Raspberry Almond Brie Bites

I had my work Christmas party the other day and I had no idea what to make as far as food. I thought about going with buffalo chicken dip that I saw on Pinterest, so I went over to Publix. So you know how Publix always has samples and recipes to try out? Well I got the idea from there. But it was sooooo delicious when I made it, that I just had to share with you guys! It's super easy to make and so fancy looking! You're sure to make a great impression!

Ingredients:
French Brie (I used the imported kind)
Mini fillo shells (in the frozen section)
Almonds (sliced thin)
Raspberry Preserves (or apricot or strawberry, or whatever your little heart desires)

Here are all the ingredients! I bought 3 boxes of the mini fillo shells because they were cheap!

 

 

Lay the shells out and put a small slice of Brie inside. I am not too familiar with Brie, but I actually cut the outside waxy part off... not sure if it's edible!

 

 

Then top them off with some raspberry preserves.

 

 

And then some sliced almonds! Bake at 350 for about 5-8 minutes.

 

 

Let them cool off for a few minutes and then serve! I wanted to put them on cute holiday dishes so the host will be able to keep them as a gift!

 

 

 

Delicious AND fancy! Perfect appetizer! Enjoy!

DVM Wish List for Grenada

My departure date is nearing even faster than I imagined! There are still a bunch of things I need and everyone keeps asking me what I want for Christmas/Birthday/going-away. So I made a list of things I need and websites leading to the specific ones I want.
 
I'm crossing out the ones I got!

 

·         Laptop lock http://www.kensington.com/kensington/us/us/p/3230/K64068F/microsaver%c2%ae-keyed-notebook-lock.aspx

 

·         Umbrella  
       http://www.target.com/p/totes-letters-bubble-umbrella-black-white/-/A-14671053#prodSlot=medium_1_7&term=bubble+umbrella

·         Rainbow flip flops size 10

http://www.rainbowsandals.com/ProductDetail/301ALTSNSRBRL010-Single-Layer-Premier-Leather-With-Arch-Support-And-a-Narrow-Strap

 

·         Women's Coveralls (short-sleeved, size XL)

http://www.zappos.com/hunter-sandhurst-savoy-black

 

·         Rubber boots

http://www.zappos.com/hunter-sandhurst-savoy-black

·         Nitrile gloves – size Medium

http://www.amazon.com/Ammex-Indigo-Nitrile-Medical-Disposable/dp/B00CF49RN0/ref=sr_1_5?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1386602289&sr=1-5&keywords=nitrile+gloves

·         Bed set (full)

Comforter (white): http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/Sidney-6-7-Piece-Comforter-Set/208956?categoryId=12016

Sheets and Pillowcases (cheetah): http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/the-seasons-reg-flannel-sheets/3241429?poc=209492&categoryId=12019

 

·         Towels – 2 bath towels (preferably soft. White or ivory)

·         Ethernet cable – about 6 feet

·         Solid scrubs (2 - power pink and bora blue size L)

http://www.scrubs.com/IguanaMed-5500-5600-Women-s-Quattro-Scrub-Sets-p/im5500-5600.htm

 

·         Flashlight + batteries

http://www.maglite.com/Maglite_ML125_LED_Flashlight.asp

·         Transformer  (input 220v, output  110v)

·         Pop-up laundry basket

 http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1/45572-pop-hamper-basket-set-of-2.html

I think I basically have everything else I need. I may add later if I think of anything else. :)

Happy Thanksgiving

Just wanted to wish everyone a very happy thanksgiving! Make sure to spend extra time with your loved ones and make sure to tell them how much you love them and how thankful you are to have them in your life!
Also, I hope everyone eats a lot today! Because tomorrow, it's going down at the gym!

Love,
DVM Gunner

Baked Apple Cinnamon Chips Recipe

I was craving something sweet today, and instead of reaching for the junk food, I decided to try something I've never made before. I had a bunch of apples, and they were going to go bad soon, so I made these healthy snacks! I love apples when they're crisp and fresh, so when they start to get soft, I tend to throw them away. This is a good way to use them up and not waste food! Just make sure to use good-tasting apples! You don't want bitter chips made from bitter apples!

Ingredients:
3 apples
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
... and that's it!

 

No need to use fresh apples. I bought these a week ago!

The thinner you slice them, the crispier they will be!

 

Then sprinkle the cinnamon/brown sugar mix on top. Mine kind of stuck to the pan, so try to use wax paper, foil, or a nonstick sheet so you don't have this problem.

 

Bake in oven at 200 degrees for about an hour and a half or until crispy. Other recipes online say to bake for 3 hours... I have no idea why they want you to bake them for so long... but I was hungry! And they turned out great  and crispy in 1.5 hours!

Finished product! Delicious, gluten-free, dairy-free, and a healthy snack! Enjoy!

 

...Oh and did I mention they make your entire house smell amazing?! Instant air freshener for the holidays, especially if you have guests over! Snack on these while you're cooking dinner and when your guests come over, they're sure to build up an appetite!

