Issuu

I L L U S T R AT I O N : M O R V E N M A C K AY

Blair McPake BLAIR MCPAKE

BLAIR MCPAKE

IONA BROWNLIE

IMAN MACKENZIE

M O R V E N M A C K AY

E M M A H A L L I D AY

IONA YOUNG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Welcome to our second issue! With lockdown easing to a new sense of normality it can be hard to adjust daily life again. Summer is drawing to close but this issue of Braw has plenty of brilliant content to help you make the most of the last weeks of summer, including a beautiful piece on Staycations that will make you want to jump straight on a train up north, grooming techniques, and how to make the perfect whipped coffee, whatever your tastes. If you wish you had picked up a new skill during lockdown it is not too late to learn with our photography section taking you through the basics and experimental photography techniques. Romance tackles the modern break-up with At Your Own Risk alongside providing plenty of confessions to make you feel better.

P ET R A K O T K O VA

MEET THE TEAM

CONTENTS So c i e t y S p o t l i g h t

Romance and Relationships

Book Co rne r

P h o t o g ra p h y

12-13

Tr a v e l

6-7

Fo o d a n d D r i n k

Fa s h i o n

8-9

Crea tive Wri ti ng

Health and Wellbeing

I L L U S T R AT I O N : B L A I R M C P A K E

S oc i et y S p ot l i g h t

Introducing: Stirling Sexual Health Education Society (SSHES)

Who are we? We are a diverse and welcoming society that is passionate about informing students about practicing safe sex-especially for those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community-, the importance of self-care and many other topics. Each week, we come up with a theme which can range from light to heavy, for example, one week we discussed masturbation and one week we discussed consent. We always make sure that if a topic can be potentially triggering, we put a warning sign on all our social medias and before the meeting begins. As a society, we do not shy away from any topic as we feel it is important for all students to be educated on such an normal and fun aspect of life. It’s natural that once you get to university, you are maybe going to start thinking about having sex or maybe you just want to be educated more on the topic. We also try and incorporate as many games and discussion times in our meetings to give our members a break- especially if it’s a tough topic- which we have found to be popular amongst our members. Overall, our society is for everyone and we always want to make every member feel safe and comfortable.

Wh at h ave we been up to? Over the past few months we have held many exciting meetings and socials such as ‘the masturbation manifesto’ which was our halloween themed meeting, and ‘Santa and his bag of toys’ which was our Christmas social! These were a big success and we are hoping to hold more!

What do we have planned for this semester?

We have also participated in many other events such as the Stirling ‘reclaim the night’ walk which was to raise awareness of sexual assault. We always love getting involved and helping out others as much as we can.

We have lots of exciting things happening in SSHES this year. We’re really excited about our give it a go “50 Shades Of Sexual Health & What Not To Do” which we’ll be hosting on Wednesday 23rd September. Our giag this year is focusing on advice for looking after your sexual health at university and beyond as well as answering some questions people may have about how to stay safe at university.

We also introduced our mascot and sex advocate, Pierre Le Peen this year! You can always find them wandering about campus giving out a variety of free condoms, or you can find them on a night out on Fubar! If you want to keep up with Pierre; you can find them on twitter @le_peen

SOCIETY SPOTLIGHT

We also have our annual sexual health week in February with this year’s theme being intersectionality where we will be looking at sexuality and sexual health in different communities which aren’t often spoken about such as LGBTQ, disabled, and the BDSM community. On top of all this we have lots of interesting meetings planned for throughout the semester discussing all sorts of topics such as sex & relationships in lockdown, pregnancy and abortion, morals of pornography, FGM and much more! We’re intending to make SSHES bigger and better each year and show why we are the best new club of 2020!

