Mount Hood

Sweet recipes that will put a spring in your spoon

Try these two recipes featuring in season spring produce

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Spring brings new, fresh produce, including tangy rhubarb and refreshing citrus fruits. Head to a local farmers market or grocery store and pick up some in season produce for these scrumptious spring recipes. 

RHUBARB CUSTARD BARS

Start to finish: 1 hour 15 minutes

Yields: 3 dozen bars

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup sugar

1 cup cold butter

FILLING

2 cups sugar

7 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup heavy whipping cream

3 large eggs, room temperature, beaten

5 cups finely chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb, thawed and drained

TOPPING

6 ounces cream cheese, softened

½ cup sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped

In a bowl, combine the flour and sugar, and cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into a greased 13-by-9-inch baking pan. Bake at 350 ºF for 10 minutes.

For filling, combine sugar and flour in a bowl. Whisk in cream and eggs, then stir in rhubarb. Pour over the crust, and bake at 350 ºF until custard is set — about 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool.

For the topping, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth; fold in whipped cream. Spread over top, then cover and chill. 

Cut into bars, and keep stored in the refrigerator.

Recipe from tasteofhome.com

CITRUS SALAD

Start to finish: 15 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

2 cara cara oranges

2 navel oranges

2 blood oranges

2 ounces baby arugula

2 tablespoons fresh mint

CITRUS DRESSING

¼ cup citrus juices, set aside

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon sea or kosher salt

Remove the skin from the citrus fruits, then slice them into supremes by cutting along each membrane. Combine citrus supremes, arugula and mint in a large salad bowl. 

Squeeze the juice from the citrus membranes into a large measuring cup or jar. Add the extra virgin olive oil, honey, vanilla extract and salt, then whisk to combine. Drizzle half the dressing over the citrus salad, then toss to combine. Enjoy immediately. 

Recipe from oursaltykitchen.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Follow these steps to spring into clean

Bedroom cleaning hacks that will sweep you off your feet

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Having a clean and organized room can relieve stress and improve sleep and overall health, according to lifehack.org; and, with springtime comes the perfect opportunity for spring cleaning. Plus, for those living in the dorms, moving out at the end of the term will be made easier since there will be less to do. Start spring term off right with a tidy bedroom or dorm room by setting aside one day to follow these spring cleaning steps.

Begin by gathering laundry, including clothes, towels, curtains and bed linens. Run loads of laundry while cleaning the rest of the room to get two things done at once. While putting clean clothes away, consider packing up winter clothing to save space, or get rid of items that are never worn.

Next, clean off surfaces for dusting. While doing so, organize items into sensible groups, such as school materials, electronics and self-care products. Also consider what items are unnecessary; remove things that don’t belong in the bedroom, such as dishes, collect gently used items into a box or bag for donation and throw out old, unusable items. Dust off all surfaces, then organize items into containers and files before replacing them where they belong so that they are easily accessible for future use.

Clean the floors next. Shake out rugs, then grab a broom or vacuum to pick up dirt and dust. Even on hard surfaces, use the hose of a vacuum to remove built up grime from the corners and wall trim. If one is accessible, use a mop or carpet cleaner to get the floors shining.

Don’t forget to disinfect surfaces such as light switches and door handles, clean the windows and mirrors, throw out expired food and take out the trash. As a final step, air out the room by opening a window for a while.

If cleaning multiple areas of the bedroom all at once feels overwhelming, try tackling one area at a time. For example, start with a bookshelf, then move onto a desk, then clean the floors. Another option is to print off a spring cleaning checklist; checking off each box can be motivating and satisfying to complete.

Once spring cleaning is finished, consider setting up a more frequent cleaning schedule; cleaning a little bit each week will both save time and keep one’s room neat and tidy for longer.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Learn all about adulting this spring term

Student Success and Advising hosts “#Adulting” seminar series

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

This spring term, Student Success and Advising is hosting a seminar for Western students called “#Adulting.” Starting on April 9 and recurring every Friday through week nine, different life skills will be explored over Zoom sessions. 

Each seminar will involve a discussion period of the week’s topic and a range of material, including worksheets and activities students can keep for future reference.

“It’s going to be interactive so we can make sure everyone is getting exactly what they need,” Academic Success advisor Gabbi Boyle added.

This series was originally offered as a first-year seminar class in 2020, but it was converted to be available for all students due to its success. Boyle said they are excited to teach any and all students some new life skills.

“Anyone can learn new things or new ways of approaching ‘Adulting’ from the topics we are covering,” Boyle said.

