Mount Hood

Getting crafty with cosmetics

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

You’ve put together the perfect outfit from head to toe, you’re almost ready to head out the door, but at the last second you decide you need one last thing to tie your entire look together: the right lip shade. You could search through your mountain of half-used lipsticks and hope that one will be just the right hue to perfectly upgrade your style, but odds are, none are going to be exactly what you’re looking for. That’s when DIY lipsticks come in handy.

Simple to make and created specifically for you, these straightforward projects take only a few ingredients and only a couple minutes of actual time to get them created. Never again will you have to dig through endless tubes of lipstick to find the right shade – just make that shade yourself.

 

What you’ll need:

1 tube of lip balm

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon of olive oil

1 Crayola crayon of whatever color you’d like (or a different brand, just make sure it isn’t too waxy)

Optional — an old eyeshadow you don’t use in a color you like

 

Instructions:

  1. Empty the contents of the entire tube of lip balm into a microwave safe bowl. Peel the wrapping off of your crayon and add that in. Melt this in the microwave for about two minutes, or until the wax melts. Check periodically, as melting wax in the microwave can be dangerous.
  2. Add the vanilla and the olive oil to the lipstick and mix with a fork or toothpick, as it will dry and harden on a spoon too quickly.
  3. Pour the contents back into your lip balm container.
  4. Allow this to cool, which would take about an hour or so.
  5. Note: As an alternative to the crayon approach, you can use eyeshadow for a more matte look. With this option, follow all of the previous steps, but without the crayon. Between step one and step two, add as much eyeshadow as you deem necessary until you reach the right shade.

Instructions from instructables.com

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Beauty shouldn’t hurt

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

When you test out a new mascara to see what it can do for your lashes, do you think about the animals it was tested on before it reached stores? When you’re applying your eyeliner in the morning, do you think of how those ingredients were applied to an animal’s shaved skin, causing incredible irritation without any pain relief, before you were able to purchase it? The sad reality is many cosmetic brands that you’ve been using for as long as you can remember are guilty of exposing animals to the harsh testing done to create those different products. According to onegreenplanet.org, while animal testing is not required by the Federal Drug Administration, there are still 100 million animals that are subject to these painful tests every single year.

If you were unaware of this, or if you were aware but simply could not find a good option to replace the cosmetics you use now, I’ve compiled a list of cruelty-free options that will make it an easy transition away from brands that choose to test on animals.

You don’t have to say goodbye to the looks you know and love; instead, just recreate the new look with cosmetics that won’t cause anyone pain. Because when it comes down to it, beauty shouldn’t hurt — for people or for animals.

 

Foundation

If you used: MAC Pro Longwear Foundation

Try instead: Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation, priced $35 at Sephora

 

Mascara

If you used: They’re Real Benefit Mascara

Try instead: Milani Lash Trifecta Mascara, priced $7.99 at Target

 

Liquid Eyeliner

If you used: Maybelline’s Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner

Try instead: e.l.f. Cosmetics liquid eyeliner, priced $2 at Target

 

Blush

If you used: MAC Powder Blush

Try instead: Too Faced Sweethearts Blush, priced $26 at Macy’s

 

Eyeshadow

If you used: Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow Slate

Try instead: Urban Decay Naked Basics, priced $19 at Ulta Beauty

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by: pexels.com

Graduation checklist

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

As the year begins winding to a close and the excitement of the quickly-approaching summer sets in, another emotion is felt by many of those who are on track to graduate this June: a mixture of stress, fear and, ultimately, relief. As if dealing with all of that isn’t enough, there’s also the need to remember several dates that are critical for graduating on time.

To help get you through this period of uneasiness, here’s a list of all the dates you should remember and prepare for. Finish the year out with confidence, knowing you’re up to date on all of the items on your long to-do list. Good luck with rest of the spring term, and make sure to stay on top of all the deadlines and dates necessary before you get that final sigh of relief this June.

 

  • Make sure that your DegreeWorks is correct and all of your necessary requirements are in order as soon as possible. If something seems off, go to the registrar to get it all worked out.
  • Sign up for commencement on your WOU Portal
  • April 20: Approved substitutions and exceptions towards your degree requirements must be fully completed and turned in by this date.
  • Week five: Reply to the email regarding any necessary name-changes on your diploma.
  • Mid-May: Make sure that all of your announcements are sent out and get any graduation party planning done well ahead of time.
  • Order all of your graduation supplies, such as your cap, gown, frames and graduation announcements, from Wolfstore. While they will carry these items up until commencement, they can’t guarantee they will have everything in stock that long. Order online at books.wou.edu by May 29 to avoid extra shipping charges and make sure it arrives in time.
  • Week ten: Submit your diploma mailing address.
  • June 16: Commencement Day. Students who have graduated in the previous summer, fall or winter terms are eligible to attend the spring commencement ceremony. Those who have applied to graduate in spring may participate in the ceremony. And finally, undergraduates who will be graduating in summer or fall may also participate in the ceremony.

