April showers bring May flowers! Welcome back to our Editor’s Blog – here’s what our editors at HCAU are loving this month. Enjoy!
Ali Follman, Editor In Chief
Tanvi Purohit, Managing Editor1. Lavender Witch Hazel For as long as I can remember, I have been obsessed with skin care. On many a night you will find me with a face mask on, drinking a gallon of lemon water, reading Into The Gloss. I seldom give away my skin secrets (I say this as if I’m a celebrity and people are actually asking me for my tips), but this one is too good not to share. Witch hazel is an astringent that works as a toner, to apply to your skin right after cleansing. It’s a plant-based extract and unbelievably gentle, yet still effective. It’s absolutely fantastic for toning your complexion, and helps control spots, blemishes, and scars. A benefit is that the lavender gives it a beautiful, soothing smell. Plus, it’s alcohol free! Lavender witch hazel is also great for under-eye bags, a product of those late night finals study sessions. It’s my favorite discovery, and I highly recommend it. Buy it on Amazon!
2. “56 Women Journalists Everyone Should Read” Gay Talese, an American journalist who defined literary journalism, was recently asked to name women writers who inspired him, and failed to name any. His contemporaries included women like Joan Didion, and his failure to name any nonfiction women writers reflects the sad truth that women journalists are often overlooked or forgotten. New York Magazine’s blog “The Cut” wrote an article on this incident, and named 56 nonfiction women journalists whose work deserves recognition. The article listed so many incredible writers – a long list for girls and women who are often disheartened by the predominantly male face of contemporary journalism. I recommend that everyone read it, not just women, because it’s so important to recognize the work of women in every field, especially one as patriarchal as writing.
Shannon Exley, Section Editor
1. Rice Cakes
So for a while, I thought rice cakes were pretty lame (let’s be honest, they’re pretty weird). They don’t really fill you up, and they can get annoyingly crumbly every time you take a bite. But I’ve recently taken to trying to put toppings on rice cakes to serve as a healthy snack. Almond butter or peanut butter tastes great on top of rice cakes, and bananas can add some excitement to this otherwise boring snack. If you’re feeling a little saucy, throw some coconut flakes and honey or agave syrup on top too. Avocados are also a great addition to this bland cracker, and dare I say it pairs great with goat cheese…
2. Aerie Swimwear
Aerie’s “Aerie Real” campaign has been an incredible inspiration to girls everywhere, and it doesn’t only include American Eagle’s underwear line. The campaign has also been used to promote the company’s swimwear. Behind this great campaign is stylish, affordable swimwear made for all shapes and sizes. From bandeaus and triangle tops to tankinis and one-pieces, Aerie has a selection for just about anyone. These bikinis have me wishing summer would come sooner.
Maggie Miller, Section Editor
1. Ancestry.com
I recently discovered that AU offers Ancestry.com to students online through the library free of charge. I really wish I hadn’t found this out, since because of this, I have spent far too much time down the dark pit of ancestors from as long ago as 500 years back. While this website can take over your life, I have to say that it has been really interesting to find out who I’m descended from, and to trace my history back. It has also fully confirmed me as a nerd. However, I highly recommend checking this out!
2. “Outlander” Season 2
Keeping with the history theme, this captivating show on Starz about a woman from the 1940s who falls through a stitch in time to land in the Highlands of Scotland in the 1740s just premiered the first episode of its second season this past Saturday, and I’m already hooked. For those who enjoy beautiful Scottish landscapes, even more gorgeous Scottish men, and a general history lesson, this one is a must-watch.