Mount Hood

How to make gluten-free teriyaki chicken with ramen noodles

Morgan Taylor | Freelancer

A simple recipe that can easily be altered to your liking, this dish is full of hidden vegetables and can basically be made with any that are on hand. Also, if gluten-free isn’t your thing, this recipe works with any type of instant ramen noodles as a cheap and fast alternative.

 

TERIYAKI CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES WITH RAMEN NOODLES

Start to finish: 40 minutes

Servings: About 4 portions

 

Ingredients:

2 medium-to-large chicken breasts

1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil

Poultry seasoning — a few pinches

1 medium onion — sliced

1 yellow pepper — sliced

1 orange pepper — sliced

1 ½ cups of snap peas

2 cups of cabbage (pre-shredded works)

2 minced garlic cloves

3 packs of gluten-free ramen noodles

3 cups of water

3-4 tablespoons of gluten-free teriyaki sauce

 

Instructions:

Chop up chicken into either strips or chunks, using a separate cutting board for the raw chicken, and slice onions.

Heat up oil in wok or large pan on medium-high heat and then add chicken, onions and garlic. Season chicken with poultry seasoning. Cook until chicken turns white on the outsides.

Add half of the teriyaki sauce. Simmer until caramelized.

Reduce to medium heat. Add peppers and snap peas. Cook for about one minute.

While the peppers cook, begin to boil water in separate pot. Add noodles in and cook for approximately 2 minutes. Separate noodles with fork as it cooks.

Drain noodles and add to stir fry. Add cabbage and the remaining teriyaki sauce. Cook for one minute.

Serve and enjoy.

 

Contact the author at  mrtaylor14@wou.edu

Photo by Morgan Taylor

Spring festivals and events near Western

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

One reason spring is so great is that it feels like a build up to summer festivities and outdoor activities. As the sun starts to come out, so do many of the annual events near Western. Almost all of them occur on the weekends, making them fairly accessible to students. Here’s a short list of upcoming events to get you started when festival season starts to roll around.

 

Food Truck Frenzy:

Put on by the Willamette Humane Society, this pet-friendly event featuring music, food and drinks will be happening this May.

Date: May 17

Address: 4246 Turner Rd SE, Salem

 

Willamette Valley Wine Festival:

This is an event held on the Salem riverfront, a beautiful place during the spring. The Willamette Valley Wine Festival is a great chance to enjoy one of the Willamette Valley’s famous products, and a great chance to support local businesses while enjoying Salem in springtime.

Date: May 19

Address:  Riverfront City Park: 200 Water St SE, Salem

 

Portland Rose Festival:

Nothing says spring like a festival celebrating flowers. The Rose City’s annual Rose Festival is one of it’s most famous events, located in downtown Portland near the riverfront.

Date: Begins May 24

Address: Tom McCall Waterfront Park: 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland

 

Canby Wine, Food and Brew Fest:

Part of Clackamas County’s annual Fair and Rodeo, this Canby festival at the Clackamas County fairgrounds is another great event for experiencing the Willamette Valley’s signature tastes. While you’re at it, you can also experience a classic county fair rodeo.

Date: May 31

Address: 694 NE 4th Ave, Canby

 

Oregon Renaissance Fair:

Period costumes, music, vendors and entertainment are all part of Canby’s annual Renaissance fair. This event will be happening two weekends, so there’s two chances to experience this medieval Scotland inspired festival.

Date: June 8-9, 15-16

Address: 694 NE 4th Ave, Canby

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

A checklist to complete before graduation

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Graduation is looming, and so is DegreeWorks’s infinite checklist. Hopefully by the time the cap and gown go on, all items will be checked off and Western seniors will have the all-clear for graduation. However, there are other important things to do before leaving Western that won’t show up on Portal:

 

Get pictures with friends that are moving away — or, with friends who will be staying if you’re the one leaving. If not, you might reach the end of graduation and realize you don’t have momentos of all the people who helped you make good memories during your time at Western.

