No matter what stage in life you're in, as humans we crave a sense of community and belonging. Whether it's when  looking for friends on the playground in elementary school or someone to discuss last night's episode of Scandal with by the watercooler, we need a group that share common interests surrounding us.

In the past five years, my core group and community has shifted mainly due to distance and it is likely to shift again very soon. Although I'd like to hold on to the idea that friends you make in college are more likely to be lifelong friends than those from high school. 

This week is club week (my school's version of rush) and I hope that all of the freshman and sophomore pledges are able to find a place on campus where they belong. While I found my community elsewhere, everyone wants and needs to feel like they are a part of something bigger that matters. Having a sense of community grounds you and eases some of the worry and anxiety of constantly being put in new situations. You have others who have been in your shoes and can help you through the transition.

The most important thing to remember is that building your community is not a passive action. It takes work on your part. Genuine friends are not going to magically appear at your doorstep and introduce themselves. You will need to make some effort seeking them out. And once you find them, building new relationships also takes time and effort. Especially if you come across someone who also looks a little lost and confused, reach out. Because chances are, they, too, are searching for community. 

No matter where I end up, I'm also thankful for my online blogging community. I can't say it enough, but I have met some of the most talented and inspiring ladies through this process and I love finding others around the world who share my interests and goals. 

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Now I would like to introduce the lovely ladies who have been on my sidebar this month.

They're all wonderful  and such a part of my online community so stop by and introduce yourself!

BLOG | BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

You should read: 

Versions of our engagement

Stepping into North Korea

Things to do in Hawaii

BLOG | BLOGLOVIN | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

You should read: 

Wanderlust: A craving to see the world

Hiking Cinque Terre

The human figure

BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER

You should read: 

White Hot Chocolate

Feel better

Vegan whole wheat blueberry pancakes

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I'd like to think that I am fluent in coffeehouse. Perhaps I should add that to my resume as a second language. For some reason, coffee shops are always filled with college students and recent graduates who probably shouldn't spend $4 on a drink in the first place. 

And as I wait patiently in line, I contemplate what each order says about the person. This is what I came up with:

1. Frappachino - Your friends dragged you here so you will drown your disgust for coffee in a sea of syrup and whipped cream. Traits: easy-going, crowd follower, child at heart

2. Cappuccino (extra dry) - You spent a semester in Italy and want to still reminisce the days of sipping cappuccinos at an outdoor cafe. Traits: sophisticated, a tad bit uppity, classic

3. Pumpkin/peppermint mocha/salted caramel flavored latte - You tire of ordering the same drink day after day so your order changes with the season. Traits: indecisive, trendy 

4. Coffee. Black. - You survive on caffeine and coffee is a necessity not a luxury. You appreciate the complex flavors of each blend and want to enjoy them uninterrupted by competing flavors. Traits: focused, determined, simplistic

5. Chai latte - You need a pick me up before going to yoga class and napping in your Enu hammock. Traits: healthy, calm, responsible 

The easiest way to cover up your blank white walls is with a gallery of framed prints. Unless you enjoy a minimalist design or feeling like you live in a prison cell. But for most of us that is not the case. When creating a gallery wall, choose a theme or color palette. My favorites include coffee, florals typography and travel (obviously). If you have a safe and flat area in your suitcase when traveling, it's good to pick up prints of your favorite sites to take home and frame later. Especially if your photography skills are less than perfect, you can have a constant reminder of your favorite trips.

Here are some of my favorite prints to spruce up your blank canvas on an apartment:

Ampersand Wall Art from Beautiful Type ($18)

 Botanical Print by Caitlin McLain from Anthropologie ($38)

 Great Gatsby Quote from The Bella Print Shop ($15)

 London Typography from The Bella Print Shop ($15)

 Paris typographic print from one little bird studio ($30)

 Non je ne regrette rien poster by Sarah and Bendrix from Not on the High Street ($42)

 Pink and Orange Dance by Kristy Gammill ($65)

 T.S. Elliot quote from Sweet Fine Day ($20)

Need I say more? Nothings ushers in the fall season like pumpkin desserts. I personally don't understand why pumpkin dump cake can't be served year round, but some like to reserve our favorite orange (fruit? vegetable?) for October and November. Their loss.

