Alina Gallupe
Bio
I am a graduate student of Mental Health Counseling in Cambridge, MA. I strive to combine my mental health knowledge and my love of writing to explore all topics related to the human experience. I am also a dedicated cat mom and home cook.
Stories (43/0)
What to Cook When You Are Craving Takeout
It's 4:35 PM, you are sitting at your desk typing up some email or essay, and your mind starts drifting to how hungry you are. Images of gyros and pizza dance through your head as your stomach does its little growl of anticipation. But then reality kicks in and your brain reminds you of your wallet...and your diet. We've all felt this pain, but this doesn't mean that you have to go home and sadly eat another boring salad. There are things that you can do to feed your inner foodie while skipping the delivery price tag and keeping your waistline happy. The following recipes are author tested, family approved, and sure to make your tummy do a happy dance!
By Alina Gallupe5 years ago in Feast
Why Femme Fatale Is Arguably the Best 'DD' Party
Darkest Dungeon is a game about "making the best out of a bad situation." Because of this, it's first and foremost a strategy game. From skillfully allocating gold and resources on treatments, to knowing when to give up on a bad run, DD will test your planning and strategic ability. A huge part of this process is figuring out which members of your team to send out together on runs. Certain heroes can't be paired with others, like the Abomination and the Crusader, others simply don't fit well together, because none have the ability to hit the fourth slot enemy. After taking into account all of these considerations, the Femme Fatale lineup—consisting of the Hellion, Grave Robber, Plague Doctor, and the Vestal—is the best go-to team.
By Alina Gallupe5 years ago in Gamers
4 Cheap Ways to Hack Boxed Dinners
We've all been there at one point or another. The grind of living off of boxed dinner and processed foods is starting to wear on you. But fresh food is either too expensive or out of your skill level. Maybe you are stuck between buying meat and paying your student loan bill this month, maybe you live in a dorm without a real kitchen, or maybe you are a busy parent trying to hide to the fact that this is the fourth night of boxed mac and cheese in a row. Whatever your situation, these cheap and simple hacks can make boxed dinner go from depressing to delicious!
By Alina Gallupe5 years ago in Lifehack
5 Positive Impacts of Cats on Mental Health
Despite the Crazy cat lady stereotype, cat owners may well be some of the most well-adjusted people on Earth. This is because owning a cat comes with many emotional and physical benefits. When thinking about emotional support and pets, generally, owning a dog comes to mind first. However, any cat parent will tell you that emotional support is not limited to dogs. In fact, cats can offer a different kind of emotional support, and often require less rigorous daily care on the part of their owner, making them ideal pets for those who suffer from depression or lack of energy.
By Alina Gallupe5 years ago in Petlife
6 Travel Tips for Women Visiting India
India is a vast and beautiful subcontinent. This magical country is home to over 200 national languages, all major world religions, and a variety of subcultures. India cannot be pinned down to one cultural group with one set of customs. Because of this, it can be difficult to know exactly what you can expect upon your first visit. What will their toilets look like? Is it safe to be alone on a train? Are there even many women's restrooms available in public markets? While this list does not cover all of the things a female traveler should consider, it covers the basics and helps keep you culturally prepared for some of the encounters you may experience along the way.
By Alina Gallupe5 years ago in Wander
The Next One Will Be Better
How bad can he really be? I carefully applied my lipstick in the dim lighting of my dorm room, my outfit and hair style pre-approved by roommates and friends to be first date worthy. I stared into my reflection in the mirror and took a deep breath. Maybe this guy will be the one? Hopefully, he’s not a serial killer at the very least…
By Alina Gallupe5 years ago in Humans
Swipe Right for Love?
What am I even doing? A wave of doubts ran through my head as I nervously watched the app download on my phone. The girl in the dorm room next to mine swore this was the only way to get over my bad breakup and I was apparently willing to try anything. Including subjecting myself to a barrage of sleazy messages, followed inevitably by the wave of completely unwanted dick pics. Tinder, while nowhere near my comfort zone, turned out to be exactly what I needed. Not only would I learn to be more confident in my interactions with the opposite sex, I would also stumble across the love of my life.
By Alina Gallupe5 years ago in Humans
How Your Cat Says 'I Love You'
One of the main arguments that dog owners often have for disliking cats is that they are not affectionate. This misconception comes from the more subtle ways that cats express their love for their humans. While not jumpy and loud with their preferred methods of endearment, cats certainly show their owners plenty of love and trust. Cats may seem distant and cold to outsiders, but all cat owners know the small tokens of appreciation and signs of trust that their cat shows on a daily basis. If you know how to read the signs, you will soon learn to pick up on even the smallest signs that your cat loves you.
By Alina Gallupe5 years ago in Petlife
What to Do If Friends or Family Are Allergic to Your Pet
You just brought home this little bundle of furry joy and you are obsessed with it. Whether a puppy, kitten, or a more senior new friend, this animal is now a major part of your life. So, there is absolutely nothing worse than finding out that a loved one is seriously affected by this pet. You don’t want to alienate a friend who enjoys spending time in your home, but you also don’t want to send away this pet that you have started to create a bond with. If this person with allergies is a member of your immediate family, this struggle can be even worse. Before you make any snap decisions, try out some of these steps to help make your loved ones more comfortable in your home. If you are willing to put a little extra effort in, you might just be able to make everyone happy, including your new furry friend.
By Alina Gallupe6 years ago in Petlife
Is Your Cat Drinking Enough Water?
We always hear how important it is for humans to be drinking enough water through the day. However, this is just as important for your pets. Cats can be especially tricky because they are often picky about the source of their water. It can also be hard to monitor their water intake as they often like to play with their water bowl or dump it over entirely. Follow these tips to help ensure that your cat is getting enough access to the kind of water that they like to drink.
By Alina Gallupe6 years ago in Petlife
How To Curb Your Cat's Nocturnal Activity
As any cat owner knows by now, cats are essentially nocturnal creatures. Whether they are getting random bursts of energy and running all around your bedroom or biting your toes, this nocturnal activity can be disruptive to their owner's sleep. These nightly disruptions can take a toll on a human's health and productivity due to the lack of REM sleep. As cute as your pet is and as much as you love them, you no longer need to sacrifice your precious sleep time to keep them entertained. With these tips, you can curb that activity and even start training your cat to sleep when you do.
By Alina Gallupe6 years ago in Petlife
Open Letter to My Anxiety
Dear Anxiety, You have been with me through thick and thin. Always by my side since day one. You hover close by on my good days and wrap me in your presence on bad days. I understand that you think you are trying to help me cope with the craziness of this world but I’m starting to feel smothered. I don’t need this constant attention and interference in my life. So from this day on, you are no longer going to control my decisions.
By Alina Gallupe6 years ago in Psyche