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Dynamite Designs adds shopping variety

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

In a small town, such as Monmouth, when it comes to going on shopping sprees, options are limited. However, the list is slowly growing, as new locations have begun popping up. On April 8, a petite boutique named Dynamite Designs had its grand opening on the corner of Monmouth Avenue and Main Street.

Offering a plethora of different items and unique jewelry, the store sells almost everything at a range of $4 to $8. Under these prices lies several different items to browse through. While they do primarily sell jewelry, they also have other products. Things such as vintage or knitted hats are sold, as well as a few items of clothing and a few colorful pillows. They have handmade cards on sale as well.

Items that begin getting more expensive are the ones created by Jo Meza, the silversmith who designs her jewelry using real gemstones. She’s the owner of the store, and this is her third location; the others are in Salem and Albany.

While they do offer a range of different products, they also provide different services and events. They are planning to occasionally host paint nights, which will typically occur on Friday nights. They will also host VIP parties that are special invitation only. At these parties, they’ll help prepare you for any event you have coming up.

“If you want to go out on the town, you can come in here and we can help dress you up.” Meza commented on how they use their jewelry and other items to add to your look. They’ll also do your makeup for you, or help pick out your outfits. “You can bring in your own clothes, or you can purchase clothes here.”

On top of their regular items sold, they also sell jewelry which is marked with an animal tag, and the proceeds go towards a project called Global Possibilities. All of these products were brought in by a woman named Adelia, a veterinary student at Oregon State University who travels around the world to continue her project of helping locations that take in rescue animals and teaching them proper care.

While jewelry can oftentimes get expensive, Beza noted that she recognizes that students oftentimes can’t afford these high prices.

“We’re just here to help people out,” she added. “We know college students don’t have a lot of funding. With just $15 you can come in and get a couple pieces of jewelry, or some low-cost gifts.”

As of now, their hours are not permanent. However, currently, you can stop in anytime Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to come take a look at what the location has to offer.

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Overcoming new struggles

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

This last term has been both an incredible struggle and a valuable 10 weeks of learning about who I am and what I’m capable of. My winter term was introduced by my roommates telling me they were leaving within the first few weeks and me having to find a new place. It wasn’t exactly a warm welcome to the new season but, luckily, I found a new place quickly, moved in and started my new term. That was what prefaced my next 10 weeks.

I wasn’t taking many credits; I had three classes in person and one online. It didn’t seem like the workload would be all that daunting. What I didn’t realize was just how time consuming all of my classes would be.

If I was only a student, then this would’ve been doable. However, I also work two jobs. During winter term, I worked anywhere between 45-65 hours a week. When you factor this in with the workload I had with school, I’d leave every week feeling exhausted and struggling to find energy. It quickly took a toll on my mental health. I was sleep deprived, I wasn’t eating well enough, and I would have frequent breakdowns. Constant stress kept me from feeling like myself. By the end of the term, I felt proud of what I had overcome but I wasn’t happy with where it had left me.

To manage and get through this term of hardships, I found myself looking to those around me for support. I had my key group of people who would always be there for me, whether it be for a spa day or a midnight run to get food. Whenever it became too much, I chose my health over my work; this wasn’t an easy decision to make. I found myself occasionally having to miss classes because I had surpassed my limit, and I’d use that time for myself and to destress. My health was my priority.

This spring, I’m making it my goal to reduce the time I spend on work, make sure I get enough sleep, make sure I’m eating well and find time for myself. Ultimately, my health is the most important thing and it has to be my focus. Had I continued to repeat that schedule that I was following in winter, I know my health would’ve rapidly declined — both mentally and physically. By learning a mixture of time management skills and an understanding of my limits, I know I’ll be far more successful this term, and I will finish the year out in a way I can truly be proud of.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

DIY Tea and Beyond surpasses expectations

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Sitting off of Monmouth Avenue and Main Street is a small, contemporary styled restaurant: DIY Tea & Beyond. Serving a variety of different teas and snack-sized foods, the eatery makes an ideal location for studying, or just a place to sit back and relax for awhile.

Upon hearing of its opening, I was immediately thrilled; I grew up near Portland, Oregon which was full of tea bars, so I’ve always loved milk teas. Of course, I had to try DIY and see if it could bring me the same enjoyment that I used to get from bubble tea shops around my hometown.

Once you arrive, you walk into a modern looking room designed with large windows, charging stations around the walls, stools, couches, tables — even bean bag chairs. The dark wood used throughout the location contrasts sharply with the natural light flooding the room, creating a pleasant environment. I wanted to try a few different things, so my friend and I ordered the lavender milk tea with tapioca balls, as this was my favorite at home, the passion fruit tea with passion fruit jellies, cuttlefish balls, french fries and egg pudding.

