home – Laur’s Truly

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In case you haven’t noticed…

Posted on October 12, 2015July 16, 2016 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

Hello strangers!

Once again, it’s been way too long since my last post.

I’m swamped with papers, studying for midterms, applying to jobs, and enjoying senior year festivities, but this long weekend I came home to run a half marathon!

I’m hoping to write a full race recap sooner rather than later, so be on the lookout for that!

I haven’t posted in ages, but I haven’t forgotten about blogging. In fact, I’ve been Instagramming daily for the last couple months, and I have tons of blog post ideas for the (hopefully near) future.

And in case you didn’t notice… I have done something for the little old blog recently…

Continue reading “In case you haven’t noticed…” →

Could Not Have Picked a Better Place

Posted on January 7, 2015 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

Well, hello, hello! Or should I say “Ciao!”

It has been quite some time since we last spoke… Too long, in fact!

As some of you may know, I spent the semester abroad in Florence, Italy! It was the trip of a lifetime, and one that I really wish I could have brought you along for (as I had planned :/).

Unfortunately (or should I say, “fortunately”), I was craaazy busy with exploring Florence, taking classes, and traveling all around Europe. It was a truly incredible, life-changing experience that I am beyond grateful for.

That said, having such a jam-packed schedule (in the best way possible) meant the first thing I had to let go of was blogging. I was devastated to have to do this since this would have been the perfect place to document the amazing ride I was on.

Luckily, not posting on here certainly did not mean I forgot about my blog, or all the exciting changes I was ready to make to it! Noooo sir. Throughout the four months I spent in Europe, I journaled about my adventures, continued writing ideas for posts (lots of WIAWs!), and took a gazillion pics (for my own albums and to share with family and friends, but also to share with you guys)! Oh, and I don’t know if you noticed, but I did manage to Instagram quite a bit!

So, even though I wasn’t able to update you on all my trips and daily happenings as I had dreamed about doing (and still wish I could’ve done)…

I am b a c k and ready to tell you a l l about it!!

So get ready, because it’s about to get a whole lot more fabulous around here. (Did you miss my cheesiness? No? Didn’t think so…😉)

Screen Shot 2015-01-07 at 12.47.10 AM — Back home, and ready to fill you in!

Anywho, to start off I’m actually zooming ahead to my final week in Florence. The following post is a reflection piece I wrote for a class about my experience as a whole right before leaving in mid-December. Since being home, I changed it to the past tense, since I am obviously no longer there :(.

Without further adieu, I hope you enjoy this slightly different version of What I Ate Wednesday! As always, thank you Jenn for hosting – I am so glad to be back at the party!

Stay tuned for more abroad recaps – there is plenty more food, Florence (+ 8 other countries!) photos, fashion, and fun stories where this came from!

“Ciao belle! Panini, insalate, or tagliere per tre tonight?”

“Tagliere per tre, grazie mille!”

We partook in this (almost) daily dialogue as we stepped foot into our favorite restaurant in Florence, where we were known as “the girls who laugh,” “the girls who drink wine,” and “the girls who eat a lot.” I guess those aren’t the worst things to be called, right?

After walking past the newly refurbished, adorably decorated front counter where they cut delicious dried meats, assemble gorgeous plates of crostini and assorted cheeses, and create flavorful panini and salads, they gave us our usual “half liter of red, to start” and we headed to our typical table in the cozy back room.

We took our seats, poured the wine, and the conversation began the way that it had every night that week. One of us said how we all felt: “I’m actually going to cry. How is this already over?”

As it neared the end of our time in Florence, Italy, we couldn’t stop wondering how we were supposed to leave when we’d been in pure bliss for the past four months.

As we dove into our perfectly crafted plate of prosciutto, salami, aged pecorino, honey, crostini, and fresh bread, we began recapping some of the highlights of our abroad experience. The wine flowed, and so did the conversation as we shifted from discussing our hilarious memories and amazing travels to describing the things we love about Florence.

In less than one week, we’d have no choice but to pack our bags, a dreaded task that we knew would be done with lumps in our throats and tears in our eyes.

We liked to think that we always took the time to truly soak in our surroundings, but now that the days abroad were dwindling, doing so was more important than ever. The already vibrant place felt even more alive as we noticed every sight, sound, smell, taste, and detail of the spectacular city we spent the semester in.

From the grandeur of the Duomo, to the breathtaking view from Piazzale Michelangelo, to the bustling Signoria Square, to the quiet side streets and family owned artisan workshops, the sights of Florence are a feast for the eyes.

From the talented street musicians covering classics in Piazza Santa Croce, to the thousands of tourists speaking their native tongues, to the rush of crazy vespa drivers, to the clinking of wine glasses and forks on dishes, the sounds of Florence produce timeless music to the ears.

