2016 Living Guide

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Living Guide 2016

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LIVING GUIDE 2016 4

Prevent boredom

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On-campus fitness

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Rooming with International students

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Great local restaurants

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Mug recipes

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Using a slow cooker

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On campus or off?

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FEND OFF BOREDOM IN THE

QUEEN CITY Angie Baquedano STAFF WRITER

At the beginning of a new semester, life is good and comfortable. You get to catch up with friends and convince yourself that you will focus this semester on all classes. The days go by in a flurry until they don’t. Suddenly you’ve come to find yourself day in and day out waiting for the sun to go away so you can go to sleep and start again. Even walking to get your mail in 17 MPH winds curiously becomes fun and somewhat of a game. Will you get pneumonia? Frostbite maybe? Or will you be just fine?

Of course, you’re just fine, and the bored out of your mind cycle begins again. Everyone has been there before, and I think we can all agree that it is the most pitiful state of being that anyone could ever endure. You get so bored you start overanalyzing a meaningless conversation you had with a pharmacist three years ago; maybe your life would be different if you had done this or that. It’s miserable, so stop beating yourself up and remind yourself that you live in the Queen City, and there is plenty to do you just have to know how to find it.

First we can start off with things to do on campus: 1. Go to the Cone Center; there is seriously so much to do. It varies all the time. I went to a poetry slam once, and I met many interesting people.

2. Get in touch with nature by going to the 4

greenhouse; sure, it’s cold right now but on the bottom floor of the greenhouse are tropical plants, and the only way to keep them alive is in warm weather so they bump up the heat and viola you can now be surrounded by flowers while staying toasty.

3. Go to an international coffee hour and meet international students while being provided free coffee and even if you don’t hit it off with the people you meet its better than watching 28 hours worth of Netflix. Seriously people, as a species we need to stop being so attached to our technology.

4. Go to a sporting event, there is much more out there than just football and basketball. Go to a tennis match or a hockey game.

They are really fun to watch, and the players appreciate the support and praise that is usually directed at other more traditional sports.

5. Relax on the hammocks next to Robinson Hall. I didn’t even know we had hammocks on campus until finals week last semester. They are huge. My friends and I fit three of us with ease onto one hammock. It was fun just to relax under the sun in that peaceful little corner of campus.

There is so much to do on campus more than what I just mentioned, but those are just my favorites. Next we move on to off campus and into the city: 1. Go to the Discovery Place. Yes I know it’s a children’s place but it is so much fun, and

Living Guide 2016

Photo by Angie Baquedano

technically it’s for all ages. So stop trying to grow up so fast and bask in your smooth skin and immaturity.

2. Visit Amelie’s French Bakery. If you haven’t been there yet, then you’ve been missing out for a very long time, and you need to correct that. Immediately. I recommend the raspberry lemon tarts.

3. Go to Starlight Cinemas. Do you like the movies? Do you like being comfy? Well, gather your snacks and a blanket and head on out to Starlight. This theater doesn’t make you sit on regular movie seats; no they cater to your needs and provide you your own mini couch.

It’s magical, honestly.

4. Try different restaurants and food that you are unfamiliar with. Before coming to Charlotte, I had never tried a Vietnamese soup called pho but then I did, and now I’m obsessed. Try new places with friends by splitting entrees or appetizers so you can get a

taste of everything.

5. Go to Freedom Park. It’s beautiful and vast. Take your skateboard/penny board/ long board with you or borrow a friends dog so you won’t have to walk it alone or run around it to get your exercise in. It’s unbelievable how freeing it is to get off campus.

There are so many things that you can do to keep yourself from getting bored you just also have to want it and put the effort to get it. Take up new hobbies if you’re stuck on campus such as painting or skating. Join clubs, even go to events just for the free food although remember not to commit in exchange for food if you’re not actually interested because that’s just such a jerk move.

It’s really easy to get bored while in school but it’s also really easy to stay entertained just gather up the energy to find it and you will have an eventful, fun school year. Happy exploring!

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Fitness starts in the mind

Stephanie Smith STAFF WRITER

Health and fitness is much more than what you eat and how much you workout.

Yes, these are two important aspects; however, the ultimate battle is in the mind.

Our thoughts determine our attitude and perspective. Staying fit and keeping fit is a mindset. It is a lifestyle change that does not happen immediately, but over time the healthy habits that you establish will become second nature.

