THE EDGE VOL. 8 ISSUE 1 by The Edge Magazine

THE EDGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 SPRING 2017 ELON, NC

Victoria Rodriguez

Better than Nude A Young Entrepreneur's Journey

Instagram Aesthetic: What, When & How to Post

break a sweat the love club A millennial pink lookbook

with fitness gurus Cassey Ho & Carly Rowena

letter from the editor

This semester has brought with it many changes — we have budding young editors, a new website and what seems like a sea of fresh ideas. After a print hiatus, we’re getting back to basics with punchy writing, killer photos and clean design. We created this issue with the intent of paying homage to our roots and touching upon our values while offering new and exciting content. Let this issue be an escape from the mayhem that is exams, graduation, the seemingly everlasting internship and job search, and whatever else is weighing on your mind. Take a peek at our Mental Health and Wellness Kit for ideas on how to de-stress, because you truly deserve to treat yo self (page 15). Gather summer outfit inspo from our Espadrille lookbook — we’re already dreaming of the summer outfits we’ll be able to create (page 5). Prep your mind, body and soul for how swampy the summer is bound to get, and read up on sweat (page 25). Though this issue serves as a spring wrap-up, it’ll take you seamlessly into summer. I am thrilled to share what we’ve created with you — enjoy.

IN THIS ISSUE

5 41 13 21 39

THE EDGE Editor-in-Chief Hannah McCarthy Design Chief Mary Richards Style Editor Kayla Hoey Assistant Editor Matt Reichenbach Creative Assistant Meredith Taylor Senior Reporter Gigi Woodall Senior Reporter Johanna Hilpuesch Senior Reporter Laura Dunbar Senior Reporter Jenna Sachs Fashion Editor Katie Kane Assistant Editor Erin McDowell Senior Reporter Morgan Valeo Beauty & Wellness Editor Jordan Hsu Assistant Editor Christina Mazziotta Creative Assistant Liz Piper Makeup Artist Katie Heit Senior Reporter Alexandra Hamer Senior Reporter Devon Rosenberger Senior Reporter Hayden McConnell Senior Reporter Sarah Vates Features Editor Allie Dietz Assistant Editor Sophie Eng Senior Reporter Meagan Gitelman Online Editor Erin McDowell Copy Chief Mary Sheehan Designers Kendal Couch Cally Crocco Emily Hill Photographers Jillian Alter Rachel Kading Chrissy Mastrocola

Carrigan Bain Holly Carlton Alyssa Cass Sallie Collamore Pamela Dank Sarah Taylor Hartsema

Contributors

Emma Ismail Calla Lopez Victoria Rodriguez Kenan Roten Caroline Satterfield Carey Spence Laura Jacobson

kayla

Editor’s Picks

spring fashion piece: off the shoulder tops song: your shirt | chelsea cutler coffee shop order: mocha

allie spring fashion piece: old school vans song: matches cash cash & Roses coffee shop order: sweetened ice green tea

hannah

Hannah editor in chief McCarthy

Kayla style editor Hoey

Allie features editor Dietz

spring fashion piece: sandals with block heels song: Old School by Urban Cone Coffee shop order: erin iced latte spring fashion piece: tobi black loafers song: wildflower | Beach house coffee shop order: iced caramel latte

Erin online editor McDowell

Jordan Beauty & Wellness Hsu

jordan song: pretty things | adam friedman spring fashion piece: ‘J’ initial necklace | helen ficalora coffee shop order: green tea latte with coconut milk

katie

spring fashion piece: frayed denim song: broad-shouldered beasts Mumford & sons coffee shop order: Kombucha

Katie fashion editor Kane 4

spring/ summer

2017

trend alert

espadrilles Morgan Valeo | Senior Reporter

With the touch and go temperatures of Spring fading away and Summer squirming its way back into town, we searched for a go-to shoe style that would take us through any hot or cold front. Look no further than the espadrille. Given its versatility, the style will serve looks without sacrificing practicality.

spotlight Patches | Stray

from the standard and put on a pair with patches. These give us a punch of youth and a pinch of fun without sacrificing comfort.

Neutral | These neutral pairs prove that simple isn’t boring — you can’t go

wrong with a classic. They’ll match anything you’re in the mood to wear, anyday.

Embroidered | Florals for Spring may not be groundbreaking, but this embroidery is.

This pair offers height without a heel in the form of the almighty platform, and laces to eliminate wiggle room.

Wedges | In need of a little boost? Step on up into a pair of bright, wedged espadrilles. They’ll walk you — comfortably — to work, then cocktails, then home without a hitch.