The two teas were amazing; since we ordered them for there, it was served in a cute Mason Jar with light ice. Honestly, I’ve been craving the lavender milk tea everyday since originally ordering it. One thing I did learn the hard way, though, is while it may be tempting, do not drink it too fast as you will end up with an awful stomachache. The passion fruit tea was sweet and satisfying, as well.

As for the food, the cuttlefish balls were delicious. I loved every single bite. The french fries were pretty good, but nothing too special. I had never tried egg pudding before so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but I actually really enjoyed it.

While we were eating, the worker brought us out some rose petal tea to try, and I drank the entire pot. It was sweet, but not too sweet, and every sip was as good as the last. He kept coming back to make sure that we were satisfied; the service was top-notch and you could tell they genuinely cared about their customers.

This restaurant is something I’d definitely recommend to anyone. Perhaps you aren’t familiar with the type of food on the menu, or you don’t like tea — they have options for you. It’s a chance to branch out and try something new, or stick with something you know you’d like. Whatever you choose, I’m almost certain that you will enjoy it.

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Attaining fitness goals through IIFYM

 

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

A recent trend that has been gaining more visibility is a type of dieting called IIFYM — if it fits your macros. Seen and often advertised by fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes, it’s a diet that revolves around providing the right amount of nutrients that your body needs, down to the exact gram.

Often displayed by fitness accounts on Instagram, the diet for many is regarded as the one that finally worked for them — it’s the flexible eating that allowed many to see the results they want in and out of the gym. It can be adjusted to match any need and will help you get to where you want to be.

Essentially, this dieting revolves around three main macronutrients: your protein intake, your carbohydrate intake and your fat intake. By calculating your fat percentage and describing your fitness goals, which is either to lose, maintain or gain body fat and muscle, you can determine what your macros should be. You can also determine how many calories you should be consuming a day. In other words, you’re figuring out how to reach the appropriate amount of each macro, and the amount of calories you should be aiming for in your consumption of these macronutrients.

IIFYM is an ideal option for those who are serious about trying to attain specific goals in the gym. “It can work for anyone who wants to use that mode of motivation to reach their goals,” commented sophomore exercise science major Mikaela Wong. “If your goal is to become more aware of what you’re eating and what you’re putting in your body, macro counting is an option to do that.” You break down the food you’re eating and know the ways that each type of nutrient affects your body. It allows you to be more flexible in your eating and can also make meal prepping a simple task, as you know exactly what you should be consuming.

That being said, it’s also a difficult diet for many to follow. As a student at Western, if your only option is Valsetz, prepping for this type of diet will take far more planning and time than if you were shopping for yourself.

Speaking from my own experience, I tried planning meals for a while under the IIFYM diet, and I struggled greatly. It was a lot more work than I had anticipated, and I truly just didn’t have the time or the resources to eat like that. Instead, I just focus on aiming for what would be the right amount of protein, carbs and fats for myself. I don’t focus on hitting an exact mark, I just eat in a way that hits close to where I should be.

Ultimately, this diet is meant for those who have the time and resources to be dedicated to it.  If you have those options, then this diet is an effective one that is tailored to your needs and your body’s composition. But if you’re someone who lacks the ability to follow through, or you simply don’t have the right tools to do it, then you might want to consider another nutritional path. “If you want to have a successful macro-counting diet, then I’d say go for it, but set realistic goals.” Wong added. “And if you’re going to do it, think long-term. Because if you only go through a three-week dedicated phase, it could potentially hurt your body by going into extremes. Just choose something realistic for you.”

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by: stocksnap.io

Keeping your body hydrated

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

As you make your way through campus and notice endless amounts of Hydro Flasks in the hands of students, note that it’s for a good reason; making sure that you are consuming the right amount of water everyday is a necessary component of good health. Upping your daily intake of water can do several beneficial things for your body: improving digestion, preventing fatigue, helping your metabolism, supporting the detoxification of your kidneys and simply just making your skin glow — these are some of the infinite things it can do for you.

If you’re anything like me, this can be a little difficult because at any given moment, I’d rather have a cup of coffee in my hand than a bottle of water. However, there are some small ways that you can start slowly upping the amount of water you drink daily. They may seem minor, but they will actually eventually add up. If you struggle with getting enough hydration, follow some of these tips to make sure that you get the water that your body needs.

 

Infused Water

Taking your filtered water and infusing it with your favorite mixtures can change the flavor of your beverage drastically. When it seems more appealing to drink, you may find yourself pouring a glass more often than you’d think. My favorite infusion is adding strawberries, lemon and basil.

 

Drink before eating

Make it a habit to drink a glass of water 20 minutes before you have each meal. Not only will it help you reach your daily water requirement, but it will also help prevent you from overeating, as water helps curb any unnecessary cravings.

 

Have it ready

Make water convenient and readily available by keeping a bottle of water with you at all times. Even if you aren’t all that thirsty, you’ll likely find yourself sipping on it as the day goes by.