So yes, I love pumpkin baked goods. And then when you add a Biscoff streusel topping, well then now we are talking about a culinary masterpiece. My only change to the recipe would be to put the creme cheese layer in the center of the muffin instead of on top under the streusel topping. 

Yet again, I've armed you with the best way to make new friends in the office. Trust me, if you leave a dozen of these on the break room table, they will be devoured by noon.

Recipe from Lil' Luna

Biscoff Streusel Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients:

1½ c. all-purpose flour

1 c. sugar

¼ c. brown sugar

1 c. pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

2 eggs

¼ c. vegetable oil

¼ c. unsweetened applesauce

¼ c. water

¾ tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

½ tsp. vanilla extract

Streusel:

¼ c. all-purpose flour

¼ c. sugar

¼ c. brown sugar

¼ c. finely crushed Biscoff cookies

2 tbsp. Biscoff spread

3 tbsp. butter, cold

4 oz. original cream cheese, cold and cut into dime size slices

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line one standard size muffin pan with liners* or lightly grease with baking spray, set aside.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer with mixing speed on low, combine sugars, puree, vegetable oil, applesauce, water, and vanilla extract. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until just combined.

3. In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon. With mixing speed on low, gradually add in the dry ingredients, mixing until no flour pockets remain. Remove bowl from stand and set aside.

4. For the streusel, in a small mixing bowl combine sugars, flour, crushed cookies, and ground cinnamon. Using a pastry blender, cut in cold butter and Biscoff spread. Continue working the mixture with the pastry blender until it resembles chunks about the size of a rice krispie.

5. Pour batter into prepared muffin pan, dividing evenly. Top with slices of cream cheese, then sprinkle streusel over top. You will want to be generous with the streusel, but you may have a few tablespoons left over. Gently pat the streusel into the batter to help it bake into the muffin.

6. Place in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the tops spring back and the streusel is golden brown in color (note: baking times may vary depending on how much you streusel you add and the heat of your oven). Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

1/2/3/4

If you are going on any extended trip outside of the U.S. you will want to invest in a hiking backpack. Or always pay to have a taxi drive you straight from the train station/airport to your hotel. Also, if you can afford a hotel and taxi and that sounds like typical travel plans for you, then you can stop reading now and enjoy the luxury of your wheeled bag (and probably first class plane ticket, too.)

For the rest of us, we become pack mules for our trips. Backpacks are extremely portable, can somewhat be easily maneuvered on public transportation and free up your hands to snap photos or read a map while you walk to your destination.

The main thing to consider when selecting one is size. If you are going to be flying on a budget airline at all during your trip, you will want to measure your bag extremely carefully before purchasing it. (All of these bags are on the edge of the limits, but reviewers said they traveled overseas with no hassle.) Trust me, European budget airlines have smaller overhead bin size requirements than the U.S. and just because an American airline lets you through, doesn't mean EasyJet and RyanAir will. They will laugh in your face and smile as they charge you an extra 50 euros to check your bag to your final destination. Not that I experienced this or anything.

The money I saved by borrowing a friends backpack was lost (and then some) in two extra baggage fees that I encountered. Lesson learned and hopefully I can save at least one other person from making the same mistake.

Also unlike me, if the top of the bag is taller than your head, then it is too big for your frame. Period. End of statement.

For those of you who will strictly be sticking to travel by train or rental car, then this is not as much of a concern for you because you will be able to check one bag free on most international flights to and from home.

Other things to consider besides size:

1. Extra pockets One giant dump-all compartment will not cut it unless you want to unpack and then repack your bag every night because your toothbrush or charger always seems to end up at the bottom. Bonus if you can find a bag with a pocket on the waist strap to hold money and train tickets.