All images credited to SSHES

Illustration: Blair McPake

B oo k C o r ne r Iman Mackenzie: Book Corner Editor

Literature society should have learned from: how did we miss these messages? Brave New World by Aldous Huxley This unsettling futuristic dystopia invites fresh perspectives on many overlooked aspects of society. Under totalitarian rule, citizens are born in labs and psychologically conditioned for different social classes and occupations. Elsewhere, outcasts preserve their free will but cannot access the state’s stability and infrastructure. Is either preferable? Almost 80 years since Brave New World was published, frightening, controlling leaderships and sophisticated technologies are already emerging, yet our individual identities remain highly valued. Our society has the strengths of both of Huxley’s envisioned civilizations, a timely reminder to be grateful to, yet critical of societal progress. B y A a r o n d e Ve r e s Credit: Amazon.co.uk

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Described as ‘a book about war. For adolescents’ by its author, The Hunger Games Series tells the tale of Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl who finds herself fighting to save not only her family but her nation. Set in a dystopian America – now known as Panem – poor citizens of the districts are forced to watch teenagers fight to the death in an arena for the amusement of the wealthy Capitol. This is not, however, a tale of sadness and death. The series offers hope in a world which may seem far-fetched at times but is all too familiar to the reader. As the rich toy with the lives of the poor thanks to a questionable political system, The Hunger Games looks to inspire a new generation of Katniss Everdeens: the future voters who strive for peace, equality and social awareness. By Stephanie Hanlon Credit: Amazon.co.uk

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie “At some point I was a Happy African Feminist Who Does Not Hate Men and Who Likes to Wear Lip Gloss and High Heels for Herself and Not For Men.” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie writes in her novel We should all be feminists.Did you read that without a break? Impossible right? This sentence is an example of what I think makes this book and this author so brilliant. She uses words, sentences and personal stories to make us feel what she’s been feeling. It’s impossible to read that sentence without feeling dizzy from keeping your breath for too long. It’s also impossible to be a woman and try to argue your case for being all those things at the same point. Chimamanda points out the fact that feminism isn’t a bad label that you need to excuse yourself from – feminism is the opposite. It’s striving for a positive change for equality, and as Chimamanda writes herself in the end of her book: “And when, all those years ago, I looked the word up in the dictionary, it said: Feminist: a person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.” Credit: Wikipedia.org

By Clara Fors Wisbyse

BOOK CORNER

Travel

C re d i t : E u a n Wa d d e l l

S t a y c a t i ons Iona Brownlie: Travel Editor

I think we can all agree this is not quite the year we expected, but things are looking up. We’re able to get out and about again and start getting back to normal, or as normal as we can be. So, a staycation in any way shape or form seems to be the new normal. Forget sunny beaches off the coast of Spain and think more beaches off the east coast of Scotland. Forget chic restaurants in Italy and think more ‘Eat out to Help out’. Here are a few of my favourite places in Scotland to improve your vacation Credit: Iona Brownlie

1 - Ullapool Situated on the West Coast of Scotland in the Highlands, Ullapool really is the perfect place for a little holiday. Surrounded by hills and beautiful sea, it is a quiet little town. The town has a camping site fit for caravans and tents sitting right on the water’s edge with a phenomenal view of the water and the passing ferry. However, I would check the Broomfield Camp site website as business will have probably been impacted because of Covid-19. But, if camping is not really your thing, there are also a number of little cottages you can rent out for the week or howeve long that are perfect for a staycation. As in most places there are also B&Bs, Guest Houses and hotel rooms you can book for your holiday as well. Ullapool is also the gate to the Western Isles. The ferry to the Isle of Lewis leaves from Ullapool, on the mainland and only takes two hours and 35 minutes. You’re also able to explore the Highlands of Scotland easily via car, train, or bus. The Highlands are just as beautiful as everyone says they are and Ullapool is the perfect base for your adventures.

Credit: Iona Brownlie

TRAVE L

3- Dornoch An hour or so out from Inverness is the little town of Dornoch. Another small coastal town on the North of Scotland with insane accessibility to the Highlands. Dornoch is a good base to visit places like Cromarty for a cute little tea spot, Falls of Shin to maybe see some salmon, Chanonry Point for the chance to see some dolphins. A pretty cool trip is actually to drive west from Dornoch to Ullapool. The journey itself goes through incredible countryside to arrive at one of my favourite places. There are a few campsites in and around Dornoch. In a tiny town down from Dorncoh called Embo, there is a caravan park called Grannie’s Heilan Hame. You can hire out a static caravan or bring your own tent and camp on the beach. Credit: Iona Brownlie

