Mount Hood

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

Lowering your electric bill made easy

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

A milestone in the lives of many students comes after living on your own for the first full month- receiving and paying your very first electric bill. Typically, that one is easy enough to pay. But suddenly, you find yourself in the winter months. The heat is coming on more frequently, the lights are coming on earlier and staying on longer, and your bill is increasing dramatically.

Luckily for you, there are ways to save other than opting for keeping the heat off and freezing. Little tricks can keep you from paying an arm and a leg each month, and you’ll still be able to live happily in your home — just with a smaller bill.

The first spot to look into is your dishwasher, if you have one. Think about how you load your washer before running it. If you find yourself having to rewash things, you’re likely loading your washer too full. Or, if you find yourself running the dishwasher constantly because the loads are too small, you’ll also run into problems. Running your dishwasher repeatedly can get expensive, so save yourself the trouble and do it efficiently. Load your dishes in correctly, wash it all once it’s full enough to run, but not too full, and do it less frequently. Or, you can even opt to just washing things by hand if you only have a few dishes.

In response to ways she chooses to save, sophomore Maria Krueger commented that “little things help. Just keeping appliances off, turning off the lights and heat before I leave. Things like that.”

According to lifehacker.com, “appliances and electronics account for about 17 percent of energy use in the average American household.” However, they also mention that some appliances do use more energy, such as gaming systems, electric kettles, desktop computers and television sets. While remembering to constantly turn off and unplug everything can get annoying, you can easily fix this by using power strips. Then, instead of having to turn off every device everyday, you can just turn off the power strip when you don’t need it on.

Do you have a washer and dryer in your home? Using the dryer will crank up your bill an incredible amount. If you can, air drying is the way to go. However, this isn’t always easy to do. So if you want to keep using your washer/dryer, measure your loads well. Similar to the dishwasher, doing too many loads or doing ones that are simply too large will just end up getting expensive. So save yourself the time and money, and measure how you wash your clothes efficiently.

While these tips may seem small, I’ve managed to use many of them to save me a ton each month. The biggest thing to remember is to be aware of the energy you are using. Keep the lights off when you don’t need them, use blankets before you crank up the heat, turn off appliances you aren’t using. Make some small changes in your daily habits to save yourself the pain of a sky-high bill at the end of the month.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Saving cash on coffee

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

At Home

The cheapest option for starting your day with that morning cup of coffee is ultimately to make it at home. While it may not be as convenient as getting it on the go, the amount you’ll save is incredible. Think about it, you spend maybe $3 to $5 per cup when purchasing one cup of coffee. That money will add up quick.

But even when you are making it at home, there are ways to make that cheaper as well. First of all, buy beans instead of ground coffee. Whole beans stay fresh for a lot longer than ground coffee, so you’ll be able to keep them in your cupboard even longer. One trick for keeping your coffee beans or grounds fresh is to keep them in an airtight container and away from any light, heat or moisture. Avoiding those few things will keep your coffee tasting better longer, and you won’t feel like you have to throw it away too soon.

If you find yourself drinking your coffee too quickly and having to constantly buy more, you’ll find it to be a cheaper option to buy your beans in bulk. Waremart offers this, and if you live further away, you can also find it at stores such as Fred Meyer.

Make just enough coffee that you’re planning to drink. Think about how often you make a full pot of coffee, and then find yourself only having one cups worth. So much coffee has been wasted this way, so think ahead of time and make yourself one cup at a time. Or, you can opt for a french press. Not only does this allow you to regulate how much coffee you make, it gives it a more robust flavor.

That being said, if you do have leftover coffee, save it. It reheats a lot better than you’d think. You could also freeze it and make coffee ice cubes, which is perfect for if you make yourself an iced coffee or any iced drink that you’d like to kick up a notch with a little bit of java.

Perhaps you’re craving coffee that has a little more flavor than your usual drip; there are definitely some at-home options for you too. Purchasing a bottle of flavored syrup that will last you awhile costs about the same as a Frappuccino. And, it allows you to be creative and mix and match different syrups at home.