 

Set a reminder

If you’re consistently forgetting, put a reminder on your phone that will force you to get up and fill a water bottle every so often. That way, you don’t get to use the excuse that you “forgot.”

 

Set a goal

Setting a goal for how much water you need to consume a day will help you hold yourself accountable. Figure out what you need and write it down somewhere that you’ll see it constantly.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

 

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Finding hikes near Monmouth

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

If you’re looking for an alternative to your regular routine workout, or just want a chance to get some fresh air, now’s the perfect time to take your workout from inside to outdoors. One of the best ways to do so is through hiking; it offers scenic views and vigorous exercise, making it the ideal way to get moving while making it as enjoyable as possible.

Luckily, the areas surrounding Monmouth offer a large number of hiking destinations all within a short drive’s reach. These spots can take you out of your regular workout routine and land you in some of the best spots that the area has to offer.
By talking with people from the area and through my own experiences, I rounded the list down to four of my favorite hiking spots. So, put on your hiking shoes, grab your water bottle and get a camera ready for some of the many views the Pacific Northwest has to offer and a guaranteed unforgettable experience.

Bald Hill Natural Area Loop
A hike meant for all skill levels, this walk offers you 3.8 miles of beautiful wild flowers and memorable views. While it can get a little bit muddy, it will never cease to provide a good time and adventure for you and whoever you choose to go with.

Mary’s Peak
The highest point in Oregon’s Coast Range, this hike can be started from lower on the mountain or from the parking area you can hike several different trails. Displaying beautiful meadows and, if you’re lucky, incredible views on a clear day, this hike will not disappoint. Categorized by oregonhikers.org as an “easy hike”, it loops around and offers you 1.5 miles of gorgeous sights.

Peavy Arboretum
A simple hike with three short loops to choose from make this an ideal spot for many. With a beautiful lake to picnic next to, easy dog-friendly trails to follow and rich history to learn about, this option makes for a quick day-hike to take when you have a few hours to spare.

Drift Creek Falls
If you’re looking to travel a little bit further for an amazing hike, find your way down to this spot and take this moderate, three-mile hike. This hike includes a suspension bridge, a waterfall and an unforgettable view, so make sure you have your camera so you can share this memory with everyone.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Caity Healy

Brightening up your decor

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Birds are chirping, the weather goes from downpour to blue skies in a matter of hours, flowers are blooming and there’s a sense of optimism in the air. Spring has finally sprung, and with it comes the brightness and beauty of the season.

While this time of the year can offer you endless opportunities for pairing your outfits with either rain boots or sandals depending on the time of day, it can also offer an opportunity to brighten up your home with spring décor.
Of course, the option is always there to purchase your decorations, but instead I urge you to get crafty and make them yourself. It can offer a rainy-day activity to help liven up the space around you. So, get your art supplies out and get started on some of these projects.

Bright Chalkboard
Do some searching and purchase or find an old cheap mirror — I found mine at Goodwill for only $3. Apply tape to the border to make sure you don’t get paint on anything other than the glass. Use chalkboard paint and paint the surface. Apply two coats, and make sure to leave a good amount of time for it to dry in between coats. After this dries completely, paint the border of the mirror with a bright spring color, which can be any pastel. Once this dries, use colorful chalk to write fun messages on the board for your roommates or guests to see.

Ombre Vase
Find a cheap vase that you can paint on — I found mine at JoAnn’s Craft Store for $3. Find a bright acrylic paint, and mix it with white several times to create six different shades of the same color. With your vase, paint stripes on it one by one, but quickly enough as to not let them dry completely and letting the two blend together. You can stop the design at any point or carry it to the top. However, if you want to stop it, use tape to make sure you get an even line. Fill with flowers, real or fake, that match the color you painted on the vase.

Spring Garland
On white cardstock, cut into six separate squares, spell out “spring” using bold, large letters. Using separate colored cardstock, which can be of any bright spring hue, cut it into six larger squares. Paste the letters onto these squares. Using six separate clothespins, paint them a different shade that will match well with the colored paper you used previously. With a long piece of twine — which can be any size depending on how long you want the garland to be — pin the letters onto the string.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Caity Healy

 