5 Ways to Wear a Scarf

Fall is officially here! So it's time to bring out the scarves!

I now have a huge obsession with scarves (and recently I'm loving the infinity scarves too)! They are the perfect accessory to dress up any outfit and go with just about anything. Also, don't be afraid to wear a cute scarf if you know you will be stuck at the office or in class all day, scarves can be worn inside too!

Up until recently, I only knew like 2 ways to tie a scarf. And it was pretty much how my mom tied it around my neck when I was a kid. Apparently, there's soooooo many ways to tie a scarf, and a lot of them are super easy. So I picked 5 of my favorite ways to tie a scarf and decided to share them with you guys.

Note: The pictures I'm posting can only be done with regular long scarves, not infinity. But I'll find some fun ways to tie those too and post them on here soon!

 

1

 

2

 

 

3

4

5

Okay there they are! I don't have names for them, but we can just call them 1-5. So which one is your favorite? Do you have any other ways you tie your scarf?

Liebster Award

And the Liebster Award goes to... ME! <3

Since I'm kind of new to blogging, I'm going to write this post that my friend AJ from The AJ Minute tagged me in. She "nominated" me to do the Liebster Award. This is a great chance for my readers to get to know more about me! Enjoy :)

1. What inspired you to first start blogging? 

I was starting a new chapter in my life and I wanted to record it. Also, since I'm moving out of the country for school, I figured this is a great way for my friends to keep up with me.

2. What is your favorite children's book?

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar

3. What are some of your hobbies?

I like arts and crafts, dancing (especially Salsa and Bachata), blogging of course, and working out, and spending time with my animals (long walks on the beach with my dog and candlelit dinners with my cat)

4. What are three random facts about yourself?

-I hate driving, especially on the highway (I only drive on it if I have to, but I would much rather take the scenic route).

-Before I decided on a Biology undergrad major, I was actually a Theatre major (I directed and acted in some school plays in high school and fell in love).

-I bartended throughout college and grad school to pay off tuition and living expenses.

5. What is your favorite blog post you have written so far?

Well I only have 7 so far, this one makes 8... so I guess my favorite one so far is my introduction blog, What is DVM Gunner?

6. What are your top 3 favorite stores?

This is a tough one, but I will have to pick Charming Charlie, Bath and Body Works, and Forever 21. I know, typical girl, right?

7. What is your favorite monogrammed item?

Umm what's the point of having something monogrammed? Everyone already knows my name...

 

8. How would you describe your style?

My style changes... A LOT. I love wearing a bunch of colors one day and then all black the next. I can be classy chic and trendy in the same week. I love trying out new styles and I can't pick just one. I'm obsessed with accessories and colors though! A perfect outfit for me would be black with a pop of color and accessories! But like I said, this could change tomorrow!

9. What is your favorite color? 

PINK! If you don't know me personally yet, you can probably already tell this just from reading my blog (see my background?) 

10. What is a current goal of yours?

Start and finish Vet school at St. George's University in Grenada! This is my biggest dream and I'm making it come true! <3

 

 

I would nominate someone else for this lovely award, but I don't have enough followers yet :(

But thanks for reading! And feel free to answer these questions on your blog about yourself and I'll make sure to follow you!

Vet School Acceptance and Prep

When I found out I got accepted to vet school at St. George's University I was literally jumping up and down screaming. I had my interview via Skype about 2 months prior to my acceptance phone call, so I figured they just didn’t want me for some reason. Needless to say, the thought of being one step closer to reaching my goal felt amazing.

I always dreamed of completing my schooling in the US, so the thought of going to vet school in the Caribbean just sounded scary. But I talked to friends and read reviews about doctors who went to vet school out there, and the education in Grenada seemed to be just as effective as in the US.

At this point, I kept thinking about the school and traveling (since I’ve never traveled out of the country) and how it would be stupid for me not to accept this opportunity. This is the perfect time for me to explore what’s out there. I’m young, unmarried, and have no kids… so what is there to hold me back? Absolutely nothing. I need to take a chance in life, and the only thing I would regret is not taking it.

A really good friend of mine always says, “If you were to die tomorrow, would you be satisfied with everything you’ve accomplished in life?” The answer is no, I feel like I’ve been following the path that was handed to me and I haven’t done enough in life.

So I finally decided. Yes, I am going to St. George’s University! Now the hard part is preparing for this journey in my life.

Thankfully, some of the current students at SGU made a Facebook group for the incoming class so that we can interact and get to know each other before school starts. They also post things to know before we come out there, like lists of thing to take with us, what not to bring, and just everyday tips.

What I’m getting from the list is to bring ONLY what I need… and learn to become a minimalist.

Gotta start representin'!

Ombre Hair!

I know you’re probably thinking “Ew Maria, ombre hair is so out,” but I had to give it a try since it's Fall and everything! One of my friends was going to do her hair one night, so we went to Target and bought L'oreal Feria Wild Ombre 060. Then I decided to try it out too since I was getting tired of my grown out highlights and the package was only like 12 bucks! So we got to her house and did it ourselves. It was super easy. We just mixed everything together and started from underneath and worked our way up to the top layer. We did NOT use the comb to brush it through like the instructions said. Word of advice: a lot of celebrities work it up a little too far and it just looks bad. Try to go to around the chin area, not higher than that. Also, USE GLOVES!!! Anyway, here’s how it went:

 

L'Oreal Feria Wild Ombre

 

 

Here's my before picture! Notice the bottom is dark.

