Mount Hood

Six stay-at-home Valentine’s dates

Unique date ideas for this quarantined Valentine’s Day 

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

For those who usually celebrate Valentine’s Day with an extravagant date night, this year might feel disappointing. But being stuck inside doesn’t mean date nights can’t still be exciting. Hunker down with a significant other and have some fun with these date ideas. 

  • Try cooking each other’s favorite meal, or tackle a new dish with one another. Make a challenge out of it by creating a dinner or dessert with only ingredients currently in the pantry. 
  • Still have the travel bug? A number of museums, aquariums and other popular destinations are offering virtual tours and livestreams. Get immersed in places like the Guggenheim, the Louvre, the Smithsonian, Disney World’s Main Street, the Eiffel Tower, nearby aquariums and more all from the comfort of home. 
  • Partners can get cozy with an at-home camping trip. Pitch a tent in the backyard, or build a blanket fort in the bedroom or living room. Enjoy some s’mores — which can be cooked over a gas stove burner or in the microwave — and hot dogs. After cooking up some goodies, put aside the electronics and enjoy each other’s company under the stars or by candlelight. 
  • Get fancy and host a black tie evening for two at home. Dress up and break out the champagne or bubbly apple cider for a fancy dinner or movie night. 
  • Game nights are a classic, and each new round is unique. Sit down to play a favorite board or card game, or learn a new card game like Egyptian Ratscrew, GOPS or Briscola. Video games are also a fun option — hold a one-on-one match in “Super Smash Bros.” and “Mario Party,” play co-op in “Minecraft,” “Animal Crossing” and “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” or host a Jackbox matchup. 
  • Psychologist Arthur Aron presented 36 questions that are proven to generate closeness in partners. Sit down with a partner, friend or even stranger and increase intimacy by discussing these 36 questions as outlined by University of California Berkeley. 

Looking for more ideas? Brainstorm a list of each person’s favorite activities and decide how to spend Valentine’s Day together. 

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

These gardening tips are kind of a big dill

These gardening tips are kind of a big dill

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Growing a garden can be a rewarding hobby, though winter makes it all but impossible to grow greens outdoors. Luckily, many herbs and small vegetables can be grown indoors, a win-win for those without outdoor spaces and those looking for year-round fresh goods. Here are some steps to starting a personal indoor garden.

Firstly, map out the perfect spot in the house. Most plants will grow best in a south facing window with full sunlight. If no such window is available, investing in incandescent, fluorescent or full spectrum LED lights is also an option. 

Pick out which greens are going to be planted. The possibilities are endless ⏤ from scallions to basil to oregano to microgreens. According to gardentherapy.ca, the easiest herbs to grow indoors include chives, mint, parsley and Vietnamese coriander. Seedlings tend to be less fickle than seeds — a good option especially for novice gardeners. Buy seeds and seedlings from the gardening center at a grocery outlet or home improvement store.

Next, acquire other necessary supplies; use pots, containers or window boxes at least four inches deep, and make sure they have drainage holes with a drip tray underneath. Get organic potting soil and some type of watering can or mister, and buy fertilizer if desired.

Pat down about two inches of soil into a pot, then scatter many seeds over the soil. Top with a thin layer of soil, then water and add optional fertilizer. If repotting seedlings, make sure the roots get fully covered with dirt. Place the pots in adequate light; if using artificial light, set it on a timer for about 16 hours per day.

Each plant is unique, so follow growing instructions provided on the seed packet or online. Most plants will need to be watered every couple of days. Many greens will pop up in about one week, and some may be ready to harvest in as little as three weeks; cuttings can be taken starting when the plant reaches at least four inches tall.

When harvesting, use clean, sharp scissors to cut lower outer leaves and stems. Harvest often, but cut less than one third of the plant at a time to encourage growth. Enjoy fresh herbs and vegetables in meals, soups and salads all year-round.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Booze & reviews: “Valentine’s Day”

A comedic romance in the perspective of three drunken reviewers

Kyle Morden | Head Designer

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

“Valentine’s Day” may not have scored high on Rotten Tomatoes, but it sure makes for a great drunk movie night. Read our full reviews in our online issue, which may contain spoilers. Please drink responsibly.