2. Waist strap Your Jansport backpack might have carried 50 lbs of weight in high school textbooks the ten minute walk from the bus stop to your house, but it will not make the grade in weeks-long travel. Look for a bag with a hip belt so the majority of the weight will be shifted off your back and onto your hips. Your chiropractor will thank you for this when you return.

3. Water bottle holder This is why it's great to get a bag made for the outdoors. I always had a water bottle with me and would refill it whenever I found a water fountain. This is one less thing to worry about holding and you don't have to worry about leaks if you put it inside your bag.

Once you select a bag, it is a whole different discussion on what to fill it with and how to pack it correctly. I'll save that for later maybe.

Bon voyage!

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and didn't have to drag yourself out of bed. But if you are one of those who views the week as a long countdown to the weekend, then you are most likely not a happy camper today. Friday was my fall break and I am thoroughly convinced that if we had a three day weekend all the time, I would be much more productive. But then, in a few years I would also be the first one on the picket line for a four day weekend.

This week I want to work on my punctuality because I seem to be perpetually five minutes late to everything. I've tried setting my clock five minutes fast, but since I know I have wiggle room built in I do not make the extra effort. I can't stand when people waste my time rolling in 10-15 minutes late and I hate making people feel the same way.  

Unfortunately I love sitting and drinking my coffee in the mornings instead of taking it togo, which would give me at least an extra 25 minutes to get out the door. To make up for my constant lateness, I have become a master speedwalker. I'm not to the Olympic level yet, but I still think it's impressive. If I can't learn to be early, I'll just work on my speedwalking form and enter some races. Might as well get a cardio workout if I know I'm going to arrive late.

Any advice would be much appreciated. 

I'd like to think that I'm a much better baker than cook. I can follow a recipe like my life depended on it. I love the exact measurements, the precise cooking times and the detailed instructions. None of this "eyeballing" business. Needless to say I end up with a disproportionate amount of sweets to dinner food ratio. And I'm ok with this. 

When Lauren shared this recipe for banana bars and raved about how easy they were to make/a crowd pleaser, I knew I had to try them. Also, I had two bananas that had seen better days. When life gives you mushy bananas, make banana bread...or bars (which was perfect because I don't have a loaf pan to make banana bread anyways.)

I tweaked her recipe a tad and added chopped pecans and used Duncan Hines cream cheese frosting instead of making my own. It tastes just the same to me and I don't have to deal with cleaning up all of the powdered sugar that inevitably lodges in every nook and cranny of the kitchen. I have a hard enough time cleaning up all of the flour left over. There was so much white powder everywhere, the kitchen looked like the set of Breaking Bad. True story.

Back to the banana bars...they are simple and a crowd pleaser. win-win situation. I love that you make them in a 9x13 pan instead of a loaf because you can feed three times the amount of people, if needed. Or you can keep the whole batch for yourself. No judgement. They are perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack or second dinner.

BARS:

1 cup sugar

2 mashed bananas

2 eggs

1/3 c vegetable oil

1 c flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

FROSTING:

1 regular pack of (light) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup of butter

2 cups powdered sugar

splash of vanilla

METHOD:

Preheat your oven to 350.

Mix the bananas, sugar, eggs & oil together in a bowl until it's a nice yellow, sloppy mix.

Stir in remaining ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon & salt).

Pour into greased pan (9x13) and put into oven for 25-30 minutes... 

or until a knife/toothpick comes out clean when inserted from the center.

Leave to cool for one hour.

Now is great time to toss the cream cheese & butter out on the counter to soften.

After you've run an errand, eaten some lunch or watched a little tv

while the banana bars cool,

come back to the kitchen and start on the frosting.

Mix all four ingredients in a bowl.

You can beat by hand or in a mixer... both will be yummy.

Spread on the cooled bars & cut into 6x4 rows.