From skills such as time management and self-care, to major and career exploration, to financial information, the “#Adulting” series covers a wide variety of important things for college students to learn as they begin navigating through life. Aptly timed, the first seminar will cover time management as students jump into the new term. The final three weeks of the seminar — which cover finance topics like budgeting, debt and investment — will host a special guest financial coach to provide professional advice.

In the future, based on the success of this term’s seminar series, Student Success and Advising is considering hosting similar seminars and workshops in person as health guidelines permit.

The “#Adulting” seminar series will be held every Friday of weeks two through nine this spring term from 2 to 3 p.m. on Zoom. Find the full schedule of events on the Student Success and Advising page, wou.edu/advising. Contact Gabbi Boyle with questions a boyleg@mail.wou.edu.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Making Spring Break safe

Five precautions to take if traveling for Spring Break

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

This Spring Break may look similar to the one in 2020, but luckily, we’ve had much more time to prepare for 2021. While the Center for Disease Control and Prevention continues to discourage unnecessary travel, it cannot be denied that many of us are ready to get out and enjoy the break. If leaving home or school for Spring Break, follow these tips for safe travels.

Consider household members: Remember that traveling can also put roommates and family at risk for COVID-19 upon returning. Plan a trip with household members to keep social circles small, and self isolate for one week after arriving home. Or, hold off on traveling entirely if someone is at high risk for contracting COVID.

Plan ahead: COVID regulations change constantly, and every place has different requirements for travelers. Research the destination’s local, statewide and nationwide regulations about travel, lodging, entertainment and eateries beforehand. Get tested for COVID one to three days before leaving, and print out negative test results to present just in case.

Car or plane?: While planes have great air circulation, crowded airports do not, making contracting COVID more likely when traveling by plane. Road trips are easier to maintain social distancing, even with stops for gas and rest areas. Packing food from home can also prevent exposure at restaurants or grocery stores. If still planning to fly, double check requirements for travel ⏤ such as presenting a negative COVID test ⏤ and try to avoid layovers.

Pack the new essentials: Among a toothbrush and a phone charger, some new items have become essential for travel. Don’t forget to pack masks and extra filters, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content, disinfecting wipes and disposable gloves. Always wear a mask in shared spaces, like rest areas and hotel hallways, and use hand sanitizer regularly if soap and warm water is not available.

Take it outside: The COVID virus is much less likely to spread in well ventilated areas where social distancing can be maintained, so try to spend Spring Break outdoors. Take a day trip to a park or beach, go camping or enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking. If visiting with others, sit outside to eat and chat if possible.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Working from “om”

Try these five meditation styles to ease the mind

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Meditation comes in many forms, each with their own desired effect — whether it be better concentration, relaxation or emotional awareness. Even five minutes of meditation per day can help one feel better. Look into these meditation styles and find one that personally works best. 

Mindfulness meditation: Also known as open monitoring, mindfulness meditation involves simply being aware of what is going on without judgement. Thoughts, feelings and senses will arise, but the goal is to observe them for what they are before letting them pass by. Mindfulness meditation reduces stress and anxiety and provides grounding.

Focused meditation: With the goal of increasing concentration and relieving stress, focused mediation involves studying a specific object. Let go of other thoughts and worries to observe and experience all the details of the chosen object: this can be a physical object like a candle, or a sensation like a sound or the breath.

Movement meditation: For those who find it difficult to sit still for very long, movement meditation is a great alternative. No matter how the body is moving — doing yoga, walking or dancing — the goal is to be aware of how the entire body feels in relation to the current moment. Movement meditation improves attention and can provide gratitude for one’s body.

Progressive muscle relaxation: This meditation is my favorite for relaxing. It involves gradually observing the body from the toes to the head, tensing and then relaxing each muscle group one by one. Progressive muscle relaxation is perfect for unwinding before bed and decreasing stress overall.

Self-inquiry meditation: This style is generally for experienced meditators who are looking for inner peace and a deeper understanding of themselves. Self-inquiry asks, “Who am I?” and attempts to discover the inner conscience buried under superficial perceptions, thoughts and emotions.

Meditation is a learned skill; do not feel discouraged if a session did not go perfectly. Make meditation a part of the daily routine and try guided meditations through apps or YouTube videos — soon enough it will bring positive results.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Nutrition and chill at The Chill Spot

The Chill Spot offers a new healthy food option in Monmouth

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

On Feb. 19, The Chill Spot officially opened in Monmouth. Montserrat Rodriguez has brought a new healthy food shop — a nutrition club, as she calls it — to the community. 

