Holiday Edition November 2019 Cooglife

ISSUE 36 // NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2019

Letter from The Editor

We’ve made it to the last print magazine of the semester--- the holiday edition! I have personally been really excited for this edition to come out. This time of year is always one of my favorites; from all the great food, aesthetics, and good vibes.

This edition is special because it’s a collection of creative and vibrant content to brighten up the holiday mood. We also didn’t forget that finals are around the corner, so we wanted to make sure you had a good read to keep you entertained and ready to take on the end of the semester.

As this semester and year comes to an end, I want to say how much I love putting together Cooglife. Being an editor for the first time these past 4 months has been a job with a lot of responsibilities and new experiences that haven’t always been the easiest. I’ve learned and grown so much from when I first started, and I am so grateful to everyone who’s been so supportive and helpful along the way. I look forward to keeping

up this motivated energy, and making sure you all are enjoying our magazine and its growth along the way.

With that, I hope you all enjoy our content as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it all together. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at cooglife@thedailycougar. com if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi or even write! Have a wonderful and merry holiday season, and all the best with the end of your semester.

Love, Ambarina Zenab

Holiday inspired dates for you and your partner

Written Ymariam Bez | Graphic by Juana Garcia

The holidays are filled with romance and joyful cheer. What’s not to love about a perfect cold and crisp day— where trees are wrapped up in twinkly lights, and Christmas music and movies are played on repeat?

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, holiday inspired dates make this time of year feel extra special and memorable with your partner. The lists of things to do are endless— cozying up to a fire and watching movies, renting a cabin, building gingerbread houses, or even ice skating.

Ice Skating is a classic date idea perfect for the holiday season. Granted they’re yearlong going the extra mile and finding one outdoors under the lights and stars will make this date night unforgettable.

If you’re looking for something more low-key, then a night indoors at home baking and assembling a gingerbread house is the date for you. Imagine being elbow deep in cookie dough and icing; constructing your sugary, delicious cookie mansion alongside your significant other.

The holidays are also the time to start and create your own traditions that you will carry for years to come as your relationship blossoms and grows. Having this tradition amongst the two of you will strengthen your bond, and as times around the holiday bear stress, having this tradition to look forward to, will make it all worthwhile. The holidays are a time to appreciate your loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Study tips to get you through this finals season

Written by Raven Wuebker | Photo from Pexels

It’s the most stressful time of the year thanks to finals season. Trying to remember everything you have due, along with preparing for tests in four or more classes at the same time can be overwhelming. Not to mention how draining pulling all-nighters can be. Here are some helpful tips to use in the next few weeks to make finals manageable.

Study in small doses

When studying, try not to study to many chapters all at once. If certain areas are going to be covered on the final, then break them up into each part. Set time for 15 minute breaks between studying each chapter, and depending on how heavy the material is, give yourself time to comprehend what you went over.

Talk to your professor

If you become too stressed about your finals, set up a meeting with your professor or speak to them during their office hours. After all, they will be the one giving you the test, so ask them questions about content that will be on your exam, or anything you’ve been struggling to understand this semester.

Make studying fun

As boring as studying can be, something that can help take the pressure off of finals is making a game out of the material. If you already have a study group formed, instead of going over the review, making a game out of it will create some actual interest and engagement.

Rewrite your notes.

Sometimes, it can be difficult studying content that you wrote a couple of weeks ago. Something to help

improve your memory is writing them down once again. It improves your hand eye coordination and gives a sense of muscle memory. For those of you that may be OCD, color coordinating them can be a big help and can also keep you organized. Consider using colors for studying sections of the review as well.

Music during studying

One of the best ways to enhance your studying is through music. Although it can be effective, it could also easily distract you from studying. Having the correct form of music is critical while keeping your attention and truly focusing on remembering. For example, listening to classical music that is dominated by instrumentals can give you the background noise that you might need, while not being distracted by the lyrics.

Many students have their own certain ways in which they study for finals. Whether you’re on the verge of graduating or finishing your first semester, everyone has a sense of urgency when it comes to finals. If you’ve had the same studying routine since high school, or are trying to find new ways that work for you, these tips could potentially change the way you study entirely.

Get cozy with holiday rom-coms

Written by Sydney Rose | Graphic by Juana Garcia

The holiday season is a time to cuddle up for warmth, and what better way to do that than to snuggle with your favorite person and put on a romantic comedy for winter time?

