Sum-It-Up Sunday : Week #2

Hello all!

It's been another wonderful week here at St. Mike's. We're getting into the groove with classes, new routines, and the winter season (even though it hasn't felt very wintry lately!).

On Friday, Jared and I went to Longhorn with my brother Colin and Isabel, who both go to Champlain College!

One of the great things about going to school in an area with lots of other colleges (like UVM and Champlain!) is that it's super easy to get together with any friends or family you have who attend there!

Yay for candids!! Always make sure the other person is done chewing before you spring a photo-op on them.

This weekend, we spent another lovely Saturday at Smuggler's Notch, our winter weekend go-to spot.

It was another great day out on the slopes!

Post-skiing snack!! If you don't think these things are the best, you're wrong.

Hope you all have a great week! Stay tuned for the next What-to-Know Wednesday on the 3rd!

Let's Connect!
Instagram: @claire_cavanaugh
Twitter: @CavanaughClaire
E-mail: ccavanaugh2@mail.smcvt.edu

What-to-Know Wednesday : Studious Snacks!

Between those trips to the dining hall, most of us need a little something extra throughout the day. Unfortunately, most of us don't have a full kitchen and stocked pantry's worth of snacking options, much less the budget to make that happen. Fortunately, however, there's plenty of quick, easy, generally good for you, cheap snack options out there that put Ramen and Easy Mac to shame!!

These are a few things that I like to keep on hand in my dorm. Whether you try out this exact list or put your own spin on it, just remember to investigate different options and that you never have to settle for those stereotypical college snacks (unless you're particularly into those, of course)!

1.) Instant Oatmeal

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 Instant oatmeal is a quick, tasty, and healthy mid-morning snack! It's super easy to find wherever you choose to do your shopping, and they come in a variety of yummy flavors! So far my favorites are Maple & Brown Sugar and Banana Nut Protein.

2.) Energy/Granola Bars

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Energy bars are quick, easy, portable snacks that you can toss in your bag if you're on the go, or enjoy at your leisure whenever you feel like it! My personal favorite is Lara Bars. They come in a ton of different flavors, and they're only made with a handful of real ingredients like various fruits and nuts. These can be a little trickier to find, but I've always had good luck at Hannaford.


3.) Cold Cuts 

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If you're looking for something a little bit more substantial or possibly a quick lunch to take on the go, there's nothing better than making a quick turkey or ham and cheese roll-up to tide you over! I like to grab fresh cold cuts at the deli in Hannaford instead of the packaged stuff. That way, I get to control the amount I get, and let's face it- it's just better! Depending on how much you rely on these as an option, about 1/4 - 1/2 pound will get you through the week easy!

4.) Goodies from home

There's nothing better than a homemade brownie! More specifically, there's nothing better than these homemade brownies. Check out this awesome recipe from my go-to YouTube channel for whenever I'm looking to get inventive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWXcZcWufFE

Naturally, this one is my favorite. It's definitely the more indulgent option, but hey- you only get these every once in a while!

At the end of each break, I like to make either cookies, brownies, or something completely new to bring back with me to school for when I'm looking to get a little more adventurous with my snacking! They'll only last for a couple of weeks (depending on if you share, which you should!!), but they make for an awesome weekday reward for all your hard work, and it's a fun little project to get into at the end of every break!


Happy snacking, and stay tuned for the next Sum-It-Up Sunday on the 31st!



Let's Connect!
Instagram: @claire_cavanaugh
Twitter: @CavanaughClaire
E-mail: ccavanaugh2@mail.smcvt.edu

Sum-It-Up Sunday : Week #1

Hello all!

It's been a wonderful first week of the spring semester here at SMC. With some fresh snow on the ground, the rush of new classes and the anticipation of the weeks to come, it's definitely been an eventful week!

I missed these VT sunsets!

Snowy walks back from Sloane, St. Mike's' second dining hall on North Campus. Make a reservation to order off a menu and have a more leisurely dinner that's still part of the meal plan!

Our first Smugg's trip of the year! It was a great day to start off the season. It's not too late to grab a student pass for only $65, the best deal you'll find around here!

It was a beautiful day with lots of snow, some sun, and limited crowds! I'm looking forward to enjoying the rest of the season.

I hope you all had a wonderful first week back, and to all you prospective students, I hope you're looking forward to these beautiful VT winters as much as I'm enjoying the start of this one!

Stay tuned for the next What-to-Know Wednesday on the 27th!




Let's Connect!
Instagram: @claire_cavanaugh
Twitter: @CavanaughClaire
E-mail: ccavanaugh2@mail.smcvt.edu

What-to-Know Wednesday : a Guide to 8 AMs

So you signed up for an 8 AM class! Congratulations, you're braver than most.

After starting classes somewhere around 7:30 all through high school, an 8 AM class probably sounds like a day at the beach to all you prospective students. But here at SMC, it's the earliest class of the day, and certainly not a time slot to be taken lightly.

But if you do happen to be signed up for an 8 AM (chances are it'll just happen once or twice whether or not you want it to), know that there are certainly pros to all the cons, and there are ways to make it a bearable, and dare I say enjoyable morning! Take note below...

1.) Get some extra sleep!