From the pervasive fragrance of freshly baked cannoli and biscotti in nearby bakeries, to the whiff of strong espresso shots on cafe counters, to the floral aroma of Chianti Classico, to the sweet scent of nutella crepes and tiramisù ready to be devoured, the smells of Florence make every mouth water.

From the perfect fresh tomatoes and basil atop homemade pastas, to the overwhelming flavor selection of creamy organic gelato, to the delectable aged cheeses and savory meats, to the full-bodied Brunello di Montalcino reds and crisp San Gimignano whites, the tastes of Florence are the best in the world.

As we ate the last piece of bread and sipped the last drop of wine, we looked at our empty plates and felt that disappointed, yet satisfied feeling you get after finishing something delicious.

In just one week’s time, when we’d zip up our suitcases and close the door to our apartment, we knew we’d look back at the Ponte Vecchio and feel that sad, yet content feeling you get after ending something incredible.

After our routine shot of limoncello with “our boys,” we started the walk home feeling melancholy that the meal we looked forward to all day was over, yet pleased about our choice for dinner.

We could not have picked a better place to be regulars.

We knew that after we’d make our way through the narrow streets of Florence to the airport, we’d begin the journey back to America feeling heavy-hearted that this picture-perfect adventure was complete, yet happy about our decision to study abroad, and eternally grateful for getting the opportunity to do so.

We could not have picked a better place to call our home.

Am I Going to Regret This…?

Posted on May 16, 2014 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

Well hello there!

It has been way too long, my friends, but….I’m finally home!!!

PHEW. My papers (one was 25 pages….), final exams, and all the other stuff I had to do is behind me, and let me tell you, it feels AMAZING.

I’m really sad to be away from my best friends and my school, but it feels great to be home with no (school) work to do for months!

I have a ton of pictures and even a few half written posts ready to be finished one of these days, so I will definitely catch up at some point.

In the mean time….

Here is my very first (very short) VLOG!

I had zero plans to do this today, but I suddenly felt the urge to whip out my camera (aka iPhone). I had no idea what I was saying, and only did that one take.

Not sure why I feel so inclined to post it, but it is kinda nice to just say what I could type in an entire long blog post in just a couple minutes.

I would apologize for the awkwardness, but that’s just me. So on second thought, no apologies necessary!

Let me know what you guys think! It’s my first but could very well be my last….

Have a great weekend and see you soon!

Back in the Blogosphere + Too Many Pictures

Posted on March 16, 2014 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

How’s that for a little running motivation to get this post started?

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HI GUYS!!!!

I feel like I begin almost every post with “it’s been way too long!” But it totally has and I hate that this is the way it always is. That being said, it’s how it’s got to be until at least summer time.

I hope you all have been good and enjoying more daylight! It’s amazing how much happier the ‘longer’ days and somewhat ‘warmer’ weather (aka two days of above 50 degrees woohooo) has made me. And how much it distracts me from school work…uh oh.

Two weeks ago I had my spring break, so I have some pics from that, as well as tons of pictures from school after getting back from Christmas break (which was when my last post was…ahhh!)

Without further ado, here are some pics that I want to share with you (and erase from my phone since they’re taking up a ton of room…whoops!).

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These are insane. Buy them. Try them. You’ll love them. Screen Shot 2014-01-05 at 3.15.43 PM

Throwback to Christmas break. Miss this. Sweats all day.

Another throwback. Like my nerdy slippers?

Classic combo.

Panera “You Pick Two” for dinner at my grandma’s house. I would pick this everyday if I could.

Dipping pear slices in greek yogurt is one of my favorite snacks.

Target, you just get me.

Cara cara oranges are perfect. (Yes, I did slice them and eat them with a fork to keep my hands clean so I could look at magazines.)

And so are giant mint oreo Carvelanches.

J.Crew phone case for my new (back in January) iPhone 5. Got it for 7 bucks. Bargain hunter.

Vanilla Chex tastes like sugar cookies. Just sayin.

One of my all time favorite take-out meals when I’m home. Those sweet potato fries though.

Has anyone else tried these new Special K Nourish bowls? They’re pretty good!

Also pretty good? These popcorns. The kettle corn is my latest obsession.

Winter wardrobe = scarves and vests. And stripes. Always stripes.

Hot cocoa.

Wraps on wraps. On wraps.

If you’re ever in Boston and want unique pizza, go to Ottos Pizza.

Pizza 1: Butternut Squash, Ricotta & Cranberry. Pizza 2: Pulled Pork & Mango. Pizza 3: Eggplant, Ricotta & Basil. Pizza 4: Roasted Chicken, Caramelized Pears & Fontina Cheese. Pizza 1,2,3,4: Heaven.

Dining hall, I (kinda) missed you. I guess.

Back in January, I was sick for 2 weeks with flu like symptoms (I got the flu shot in October though). It was hell, but let me tell ya, vanilla froyo is a great sore throat remedy.