The mind is in a food fight. The moment you decide to start making healthy food choice the mind starts saying, I know you what that candy bar. You are hungry, grab some pizza it is quick and easy. Now you have to reprogram the mind and deploy strategies to combat these evil food desires so that you can engage in healthy food choices.

PREPARATION

It may sound weird but you need to prepare. What is your schedule like? Will you be on campus all day and be forced to eat out? If so, why not pack a lunch and some wholesome snacks. Remember it is best to eat smaller portions throughout the day instead of three large meals. If you snack every two to three hours your metabolism will be constantly working. This is a start to helping you burn calories while going about your normal day.

PORTION

a struggle. Almost everywhere you go you are served two or more portion sizes. That is way too much. Growing up I was taught to always clean my entire plate, to never leave anything behind and to eat everything. This is a habit I had to change. It is okay to leave food behind. Guess what? You can save it for another meal. Whenever I go out to eat I divide my plate in half. I tell myself this is plenty of food for this meal and I can take the rest back home. If you are packing a lunch be sure to portion out your food especially the snacks. If you are craving something sweet, try to buy some grapes or strawberries. They both have natural sugars and will curb your sweet tooth.

CELEBRATION

Celebrate your success. If you have a goal to eat and exercise daily for an entire week and you accomplish that goal, do not be afraid to pause for a moment and celebrate. Have a piece of chocolate that you have been craving.

Remember anything is healthy for you if you eat it in the right portion size. That means having the “fun size” baggie of M&Ms instead of the XL “share with a friend” bag, but you do not actually share, you eat them all by yourself. Just because you are trying to lose weight or change your eating habits does not mean that you can not reward yourself for the good things you have done.

Eating the right portion size is always 6

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Living with an international student Diane Gromelski COPY EDITOR

When I first found out that a student from Saudi Arabia was going to be moving into my off-campus apartment, I was nervous about how we would get along. As someone who is not extremely familiar with Middle Eastern culture, I worried I would do something that would offend her or we would have cultural differences that would make living together uncomfortable. However, as I got to know my roommate, I realized that international students are more similar to American students than you might think, and living with someone from another country can offer benefits that rooming with a traditional roommate does not. Here are some tips for making the most of your time with an international roommate:

Be respectful of cultural differences The single most important thing to keep in mind when rooming with an international student is to be respectful of his or her culture. Americans are notorious for our tendency to privilege Western culture over others, but you should not expect your roommate to conform to American societal values and traditions.

Living with an international roommate may require you to make compromises that you wouldn’t make with an American roommate. For example, my roommate is an adherent of Islam and wears a hijab, so I make sure to let her know before any males enter our apartment so she can cover her head.

Keep in mind that not all issues are cultural, though, and respectfully let your 8

roommate know if you have a problem with the living situation.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions When my roommate first moved in, I didn’t ask her questions about her lifestyle because I was afraid of offending her or coming off as ignorant. Instead, I researched Saudi Arabia and Islam on the Internet and ended up making assumptions about my roommate that weren’t true.

Once I got up the courage to ask about her culture, we had an excellent conversation that taught me something new and made me a better roommate. It is better to experience the initial awkwardness of asking than to be embarrassed later about an assumption you made, plus asking questions can be a great way to build a connection.

Take advantage of the chance to learn Living with an international student presents the opportunity to get to know a new culture without having to step out of your apartment or dorm room. Chances are you will get to hear them speak in their native language to friends and family on the phone, which can expose you to a language you may never have heard otherwise. If you live in a space with a kitchen, ask your roommate to prepare you a dish from their homeland, or you could go out to a restaurant that serves food from their country. Also, make sure to return the favor by helping your roommate navigate American culture by sharing advice on etiquette, the English language and college life.

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SATISFY EVERY CRAVING Angie Baquedano STAFF WRITER

What makes people happier than food?

Maybe, money to buy it. Food, food, what a wonderful word it makes me hungry just saying it. Breakfast/lunch/dinner time used to mean delicious homemade meals with the family and now all food time amounts to is a walk to the Union or Sovi, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Here I will provide you with a guide to eating good in the Queen City without straying too far away from campus or breaking the bank.

IF YOU’RE CRAVING TEX-MEX FOOD: Go to Tijuana Flats. It’s kind of like a Moe’s, but ten times better. Their hot sauce bar is phenomenal, and that is what they are known for.

IF YOU’RE FEELING HOMESICK: Head on to the Boston Market. It is literally a Thanksgiving feast. Delicious homestyle cooking like stuff that your grandmother would make.

