College has finally come and trying to get together with friends as much as you can starts to get crammed into the diminishing time left at home, and you begin the hardest goodbyes.
I can't keep track of how many times I cried. I have only been gone for a couple of days and I miss my dog like crazy, oh ya, and my parents. ;)
Packing was when reality really started to kick in. The decisions on what is needed, what I had planned to bring, and what I didn't even know I needed until I did some farther research. I didn't even know that bed bug protectors were a thing, and I was a little happier that I got one when I heard that someone on the fourteenth floor in my dorm building had brought in bed bugs to our new home, even if my protector won't help now, it opened my eyes to realizing that bed bugs actually exist. I had never actually encountered them before. I knew that I was going to be buying all my shampoo, conditioner, body wash, cleaning supplies, etc. when I got there. Also, I knew I wanted to continue to eat healthy in college and made sure to stop by my favorite, Trader Joe's, on the way to B-town.
It took Monday night to carry everything up to my room and about the whole Tuesday to set everything up as well as buy things I didn't bring with a couple of trips to the shopping mall. I was excited to set up my room and put together all the bohemian decor I had bought prior to my arrival. And atlas, the display was ready!
As I have become more acquainted with my surroundings, I have found a couple of things out:
1) Baked of Bloomington has the BEST fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies like ever, and they can also be gluten-free! They take about fifteen minutes to make, but are totally worth the wait.
2) The Inkwell has the best granola (pair it with the coconut milk, so good).
3) Bloomingfoods reminds me of a more localized Whole Foods, which I love, and they have so many gluten-free and dairy-free options. Also some days there is a farmers market out front, it was there when we went on a Tuesday afternoon. Fresh Thyme also has a similar vibe.
4) FARM is my go-to farm to table restaurant in Bloomington!
5) Social Cantina is a really good upscale Mexican place with unique taco options. I got the Al Pastor and the Pork Belly Tacos with no cheese and corn tortillas! They came really filled, and they were very good.
Hopscotch Coffee has really good cold brew and my parents told me that the Rainbow Bakery has great gluten-free and vegan treats!
Welcome Week is our big introduction to campus and there are many festivities. This is a great time to get to know the people on your floor and living around you. The Spirits and Festivities was a pretty cool experience.
During Welcome Week, part of the many festivities is the block party. It was super fun and although I didn't stay until Kaskade came on stage, it was great to meet new people and enjoy the music of the smaller band and other EDM group.
Walking is one means of transportation in Bloomington, but when the walk is too far, I do prefer taking the bus, like when I want to go to the closest mall. It's been pretty to use and I'm getting the hang of it after riding it three times, plus people on the bus are always willing to help you out. Also the mall is a great place to pick up things you need and there are a few workout places on the outside. I have been going to Orange Theory and I love it, but if you like something else, there is Pure Barre and Anytime Fitness. There are also big stores like Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Macys, Target, Ulta, and Fresh Thyme.
When my parents come to town, I really want to check out the Graduate and their coffee shop, Poindexter. I am especially excited to try their avocado toast, açaí bowl, and the avocado grain bowl. Also they have cold brew! This place is a hotel with the restaurant on the bottom and I love the look of the place from what I've seen from the outside.
As a homegrown southern Cali girl, I have definitely had my fair share of sushi and poke, I am a little hesitant about trying fish so far from the ocean, but Inbloom Juicery has a combination of things I love: poke, açaí, and juices! I will definitely be heading down there soon.
I browsed over Da Vinci's menu and noticed they have gluten-free pizza crust, cauliflower crust, and truffle pizza and pasta! I LOVE truffle and will definitely be trying their truffle pasta and pizza when my parents visit.
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