March comes in like a lion, goes out like a lamb. Our editorial team believes you should come in like a lion, and stay a lion. Here, we discuss what we’ve been vibing with this month. Enjoy!
Ali Follman, Editor-In-Chief
1) Texture hair spray
I recently cut my hair for my spring trim/no more chlorine lifestyle change ‘do. (Just finished my collegiate swimming career.) Anyway, there are endless ways to style your hair but I usually opt with the ‘down’ and boring, ‘up’ and top knot, or functional braid. So my vision is a mid-length, hair down style with a texture spray to make it piecey, without needing the curling iron and tons of time. I am trying the Living Proof Texture Mist. Will report back.
2) Glossier’s branding and Phase 2
This beauty company just came out with a ‘Phase 2’ makeup line to complement its skin care line. The company has a cult following since it was born from the beauty blog called “Into the Gloss” by Emily Weiss. I am in love with the branding this company has rolled out, from the simplicity of the logo to the cute, modern packaging of the goods. Now all that’s left is for me to place my first order online… (Disclaimer: Past Editor-in-Chief of HCAU, Claire Shriver, posted about Glossier‘s ‘Phase 1’ skin care routine in last year’s Editor’s Blog, but I’m only discovering it now…cut me some slack. Love you, Claire.)
3) Local DC beers
I love beer, and I love DC. It also gets really old going to the store and picking up another Blue Moon six pack, or whatever your favorite nationally sold beer is. It’s definitely worth it to support local breweries and buy beer made in the DMV area. I don’t have to tell you that things produced locally are more fresh and help local residents fund their businesses.
Tanvi Purohit, Managing Editor
1) Pinterest I never understood the Pinterest obsession when it first began. I couldn’t figure out what was so exciting about it – was it a blog? Was it a collage? Was it social media? What was the deal? However, things have changed for me, now. My sister is getting married this summer, and for her bridal shower, bachelorette, wedding makeup, outfit ideas, anything you can imagine – I’ve been turning to Pinterest. I have tens of boards dedicated to different causes – one for just wedding outfits, one for makeup, one for her bachelorette… you get the idea. Despite the negative connotations associated with the platform (i.e. the whole “basic” situation…what does that even really mean?) I count myself a fan. 2) Moleskine PlannerI’ve had a Moleskine notebook for several years now, but only recently added a planner to my life. Let me tell you – it’s been nothing short of incredible. I love that it fits in all my bags, and keeps me way more organized than I thought. I will admit that I initially just loved the aesthetic of having a Moleskine planner along with my notebook, but it really does help me organize my life. If you’re like me and you need to write down everything from brunches to deadlines to application dates, get a planner.
3) Kendrick Lamar – “untitled unmastered.”
Kendrick Lamar blew the industry out of the water with “To Pimp A Butterfly,” for which he won Rap Album of the Year at the 2016 Grammys. So when he unexpectedly dropped a new album, “untitled unmastered,” expectations were high. Once again, he did not disappoint. Every song on the album is untitled, denoted only by a number. It’s a masterpiece, with experimental jazz sounds, in the vein of “To Pimp A Butterfly.” The songs are all previously unreleased tracks, though he has performed some of them at the Grammys and on late night shows. The album features lots of guest artists, from Cee Lo Green to Egypt, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats’ five year old son. It is quieter than TPAB, yet still as thoughtful and tangled as its predecessor. Kendrick Lamar can do no wrong.
Shannon Exley, Section Editor1) Chris Stapleton – “Traveller” Chris Stapleton released his first studio album, “Traveller,” in May of 2015, but has only recently started climbing in the country charts. Songs like “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Traveller” have caught my attention because of their authentic country feel. Going through the country charts, this album is so distinct from other chart-toppers. I’ve been a country music fan ever since my sister introduced me to my local San Diego country station in high school. Every time I get in my car when I’m home, it’s still the first station I turn on. Over the past few years, top-selling country music artists have been incorporating elements of popular music into their songs. While I will be the first to admit that I love these popular-oriented country music songs by Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean, I also have a deep appreciation for more authentic country music that Chris Stapleton is bringing back to the country charts. This album is feel-good music that I will listen to at any time of the day. This has me wishing that more artists would take creative risks like this one that don’t necessarily follow the direction of the genre’s top-selling artists.
2) Open CityEspecially with Spring Break this month, I’ve found myself with a lot of free time on my hands, and I’ve been using it to finally explore some of the nearby restaurants that I’ve heard rave reviews about. Open City is known to American University students as a great place to grab a bite to eat close by, especially for breakfast or brunch, with locations in Woodley Park and the National Cathedral. Not only was I impressed by the massive hot chocolate with whipped cream I was served when I went here, but I was also thrilled with the quick service. My French toast was served just moments after I received my drink. For hangry college students with limited free time, a trip to Open City is the perfect spot for a quick and delicious meal. I will also add that they have an excellent pastry selection, guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Maggie Miller, Section Editor