Kyle Morden | Head Designer

This needs to be put out there. If Allie doesn’t say this, SHE IS PISSING WHILE WRITING THIS> 

Love, cheating, thriller, jason, harry styles, queen beyonce, and valentines day — a day full of lonely a– b—–s who somehow get a love interest by the end of the day?? EVEN THIS LITTLE A– 7 YEAR OLD GETS HIS ONWN MOTHER BACK?? “Lmao im 7 and love sick” B—H WHAT ABOUT MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWSEFERSFDRSGFDRGFGFRGdfgfsjhfvsgfsjhghkjfbvdjkbfhjsdbhjvhbfhbhjvbjnkvbjnkfnk?????????fjkhsgjcgkhhbjkhjkgfbgjfhgfxhjgyibfhhsdjkbzakuhks. Btw. military families amitire? Love em. Thank god that military mom came back for her son. Btw tbh i only remember the actors name (bradley cooper hit me up)

Valentines day is a day where a lot of people get f—-d (up to your interpretation uwu)

Ok ok so “valentine’s day” a movie full of twist and turns and sharkboy and lavagirl — without the lava girl and shark. How the f–k do you get two taylors into one movie??? LET ALONE HAVE THEM DATE EACH OTHER??????????????????????

ANNIE HATHAWAT IS OKAY WITH PEOPLE WITH FETISHES, BUT BACK OFF. SHES MINE. SO IS BRADLEY COOPER — HE LOVES ME. B—H

I accidentally deleted my last paragraph, so go watch this movie yourself.

GAY COUPLES ARE THE ONLY COUPLES. ALSO DONT F—–G GROUP ALLIE WITH ME. SHES CRAZy. She said shes rolling, but idk if she means the drug or literally rolling on the floor? Dont do drugs, drink responsibly

How much do i need to type? I dont remember a word count. I KNOW HOW TO FINISH THIS.

Overall review: Let’s get naked~ uwu

Slide into my dms @_kylemorden on instagram 😉

Or contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Okay first of all i was NOT too into this movie i was just having fun. MY ROOMMATE was into it tho

I would like to preface my review with the fact that i know none of the characters names, only taylor and taylor. I am inept when it comes to celebrities

Rotten tomatoes is WRONG, I had an AMAZING time watching this movie even though I was really confused. Who’s at the airport??? Whos barely legal in high school??? I could not tell you I could not

But listen. Really. It’s a fun movie to watch drunk. Tbh itd probably be Bad if I was not intoxicated. But it was cute! It was nice! There was representation! Gay men and single mums! We support them all!!! GAY BRADLEY COOPER!!!!!!!

Even through the confusion i was extremely satisfied w/ the ending. Through the MULTIPLE PG-13 sex scenes, there was still a sweet undertone where everyone got a happy ending uwu Not that I shouvlde expected ANY less from a 2010 rom com. Google “romcom drinking games” and watch this movie, you’ll have a fantastic time.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu or don;t

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Okay so this what I got from this, please note this is my first time being drunk in my life. There were a lot of straight people but at some point we were gay and it was beautiful. I’m convinced all of these people were stunt doubles cause there absolutely no way all these famous people got together. The stunt doubles failed to give me wolf man and sharkboy there was sex scenes sometimes which was fine but i wasn’t really paying attention because I was busy eating my chili fries there was a little boy with a lot of angst for no reason over a cougar woman In conclustion roses are expensive af, and this mans was throwing them in the lake to feed ducks and thats acceptable.  THE MILITARY MOM CAME BACK AND IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. Im going to bed 

Dont email me, i wont’ reply email thank you

Mix up some cocktails with Cupid

Four mixed drinks to whip up for Valentine’s Day

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Valentine’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a mixed drink. Celebrate with a significant other or a group of friends, or test bartending skills individually with these four Valentine’s inspired cocktails.

KENTUCKY KISS

Start to finish: 3 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

2 strawberries, sliced

½ ounce lemon juice

½ ounce maple syrup

2 ounces bourbon whiskey

Splash club soda

In an old-fashioned glass, add the strawberries, lemon juice and maple syrup. Muddle well until the strawberries are mashed. Add the bourbon and fill the glass with ice. Stir well.

Add a splash of club soda and, if desired, garnish with a strawberry for serving.