THE TRUTH ABOUT crash diets 7

Kayla Hoey | Style Editor

ad diets are nothing new. “Get skinny quickly.” “Lose 10 pounds this month.” If you walk through a grocery store, you’ll see it plastered over magazines. If you flip on the TV, you’ll hear it ring through commercials for supplements and diets. What a lot of these diets have in common is cutting down on calories with the assumption that less food will equal weight loss, however, that can pose health threats. The dangers of such diets often result in eating disorders and manifest as unhealthy relationships with food. Not all diets involve cutting down drastically on calories. The Whole30 diet aims to reset your body to identify foods your body doesn’t like that you don’t know about. In the diet, participants eliminate all processed foods for 30 days. No grain products, dairy, starches or processed sugars are allowed. The diet suggests replacing these foods with vegetable and protein alternatives. Eggs become a Whole30 participant’s best friend, along with sweet potatoes, lean meats, and fresh produce. While you do deprive your body of processed sugars and complex carbohydrates, your body doesn’t lack protein, calcium, carbohydrates, sugars or calcium. These nutrients now come from more wholesome sources. During the spring, many people try to adopt a healthier lifestyle to get ready for a bikini-filled spring break. Lexie Nixon and Natalie May, juniors at Elon, had read about the Whole30 diet and decided to see how hard it would really be for the month of March. “Spring break was coming up and I felt like it would be a quick and effective way to get myself ready,” Nixon said. “I felt like I lived a healthy lifestyle before. I don’t indulge in a lot of junk food or fried food. Putting a label on it like Whole30 keeps me accountable and it makes it easier to follow than just trying to ‘eat well.’”

Whole30 does have seemingly strict limitations, and the pair said they would indulge in a coffee with milk, granola on a smoothie bowl or a caesar salad once a week. Even though they set out with the greatest intentions, May said the restrictions soon became old. “I did it for a week and was pretty over it,” May said. “I feel it’s unhealthy to just eliminate things like that, and we’re not doing it to its full effect, so for me it wasn’t working. We cheated every day in some way, shape or form.” Nixon disagreed, saying she still finds herself looking forward to cooking with alternatives, like zoodles instead of pasta, salads instead of a sandwich and snacking on dates and raw almonds instead of Goldfish or crackers. “It was difficult to start but now, a few 9

weeks in, I’ve gotten used to it, and it just makes me feel better,” she said, “It’s not so much about telling myself ‘no,’ but saying yes to foods that are cleaner.” While Nixon has a healthy outlook on the program and realistic expectations, this is not always the case for dieting college students. Realistically, these programs are nothing but a short-term fix and aren’t always safe. Hannah Durbin, a junior at Elon who struggled with an eating disorder for five years, now runs a recovery social media page and works with professionals to promote healthy lifestyle habits that she shares with her followers. While Durbin sees the benefits of cutting out processed foods, the strict rules and addictive traits of Whole30 are where her concerns lay.

Industry professionals share Durbin’s concerns. “There’s no mention [on Whole30] about other important lifestyle factors such as exercise, portion control, a sleep routine or being mindful,” said Amanda Cerra, a registered dietician for Elon University with Aramark. “I don’t see much support for after the 30 days either. The idea is that you focus on real foods for 30 days, but what about after that month? Are you really creating healthy lifestyle changes if they are just for 30 days?” Cerra recommends recommends replacing processed options with more wholesome alternatives, like swapping white bread for whole grain, choosing a variety of proteins, filling your plate with colorful vegetables and opting for low-fat milk products.

To Fling or Not to Fling

Christina Mazziotta | Beauty & Wellness Assistant Editor

aybe it’s the heat. Maybe it’s something in the water. It probably has something to do with the fact that people are wearing fewer clothes. Regardless, spring flings tend to pop up faster than the flowers in this season. With summer right around the corner, the spring encourages spontaneity and ignites the the thrill of being young. Hookup culture may have a bad rep, but spring flings offer something fresh and fun — and we are wholeheartedly here for it.

“In order to have a long lasting relationship transform from a spring fling they would need to live close to each other, because the distance might not work out.” –Sophomore, Bridget Reilly For some, spring flings are the perfect set-up: short and sweet with no strings attached. They’re nothing more than a fun time without all the titles and complications of a relationship. You get to hook up with 11

whoever you want, whenever you want, without a label or the awkward “what are we?” conversation.

“Spring flings are ideal. They’re just fun and new. It’s a different kind of happy, almost like you’re wine drunk.” –Freshman, Gwyneth Donahue The keystone of spring flings are hookups, which can mean anything from making out on the dance floor to having sex. The hookup culture is meant to be fun and casual, offering people a good time without any expectations to follow. Sometimes the “friends with benefits,” thing is just as satisfying to people as a relationship — a spring fling can provide intimacy, yet leave a person free of drama and heartache. Embrace your confidence and go for that guy or girl in your English class that you’ve been dying to talk to all semester. If it doesn’t work out, the end of the semester is fast approaching. What do you have to lose?

“I think spring flings are great because it means lots of fun in the bedroom.” –Freshman, Andrew Textoris

But, say you start a spring fling and feelings beyond “I want you” begin to rear their ugly head. Can a spring fling be the real thing? All relationships start somewhere. Just because a fling is casual and exciting doesn’t mean the feelings can’t develop and become all too real. If you feel it happening, ask yourself if you’re ready for that kind of commitment. Are you hooking up with anyone else? If so, are you willing to end it for this one person?