2 - St Andrews and Largo On the Fife side of the water there is the lovely seaside town of home St Andrews. Famed for being where Prince William and Kate Middleton fell in love, St Andrews is a cosy little town with some great beaches. A very seasonal town, where their beaches are acceptable all year round. West Sands beach sits beside the historic Old Course Golf Club, where you can always have a little putt about (but again, do check the rules as they will have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic). The beach itself is calming and on a warm, sunny day it is super relaxing. From the beach you get a lovely view of St Andrews Town and on a good day you can see round to Dundee. St Andrew’s is of course lovely and has a number of nice accommodation a recommendation of mine would be to stay in a smaller towns close by. I stayed in a little town called Lower Largo. A quiet little seaside town where you can rent out little cottages. The one I stayed in was literally on the beach. The garden stretched out right to the shore and only had a few steps to experience the sun, sea and sand. It really was the calmest of places. On a clear day you can see across the sea to Edinburgh and the rigs in the middle of the sea. Fife is full of little villages with sea cottages. St Andrews is a lovely town full of history, walks and spectacular beaches. Staying somewhere close by but still beautiful is the perfect way to relax.

There’s a lot of entertainment from tennis courts to a play park and the best part is dogs are more than welcome! There is a lovely seaside walk from Embo to Dornoch alongside the famous Royal Dornoch Golf Course. Dornoch is also only an hour and 45 minute drive to the iconic John O’Groats. Stand at the very edge of mainland Britain and look back to what is basically the whole of the UK. Dornoch is a really nice place to unwind and relax after all the chaos of this year.

“Scotland

is beautiful and there are so many places for you to discover and enjoy. There’s no limit to your adventure and there is always way more to discover than you realise. I hope that no matter where you go this year, whether abroad or not, you take full advantage of your surroundings.”

S t A n d r e w ’s O l d C o u r s e G o l f C l u b C r e d i t : E u a n W a d d e l l

Credit: Euan Waddell The View from the Cottage. Largo, Fife Credit: Euan Waddell

TRAVE L

F a s h i on

On Trend Cardigan Crop Tops: a Y2K staple, comfy, cute and a perfect piece for moving into autumn.

Y2K is here to stay fo r another seaso n

Credit: RedBubble.com

I o n a Yo u n g : Fashion Editor Silk slip dresses, chunky trainers and super cute crop tops; every time the noughties come back in it brings all of its nostalgic numbers with it. With the 60’s and 70’s making a comeback it was imminent the noughties were going to follow. Sure enough last year most collections were heavily influenced by signature Y2K fabrics and cuts. Y2K fashion refers to the best of the iconic style from the mid 90’s to early 00’s peaking between 1993-2003. One thing that makes Y2K fashion so versatile is the variety in styles. Gender neutral, girly or grungy there is something to suit everybody’s taste. There is a reason no one can resist a cheesy throwback tune in Dusk or Fubar, there is a certain comfort to the pop classics that you are guaranteed to hear on a night out. Noughties fashion is the same, the pop pinks, pretty prints, lace and vintage sportswear. Everyone has an aspect they look fondly back on whether it was a certain skirt you used to have or a low waisted pair of jeans you couldn’t resist. Reviving 00’s into your style today is a great way to refresh your style. If you need inspiration there are a whole host of films including 90’s and 00’s classics like Clueless, Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde that showcase Y2K style icons. Cher’s wardrobe is to die for. The Y2K aesthetic is really fun, where more or less anything goes. The best part is it is easy to shop ethically with the best pieces being authentic and second-hand. You can source pieces in local charity shops or check out Depop and order straight to your door. Some of the best pieces are priceless hand me downs. That black silk maxi dress, your mum wore and loved in the nineties? Yes please.

Credit: Motel Rocks. com

All tops featured can be found on Depop for under £20.

FAS HIO N

Image credits: depop

H i g h Fa s h i o n o n a H i g h S t re e t B u d g e t Chiara Pollock Living on a student budget does not mean your style has to suffer. There are ways to maintain your inner fashionista – if you know where to look. Being up to date with the latest trends is a major priority for us students, so below are some thrifty ways in which you can look trendy and stylish but for a price your purse will thank you for. Fashion is cyclical, it repeats itself over time and the 90’s have made a slight comeback this year. Oversized vintage style jumpers and t-shirts are as popular as ever. With inspiration coming from the likes of Princess Diana, model street wear and Monica Geller and Rachel Green from the adored TV series Friends. Vintage type clothing can be expensive; however, thrift stores and charity shops will soon become your best friend. Many of these stores resell stylish and high-quality clothing but for a much cheaper and student friendly price. If you are lucky enough to come across a baggy 90’s style jumper or t-shirt, pair it with denim or lycra shorts, along with chunky trainers and a mini shoulder bag for the ultimate chic but casual look.

