Mount Hood

DIY gifts for Valentine’s Day

Three Valentine’s Day gifts for that special someone

Sarah Austin | Lifestyle Editor

Valentine’s Day doesn’t always have to cost a lot of money, and for many people a homemade gift can be more meaningful. Here are a few ideas of gifts to make for a significant other, crush, friend or even roommate. 

Date night jar.
This gift is great for a Valentine who has a hard time thinking of date ideas, or activities they love so both parties feel appreciated. 

Supplies needed: paper, a permanent marker, scissors and a jar or box.

Instructions: On a sheet of paper, write in one color activities both people can do at home; examples include game night, movie night, cookoff, paint night, cook for one another or no electronics night. Cut to size and fold in half, then place in the jar. On the next sheet in a different color write activities to do together that do not cost money but require going somewhere; examples include hiking or having a picnic at the park. Lastly, repeat in another color activities that can be done together that would cost money; examples include “dessert on me”, dinner at a desired restaurant or “a golf match on me.” Write the key and attach to one side of the box or jar so everyone knows.

Memory album.
This is a beautiful gift to give someone important.

Supplies needed: printed photos, a scrapbook or photo album and a pen.

Instructions: Choose photos of the gift receiver or memories shared with them, then print. After printing, arrange photos and put them in the scrapbook or photo album. If desired, add labels or captions. When done, write a card or just give to the person and watch them relive and re-love the memories before them.

“Crazy about you” notes.
A heartfelt gift to be cherished forever.

Supplies needed: Strips of paper or small sticky notes, a mason jar and a marker.

Instructions: Using the paper strips or sticky notes, write on each one something that is appreciated about the person it is being given to. Fold or roll up, then place in the jar. They can read them whenever they want as a pick-me-up or right then to feel the love.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

To die for dinners

Three Valentine’s dinner recipes for both couples and singles

Sarah Austin | Lifestyle Editor

Valentine’s Day dinner is a date night staple. Cooking for that special someone can be the perfect way to their heart — through the stomach. Here are three recipes to spice up the night.

CREAMY TUSCAN CHICKEN
Start to finish: 45 minutes
Yields: 4 servings

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

3 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cups baby spinach

½ cup heavy cream

¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Lemon wedges, for serving

In a skillet, heat oil on medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper and oregano. Cook until golden, 8 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet then set aside. Melt butter in a skillet then stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook until tomatoes are about to burst, then add spinach. Cook until wilted. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Reduce heat to low, about 3 minutes. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 – 7 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.

Recipe from Delish

 

SEARED SCALLOPS
Start to finish: 9 minutes
Yields: 12 – 13 scallops

1 pound fresh large scallops (12 – 13 pieces)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

¼ cup butter

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon parsley, finely chopped

2 lemon wedges

Pat scallops dry with a paper towel then season with salt and pepper. Add oil in skillet over medium-high heat for 3 minutes until oil sizzles. Once the pan is hot, place scallops in. Cook for 2 minutes. Turn scallops over then add butter and garlic to the pan. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top then cook for another 2 minutes. Transfer onto a plate and sprinkle parsley on top. Serve with lemon wedges.

Recipe from Ahead Of Thyme

VEGAN LINGUINE
Start to finish: 30 minutes
Yields: 2 servings

One 15-gram wholemeal linguine

1 lime, zested and juiced

1 avocado, chopped

2 tomatoes, chopped

½ pack fresh chopped coriander

1 red onion, finely chopped

1 red chili, finely chopped

Cook pasta according to the package, about 10 minutes. Put lime juice and zesting in a medium bowl. Combine with avocado, tomatoes, coriander, onion and chili. Mix well. Drain pasta and add to bowl, then mix. Serve while hot, or refrigerate and serve cold.

Recipe from BBC Good Food

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Besties for the restie

Tips to making long lasting relationships

Sarah Austin | Lifestyle Editor

Finding and making friends as an adult can be difficult. The first thing to recognize is that it all starts with making an effort ⏤ whether it be putting oneself out there, or finding someone with similar interests ⏤ and it can be tiring. Making that move can be the difference between finding a friend for life, and spending time alone — which is okay too, if preferred. All relationships take effort from both sides, so doing one’s part is important and if unable to, asking for help or communicating can mean the world. The following four pillars of friendship, when followed, can help ensure this.

  1. Making friendship a core value: by implementing relationships with friends as a core value, one is able to make a deep connection and build a support system for all parties to appreciate. 
  2. Team building activities: when others feel comfortable being themselves they are more inclined to make a life long friendship. Ideas for this include group yoga, working out together, creating videos for social media, game nights, paint nights and even a white elephant gift party, depending on the time of year.
  3. Sharing priorities: by communicating and sharing life priorities with each other, a deeper friendship can be established and bonded upon. This can include things from career and family goals to traveling and fitness.
  4. Establishing rituals: having set days or things that can be done for one another or together is a perfect way to strengthen both the friendship and one’s own mental wellbeing.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Ideas for hosting PALentines

Four ideas for a friendship party

Sarah Austin | Lifestyle Editor

Many people have heard of “Galentine’s” ⏤ a girl’s night before Valentine’s Day for singles to avoid loneliness. PALentine’s is even better, swapping significant others for friends of any gender or relationship status for the sole intention of enjoying the other’s company and having fun. Here are four party ideas to make any PALentine’s event enjoyable.

Host a themed meal. Choose the meal of preference ⏤ brunch for example ⏤ and pick a theme to follow. Have everyone show up dressed for said theme. Whether it be a “white lies” or “country western” party, everyone will feel included.