 

Ask for some letters of recommendation from your favorite professors or staff. Many are happy to help you take your next step towards a career, and most jobs will require a letter or two. It’s also an opportunity to thank them for their help over the years, or even just one term.

 

Study hard and go out on a good note. This may already be a given for some, but everyone has a rough term or two. Think of the satisfaction that would come with walking across the stage after earning some of your best grades ever.

 

Start networking. Some of the best job hunting resources in your field can come from people who either have been or are going into the same one. Some professors know of good resources or people to contact to start the job hunt, and keeping in touch with classmates and keeping each other updated can bring up different opportunities.

 

Take senior photos. Whether professional or casual with a friend and a smartphone, senior photos are a great way to mark a milestone and will be fun to look back on in a few years.

 

Take full advantage of Western’s resources. Right now, things like Hamersley Library – full of free information, the Health and Counseling Center with its health resources, and the Health and Wellness Center with its fitness facilities are all available to students. A lot of those benefits will go away after commencement, so take advantage of them while you can.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo by Caity Healy

Where to host graduation parties in Monmouth and Independence

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Graduation is quickly approaching, and so are the ideas of how to celebrate graduation. Many students have some sort of celebration outside of commencement.

These much anticipated graduation party plans can be made more difficult by the fact that a large number of students live in small, shared apartments, dorms or rooms rented out by families. Additionally, some students have the complication of having to move out of said dwelling right around graduation time, leaving them with no location to host any kind of party. Fortunately, there are a number of places available for rent around Monmouth and Independence perfect for hosting graduation festivities.

 

Main Street Park

One of the closest options to campus, Main Street Park is located in downtown Monmouth and offers a spacious lawn perfect for a picnic party. The proximity to various restaurants and shops means there will be no shortage of food or refreshments. According the city’s website, the fee depends on the size of the event and reservations can be made by calling the City Recorder at (503) 751-0145.

 

Riverview Park

For another outdoor option, Riverfront park is another great location located in downtown Independence. The river right next to the park and the walking trails nearby add to the outdoorsy summer feel in warm weather. The application, which also contains pricing and available hours, can be found at ci.independence.or.us/recreation/riverview-park.

 

The Gentle House

Located on campus, the Gentle House grounds is an outdoor venue that offers some privacy from public spaces. Western students and alumni can also enjoy a 10% discount on the reservation fees, which can be found at wou.edu/gentlehouse.

 

Jubilee

For a smaller gathering, consider Independence’s dessert bar Jubilee and its reservable private back room. More information and reservation booking can be found at 296 S Main St, Independence, OR.

 

Fee Mail Depot

Many students know this located for shipping out textbooks rented online, but this location also has an outdoor patio space that can hold around 40 people. The base price for this venue is $100 for about four hours, but the business will cut that price in half if you rent your decorations from them as well.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo by Caity Healy

Four tips for making the summer job search easier

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Summer: it makes people excited for festivals, activities and sunshine. In an ideal world, we would get to enjoy all of these things free from other worries. Unfortunately, the little matter of money often gets in the way, and many students will be hunting for an income to fund such activities. While the task of finding one can be daunting, there are a few steps to make the process easier.

First, consider how long you’ll need your summer job. If it’s just needed for the summer because you have one to go back to in the fall, there will likely be more jobs because seasonal or temp jobs are an option. If not, consider looking for one with flexible hours. That way, if you want to work some extra hours during the summer and back when school starts, you can still make some extra cash as well as pay all the bills.

Next, use all available online resources such as Indeed, LinkedIn and Handshake on Portal so that there’s multiple options to choose from. Also, be sure to check the posting dates as well as the start dates, instead of filling out a dozen applications when some might not even be available.

Putting together an availability list and preferred hours will also help speed up the process, as it will come up in some applications or interviews. It will also make you consider what kind of schedule you want after considering all factors. If you’re unsure of these and you tell the manager this, you might end up working much less or more than you would like.