In the past, you may have gotten used to late night Netflix binges, working on that paper through the wee hours of the morning, and generally sacrificing your well being with a hefty dependence on your morning cup (or cups) of coffee. But I've said it before and I'll say it again- not even the strongest brew can mimic the results of a full night's sleep! Make a habit out of tucking in at a reasonable hour, especially before those 8 AM mornings. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel, both on your way to class and throughout the class itself.

2.) Plan ahead!

The last thing you'll want to be doing when that alarm goes off is stumbling around for your outfit, books, assignments, etc. Prepare and organize everything the night before to make it easy on yourself the following morning. 

3.) Put in a little effort!

If you roll out of bed, throw up your hair and pull on your go-to sweats, chances are you'll feel as sluggish as you look when you roll into class. Take a little extra time to get in the shower, put on real pants, and maybe even give those lashes a little mascara boost. I promise you'll feel the difference!

4.) Get breakfast!

It can be really easy to just hit snooze, grab a cup of coffee on your way out and call it a day. But you'll feel so much better after even a quick breakfast at Alliot! Not only will you be fueled better for class, but making a trip to Alliot will also give you a little more of a chance to wake up before you go sit in front of your professor for the next hour.


Good luck!
 



Let's Connect!
Instagram: @claire_cavanaugh
Twitter: @CavanaughClaire
E-mail: ccavanaugh2@mail.smcvt.edu

Sum-It-Up Sunday : Christmas Break 2015/2016

Hello all, and happy 2016!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas/New Year's/vacation/first snow, etc.! With the spring semester officially starting with tomorrow's classes, I'm psyched to be sharing a video overview of my break with you today (in place of what would probably be hundreds of photos!). 

Hope you enjoy, and be sure to stay tuned for the first What-to-Know Wednesday of the semester on the 20th!

Let's Connect!
Instagram: @claire_cavanaugh
Twitter: @CavanaughClaire
E-mail: ccavanaugh2@mail.smcvt.edu

What-to-Know Wednesday : Library Etiquette During Finals Week

Hello all!

I hope finals week is going smoothly for everyone. We're almost there! Just a few more days to go. And if you're looking for any extra motivation, look no further than the @knightlifeVT Instagram! I'm heading up the account this week through Sunday, so if you haven't been following along yet, it's not too late to start!

As you know, this will be my final post of the semester!! Stories of St. Mike's will be going dark until spring semester starts, but be sure to tune in then for my video overview of Christmas break! 

Anyway, let's get down to business.

You'll never find the library and academic buildings as packed as you will during finals week. Tensions are high, and everyone has something to study for. That being said, it's important that you follow a few unwritten rules of decorum in any and all study spaces. Take note!


1.) Silence Those Phones!

No offense, but no one came to the library to listen to the incessant buzzing of your group chat. Skip vibrate and go straight to silent...please and thank you! You'll avoid upsetting a lot of already stressed, tense study-ers.


2.) Saving Seats Is Not Cool

We get it...it's tough to nail down a room in the academic buildings or a space in the library when literally everyone is running around trying to snag their favorite spot. But not only is leaving your stuff in an empty room while you go to Alliot a little risky (your laptop is in plain view, people!!), but it's also pretty rude. If you're leaving the room, you're giving up the room!


3.) Private Rooms vs. Shared Spaces

If you're heading to the library for a group study sesh, be mindful of where you decide to set up camp. Chances are you're going to be chatting at least a little, so don't inconvenience all the solo study-ers in the silent area. A private room in the library or a classroom in the academic buildings is far more suitable!


Good luck, happy studying, and happy holidays!! See you in 2016!




Let's Connect!
Instagram: @claire_cavanaugh
Twitter: @CavanaughClaire
E-mail: ccavanaugh2@mail.smcvt.edu

Sum-It-Up Sunday : Week #15

Hello all!

It's been a wonderful last week of classes here at St. Mike's. Finals start tomorrow, and you know what that means...this marks the last Sum-It-Up Sunday of the semester! As always, it's been a great experience blogging to you, whoever you are, over these past fifteen weeks! I look forward to sharing my Christmas break with you at the start of spring semester. But in the meantime, you can still stay tuned this What-to-Know Wednesday for the semester's final post. Here's how I spent my last full week of the fall semester!

This Friday, I celebrated my 21st birthday! Jared's mom sent along a box filled with everything we needed to make a cake, from the hand mixer to the sprinkles! Additionally, my parents gave me a great pair of hiking boots, which I desperately needed!! Come spring, we'll be taking those mountains again in style (and much better prepared)!

Walking down Church Street to my birthday dinner. It's at its most festive this time of year! I love when it gets lit up for the holiday season.

Yesterday, we tried Sneakers Bistro in the Winooski Circle for the first time! Despite the hour-long wait (yes, an hour...for breakfast...), we got some great coffee and even better food.

Well folks, it's about that time. Good luck with finals week!!

This week, I'll be taking over the St. Mike's student-run Instagram account, so be sure to follow @knightlifeVT !! I'll be posting different parts of my week here at St. Mike's, even though it won't be a typical one!

See you there!



Let's Connect!
Instagram: @claire_cavanaugh
Twitter: @CavanaughClaire
E-mail: ccavanaugh2@mail.smcvt.edu