First Thai food experience. This was when I was super sick so I got the Tom Yum soup. I actually loved it and it was perfect for a stuffy nose.

Massive veggie burgers. You can’t really tell but it was ginormous.

Pass the cheese, please.

Long runs on tready, I actually do not dread thee.

Try these. Like now.

Fast forward to back at home for “spring” (aka 30 degree) break the first week of March. Some typical at home eats.

We took my great aunt and grandma out to dinner. I decided to get something different, so I got tilapia. I also decided I do not like capers.

A few J.Crew purchases.

Nike Frees that were practically free. $28 at the outlet. Again, call me a bargain hunter.

Eat fresh. With avocado.

Eggs, fruit, and yogurt with a side of artsiness for breakfast.

Another long run on the treadmill.

Delish.

Also delish.

I’ve been guzzling down this 32 oz baby multiple times a day. Water for the win!

Back at school- goat cheese and grilled veggie flatbread sammy and veggie soup. Not too shabby.

Me and one of my roommates. Well, half of her face anyway. Still want to protect my friends/family’s privacy – at least for now!

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Well, wasn’t that quite the hefty photo dump?! Random thoughts and pics on a Sunday gets the week off to a good start, eh?

Hopefully I will be making a visit back to my little neck of the woods in the blogosphere again soon, but as always, who knows. I’ll be sure to pop back in as soon as I find the time (and have more fun pics!).

Have a great last few days of winter, and enjoy the start of SPRING!! It’s almost here – we can do it!

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A few questions for you:

What are some of your recent obsessions? Fun snacks, fitness routines, fashion trends?
What are you most looking forward to about Spring?!

Home for the Holidays

Posted on December 22, 2013 by lmpicard16@gmail.com

WAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I’m finally home for Christmas! Finals are done! I survived!

Can you tell I’m happy?

Well, with finals behind me and Christmas and a three week break ahead of me, I am so so happy.

I mean, how could I not be when I get to stare at my tree every night, instead of at the pages of a text book or endless notes and essays?

I’m just relaxing at the moment (I’ve been waiting for this for so long), so I figured it’s the perfect time to check in on here.

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The past few weeks were pretty crazy with studying and essay writing galore, so my days pretty much consisted of: wake up around 8:30, workout (I ran almost every day since it was the perfect stress release/ energizing activity for me, but I did a few intense room workouts here and there to mix it up). Then I would eat breakfast, shower, and get to work.

We decked out our common room, which actually made it feel slightly more like Christmas time, as opposed to just endless hours spent in a timeless studying bubble.

My friends and I went stir crazy by the second study day. There were a few too many weird photos and videos taken that I probably should not share.

Besides allowing our inner maniacs out in the common room, we attempted to stay sane by stuffing our faces with some Christmasy treats.

They may not have made us act normal, but they definitely satisfied our sweet tooths!

We also got totally distracted by this app…

Should I dye my hair blonde?

HA. Just kidding!

My last school meal for the year. Salmon, sweet potato, salad. See ya in 2014, dining hall!

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Now that I’m home, I get to eat homemade meals, go out to dinner, hang with the fam and my high school friends, and RELAX. Oh, and celebrate CHRISTMAS!

Insert random fun video here for no reason:

Homemade version of the same dining hall meal… Mango salsa covered salmon, sweet potato with cinnamon, whole wheat roll, roasted veggies. I helped myself to seconds, of course.

Pasta with kielbasa and salad.

Can I just say that we have so many desserts at my house…My mom made a few batches of oatmeal cookies, and she went to a cookie swap, and both my parents got tons of candies and baked goods from coworkers and friends.

PLUS there will be even more after Christmas since we’ll be baking and some of our guests will bring some, too. Hey, I’m not complaining!

On my first night home, I was faced with a tough decision about which dessert to choose. I went with caramel ice cream and a chocolate covered gingerbread cookie.

Good choice.

At my friends house, we had delicious cake batter and cookie monster ice cream from a local ice cream shop that one of my friends works at. I didn’t snap a photo of it unfortunately, but let me tell ya, it was amazing.

Last night, the fam and I went to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, and I got my usual – a veggie hummus and avocado wrap with sweet potato fries. ~~Demolished that plate.~~ Ate every single bite.

After digesting that for a while, I spent the night in front of my beautiful Christmas tree, talking to my parents while enjoying half a hot cocoa packet mixed into plain greek yogurt (so good and creamy – try it!) and then sipping the rest stirred into hot water.

It’s times like these that I look forward to every year. The moments spent all cozy and warm, surrounded by family and friends, enjoying delicious food, and not wanting to be anywhere else.

This is absolutely my favorite time of year, and looking forward to being home and getting to do all of my favorite things is what gets me through the stress and craziness of finals.

Now that I’m home, enjoying every minute spent exactly where I want to be, I could not be happier.

I hope you are feeling the exact same way.

Happy holidays!