“Repeating

outfits is not a crime...jewellery is the way forward.”

Hoarding is not necessarily a bad thing; you never know what can come in handy one day – especially when trends tend to make a comeback after a while. If you are bored of the plain and simple colours but love the style of clothing - a little bit of DIY never hurt nobody. White or neutral colours can easily be transformed into pastel or tie-dye and with Dylon fabric dye it is easier than ever. Stir up your wardrobe with vibrant and energetic colours for under £5 and have fun whilst doing so. If you are interested in giving your clothes a cheap transformation, machinable use dyes can be bought online from the official Dylon website.

I can guarantee that your student card will become your new wingman over the next four years. Luckily for us, fabulous amounts of high street stores offer student discount instore and online, even on their sale items. Retailers such as Schuh, Topman/Topshop, Office and Urban Outfitters offer 10% off all year round. This way you can shop at some of your favourite fashionable stores but for a discounted price, which I am sure your purse and wardrobe will be grateful for.

Credit: Pinterest

Outfit repeating is not a crime, however, if you want to spice an outfit up jewellery is the way forward. Neutral coloured clothing is best paired with gold or vibrant jewellery and will allow your accessories to make a statement and pop. It is always important to never overcomplicate your outfit, so when wearing print or bright colours it is best to tone down your accessories and stick to a simple look. If your jewellery collection needs a freshening up and you cannot resist a discounted price tag, ASOS is the place for you. From dainty details to chunky 90’s jewels, they have it all.

FAS HIO N

Health

and

E m e rg i n g f ro m l oc kd o w n

The light warm breeze announces the arrival of a new day. All creatures are slowly waking up from their sleep. Their fur is too long to notice their characteristics straight away and their claws have been left unattended for far too long. It is time to finally leave the den. One might think that this is the description of animals waking up from their hibernation sleep. One might be wrong. The creatures in questions, are indeed human beings waking up from their ‘lockdown’ hibernation. After many months spend in lockdown, Governments around the globe feel that we are ready to be released into the ‘wilderness’ again. However, the isolation look we have on now might not show our best side to the world. Worry no more, because we have some tips and tricks of how to make your fur shiny and your claws ready.

1. Hair and facial hair Let’s start with that bush on your head, which once used to be your hair. Include apple cider vinegar in your hair routine to make it shine like a diamond again. Prepare a 1:5 ratio (1 tablespoon in 500ml) mixture of apple cider water and apply after shampooing and conditioning. Massage into your scalp and leave for few minutes. If you don’t mind the slight scent of apple cider, this is where your routine ends. If you find it too strong, just rinse your hair and apply one more round of conditioning. Use this only once a week. We also have few tips for those of you who decided to grow a beard during a lockdown and are not ready to say goodbye yet. Similar to a hair routine; you brush, you wash, you condition. Oils should be your new best friend. Softening oil helps to stop the itching and nourishing oil improves the growth. Use a wooden comb after applying, to evenly spread the oil and detangle your bead.

W e l l be i n g Pe t ra Ko t kova : H e a l t h a n d We l l b e i n g E d i to r

2. Hair removal Whenever you are ready to let go of your fur, or at least some parts of it, we are here for you. Before shaving, soak the areas with warm water. Use mitts or loofahs to exfoliate your skin to reach a better result (avoid private areas). And now the mind-blowing part; replace your shaving cream with a conditioner. Simply life‑changing! When shaving, always remember to go with the flow, hence shave with the hair‑growth directions, not against it. Pamper your legs with a moisturiser or an aftershave balm.

3. Nails Women, men, kids or anyone in between ‑ it’s time to take care of your claws! First things first; as hard as it can be nowadays, avoid using alcohol‑based sanitisers which are poisons for your nails. They make them dry and easy to break. Use hand moisturiser around your nails to maintain they moisture and help them grow. To keep your nails healthy and shiny, treat them with a nail hardener and cuticle oil. Avoid physical contact with water as much as you can but also drink as much water as you can! You’re diet and water levels will have a direct effect on the growth of your nails.

