Mount Hood

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

Delectable dessert made vegan

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

In order to make a change this large in your diet and habits, it’s a good idea to start with a simple recipe that will match your diet without having to sacrifice any of the flavor you’re used to.

When making these brownies, I was at first a little skeptical that they would taste as delicious as the ones I typically eat. However, just by the batter, I knew they’d be amazing. And yes, I did end up eating far too much of the batter. Plus, the batter didn’t have raw egg in it so it was risk-free.

After I pulled them out of the oven, the center had that warm, gooey, chocolatey consistency that’s to die for. The texture was more dense than a normal brownie, and every bite had my mouth watering. This is definitely a recipe worth trying if you’re considering that transition into veganism; it’s both simple and delectable.

 

Recipe:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of white sugar, ¾ cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well combined.

To the dry ingredients, add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I added in ½ teaspoon of almond extract with mine as well, but you don’t have to do this.

Mix this until it’s well combined and there are no clumps in the batter. Spread the batter evenly into a 9×13 pan. I greased my pan by using vegetable oil on the bottom, then coating that with a thin layer of flour to avoid sticking.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until you reach your desired consistency. Personally I prefer mine a little more gooey, so I opted for about 25 to 27 minutes and it was perfect.

Allow brownies to cool for at least ten minutes before you begin cutting into them.

Recipe inspired by allrecipes.com

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Easing into veganism

Aubrey Manculich | Freelancer

If you’re considering transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, here are a couple quick tips to follow to make it easier to you than it was for me. When I made my decision, I lived in a college dorm and with my only food being from the dining hall, my options were limited. I had to figure out what I could eat and when it was available for me. Also, my family was very unsupportive and a lot of other people were too. I struggled a lot at first; here are some small things to keep in mind to make the transition more seamless for you.

Do some research before trying or committing to a vegan lifestyle. Just get yourself familiar with the types of vegans there are, what a vegan diet can do for you and maybe look at some recipes to get inspiration. It’s also a good idea to try and have a transition week before where animal product consumption is limited rather than simply cut off immediately.

Plan a two-week trial run for where you eat a strictly vegan diet. Pay attention to how you and your body begins to feel, especially toward the end of the trial.

Always check the contents and allergens part of your food’s nutritional information to see if there are any animal products. It’s also a good idea to check through the whole ingredient list — and sometimes look up the confusing ingredients — but usually the contents list will tell you right away. There are often vegan sections in grocery stores near produce or frozen vegetable areas and many vegan products have a “V” on them to distinguish them for convenience.

Realize that it may not be the most convenient life to live; there are fewer options when eating out and fewer easy options at the grocery store. You will have to cook your own food more often and many times it may be from scratch. However, there are countless cookbooks, online recipes and blogs to help. Some of my favorites include “Vegan with a Vengeance” by Isa Moskowitz, and the YouTube channel “Cheap Lazy Vegan.” The vegan community is much larger than you may think and it’s incredibly supportive.

If veganism is right for you, it’s a rewarding lifestyle that can give you a better relationship with your food and your health.

The most important thing to know is that it’s completely a personal decision, meaning you can live it however you want. Within that, the way any person chooses to live a vegan lifestyle will be entirely dependent on the reason they went vegan in the first place. Personally, I became vegan because most research I’ve seen regarding nutrition has shown me that whole foods and plant-based vegan diets promote the healthiest eating habits. As a result, colloquially, I call myself vegan despite really being what I call a “dietary vegan,” since I still use animal products, such as leather, but do not consume animal products.

Someone may choose to adopt a raw vegan diet because it’s supposed to be healthier, while another may decide to eat vegan with a cheat day once a month to avoid developing an intolerance to meat or eggs. Everyone can take part in a vegan lifestyle, however strict their opinion dictates their commitment should be.

When someone offers me food I can’t eat, I politely decline without further information why, unless they ask. If someone wants to make it public that they are vegan, more power to them, but not everyone does. If you’re worried about nutrition, simply pay careful attention to what you’re eating to ensure you get everything you need from a variety of foods. The point is, again, that it’s all up to you.

Contact the author at amanculich16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Watching what you share

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

For many, the usage of social media on a regular basis has become second nature. Whenever we get bored, we pull out our phones and instinctively pull up Instagram or Snapchat to see what people we do and do not know have been up to. For some of these people, their accounts have become similar to a personal diary, where they post anything and everything they can think of.