“I think spring flings are things for people who don’t want a commitment.” –Senior, Sydney Holmes Once you feel confident that you’re all-in and ready to pursue something more serious, continue to start off casual — it’s the best way to go when trying something new. Text your hookup to see what their plans are on Friday night, or ask them to grab coffee after class. If the vibes are there and you’re interested in where it’s going, open the line of communication. Have a conversation and figure out where you want to take it. In the end, realize that you can be just as happy casually hooking up with someone as you are in a relationship. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy college romances. 12

Beauty Look: Rose Gold

SaraH Vates | Beauty and Wellness Senior Reporter

ose gold is the perfect color for those of us who aren’t sold on pink or don’t believe we can pull off metallics yet. It has fast become the cheetah print of makeup — a statement color that somehow works in place of a neutral. While the rose tint gives off a feminine and delicate vibe, its metallic sheen toughens it up. Whether you’ve jumped into the rose-gold deep end or are just dipping your toes in, here are our favorite ways to pull it off. Note: While these looks offer drama and glamour, you can make them more wearable for daytime by sweeping rose gold shadow on the lids, adding a thin stroke of liner or putting on a rose gold lip or cheek.

look one: glitter lips look two: statement eyes Though a bit avant-garde for class, this glittery lip is perfect to rock at a spring or summer music festival. To truly let them shine, pair the lips with an understated gold eyeshadow. The products we used in this look were: L’Oréal Infallible Eyeshadow in Amber Rush, Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Gilded Honey, Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze Light, MAC Mineralized SkinFinish is Soft & Gentle, Milani Metallic Lip Creme in Amore Matte, Sephora Radiant Aluminizing Drops in Ultra Light, and Creatology Fine Glitter.

Looking for a fresh take on the smoky eye? Replace the dark shadows for rose gold tones to instantly add drama and warm up the eyes. Smooth on a nude lip to finish off the look and your shimmery gaze will steal the show. The products used to achieve this look were: Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette (colors: Primavera, Love Letter, Venetian Red), Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Stripped, Anastasia Beverly Hills Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit in Kitty Kat and Glo Getter, MAC Blush in Margin, Urban Decay Heavy Metal Liner in Midnight Cowboy, Sephora Radiant Luminizing Drops in Ultra Light. 14

ince 1949, the United States has recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month. But May shouldn’t be the only month in which we recognize the prevalence of mental illness. In fact, we should always be recognizing the importance of raising our voices in support of those experiencing mental health issues. Life at Elon can induce enough stress to make even the most relaxed students crack under pressure. Between academics, extracurriculars, and the lengthy list of everything else that makes a resume shine, mental illness lurks among college campuses more than one would think. According to National Data on Campus Suicide and Depression, more teenagers and young adults die from suicide than all other medical illnesses combined, and two-thirds of students who are struggling do not seek treatment.

With these alarming numbers ringing throughout the academic community, colleges are listening and taking action. Elon has made it a priority to focus on giving students resources and people to reach out to if they start to feel lost. In 2015, Elon’s Counseling Services department debuted their online mental health screening tool, which students can find online without even having to walk into the counseling offices — and it’s completely free.

Find it with a simple Google search — just look up “Elon mental health screening tool.” It is important to recognize when stress feels like more than just stress. Anxiety or depression doesn’t look the same for anybody, emotionally or physically. Tune into yourself and do what you need to do to stay happy and healthy. However, if you feel that you’re simply in a funk, consider practicing self care. Taking steps to de-stress are crucial in keeping yourself healthy. These are some tried and true helpers for when you’re feeling low, stressed or just not yourself. Please note, we do not suggest that any of these items will cure or effectively treat any mental illness — rather, they are items to aid in self care and relaxation.

Mental Health & Wellness Kit 15

Kayla Hoey | style editor Johanna Hilpuesch | Style senior reporter

Whatever your flavor preference, sipping a nice cup of tea while reading, writing, watching TV or doing a mask can help.

Tea:

The soft glow from the flames coupled with a pleasant scent can help you take deep breaths to relax.

Gentle Candle:

Consider a daily supplement to give yourself a dose of Vitamin D. This is great for college students stuck inside in classrooms without being able to sit in the sun.

Hello Sunshine” Vitamins:

Getting lost in a good poem can help you decipher the emotions you feel but can't put into words. If words are your strong suit, try journaling as a release.

Lang Leav Poetry Books & Journal:

Blanket:

Wrap yourself up in something cozy like a soft blanket. Sometimes when the world feels too big, making yourself small can provide comfort.

Young Living Essential Oils: Young Living has a line of pure essential oils that can be used either in a diffuser or applied to sensitive spots on your body. We apply lavender, lemon and peace & calming to our inner wrists, back of the neck or elbows.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool when it feels like your brain is running at 1,000 miles per hour. Focus on how the mask feels going on your face —cold, slimy —and as it hardens, notice how it feels. Pour your energy into the present moment, on what you feel in that very second, and let the outside world wash away with the mask.

GlamGlow Face Masks:

s tatement

SLEEVES katie kane | fashion editor

When curating outfits, we usually make statements with accessories, shoes or outerwear. But in the process, we tend to overlook other valuable real estate: our sleeves. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re kind of like the best guy friend in a Rom-Com: always there for you offering comfort and familiarity, but somewhat unnoticed and wholly underappreciated. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time we give sleeves their time to shine.

get the look Show off your soon-to-besunkissed shoulders in a fashion favorite OTS top. Although the top has long sleeves, the light material and flowy fit are sure to keep you cool.

ways

Who says bell sleeves have to be boho? The geometric shapes of the look give a nod to modernity. Contrast the width of the sleeves with pulled-back hair and eye-catching earrings.