Ready or not, it’s time for you to leave your cave and join the rest of us in re‑exploring Planet Earth. Trim your fur and polish your nails, the world is waiting for you.

DIY HAND SANITISER COVID‑19 brought to us many changed in just few months. Germs have been make it more effective and you might end up burn your house in the process). marked as the public enemy and we are constantly reminded to properly wash our hands to contain the spread of Corona virus. Let’s get started. No wonder that the most used item of 2020, after toilet paper that is, is hand sanitiser. To prevent your household from running Here’s what you need: out of hand sanitiser (sorry, not much we can do about the toilet paper shortage), • Isopropyl alcohol 99.8% (75.15ml) / Ethanol 96% (83.33ml) we got an easy recipe for you and your family. • Hydrogen peroxide (4.17ml) • Glycerol 98% (1.45ml) The formulas we are about to introduce to you, were both developed by the World • Sterile distilled or boiled called water Health Organization (WHO). They both include the same ingredients; the only dif- • 250ml cup ference is the main rubbing alcohol used. One uses Isopropyl alcohol and the other • 5ml syringe Ethanol. Ethanol is more dehydrating, hence making our skin drier, while Isopropyl • Spoon alcohol evaporates easier. • Dispensing bottle The effectiveness of both alcohols is the same. All the ingredients are available either online, or in your local pharmacy or supermarkets. The recipe is for 100ml of hand sanitiser. If you want to make more sanitiser at once, multiply the amounts listed here by the desired proportions (i.e. if you want to make 500ml, times all the volumes by 5).

Method:

Since we’re talking about germs here, please make sure to wash your measuring equipment (and your hands) in hot soapy water before usage and in between the different ingredients.

2.Now add 4.17ml of Hydrogen peroxide into the cup using syringe.

The method for both formulas is the same, just the alcohol used is different (do not use both alcohol in one sanitiser, as it does not

1.Pour 75.15ml of Isopropyl alcohol (or 83.33ml or Ethanol) into your 250ml cup. Use syringe to get the correct amount. Remember to wash the syringe and your hands after every step.

3.Next up is 1.45ml of Glycerol. Glycerol might stick to the walls of the syringe. Hence use a little bit of water to rinse it into the cup. While rinsing it out, use minimum amounts of water and make sure not to excide the 100ml mark on the cup. 4.Use the syringe to top up the mixture with sterile distilled water up to 100ml. It’s really important that you do not excide the 100ml mark on the cup. 5.Finally, stir the mixture with the spoon and pour it into your dispensing bottle.

Credit: greatist.com

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Do not add any perfume nor colouring into the mixture, as this might lead to an allergic reaction. Pe t ra Ko t kova : H e a l t h a n d We l l b e i n g E d i t o r

At Your Own Risk Iman Mackenzie and Blair McPake unravell your confessions and try to help you navigate the perils of life.

Urine Edition

“What is the wildest thing you did during Freshers week?”

“Pissed

on Fubar dance floor instead of going to the loo because I didn’t want to miss the song playing.”

Honestly I expect nothing less from Fubar: was the song Wonderwall on by any chance? - Blair There is only one reason I would allow this to happen: if literally any Fergie song is playing. She taught my dyslexic ass how to spell! - Iman

“Got

drunk off three blue WKDs.”

Romance and Relationships Blair McPake: Romance and Relationships Editor

It’s no secret that romance has evolved over the years. From shy courting to absent tinder messages, love languages have changed in ways that are almost impossible to recognise. Which means that heartbreak has also changed. The evolution of heartbreak is an interesting if not slightly depressing subject. Before the technological era, heartbreak would have most likely involved a lot of moping and avoidance – something that is still echoed within today’s society. But now it involves something else. Modern heartbreak is actually hard work and oddly complicated. Think about it for a second. First, there is the actual break up itself, sometimes long and convoluted while at other times short and informal.

“Modern

heartbreak is actually hard work and oddly complicated.”

