The Sratty Archaeologist

What did I do before podcasts? Seriously. Sometimes I'm not in the mood to listen to music but I need to have something playing in the background while I drive to work or school. Nothing gets me through commuter hour or a long haul drive like a good podcast. Podcasts aren't just for my car. I love listening to them while I'm doing my homework or even going out for a run. Today I'm so excited to share these with you and if you all have any recommendations let me know in the comments!

I think I've been dehydrated since birth. Seriously, I never drank enough water. I'd wake up with cracked and chapped lips and a vague feeling that I was going to die of thirst but still never drank any water. Think my body was trying to tell me something? Even throughout the day, nothing. Maybe a soda here and there during a meal but I never sipped anything if I didn't have to.
Water is so beneficial to the body. The body is made up of 60% water so drinking some more helps maintain fluid balance which promotes good digestion, regulation of body temperature, and the transportation of nutrients in the body. It's also supposed to help clear up skin, which I'm a big fan of, by flushing out toxins in the body. I've also had a lot of tummy troubles recently so anything that claims it will help my poor stomach- I'm in.

Yesterday, I turned 23. You know what they say," nobody likes you when you're 23." Kidding...I hope. A lot of change has happened while I was 22, some good, some not so great. Life is always in motion and there is no stopping it. So in honor of my 23rd trip around the sun, here are 23 things I've learned.

1. You're not always going to please everybody. There's a quote I love by Dita Von Teese, " You could be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there's still going to be somebody who hates peaches."
2. Find your style, and own it. Who cares if you dress only black, white, stripes, and leopard print...just do you!
3. Always have a backup plan. This can be for dinner or your life plan. Life doesn't always go smoothly, be prepared and ready to adjust.
4. Everything happens for a reason. Didn't get that internship? Maybe something even more incredible is just around the bend!
5. Always write thank you cards.
6. Get enough sleep each night, only you know how your body functions.
7. If you're meeting someone important make sure your nails look ok and go in for a firm handshake. No one likes a dead, floppy fish handshake.
8. Let love in
9. You can't do it all or have it all, but you still have got to try.
10. Never be ashamed of what you love
11. Do what makes you happy
12. Enjoy every meal you eat. While I've LOVED to eat for a very long time, but my post jaw surgery diet of all liquids definitely made me appreciate a good meal even more!
13. It's ok to be selfish. Self-care is so important to your mental and physical wellbeing
14. Work hard, play hard.
15. Budget, budget, budget. Don't overspend on unnecessary things. Think about bringing tea to work instead of stopping at Dunkin or Starbs. My favourite money saving tip? Take 10% of your paycheck and put that right into a savings account.
16. Be present
17. Don't bottle up your emotions. It doesn't help in the long run.
18. Appreciate traditions and keep them alive.
19. Be grateful for family and friends.
20. If you're going through hell, keep going.
21. Wash your face and take off your makeup at night.
22. Do your readings and homework. Yes it may seem like a lot but in the long run it is only going to help you succeed and learn more. Make sure you're making the most out of your degree.
23.  Travel as much as you can, while you can.

Brunch. Is there a lovelier word in the English language? Didn't think so. Sweet or savory, hot or cold, brunch is whatever you need it to be. In my opinion, there is nothing better than waking up on a Saturday or Sunday morning, having a nice snuggle under the covers, and then starting your day off maybe a little later than usual with a great meal.
I want to share my two favorite brunch spots. These places are in complete opposite locations. One in a big city, the other in a small town. Despite the geographical differences, they serve the best brunch I've ever had.


Let's start off with the big city brunch. Located in the financial district in New York City, 121 Fulton Street has an excellent brunch menu. My personal favorite dish is the 2 egg omelet with bacon, mushrooms, and American cheese. It comes with breakfast potatoes, toast, and a small salad. The serving size is so big I usually have trouble cleaning my plate. Some other yummy items include the Fulton Scramble and the breakfast burrito. If you're in the mood for something sweet, I'd recommend the Banana French Toast.
What's brunch without some mimosas? 121 Fulton Street has a bottomless brunch option. For $25 you can enjoy unlimited Bloody Marys, Mimosas, or Screwdrivers.
121 Fulton is also great for large groups and very accommodating. Despite it being a busy Saturday morning, they had no problem setting up a large table in the side room for about 20 sorority alumnae.