Social media is an ideal platform for many as a way to express their voice and opinions. While everyone is entitled to free speech and has the right to post whatever they feel is necessary, sometimes people can forget to really think about what they’re posting. What one chooses to share on the internet stays there forever, and may have an impact on their future.

Everything that’s posted is public. Think about it; one might think they’re safe by making their account private, but what happens as soon as one person screenshots something? Maybe you wanted to share something personal on your private Instagram account, then it was saved and spread. If the thought of that isn’t bothersome, then posting those types of things is okay. But recognize that nothing is truly private; a setting won’t stop posts from spreading.

Think about your current or future jobs. Would your employer be okay with what they see on your account? If one uses their platform to criticize a coworker, a customer, or even just to complain about their job, this could make their boss or whoever they work with uncomfortable, and probably very unhappy. A common guideline to follow is to not post anything about your coworkers that you wouldn’t say to their faces. While everyone needs to complain from time to time, choose to do so without involving the internet; just talk it out with someone.

Everyone thinks they’re a comedian on the internet. However,  just one misinterpreted comment can lead to an uproar and many offended people. While a post may seem funny, if the wrong audience reads it, it can get you into trouble. In person, if something like this were to happen, many people would apologize and explain themselves. However, on the internet, it will linger with you forever and could hurt reputations. Before posting a joke or any comment, really give it thought. Use the perspective of multiple people, then decide if it’s really worth posting.

Ultimately, the things we choose to share on the internet are going to follow us forever. It’s very important that everyone shares their voice, and social media makes it easy for everyone to do. Just make sure that what you’re choosing to share is something you’re comfortable with everyone seeing; you never know what the repercussions might be.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Where to study at Western

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

It’s no secret that within the boundaries of Western’s campus lies several spots that would make the ideal study area. No matter your preference when it comes time to hit the books, the campus has a spot that will work well for you.

One of the most obvious spots that some students have yet to utilize is Hamersly Library. This location is ideal for multiple study types. If you like complete peace and quiet, the third floor will offer you not only entire silence, but bright lighting and windows to sit near and get work done. “I like the library,” commented sophomore ASL/English interpreting major Lexi Osborn, “It’s quiet and it’s really easy to get stuff done there.”

However, there are also perks to studying on the first floor of the library. “I like studying there at the dry erase tables,” noted junior business major Riley Hawken. “It’s a social hangout at times because you get to see people you know walking in and out of the library.”

The dry erase tables are also located right next to The Press, so you can grab your caffeine fix to keep you going and it won’t sacrifice much of your time.

Finally, the library offers the 24-hour room, which means that if you need a place to study, at any point in the day or night, you can find yourself in there.

If you wanted to work in the library, but find that it’s crowded, you can actually reserve spots to study in the Werner University Center. Or, if you walk to the far end of the second floor of the WUC, there are multiple couches and tables to study at, located right next to the Willamette Room.

If you like to study with music to keep you energized, a good place to go would be the Health and Wellness Center. With multiple couches on the first floor to keep you comfortable and bright lighting to keep you awake, this would be the ideal spot for someone who doesn’t mind a little bit of noise to keep you attentive and focused on your studying.

Another notable indoor place to include is DeVolder. It has huge dry erase boards for people to write on while studying, and many of the chairs include a desk attachment. Located right next to the Health and Wellness Center, it’s an easy location that doesn’t get too busy.

Ackerman offers study rooms to students, as well. They are first come first serve, but it’s worth checking out. Note that the doors do lock after 10 p.m. on weekdays, and it’s closed all weekend, so you’ll want to go before then.

If you’re someone who enjoys studying outside when it begins getting a little warmer, there are outdoor options as well. Studying in front of the WUC offers you several benches, tables and chairs. If you want to go somewhere a little more secluded, there are several tables located on the side of the Richard Woodcock Education Center that are rarely used. If you’re just trying to find a nice bench to sit on and read, the best option would be the ones located between the ITC and APSC building. With pretty views and hidden away from everyone, they will keep you focused and peaceful while you’re studying.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Getting creative with your dates

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Valentine’s Day, the one day a year where the main focus is simply “love.” While for some, it means spending a day with that special someone and displaying your affection and passion for them through countless romantic gestures. For others, it means finding yourself on a date with someone you barely know, taking a leap of faith in the name of love simply for the fact that they are your “valentine” of the day. But when it comes down to it, however you choose to spend the day, one thing remains true: it does not have to involve spending a lot of money.