Finding fitness through bodybuilding

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

A fitness competition beginning in the early 20th century, bodybuilding has been around for over a century. As it’s becoming a more approachable and reasonable sport for anyone to take part in, I spoke with junior ASL/English Interpreting major Kailee Goodrich on her work in it so she can share her experience with anyone considering taking it on. Overall, the sport has multiple categories: bikini, figure, physique, fitness and bodybuilding. Goodrich was a bikini competitor, which is characterized as a competition of judging women’s bodies based on the physique, scored on proportion, symmetry, balance and shape.
Why many choose to start varies, but Goodrich began hers “because of a bad break up … it was so terrible, I decided I wanted to do something for myself. My great idea was to get into the best shape of my life.”
Once she made this decision, she immediately found a coach and paid without questions first.
“This was a terrible idea… I hired a coach that wasn’t qualified. She gave me a cookie cutter diet (which) consisted of five egg whites in the morning with ¼ cup of oatmeal, four meals of 4 oz of tilapia and asparagus and my last meal of one protein shake with 15 almonds,” Goodrich said.
After prepping for 13 consecutive weeks that consisted of working out every day, multiple times a day, Goodrich noted that towards the end of her prep she was “unable to train because (she) was so fatigued.”
After registering for the show, buying the bikini, and learning to pose with her coach, she spent around $2500.
As for how competing made her feel, at first, she thought it was a great idea, noting that “I felt really proud of my willpower to stick to the diet and train for so long.” However, this only lasted so long.
“I was unaware of how much weight I was losing at such a fast rate… I didn’t know that I was developing an eating disorder known as overeating. I was able to overcome this struggle, but I rebounded with my weight once this competition was over.”
Her advice to anyone considering taking up bodybuilding as their potential fitness journey is “do your research about coaching…don’t be afraid to ask questions; as a consumer, you must be picky and do what is best for you.” She also notes that she would only recommend it “if the person was serious about wanting to push their physique.” However, “if they were just getting started in their fitness journey I wouldn’t recommend it…the decision to compete should be well thought out and planned.”
While bodybuilding can offer an incredible option for those wanting to push themselves harder than they ever have, it can definitely have both pros and cons; as mentioned by Goodrich, it’s not for everyone. As for her, it helped her feel more comfortable at the gym, but simultaneously it gave her a negative relationship with food that she struggled with afterwards.
Goodrich mentioned that she may compete again, but it would be in figure rather than bikini as it is more about your “physique than your good looks,” as noted by her. But for now, she’s happy with where she is at in her fitness journey. “I found flexible dieting and I haven’t looked back since.”
If you’re considering the sport, make sure you’re well researched and weigh the pros and cons of what it may entail. While everyone’s experience differs, it’s important to make sure that however you choose to go about it, you do so in a healthy way that works well for you and your lifestyle.

“It impacted my student life”, Goodrich mentioned. “I learned to overcome obstacles and persevere.” Through bodybuilding, she gained skills that she could later take and apply to her everyday life and use to help persist through hardships. “I proved to myself that I could do anything I set my mind to.”


Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Kailee Goodrich

Dear Ezi

Dear Ezi,


I have been struggling with self-confidence. I just feel worthless and ugly. I can’t find anything I like about me, even though all my friends constantly shower me with compliments. Any advice?

 

Thanks,

Confidence Conundrum

 

Dear CC,

I know that this is something so many people struggle with — I even have trouble with this sometimes! I have many tips, some I’ve read about and some I use, for you!

First of all, how you dress is as important as what your brain thinks. If you love your outfit and it’s something you rock, you will feel so much more confident. Wear something that you may not have worn before from your closet.

I know one thing I like to wear that can help me is a shawl cape thing. It makes me feel like a wizard! I also wear big hats from time to time. It’s kinda silly but it helps me feel tall and powerful! You just gotta find your wizard shawl and hat!

Next, fake it ‘til you make it! Posture is very helpful: stand tall, puff your chest out slightly, and — this is the only time I will encourage someone to be straight — stand straight and pull your shoulders back! It does wonders for posture and confidence.

Another tip is what I have seen called the “Murder Walk”. It’s a powerful tool for everyone and works for everyone. Walk like you are on a mission and walk with purpose. If you know superheroes, walk like the Winter Soldier. If not, walk like you are the most important person in the world and you have to get to your destination ASAP!

Remember you are a queen, king or royal and you are a wonderful and unique person. Nobody else can determine your self-worth for you. Friends are great but they cannot do everything.

Two final tips that I have for you is see the worth in others. Compliment people liberally! The person at the coffee shop who’s earrings you liked, tell them! The secretary sitting at his desk, tell him his tie is a great color! You’ll brighten other people’s day and start to see the silver lining. Finally, consider talking to the school’s counselors at the Student Health and Counseling Center. I am naught but a humble drag queen, but I personally know a thing or two about depression and this is a way I got support.

 

Hope this helped!

Grain Station Brew Works remodels familiar venue

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

For any student of Western or individual who has resided in Monmouth,  the name “J’s Cafe” is a familiar term. An ideal spot for Sunday morning brunch and catching up with friends, the restaurant offered both comfort and appetizing meals. That is why in 2017 when the location was temporarily closed, there was confusion and worry. To the joy, and continued confusion, of many, the restaurant was reopened and renamed “Grain Station Brew Works”.

A full remodel including a center-stage bar, new lighting, some re-painting and flooring all took place to alter this well-known location. The hours changed as well. Previously closing early in the afternoon, this new restaurant now stays open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekends, offering those in search of late night bites another option to add to their list.

