Morgan Weemhoff

What do you think about when you think of yoga? Do you think about flexibility? Serenity? An old man who looks like Buddha? Well, if your anything like me, a combination of these images appeared in your mind, and it was only until I actually practiced yoga that I truly understood what it means to be a yogi.

My first experience with yoga went a little something like this: early one summer morning, my hesitant eight grade self shuffled into a small studio, yoga mat in hand, with the push of a few friends. As the class began I felt myself begin to sweat due to the steamy temperature of the room. When the teacher arrived she began by instructing us to clear our minds of everything and focus only on our breathing. She taught us to become more inwardly conscious by closing our eyes and to think of each exhale as precious. This was the first time I had ever really paid attention to something so simple.

As the class continued I was amazed by the instructor’s ability to twist her body into different poses and I felt my mine working to keep up. By the end, I was dripping sweat and I felt as if every limb in my body had been lengthened and exercised. To close the practice we were told to lie on our backs as the teacher’s soothing voice lulled us into a state of relaxation, and I fell into a deep, tranquil slumber. After that first taste of yoga, I was for thirsty more. I continued to attend yoga classes and soon I fell in love with the practice.

As Valentines Day approaches at an alarming speed, students around campus can be spotted feeling a variety of emotions. While some couples can’t wait to spend this holiday cuddled up together surrounded by milk chocolate, red roses, and pink hearts, others are secretly wishing to skip February 14th all together. V-day is notorious for its mixed reputation.

You can easily spot the cynics in the back of the room rolling their eyes, the heartbroken eating their sorrows in a box of chocolates, and the hopeful who can’t stop staring at the adorable couple across the way. No matter what stereotype you may fit this Valentines Day, we all have the same question in mind: what will I be doing on the supposedly ‘most romantic day of the year’.

So this Valentines Day, Her Campus Miami Ohio wants to know who (or what) will you be spending V-day with! Whether it’s your hot new man, a tub of ice cream, or even your favorite alcoholic beverage, we want to see what will be getting you through this Valentines Day. Submit a picture of you and your valentine by tweeting to @hercampusmuohio with a #HCVday. If your twitter is on the private setting, you can email the photo to hercampusmuohio@gmail.com.

The contest will run from Feb 1st- Feb 15th and 4 winners, chosen at random, will win 25% off their next purchase at Orange Leaf! So submit your photos via twitter or email for your chance to win!

Listen up, ladies! It’s almost Oxford’s favorite time of the year again! Yes, the time of apple cider, brightly colored leaves, and, most importantly, the riveting task of choosing a Halloween costume. This challenge will have Collegiettes across the country tormented by those critical choices such as “what colored skittle should I dress as?” However, as you go forth in search of that perfect costume, don't make the mistake of wearing one of the costumes we’re so over this year:

1. Jersey Shore: Looks like we’ve got a situation. I know what you are thinking--this costume would be so easy and I would look great with a bump-it. But think again. Dressing up as the Jersey Shore characters is no longer a hot Halloween trend.

2. Naughty (Fill in the blank): Save something for the imagination people. Although you might not be aware of it, there is a difference between sexy and skanky. Be the classy lady you are!

3. Little Girl Costume: We all loved Care Bears… when we were 5. But this is college, so let’s come up with something a bit more age-appropriate and creative.

4. Lady Gaga: Last season’s hit is this season’s miss. Lady Gaga will definitely be one costume worn by the masses this year during Halloween, so don’t be just another version of Gaga. Think outside the box.

5. Cliché Outfit: Devils, vampires, or witches? HC believes you can do better. If you are absolutely dying to be a vampire or witch, come up with something unique and don’t be afraid to look a bit scary.

We hope everyone has a fabulous Halloween and scores lots of candy (not from strangers)!

(PhotoSource: flickr user najda.robot)

Looking to wow your date to formal without all the stress and drama? Here are five easy hairstyles that will knock him off his feet! This is your guide to looking fabulous without looking like your got a prom up-do.
 
 High-fashion Ponytail
You don’t have to be Blake Lively to get this cute, trendy hairstyle. Simply pull your hair into a high ponytail and take a medium sized strand of hair from the side of your ponytail closest to your head and wrap it around your hair tie. To finish the look, just stick a bobby pin into your hair to keep the strand in place. The look works best if your hair is slightly tousled, so feel free to pull down a few wisps of hair to your cheeks (as Blake has done) and curl your hair to add volume to the ponytail.
 

Just-Messy-Enough Bun
Here is another fabulous hairstyle that could be done in your dorm room! Most say that the best way to create a more formal messy bun is to use bobby pins rather than a ponytail holder. When wearing this hairstyle, pull down your bangs or layers as shown above. The loose layers should be wavy to add more flow to the look. Also, a braid looks great with this--so try braiding a piece of your hair on the side (as shown on Jessica Alba) and bringing it back into your bun.