I've always believed that the money I put towards studying abroad was an investment in my future. The independence, global awareness and problem-solving skills that I learned will help me no matter what career I decide to pursue. 

It's important to know how and where to place your study abroad experience on your resume. Only listing the program and years will not cut it. Explain to future employers exactly why your semester or year abroad makes you perfect for this position. Highlight keywords and skills listed in the job description and work those into your summary of the program.

The number one skill learned during study abroad programs is a second (or third) language. Especially if you studied in a Spanish-speaking country, this skill alone can mean the difference between you and someone else landing the job. I, unfortunately, left France knowing only the most basic of French phrases...and every possible term on a menu. Don't think about lying and saying that you are fluent in a language if you are not. Avoid that awkward moment when a hiring manager asks you a question in the language you claim to be fluent in and you are left with the most blank and confused look on your face.

Other common skills learned include:
1//Adaptability: One of my favorite stories from the semester was trying to travel from Paris to London as cheaply as possible. The best flight was on RyanAir out of Tours, which is a two hour train ride out of town. Obviously we wanted to make sure we arrived in plenty of time for our flight only to find out that our flight was the only one that day and the airport was closed until then. As our taxi driver drove off with a smirk on his face, we were stranded at the Tours airport for three hours. But we made the most of the time, caught up on back episodes of Downton Abbey and made a very interesting friend, who we called Al.

And then there was the time that one of our trains broke down and we were shuffled to a bus that took us to another station that would ultimately connect us to our destination. This occurred on the Italian-Swiss border so all of the information was given in a number of languages, none of which I spoke, so when in doubt, follow the masses and try not to get left behind.

2//Problem-Solving: When you don't splurge for an international data plan, you become an expert at either a) finding free wifi or b) reading a map and asking for directions. Also, navigating the Paris metro system for the first time is a giant, tangled problem unto itself.

3//Decision-Making: Before the trip, I had never planned more than a weekend trip by myself, let alone a weeklong country-hopping extravaganza. Yes, my travel bucket list was a mile long, but the logistics of getting there and where to stay was daunting.

4//Intercultural Communication Skills: While I may only be fluent in French cuisine, I did learn to understand and appreciate their communication styles. Compared to the American South, the French seem cold and indifferent. However, if you had to deal with thousands of thousands of foreign tourists gawking at your hometown while you are trying to go about your daily life would be frustrating.

Get the most out of your semester abroad, even after you have returned home and make your best vacation work for you.

For more advice on including study abroad experience on a resume, read here.

The fact that I am writing this post means that I successfully completed one of my goals from last week. And in other recap news, only days after procrastinating selecting a premade blogger template from Etsy, I found out that I won a custom design from Amber (along with other wonderful prizes)! If that isn't a testimonial for procrastination, then I don't know what is. Good things do come to those who wait. And I tried not one, but two, recipes last week. BBQ chicken pizzas and the best banana bar recipe. Be prepared to become everyone's favorite person at bring-your-own-dish parties. (Don't worry, you don't have to tell any of them that they take no time at all, nor crazy ingredients like vanilla beans straight from Tahiti.)

Friday is my fall break and it couldn't come at a better time. Thanksgiving seems like forever and a day away. Without fall break, I'm sure I would have ended up taking one (or two, or three) personal days along the way. I'm leaving for Nashville on Thursday afternoon to meet my parents for the long weekend. I started the semester off in the most exciting way with a trip to California the first weekend and since then (with the exception of one or two outings in Little Rock) I have been in Searcy. It is past time to remedy this situation.

On the goals list for this week:
1//Find a new pair of boots. My current ones survived Europe and two years after and probably should have been retired a long time ago. Cross my fingers for a successful shopping trip this weekend.

2//Make time for more than school, work, and sleep. The past few weeks have felt like they were non-stop from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., but I know there are several mindless Internet browsing times in there so I would love to find a few extra minutes for something fun and out of the ordinary.

