Hey friends! I simply can not wipe the smile off of my face today. Seriously, just writing that title made me giddy! Today I am home-bound for the next five weeks and I couldn’t be happier. 
(Like my t-shirt? Brandon’s friends Lauren and Rob gave it to me when I moved! Maine-er for life!)
The last couple of weeks were pretty stressful due to having 4 finals, so I’m thrilled to be done. It is a great feeling to have my first semester of pre-requisites completed, and if I never see a library again, I’ll be happy girl. This was me in the library Monday-Friday last week: 
LOL. Don’t I look thrilled? I am SO looking forward to not touching a textbook over the next month-and-a-half. Thankfully, I survived exam week with the help of exercise breaks, a study buddy (hi Kristina!), lots of coffee, nutritious food, and help from Brandon around the house and in the kitchen. These were the highlights of my study weeks:
A fruit&yogurt cookie for a Saturday studying treat
Keeping hydrated while studying: water, cappuccino, iced coffee. #necessities
A healthy-homemade dinner of pork with apples; recipe coming soon : –)
A pretty cappuccino 
A much-needed running break!
Another highlight of the week was Brandon’s baking. Among other talents, he is seriously quite the pastry chef. Just look at this homemade angel food cake strawberry shortcake he made over the weekend: 
Let me tell you, after having homemade angel food cake, I’m not sure I’ll be able to revert back to the boxed version ever again. It was light, fluffy, and perfect!
Anyway, after my last exam yesterday, I rewarded myself with two of my favorite things: a pedicure and a little shopping to prepare for my trip. Does it get any better than a pedicure and shopping? I think not. Followed by a dinner-out with B, it was the perfect celebration to the end of the semester.
And after a day of packing, I’m officially USA BOUND! See you from home, friends : –)
Do you like angel food cake?
I love it, despite being a huge chocolate lover!
What do you do to keep busy on long flights (besides sleeping?)
I have 36 hours ahead of me and I need some new ideas!
