The Collegiate Vegan

I’ve been planning to give y’all a personal update for a while now, but I was hoping it would include updates more akin to farmer’s markets and vintage thrift stores I’ve found, what’s going on at my job, and maybe even the weather. I never imagined that my next post would be about attacks, bombs, and lives lost…

Boston is my lifeblood. It’s been my home for the last three years, and has enveloped me in loving arms so tightly, that I can hardly remember living anywhere else. I feel a sense of belonging here that I can’t imagine recreating anywhere else. And until yesterday, it was my safe haven.

I decided to walk by the finish line of the marathon after having lunch with a friend further downtown. I had been at the marathon earlier that morning, but the weather was nice and I knew the next wave of runners was supposed to be coming in. There are few things more inspiring than seeing someone finish a marathon, so I decided to head back to the finish line. But the crowds were too much for me, and I decided to walk the long way home- away from the marathon.

When I got home I heard the news, turned on the TV and saw the terror unfolding that I narrowly avoided. I live close to the finish line, and heard the sirens, helicopters, and noise for the rest of the day and into the night. I am extremely blessed to have made it home safely, and everyone I knew involved in the race (volunteering, spectating, and running) went uninjured. But my heart breaks and pours out to all of those affected by this tragedy.

The streets that I knew so well will never look quite the same to me. Today also marks the anniversary of the tragic events at Virginia Tech, which still sting all too much, even six years later (I am originally from Virginia.) But the courageous acts, the compassion I’ve received, and just the good in humanity I’ve seen, are all so inspiring. Thank you to everyone who reached out to me to make sure I was safe, your love means the world to me. Today, and from now on, everyone’s a Hokie, everyone’s a Bostonian, and united we stand. 

I love you, Boston. You’re my home.

So my calendar says spring, but my street says winter. But as a wise person once said, Boston has 5 seasons- pre-winter, winter, post-winter, summer, and that one week in the fall when everyone goes on college tours. So right now I’m stuck in post-winter (pictured below.)
 

Living in this winter wonderland (re: ice box of a city) has not inspired me to create many new recipes. In fact, it’s a miracle if I leave my cozy apartment at all except to find my center in a soothing (stifling) 90 degree yoga studio, to go to work across the river in Cambridge, or to the Thinking Cup after work with the gals (pictured below) to enjoy the most incredible hazeulnut almond milk latte I’ve ever had. I’m not exaggerating, there’s actual crushed hazelnuts IN the latte.

But the 20th has come and passed, and I’m getting hopeful that the snow will soon finally melt, the farmers markets will pop up downtown, and I can flood this blog with recipes the way the melting snow will flood the streets (whenever the sun decides to grace us with her presence.) So stay tuned y’all, I’ve got big plans for spring!

Love and veggies,

Madde

Hey everyone!

I’m doing a project for my research methods class about health apps and it would mean the WORLD to me if you could take just one minute to fill out this survey. Even if you don’t own a smart phone or use health apps (like MyFitnessPal and Fitocracy) your answers are still needed! I’m trying to gather as much data as possible. Thanks so much!

To take the survey, click here!

Love,

Madde (The Collegiate Vegan)

Hey guys! One of my friends suggested I do a raw food challenge, and well, why not? So I’m going to be eating raw vegan for a week, starting Monday June 4th. I’m doing all of my prep work now, checking out recipes and suggestions online. Luckily a lot of farmers markets have kicked off here in Boston for the summer, so I can get my hands on some fresh, local produce.

What I need from y’all now are suggestions. What kind of recipes would you like to see me try? What’s your favorite fruit or vegetable to eat raw? Do you have any questions about eating raw? What would you like to hear from me the most while I complete the challenge?