I am pretty sure that this is impossible but it’s nice to know that you kept some of your teenage roots when you got to uni - Blair On behalf of all lightweights, we thank you. Now we all look like chugging champions and I personally feel indestructable right now.- Iman

“My

flatmate pissed in the bin outside Nisa”

Well there are worse places to pee and when you gotta go. I am curious about

the logitstics though- Blair

Alcohol and a weak bladder make a cringeworthy combination. I speak from experience. To your flatmate, next time take a packet of tissues out with you. I feel like this is the best advice I can give you - Iman

“Pissed

behind the electric box at the traffic lights whilst my friend held my kebab” That’s a true friend you have there pal. I do hope that you found a way to wash your hands before you ate the aforementioned food but something tells me you didn’t and I am truly horrified - Blair Huh, that’s a lifestyle choice right there. I feel like this is an experienced public pisser! Also, kudos to your loyal pal for holding your grub. I feel it is appropriate to say that may be goals? - Iman

Want to get involved with the next column? Do you have something to confess? Make sure to follow Braw Magazine for more: @brawmagazine

But now there is the social media purge: unfollowing, sometimes blocking, awkwardly deciding if you need to do the same with their friends and family, changing your relationship back to ‘single’ or ‘it’s complicated’ and then probably re-downloading tinder. It means not only avoiding this person physically but also online as well, trying not to stalk them on Instagram while making your friends do it for you. It becomes much harder to escape them. Deleting the hundreds of ugly selfies and cute couple photos from your album, battling over whether you should do the same with your social media. It means that watching your favourite shows (ones that you used to watch with them) becomes harder, listening to the same music or even just your favourite TikToks. Everything is online and as we all know, online is permanent. Modern heartbreak is no longer what the movies make it out to be. It is almost ever-lasting. Constant, much like their mark all over your Instagram. It’s small awkward online interactions and platforms that when you think you’ve forgotten but are proven wrong by coming across their Spotify account because you’re still friends. Online games and Snapchat streaks. Reminders from Facebook that their birthday will be coming up soon or that they just updated their status to single. One aspect that is relatively new is going on to your Facebook chat (if you haven’t blocked them) and changing their nickname back to something less sweet and changing your emojji back to a thumbs up instead of a heart. This chore lies heavy on your mind, little things to do later when you don’t feel so blue. When you don’t feel so sad. Heartbreak today is almost like a lingering cough, you know that you’ll get over it in time, you know that it won’t always hurt forever but while you’re living it: well, it feels like it is going to last forever, you almost don’t remember a time without it. All of these feelings are just amplified when the whole world is witness to it. All of your family and friends - all of your exes. The curious questions masked as concern from people you don’t talk to anymore who saw that you’re single now only make it worse. The messages from them left unread because it is just another reminder, another stressor that you have to deal with eventually. Social media can make a break-up feel like a list of emotionally draining chores, each one after it is finished driving another dagger into your heart. Love is different now. Heartbreak is worse. Modern heartbreak is almost as permanent as they promised their love was – the one real ever-lasting aspect of a relationship. The promise of a lingering demise.

ROMANCE AND RELATIONSHIPS

P h oto g r a p h y ; tips and tricks Part one: the rule of thirds Kailen Budge In an age of social media, we are all photographers. Be it a photo of your best friend for Instagram or a cute puppy for facebook, we all do it. There are some little tips and tricks that are easy to apply to your photos to really take them to the next level. I have always been fascinated with photography, but I couldn’t find a clear way to develop my photos. Over time I found loads of simple little ways to improve my photos, and now I’m sharing them with you. One great way to improve your shots is to apply the rule of thirds. It’s something you’ve probably already done without even realising! The rule of thirds, as the name suggests, is a way to break down your photo into thirds. The thirds go both vertical and horizontally and this forms a grid. The grid makes it easier to identify an interesting, more exciting composition. By composition, I am referring to the arrangement and placement of the elements or items to be in the photograph. Rule of thirds. Credit: Kailen Budge

