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Locations in the pacific northwest to travel to for Spring Break

Rylie Horrall  | Editor de estilo de vida

The end of the term is just a stone’s throw away, which means that it’s almost time for Spring Break. Western’s Spring Break is happening towards the end of March, which could likely mean that the weather won’t be ideal for bikinis on the beach — for those who haven’t been to the Oregon coast, it’s pretty cold 90% of the time. On that note, Spring Break doesn’t have to solely consist of a trip to the beach. Around the Pacific Northwest, there are quite a few options for people to partake in.

The Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, green spot here in Oregon that’s great for sightseeing and hikes. Spring is when the wildflowers in the Gorge begin to bloom, which “happens to overlap with peak waterfall season,” as stated on oregonlive.com. There’s a multitude of hikes available to choose from — perfect for nature lovers or those that want to photograph some beautiful scenery.

There are a couple of choices available for those that are thinking of going whale watching. According to oregonstateparks.com, this year’s Spring Whale Watching will last from the 21 of March to the 29 and is an opportunity to watch as the gray whales migrate to Alaska. There’s a map on their website filled with the many destinations that people can travel to in order to see them. There’s also the San Juan Islands, located in Washington, which is home to a few pods of orca whales year-round. While it is also possible to see other species around the islands — such as humpback whales, porpoise and sea lions — their website, visitsanjuans.com, claims that “this is the best place in the world to see (orcas) in the wild.”

Olympic National Park, located in Washington, gives visitors a variety of things to do during their Spring Break. There’s various options for hikes and chances to see diverse wildlife, many campgrounds to stay in and numerous options for different water-related activities. 

Hopping from city to city is another way to spend Spring Break. If someone has never been to Portland, take them for a day trip or stay somewhere for a couple of days to go sightseeing. Favorite play or band in concert happening in Seattle? Take a road trip with roommates and check it out. Feeling the need to go on a shopping spree in Vancouver, WA? Grab some best buds and take to the road.

 

Póngase en contacto con el autor en rhorrall17@wou.edu

Easy-to-do at home nail art

Rylie Horrall  | Editor de estilo de vida

Painting my nails has always been a fun activity for me to do; I think it’s relaxing and gives me an opportunity to explore my creativity. Generally, the most common thing that I do is just paint them a solid color and maybe use two alternating different shades. However, there are times that I want to do something more, but don’t want to spend money to get them done. Here’s a few DIY nail art styles that I do that others can feel free to try.

Note: I recommend throwing a clear coat on top of all the final looks to smooth them out.

Ombré

Be forewarned, nail polish remover is going to be needed to clean up the final look. Pick at least two different colors of nail polish — to go more drastic, use colors that aren’t similar in shade and/or hue. Take a square makeup sponge and paint the thicker end with both of the colors. The two colors don’t need to touch, but make sure there’s a plentiful amount on the sponge. Dab the makeup sponge onto the nail, adjusting the placement slightly to emphasize the ombré and get the colors to mix. Repeat this — adding a bit more nail polish each time — until it’s as pigmented as desired. 

Multi-toned

I’m going to suggest using two colors, but feel free to use more. For the base color that will go on the entire nail, I would recommend using something lighter, because it’ll be easier to put a darker tone on top of it. Depending on the brand, shade, etc., it could take a couple of coats. Let the first color dry completely. Using the second color, try to draw a straight line of nail polish horizontally across the nail. Using nail tape, scotch tape or drawing lightly with a pencil can help keep the line straight and clean. If tape was used, wait until the second color is dry before removing it. This can also be done vertically or diagonally, depending on preference. Try layering it up as well or swapping colors for different fingernails.

Small flowers

Multiple colors can be used for this one, so don’t be afraid to go crazy or just stick with something simple. Firstly, just paint the nails a base color of some sort. Next, take the next color that’s going to be used for the flowers and dab some of it onto a sandwich bag. Dip the end of a bobby pin into the polish and place a dot onto the dried nail. Repeat this process, placing dots close together to create a five petaled flower. Let it dry, then take another color — preferably something lighter, such as white or a pastel — and dab some of it on the sandwich bag as well. Repeat the step with the bobby pin, but only use it to dot the center of the flower.

 

Póngase en contacto con el autor en rhorrall17@wou.edu

Fotos de Rylie Horrall

Trading out books for bills

Rylie Horrall  | Editor de estilo de vida

After finals are all finished, many students may be excited because of two things: one, spring break is around the corner, and two, they can get rid of their textbooks. Most classes on campus have textbooks that require students to pay potentially large sums of money for them. If, once the term is over, that textbook no longer has a purpose, there’s a few things that can be done.