Being fond of J’s Cafe and all they had to offer, I was a little wary about a complete change of restaurant. That being said, I decided I should probably try Grain Station and see if I would enjoy it half as much as I enjoyed the original eatery. They did not disappoint.

I love the new interior; the lighting is bright and welcoming, the bar makes the restaurant more appealing across generations and the best part is the menu has much of the original fare.

I decided to order the Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast. Not long after my order went in, the waitress came back with a smile on her face and a plate carrying my huge meal.

I thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast. The combination of the berry and cream cheese flavors sitting on top of perfectly prepared french toast was phenomenal. The waitress checked back frequently enough to make sure that everything was served to my liking and always made sure my glass of water was full.

I was extremely satisfied with my visit to Grain Station Brew Works. While I will always love J’s Cafe and the feeling I had when I would sit in one of those booths, I am excited about the modernization of the new restaurant and how it was able to still stay true to much of their original menu. Overall, it was an exceptional dining experience and I would recommend it to anyone who has been hesitant to check it out.

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photos by: Caity Healy, Paul F. Davis

Alternatives to single use plastic

Emily Wanous | Freelancer

Ever since I can remember, the environment has always been something that I worried about. It wasn’t until I came across a fact that slapped me in the face with raw truth that I really recognized the reality: every piece of plastic ever created is still on this earth today — every single one. Of course, this was something that I could have connected, but I had never even considered it until I read that fact.

Adding on to this grim realization, I found that in Oregon, major recycling centers do not recycle most common forms of plastic, such as plastic coffee lids, plastic grocery bags and more. This is mind-boggling, because not only will it stay on this earth, it won’t be used again in another form. With all of this in mind, I took it upon myself to switch to plastic alternatives for daily items. For your convenience, here are some of the alternatives that I’ve found beneficial.

The first item I chose to switch to was QOGiR Reusable Sandwich bags. They have super cute designs, and they are non-toxic and stain-resistant. On top of this, they are washable and inexpensive.

Second, I switched to Bee’s Wrap Reusable Food Wraps. These are washable, and can easily morph around both food and containers, to assure that your food is being saved well. Admittedly, they are a bit more work than traditional plastic wrap, but you get the benefit of knowing that aren’t using single-use plastic.

Third, I now use Wowe Organic Natural Bamboo toothbrushes. Toothbrushes may not even be something you consider when trying to reduce plastic usage. This specific brand is charcoal infused, and has BPA-free bristles. As a bonus, there’s no plastic packaging.

Fourth, I recommend using Earth Junky Mesh Produce Bags. Many of us do choose to use reusable grocery bags, which is a great start. However, imagine the number of times you buy fruits and veggies and use the plastic produce bags — this will allow you to cut those out entirely.

Fifth, I love using Mason jars. I use them for all my drinks throughout the day. Whether it be coffee, tea, water or anything else — these jars work great. If you buy coffee at Western coffee shops, among other places, they will gladly fill your cup instead of a one time use cup. And on campus, doing so will give you a 25 cent discount.

My sixth recommended product Unni 100% Compostable Trash Bags. I should note that these may be a bit less durable than traditional plastic bags, but they still work great and get the job done.

Seventh, I use resealable plastic bags. These may not be a special product, but what makes them helpful is that I do reuse them. It’s inevitable that you will buy plastic containers or bags at the store. When this happens, reuse the container as much as possible before throwing it in the trash.

The eighth and final product I’ve switched to is Nellie’s All-Natural Laundry Soda. It cleans everything thoroughly, and the packaging is tin rather than plastic. The best part: it’s inexpensive.

As Monmouth is a small town without a lot of shopping diversity, all of these products can be bought online. To find all of the plastic alternatives listed, head to Amazon. There, you’ll find everything listed and it may even spark a new idea of other ways you can rid yourself of plastic.

Contact the author at ewanous15@wou.edu

Photo by: Ecomaniaccompany.com

Upgrade your Girl Scout Cookies

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

‘Tis the season for a $5 box of the fan-favorite cookies. That’s right, Girl Scout season is in full swing, and with it is box on top of box of their mouthwatering baked-goods. And, yes, I must admit that I did buy a whopping $50 worth. While they’re perfect to snack on as they are, and likewise perfect for eating an entire sleeve- or box- of, they also can be altered to make some delectable desserts. So, go support your local Girl Scout troop, purchase some cookies and get started on these recipes.

 

Thin Mint Truffles

Crush one sleeve of Thin Mints until fine. There can be some bigger pieces, but it should mostly be crumby. Set aside 1 tablespoon of the cookies for later, then combine the rest with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese — which is equivalent to one package. You can let it soften by having it sit out until it gets close to room temperature. Mix until well combined, then form small balls of the mixture. Let cool in the freezer until they’re slightly hardened. Melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, then submerge the truffles into the chocolate. Top by sprinkling the set-aside crushed cookie, and let cool completely in the freezer.