Interestingly our eyes read an image much like we would read writing – from left to right. If the main-focus or subject of your image was off centre and towards the right hand side of the shot then it draws the viewers in. It makes people look more at your image and the eye finds it more appealing. It’s a very clever way to make an image with one singular subject more intriguing. Our three simple pointers: • The thirds don’t need to be exact or precise. One thing I would often do when taking an image would be to pick either sky or land to take up most of the shot. • I may put any people off centre and choose whichever side is more aesthetically pleasing to take up a larger portion of the shot. • If you want to give it a go, there are even some ways your phone can help you! Most smart phones have a grid setting available on their camera. This can usually be found by going onto your camera app and selecting ‘Settings’ or ‘More’, from here you should be able to select grid types. The grid you want is a 3x3. These grid settings can be helpful to use while first exploring the rule of thirds. Credit: Kailen Budge

When taking an image using this grid setting on your phone simply match up any focal points at intersections or lines. Throwing a photo off centre and by having more grass than sky, for example, makes a photo more exciting, and will allow you to begin to play around with your composition a bit more!

PHOTOGRAPHY

Masks have been normalised over the last few months. In turn, many are of the opinion that portraiture opportunities have become difficult. I don’t believe this for a second. Our opportunities have simply shifted. Fantastically surreal and haunting portraiture can be obtained with the cheap trick of a good old-fashioned mask. Given, they’ve been massively overused in photography – but if you’re wanting something atmospheric which also acts as personal documentation, have a look at my collection below.

Image 1: Emma Halliday. Monochrome f ilm. Microwaved for two seconds.

I’ve researched this to-death, and I’ve got to say, writing on this is sparse. What I did find was a reoccurring theme: “identity”. I wondered why this seemingly generic theme is so popular, until I had a go myself. In some cases, the photography appears primitive and feral, and in others simply “subhuman”. It is eerily appealing to minds that crave to interact and decipher. We are continually forced to adapt, and now is one of those times. Masks are now a necessity. This is an example of our adaptation, on display, for the whole world to see and learn to understand. Take those photos. In a few years’ time, when the world is back to ‘normal’, you will begin to understand the value of your photography from 2020. Give these ideas a shot and send us your photos at brawmag@gmail.com, with your name, age and a caption in 15 words or less! The most creative will be featured in our next issue. Good luck!

Image 2: Emma Halliday. Double exposure. Microwaved for two seconds.

Emma Halliday: Photography Editor

Image 3: Emma Halliday. Double exposure. Microwaved for two seconds.

PHOTOGRAPHY

F oo d Drink

and

The evolution of dalgona coffee inspired drinks; and how to whip them up Isla Glen “I should try that at home,” joked one of the hosts on a Korean show called Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant, when watching actor Jung Il-woo ordering the now-famous dalgona coffee in an episode aired in January.

Whipped chocolate milk (@reileyhatcher on TikTok)

Whipped Bubble Tea (@soflofoodie on Instagram)

• Two tablespoons of cocoa powder • Two tablespoons of sugar • Two tablespoons of double cream

• Six tablespoons double cream • Two tablespoons dragon fruit powder Serve over a matcha latte, made by combining:

Little did he know, the drink would become a million-view trend, first becoming popular on South Korean Youtube and then video-app TikTok during the Coronavirus Lockdown. All it took was one TikTok user with a huge following for hundreds of thousands to make it at home.

Then add your milk.

The frothy, fluffy coffee is served on top of milk and ice, consisting of equal parts instant coffee, sugar and boiling water whipped together. It tends to be made with one to two tablespoons of each ingredient. Traditionally, the mixture is whipped 400 times by hand, but electric whisks and frothers speed up the process.

Whipped smoothie (@mango_styles on TikTok) • Four blended or mashed strawberries/ blueberries/summer fruits • One teaspoon of sugar • Four tablespoons of double cream

The coffee mixture is sweet and was likened to “dalgona” in the television series, a popular honeycomb toffee sweet made in Korea. The frothy drink was found in Hon Kee Café in Macau. Its owner learnt the recipe from customers in the early 2000s and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon actor Chow Yun-Fat was a huge fan, with the beverage being nicknamed after him until this year. Now, it is referred to as “dalgona coffee” or “TikTok coffee”. However, other countries dispute if Korea really is the origin of the drink. Both India and Pakistan have a very similar version named “phenti hui” or “beaten coffee”. The refreshment is also popular in Greece, where it can be traced to 1957 and is called a “frappe”. Despite the coffee having a blurred origin, it seems it is here to stay, with much speculation about it becoming an addition to coffee shop menus. The whipped drink hashtag has millions of views and is one of the most popular food trends of 2020, so it wasn’t long until recipe gurus adapted the whipped style to fit more drink categories. Now, it can be fruity or alcoholic.