The WolfStore, located in the Werner University Center, will generally buy back books during the last two to three weeks of the term. While some books won’t be bought back, it’s a chance for someone to get a little bit of their money back. If the textbook is in ‘high demand,’ meaning if the book will be utilized during the following term, it can be worth more. Currently, students can sell their books until March 20.

There’s also the alternative of selling textbooks on Amazon using their buyback/trade-in program. Like the WolfStore, selling won’t always work — depending on the condition or whether the book qualifies for the trade-in. If a student chooses this route, their money would only be available as an Amazon gift card. On the other hand, there are a few used bookstores and thrift stores in the IndyMo area that could be interested in purchasing used textbooks.

Many students take the route of just selling their used books to their friends, should their friends need them for next term. A person may not make money this way, if they choose not to charge somebody that’s interested, but the one who’s receiving the book could be saving a lot of money, especially if the textbook is expensive.

 

Póngase en contacto con el autor en rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

Tips to follow for raising your credit score

Rylie Horrall  | Editor de estilo de vida

For those who aren’t sure what a credit score really is, it’s something that “reflects credit payment patterns over time,” according to experian.com. It’s an important financial consideration in someone’s life, as it is the deciding factor in multiple scenarios — such as taking out loans or getting additional credit cards later in life. A credit score is found using an algorithm on a person’s credit report, and it takes into account certain factors like account types, how long an account has been open and payment history. Because a good credit score is highly sought after and makes the user look responsible, it’s important to know how to raise it.

One of the simplest things to do is to pay bills when they are due. That repayment history can be used to predict how someone will take care of future settlements. This applies to credit cards, student loans, phone bills, rent, utilities and so on. By missing payments or getting charged a late fee, a negative mark can appear on an individual’s credit score for around seven years. However, according to experian.com, a negative mark’s prominence declines over time as newer payments are more relevant.

Specifically with credit cards, keeping a low balance is vital for a credit utilization ratio. A credit utilization ratio is calculated on the amount incurred on a credit card divided by the total credit limit across all credit cards owned, not just the one that is used. By keeping the ratio below 30%, it shows that the user isn’t maxing out credit cards every single month. It’s also an indicator of how well money and credit is being managed. Furthermore, if a credit card is no longer being used, don’t close it — if it isn’t costing any fees, it can increase the ratio since there is more total credit.

Checking credit reports is another key factor in maintaining good credit scores. If there’s an inaccuracy on a report, it can have drastic negative impacts if it goes unchecked. It could decide if someone can take out a loan or not, or even affect their lending terms and interest rates. According to myfico.com, contacting the credit bureau and organization that sends the credit bureau information can help fix the problem that’s been noticed.

 

Póngase en contacto con el autor en rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

What to think about before getting a tattoo

Rylie Horrall  | Editor de estilo de vida

Tattoos are a commitment that someone should be sure about getting, and can be an overall fun experience to have. However, there are some essential things to keep in mind before and during the time a person gets a tattoo.

Staying hydrated should definitely be kept in mind when getting inked. Firstly, when the body is hydrated, it will take to the ink more effectively, so overall it could be best for the final look. Moreover, staying hydrated can make the process less painful overall. From the day before to the day of, drink plenty of water, and remember to bring some for during the appointment.

Eating something that is filling is important as it reduces the likelihood of becoming lightheaded or passing out during the tattooing process. The body’s blood sugar will be raised and more prepared for the stamina and energy needed for an appointment. In addition, the body’s pain tolerance will be higher on a full stomach versus an empty one. If the tattoo will take a while to complete, consider bringing something to eat during a break as well.

Avoid drinking an alcoholic beverage the day of a tattoo session. Some people may drink beforehand as an alternative to taking painkillers, but alcohol can thin a person’s blood, which could lead to bleeding more easily during the inking process. On top of that, it can also thin the ink, which could lead to an unpleasant and unwanted final result. It’s best to avoid drinking the day before, so there isn’t anything lingering in the body.

With that said, don’t take painkillers before getting a tattoo either. Painkillers like Advil and Ibuprofen also thin the blood, which will lead to similar issues that alcohol has. Acetaminophen may potentially be fine to take, but should be discussed with the artist beforehand. It’s best to avoid these as well the prior day and the day of the appointment.

Dress for comfort over style; the tattooing process can potentially take a long time to complete, so sitting in sweatpants may be a better idea for the long haul. They also need to be looser, depending on where the tattoo is being placed. A baggier shirt is better for a rib tattoo than a form fitting one, or shorts and capris over leggings and jeans for tattoos on legs. In addition, wearing something dark will prevent any ink or blood stains from retaining.

