Semester Dos of the 2016-2017 school year has officially begun. I am a senior. It is already insane. Over the break, I got some gifts, as well, as picked out a few gems to keep me motivated during this ever so stressful semester. Balancing life, school, work, and play is about one of the hardest things that twenty somethings face. I am determined to live well this semester. Although a few meltdowns have already occurred, I keep reminding myself that I am capable and this is a sprint and summer will be a walk.
First things first, I did not meal prep this week; which brutally harmed my budget and my well being because cooking is so relaxing for me. So I meal prepped this morning for lunches, for this weekend because I am just as busy on the weekends as I am on the weekdays. I made a quick turmeric chicken bake with butternut squash and onions. DO IT! It is delicious and easy.
TURNT TURMERIC CHICKEN
ingredients:
2 organic chicken breasts from Primal Pastures (the best, also thanks mom!)
1.5 cups of butternut squash
0.5 a white onion
Salt
Peppa
Turmeric
Steps
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9×13 glass dish (any oven safe dish will do) with olive oil, salt and peppa. I use a ton of peppa because I think it makes everything betta. Okay, I’m done; I will spell pepper correctly from here on out (crosses fingers, no promises). Cut veggies anyway you like to. I roughly cubed them. Each piece was about a 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Butterfly the chicken breasts so that they aren’t too thick and get dried out in the oven. Lay them in the oil, salt, and pepper. Salt and pepper the top of them and flip them over so that they all get marinated in the yumminess. Lightly dash turmeric over both sides of the chicken. Add cut vegetables. Put that pan in the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes or until the juices run clear. And then eat that sucker up!
**Raw chicken is inedible so wash all your utensils and cutting boards very well so that no raw chicken can get you sicky.
Second step in the Keep Emma Alive This Semester handbook is to have one thing that makes you feel productive and pretty. A very sweet friend of mine got me a wonderful ban.do planner for Christmas and I love love love it. I actually keep two planners because I am crazy about lists and schedules. They make the world go round.
It keeps me well organized and has motivational graphics and sayings inside. It is CREATIVE GENUIS. It makes me feel like I have my life together because I really don’t. Inspired Co. made the mug in that photo and it says “You’ve got this”. It is filled with coffee because I need the words and the caffeine to get me through.
Next, I really believe in having one or two items of jewelry that you can rely on. They are pieces that you put on with a t-shirt and jeans and immediately you are cute and comfy. Paired with that, is a good perfume or hand lotion. My hand lotion is from Aesop and it smells like a perfect garden in the woods; which is probably my favorite place to have solitude. That aroma was a perfect gift from my mom this Christmas. It calms me down so well. My necklace is from the Urban Outfitters sale after Christmas and I love it. 
Last thing that keeps me alive in my survival kit is something new. I recently researched Sun Potions. Ashwagandha is a root that helps with emotional well being and immunity defense. There have been a lot of studies on it. Most of the data is just theory. However, theories do come true and the reviews have been very cool. I need emotional well being and immunity defense this semester; as it is day 5 and I already have done 4 hours of homework for syllabus week. Don’t worry I high fived myself so I feel like I will be okay. However, I am eager to see if this helps this semester. I add it to drinks and it dissolves with a healthy whisk and doesn’t have much taste. Something new also helps keep me excited and eager.
So there you have it folks, this is my survival kit! I love it and I am proud of it! I will keep you updated on how the Ashwagandha is working for me. The best part of my survival kit is my team of wonderful friends that encourage, pray, and love me. You guys rock! Keep dry, stay warm, and don’t stress. You got this!
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