All right, so tonight’s blog post is going to be super short because I am exhausted. As you’ll notice by the title, September 1st was move in day for my roommate, Kelly, and me. I unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) did not get pictures of the debacle, but I’m okay with that. We had asked a couple of friends for move-out help (we offered bribes!) but come move-out day, only one of our friends was able to help us. So it was just us and him… and let me tell you, moving a bed, dresser, TV, couch, desk, etc. is HEAVY when there are only three people!
When it came time to move Kelly’s huge, heavy TV, I got really nervous. I didn’t want anyone to hurt themselves while moving the TV, so in my desperation, I found some guy outside who was chillin’ with his beer and cigs. I offered him beer Kelly and I had bought as bribes to help us move the TV, and he was a nice guy anyway, so he was extra happy to help! With him, Kelly, our friend Eric, and me, we were able to move the TV safe and sound into our rental U-Haul.
The next day, our other friend was able to help us out (he had work the day before), so the four of us moved our stuff into our new place. Well… Kelly and I actually cleaned the apartment and sorted the stuff while our friends brought everything in. We live on the second floor now, so let’s just say the guys totally earned the dinner and drinks we bought them that same night!!
One of the most productive things I’ve done lately, other than move things into my new room and around our new apartment, has been cooking! My Mom bought me Lindsay Nixon’s Happy Herbivore cookbook, after I checked it out at the library and decided it was a must-have in my cookbook repertoire, and recently I decided I had the time, inclination, and space to actually cook.
Yesterday, a good friend of mine was throwing a potluck, and I chose to make the Mexican Dip from the cookbook. It called for only a few ingredients, among them a bell pepper, white kidney beans, and black beans, as well as nutritional yeast! I had never cooked with nutritional yeast before, though I had heard it lends a cheesy flavor to things, so I was really excited to try it.
Long story short? The bean dip was a huge hip, and I got compliments on it all night. I left the leftover bean dip at my friends’ house so she and her husband could finish it, and she texted me today telling me again that her husband absolutely loved the bean dip and ended up finishing it all himself. Hooray!!
This morning, I decided I would tackle the Happy Herbivore’s Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins, which Nixon referred to as an easily transportable version of oatmeal. I love blueberries, oatmeal and muffins, so this was all a win-win for me. I was half-awake when I made them, so I only remembered to take one photo… after I had already put the muffins in the oven to cook.
Some of the ingredients inside these delicious muffins: blueberries and pure maple syrup!
Just like the bean dip, these muffins were also a big hit. Kelly got up right after the muffins came out of the oven, so she was really psyched to see I had made us breakfast. Yum!! Little did she know, before the muffins were done, I also snacked on some real, hot oatmeal, along with fresh strawberries and orange juice.
I think I got a little over zealous with the strawberries, hmm?
I’m actually feeling quite under the weather today, so I’m off to an early bed, perhaps an early rise, and then have to go to work tomorrow. I plan on finishing up my internship evaluation at my friend’s house, so there’s lots to do! Must get better!
I’ve moved several times–too many to count & don’t wish that stress on anyone! but hoping you settle in quickly & enjoy the new place! Glad you and your friends are also liking the cookbook! Those muffins sound good right about now!
Thanks so much! Yeah, I think we’re almost done moving in… we’re planning on throwing an ‘apartment-warming’ party in a week or so.
The cookbook is absolutely amazing– my roommate is already demanding I make the banana bread next! 