IF YOU WANT BURGERS AND OTHER AMERICAN CUISINES: Go to Macado’s, and get a 49er burger.

It has avocado, bacon, cheese, lettuce and tomato, and according to my friend who works there, it's “So good.”

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Living Guide 2016

Photo by Angie Baquedano

WITH THESE LOCAL SPOTS IF YOU’VE BEEN WORKING OUT AND DON'T WANT TO RUIN YOUR DIET: Jamba Juice is your answer. There you can get the acai primo bowl, which is what I usually get and I promise you won't regret it.

IF YOU HAVE A SWEET TOOTH: Ninety's Ice Cream and Sandwiches is the creamery for you. There I got a double scoop waffle cone; one scoop was strawberry cheesecake and the other banana pudding. Their flavors vary from day to day. It's an awesome spot!

IF YOU'RE VEGAN: Zizis Awesome Vegan To-Go is your new safe haven. It’s a little hard to find, but it's by the Walmart area, and once you find it you realize what a hidden gem it is, and the staff is so friendly.

IF YOU'RE OBSESSED WITH SUSHI:

Photo by Angie Baquedano

Head out to Love Sushi on the boardwalk. Even the name implies your love for it. Once it's not cold, you can order it to go and sit around the big pond it looks over.

There are many places to pick from beyond what is listed, but that’s for you to find out. Catch you later, Sovi.

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4 easy mug recipes Vivian Westra STAFF WRITER

My hardest adjustment to college when I was a freshman was definitely not being able to cook. My entire first semester I ate chips and crackers with no variety. I eventually came across videos on YouTube on microwave mug recipes and ever since then I have always “cooked” my food in a mug. Here are some of my favorites:

SNICKER DOODLE COOKIE IN A MUG: This is my all time favorite late night snack to make when I am really craving something warm and sweet.

Ingredients: • 1 tablespoon of butter • 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar • 1 heaping tablespoon of dark brown sugar • Pinch of cream of tartar • Pinch of salt • ¼ teaspoon of vanilla • Cinnamon • 1 egg yolk • 3 tablespoons of all purpose flour Directions: • In a microwave safe mug, melt the butter.

• Use a fork to mix the sugar in the melted butter.

• Add the cream of tartar, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon and stir until combined.

• Stir in egg yolk.

• Stir in flour.

• Top the cookie dough with a dash of cinnamon.

• Microwave mug anywhere from 45 to 65 seconds depending on the strength of the microwave.

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MAC AND CHEESE IN A MUG:

I love mac and cheese, but I strongly dislike making it with the easy mac pasta in the plastic cup. Here is a great way to make the perfect combination of pasta and cheese in a mug: Ingredients: • 1/3 cup of pasta • ½ cup of water • ¼ cup of milk • ½ cup of shredded cheese Directions: 1. Combine the pasta and water in a large mug.

2. Microwave on high for two minutes, then stir.

3. Repeat this for at least two to four more minutes, stirring at each two-minute interval. The water will absorb completely and you should be left with fully cooked pasta.

4. Remove it from the microwave and stir in the milk and cheese. Microwave for another minute or so.

Stir the cheese into the pasta and enjoy.

ACAI BERRY MUG:

OMELET IN A MUG: This is such a great way to spice up any morning with an omelet. It is such an easy and quick recipe and is very versatile.

Ingredients: • 2 to 3 eggs • ¼ of an avocado • 1 tablespoon of salsa • 1 tablespoon shredded cheese • Cooking spray • Salt and pepper • Mug Directions: • Coat your mug with cooking spray.

• Add eggs to mug and whisk together with a fork.

• Add avocado, salsa, cheese, salt and pepper. Whisk till all ingredients are completely mixed together.

• Microwave on high for one minute and take out and stir.

• Cook for another 45 to 60 seconds or until eggs are set.

• Top with a bit more cheese, salt and pepper and any other toppings of your liking. The variations are endless.

This last recipe is the simplest and doesn't even need to be put in the microwave.

Ingredients: • Frozen acai berry mix • 2 Bananas • Strawberry • Granola • Any other toppings of choice • Mug Directions: • Simply mash up one of the bananas and mix together with the thawed out acai berry mix.

• After those are incorporated, top your mug with your choice of fresh fruit such as strawberries and bananas.

Granola and coconut flakes are always a great ingredient to sprinkle on top.

