The New Mary Poppins Bag

My Free People Slouchy Vegan Tote is the New Mary Poppins bag. Not only does it fit everything, it includes a whole other bag- it's reversible! Enclosed in the tote is a large strapless pouch and a smaller wristlet. I purchased the $68 tote in black (my favorite color) with a cream alternative.

I use it to lug my 15" laptop to my internship everyday along with my 2 notebooks (personal and professional,) my wallet, Ralph Lauren Romance perfume, a folder, phone and computer chargers, my David's Tea travel mug and a salad. This all fits comfortably, giving the bag a boho, slouchy look. The straps have also remained strong and sturdy- a feat no other bag has been able to conquer (knock on wood!) I also carry the bag to brunch, the beach, and shopping in Harvard Square.

Whether its with a classic black dress and a blazer or a maxi dress thrown over a beachy maxi dress, the tote gives every outfit a polished look. The best part of the tote, though, is its animal friendly make up! The tote is made from high quality material so you get the look of the leather AND the guilt free conscience of carrying a tote that was not killed for your convenience! I am an animal lover so this aspect makes me all the more satisfied!

This purchase is definitely the smartest and most rewarding one of the summer. I have gotten so much use and so many compliments with this bag that I am deeming Free People's Slouchy Vegan tote the New Mary Poppins bag!

Boston Tea Party

Tea has always been my preferred manner of caffeinating/hydrating. Thus, David's Tea was an exciting find for me in Downtown Crossing. The workers offered refreshing samples of watermelon mint iced tea and the wall was lined with hundreds of colorfully packaged loose leaf tea. The unique teas range from chocolate macaroon to sangria to birthday cake to the classic jasmine green tea. I could not decide on one of these enticing flavors forever but ultimately decided I would go with something I know I love, ginger tea. Super Ginger is described on the website as a "spicy blend" and it delivers! It packs an after taste with a kick that wakes me up and sends me on the way to my internship with a hop in my step.

I purchased the Midnight Green Carry Mug with a mesh steeper built in so I can brew loose leave tea on the go! It is the perfect travel mug because it follows through with its promise of being 100% insulated. I heat water in a tea kettle at 9 am and my tea is still hot (not just warm) at 4 pm! Similarly, if I brew iced tea in the travel mug, the ice cubes I use in the morning stay solid and my drink stays cool and refreshing all day long.

My friend bought chocolate macaroon tea, which tastes as amazing as it smells, and it occurred to us one morning as the creative juices were flowing, that we could mix our uniquely different loose leaf teas and create a potentially amazing and/or disastrous blend. Surprisingly, the mix of ginger and chocolate tasted satisfyingly sweet and spicy-- in a very good way!

I 100% plan on returning to David's Tea as soon as the free time avails. I recommend the destination to anyone who enjoys tea and is open to brewing their own. I am more than satisfied with my choice and plan on purchasing new and different flavors! The day my travel mug gives out, I plan on returning to David's Tea to replace it immediately! The DIY feel that comes along with steeping my own tea leaves me even more satisfied and pleased in consuming my daily dose of caffeine.

Healthy and Easy: Delicious Quinoa Stuffed Peppers in 10 Simple Steps! Feeds 2-4 people

Ingredients

- 2 bell peppers any color

- 1 cup quinoa (I use garlic flavored for taste)

-  1 cup chopped celery

-  1 cup chopped carrots

- 1 cup chopped yellow onion

- 1 jalapeño

- 2 tablespoons of olive oil

- 1 cup shredded cheese: I used mozzarella

Directions

1. Bring about three cups of water to a boil

2. Preheat oven to 400

3. Add quinoa to boiling water

4. Cut the bell peppers in halves and remove seeds and ribs

5. Rub peppers with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil each and place on baking sheet

6. Sauté veggies on a pan greased with a little bit of olive oil until onions are soft

7. Strain quinoa and transfer to the pan with veggies. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes on Low

8. Scoop quinoa and veggies into hallowed peppers

9. Cook peppers in the oven for 10 minutes: Sprinkle cheese on top and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

10. Enjoy!