My other favorite brunch spot is located in Williamsport, PA. The Sawhorse Cafe is located right across the street from Lycoming College at 303 Washington Boulevard. The menu changes every week and uses local fresh ingredients in all their recipes. If it's in season, you can bet the Sawhorse is using it to create delicious and wholesome meals.
The Sawhorse is a pretty busy place on the weekends with college students, families, and residents of Williamsport coming in for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or a quick latte. My favorite time to go is on a weekday morning. It's much less busy and I always brought my laptop to get some school work done while I enjoyed my meal and chai tea latte. Another amazing part of The Sawhorse Cafe is the decor. The restaurant is filled with art from local artists and is always changing.

Despite the changing weekly menu, there are some items they always ready to go. One of their staples is The Classic. The Classic is made of two eggs made anyway, a choice of bacon, sausage or ham, potatoes, and toast with an incredible jam on the side. Another regular item is the Beaver Run Breakfast Sandwich, which is my boyfriend's go-to item on the menu.
In order to keep up with the changing menu, make sure to like The Sawhorse Cafe on Facebook.

Happy New Year! I spent my New Year's Eve out in the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania area and had to opportunity to go to Peepfest 2016.
What is Peepfest you may ask? Literally, it is a celebration of the New Year all centered around Peep Marshmellow candy. The company the manufactures Peeps, Just Born, is located in Bethlehem, so they host this event every year. I had no idea that Peeps were made in this town that I've been to so many times visiting Chris.


Bethlehem was once a booming industrial town all due to the steel industry. The plant has since closed but SteelStacks has become a hub for cultural events. Other events that the venue hold throughout the year include Musikfest in August and Christmas City in December. Even when there is no large event going on, the SteelStacks are still open for visitors to explore the history of the steel industry and gaze upon the urban ruins. It is adjacent to the Sands Casino so if you're into hitting the tables for a game of Blackjack, take a break from losing your cash and take a walk along the Steelstacks.

Peepfest is mostly geared toward families with younger children. There was a Family Disco Lounge, lots of arts and crafts, and live performers. A 5K was earlier in the day sponsored by St. Luke's Hospital

As an adult, there wasn't much to do and the crowds made it hard to maneuver anywhere. I'd say this was a one and done deal for me and Chris. The novelty of seeing a 200 lb Peep was pretty nifty but not worth the crowds, still I don't regret going to the event. There is so much contrast between Peepfest and the remains of the SteelStacks. The bright yellow peep in the sky contrasted against the dark rusty color of the metal skeleton. Young children and families ran around the old steel factory and enjoyed live music and smores amidst a somewhat sinister backdrop. If you end up in the Bethlehem area, it is worth giving the SteelStacks a visit.

A little OOTD for y'all too. Mixing stripes and leopard as always. This shirt is so comfortable and I've had it for ages. I went very casual with some ripped jeans and my Vans leather slip-on sneakers. I chose my Marc New York puffy coat to keep warm. It's a down coat so it is so insulting and cozy.



I hope you all had a wonderful holiday period with those you love. I know I sure did and I can't wait to see what 2017 brings.

I don't know about you, but I love getting mail. There's something so thoughtful about getting a handwritten card from a friend that's far away. Cards bring people closer, no matter the distance. On the flip side, I am obsessed with finding funny, cute cards for my loved ones. It doesn't matter the occasion if I see a card I like and reminds me of a person I will send it their way. I once sent a Star Wars card featuring the character Rey to one of my friends just because I know she'd like it. Was it a child's birthday card, maybe but it reminded me of her. She loves Rey and I hope it brought a smile to her face.
I think in an age where everything is fast paced and instantaneous, taking the time to send someone a card is such a special sentiment. It says you took the time to find the perfect card, sat down to write out a message to them, and send it out via snail mail.
E-cards aren't the same. Something about them seems so cold and generic. You can't see the pen marks, feel the texture of the card stock, or hear that envelope rip open. I am so anti e-card it isn't funny. Take some time, go buy a stamp, write out a message, and walk your butt over to your mailbox and send that bad boy out. What takes you literally 5 minutes to write out could seriously make someone's day when they receive it.
I love looking through all of the Christmas cards my family receives during the holidays. Some of them are photo cards and I get the chance to see how people's kids are growing, or some cards include a note about what's been going on with them during the past year. While it may be easy to stay connected via Facebook, somethings you just can't find on the internet. Those who take the time to write card are taking the time to share a part of their lives with you and are remembering you during the holidays.
Don't forget to send out Thank You notes after this holiday. I'm super thankful for all the amazing people in my life that remember me on Christmas, my birthday, graduation, etc. I write a short thank you note to each one of them expressing my gratefulness for their generosity and love.
On that note, I am sending out my Christmas cards. I got this set from the Target dollar section. They're super cute and chic. Black, white, rose gold, so perfect. Paper cards don't need to be super expensive to show people you care. All you need is a little cardstock, maybe a punny phrase, and a pen.