Whipped peanut butter milkshake (@onii_ tan on TikTok) • Three tablespoons of peanut butter • Five tablespoons of peanut butter

Whipped Biscoff milkshake (@sweetportfolio on Instagram) Whipped Nesquik (@teresalauracaruso on TikTok)

• Three spoonfuls of melted Biscoff spread • ½ cup of double cream • One tablespoon of sugar (optional)

• One tablespoon of any flavour of Nesquik • Four tablespoons of double cream

Whipped Nutella (@chahrazadscuisine on TikTok)

Whipped cookies and cream milkshake (@goldenxclouds on TikTok) • Three crushed oreos • Four tablespoons of double cream

• One tablespoon of Nutella

Chocolate espresso dalgona martini (@thelowcarbcontessa on Instagram)

In a cocktail shaker, shake: • • • • •

Place martini glass in the freezer.

All of the following recipes must be whipped together until very thick,and are served over milk and ice unless stated otherwise.

• One teaspoon of matcha • One teaspoon of honey or maple syrup • One tablespoon of boiling water

Whip: • One tablespoon of instant coffee • One tablespoon of sugar • One and ½ tablespoon of boiling water

One ounce of espresso Two ounces of vodka Two tablespoons of heavy cream One tablespoon of chocolate syrup A handful of ice

Drizzle chocolate syrup over your glass then strain the shaker into it and top with your dalgona coffee.

FOOD AND DRINK

Creative Writing To Edinburgh; with love Let us take you back three months ago - to Edinburgh in Lockdown. All of your clocks have stopped, the grand Balmoral stands at 17:25 indefinitely.

the Christmas shop that’s open all year round.

I love the way even on a dreary day your history and architecture stands stunningly like a scene from a classic novel.

The way a weekend festival isn’t enough for us. We need the biggest arts festival in the world. And it’s all or nothing everything becomes a venue; we party all night till 5am and then get back up early for another long day of the Fringe.

Your West Princes Street Gardens are a paradise of trees that have stood through the times battered by weather. Still standing proudly, blooming creating a luscious jungle of green.

The way there’s a desolate Wild West situated in a quiet communal Morningside. I love that the old town is built on dusty tunnels that once housed thousands.

I love that our city is built between the remnants of volcanos that are trillion years old. I love the glorious Southside where I was born and brought up in the old Simpsons Hospital overlooking the Meadows. I love Stramash the pub disguised as an old cathedral in the heart of Cowgate. Thank god for all those late nights, last minute pints that lead to sweaty body’s swinging around to the live band belting oasis.

I struggle to give tourists directions even though I know the exact way in my head, my ability to give instructions is outdone by your labyrinth of closes, stairs and layers. I love the way the castle standing proudly on castle rock probably the smallest of our seven hills, but it still stands beautifully in the centre of our postcard’s. World famous for your pipe bands parading the esplanade each year. Seeing your roads clear of traffic and tourists is something my mum reminds me I’ll never see again.

And I could never forget the Original Brass monkey with your couch like beds replacing bar stools and walls plastered in film posters. The best bar staff, the chatty Your busy city centre is covered in a blanket of serene silence only the odd taxi regulars and the student pints. You’ll always be my favourite. or bus making the slightest sound. I love the way growing up here I feel like there is a part of you inside of me It’s been a pleasure to spend lockdown here. that palpitates with pride every time I stroll around or sit eagerly on a train pulling into Waverley. I o n a Yo u n g I love learning about the literature greats born and bred. Sir Walter Scott, Irvine Welsh and Ian Rankin. I love the teal fountain that matches the many turquoise domed roofs across the city. I love the way the cranes stand between Leith Street and Lothian Road. Red lights marking the sky like they were always meant to be. On a good night they match the pink skies coasting across fife. I love how immensely lucky I was to grow up in a place so rich in culture and people. I love how I can call you mine, just as anyone who chooses to move here and settle can. I love your quirks like pencil sharpeners appearing on portobello promenade and

Creative writi ng

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