Loose, billowing sleeves create an effortless feel while providing room to breathe. Hold it all in place with the feminine ties at the wrist. 20

Miracle Child to Miracle Maker

How one Miracle Child found her place at Elon through her passion for Elonthon Sophie eng | assistant features editor

my Wolf ’s smiling face walks the paths of Elon’s campus every day as she laughs with friends, talks with teachers and enjoys a life that was unclear to her only five years ago. Wolf is a senior at Elon University and at the beginning of 2012, she was diagnosed with stage III Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma. “When they found it, it was all in my neck,” Wolf said. “The lymph nodes in my chest cavity and neck were really swollen, so they had to be more aggressive with the treatment since it was so advanced.”

it was one CT scan at Duke Children’s Hospital that confirmed it all. Wolf was told that she needed to stay because something was wrong, so she was admitted to the ER. From that point, she didn’t leave Duke Children’s Hospital for the next six weeks as they tried to figure out what she had and where to go next. Wolf was in and out of the hospital for the next couple of months as she underwent chemotherapy. Eventually, she was strong enough to have a stem-cell transplant, where the donor was none other than herself.

and was released a month later, even though I had to go back for six weeks for radiation for my neck and torso.” In June 2012, Wolf went in for her second stem-cell transplant, but this time the donor was someone else. After her Matched Unrelated Donor transplant, or MUD, Wolf was recovering from the painful surgery for three months. “[The second transplant] was really hard to recover from because it’s basically a four-hour blood transplant,” said Wolf.

“My stem-cells and bone While the road to recovery After not feeling 100% marrow were clear, so I was able to for three months, Wolf went for donate my own cells,” Wolf said. “I was long, the transplant worked, multiple x-rays and CT scans. But had the transplant in January 2012 and Wolf hasn’t been inpatient at the hospital since the end of 2012. 21

After a hard and long year, Wolf found happiness in something that’s close to all of our hearts here at Elon: Elonthon. This 24-hour dance marathon helps raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network and Duke Children’s Hospital, a place Wolf calls home. “I came to Elonthon as a Miracle Child in 2013,” remembered Wolf. “I just really loved that the community came behind all these people that they didn’t really know, to support them.” Any student who has participated in Elonthon will know that the Miracle Children are one of the best parts of the whole event. Every couple of hours a Miracle Child and their family will stand before the crowd, where they will share the story of their struggle with cancer or another illness. Wolf finds their stories to be essential in helping participants realize that they are making a difference, even if they are just standing for 24 hours. “Take that one story that you can connect with and really hold onto that,” Wolf advised. “The Families Committee chair from when I first came to Elonthon told me that my story and others helped her realize that this was why she was there, and that she was making a difference just in her 6-hour shift.” For Wolf, Elonthon was one of the biggest reasons for sending in her application to be a student at Elon. After attending Durham Tech for her freshman year to get her feet back on the ground following her time in the hospital, she knew she was ready to attend her dream school.

“I attended Elonthon two weeks after getting accepted and announced that I was coming as a student,” Wolf said. “I came [to Elon] as a sophomore in 2014 and now I’m graduating three years later.”

as my liaisons for the event,” said Wolf. “It was kind of silly to me since I was not only a Miracle Child, but also a student at Elon, as well. I think I was the easiest person for them because I know my way around the event now, but it was nice to have that relationship Once a full-time student, with them.” Wolf began working for the other side of Elonthon as a Miracle Maker, Elonthon will always hold where she worked on the Families a special place in Wolf ’s heart, and Committee as a sophomore and she hopes the participants know then the executive board as a just how much they’re helping junior and senior. Last year she the patients at Duke Children’s took the position of secretary, but Hospital, by just giving up a single this year as Community Outreach day to dance and raise money. and Marathon Relations chair, she was really able to use her love for “You stand for 24 hours and that’s Elonthon to her advantage. just a fraction of what these kids go through in their time at the hospi“As Community Outreach and tal,” said Wolf. “There are kids who Marathon Relations chair, I was can’t fully grasp or conceptualize able to talk to other schools that what happened or what is happenalso hosted dance marathons for ing to them, so the programs that Children’s Miracle Network,” Wolf Elonthon raises money for is really said. “It was cool to be able to see and beneficial to the morale of the kids hear their different ideas, as well as and the families.” have the opportunity to share ideas from our own marathon.” Following graduation, Wolf wants to take her passion for Elon The chance to have such an thon and Duke Children’s Hospital important position this year was and put it towards a non-profit special because Elonthon has been organization like Make-A-Wish. so close to her heart for such a long time. This year’s marathon was “I think working with something especially emotional for Wolf as it’s that I’m so close to empowers me her last time doing the event as a to open other people’s eyes to what student. She will definitely continue matters,” Wolf shared what she’s her reign as a Miracle Child, learned in her battle with cancer. however, and plans to come back “You have to find something that for as long as possible. For the past makes you happy and [fulfills you]. couple of years, Wolf has even been For me, that’s working with kids.” given liaisons from the Families Committee as she will always be a Wolf is an inspiration to all as a Miracle Child at Elonthon. Miracle Child, a Miracle Maker and most importantly, a survivor. “Even though I was on Exec as a junior, I still had a couple of girls 22

Do use Unum, the psychic of social media. The app allows you to test what your next instagram will look like on your feed, see what times you get the most likes, and keep track of your ‘best’ posts.

Don’t

edit some pictures and leave others to the wayside. It makes the edited pictures stand out more than the unedited ones, which makes your profile look unbalanced.