“We were so blessed and … overwhelmed with the support that everybody brought to us and continue to bring us,” Rodriguez said of their opening day.

Rodriguez personally experienced the energy and emotional boost eating healthy can provide, and she wanted to share those feelings with IndyMo residents. All of her products at The Chill Spot reflect this value: her smoothies, teas, food and more are low in sugar and carbohydrates and high in vitamins, protein and other nutrients.

“I always ask people … what do you feel you need?” Rodriguez explained. She enjoys personalizing every customer’s experience and recommending certain products based on their needs.

The Chill Spot serves up nothing but healthy and delicious — from protein smoothies for pre- and post-workout, to fruity aloe and herbal teas with booster options like collagen and vitamin B12, to delectable crepes and waffles. The pom berry lemonade and bomb pop mega teas are already fan favorites. Rodriguez also sells products in bulk online, so that customers can bring the health food home.

Not only does The Chill Spot provide a healthy food and beverage location, but it also offers a great place to hang out. Now that indoor seating has begun to open back up, Rodriguez hopes her shop can be a study space, a place for post workout relaxation and a club to meet up with friends and family.

Interested in a deal? The Chill Spot offers memberships where customers can get discounts for one annual fee. Customers can also get more involved with the nutrition club by becoming distributors; contact Rodriguez directly with membership inquiries at 503-983-2131.

The Chill Spot is located at 362 Main St. E in Monmouth. Their current hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Be sure to stay up to date by following them on Facebook @The Chill Spot and Instagram @the.chillspot. 

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

How to learn a language without a class

Five tips to master a new language from home

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Learning a new language is a difficult yet exciting feat to take on. Though many college students take a class, it is possible to learn a language without paying for the credits. Follow these tips for learning a new language from the comfort of home.

Personally tailor the program: Since there is no specific curriculum to follow when learning from home, the journey can be taken in any way that works best for the learner. Are daily challenges motivating, or do long term goals personally work better? Is the language completely new, or does it just need brushed up on? Create a program with these goals in mind; choose a language learning app, workbook or online series and schedule time throughout the week as is seen fit.

Listen to how the language is really used: Listening to native speakers through YouTube videos, podcasts, movies and TV shows can all help by providing an example of how the language is actually spoken. Slow down the playback speed as necessary, and try reading only the foreign language’s subtitles. If someone asks a question in the video, pause it and come up with an answer as if practicing a conversation.

Read the language as it is really used: Reading the language in context, as opposed to out of a textbook, can help with understanding it better while also learning about the culture. Find news articles in the language, and use Google Translate as necessary. Graded readers are compiled short stories from the culture that generally have annotations for new learners. Language settings can also be changed on a website or phone.

Review, practice, repeat: There is a difference between simply memorizing something and actually learning it; reviewing material is a great way to cross the threshold. If using a language learning app — such as Babbel, Duolingo, Mondly or Memrise — go over previous lessons periodically, and say the words and phrases aloud as they appear. Also try combining previously learned words with new ones by writing them in a journal, or have a conversation with someone else.

Make learning fun: Repetitiveness and frustration can be discouraging when taking on the challenge of learning a new language, so stay motivated by making the experience fun. Listen to music in the language, and sing along to karaoke versions. Learn funny phrases, jokes or curse words alongside other material.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

No oven required: two microwavable desserts

Simple and sweet treats to make in the microwave

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Looking for a decadent dessert without the oven and the mess? Simply use a coffee mug and a microwave to serve up a delicious sweet treat. Try these chocolate cake and apple crisp microwave recipes for dessert for one in minutes.


MOLTEN CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

Start to finish: 6 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

¼ cup all purpose flour

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

½ teaspoon baking powder

Pinch of salt

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

3 tablespoons whole milk

1 small egg

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ounce chocolate of choice, lightly broken up

1 tablespoon water

In a two cup capacity mug, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add in melted butter, milk, egg and vanilla. Whisk well to combine. Place the chocolate pieces in the center of the mug, then drizzle water on top of the batter. 

Cook in the microwave on full power for one minute and 15 seconds to one minute and 30 seconds. The center of the cake will look wet and shiny while the edges will look set. The cake will fall after it comes out of the microwave.

Let cool for about five minutes, and top with whipped cream, berries or ice cream if desired.

