dues (which at the current moment I so cannot afford). Another major thing on my list was a facial because my skin has been so terrible this year and I want to get it cleaned up and refreshed. However, I still wanted to compile a fun little list of things I'd so love to receive. Obviously this list is incredibly unrealistic and I am not expecting at all to receive any of these gifts. But, I wanted to use this as sort of a 'dream Christmas wishlist'. Without further adieu, here's some things I'm dreaming of this Christmas.

Fjallraven Kanken // I bought a mini version of this backpack this summer and I am very eager to purchase another one. The backpack is such good quality and fits so much, even the small version! I think having one of these while studying abroad would be perfect and I always get so many compliments when I wear it.

Cameras // Okay, do not think I'm asking for two cameras for Christmas! I'm not! But, in a dream Christmas, I would love to receive these cameras. I've had this camera for four years now and I've been thinking about selling it and upgrading to something with a bit better quality. I've also been eyeing a potential vlogging camera - okay, in all honesty, I probably never will vlog but this camera is really great because it delivers high quality, but is also so portable.

Accessories // I couldn't write this post without including the coveted Gucci belt. I've been seeing these everywhere on Instagram, and all over LA, and they are so adorable. Not planning on actually getting one, considering $450 is a bit much for a belt, but they are so stylish. I've been on the prowl for a great crossbody and I've been loving these Pop & Suki camera bags. They come in so many colors and are totally personalizable. Oh, and I actually do need these sunglasses because I had them for a year before I lost them!

I'm eager to hear now...what's on your Christmas list? Mine is sort of a compilation of everything I've pretty much ever wanted. But, aside from big-ticket items, there aren't a ton of small things I want this year, so I'm hoping to be surprised!

Can you believe there's only a week until Christmas! I need to finish my shopping...

Xoxo

Why Rush A Sorority?

Sorority recruitment is quickly approaching for schools that rush second semester! I still am totally lost on the entire process even though I will soon be going through recruitment on the other end of things this year! My sorority is starting recruitment practices very soon and I know it will be a very strenuous process, but also so much fun to bond with my sisters. I always hated when people wrote posts like this but didn't share what sorority they were a part of and where. So, for reference, I am a Pi Beta Phi at Loyola Marymount University.

I know that going through sorority recruitment is such a grueling process and definitely something that is mentally exhausting. However, it is something I very strongly encourage, especially if you're on the fence about it. With this being Thanksgiving week as well, I wanted to share my experience of being in Pi Phi and why I'm so grateful.

Last year I was so eager to rush a sorority and went to all the open houses that each of the seven chapters held at LMU. In a sense, this might not have been the best idea because I went into recruitment with a particular sorority in mind. And no, it was not Pi Phi. I strongly advise you to go into sorority recruitment with a vastly open mind. Things change quickly and you most likely will be dropped from at least one house that you really liked. It might not be because they disliked you, but most likely they saw you in another chapter.

I remember after joining Pi Phi I was so excited! Two of my best friends from LMU also joined the same sorority and I couldn't wait to make so many new friends and have that feeling of sisterhood in my life. However, as much as I liked all the girls in my chapter I felt somewhat distant from them. My best friend at school who I lived right next door to wasn't interested in getting as involved in the sorority as I was. I felt that it was difficult to get acquainted with others because it's quite nervewracking to do things completely on your own. Sometimes you just need to show up to events with someone to feel a bit more comfortable. Without having her I felt lost and didn't go to many events. She is also the type of person that can meet someone for thirty minutes and instantly connect with them and be best friends. I, on the other hand, take a bit longer to get to know so having that competition was always difficult.

However coming back to the fall this semester I was determined to make the most of being in my sorority. I wasn't going to let her disinterest in getting involved affect my strong desire to participate. With lip sync, our big Greek competition, happening the first week of school I decided to help with props for that. I helped with the filming and editing of our sorority recruitment video. I decided to join our Greek Cup football team. I attempted to spend more time with my Big. I went to pretty much any event that we did throughout this first semester.

It was these small things that made all the difference in my sorority experience. I have found that you truly do get out of a sorority what you put in. Being on my sorority's football team really changed my Pi Phi experience. Having 6:00 am practices for three weeks straight you become so much closer to both your sisters and your coaches. I went from considering dropping at the beginning of the semester, to being unable to imagine my life without my sorority sisters. They are such a solid group of friends with different personalities, but the same core values.

