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The Better Junior Year Dorm Room

September 13, 2015

Finally, my dorm is complete and I’m so excited to share it with you guys! Generally, the first remark people make is, “Oh, your room is so…small…but you’ve made really good use of the space.” I’ll admit, my room is tiny, especially considering that I am an upperclassman (ew, I’m old!) and had many other options. I lived in this building last year and loved it so much the idea of moving was unbearable. So yes, it is small, but the size is never an excuse for sacrificing style, and I’m always up for a challenge (as long as it isn’t calculus). While I do still have a few pieces from my old room this year was about going above and beyond…almost to the point of complete ridiculousness for a dorm. The peacock, silk curtains really made a dramatic statement, especially with my chandelier floor lamp in front of it.
I had many e-mails asking for dorm tips, and I think one of the best ways to make your room unique is to shop in various places. As cute as a bedroom set up might look in Ikea or Bed Bath & Beyond, it’s usually a bit tacky or overwhelming when everything has been purchased and set up in your own space. I shopped at Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Goods, Target, Neiman Marcus, Ikea, Amazon, Etsy, Macy’s, Pottery Barn, and Overstock.com. The easiest way to elevate your style is to avoid the matchy-matchy look.

The Better Salmon Veggie Bowl With Rice

September 12, 2015

I’ve always struggled with eating enough vegetables. It’s gotten to the point where my mom calls me to check in, and she’ll ask if I’m getting enough sleep and eating my veggies, and my response is always something like, “Does the lettuce on my sandwich count?”
Earlier this week I went to Community, a restaurant by the Columbia campus, and enjoyed their rice bowl. It’s your choice of tofu, salmon, or chicken on a bed of thinly sliced vegetables with brown rice on the bottom. It was so good I knew I had to recreate it at home.
First I brined the salmon for 30 minutes so it would be super flavorful, then cooked it over medium heat.