Taking somebody out on a date, or even taking yourself on a date doesn’t have to mean spending your savings on the night. There are plenty of other ways you can spend the day that will mean just as much; you just have to get creative.

An easy go-to for many when it comes to going out on a date is something that most everyone loves: food. But taking someone out for a bite can still be just as special without breaking the bank. There are other options than high-end restaurants. Think about a food that might be special to you and your date specifically. Maybe you bonded over a milkshake somewhere; take them back to that spot and replay that date. Perhaps you know they’ve wanted to try a restaurant out for awhile. Use this day as an opportunity to go try it out.

Both of these will mean a lot more than taking your date to a random restaurant that has absolutely no meaning. But also, don’t be afraid to change it up. If you and your partner visit the same places frequently, I can almost guarantee they will appreciate something new.

If you want to win some bonus points, you can also cook for your date. A well-made, home-cooked meal isn’t something that many college students get to enjoy often. Your date will recognize the hard-work and effort that went into the planning, cooking and presentation of the meal. To kick it up a notch, set up the table with a candle and tell them to dress nicely to make it feel like you’re at a five-star restaurant.

Plan something creative for your date. Rather than simply saying you’re having a movie night, do it up like you’re in a theater. Make popcorn and go to Dollar Tree and purchase cheap candy and drinks. With the money you saved, you can even buy some comfortable fuzzy socks and a cheap, soft blanket that your date will undoubtedly appreciate during your movie night. To make it even more extravagant, buy some fun lights to put up around the room. Or, become kids again and set up your movie night in a blanket fort for an ultimate comfortable, cozy night.

If it’s your first date with someone, you want to make sure they’re comfortable. This can often mean doing something more public. The best way you can do this is by making an adventure out of it. Go somewhere neither of you have been before. Maybe this means taking a bike ride together throughout Monmouth to enjoy the rare bits of sun we’ve been getting. Or, head to Independence and go to somewhere like Second Chance Books to get to know your partner a little more. If you purchase your date a cheap book with the note that something about it made you think of them, I guarantee they will cherish it and be far more flattered than if you just gave them chocolates.

While there’s nothing wrong with the basic Valentine’s Day dates of dinner, flowers and chocolate, sometimes you might find it beneficial to change it up a bit. But in the end, do whatever you think would make you and your date happiest. If that means going to an expensive restaurant, go for it. Just know that there are different ways to spend the holiday. Thinking outside of the box can often lead to the best date you’ve had yet.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Delicious Combinations offers a new take on Monmouth cuisine

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

A problem that I tend to come across when trying to find something to eat around Western is that it’s all the same. I’ve become so tired of eating the same things every time I go out that it started to feel like I was just wasting my money. When I noticed the food truck “Delicious Combinations” sitting off of Main Street, I was instantly intrigued.

On a beautiful, warm sunny day, my boyfriend and I decided we should go ahead and give it a try. So we made our way over without knowing anything about any of their dishes. Luckily, the woman who was taking our order was incredibly kind and willing to answer all of my many questions, and even gave me free samples when I asked which of two items she recommended.

At first, I was a little disappointed because even having only two types of meat on their menu, chicken and lamb, they had already run out of chicken. However, I figured I should probably try something new anyways and I ordered the lamb shawarma entree, which came with hummus and tabouleh, a salad with ingredients such as parsley, mint, onion and tomatoes. My boyfriend ordered the lamb shawarma wrap.

I found my meal to be pretty good. I wasn’t super impressed, but I enjoyed what I ate and never found myself disliking anything on my plate. Perhaps it just wasn’t my thing; my entree didn’t have a ton of flavor and felt kind of boring. The sides were more flavorful, yet I simply didn’t love  the taste. Though my boyfriend enjoyed his meal more than I enjoyed mine, both of us were satisfied. However, I wouldn’t really say anything more than that. It was good, not great. The servings aren’t super large, but it also really isn’t expensive so I wouldn’t expect them to be. You definitely get what you pay for.

Overall, I would say that everything was cooked well, and the presentation was pleasing which I enjoyed. But I don’t think it’s somewhere I’ll be returning to frequently. The best part about it was the customer service, as the person who took my order was always bearing a smile and wanted to make sure we were enjoying every bite. She almost makes it worth returning again.

I think it’s something I would recommend to students in the area who want to give something new a try. It was definitely unlike anything else I’ve had around here, and I’m still glad that I decided to eat there.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

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