If you decide to go the old school route and check in in person with places that might be hiring, have resumes ready to go and turn in. Some places will just take a resume and not require an application, and getting as many resumes out there will increase the chance of a call back.

Additionally, Western has its own resources for job hunting, the main one being the Service Learning and Career Development Center. Heather Duncan of the SLCD gave some advice on students on a job hunt.

“Definitely make a Handshake account, as that’s our main platform for listing jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities,” Duncan said. “It’s the most convenient place to find something.” Duncan also advised that “It’s always best to ask if you’re having trouble finding something that interests you.”

The SLCD will be open and offering services such as resume reviews up until the end of Spring Term. They are located in room 119 in the Werner University Center.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo by Caity Healy

Where to go whale watching on the coast

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

During spring, there’s yet another reason to visit the Oregon coast: you might see a whale or two. Migratory patterns bring a few different species, such as gray whales, blue whales and humpback whales up the coast of the Pacific Northwest, according to the Oregonian. As a result, there’s a chance they can be seen at just about any point along the coast. Some places, however, are better than others. Here are just a few places to look out for whales when visiting the coast this spring.

 

Depoe Bay – Just south of Lincoln City, Depoe Bay is home to the Whale Watch Center and is considered the whale watching capital of Oregon.

Address: 119 US-101, Depoe Bay, OR

Price: Free

 

Yaquina Head – Located in Newport, home of the Oregon Coast Aquarium and two different lighthouses, Yaquina Head lighthouse is one of the prime places to spot whales.

Address: 750 NW Lighthouse Dr, Newport, OR

Price: $7 for day pass, $15 for annual pass

 

Cape Perpetua – Near Yachats on the central Oregon Coast, the scenic Cape Perpetua is another great lookout.

Address: 2400 US-101, Yachats, OR (Visitor center)

Price: $5 parking

 

Cape Kiwanda – Pacific City’s picturesque natural area, Cape Kiwanda, is just over an hour from Western.

Address: Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City, OR

Price: Free

 

Ecola State Park – The farthest north, Ecola State Park is not just  good whale watching spot, but is also near attractions such as Cannon Beach and Seaside.

Address: 84318 Ecola Park Road, Seaside, Cannon Beach, OR

Price: $5

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo by Rebecca Meyers

Don Bigote’s food truck opens in Salem

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Along the stretch of Portland Road in Salem, a small market’s parking lot is currently home to two food trucks: one selling classic street tacos and another with a complementary array of desserts unlikely to be found in many other places. Don Bigote is something I didn’t know I needed: a churro-and-ice cream-centric range of desserts.

To be clear, there are not just desserts on this menu — there are a few wraps and fry options — but they do make up a bulk of it. And for good reason; this is clearly Don Bigote’s specialty. Ice cream sandwiches made with fresh churros, churro banana splits, plantains doused in chocolate sauce whipped cream, crepes filled with fruit and whipped cream and churros rellenos — or filled with creams or jellies — are just a few items on the list.

In short, this is the perfect place to go when you’re craving the kind of ridiculous sweet and fried goodness you’d find at a county fair.  

Deciding I couldn’t not try one of their advertised handcrafted churros, I ordered a churro ice cream sandwich, because go big or go home. The two fresh fried treats sandwiched a generous scoop of Oreo ice cream and was also drizzled in fudge and, interestingly, fruity pebbles, which I found surprising but didn’t object to.

Obviously, it was quite tasty. I found the ice cream to churro ratio perfect, and the additional toppings not overdone so that the two main flavors were what really stuck out.

Overall, the ambiance is quite nonexistent and there’s not much to be said about location. However, the next time I have a reason to drive up Portland Road, I would gladly make a slight detour to pick up a milkshake with a churro as a straw from a very pleasant staff. I would, however, advise anyone doing the same to check their hours, as they vary by the day.

 

Overall Rating: I would recommend Don Bigote.  