 

Just a side view of my hair! Love it!

Anyway, I noticed it looks a lot better when I curl it, but it also looks good straight if I actually straighten it with an iron. I really like the way it just looked like a continuation of my grown-out highlights.

Unfortunately, my friend AJ was not able to do her hair due to an unfortunate chemical burn as a result of trying to be “professional” and not using gloves… but I still love her!
 
I really hope this post is useful to anyone planning on doing ombre on their own! It will save you a lot of money as opposed to going to a salon and paying $$$ for something this simple!

Leftover Pets

I haven’t really said much yet about my passion on my blog, so I want you to see one of the things I love to do most. It’s something that keeps me motivated to continue to pursue my career.

About a year ago, I began volunteering for this organization called Leftover Pets. We are a small non-profit spay/neuter organization in Georgia to reduce the high euthanasia rate in shelters. Basically our clinic rescues pets either from shelters or homeless pets turned into the clinic. After they are spayed/neutered, we vaccinate them and adopt them out to caring people looking for a new addition to their family.

I specifically volunteer with the cats and adopt them out at a local PetSmart. We make sure they always have clean beds, clean litter, food, water, etc.

I love doing adoptions and seeing these babies get new homes. It touches my heart to know that there are people out there that care about animals as much as I do.

Anyway, I encourage that if you are looking to adopt, please spay and neuter your pets. By doing this, you are reducing the overpopulation of animals on the streets without homes and the killing rate of shelter pets. Vaccinations are also super important. Here’s a list of what our clinic gives to our cats before they are adoptable:

• Spay/Neuter
• Negative Leukemia Test
• FVRCP Vaccination
• Rabies Vaccination (if over 12 weeks old)
• Deworming
• Flea Control
• Microchip

Here are just some pictures of adoptions I get to witness on a weekly basis:

 

 

If you live in the Atlanta area and are looking to adopt a cat or kitten, check out our website or Facebook page.

Website: http://www.leftoverpets.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leftoverpetsinc

 

Introducing the new gunner computer...

In order to be a successful veterinary student, I absolutely need a laptop. I have been living the past few months from my phone, and the Galaxy Note 2 just wasn't cutting it for me. I went shopping at Fry's Electronics today and fell in love with this computer. So here is my new laptop! I am letting you relive my experience today from when I opened the box. Enjoy!

Checking out at the store

Yes, the box is eco-friendly :)

and the packaging too

beautiful finish

Gotta love the simplicity of the contents.

Kind of looks like a Mac :)

My new toy!

I love the look, the specs, and the feel of this computer!!

Big thanks to AJ for helping me out with this and being patient with me through the whole process :D



This is how I feel about some people I know... #gunnerfail



A little amusement to brighten your day

#1. Parking Fail

Now I know for a fact that I'm not the only one who finds this person super annoying. Either this person was in a major rush to get home, too drunk to park correctly, or just wanted to use his or her truck to show off how obnoxious he or she really is. Either way, all it really meant was that I had to find a further parking spot, which made me walk an extra 20 feet to my destination.
So I should be saying "thank you" to this person. Thank you for helping me burn the extra calories! And please learn how to park.

#2. I'll take a peck!

Yummy! I love apples! Wait... how many apples come in a peck? Please tell me they meant to say "pack" and completely misspelled the word. Is there really such thing as a peck of apples that I didn't know about?

#3. Tupperware Kitty

Here is one of the many loves of my life -- my true vet inspiration! I rescued Molly back in December of 2012 from a shelter and fell in love with her immediately. This picture basically sums up her personality. <3 Tupperware kitty

What is DVM Gunner?

As cliche as it sounds, for my first post I'm going to tell you a little about who I am.

For starters, what is DVM Gunner?

DVM is my soon-to-be title or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. That's right, I'm starting vet school in just a few months in Grenada. For those of you who have no idea where that is, I'll help you out a little: Everything you need to know about Grenada

I'm super excited about studying abroad for the next few years, especially in a field I have always been so passionate about. Now you're probably wondering what a ''gunner" is. If you haven't heard this term before, this is what the word gunner means to me: "a teacher's pet on steroids."

So basically, I've created a blog for everyone to read about my overseas vet school experience from helpful student tips to awesome scenery to just fun facts I learn each day!

Of course first and foremost, my main goal is to succeed in vet school and do my best and become a successful doctor of veterinary medicine.
I WILL strive to become a true DVM Gunner.

As a side note, I want to give a big thanks to my awesome friend/mentor/web page designer TheAJMinute. You might see me talk about her in the future, as she is kind of my "life coach."




What I wish the next few years of my life will be like:

What the next few years of my life will actually be like:

Hilarious Med School Blog