Classics

You have your holiday classics, but there’s also the new films of Christmas-themed love to take part in. Upcoming premieres include “Last Christmas”, starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding, as well as “Let It Snow” which is based on a novel with the same title. Due to my love of romantic comedies and the holiday season, I’ll probably be in one of those theater seats to watch both of them.

A common holiday film that comes to mind is “Love, Actually”, with its star-studded cast and stories that link all of the separate characters together in some way, shape or form. I watch this movie every winter break because I love how everything connects and how the different stories play out. Everyone who watches the movie has their favorite character story from it, and mine happens to be the focus on a young Thomas Brody Sangster as he pursues a crush on a girl. Got to love young love.

A good place to find some iconic, yet maybe a little cheesy, holiday romance is the Hallmark channel or Netflix. Netflix’s star winter romantic comedy happens to be “A Christmas Prince”. There was such a large audience for the story that a sequel came out not too long after the first movie. Honestly, this film has the normal trope of a rich prince falling in love with a common girl. Yet the aspect of Rose McIver’s character being a reporter who sneaks into the castle where the prince lives and pretends to be a teacher keeps the plot fresh and entertaining. I’ve only seen these movies once, but I’d be willing to give them a re-watch this holiday season.

Underrated

A more indie Christmas film that many may not know too much about is “The Holiday”. This movie has big names like Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Jack Black and Cameron Diaz on its cast list, so it is a big surprise that some people have not heard of it. I like the plot of the movie overall, and am also a fan of the similar idea of having more than one story that connects in some way; like what we saw in “Love, Actually”. I feel like this is definitely a good watch with a loved one by the fireplace. Out of all the movies, this has the best winter vibes.

Holiday romantic comedies are a very niche sub-genre, but there are plenty to scroll through with various different plots if that is what you are in the mood for on movie night. No matter how you celebrate the holidays, a universal tradition is to be under a thick blanket watching a good winter movie.

FACILITY CLOSURES THANKSGIVING

6 AM - 7 PM WED, NOV 27

CLOSED NOV 28 - 29

6 AM - 6 PM DEC 3

6 AM - 9 PM DEC 15 - 19

JAN 20 - MAR 6

DOWNSIZING

JAN 20 - MAR 6

SELF DEFENSE

FEB 3 - APR 1

ARE YOU LOOKING TO BE A PART OF OUR TEAM OR COMMUNITY?

SPORT CLUBS FAIR

JAN 15 | 5 - 7 PM | CRWC

JOB FAIR

JAN 16 | 4 - 7 PM | CRWC

One sweater, 5 different styles: a mini lookbook

Written by Ambarina Zenab

Fall and winter fashion is incomplete without the basic, most staple top: a sweater. Sweaters are so versatile; from wearing them alone as a top or layering them up with accessories, it’s completely possible to make this simple fit pop in more than one generic way.

While I am by no means a model, I wanted to put together this fashion photography editorial to show the few ways to wear a simple sweater.

Photo by Jaicey Johnson

French Tuck: half in, half out

Pictured to the left. My go-to and personal favorite. Basically, tucking in the front part of your top, and leaving the rest out.

Overalls/overall dress fits: a cute vibe.

Entirely tucked in

Leave a bit of space to elevate the fabric, or fully squeeze it in to highlight your figure. Up to you. A simple look that works well with high-waisted jeans and pants.

Jean jacket layering

Photo by Jaicey Johnson

Photo by Jaicey Johnson

Photo by Jaicey Johnson

Photo by Trevor Nolley

Jean Jacket

Skirt and top: a retro and classy look.

Works for casual and formal fashion fits

Close up details of the skirt at the waist. The buttons add an accesorizing touch to the outfit.

by

This fit is a little bit out of my comfort zone, but it’s still a look that I had gotten a lot of compliments for. Tucked in and buttoned up— hugs your figure and can pass for both formal and casual settings. The boots at above the ankle and at the end of the skirt slit add a city fashion vibe.

All photos on page 10 and 11

Trevor Nolley

A guide to winter skincare: how to keep skin hydrated on a budget

Written by Sofia Urcuyo | Graphics by Juana Garcia

For your body

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: This cream is great, dermatologist approved for all skin types, is found at any drugstore and is great at preventing cracks in your skin in winter. Even if we are always bundled up, you never know how pesky winter wind sneaks in and dries out your skin. This is great at trapping hydration with its hyaluronic acid, keeping your skin smooth and hydrated all winter long.