Coffee Shop

Sometimes, you simply do not have enough time to brew yourself a pot of coffee. When this happens, and you really need that kick of caffeine, most find themselves heading to their favorite coffee shop. While this can undoubtedly get expensive, there are a few key ways you can get away without spending an arm and a leg.

Order your coffee or iced drink with light ice — doing this oftentimes means you will get more beverage for your buck. Places like Dutch Bros confirms this to be true. So next time you order that iced coffee, make sure to do it with less ice — and with more caffeine, preferably.

While you’re at it, Dutch Bros also confirms that adding extra sweetener to your drink comes at no cost. If you’re worried about getting the best deal, might as well amp it up with some extra sweetness, as it won’t have any effect on your wallet.

You can also save money by purchasing your coffee on campus. Both Caffè Allegro and The Press will give you a 25 cent discount if you bring in your reusable coffee cup. While that might not seem like a lot, it can quickly add up if you’re someone who buys frequently.

Get creative with the drink you are purchasing. Sometimes, some shops will have cheaper deals of the day, why not try those? Caffè Allegro gives 25 to 50 cent discounts on their daily specials which are always changing. You can also try to mix up the drink you’re used to getting. For instance, if you like to order a grande iced white mocha at Starbucks, instead order an iced grande triple espresso with four pumps of white mocha. The first one only has two shots of espresso, and is over $4 — while the latter has three shots and is roughly $3. If you choose to get less flavor, it would be even cheaper. Try testing out different combinations like this to get the cheapest option for the same coffee taste you know and love.

And of course, you can always opt to just get a drip coffee, as they are cheapest at any shop. Then, most will supply coffee creamer you can just use for free. During the winter, I would purchase a drip coffee on campus and use the peppermint mocha creamer they had for free. It tasted just like a peppermint mocha, only it was $2 cheaper.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Dear Ezi

 

Dear Lazy is the New Black,

Oooo kitty friend! I get you! Senioritis is real, heck even Google Docs recognizes it as a word! I’m not sure if senioritis is what you are experiencing but it sashays on to folks hard during winter term! I know the best way you can combat that is just forcing yourself to start something — other than a new show on Netflix — and stick to it. Once you start something don’t stop till you have a good portion of it done! Starting something is honestly the hardest part, once you get passed that things may be easier!

There are also more complicated things that could be at play, if you feel comfortable I’d make an appointment at the counseling center! If you are a full-time student it is free! The ole’ brain wranglers over there can help with many mental things! They are wonderful and they could help you better than this humble drag queen could ever. I am trained in death drops and lipsync; they are trained in all the things that go on in the old wig holder!

There is no perfect option for anyone, but for some people once they get motivated they don’t stop. Try bribing yourself with coffee or your treat of choice. The caffeine and sugar can help give you energy to do things! Best of luck my dear!

Ezi

P.S Once you get some stuff done you should watch Grace and Frankie, it’s great! BUT only after you get your stuff done.

P.S.S. I am serious!!!

 

Got a question that you’re dying to ask Ezi? Send them to chealy16@wou.edu.

Staying healthy during winter

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Welcome to Monmouth, Oregon. The average temperature in February is 42.3 degrees, we get about 41 inches of rain per year and we see 154 sunny days. That being said, it’s obvious that in this area, it can be very easy to find yourself unhealthy during the winter months. Actively trying to stay healthy, especially on a college campus, is incredibly important for your well-being.

It’s important that you are getting all the essential vitamins your body needs. With such little exposure to sunlight, it’s imaginable that many students at Western are lacking in the necessary Vitamin D their body needs to function. This can be found in many foods, such as fatty fishes and eggs. However, you can also opt to take a multivitamin. That way you can assure that you’re not only getting the proper amount of Vitamin D, you’re also getting all the other key vitamins that your body might be missing this time of year.  