 

Samoa Cheesecake Cupcakes

Take one sleeve of Trefoil cookies and crush until it’s very fine. Mix with 6 tablespoons of melted butter until well combined. Press these into the bottom of cupcake tins, and bake at 350 until golden brown, about five to six minutes. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 16 ounces of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of sour cream, ¼ cup of sugar, 2 eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then, take a sleeve of Samoas and crush it up well. Take half, and combine it with the cheesecake mixture. Fill the cupcake tins almost to the top with the mixture. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the cakes are set. Then, let cool for about 20 minutes in the refrigerator, and top with the remaining crushed Samoas.

 

Tagalong Milkshake

In a blender, combine about two cups of chocolate ice cream. You can also opt for vanilla and add chocolate syrup, if you’d rather do that. Add one cup of milk. Toss in about ⅓ cup of peanut butter. And finally, crush up about ¼ cup of Tagalongs and add that in. Blend and add more ice cream or milk until you reached your desired consistency. Top it off with whip cream and more crushed Tagalong.

 

Do-si-dos Creme Brulee

Crush roughly ½ cup of Do-si-dos and combine with 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Once well combined, form a crust on the inside of a small ramekin — or any dish that would work for a creme brulee. Bake for about four minutes at 350 degrees. While that’s cooking, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until it starts bubbling, then remove from heat. In a separate bowl, whisk one egg yolk with ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Slowly add the cream mixture until it’s well-combined. Pour into your ramekin. Place the ramekin in a baking dish and surround the ramekin with enough water to reach about halfway up the side. Bake at 300 degrees for 40 minutes, then let cool. Cover the ramekin with plastic wrap and cool in the fridge for three to four hours. When ready to serve, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of very fine sugar over the top, and broil just until it gets golden brown and caramelized. Make sure the rack is very close to the top of the oven, as you’re trying to mimic a torch with the broiler.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by: Caity Healy

How to shop The Find

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

If you’ve ever taken a stroll down Main Street, you’ve likely noticed an elegantly decorated shop: The Find. Perhaps you’ve looked at the appearance and assumed it was expensive, or even looked at one price tag and turned the other way. The truth is, though, there are a lot of great items I’ve bought from there that have not hurt my wallet.

This store sells a lot more than it may seem at first glance; decor, clothing, jewelry, shoes, antiques and more are sold within this small shop. While the options of items obviously vary, the surprising part is that the prices do as well.

“Our stuff is mostly new,” commented employee Teresa Hutchinson. “But we also have hand picked consignment from people that the owner chooses.”

The store is layed out in a fashion where the newer items are more towards the front, and at the back of the store, you find the lower priced, used items. The used items vary anywhere between clothing, shoes, decor and even jewelry.

From the back of the store, I’ve found many of my favorite items. I found a high quality mini dress that has quickly become my favorite, and it cost me only $14. This is less than you’d pay at most other stores, and the quality is better. On top of that, I’ve also found my favorite cropped hoodie and a cute jean shirt — all of which were $25 or less. So, once again, about the same price or less than you’d pay at other stores.

While this store does offer some cheap prices, there are also some pieces that can get pretty spendy. For instance, I was looking at a jacket that I was interested in, and the price tag read “$128” — however, that is the highest price I’ve seen yet.

Overall, the biggest takeaway is that the boutique really does offer more college-friendly prices than I originally realized. All it takes is a little bit of digging and a good eye. They call it The Find for a reason, so go take a look around and see what you can discover.

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Staying motivated through apps

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

If you’re having trouble getting motivated for the gym, then congrats; you share that with the rest of us out here trying to find the strength to get ourselves that daily 30 minutes of exercise. For many, it can be a difficult thing to do; if you’re unable to hold yourself accountable to go, you’re in luck. There are many apps that you can download which will not only keep you motivated, but will also help you do better and succeed in the gym. So, download a couple of these, and get yourself back in there.

My Plate

 Supplying a calorie counter, this app helps you track nutrition, while also showing you how many calories you’re burning through exercise. It will keep you pushing by showing you just how much more you need to do to get where you want to be.

Photo by: livestrong.com

Nike Training Club

 This app comes equipped with different bodyweight workouts to get you moving quickly. Adhering to all different fitness levels and with specific muscle groups to hit, it’s sure to keep you active and ready for any day.

Photo by: nike.com

FitRadio

 Depending on how you’re working out, this app will create playlists that work best for you — whether it’s lifting, running, cycling or anything in between. The music you choose to listen to will have an impact on how your workout turns out, so make sure you’re listening to what works best for you.

Photo by: fitradio.com

Gain Fitness

 For this app, all you have to do is enter your fitness goals and it will create a workout plan for you based on the 1300 different workouts they have. It has something for everybody and really lets you track your progress, which will help keep you motivated and moving.