For your face

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: Whether you cleanse twice or once a day or every other day, it’s important to not dry out your skin especially in winter when leaving the house can make your eyes water. This cleanser has a creamy formula that helps prevent dryness and is

good for dry to normal skin types, but if you happen to have a bit more oil, CeraVe also makes a foaming facial cleanser for oily and normal skin types that leaves skin hydrated while removing excess oils from your face.

Neutrogena HydroBoost Gel Cream: This cream has a water-based formula that absorbs nicely, feels like a cloud on your face, and has optimum hydration for facing the day or night. It also works great under

makeup and contains hyaluronic acid to really protect your face from dry weather. It works for oily, dry, or normal skin for a boost of hydration.

Neutrogena HydroBoost Water Gel Sunscreen

Lotion: Sunscreen is an essential in even in the dark winter, use it every day, reapply as often as you need and never forget it! This sunscreen has the same consistency as the moisturizer above, so it is super hydrating, super smooth, great under makeup, and leaves no white cast. This sunscreen is perfect for everyday and also works under rain or snow.

For your lips

Vaseline Lip Therapy: This lip moisturizer takes the best Vaseline has to offer and makes it specially formulated for your lips. In winter you cannot forget your lips, they are an extra sensitive part of your face and can easily get chapped. You don’t even need to buy the lip therapy, buy a little tub of Vaseline and make it work for you. This moisturizer is 2 Chainz approved, and a staple for hundreds of families, you know that tub of Vaseline that you or your family have had for 6 years and seems to never run out? Yeah, it works.

Christmas traditions from thePhillipines

Written by Bernadette Tumaliuan | Title photo from Pexels

Ever wished the Christmas season lasted longer? There is no other place around the world that celebrates this joyful and spirit-filled holiday longer than the Philippines. The tradition starts when “Hanging Amihan,” a wind from the Northeast, arrives in September. This wind marks the beginning of the holiday season, because it becomes cooler. Once the “-ber” months, you can see a parol hung in windows in our house.

What are parols?

Parols are star-shaped lanterns that are traditionally made with bamboo sticks, paper or capiz shells. Parols come in various sizes and designs; you can make these out of almost anything. Most parols have lights in the star or around it on a wreath surrounding the star. This tradition goes back to the infamous biblical story of the Nativity scene of Jesus’ birth, where the Northern Star is used to guide the three kings to Jesus’ manger at the stable. Symbolically during Misa de Gallo the parols are used to light the way during the procession to the mass. Parols are now used to decorate our homes. You can usually see many Filipino households decorate

their homes with these star-shaped lanterns through their windows. In my household, we have a lantern for almost every window.

What is Misa de Gallo?

As a Catholic, one of the traditions my family and I participate in every season is Misa de Gallo. Misa de Gallo, more commonly known as Simbang Gabi, is a nine-day Novena where mass is held every day before sunrise, typically around 5AM. This Novena takes place right before Christmas day; starts on the December 16 and lasts until December 24, Christmas Eve. We believe that if you attend mass for all 9 days, God grants you a wish for the holiday season. When I celebrate the holidays here in the states after mass there is a fellowship, where we all gather to eat some delicious Filipino breakfast served with salabat (Filipino ginger tea) or cinnamon hot cocoa with whipped cream on top. Waking up in the cold

December weather (in Texas) at 5 o’clock in the morning every day for 9 days, before Christmas if I may add, may not sound exciting to many, but I absolutely love it. I have to admit for the first two days it is a struggle, but after that it becomes a routine and you begin to love it. I see my friends and eat some lugaw or longganisa. This is one of my favorite traditions; being surrounded by good food and good company at dawn. I have never experienced Simbang Gabi in the homeland firsthand, but I imagine it to be a lot better and more eventful.

Aside from pursuing a career in nursing, what is another thing [most] Filipinos are known for? Singing karaoke. During the Christmas season, carolers would travel from village to slums to busy streets to spread the holiday spirit to one another. They would make homemade instruments out of the simplest items that you never thought you would use to play music with to create the most beautiful music you have ever heard--- from milk cans and aluminum bottle caps. This displays the characteristic of ingenuity Filipinos have.

Last but not least, who can forget the food? What’s a Christmas without some warm, homemade dishes, like pancit, kaldareta, bistek, lechon? After completing Simbang Gabi, that same night, we have a feast called “Noche Buena.” It is an evening feast where family, friends, neighbors, almost everyone you know gather around to enjoy some good food and good company. Almost everyone you know, even your co-worker’s cousin, is invited to any Filipino gathering. I guess we can say we’re also known for our hospitality and food? And remember if you do get invited to a Filipino party this holiday season. Remember to say, “Maraming salamat po at Maligayang pasko sa lahat!”