Photo by Vivian Westra

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Living Guide 2016

Embracing the slow cooker life Sydney Stephens ASST. LIFESTYLE EDITOR

As a college student with many responsibilities and social opportunities, it is easy to constantly eat out rather than cooking for yourself. This habit, while satisfying and convenient, can wreak havoc on your health and your bank account.

Do you ever find yourself making the effort to cook, but wasting fresh meats and vegetables because you cannot spare 30 minutes to an hour to cook and then eat? Do you avoid cooking because making a good meal requires too many ingredients? There are plenty of things that can get in the way.

Ultimately, nothing will make you feel better than eating a delicious home cooked meal that did not cost your entire weekly budget and was easy to make. The way to attain such bliss is by cooking with a slow cooker.

Yes, a slow cooker, also known as a crock pot. Your mom or grandmother probably forced one into your cart at Target when they stocked you up for the year. Or, they may have given you a hand-me-down insisting, “Oh honey, these things are so useful. Just take it—you never know when you might use it.” So, take it out of your closet or the back of your car. It will save you time, money and mostly likely trans-fat.

Despite what you may think, slow cookers can be used for way more than just soups and chili. While these are common, easy dishes to make with the appliance, so much more can be done. For example, an easy four ingredient meal that can be made with a slow cooker is chicken and rice. Simply put a chicken breast in the slow cooker, add a can of cream

of chicken soup, rice and a cup of water. Stir the cream of chicken soup and water, then cover the chicken breast with the mixture.

Next, add the rice. Set the timer for either four hours on high or eight hours on low.

This may seem extreme, but it cooks the food thoroughly throughout the day. It is perfect for a busy schedule.

Put the meal together before you leave, and when you return your dinner will be ready. This meal would cost maybe $4, depending on how you ration a pack of chicken breasts. In the mood for pork? Buy a pork chop and grab a spare can of beer from the fridge. Place the pork in the slow cooker and add the beer. This will marinate the meat and make it tender. Use the same cooking time for this meal.

These are a few examples of the endless things that can be made. Essentially everything can be put in a slow cooker—even lasagna. Just be sure to brown ground beef before putting it in the slow cooker.

Another great aspect of the slow cooker is the minimal amount of dishes that are used. One dish is used for the cooking, and maybe one or two are used for mixing things most of the time. There are even slow cooker bags that are sold that can be put in the slow cooker so you don’t have to worry about scrubbing grimy cooked foods off of your appliance.

Before you make your next grocery store visit, look up a few slow cooker recipes online and give it a shot.

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On campus or off?

That is the question

Nicole Buckenham STAFF WRITER

There are many perks to living on campus, as well as off campus. Deciding where you’re going to live really depends on you as a person, but, there are some obvious pros and cons when deciding what is best for you.

If you are going to live on campus the best thing about it is everything is walking distance from you. There’s no more long walks or crowded parking garages to worry about when every academic building and study areas are at the tips of your fingers.

Another thing about it is that it is much more social.

If you’re new to the school or just looking for more people to meet, the best thing to do is to live on campus. There’s tons of people right next door to you, in your building and pretty much everywhere ready to meet new people just as much as you. When you live on campus it’s also easier to stay in the loop. You’re constantly surrounded with 20

flyers, posters and events to go out and help you succeed better academically and socially. My favorite thing about living on campus was always having someone to eat with. You never ate alone because you would always ask someone to go to SoVi with you or Crown. But, if you liked to cook it was really hard to be a master chef when a kitchen isn’t provided for you.

Living off campus has a completely different outlook than living on campus. When you live off campus you have a lot more freedom and feel like you’re really living out on your own. You have a lot more space to cook in, your own bathroom and even your own room. Most likely when you live off campus at an apartment you picked your roommates and they are some of your best friends. Also, living in an apartment you have a lot more amenities. A student apartment complex Living Guide 2016

comes with a pool, gym and even a tanning bed. But, when living off campus it’s a lot more isolated. You’re away from your school, opportunities to get more involved and a less likely chance to meet more people than you would when living on campus.

Living on or off campus is a tough decision to make.

There’s so many different things that make each option good and bad. It really depends if you want to branch out and meet new people or have the freedom to live on your own. Having privacy, sharing a bathroom and picking your roommates is also very important when deciding what to do. Lastly, if you don’t have a car living off campus can sometimes be difficult if there are not shuttles to take you to campus. Because remember the reason why you’re here in the first place is to go to school.

You won’t have a shortage of people to eat with when you live on campus. NT file photo

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