Photo by: Gainfitness.com

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

A Guide To Instagram

Paul F. Davis | Photo Editor

We live in an era where your Instagram aesthetic and prowess is almost as important to who you are as a person as how you dress or do your makeup, and we all want to look good, so here are some recommendations from your local Photo Editor, Paul F. Davis.

 

  1. Adventure: take a walk and take some time to find a spot that you can call your own. Look for a spot that frames your subject so that the eye is naturally attracted to you or your model.
  2. Candid: ever see a friend or friends that just looked like they radiated light? Take a picture and save that moment. Wait until your friend cracks a smile or looks at the camera to capture a moment that will be much more powerful than a pose.
  3. Perspective: a picture taken from below will make that person look powerful and dominant, and a picture from above will make them seem small and submissive. It’s as simple as getting dirty and laying on the ground or getting on top of a chair and taking a picture from above.
  4. Light: have your model look into the light to make them feel connected to a higher power, and visa versa to convey the opposite feeling. This is easiest to do on a very bright day or find a very dark space and let a ray of light come in and hit your model’s face.

Contact the author at pfdavis14@mail.wou.edu

Photos by: Paul F. Davis

Care guide for winter skin

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

As the high temperature of the day in Monmouth remains consistently around the mid-40s, this can lead to the inconvenience known all too well by many: winter skin. The chilly weather plays a large part in the way our skin feels and looks, which can often lead to incredible discomfort and displeasure. For that reason, it’s important that during this time of year we put extra effort into making sure we are taking proper care of the skin we’re in.

Think about your daily skin routine if you have one. There are some changes you might want to consider making to it. And if you don’t have a skin routine, now is an important time to pick one up. How often do you exfoliate your skin? During this time of year, if you have particularly dry skin, you might want to consider lessening it or stopping altogether.

“Exfoliate less than you would normally,” Dr. Michele Farber, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, noted on huffingtonpost.com, “because your skin barrier is going to be a little bit compromised because of the dryness and the cold air.”

On top of that, make sure you’re using gentle products on your face and body. As often as many enjoy using ultra-fragranced products, they can wreak havoc on your skin. Your best bet is to opt for something more gentle and bland, and stray from any heavily scented soaps or moisturizers. Foaming soaps are great as they don’t strip moisture away from the skin.

Your shower routine can also have negative effects on the skin. If you choose to take overly hot showers, the hot water will evaporate very quickly. Because of this, you need to moisturize your skin immediately after, otherwise the water will actually dehydrate your skin — this can be painful and lead to dry patches. Also, do not go outside right after showering or washing your hands. Make sure you’re completely dry, otherwise your skin will chap.

Finally, make sure you’re moisturizing properly. After you shower, you should pat your skin dry, then apply a thicker moisturizer that is higher in oil content while your skin is still damp. Again, avoid fragrances as they can irritate or further dry out the skin. And make sure you don’t go overboard on how much you use, as your skin can become dependent on it and won’t work to maintain its own natural hydration.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Dorm room guide for first-years

Caity Healy | Lifestyle editor

For those living in a dorm, you know that the atmosphere and the living situation feels entirely different than if you were living somewhere else. You now live with a roommate that you may or may not know, your space has been condensed into a cramped room, and for many, you have to learn how to share this small space with someone you’d never experienced living with before.

While ultimately this can lead to conflict, some unavoidable, there are ways to best navigate the issues or minimize the amount that will arise.

When it comes to living with a roommate, the most important thing to maintain is respect. “Respect is really the baseline for a healthy roommate relationship,” commented sophomore education major Kaiana Bradley, who is an RA at Western, “treat them and their things how you would want to be treated.”

As for the biggest ways for keeping the relationship between you and your roommate civil, she noted that it really comes down to two points: compromise and communication. “People are raised differently and live differently,” said Bradley, “but talking about differences and issues and finding compromise is the best way to avoid conflict.”

Finding compromise with your roommate can come in many forms. Set guidelines between each other that you need to follow. There are many important questions that you should be asking your new roommate to get a sense of how they’d prefer things to go, and so that they can hear your perspective as well. How do you feel about guests coming over? When do you want it to be quiet? Are there any foods that you just can’t stand the smell of and would rather me not microwave in here? How do you feel about people spending the night? Things like this, while the answers might not always be in sync, will still allow you to both have a voice in how the rest of the year will go.

If conflict does arise, though, it’s best to tackle it early on. You can try to work it out with your roommate, but if that’s proving to be ineffective, take it to your RA.

“If the resident feels uncomfortable addressing their concern directly to their roommate, they can let their RA know what is happening and the RA can help them through the process from there.” Bradley added.

Lastly, realize that dorm room etiquette means more than just within the bedroom; it also includes the shared bathroom. This single bathroom is shared between you and everyone in the dorm, so keep a few things in mind. There are limited showers, so try to cut down your time as there could likely be people waiting. Also, make the janitor’s job easier and pick up after yourself. “Remove hair from the shower after you get out, remove soaps from the shower … and pick up your trash,” noted Bradley.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

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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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