Hi gang! The holiday season is officially upon us. It's the time for cookie baking, non-stop Christmas music, and of course gift giving. I'm very lucky to have so many great people in my life that I want to treat to some Christmas goodies, but I'm on a tight budget and don't want to break the bank. Thankfully I don't have to. I'm a big believer of DIY gifts. They're inexpensive and you can add your own personal touch to each. My go-to gift this year are these adorable cookie making kits. The best part about these gifts is that they can be given to so many different people. You can give these to your co-workers, teachers, neighbors, and even family members. I don't know about you but baking really brings people together. Some of my favorite holiday memories are in the kitchen baking with my mom. Giving these little oven mitt cookie kits is a way of sharing one of my holiday traditions with someone else.

Hey gang, so as you may have noticed the content on this page has been a little lacking lately. It's that time of year, I'm sure those of you who are students know this, but November sucks in regard to school work. The semester is quickly closing in on me and I'm up to my eyeballs in papers and projects. Totally procrastinated on some of these so I can't really complain.
I'm also now seeing a chiropractor for my back and my neck. I basically get a massage and an adjustment twice a week and that really helps me unwind. Apparently my neck and back pain could have been triggered by my jaw surgery, crazy right. I still think my face is swollen but no one else does. I've been taking my turmeric and other vitamins to help with inflammation and everything so I guess for now time will tell.
Anyway, I'm not here to complain but to give you a heads up on what's going on with me right now. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I'm in charge of pie making this year (eek!) and have been testing and tasting every kind of apple pie recipe I can get my hands on. I'll have to let you all know which recipe wins for turkey day.
And right after Thanksgiving we're into the craziness of the Christmas season. I have some content planned like some fun, festive, and inexpensive gift idea and guides for all the people in your life as well as some holiday outfits and organizational tips for wrapping and preparing for the holidays to make it as smooth as possible. Who wants to stress over the holidays, not me. I've already been accumulating little things here and there.
Alright, I've got to get back to that paper grind. I'm throwing back Starbucks Chai Tea Lattes (with coconut milk because my lactose intolerant stomach has been acting up, I know gross) like a mad woman. You know what they say, caffeine is the new black. Just kidding, could totally go for a nap right now, naps are chic.

As you all know fall is my favorite season. There are so many things to do when the leaves start to turn orange and I live for it. I am #basic and am so proud of it. I see nothing wrong with being basic and enjoy festive fall things. Do you, and screw anyone else who gives you grief about what you like. So here are my favorite things about fall.
First off, can I get a hell yeah for pumpkin picking and corn mazes. There honestly is no better date with your guy or with your gals then heading out to a pumpkin patch taking some cute pictures and then getting lost in a corn maze together. Chris and I went to Mazeilla in Saylorsburg, PA when I visited him over his long weekend. The weather was absolutely perfect and we got to spend all day outside enjoying the fresh air. The corn maze defeated us in the end but we did of course get our stereotypical pumpkin patch picture after. Too cute am I right? For a beautiful Saturday, it was pretty crowded but not too overwhelming.


Another fall activity I'm obsessed with is baking with all the fresh produce. I'm allergic to raw apples ( I know random) but I can eat apples so long as they are cooked. I love experimenting with new recipes with baked apples and I found two standout recipes for apple season this year. One was a apple pie bread which was similar to a coffeecake, check out the recipe here! Literally, this is the BEST apple bread.