Graphic by Bernadette Tumaliuan

Travel Tips for the Holidays

Written by Anna Baker | Graphics by Juana Garcia

The holidays are stressful enough, and adding travel to it all can just make it a nightmare. Here are some tips for traveling through the holidays in one piece.

Take a Red-Eye Flight

Flying during the holidays can be a nightmare because tons of people are flying too. TSA lines are long, flights are cramped, and everyone is stressed out. If you’re planning on flying out this holiday season, I’d suggest taking a red-eye. Red-eye flights are overnight or late night flights. Since most people don’t want to fly out at 10pm, they are less popular. This means security lines are shorter, and since it’s late at night, the overall

energy level is lower, so no stressful hustle and bustle. You also tend to avoid families with little kids, which can be a bonus if you want to have a quiet flight. If you’re like other students, and want to avoid a stressful airport experience, take a red-eye.

Put gifts in your carry-on

Depending on how long you are staying you may want to check in luggage, but if you’re bringing gifts with you, you should keep them in your carry ons. Checkin luggage always has a chance of getting lost, and sometimes it can take days to a week to get it back. And in all that time, your belongings have a chance of getting stolen or misplaced. So prevent some stress by sticking the romance novel you got your mom in your backpack. It may make it heavier, but you at least don’t have to worry about losing it.

Bring sink laundry detergent with you

If where you’re going doesn’t have available laundry facilities, don’t worry. You don’t have to pack pants for every day you’re there. Unless you’re doing activities

that cause a lot of sweat, you don’t have to fully wash your jeans every day. Many laundry detergent brands have sink packets, which you can use to wash clothes in a sink. Just wash the crotch/thigh area of your jeans, where most sweat accumulates. Let the pants air dry and you can wear them again! Depending how long you’re staying, you might not want to do this the whole time. But at least you

Download entertainment on your phone or laptop

Traveling can mean a lot of waiting, especially when you’re tired. Some people may bring a book and be able to entertain themselves that way. However, for others, when it’s 1am and waiting for a red-eye, reading might take a little too much brain effort than anyone’s willing to give in an exhausted state. Be sure to download movies and TV shows onto your phone so that you can be entertained without using too much brain power as you travel.

Have a portable charger.

Sometimes if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find a free outlet at the airport. Maybe you’ll even have a car charger on your road trip. However, we’re not always lucky, and it’s good to have a backup plan. Bring a portable charger with you when you travel. Just do it. Especially if you have an iPhone, since those things tend to die quickly. It’s better to have one and not use it, rather than not being able to call a tow-truck in the middle of I-10. If worst comes to worst, it will save a lot of stress.

can have a pair of pants to work with several outfits. This makes for a lighter suitcase.

Hopefully some of these tips will be helpful to your traveling plans this December. Stay safe and happy holidays!

Friendsgiving: a holiday tradition celebrating friendship during Thanksgiving season

Written by Autumn Kirkman | Graphic by Juana Garcia

Thanksgiving: a celebration of thanks, family, food and friends. Typically held at a family member’s house and involves family you only see during holidays due to different cities, jobs and lives. We take time to celebrate our appreciation for our families, but what about our friends? These are the people we spend a significant amount of time around--- whether it’s at school, work or recreational activities. That’s where “Friendsgiving” comes in. A time to celebrate your favorite memories, foods and people who might be even closer to you than most of your

family is. While there isn’t a clear beginning to the creation of Friendsgiving, the TV sitcom “Friends” showed how friends can make the holiday exciting and enjoyable by just being themselves.

Coming from a broken home and moving to a completely different environment, I relied on the few friends I had to make the holidays a better time for me. It wasn’t because I didn’t enjoy my new family; it was because I wanted to be able to create memories with people I didn’t grow up with.

My first experience with Friendsgiving was during my sophomore year of high school. I had just joined the yearbook staff, and the leadership team was trying to figure out a way for the staff to bond outside of school. One girl mentioned doing Thanksgiving at someone’s house, and from there we planned our own “Yearbook Friendsgiving.” Everyone who attended brought a dish, and the girl who hosted it had a fire pit where we sat around and played games and just talked. That’s when I fell in love with the idea of spending holidays with my friends. It wasn’t about the food we brought or the place we were at, it was about the memories we were creating and the stories we shared. Quality time spent with quality people.