When planning for the day of, make sure enough time is set aside for the session to avoid any rush — whether that’s rushing the tattooing process, which could be detrimental to the final result, or feeling pressure to be on time to a previous engagement. It’s best to feel as relaxed as possible, so managing time is one way to relieve tension. Practicing various breathing exercises during the tattooing is another way to help with relaxation.

Finally, be sure to research the tattoo artist before picking one. It’s best to find one who has a good portfolio that has a style that’s liked and maybe pertains to the desired tattoo — such as picking an artist who specializes in lettering for someone who wants a quote tattoo. If they offer a consultation, it would be good to meet with them and fully discuss the idea.

 

Póngase en contacto con el autor en rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Emily Hedges

Rearranging and recreating your space

Rylie Horrall  | Editor de estilo de vida

I’m someone that needs a new change of scenery every once in a while — that can mean that I want to go out to the city for a day trip, try shopping somewhere new or just go on a walk. The easiest thing I do when I get into that slump is redecorate or rearrange my room. It always feels like a nice change of pace and doesn’t take much to do, not to mention there are plenty of benefits to redoing a bedroom.

A room can become cluttered after some time, so rearranging can help get rid of some things that have served their purpose. They don’t have to necessarily be thrown out either, as something that’s still useful can be donated if it’s no longer needed. Taking the time to go through things can also be cathartic — different objects could trigger nostalgic and happy memories, or there can be satisfaction in throwing away things that bring back unwanted reminders. If spring cleaning is on a to-do list for the future, redecorating and purging can be a way to get a jumpstart.

This type of project could work as a stress reliever and distraction from tension-inducing activities. After a long week of work and school, with obligations and due dates hanging over one’s head, taking a break to focus on a space designated for yourself can clear the mind. Plus, redecorating a space that’s frequently occupied can brighten the room back up; it increases someone’s productivity and exercises the creative side someone might not know they have, according to agapepress.org. 

The effect that rearranging can have on someone’s mood is beneficial as well. For a person that’s been in a strange funk lately or just hasn’t been in the greatest of moods for an unknown reason, a remodel could be what they need to improve their spirit. According to agapepress.org, a fresh look can bring life into an otherwise lackluster space, and can inspire an individual to so much more in everyday activities.

 

Póngase en contacto con el autor en rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

Cómo hacer: Tabla de embutidos básica

Caity Healy  | Redactor Jefe

For those looking for a delicious, easy and aesthetically pleasing appetizer, charcuterie boards have been all the rage. Charcuterie, a French word which by definition is a branch of cooking involving prepared meats, is something that ages back to before refrigeration — it was born out of necessity. However, today it serves as a quick, pretty party-pleaser that is not only restricted by the root of its name; charcuterie boards can be modified to match a party’s crowd, one’s budget or even what’s in the fridge. 

All it takes to get started is a cute dish or cutting board of some sort and a little imagination. I’ve created two boards for inspiration: a basic meat and cheese board and a pancake board. However, remember that these can be adjusted however one sees fit. 

 

Meat and Cheese Board

What you’ll need:

Salami

Gouda cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese

Almonds

Green olives

Grapes

Marinated artichoke hearts

Mini dill pickles

Crackers 

Toasted sliced baguette

Herbs for greenery (basil, thyme or rosemary work well)

 

Pancake Board

What you’ll need:

Pancakes

Syrup

Blueberries

Strawberries

Raspberries

Whip cream

Chocolate chips

Butter

Peanut butter

 

Quick tips for charcuterie boards:

-The preparation is basic; it’s the presentation that’s key. Try to really fill the board, unless you’re going for a minimal look — in that case, leave intentional blank spaces.

-Find cute dishes to serve toppings in from thrift stores. It looks cuter, and it saves you money.

-Make sure to mix colors on the board to help it look vibrant.

 

Póngase en contacto con el autor en chealy16@wou.edu

Photos by Caity Healy

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La Western Oregon University de Monmouth, Oregón, está situada en el territorio tradicional de la tribu Luckiamute de los Kalapuya. Tras el Tratado del Valle de Willamette de 1855 (Tratado Kalapuya, etc.), los kalapuya fueron trasladados a la fuerza a reservas del oeste de Oregón. En la actualidad, los descendientes vivos de este pueblo forman parte de la Tribus Confederadas de la Comunidad Grand Ronde de Oregón y el Tribus Confederadas de los Indios Siletz.

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