Recipe from thespruceeats.com

RED WINE MILKSHAKES

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 3 servings

One 1.5-quart container vanilla ice cream

1 cup red wine

4 ounces vodka

Whipped cream, for serving

Maraschino cherries, for serving

In a blender, blend ice cream, red wine and vodka until smooth. Divide between glasses and garnish with whipped cream and cherries.

Recipe from delish.com

SEX ON THE BEACH

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

2 ounces orange juice

2 ounces cranberry juice

1 ounce peach schnapps

1 ounce vodka

½ ounce chambord or grenadine (optional)

Orange slice, for serving

Maraschino cherries, for serving

In a shaker add orange juice, peach schnapps and many ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour into a glass and fill the glass with ice to the top, and add vodka on top of the ice.

If using chambord or grenadine, in a separate glass, gently mix chambord or grenadine with cranberry juice. Slowly pour this red mixture on top of ice cubes to create an ombre effect. Garnish and serve.

Recipe from flawlessfood.co.uk

VALENTINE’S DAY MIMOSA

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

1 bottle pink champagne, chilled

1 cup pomegranate juice

In each champagne flute, add ¼ cup pomegranate juice. Fill the rest of the way with pink champagne.

Recipe from everydaymadefresh.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Killer cardio to get the blood pumping

Equipment free cardio workout to do at home

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Burn some calories and build endurance at home with this equipment free cardio circuit. Do each exercise for 30 to 40 seconds and rest for 20 to 30 seconds in between. Rest for two to three minutes after completing the circuit, then repeat for a total of three times through. Modify as necessary. 

Jumping jacks: From a standing position, bend the knees slightly and jump; spread legs to about shoulder-width apart and stretch arms out and overhead. Jump back to standing position to complete one rep.

Burpees: From a standing position, squat down and place hands on the floor. Kick or step the legs back into a plank position, and add an optional push-up. Jump or step the legs forward to return to a squat position, then reach arms overhead and jump into the air. Immediately lower into a squat again and repeat the cycle.

High knees: Start by standing with feet hip-width apart. Lift up the right knee as high as possible, then quickly alternate so the left knee comes up before the right foot lands.

Mountain climbers: Begin in a pushup position, and bring the right knee forward to the chest to tap toes in the floor. Quickly switch to bring the left knee forward to complete one rep. Remember to maintain a flat back throughout.

Skaters: Start with feet slightly more than shoulder-width apart. Jump sideways to the right, landing on the right leg. Bring the left leg behind the right ankle and optionally tap the left foot to the ground for balance. Now jump to the left with the left leg, then continue alternating.

Jump squats: Stand with feet hip-width apart, arms either down or straight ahead and parallel to the ground. Hinge at the hips to lower down until thighs are parallel to the floor. Press feet downwards to jump off the floor as high as possible. Upon landing, immediately drop back into a squat and repeat.

Bicycle crunches: Lie face up on the floor with hands behind the head and knees bent. Lift shoulder blades off the ground and raise knees until shins are parallel to the floor. Bring the right knee towards the chest while straightening the left leg. Simultaneously, rotate the torso so the left elbow moves towards the right knee. Switch and pull the left leg up, extending the right leg and twisting so the right elbow touches the left knee, then continue alternating.

A demonstration of the exercises in this cardio circuit can be found on our YouTube channel @The Western Howl.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Creating custom bath bombs

Destress with DIY bath bombs

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

What better way to wind down after a stressful day than with a hot bath? Elevate bath time with homemade miniature bath bombs made in an ice cube tray or other silicone mold. Customize the scents, colors and decorations — like dried lavender or sprinkles — as desired. 

DIY BATH BOMBS

Start to finish: 1 day

Yields: 6 medium-sized bath bombs

1 cup baking soda

½ cup citric acid

½ cup cornstarch

1 to 2 teaspoons water or witch hazel

10 drops essential oil of choice

OPTIONAL

Food coloring

½ cup Epsom salt

2 tablespoons coconut, almond or olive oil

In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. In a separate small bowl, melt the coconut or almond oil if using, then combine wet ingredients.

While continuously whisking, very slowly drizzle the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. The wet mixture may also be poured into a spray bottle to make combining easier. The outcome should be similar to a dry, crumbly sand with no clumps. If the mixture gets too wet, the bath bomb will fizz too soon.

Tightly pack the mixture into the ice cube tray or silicone mold. Let set for 10 minutes, then carefully remove and let harden on parchment paper for 24 hours. Finished product will still be somewhat fragile.