Hosting a Friendsgiving has so many benefits:

- You get to cook with your best friends. Introduce them to what you grew up eating.

- Share life stories they didn’t know you have.

- Take fun pictures that will last a lifetime.

- And create memories with people that you genuinely

like to be around. It doesn’t matter if you’ve known them for 5 years or 5 weeks. What matters is that you’re getting the opportunity to relax, eat and laugh with your friends.

How to host one?

1) Plan out a day, Friday, maybe Saturday.

2) Figure out who’s going and where its being held.

3) Decide on the menu then dish out who’s bringing what.

4) Show up and have a great time. That's all it takes and you’ll have memories that will last forever.

A top 5 holiday video game guide

Written by Michael Taggart | Graphic by Juana Garcia

With the holidays just around the corner and winter break almost upon us, the real question is: what are you going to do with all of your free time? Well, if you’re anything like me, then the answer is VIDEO GAMES! I’m here to look at 5 games across every platform that will definitely be on everyone’s Christmas list this year!

Death Stranding

The most controversial and interesting of the bunch comes from legendary game creator Hideo Kojima, the creator of the beloved Metal Gear Solid series. Staring Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead), the star-studded cast also includes Mads Mikkelsen, Lea Seydoux and Lindsay Wagner, Troy Baker. Although his voice is not used in the game, famed director Guillermo del Toro’s character mode is used for a featured character. The game revolves around Norman Reddus’s character Sam Porter Bridges, who travels across a post-apocalyptic America delivering packages, while battling BT’s (the game’s featured monsters) and attempting to reunite society. While offering a unique experience, the game play will not be for everyone. Reviews for the game have already come out, ranging from perfect 10’s--- praising the game as a masterpiece--- to scores as low as 6, calling the game mediocre.

Release Date: November 8, 2019

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Set five years after the events of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Fallen Order stars Jedi Padawan Cal Kestis, played by Cameron Monaghan (Gotham). Having survived the infamous Order 66, players control Cal as he tries to hide and run from the Galactic Empire. Fan of the series will travel the Star Wars galaxy visiting different worlds such as the iconic home world of the Wookies, Kashyyyk. Forest Whitaker’s Rogue One character Saw Gerrera also makes an appearance in the game, along with Debra Wilson (MAD TV) who plays Cal’s mentor. If you’re a Star Wars fan, this single player action game will definitely make your wish list!

Release Date: November 15, 2019

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Studio Infinity Ward’s newest installment of the famed Call of Duty series calls upon nostalgia by bringing back the Modern Warfare title. The studio took a big chance by going back to the Modern Warfare title. Being one of the most highly rated and beloved games in the series, expectation were high. However, the studio delivered with the game shattering multiple sales records, and making over $600 million in the first three days. The game has been toted as one of the best in the series and truly being worthy of the title Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.

Release Date: October 25, 2019

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Pokémon Sword & Shield

Ok so this one is a twofer: Nintendo’s Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield titles will be making their way to the Nintendo Switch system this holiday season. Whether you pick up the Sword or the Shield game, your experience will remain the same, the only thing that changes is the Legendary Pokémon at the end of the game. Players can become a Pokémon trainer

and travel the Galar region as they embark on a new journey with their choice of one of 3 new pokemon starters: Grookey (Earth type), Scorbunny (Fire type) or Sobble (Water type). If you’re a fan of the series and just have to catch them all, be sure to pick up one of these two titles this holiday season.

Release Date: November 15, 2019

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Luigi’s Mansion

This third installment of the Nintendo series sees Luigi (once again) step out from under his big brother Mario’s shadow, and take centerstage in his own spooky franchise. The family friend series introduces a new character in the form of Gooigi, a goo-based doppelganger of Luigi that can be used to assist Luigi’s journey through the haunted mansion. Gooigi can also be used as a player two for more co-op fun. The game also features an online multiplayer option with local multiplayer gameplay for up to eight players. Luigi’s Mansion makes a great dorm room game for you and all of your friends, or a great party game for you and your family over the holidays.

Release Date: October 31, 2019

Platform: Nintendo Switch

A string light photography collection

Writing and Photography by Ambarina Zenab Model: Jaicey Johnson

String light photography is a popular aesthetic when it comes to fall and winter photography. I personally love string lights— I have them all over my apartment, and I am a fan with how simple yet pretty they are in creating a warm glow and cozy feel to any room.