Get moving. This one is probably not that surprising, as exercise helps with most any health-related issue that you’re experiencing. It even prevents a common cold. According to a study by the University of South Carolina, men who got in three hours of moderate activity a day were 35% less likely to catch a cold than those who only got one hour. So just take any opportunity you can to get up and get moving, even if it’s just to take a quick walk for a study break.

Wash your hands frequently. This one cannot be stressed enough. Viruses can live on surfaces for hours. All it takes is for you to touch one unsanitary surface and you could be next. And of course, if you are sick you shouldn’t be spreading your germs either. Wash your hands before and after eating, and often between those as well.

On top of this, don’t forget to wash your winter coat as well. How often do you wash the jackets you wear out during this time of year? Think about all the places you’ve been in those, the people you’ve been around, and what you may have been exposed to. Be safe, and wash your winter clothes.

Finally, get the right amount of sleep for your body. According to a study done by the University of California on 165 adults, those who slept 6 hours were four times more likely to develop a cold than those who had gotten seven hours. Protect your body, get the sleep it deserves.

If you do find yourself becoming ill, head to the Student Health and Counseling Center for a free cold and flu kit. In that you’ll find medicine, thermometers, lozenges and more to keep you healthy and get you back on your feet.

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Conquering seasonal affective disorder

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

The days get shorter, natural light is scarce and the weather is gloomy and gray. The peak of the winter season for many students may just mean bundling up in extra layers and trying to stay warm and dry in the cold Monmouth rain. For other students, likely over five percent, it means something far more serious and troubling.

Seasonal affective disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, is a “type of depression that comes and goes with seasons, typically starting in late fall and early winter.” While it often can be confused as its own disorder, it’s actually a subtype of major depression, with much of the same symptoms.

Like depression, it can come in many different levels of severity. Some feel what would be described as “winter blues,” while others can be hit with profound, debilitating symptoms. Neither should be taken lightly.

According to a study based in Maryland conducted by Dr. Norman Rosenthal, who led the original research on seasonal affective disorder, 1 in 20 seniors in high school had already had “full-fledged SAD.” Rosenthal also believes that college students experience this in even higher numbers.

There are a couple reasons for this belief. First is due to disturbed biological rhythms. When at home, many students have parents or guardians who help them wake up in the morning, go to sleep at a more reasonable time and essentially regulate their circadian rhythms. However, with the start of college, many are experiencing that newfound freedom for the first time. With it comes a disturbance in their patterns, delaying their cycles.

The second reason he believes college students are hit even harder is the increase in workload over each term. Around this time, right in the middle of the year, is when many students begin falling behind. Work begins piling up, and you can feel like you are drowning. This compounds the problem.

If you believe that you or someone you know is affected by SAD, there is some advice that Rosenthal has for you. First of all, you need to recognize the problem. Know what symptoms to look for. This includes “changes in energy, sleep, appetite, weight, concentration and engagement with others.” When you notice these symptoms, take them seriously.

Bring more light into where you live. Natural light, according to the American Psychological Association, can be very therapeutic. The earlier in the day you expose yourself to it, the better.

Exercise in natural light. Outdoor workouts are a great option. However, if you prefer indoor, working out at the Health and Wellness Center during daylight hours works just as well. With the several windows and skylights, the room is flooded with natural light.

Be socially active. It’s understandable that this can be very hard to do. You don’t have to get out of your comfort zone if you are someone who doesn’t socialize often. However, time with people who are important to you and know how to cheer you up can be beneficial.

Finally, if you feel that you, your schoolwork or your mental or physical health is affected by SAD, seek help. The Student Health and Counseling Center takes appointments, or if it’s an emergency, allows people to be seen immediately. With their help and support, SAD is something that can be conquered.

It’s best not to wait until it gets worse; staying on top of your seasonal disorder and being aware of it helps lessen the weight of it. While how one chooses to cope with it is different for everyone, know that there are options. Know that you are not alone in this.

Contact the author at chealy16@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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