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Meyers

Where to find farmers markets in Independence

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Despite the pouring rain, two farmers’ markets have officially opened in downtown Independence. On Saturdays, you can now attend either one and find plants, produce, baked goods and handmade crafts, either behind Umpqua Bank or where the street meets Riverfront Park.

The first to open was the “original” Independence Farmers Market behind the bank, which served free coffee and cinnamon buns to celebrate the first day open for business. This market, which has been running since 1993 according to their website, offers a small variety of herbs, plants and flowers and also features a stand of affordable jewelry.

Near the river, the Riverview market offers a similar variety but has some unique features. The market manager Sue Barker explained that some vendors’ attendance depends on the weather. For example, textile-selling booths are less likely to be present when their merchandise is in danger of getting drenched by the ever present Oregon rain. Fortunately, a few attend rain or shine, so you can count on finding farm fresh greens, homemade jams, baked goods and even a blown-glass display.

Joshua Vincent of Vincent Glass Works brings a portable workshop to the Riverview Market, where shoppers can observe the artwork in progress. Vincent is married to a recent Western graduate who studied art, and therefore encourages any and all art students at Western to continue their studies.

“I would be proud to have (Western) students learning from me,” Vincent stated.

The Riverview Market has been open for seven years now and has slowly been growing.

As for the question as to what one should do if they are interested in selling their wares, Barker has a simple answer: “Come talk to me,” she said. Barker’s booth is easy to find — it’s the one with all of the brochures about local events.

The markets are a great way to support local farmers and businesses, as well as a great way to shop outdoors and enjoy the sun once it finally appears. The markets are both open from April to November, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy Rebecca Meyers

Safety on campus and services provided to students

Karlene Curtin | Freelancer

When picking a school or place of employment, we hope that our “dignity, diversity and civil liberties are honored and protected,” as stated by Campus Public Safety. According to The National Council For Home and Security, Monmouth, Oregon ranks as the third safest city in Oregon. With Western’s population just over 5,000 students, safety on campus is critical.

Campus Public Safety officers care about Western’s students and faculty.

I had the opportunity to conduct an interview with the office manager, Kevin Thibeault, of CPS.

 

What are the benefits of having student workers at CPS? Is it only for those who want to pursue criminal justice?

Student workers provide many benefits for Campus Public Safety. CPS student workers help with traffic and event control during big events such as commencement, New Student Move-in Day, and sporting events. CPS student workers also help keep campus safe by providing after hour support while working dispatch for the university. CPS encourages students from all different backgrounds and educational degrees to work within our department.

How do CPS Officers honor the civil liberties of students and staff?

The following is our mission statement found on our website.

“The mission of the Campus Public Safety Department of Western Oregon University is to engender a sense of safety and security by providing an environment in which students, faculty, staff and visitors can learn, work, and live. This is accomplished by a professionally trained corps of officers and staff that honor the individual dignity, diversity, and civil liberties of all people.”
CPS also plays a role in WOU’s ongoing efforts to shape an inclusive university environment. We recognize the various dimensions of diversity, including, but not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, religion/spirituality, size, abilities and disabilities, and gender expression/identity.
CPS has an obligation to treat all members of our campus community with courtesy and respect.

What services are provided to students and faculty?

CPS provides various services to Student, Faculty, and Staff. Some of the services that we provide include:
Vehicle Jumpstarts; vehicle access when keys are locked in car; will air up your tire if it is low; Loaner Gas Can Program; lost and found; safety escorts; First Aid/CPR/AED trainings; ALICE Trainings; loaner fatal vision impairment goggles (alcohol and marijuana)

 

For more information about services provided, visit wou.edu/safety, or contact their main office at 503-838-8481.

 

Contact the author at kcurtin14@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

The international student’s experience checklist

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Every year, new international students are subjected to culture shock and the many confusing quirks and traditions the United States has. Many will be leaving Western with the rest of us after Spring Term. To those students, hopefully your adjustment has been easy and you’ve learned a lot about the community since your arrival. For those that haven’t already, here’s a few more essential experiences to add to your to-do list before you leave.