Do use apps like VSCO to edit your pictures. VSCO

perk: you can create a feed in the app and attach the link in your instagram bio.

Do post candid pictures. As much as we all love a

clearly-staged-but-beautiful flat lay, cut the B.S. once in awhile and sprinkle in some natural, authentic smiles.

GIGI WOODALL | Style senior reporter Don’t post too many pictures from the same event

(i.e. formal, a wedding) – we get it, you went to a party. They start to become repetitive and look excessive on your profile. Just pick one iconic shot to show off.

Don’t use Facetune or other apps that edit and change your appearance. Work what your mama gave you!

Don’t

crop all of your photos into squares. That’s what the Instagram update is for.

write creative captions. They’re arguably the hardest part of posting a photo, but good captions can earn likes on even mediocre pictures. The more clever, the better.

Break a Sweat

Advice from Youtube’s Cassey Ho and blogger Carly Rowena Devon Rosenberger | Beauty & WEllness senior reporter

hether we want to admit it or not, we’ve all been caught with pit stains at one time or another. Society has long deemed sweat as unladylike and dirty, so it comes as no shock that women often feel embarrassed by their sweat. But why is there such a stigma around sweating? It’s the result of an amazing workout, a symbol that you’re keeping your body strong, a natural and healthy function. It’s time to make sweat shaming a thing of the past and start celebrating it.

“Women work hard and sweat too, and there’s nothing wrong with that.” – Cassey Ho, fitness guru and creator of PopPilates After an intense gym session, there’s no reason to hide your sweat stains - you earned them! We had the chance to talk to Cassey Ho, fitness guru and creator of PopPilates. “Sweating means you are pushing your body to new limits, and that is empowering and motivating,” Cassey said. It’s easy to start feeling embarrassed about sweat when society constantly sends that message to women. Confidence is key, so when you start to see sweat stains appear at the gym, don’t panic. Take a second to look around the gym and recognize that everyone else is sweating too. Just remember that your body is doing amazing things to keep you cool and healthy, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Once you get over the stigma of sweating, embrace the endless benefits it offers. When you exercise and start to overheat, sweat acts as the cooling agent. It’s also the ultimate detox — it flushes alcohol, cholesterol, salt, and other toxins from your body, which is something all college students could benefit from. Getting rid of these impurities will purge your pores of toxins that cause breakouts, as well as clear arteries and decrease bloat. Your body also releases 25

a “feel-good” endorphin called dopamine when you start to sweat from physical activity, so sweating it out can boost your mood and help relieve stress. If you’re anything like YouTube star Carly Rowena and “Sweating makes me sweat easily, follow her lead and opt for “a good perfume, a great deodorant and some loose clothing.” feel like I’ve pushed Choosing clothes that won’t cling to you at the gym will give you the added confidence to finish your workout strong myself to my limits.” and sweaty. Deodorant is an important part of everyone’s - Carly Rowena, youtube star routine that many people don’t even give a second thought to, but it’s important to know what you’re putting on your body. First, figure out what you’re looking for — antiperspirants help stop sweat, while deodorants cover the smell. If you’re feeling health-conscious, grab one that’s aluminum free — not only can chemical-filled deodorants irritate the skin, but there has also been a link found to a variety of health issues. *Tip: Deodorant doesn’t just have to go on your pits! Sweep a layer in between your thighs or anywhere else you might need it to avoid chafing on long, hot runs. Our favorite clean deodorants are Schmidt’s Charcoal + Magnesium, Schmidt’s Rose + Vanilla, All Good’s Tea Tree + Basil, Ursa Major’s Hoppin’ Fresh, and Meow Meow Tweet’s Lemon Eucalyptus. We need to stop the stigma around sweating, and the only way to do that is to talk about it. Join us in showing the world that women sweat, and that we’re not ashamed of it! The next time you find yourself drenched in sweat after the gym, embrace it! Feeling extra confident? Cassey Ho recommends snapping a quick selfie after a particularly sweaty workout to show that you’re proud of what your body has accomplished.

Our Sweat Must Haves: Takeya’s Insulated Stainless Steel Bottles: When you sweat, you lose water in your body, so it’s important to stay hydrated. No matter what the weather is, these water bottles keep our liquids cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12! What makes these water bottles so unique is The Original Spout Lid, which fits wide mouth bottles. This makes it easier to add ice, sip with one hand, and it’s leak proof. Emi Jay Hair Ties: While we love all of all of Emi Jay’s hair ties (#nosnagging), our favorites for working out are their Neoprene Hair Ties. They’re made with a new fast-drying fabric, which is perfect for when your hair is drenched after your workout. Plus, they come in a slew of colors! 26

Pursuing Pride

Matt Reichenbach | Assistant Style Editor

t’s found deep within, buried under doubt, shame and negligence. For some, this discovery takes months. For others, it takes years. Those people who are marginalized in society and pushed to the edges without rhyme or reason have difficulty finding inner pride. They are burdened under the weight of countless other worries that society around them has created. It’s here where Pride Week comes in, celebrating the efforts and emotional diligence of the LGBTQIA community. This week aims to push the LGBTQIA community members out of the self-imposed darkness, and into the forefront of self-acceptance. Elon’s annual Pride Week happens annually in early April. Elon Pride is filled with events that offer a plethora of opportunities for Elon’s LGBTQIA student population to come together and celebrate pride. This year’s events included a Bar-B-Queer, 27 guest speakers Peterson Toscano and Michael