Don't let the small things discourage you and make the extra effort to be involved. It can be difficult, especially when you don't have a house like my chapter, but is so worth it in the long run. I am so grateful for this semester's experience as a Pi Phi and I can't wait to see what the next two and a half years of college bring.

Go Greek and find your home. 

Xoxo

Weekend Recap

Wow, how is it already October? Also, I'm turning 20 on Friday and I seriously can't believe it! I thought when I turned 18 I was old, but now I'm seriously getting old. In fact, I'm no longer going to be a teenager. On another note, I wanted to share a typical weekend in my life here at LMU. 

Friday I get out of class at 11:20 so usually the day goes one of two ways. Either I am feeling super motivated and clean my apartment and work on homework. Or, I spend the day doing something fun like going to the beach or going shopping! This Friday I had a meeting with a professor and then football practice for my sorority's Greek Week before my friend from out of town was to arrive. Choosing to join the football team seemed like so much fun, but with 6:00 am practices all week I'm starting to re-think it all. But I still think it will be so fun once it's time for the game!

When my friend Anna from home arrived (she drove to LA from Arizona State where she goes to school) we grabbed dinner real quick and then headed back to my apartment for Pi Phi date night. The theme was "A Royal Affair" so we went as Sam and Austin from A Cinderella Story. Our costumes were such a hit and everyone was thoroughly impressed with our creativity. The night was really fun overall, but super exhausting.

Anna left early the next day to go tailgate at USC, while I relaxed the majority of the day and spent my time enjoying having the apartment to myself. While home I have the luxury of having a wing of the house to myself, aside from sharing a bathroom with my brother, but in college, space is definitely minimal. So, I take every chance I can get to sneak in a bit of alone time. 

Saturday night I went to my friend Gaia's date night for Delta Zeta and it was another super fun evening. Their theme was "Out of this World" so we went as basic space girls. I personally liked her venue and overall date night better than my own, but I think I was just in a better mood on Saturday night. 

Sunday was spent hanging out with my roommates and overall just relaxing before diving into my homework after going to chapter. This is honestly pretty accurate to a typical weekend in my life, but usually, I like to add something a little more exciting during the day on Saturday, especially a run to the Farmer's Market near my campus. 

This Friday is my 20th birthday and we happen to have the day off of school. I'm looking forward to going to dinner on Wednesday with a few friends before I head to San Diego with two other friends to celebrate our long weekend and my birthday!

Xoxo

Welcome Back To ASAK

Mood because my site is officially mine!!

If you didn't realize...my site is now officially asprinkleofkate.com!! I've been waiting to purchase my domain for quite some time, thinking I might re-brand, but I realized that ASAK is just so me. I've had this blog for over three years now and I thought it was the first step to really stepping up my blogging game. These past two years have definitely not been my finest when it comes to blogging, but I am determined to perfect my craft and work on really developing my personal brand. After all, something along the lines of writing and being creative is essentially what I see myself doing in the future.

Blogging is something I used to love dearly and I always enjoyed my time spent writing for my own site. I so vividly remember writing my first blog Preppy Daily and blogging about Gossip Girl characters, my latest finds and even giving birthday shout-outs to family members and friends. I have come such a long way in those days, and ASAK truly encompasses my personality and where I am at this point in my life. Moving to California has not only broadened my fashion horizons but also challenged me in many ways socially and definitely economically. However, I have never fully taken advantage of documenting the lifestyle I get to have in LA. The best part about going to school in LA is that there is no shortage of things to do. LMU is incredibly centrally located in Los Angeles that you're never far from something exciting. This year school has definitely been more of a priority as classes become more difficult, but I never want life to get in the way of my blogging career.

So, with all that said I introduce to you the new A Sprinkle of Kate. From now on you're going to see more consistent posts, better photos, and even videos. I've been really into movie-making for quite some time and always wanted to start a YouTube channel, but could never quite bite the bullet. However, I'm ready to better this site because it has not been exactly what I want it to be for the past two years. Cheers to the betterment of ASAK and I hope you stick with me on this journey.

Xoxo

3 Easy Apartment Meals

Living in an apartment has opened a whole new world of cooking for me. At home I typically get super lazy and end up having my mom make me something (so needy) or just going out and buying something. I made a promise to myself this year that I would cook as many of my meals as possible and only eat out for a treat. Last year I ate out constantly because I hated the food on campus. But, this year it's so much more fun (and affordable) to cook here at home! It's definitely been trial and error in what works and what doesn't in terms of cooking, but I've been striving to make new and exciting (and also healthy!) meals. Here are three super easy and relatively healthy meals you can make in your apartment.