 

Visit a natural landmark. The United States is full of beautiful landscapes, and you don’t have to go far to find one. Wherever you’re from, there’s bound to be something new to explore; Oregon contains mountains, rainforests, coasts and deserts.

 

Go to a festival or fair. There’s always plenty of good celebrations; spring and summer will bring music festivals, county fairs, rodeos and other festivities to the area.

 

Try different food. Our communities are various combinations of different cultures, and as a result you can find just about any kind of food here, from Chinese cuisine to Mexican dishes to Irish pubs. While most of these have been heavily adapted, there’s a few hidden gems that could be considered authentic. We know you’re already branching out quite a bit by moving far from home, but why not try a little extra something new?

 

Visit a big city. Western is a great place to learn, but it’s a relatively small sample size of both the United States and Oregon. Where better a place is there to learn about people of a new culture than a place where there’s a lot of them? Big cities are also usually home to many cultural hubs, such as famous icons, like the Space Needle.

 

If the opportunity arises, attend a tailgate. According to Culture Trip, this tradition, along with our enthusiasm for college sports, is largely unique to the United States. There may not be many opportunities left until fall, since it usually occurs during football season, but sometimes tailgating before other events, like baseball, will happen. While you’re at it, consider attending a game, whether at Western or elsewhere. Many people certainly have an enthusiasm for their team, and it makes sporting events an experience, not just an observation.

 

Attend commencement, even if you’re not graduating. According to dailyinfographic.com, some countries like the UK have similar traditions, but some have none at all or traditions that are very different. While it can sometimes last several hours, it’s a way to celebrate the success of your friends, or your own success if you will be joining.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Top nine dishes in close proximity of Western

Karlene Curtin | Freelancer

Almost everyone has had the, “well, where do you want to eat?” debate. Usually these debates end up with you sitting in the drive-through of the nearest McDonald’s, unsatisfied and craving more than just home-cooked food. But, rather, craving expertise on what places around this small university have the best plates and atmosphere.

After four years of living in Monmouth and attending Western Oregon, many others and myself can recommend the best plates at different restaurants that we swear by.

Going to Western makes one more than just a visitor to this wonderful small town; it makes one a major contributor to small local businesses that thrive on producing quality food and experiences for their customers.

Here is a list of my top picks, based on personal experiences and opinions.

 

Recipes to use up your berries

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

They’re colorful, delicious and everywhere during the sunny months. Berries are one of the best parts of spring and summer, and one of the great things about them is that they can be used for so many things besides just being enjoyed by themselves. Here’s a list of just some of the ways to throw them into the mix for when there’s no shortage of berries, but maybe a shortage of ideas.

 

Snacks:

For something to take on the go, berries can be prepared in a few different ways. They can be dried in the oven and added to a granola mix, which is perfect for taking along to class or on a hike. Left undried, they can also be added to yogurt for a quick and easy parfait for breakfast or a snack. Another easy way to use them when time is short is to throw them in the blender with a bit of juice and ice and make a smoothie.

 

Desserts:

Berries can be incorporated into almost any dessert. For one that has berries as the central ingredient, there’s popsicles that can be made by freezing juice and berries in molds that can be found in most grocery stores. Additionally, strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that can satisfy a sweet tooth.They can also be used in homemade ice cream or sprinkled on top of cheesecake.

 

Other:

A fresh berry-centric fruit salad is incredibly easy, and can be a great addition to a picnic or potluck event. If there happens to be fruit punch at said event, a fun way to keep it cool and beat the heat is to use ice cubes with berries frozen in them. For a different setting, such as a homemade brunch, heating some berries with a bit of water and sugar makes an easy and awesome syrup to go with pancakes or toast.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Meyers

How to get started with spring cleaning

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Spring — it’s all fun and games until the topic of spring cleaning comes up. For many students, the answer to the question of how much spring cleaning they plan to do is whatever their spring class schedule will allow. However, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a huge, daunting task — it can be broken down into much more manageable parts that can leave living spaces feeling much more spring ready.