Messner, rainbow tie-dye, drag makeup tutorials and finally culminating with Dragstravaganza at Taphouse. These events are sponsored and funded by Spectrum, Elon’s Queer-Straight Student Alliance group. “We usually begin drafting ideas once we get back from winter break to ensure that when Pride Week hits we are completely prepared with all our supplies and rainy-day alternatives,” said Bella Salmon, member of Spectrum. For many members of the LGBTQIA community, Pride Week carries significant meaning. “One piece [of Pride Week] is to reflect upon a year’s worth of ups and downs across the LGBTQIA community that we’ve experienced at Elon and

beyond,” said Matthew Antonio Bosch, Director of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center. “The second part is to take pride of who we are and let loose via some de-stressing or stress release activities like tie dye and drag shows.” Elon’s social climate prides itself on its core values of inclusion and diversity on campus. For such a small campus, Elon’s LGBTQIA community is bold, resolute and dedicated to advocating for students in the minority group and gathering community involvement. In fact, many events are cosponsored by Spectrum and Elon’s Gender and LGBTQIA Center, an on-campus resource for students regarding topics of gender and sexual orientation.

In this regard, Pride Week is just one of many events that focuses on garnering support for the LGBTQIA community and raising awareness for topics some students find unfamiliar. Shame. It's a feeling in one’s stomach when his, her or their identity isn’t categorized as being accepted or acknowledged in the eyes of others. In these these cold and bitter moments, pride feels impossible to find. Despite all this, Pride Week provides hope to these feelings to the community. Pride Week is a glimpse of a world where it doesn’t matter who one loves or who one strives to be.

“For me, [pride] is about being unapologetic about who you are,” Bosch said. “It’s about living your life everyday with confidence and without fear. It’s about being seen and heard and valued without fear of rejection or social exclusion.” Pride is powerful. Pride is purposeful. Pride is pure. It may have once been buried, but now it’s found. So go on, smile, feel powerful. Turn on those inner lights and let that pride shine. However, Elon’s strides at recognizing diversity and inclusion are far from over. Incidents targeting LGBTQIA students still occur, both on and off campus. A clear divide remains between those who acknowledge the differences of others and those who do not. “I hope that Elon will continue to stand head and shoulders above the rest and not be afraid to take those extra steps to stand behind their mission of commitment to diversity,” said Salmon.

Q&A with Kenan Roten Drag Name: Everclear Year: Sophomore

What is your favorite part about drag?

My favorite part of drag is completing the look when I put on my costumes and outfits. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really cool to see the idea in your head come to life. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also really fun to figure out new looks, see what inspires you and what takes you can bring into an outfit to make it your own.

What brand of makeup do you use? I use a lot of different brands, but I mainly use Anastasia Beverly Hills, Makeup Forever, Dermablend, Kat Von D, Urban Decay and MAC. 29

About how long does it take you?

It takes me around 2-3 hours (sometimes 4) to get ready. I like to take my time and really make sure everything neat and precise. I know more seasoned queens can go faster, but since I’m very new to this whole gig I kind of have to take my time so I don’t look busted.

What is your favorite look to do in drag?

One of my favorite looks is what I served y’all: the velvet jumpsuit with the feather shoulder piece and matching fascinator, choker, velvet boots and my blond wig.

Who is your inspiration?

I have quite a few inspirations. When it comes to my look, I like blending old eras with today’s modern era. I’m inspired by RuPaul’s message of spreading love and individuality into the world. I’m also inspired by another Drag Queen, Katya Zamolodchikova. Watching Katya and her person, there was something I really connected with that made me want to do drag. With that being said, everyone should do drag at least once (even straight men) because there is always something that will be revealed about your person that you didn’t know. Drag is very inclusive so everyone can do it; you too ladies!

Conscious Beauty Jordan Hsu | Beauty and Wellness Editor

his past semester, I’ve been addicted to researching and testing beauty products that are supposedly beneficial. During the planning stages of this article, I thought it would be about “green” beauty. It’s trendy right now to throw around terms like natural, green, organic, and vegan, but just because a product falls into one of these categories doesn’t mean it falls into the others. Let me preface what follows by saying that this article isn’t about “green” beauty, but it’s about conscious beauty—products that are made mindfully with intention. Anyone who knows me, especially my mom, knows I love beauty products. Creams, toners, cleansers, lotions, eyeliners, mascaras, eyeshadow, lip products. You name it, I love it. My obsession with products and the sheer number of items I own, though, has often led me to forget exactly what I have. Living in a sorority house, you’re bound to see makeup everywhere, but I was always secretly envious of my sisters who had a very curated makeup collection and could name all of their products off of the top of their head. This

fascination made me go back to my makeup “cart,” and go through everything, which resulted in an entire sea of products sprawled out on my bedroom floor. I realized that products that I was using on my skin everyday contained harmful and toxic chemicals and ingredients that weren’t necessary. Soon after, I decided that I didn’t want to continue using them and I gave away 90% of all the makeup and skincare products I owned. I set up a beauty giveaway and let my friends fill bags to the brim. While there were 12 of us crammed in a very hot and small bedroom, people were contagiously excited. I called my mom to tell her I was going green, and that I gave away all of my toxic products. She wasn't convinced. Maybe she thought it was one of those impulse college student decisions, but to be honest I was really disappointed with her response. That was, until I realized I wasn’t planning on being “green,” I was planning to be more conscious about beauty products. For me, conscious beauty is thinking about every product you use—it’s looking at every ingredient in every