Recipe from cleobuttera.com

APPLE CRISP IN A MUG

Start to finish: 8 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

APPLE FILLING

1 apple, peeled and sliced thin

½ tablespoon melted butter

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon flour

CRISP TOPPING

2 tablespoons softened butter

1 tablespoon flour

3 tablespoons old fashioned oats

1 tablespoon brown sugar

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

In a small bowl, mix apple filling ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together crisp ingredients, working the softened butter in with a fork.

Layer half the apples in a microwave safe mug. Top with half the crisp mixture. Add another layer of apples then the remaining crisp mixture. Place in microwave and cook for three minutes.

Serve warm with optional whipped topping or vanilla ice cream.

Recipe from yellowblissroad.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Flapjacks food truck now open for breakfast

New Monmouth food truck serves up flippin’ good pancakes and more

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

The Annex food truck lot is finally full, thanks to the brand new Flapjacks truck that opened on Feb. 15. Owner Karna Reynolds cooks up delicious and unique breakfast foods for the Monmouth community.

Originally from Medford, Reynolds moved to Monmouth for a change of scenery.

“I’ve had my food cart for 10 years,” Reynolds said. “Down there, I did tacos.” 

Reynolds said it was time for her to venture out. She flipped her menu upside down to serve up something special for her new community in Monmouth.

Flapjacks has something for everyone — from specialty pancakes, to hearty biscuits and gravy, to hot oatmeal, to fruity smoothies, every entree is made to order. Already, the biscuits and gravy and the birthday cake pancakes are their best sellers, Reynolds said. Her homemade biscuits are topped with gravy loaded with sausage, bacon and tons of flavor; it’s her personal recommendation.

Fresh and creative food is what Reynolds prides herself in. Her menu promises high quality ingredients and food “made with love,” and she enjoys experimenting with a variety of fruits, seasonings and other ingredients to give customers something one of a kind. 

“We like different as human beings,” Reynolds said. 

Reynolds will even throw something new together on a whim, meaning each day may offer a unique menu.

“Today I made a … cinnamon banana swirl pancake,” Reynolds said in regards to her menu that day. “The other day, I came up … (with) a walnut pear pancake.”

For now, Reynolds hopes to grow her business at The Annex. Several years from now, Reynolds has dreams of opening a sister location in Independence — providing the community with the breakfast food truck they want, but small and local enough that she can still run her business independently.

Flapjacks is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the food truck at The Annex, 191 Monmouth Ave. N, and stay up to date with Flapjacks on their Facebook page, @Flapjacks.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

College students: let’s talk about burnout

What to do when overwhelmed by school stress

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

The late nights, assignment overload and financial strain of college can feel normalized, but chronic stress and anxiety can cause students to break down and get severely burnt out. According to the World Health Organization, burnout results from unmanaged long term stress that leads to such negative outcomes as constant exhaustion, social detachment and suffering grades or work performance. Towards the end of a term when stress runs higher than usual, it is especially important to know how to recognize and address burnout.

Burnout can appear in a number of ways ⏤ ranging from a lack of motivation to unending fatigue to severe frustration. In conjunction, when grades start slipping no matter how hard one works and motivation to start or finish responsibilities falls away, it is time to take steps to recover from burnout. 

First, step back and look at the entire situation. Think of every obligation, including ones outside of school, like family and extracurriculars, then order the items based on importance. Getting a degree has been instilled in us as absolutely necessary to a successful career, but taking on more than what is manageable all at once does more harm than good. If college is lower on the priority list, consider taking fewer classes or withdrawing for some time. There is no shame in taking longer than originally planned to finish a degree, especially when mental and physical well-being are at stake. 

Even if college is one of the only obligations on one’s plate, it is important to have an outlet. Clubs or online groups provide socialization with like minded people, and exercising can curb stress and frustration. Creative interests and media like books and TV shows support inspiration and relaxation. It is important to give ample time to these stress relievers; try allotting one day per week to doing nothing but enjoyable pastimes, or fit one hour of relaxation into every day. 

Take breaks from school responsibilities as often as necessary. Go for a walk in the middle of studying, or take a mental health day. Only check and answer emails once or twice a day, and turn off notifications during the night so that sleep is prioritized. Nap to catch up on sleep and power through the rest of the day. 

Making school more enjoyable can also help with burnout so that it feels less straining. Choose a field of study and classes that are most interesting, even if this means changing a major. Forming good relationships with classmates and professors can make the days less monotonous.

Asking for help may be challenging, but if burnout has taken over one’s day-to-day life, it may be necessary. Confide in someone trusted and ask them for support in whatever way is needed. If feeling depressed, talk to a professional, such as a counselor at the Student Health and Wellness Center.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

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