Start with the car. If your house, apartment or dorm is a little intimidating, start with the vehicle that has endured a Monmouth winter’s worth of snow, mud and rain. There’s also the fact that there will soon be many more opportunities for driving with the windows down, and the satisfying sensation of wind blowing through your hair, an experience that shouldn’t be dampened with the sound of loose trash blowing around as well.

One smaller thing to tackle is the backpack or desk where loose papers from every term this year tend to accumulate. Winter Break was met with students focusing on holiday plans and sometimes traveling, with little time to sort through papers and forms from the fall. There’s always at least a few loose leafs that could stand to be dumped in the recycling instead of the bottom of a backpack.

Another good starting spot is the closet. Taking a good look at it might reveal one or two things that have not left their spot throughout the whole season. While it’s understandable that tank tops, shorts or dresses might not have been touched, any winter clothes that managed to last the whole, long Monmouth rainy season might be worth reconsidering.

As for other living spaces, one way to start is by making a list of what needs cleaning the most or what’s been put off and become a bigger problem than it needs to be. Maybe the floors have been swept but not mopped for some time? Or, maybe the pile of clean laundry has been getting bigger but never been put away. Perhaps the clutter in one room has never been organized, or you’ve been avoiding looking under the furniture and facing the mess that’s there. There’s almost always something, especially considering the busy schedules of students.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Camping trip essentials

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Spring: the season when Oregonians jump at the chance to enjoy being outdoors when it’s not gray and raining. As the sun starts showing up more often, people start showing up to various campsites around the Pacific Northwest. Fortunately, there’s usually no shortage of them, though sometimes reservations go quickly.

Like any trip, however, camping requires some preparation. Here’s a list of the basic necessities that will make camping breezy.

 

First aid kit: A basic pre-made one from a sporting store or a homemade one can work. A few things it could contain are bandages, antiseptic wipes, extra water bottles or emergency thermal blankets which are compact and can easily fit into any kit. These items can all be purchased at stores like Walmart or Fred Meyer.

Firewood: Most official campgrounds will have firewood for sale, but the front office selling it closes after certain times. So if you arrive too late, it might not be an option for the first night. Firestarters are also a helpful shortcut to get a campfire going quicker. It’s important to note that it is suggested that you buy firewood where you are planning to burn it, to prevent the introduction of invasive species in new areas.

Lanterns or flashlights: Ever tried to find the bathroom in an unlit campground at night? Would not recommend.

Cooking utensil: Not only will you likely need dishes and utensils, you’ll also need something to wash them with, especially for long trips. Since s’mores are bound to happen, this should also include roasting sticks. Portable burners for cooking can be found at stores like Target or Walmart as well as most sporting goods stores.

Directions: It’s not uncommon to lose service on a camping trip. If you’re going somewhere you’ve never been, or just somewhere you haven’t been enough to know the way by heart, relying on spotty cell service might be risky. Remember, “maps” isn’t just an app — you can take the “old school” version with you wherever you go.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Top four senior photo spots on campus

Karlene Curtin | Freelancer

The journey towards receiving a degree is commonly regarded as difficult, rewarding and worthwhile. Once every graduation requirement has been fulfilled, the application to graduate is completed, and cap and gowns have been purchased, for many the next step is a fun one: senior photos.

After finding the perfect photographer, the next thing to think about is where around campus the photos will be taken.

Western Oregon is home to several different areas around campus where senior photos have the potential to look fantastic. Here is a list of the top four places on campus to head to for your next session.

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In front of Rice Auditorium

The brick design and the surrounding plants and nature create a stunning, yet simple, background for portraits.

