Well, last night was a blast! I’m running off five hours of sleep but such things are worth it sometimes – especially in the names of love and friendship. Am I right or am I right?
Before meeting up with Melissa, Raquel, and a few of Raquel’s friends, Matty picked me up. We put on the 90′s Pandora Station (my current obsession) and rocked out to a ton of old favorites. We were especially excited about The Fresh Prince theme song, “Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden, and “Larger Than Life” by the Backstreet Boys. Matty also rapped a good portion of “Gangster’s Paradise” by Coolio. In short, it was the perfect way to start the night.
I had my beloved glass of pinot grigio and we just talked and laughed. Simple fun! The crowd at the first bar we went to was a little too old for our age group so we walked to another one that was close by. Matty and I were the first ones to leave – we’re such old fogies sometimes. 
Nifty Snack
Today is my rest day, and it is certainly welcome. It’s also prep day. I really look forward to prepping for the week! It keeps me organized and energized throughout the week – two things that make me thrive! In the midst of my prepping, I put together a quick and yummy snack.
To make the above snack, I simply put some extra-firm & organic tofu, shredded carrots, and avocado slices in a few cabbage leaves. For my “dressing,” I used Trader Joe’s eggplant garlic spread and a squeeze of lemon. It was super tasty and quite satisfying! I’ve been wanting to try TJ’s eggplant garlic spread for awhile now and I am a total convert. It is absolutely delicious and honors my love for savory items. Mmm mmm mmm!
Follow-Up: Starbucks Will Replace Bug Dye with Plant-Based Source!
(Source)
A few weeks ago, we discussed Starbucks’ use of cochineal extract (beetle derivatives) in its red-colored beverages and bakery items. Daelyn Fortney, co-creator of This Dish is Veg, put together a petition for people to sign, requesting an alternate plant-based additive replace the beetle pieces. Well, 6,692 signatures later, victory has been achieved! Starbucks US president Cliff Burrows announced that the giant coffee chain will now use lycopene (extracted from tomatoes) to color their strawberry beverages and bakery items instead of cochineal extract. The transition is expected to be completed across the US by the end of June, said Burrows. Another great example of how change can create change!
Alright, I’m off to complete a thousand assignments that are due tomorrow. I. Can’t. Wait. For. Graduation. The end!
Stay lovely,
Heather
I am so with you, so ready for graduation! The snack looks super yummy! Hang in there. So close.
Yes – we can do this!!!
That is great that starbucks is changing their dye! That snack looks bomb, so gotta get on the cabbage roll snack. I’ve seen it on quite a few blogs just haven’t done it myself yet! Enjoy the day xo
Definitely give them a try when you can. They’re one of my go-to snacks.
they’re awesome with hummus too!
Food prep is seriously a savior for me throughout the week! That’s awesome that Starbucks is changing that
Couldn’t agree more, Brittany. I know it’s rather daunting to many people but it really is SO worth it.
good luck on all your assignments love! i know you can do it. you’re such a hard worker! you ladies look gorgeous in those pics. i love melissa’s new brunette look! now your hair colors really cover the whole spectrum!
Thank you, babe! I am so exhausted but I know the end is near. Hahaha, you’re right – we do cover all the hair-related bases now.
I read an article about this. Go starbucks!
Amen, brotha!