When doing creative portraiture, so many artists use string lights in their work and create such wonderful and beautiful images. The key to the success of these compositions lies within the lighting, setting, and subject. A dim, yet not entirely darkened environment keeps the subject recognizable and clear, while at the same time also boosting the warm glow of the string light accessory. This balance is the key to maintaining well-composed final products from these photoshoots.

I decided to do a creative string light shoot myself with a colorful, and creative twist. Using Rice Box (the Asian fusion restaurant with the popular neon lights and urban aesthetic vibes) as the setting, and a regular battery operated string light tail from Walmart, I did a mini-photoshoot. By the looks of these final photos, I guess you can say we had some pretty great results.

Photos continued on Page 24

Holiday shopping on a budget

Written by Rubab Ali | Graphics by Juana Garcia

Holiday season is right around the corner! Being a college student can be super difficult during this time of year because there’s so many gifts that we need to buy for our friends and family. All the holidays seem to fall around the same time of year: Eid-e-Zehra, Eid-un-Milad-un-Nabi, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Diwali, and more! Having friends and families who celebrate these holidays can sometimes be a pain, because buying gifts for all of them can be very costly and expensive. Lucky for you, we’re going to give you 5 gift suggestions that your friends and family will adore and cherish their entire lives.

Paintings

Paintings are personal gifts that anyone would love to receive--- regardless of their age or gender! Art is so powerful, and it is the perfect way to let someone know how much you mean to them. Hobby Lobby or Michaels are great places to buy canvases in bulk, and paints are very accessible and affordable to purchase from stores like Walmart or Target.

Second-Hand/Thrift shops

Thrift stores are on the come-up once again. Since the 90’s trend is back in style, thrift store finds are the perfect way to put a smile on your friends and families faces. Vintage band t-shirts or even a second hand vinyl will make your music-loving friends’ entire day. Finding good stuff at the thrift store can be timely, but once you spot those cute pair of Chanel flats, it’s all worth it.

DIY Sweater

Homemade stuff always hits the spot because it lets people know that you put a lot of thought into what you made them. A sweater will be the best way to keep the people you love warm during chilly weather. Places like Walmart even have sweatshirts for under seven dollars. Buying accessories like pom-poms and fabric paint cost another three or four dollars and voila! You have yourself a personalized sweater that your friends and family will value tremendously when those random cold mornings hit Houston.

Embroidered Beanies

Beanies are so trendy this season, and would be even better if they were embroidered with love to give to your someone special. Embroidery is so creative and intricate, so your friends and family will love having an exclusive piece from you, by you! Embroidery kits can be found for as little as ten dollars at any craft store or even places like Walmart! These beanies will keep your loved one’s heads and hearts warm!

DIY Sugar Scrub

As the colder weather is approaching (very slowly...thank you Texas!), dry skin is inevitable to appear. Taking care of your skin is very important because it is the largest organ (and come on, no one wants zits or peeling skin). Making a DIY sugar scrub for your folks will ensure their skin to look flawless--- whether they’re under the mistletoe or not. You need 4 simple things that can be found anywhere: granulated sugar, either white or brown (organic works best), olive oil or coconut oil (whichever you prefer), any type of essential oil (this depends on how you want the scrub to smell; lavender, vanilla, or eucalyptus are amazing. You could also add a little vitamin E oil which has great benefits for facial skin!), and a small little mason jar to store the scrub. All you have to do is mix these ingredients together and you have yourself a cute little gift for all your besties!

We here at Cooglife, hope you find one of these ideas useful! We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and see you at powerhouse in the New Year!

A holiday photo shoot: Christmas store edition

Writing and Photography by Ambarina Zenab | Model: Jaicey Johnson

Christmas Rocks is a quaint, cute little shop in between the River Oaks and Montrose area of Houston. It’s a shop inside of a house— entirely dedicated to Christmas décor. The kitchen is lined with ornaments, the stairs lead up to a storage room, and the living room holds the cash register and an array of pretty trees and decorations.

While taking photos at your local Christmas lights establishments yields cute, and fun photos, a photoshoot inside of Christmas décor stores comes with warm internal lighting, creative backdrops and settings, and all of the holiday season vibes without the chilly weather. That’s exactly what we did at Christmas Rocks.

As a photographer, I love creative portraiture and shoots. With that, I knew I wanted to change up the scene when it came to doing a holiday themed photo editorial. Photos from Page 29-31.