3//I would love to actually start reading a book for fun and have the intention of finishing it within a month (instead of eight...yes, I'm talking about you Anna Karenina, I've been trudging through that piece of Russian literature for 18 months and counting.) I downloaded "The Fault in Our Stars" weeks ago, so maybe now is the time to begin.

via
The temperature is dropping,

the leaves are changing, 

which leads to long drives with the 

windows down. 

Here are a few of my 

songs for fall drives. 

                                                 

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You turned one year old on October 1! Congratulations! If you would like to take a walk down memory lane, let's look back at those first few posts, shall we? It all started with three roommates who weren't quite ready to move past their semester abroad, and now, 12 months later, while I may still be looking for the perfect direction I want my speck of the Internet to move in, it is without a doubt moving forward and not backward anymore.

I, and this blog, have had an exciting year. There were trips to Chicago, Oxford, Memphis, Little Rock, St. Simon's, Atlanta, NYC, and Orange County. I ran/walked my first and only 5K. I slowly ventured into the kitchen (and learned the difference between wax and parchment paper the hard way.)

We took a hiatus in February because, let's face it, who wants to read about three girls who spend their time either in class, watching tv, or sleeping? I would say we had a sophomore slump, but it was junior/senior year. So there's that.

This summer I decided that I needed/wanted to keep writing on a regular basis. Even if no one read it, I needed this blog for a creative outlet. And that's when things took a turn for the better. It is true that when you write for yourself, people will be interested. And you stop becoming obsessed with the numbers and statistics because you enjoy what you do and even if no one else reads what you have to say, it's ok because you are writing for an audience of one: yourself.

I've found community here. I'm constantly inspired, encouraged and amazed by these creative and talented ladies. I travel the world through their adventures, learn from their experiences and realize that I can relate and feel like I am close friends with someone I have never met in person before.

I've enjoyed the past hour reading back through my archives. I have never been great at journaling, but this is the perfect place to document all of the little moments and the thoughts that run through my head.

This next year will have its own set of new experiences. First non-minimum wage job, first apartment. Now I will finally have a reason to put half of my Pinterest boards to good use. Until I can afford my decked-out Pottery Barn home, I will settle for a DIY-Ikea space to call my own. I can't tell you where I will be a year from now, but I'd like to think that Stamp in my Passport will still be around, chronicling every twist and turn yet to come.

And the best blog birthday present I could ask for is winning Crystal's Go Forth and Blog Giveaway! 

If you knew my culinary ability and patience, then you would know that even Rachel Ray's 30 minute meals is pushing the clock for me to get dinner on the table, or couch if we're being completely honest here. I'm not alone in this? Perfect. Then this is the perfect meal for you.

Ashley first made this meal at our Paris reunion dinner a few weeks ago, and since she made her own bbq sauce, I am fine admitting that her's was better than mine. To save time I used store bought sauce and, of course, rotisserie chicken. Because you know how much I love buying a whole chicken that is already seasoned and cooked for me. This is as simple as grabbing all of the ingredients out of the fridge, putting them on a pita and baking for ten minutes. That's it.

Ingredients: 

Pita bread

bbq sauce

chicken

red onion 

corn

spinach 

mozzarella cheese

How to: Preheat oven to 375. In the meantime, layer your ingredients on the pita. If you're using frozen corn, you don't even have to microwave it if you don't want to, it will heat up while the pizza is cooking. Bake for 10-12 minutes and enjoy.

It doesn't get much simpler than that my friends. Unless you want to live off of frozen dinners. And if you do, I won't judge you one bit. Because the Healthy Choice Asian steamer meals are better than any stir fry I can fix.

What are your favorite go-to meals when you're short on time?

via

Happy Monday, everyone! I'm one of those people who sees the weekend as a rest from the week instead of a continuation of the crazy that is Monday through Friday, so I'm usually in a good mindset when Monday rolls around. And I have unpacked my fall clothes, so I demand that the thermostat not go above 80.