product, recognizing where they come from and how they’re made. It means being educated and knowledgeable about what you’re buying and the industries you’re buying from. Conscious beauty is an aspect of conscious living, a trend that is growing in popularity but isn’t just a fad— your health should never be a fad. I can now say that 90% of all the cosmetic products I own are “clean” and I am knowledgeable about each ingredient they contain. This may seem overwhelming, but most conscious beauty products boast short, simple ingredient lists without anything unnecessary or harmful. I originally said that I was going to pledge to keep a “clean” beauty routine for a year, but as I have started to become more and more passionate about it, it may not just be a yearlong endeavor. It may be for a lifetime. I have gathered a list of my favorite conscious ingredient beauty picks for you to incorporate into your routine, but before that, read on for some reminders about conscious beauty.

1. Just because a conscious product may lack a luxe brand name, it doesn’t lack in quality. 2. Conscious beauty isn’t for everyone, but I, and you, should encourage it to be. Educate people about the ingredients in their products.

Cleansers:

- Avalon Organics Intense Defense Cleansing Gel - Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser - Youth To The People Superfoods + Science Cleansers - Cosmos Face Wash

3. Going off of point two, don’t hate on people who don’t care about conscious beauty. They aren’t evil people. Conscious beauty is part of conscious living, and part of conscious living is about thinking about your actions and words, so be nice.

Favorite Gifts:

- Dr. Alkaitis Organic Travel Kit - Young Living A.R.T. Beauty Collection

4. Being conscious about beauty products doesn’t mean spending a fortune. With new brands constantly popping up on the market, you can find safe products at Target or your local drugstore.

Scent:

- Ellis Brooklyn Rives (launching early May)

The 2 in 1:

The Goop Exfoliating Instant Facial is not only a favorite of mine, but it’s also a favorite of Gwyneth Paltrow. This product is one of the greatest face exfoliators and masks in one. Most masks require 15 minutes on your skin, but this one just requires you to wait for the tingle on your face, and then it’s ready to wash off.

Mouth:

- Dr. Bronner’s Toothpaste - Cocofloss Lip Balm: - Kopari Coconut Lip Love - Pangea Organics - Avalon Organics Intense Defense Lip Balm - Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm, Young Living Lip Balm - All Good Lip Balm - Hurraw! Lip Balm

Salves:

- Honest Beauty’s Magic Balm - Cosmos’ Everywhere Salve - All Good’s Goop - S.W. Basics’ Salve

Read:

- Goop Clean Beauty 32

Droppers:

- Maya Chia Pure Supercritical Omega-3 Chia Oil - Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil - Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil - Cosmos Face Oil - Province Apothecary Rejuvenating + Hydrating Face Serum - Avalon Organics Intense Defense Antioxidant Oil - Skin Owl Lavender Beauty Drops

Eyeliner:

- Votre Vu Le Joli Crayon Smudge and Set Soft Eye Liners (these liners aren’t associated with animal testing, gluten, GMOs, Parabens, Phthalates, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Talc, Toxins, and Triclosan)

Mascara:

- 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara - Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Ultra-Natural Mascara - Honest Beauty Truly Lush Mascara + Lash Primer - Votre Vu Eiffel Power Mascara

Moisturizer:

- Avalon Organics Brilliant Balance Daily Moisturizer - Graydon Green Cream - Juara Sweet Black Tea & RIce Moisturizer - REN ClearCalm 3 Replenishing Gel Cream - Kopari Coconut Face Cream

Primer:

- Coola Daydream Primer SPF 30 - Vapour Stratus Soft Focus Skin Perfecting Primer

Bases:

- Coola Rōsilliance Organic BB+ Cream - Jane Iredale’s Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream - INIKA Certified Organic BB Cream Foundation - MyChelle Sun Shield Liquid Tint SPF 50

Lips:

- Ilia’s Tinted Lip Conditioner - Kosas - Axiology Face Etc: - Juice Beauty’s Phyto- Juice Beauty’s PhytoPigments Satin Lip Cream Pigments Last Looks Cream - Inika Certified Organic Blush Vegan Lipstick - INIKA’s Baked Mineral - Josie Maran’s Argan Lip Sting Bronzer - Honest Beauty's Crème Blush Plumping Butter 33

Body Oil:

Even when you’re not in the mood for a lotion, it’s important to always keep your body moisturized. Our favorite body oil is the Forager Beach Natural Organic Body Oil.

Hair Add-Ins:

- Graydon Hair Smoothie - Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner - Honest Beauty Beyond Hydrated Moisture Milk Leave-In Conditioner - Honest Beauty Honestly Effortless Sea Salt Spray - Earth’s Nectar Mint Leaves Scalp Oil

Wipe it Away:

As you can tell, we love things that we can throw in our bag without taking up much room, and Herban Essentials is one of our staples. Each scent of the towelettes provide different benefits, but our favorites are the Lavender Bag, Orange Bag, and Peppermint Bag.

