Life in the Fast Layne

This post may be almost 2 months late, but I couldn't skip it. The year of the Hill House was too important. As many of you already know, last year was my first year living in a house without my parents. I lived with 5 other people (Meredith, Tyler, Travis, Joe and Eddy) in a 4 bedroom house very close to the Big House. The house was small, and not in the best condition, but that didn't stop us from having some extraordinary times. I think the best way to explain the house is through pictures from the year. First, meet the housemates: Tyler Travis Ed Joe Meredith Now welcome to the Hill House: Here's Meredith in the living room the day we moved in. The couch looks lovely here. It didn't stay like that for long. Here's our room on the rare day that both of us had our sides clean. This is a more realistic representation of our room... We hosted several events at our house. Including: My birthday party Travis

This may be a reoccurring post, or it might not be. But for now, here's just a few things that make my world go round. 1. Lentils. High in protein and fiber. Need I say more? I like them with olive oil, garlic and balsamic vinegar. But I used them instead of ground beef in tacos and it was pretty rockin'. Lentils with curried chicken= Double protein. 2. Reef flip flops. I just love them. I buy a pair almost every summer and I wear them until I wear through the sole. 3. Shellac manicures. Mark my words, I will never get a shellac manicure ever again in my life. Shellac manicures dry instantly and they actually last for 2 weeks. In 2 weeks my nails go through a lot. I go to the pool, wash a lot of dishes, etc. Shellac is the way to go. This color is called "I Eat Mainly Lobster." I thought it was fun for the wind down of Summer. 4. Under Armour. I mean I like Nike and Reebok too, but I just LOVE Under Armour. Maybe I'm biased because it's a Balti

So Monday afternoon I was taking advantage of my day off and I decided that I would highlight my hair. Yes, I am a natural blonde but I put in highlights to keep it looking fresh. I was up in my room pulling hair through a cap with a crochet needle (ladies, you know the drill) when I hear my name called. My roommateTravis had overslept his alarm for his pre-work nap and wanted me to drive him so he wouldn't be too late. Of course I did it even though I looked like this. Just when I'm not being too embarrassing, something like this strikes. I hope you have a lovely week full of glamorous driving.

This past Friday was the first day that I had off since the 4th of July. Tired and ready for an adventure, I googled "Best Beaches in Michigan" and picked one that wasn't too far from Ann Arbor. I left early Friday morning and ended up in Saugatuck, Michigan around 11. Saugatuck is on the Western side of Michigan on the Kalamazoo river. It's known for being near the river and Lake Michigan and having lots of art galleries. When I got there I shopped around a bit and then decided to head to Oval Beach. Lake Michigan was really beautiful. I couldn't believe how much it resembled the ocean. It was really windy on the beach so I didn't stay long. I drove back to Saugatuck for some lunch and a little more browsing and then I decided to head home. The solo day trip was a great way to relax, decompress and explore some more of the mitten state. I'd like to take a big trip by myself one day. But baby steps for now! Have you ever been on a solo trip?

For being a relatively small city in the midwest, Ann Arbor has fantastic food. I made it a personal goal for my 4 years here to become an expert on the cuisine so that I can recommend places to other people in future years. I'm well on my way and yesterday definitely pushed me towards my goal. Taste of Ann Arbor is a yearly festival where a bunch of local restaurants come together to let you sample their foods. They close down the streets and you buy tickets to get a taste from the different vendors. From the top left we tried: 1. Caprese salad from Gratzi 2. Lentils and chicken from Blue Nile 3. Mini cupcakes from the Cupcake Station 4. Strawberry Cream Puff from La Dolce Vita 5. Pasta from Argerio's 6. Jerk chicken and plantains from The Jamaican Jerk Pit 7. Truffles from Schkload It was so nice to be able to sample the foods of Ann Arbor and listen to some great local bands. I can't wait to come back again next year! What's your favorite

Since I've been doing Wednesday confessions, I haven't really let you know what I've been up to in the month of May. Here's some of the highlights. We started off commissioning the Seniors to be Ensigns and 2nd Lieutenants in the Navy and Marine Corps. All of the rising Juniors minus Rob.  The next day, I went to commencement where the CEO of twitter spoke. Watch his awesome speech here . Putting up the flag for graduation. A few days later we celebrated Meghan's birthday with a nice dinner at Sava's. Happy Birthday Meg! And we went to a Michigan baseball game. And had a bonfire at Aaron's house. Meghan and I went to Cedar Point. Then this past weekend Dolly and Brodie came to visit! And we all went up to Sean's to celebrate Memorial Day on the lake! It's been quite a month. Let's see what June brings us! What was the highlight of your May?

This week is finals week here at U of M. Though I am very against pulling all nighters, I've had quite a few late nights recently. Here are some things that are getting me through the week: 1. The beautiful weather. Campus just comes alive when it's warm out! I can't wait for summer!  2. Pineapple I hate cutting up pineapple but I love eating it. 3. Shopping at the Gap Looking good Milena! 4. Sitting on my porch When it's warm, the porch is like an extra room in our house. The perfect place to enjoy a late dinner. 5. Insomnia Cookies The perfect study snack: fresh out of the oven peanut butter cup cookie. Despite the excess of studying, finals week isn't too bad. What gets you through the end of the summer?

Things here at the University of Michigan are winding down. Given that I am finishing my fourth semester here, I've noticed that for nursing students, the first 2 weeks of the semester are way more stressful than finals week. So, this week I've had plenty of time to relax, watch movies and soak up the sun. Here's what I'm loving this week: 1. Pot Belly's. For those of you who have never been there, it's like a hipster subway, but better. I had never been to one until I came to Ann Arbor but turns out its a chain (there's even one in Baltimore!). Yes, Pot Belly's has delicious food but they also have fantastic service. A few weeks ago I was asking for lettuce and vinaigrette on my sandwich when the man behind the counter just said, "I'll give you whatever you want baby but you have to tell me which sandwich is yours." Gotta love that sass. 2. Adam Scott. But really. How did I never hear of him before?  Well, congratulations Mr.