Another was hasselback apples stuffed with oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. I topped these bad boys with caramel sauce, so yummy. My baking endeavors have been going fairly well and my mom is looking for someone to do pie for Thanksgiving? Caramel apple pie anyone? Maybe.
The only downside to this amazing time of year is the amount of school work I have going on. So cheers to fall, I'm off to finish a cranking out a Museum Registration take home exam!

A little pattern mixing and some corn maze action

Photo Courtesy of Yelp

I'm a total foodie. I dream about what to eat for dinner while I'm eating breakfast. Anytime I get the chance to try a new restaurant I get super excited. So this series will be a few of my favorites.
I'm starting off with one of my favorite restaurants from my old stomping ground in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The Stonehouse is a pizzeria and pastaria. It has an impressive menu of wood fired pizza, pasta, and other yummy entrees. They have homemade pastries, pizza dough, and get a lot of their ingredients from local farms.
The pizza is the standout item on the menu. The dough is made fresh and its a sourdough which gives the pizza a distinctive taste. Don't worry if you're gluten free, there's an option for you too! There's a total of twelve pizzas on their menu not including the make your own option. My personal favorites are the Stonehouse Pizza and the Charles Pizza. The Stonehouse Pizza is topped with Italian sausage, mushrooms, caramelized garlic, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and of course their incredible sweet marinara sauce. The Charles is just as decedent with the excellent sauce and mozzarella topped with thin slices of prosciutto on top of a bed of burglar and drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Um yes please. I've also tried the Classic Margarita, the Carne, Four Cheese, and Buffalo Chicken Pizza.
The best way to test out all of these options is to find a few friends ( or just a hungry boyfriend) and get yourself the pizza tower. For $33 you get three of their pies which is a pretty awesome deal. Not going to lie, Chris and I have polish one of these off in one sitting, but if you're not feeling that ambitious leftovers are still great.




While the best thing on the menu is the pizza, the rest of the menu is also amazing. My parents absolutely love this restaurant. Whenever they would come visit me at school, we'd always head to the Stonehouse. They even made sure they got to go after my graduation for dinner. My dad loves the calamari both the traditional fried version and the grilled version which is tossed with dressing, celery, capers, and olives. My mom and I both love the pasta option with a meatball.,You can choose between marinara, Alfredo, or vodka sauce ( my personal favorite is vodka) with a choice of pasta, some of which is homemade! And the meatball is HUGE and perfect. It's a perfect cozy meal.
So if you're in Williamsport, make sure to try this gem, I guarantee you that you'll fall in love with the pizza and the atmosphere!

I'm back at it again with experimenting with vegetables as pasta! Today's excursion was with zoodles aka zucchini noodles! I bought a Veggetti which spiralizes vegtables. I bought a lovely zucchini for dinner and decided to spiral it up to create a healthier pasta alternative.
So a little jaw surgery update for you all. So I basically can eat whatever I want now except stuff that's super hard or crunchy, that's still kinda hard on my teeth. I've been seriously craving fresh veggies. Some crunchy roasted broccoli, refreshing celery with dip, yum. Alas I am still unable to chow down on these treats. Sometimes chips even get me. So I've been making due with a lot of softer vegetables like spinach, or really soft boiled broccoli, string beans etc.

Back to the zoodles. So the Veggetti is pretty easy to use, you chop the zucchini in half and shove it into the contraption and get to twisting. Let me tell you this was a bit of an arm workout for me. Once you've spiraled everything you're supposed to cut the zoodles in half. This is where I went wrong. My hunger induced impatience got the best of me and this gal over here neglected to chop the long strands in half which made eating them very difficult.


I decided to saute the noodles in some store bought Alfredo sauce. Of course you could make your own Alfredo sauce especially if you want to control the salt or any other ingredients but I was feeling particularly lazy and very hungry. I heated them up tossing the mix constantly for about 5 minutes until the zoodles were cooked through and tender. I made it extra saucy by accident but hey it was very delicious. I sprinkled the finish product with some Parmesan cheese and some fresh cracked black pepper. and got to eating.
Since my first foray into zoodles, I've cooked them with tomato sauce, or even just sauteed them with some garlic and oil. All options are equally delicious and a great pasta alternative for those who want to be a little bit more healthy in their eating habits.