LOFT had their typical 40% everything sale this weekend (like they always do when I happen to be in their store/looking at their website) and I might have outdone myself a little. To help me sleep better at night, I tell myself that it is an investment in my future. Plus, I get rewards points for using my LOFT card. Guess who earned $20 in store credit? This girl. Basically, I was making money shopping. Don't agree with my logic? Then you must live a sad life.

Do you remember the first (and only) time I linked up with Weekly Wishes? It may have been a month ago, but I would just like to tell the world that I did eventually complete all of my goals.

Here's a recap:

1. Update my resume // You can view my entire digital portfolio here.

2. Organize my planner // I have found a good balance between day planner and Google calendar that works for me. Which leads me to my third goal.

3. Step away from the tv // You might not believe me, but I did tone down my consumption the past month, but now that goal is a moot point.

On to this week's goals:

1. Link up with Weekly Wishes on a regular basis // Yes, I'm that person would has to be reminded to set a reminder. But setting goals, and more importantly keeping up with your progress, is a great way to feel like you have gotten things accomplished.

2. Try a new recipe each week // I can already check this one off my list. Recipe to come later this week.

3. Update my blog design and content // In honor of Stamp in my Passport's first birthday, it is getting a complete facelift and I can't be more excited for it!

Senioritis has hit in full force and I'm surprised that it waited this long to rear its head. Only eight more weeks of tests, chapter readings and class projects. After 16.5 years behind a desk, it's strange to think that I will never have to answer multiple choice questions or work hard not to leave stray marks on a Scantron test ever again. Because let's face it, unless the odds are in my favor and grad school in Europe is an option, my higher education career is done. Finito. Fait.

I'm working on several projects outside the classroom and now whenever I crack open a textbook I realize that I'm past the stage of learning theoretical principles anymore. Classroom lectures and "what if" scenarios won't help me once I move my grad cap tassel from the left to the right (or is it right to left?).

I've decided that I love working on varying projects at once. Compartmentalizing my time and juggling multiple deadlines is a rush, but I wouldn't have this semester any other way. The downside is that I sometimes go three days without seeing my roommates, but I knew I wasn't getting into a 9-5 industry. The upside to the hectic schedule is I get to spend the majority of my time working with one of my best friends. We have come full circle: starting out as the freshman dynamic duo yearbook section editors who didn't have a clue what was going on the first few months to working together again as seniors. Thankfully this time around we know what we're doing. Or at least like to pretend we do.

My future may be vague and confusing, but at least there will be no vocabulary quizzes or memorization tests in it. And for that, I am thankful, but also a little sad because I'm an ace at memorization.

On a semi-unrelated note...be on the lookout for some exciting changes on the blog in the next few weeks! If that's not the height of cryptic, I don't know what is.

Perhaps you thought of me this week as your Anthropologie catalogue arrived in your mailbox. Does it get any better than beautiful photos of sequined skirts against a Parisian backdrop? Well maybe getting an actual plane ticket to Paris would be better, and would cost only a little more than those fall dresses and coats that I have fallen in love with.

While my bank account may only allow me to splurge on one item (from the sale rack) this season, the Anthro catalogue has put me in the fall shopping mindset. On my radar: a new peacoat, preferably orange or cream with a fur collar, jewel tones, brocade skirts, bedazzled everything (in a classy way, obviously), and winter dresses.

Think Gatsby set in Paris. Of course, I couldn't wear all of this laying on my couch watching TV or scrolling through BuzzFeed. No, this wardrobe deserves the best backdrop possible. Perhaps I would do Europe take two, sans hiking backpack because I'm almost positive that all of Antho's clothes are dry clean only and if not, should never be washed in a bathroom sink.

Yes, I think to splurge on their fall collection, it would be a shame not to splurge on a Parisian getaway as well. It's only fair.

Alas, I will continue wearing my Nike shorts well into October because the thermometer has no intention of going down any time soon and I will admire the beautiful clothes from the store windows like usual. Perhaps I will buy another Antho coffee mug to ease the longing.