Drink competition. Let attendees know they will need to have a recipe for their drink of choice, and have all the necessary ingredients to make drinks with. While everyone is hanging out and chatting, one person will make their drink and bring out a cup for each person to try. After tasting, each person should score the drink on a piece of paper, then the next will begin to create their drink. Repeat the process until everyone has gone. The host should count all votes and name the best drink at the end. All participants should drink responsibly.

Game night. Have each person bring a game to the party and play each one by one. Let the winner of the last game pick the next game. This can go on for hours if time permits.

Hike and a picnic. As Pacific Northwest dwellers, a great amount of people love the outdoors. What better way to celebrate friendship with them than to go on a pretty hike and fill up on yummy food? This can be done as a destination surprise or be planned.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Restaurants offering delivery and dine-in near Monmouth

Get dinner delivered from these eight local restaurants

Mirella Barrera-Betancourt | Staff Writer

With food delivery apps like GrubHub, DoorDash and Uber Eats becoming popular nationwide, it is no surprise that college students have been amongst the many to hop on the trend of food delivery. Here are some restaurants in and around Monmouth that are offering delivery services.

  • Yeasty Beasty — 167 Main St. W Monmouth, OR. Offering delivery on their website and dine-in services. Open Sunday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Lunitas Mexican Food — 365 E Ellendale Ave. Dallas, OR. Offering delivery on DoorDash and GrubHub. Dine-in and drive-thru services offered. Open Sunday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Carl’s Jr. — 131 Pacific Highway N Monmouth, OR. Offering delivery on DoorDash, dine-in and drive-thru services. Open Sunday – Thursday from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 6 a.m. – 12 a.m.
  • 7-Eleven — 1696 Monmouth St. Independence, OR. Offering delivery on their website and DoorDash. In-store shopping available. Open 24/7 every day of the week.
  • Burgerville — 615 E Main St. Monmouth, OR. Offering delivery on DoorDash and drive-thru services. No dine-in. Open Sunday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

  • Momiji Sushi Restaurant — 183 Main St. W Monmouth, OR. Offering delivery on DoorDash, dine-in and takeout services. Open Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Subway — 113 E Main St. Monmouth, OR. Offering delivery on DoorDash, dine-in and takeout services. Open Sunday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Urban Deli Mexican Food — 145 Monmouth Ave. N Monmouth, OR. Offering delivery on DoorDash, dine-in and takeout. Open Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Hours may be subject to change.

Contact the author at staffwriter@thewesternhowl.com

Wicked writing ideas for this October

Eight frightful writing prompts to ignite the imagination

Sarah Austin | Lifestyle Editor

During the stressors of fall term, it can be rewarding to sit down and write something creative. Celebrate this Halloween season by crafting up a chilling short story. Listed below are eight spooky ideas to help ignite the imagination. Take the prompts below and morph them into any horrific desire.

  • Todd Hall — previously a women’s dorm — is rumored to be haunted and feed on the fear of men. Halloween night a group of men walk by the three story brick building. They hear/see…. 
  • After talking to someone on “Tinder,” they say something disturbing and get blocked. The next morning they are reported missing and there are flyers around the city.
  • While sweeping the living room, a dark stain is noticed near the carpet. After lifting to investigate, a hidden door is discovered.
  • It’s the day after Halloween. Nobody shows up to the 8 a.m. lecture besides the professor and one person. Campus is empty….
  • During an all-nighter at the Hamersly Library, a strange sound is heard. It repeats every five minutes….
  • While at a pumpkin patch, three close friends decide to enter a corn maze and ignore the closed sign across its entrance. After twenty minutes of wandering, they realize one friend is missing…. 
  • Using “Bumble BFF” a friend-date is made. After meeting and having dinner together, they offer a ride home. Instead of home, they pull into….
  • The main character is driving to the coast when they pull off onto a dirt trail, in hopes of a short cut. It seems to work until they see a tree fall on the road behind them, trapping them in. Forward is the only way to go on this unknown and unmarked trail, and the sun sets in two hours.

For a chance to be featured in Student Media’s art and literary magazine, “The Northwest Passage,” submit stories via email to northwestpassage@mail.wou.edu.

Happy haunting, writers.

Contact the author at lifestyleeditor@thewesternhowl.com

New beginnings with roomies

Tips to have a positive roommate experience

Sarah Austin | Lifestyle Editor

Having a roommate can be an exciting experience for many, but daunting for those who have never had one or had a negative encounter. Here are some tips to make a positive and easy transition to living with roommates.

Avoid talking about events one plans to attend if the other person is not invited. This is a great way to be respectful while bypassing an awkward encounter.  

Try labeling food in the fridge so you don’t lose your favorite items.

Be mindful of food items. Whether it is in the fridge, a cabinet or on the table make sure to keep track of personal items. Close containers and bags to prevent insects. Watch for expiration dates to avoid both mold and a spoiled scent in the room. Don’t take up too much space either; leave the same amount of area for each roommate in shared spaces.

Establish guest etiquette. Having a guest in one’s place is not against the rules, but make sure to set boundaries with roommates beforehand. This can include things such as notifying roommates when and how long they will be there, acceptable noise levels, appropriate and inappropriate times or days, parking arrangements and so on. If in a dorm on Western’s campus, be sure to also follow all guest rules; see wou.edu/housing-updates for details.

Make a chore list. Having set chores that are assigned to someone or are to be done on a certain day will ensure a clean living space as well as fair delegation. Use a whiteboard, sticky note, Google calendar or other method that everyone will be sure to see. Start by choosing what days chores should be done and how often, and rotate names for said activities. For example, have one roommate vacuum on Sunday, another clean the bathroom Friday, trade off who takes out the trash when full and so on.

Respect common areas. Give the same amount of respect to roommates that is expected of them.

Above all else, be open and communicate with each other so living together is enjoyable for all parties.

Contact the author at lifestyleeditor@thewesternhowl.com

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Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

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