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In front of Todd Hall

Leafy green plants serve for great backgrounds. In the spring, they sprout flowers, which adds to the beauty of the landscape.

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The Grove outside of Ackerman Hall

Gorgeous green hills and tall trees create great open lighting and a playful atmosphere.  

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Western Oregon University sign

This one is a total classic. It has locations on the three out of the four corners of campus. The sign beside Rice Auditorium has the least amount of foot traffic.  

[fruitful_sep]

 

Contact the author at kcurtin14@wou.edu

Photos courtesy of Karlene Curtin

Easy way to make delicious funfetti cookies gluten-free

Morgan Taylor | Freelancer

Changing your diet to wheat-free can, for many, be challenging; it can be hard to adapt and find enjoyable food to eat. This recipe is easy and simple — it is a delicious and fun twist on a childhood favorite treat.

 

GLUTEN-FREE FUNFETTI COOKIES

Start to finish: 20 minutes

Servings: About 24 cookies

 

Ingredients:

One box of gluten-free Pillsbury Funfetti cake mix, which can be found at Roth’s Fresh Markets

⅓ cup butter (melted)

2 eggs

4.5 ounces softened cream cheese

Powdered sugar to garnish cookies

You will also need a hand mixer, a mixing bowl and a baking sheet.

 

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray baking sheet with a nonstick spray.

In mixing bowl, with the hand mixer, combine the eggs, melted butter and softened cream cheese. Blend until smooth.

Slowly add the cake mix and mix with a mixing spoon until it reaches an even consistency.  

Roll dough into small balls, and coat with powdered sugar.

Place on baking sheet, and flatten each dough ball with the base of a glass.

Bake for 9-12 minutes, depending on the size of cookie.

Let cool and enjoy.

 

Contact the author at mrtaylor14@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Morgan Taylor

Six quick tips for beginning gardeners

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Confusing weather patterns, allergies acting up and restless seniors are pretty good indicators that spring has arrived at Western. With the sun finally making some appearances again, it’s the time of year that plants begin to bloom.

Planting a garden, whether for purely aesthetic purposes, for growing fresh food or a little of both, is one of the many opportunities that comes along in springtime. Since everyone has to start somewhere, here’s some tips for those just starting out with their own gardens.

 

  • Make sure you have everything necessary for maintaining a garden. Is there enough space for each plant? Are there steady sources of water and sunlight?
  • Try starting small or easy. Some plants require more time and management to keep alive and healthy. According to finegardening.com, some of the easiest plants to grow include snap peas, sunflowers, cucumbers and zinnias.
  • Include the timing in the overall planning. It might be nice to imagine the whole garden blooming at once, but some plants peak in spring and early summer, like blueberries, while others grow best in late summer and fall, like squash and pumpkins.
  • Start building the habit of taking care of the garden. Add watering, feeding and checking for weeds to your routine to avoid forgetting to take care of plants and risking their health.
  • Do some research to find out if it’s a good idea to buy different soil or mulch for the garden. While not necessarily a requirement, they can make it easier to maintain the garden overall. Nutrient-rich soil can help plants stay healthy while mulch helps keep weeds away.
  • Be patient. Whether starting from seed or a small plant, produce plants often won’t yield much in the first year. They will need time to grow and a committed gardener. Flowers can be nice because they give the satisfaction of the quick and near guaranteed payoff of blooming, which can be encouraging to beginning gardeners.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Campus Voices

“If you really want to go to a place, look up how much it will cost and make a plan. Sometimes if I don’t have money for it at the time, I’ll pay with my credit card and make a real effort to pay more on in next time.” Margot Meehan, junior economics major

“Eat in more – don’t go out every night. If you’re staying in a hotel, try and stay somewhere with a kitchen.” Steve Richmond, sophomore public policy major

“Don’t go anywhere too extravagant, too far away. Look for adventures a little closer to home.” Macaela Gertz, early childhood education major

“Collect cans…there’s also lots of dog walking apps, you can make some good extra money that way.” Eli Foster Griggs, senior ASL/English interpreting major

Salem delivers unique eating spot with The Yard

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Ever wonder what happened to the Bobablastic truck which once sat on Main Street? I found out this week when I visited Salem’s new dining spot, The Yard. Named as such because the main food options are located outside of the building in the form of different food trucks. The Yard is a rustic, laid-back location with a wide range of options.