Store in a mason jar or package in cellophane for gifting.

Recipe from 100daysofrealfood.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Six Oregon waterfall locations to visit

Dozens of waterfalls within driving distance of Western

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Creeks and rivers grow to roaring currents in the wake of winter rain and snow, fueling waterfalls to their full power. Brave the cold and get out to see these waterfalls less than an hour and a half drive from Western. 

Silver Falls State Park (56 minutes away): Home to eighteen waterfalls and the 7.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls hike, Silver Falls State Park is a nature lover’s dream. Pay a $5 day-use fee to spend hours immersed in the lush forest surrounding Silver Creek. Not up for a hike? Some falls — including North, South and Winter Falls — are a short walk from parking lots.

Scotts Mills Falls (59 minutes away): While only possessing a 10-foot drop, Scotts Mills Falls is very accessible in the small park of Scotts Mills. Visit during the summer and go for a swim in Butte Creek.

Shellburg, Ayers and Stout Creeks (1 hour 2 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes away): Accessed via gravel roads and obscure trails in the Santiam Canyon area are six waterfalls: Shellburg, Lower Shellburg, Ayers Creek, Upper Ayers Creek, Horseshoe and Stout Creek Falls. As of Jan. 26, this area is closed due to damage from Sept. 2020 wildfires.

Alsea and Green Peak Falls (1 hour 11 minutes away): Right off the parking lot of Alsea Falls Recreation Site is the 30-foot Alsea Falls. Take a 2.5-mile roundtrip hike to see the even more impressive 45-foot Green Peak Falls with a $3 day-use fee.

Niagara and Pheasant Creek Falls (1 hour 12 minutes away): Oregon boasts its very own Niagara Falls in the Siuslaw National Forest. These two waterfalls, each with over 100-foot drops, are both within a two-mile hike. Pack a lunch and enjoy the roar of the falls from a nearby picnic table.

McDowell Creek Falls County Park (1 hour 15 minutes away): A self-proclaimed hidden gem, McDowell Creek Falls County Park harbors two major waterfalls — Majestic and Royal Terrace Falls — as well as three minor falls. Be prepared for stairs, but the viewing platforms offer beautiful photo opportunities.

For even more waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, check out waterfallsnorthwest.com and get exploring.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Monmouth welcomes a smokin’ new food truck

The Loaded Grill deli and barbecue shop opens in Monmouth

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

A new food truck has opened in Monmouth — The Loaded Grill, a barbecue and deli-style eatery, is now serving customers at The Annex next to the Donut Bar. Owner Eric Brown and his wife held a soft open on Jan. 12. 

Brown decided to open another food truck alongside the Donut Bar to support Limitless Ministries, the church that helped Brown acquire The Annex lot.

“I feel this obligation, because the church … did a lot of it for me and my business,” Brown said. However, Brown said the pandemic conditions have made it difficult to bring other food truck owners to the lot. After seeing a need for fresh food in the community, he and his wife opened up a place to serve sandwiches and barbecue.

Brown built The Loaded Grill himself and designed it with the customers in mind. The truck has a large awning as well as counters that provide a safe amount of space between staff and patrons. Plus, while waiting for an order, customers get to watch exactly what goes into their meal through the pickup window.

Already, fan favorites from The Loaded Grill include mouth-watering pulled pork nachos, hot meatball subs and perfectly prepared pulled pork sandwiches ⏤ which I can personally recommend. The shop also offers entire meals for an affordable price, and on certain days during the week, they sell Traeger-smoked full chickens that can feed a whole family or a single person for a few days. 

For the time being, The Loaded Grill is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., though Brown hopes to be open on weekends by the end of February. As for future plans, Brown wants to continue giving back to the community as much as he can.

“I’m going to utilize my networks to the best of my ability,” Brown said. “Once we settle in and get a little bit of consistency going, then we’ll ramp up the new year with more stuff — more fundraisers, more giveaways.”

Find The Loaded Grill at 191 Monmouth Ave N, and follow them on Facebook @The Loaded Grill to stay up-to-date with deals and offers. Call or text them at 503-798-1328 to place an order and inquire about deliveries.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

More quality quarantine activities for 2021

Nine new things to occupy time in self-isolation

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

With the number of COVID-19 cases still rising, it is important to continue practicing social distancing and self-quarantining when necessary. After being home for the holidays, the first few weeks of January may be a very important time to stay put at home. Alleviate the monotony with these quarantine activities — some new, some familiar from 2020, but all possible ways to cure boredom.

