Well folks, I made it. I’ve just begun my senior year of college. Only a few more months of endless reading and five hundred page term papers, and of the freedom to learn, explore, and make a fool of myself with very few ramifications. By now, I’m an old dog. I walk through the Emerson campus and recognize only a few bearded hipsters and vintage clad hipstresses. I’ve given up on getting to class twenty minutes early to score the best seat and on buying books on the first day of class. There’s a name for this situation I’ve wound up in. It’s called Senioritis, and it is very real.

Despite the part of me who just wants to get on with her life already, get a real job, and move to (insert major metropolitan city here), I’ve still got a soft spot for college and Boston and Emerson. Let me tell you, there’s nothing better than cracking the spine of a brand spankin’ new Moleskine academic planner. There’s nothing better than new pens and highlighters or back to school shopping or moving into the coolest apartment ever with all of your favorite people. By the way, that last one is the most exciting of them all.

Remember all that stuff I was saying about moving? Well, I did it. And believe you me, this really is the best place ever. I could go on and on about the stained glass windows, the chestnut wood floors, the exposed brick, the giant deck, et cetera, but that would probably bore you. Instead, I’ll talk about the kitchen.

Now I have to say, the kitchen isn’t the most functional. We’ve got a serious lack of counter space, which makes it difficult to do anything too elaborate. But fear not, we’re on the market for an island and we’ve got two kickass barstools who are anxiously awaiting its arrival. Despite this major flaw, the counter space we do have is made of shiny REAL granite, so say goodbye to that oh-so-drab beige linoleum counter at my last place. Our appliances are awesome, the fridge is huge, and my KitchenAid mixer is proudly displayed front and center.

Moving in with new people means that there are going to be some major changes around here. We’re talking a whole new haul of mix-matched plates and bowls and mason jars (literally, so many mason jars) with which to display various Pantry Raid creations. As my grandmother taught me, presentation is everything, so get excited for some mouthwatering photos. Plus, Matt has been signed up (by me) to be my live in photography coach, so try not to lick your computer screen.

As much as Senioritis is kicking my butt this year, I’m loving my new home and my new classes more than words can describe. And in honor of this back-to-school season, I’ve decided to unveil my take on a bagged lunch classic. While the PB+J Smoothie probably won’t hold well in your cubby, this is the perfect after-school special. With a sweet and (slightly) salty flavor, this smoothie is a tongue twister like no other. Not to mention, it’s super healthy for you too. You’ve heard my shtick about blueberries (antioxidants, blah blah blah) and might remember me blabbering on about almond milk (it’s vegan!), but the bananas, which are high in potassium, and the protein filled peanut butter make this smoothie a quadruple whammy.

Drink this smoothie after a tough day of classes, as a cure to Senioritis (kind of), or when you’re feeling a bout of childhood nostalgia coming on. To all of you who just started school, welcome back! And to all of you who wish you just started school, I’ll try not to complain too much.

Ingredients (makes 2 small smoothies or 1 large)

• 1 banana

• 1 cup frozen blueberries

• ¼ cup creamy salted peanut butter (I used Trader Joes’)

• 2 cups low fat milk or unsweetened almond milk

1. Combine in a blender and puree until smooth. Serve immediately.