Inside the main building is the main seating area, a cafe and a small 21+ area which includes a bar. On either side of the building are glass walls that showcase the wide range of food available including: funnel cakes, pizza, Greek food and of course, the red bubble tea truck.

Deciding to try some of The Yard’s options, my friends and I got food from three different trucks. From the first, we got a slab of pepperoni pizza, which was big enough to be cut into three slices. Not only was it layered with enough cheese to cover the pepperoni slices, convincing me for a moment that they had actually messed up my order, but the flatbread-style crust is a gluten-free option. The vendor informed me that most people can’t tell this about the pizza, but lovers of thin crust pizza will enjoy this option.

From the creatively named Bite Me Foods, which sells the type of classics one might find at a county fair, such as hot dogs and corndogs, we got a dessert. “The lovers”, as it’s called, is a waffle topped with whipped cream, rich chocolate sauce and strawberries. The waffle itself also tasted very fresh, and it was a tasty follow-up to lunch.

Additionally, as if to showcase the variety at The Yard, my friend ordered from North Fresh Sushi, which I left too soon to try, but from what I heard it was also a hit.

Though the main part of The Yard is the new-looking, tastefully lit inside, the small backyard also has a firepit and a few outdoor games. Though the weather is not always ideal at the moment, I can see this being a great spot for summer evenings.

Though at first I was skeptical that a hodgepodge collection of food trucks would be a place I’d like to go for dinner or brunch, The Yard had me pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere in the actual building is laid back and warm, and it also has just about everything one could ask for. I would recommend The Yard anytime, but especially once we start to get warmer weather.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Meyers

Five simple last minute spring break ideas

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

With tests, projects and essays consuming most of students’ time, some people find themselves facing Spring Break, a time most people like to use to escape from the stress of finals, with no plans. While some prefer doing absolutely nothing besides relaxing, others see free time as an opportunity to get away, both physically and mentally. Planning something with little time can seem pointless or stressful, but it can be done — even without breaking the bank.

Here are some simple ideas to get you started.

 

  1. Take a train up to Seattle. Cheaper than plane tickets but still time efficient, a round trip ticket to a big city can be less than 100 dollars. The AmTrak station is in downtown Salem at 500 13th Street SE, and tickets can also be purchased on their website.
  2. Do an Oregonian go-to, like spending the week in a rental cabin in Bend. The area has no shortage of things to do, from hiking to river rafting to climbing the Cascade mountain range. Rentals can be pricey, but sites like AirBnB have deals that can bring down the cost.
  3. Another classic Northwest way to have a laid-back vacation is renting a beach house and spending a week on the Oregon coast. There are beautiful attractions all up and down the coast, from lighthouses to aquariums to easily accessible tidepools. Lincoln City, a popular town on the coast, is only an hour away from Western, but for those willing to travel longer, there’s beaches in Newport and Florence to the south.  
  4. Visiting a national park is another great way to enjoy the outdoors in a new setting. There are a number in neighboring states, such as Redwood National Park (a drive that’s just under five hours from campus) and Yosemite(12 hour drive) in California and Olympic National Park (four hour drive) in Washington. And, of course, there’s Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake (three and a half hours from campus), which has in park campsites.
  5. For those just looking for a new experience, there are a few locations only a short drive away where you can go skydiving. Doing this might hit your wallet a few hundred dollars, but at as facilities are located in Molalla (Skydive Oregon located at 12150 OR-211) and Eugene (Eugene Skydivers at 83505 Melton Rd, Creswell),  there’s minimal added cost of travel.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

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