Practice self care: Put mental health first, as isolation can bring about feelings of depression and lack of motivation. On difficult days, remember to complete some daily necessities, including brushing teeth, showering and drinking water. Also do something to relax or have fun, like taking a bubble bath or reading.

Learn to play an instrument: It may sound intimidating, but YouTube offers many great videos to help people learn to play all kinds of instruments for free. If traditional instruments are inaccessible, start with something simple like the harmonica, kalimba or ukulele.

Binge watch, listen and read: Many shows may have already been binged over the summer, but the selection of entertainment options is nearly endless. Ask friends for their recommendations to start, or scroll through a favorite genre on a streaming platform. If looking for something other than movies or TV shows, try listening to a podcast or a music album, or read a new book or series. 

Try a new look: There are pros and cons to having little to no human interaction; one pro is that no one can judge. Dye or cut hair, have fun with new makeup looks and experiment with fashion like no one is watching.

Explore the world virtually: Travel the world without leaving the couch. Use Google Maps and walk the streets of a new city, or play a game with world maps like Geoguessr ⏤ where the player guesses where in the world they’ve been dropped ⏤ or MapCrunch, in which the player attempts to find the nearest airport using street view.

Take knowledge tests: The internet and smart devices such as Google Home offer a wide array of quizzes on an infinite number of topics. Sporcle, for example, is a quiz website that has something for everyone, including geography, song lyrics, film trivia and much more. Play along with friends and family by sharing one’s screen over video call as well.

Make something new in the kitchen: The possibilities are endless: appetizers, snacks, side dishes, entire meals, cocktails, desserts and the list goes on. Get inspired by some recipes featured in previous issues of The Western Howl, or a quick web search will yield dozens of results to choose from.

Start learning a new language: Learning a new language is a long process, but knowing a few phrases here and there can be fun. Use free apps like Duolingo or Memrise, or use online resources such as YouTube to get started.

Get ahead on work: It may sound like the most boring option, but I personally get antsy without some productivity in my life. Take a look at the syllabus or ask the boss for work that can be started or finished ahead of time. Bonus: less stress for the future.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Get swole without the gym

Campus Recreation offers fitness services during COVID-19

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Since COVID-19 regulations began last April, many fitness facilities have had to find alternative ways to serve patrons. Western’s Campus Recreation currently offers a number of services to help keep Western students fit through the pandemic ⏤ including equipment rentals, Instagram Live workouts and monthly fitness challenges.

Through a new program called Rec Where U Room, Campus Recreation is letting students rent fitness equipment for free from the Health and Wellness Center. Plus, they’re giving away a free resistance band with every pickup. Schedule a pickup time on imleagues.com/wou to rent items such as jump ropes, hand weights and yoga blocks for two-week periods or balls and other outdoor equipment for the day. Madalyn Olson, a student facility advisor for Campus Recreation and a 2020 Western alumna, assured that the equipment is well sanitized and safely handled.

“There’s no direct interaction between staff and patrons,” Oslon added, “and staff touches everything with gloves.”

In addition, Campus Recreation has been hosting live workout sessions on their Instagram page @woucampusrecreation. Yoga sessions happen every Monday and Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. and pilates is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:45 p.m. Added on this winter term is circuit training on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m., where viewers can utilize equipment rented through Rec Where U Room. Don’t worry about missing a live session — all of their streams are posted on their IGTV page.

Campus Recreation also presented Run for the Dream on Jan. 18. Through Feb. 1, students are challenged to walk or run 54 miles in remembrance of the 54 miles Martin Luther King Jr. walked to Montgomery, Alabama. Any student who sends in a photo of their participation to @woucampusrecreation on Instagram or hammerlez@wou.edu will be entered into a raffle for a free T-shirt, and anyone who completes the 54 miles automatically gets a free T-shirt.

Virtual intramurals, in the form of esports, are also being hosted by Campus Recreation. Sign up on IMLeagues to participate in the NFL Playoff Pick’em, or join a “Super Smash Bros.” or “Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War” league.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

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