Magic Dust:

These dusts by Moon Juice have been all the rage recently, and we are unapologetically obsessed. While we don’t discriminate dusts, our favorites are definitely the Brain Dust and Dream Dust, which are perfect for tea or hot water. Best part? They boast a long list of benefits and are perfect to throw in your bag on the go.

Nails:

- Charming Collection from Zoya (these are “big 10 free,” which means that they’re made without Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Camphor, TPHP, Parabens, Xylene, Ethyl Tosylamide, and Lead) - Zoya’s Remove+ Nail Polish Remover (this remover is “Big 5 Free,” which means it doesn’t contain formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, or camphor. Plus, it’s vegan)

The Solid Life:

Essential Oils Take 2:

Makeup Remover:

- Avalon Organics Purifying Towelettes - Province Apothecary Moisturizing Cleanser + Makeup Remover - Graydon Keto Cleanse

We were lucky enough to test out these smelling salts from Jane Inc. — they aren’t even on her website yet! Whether you need help falling asleep, need to destress, or just need to breathe, these salts work wonders.

We’re lusting over Lush’s Seanik Shampoo Bar, Jungle Solid Conditioner, Wiccy Magic Muscles Massage Bar, Rub Rub Rub Solid Shower Scrub, and the Buffy Body Butter. What’s really special about these products is that they are all solid, which means they don’t require any water or packaging. By reducing the amount of water they use in their products, Lush reduces the amount of waste created when people purchase them.

Grad Week Getaways Johanna Hilpuesch | STYLE Senior Reporter

Apex

What: A suburb of Raleigh. About an hour away from Elon’s campus.

Why: Within the town’s twenty square miles,

you’ll find a historic district filled with an abundance of cute shops and restaurants. Feeling famished? Be sure to stop by Buttercream’s bakeshop, Anna’s pizzeria and the Peak of the Vine wine shop and tasting bar if you’re over twenty-one!

When: In the spring, check out a town Easter egg hunt in April. In May, Apex hosts the Peak Fest, where they turn downtown Apex into a street fair with delicious food, a variety of vendors and loads of live music. When fall and winter roll around, stop by the town-wide Trick or Treat on Salem in October, a Turkey Trot 5K in November and Christmas on Salem in December.

Jordan Lake

What: About an hour away from Elon. Why: If you find yourself lusting for a lovely locale,

take a trip to Jordan Lake. Many of the recreational areas around the lake offer public grills and tables to picnic. Surrounding the lake, you’ll find built-in areas of rock to sit on and dip your feet into the water without actually having to get completely wet. Some parts of the lake even have sand bordering the water, where you can spread out a towel and soak up some sun.

Raven State Rock Park What: Lillington, North Carolina. About an hour and a half away from campus.

Why: This is the introverted earth loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

paradise. In the mood for a hike? You can choose to take the east loop or the west loop, both of which are four miles long and lined with towering trees and narrow rivers. Because Raven Rock isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as populated as other state parks like Hanging Rock, it makes for the ideal exclusive expedition. If you go alone, be sure to listen for the birds chirping and the sticks crunching underneath your feet. It serves as a much-needed opportunity for some you-time and introspection.

The Dark Side of Tanning Alex Hamer | Beauty and wellness SENIOR REPORTER

here’s nothing like a sun kissed, natural glow to boost our confidence and uplift our mood. With sunless beauty products lining stores and filling newsfeeds, sunbathing is a free and unlimited alternative to tanning products. The sun’s rays penetrate 37

your skin whether you’re sitting idly on a bench or laying down for a day of tanning at the beach. Of course, you can also buy the sun’s rays at a tanning salon near you, but no matter the means, getting tan damages your skin.

The culprit? Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which, unfortunately, are impossible to avoid. While it isn’t feasible to stay out of the sun’s reach completely, it’s important to be aware of how much time your body comes in contact with UV rays. This is especially true when it comes to

tanning beds. Even though tanning salons claim the beds they use are UV free and won’t cause your skin any more sun damage than being outside, the rays in tanning booths are magnified and closer to your skin. This translates to twelve times the annual recommended UV radiation dosage. Even worse, the cumulative UV radiation damage can lead to many long-term negative side effects: premature skin aging, wrinkles, brown spots, and most seriously, skin cancer. Statistics show that people who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent. In addition to that, 90 percent of skin cancers are the product of UV exposure. Dermatologists and researchers have conducted

countless tanning studies and each one underscores the dangers of tanning. The evidence is clear and consistent: tanning is bad for you. I’ll be the first to admit that I, too, have hit a tanning bed before an event to achieve that sun-kissed look. There’s nothing like the compliments a tan attracts. “You look so healthy!” or, “Is your tan real?” My question is, why does tan mean beautiful, and how can we change that? If we recognize that being tan isn’t healthy, the stigma that tanning is even remotely beneficial will start to change for the better.

rays. There is a 99 percent chance of survival when melanoma is detected early, but only a 15 percent chance of survival when it advances. Luckily, there are little things we can do – some that can easily become second nature – that can make a huge difference. By getting into a routine and starting smart habits early, you’ll do your 70 year old self a favor (even if you’re hands are a tad orange at times).

Moving forward into the summer, these stats shed light (no pun intended) on the importance of being mindful of the sun’s

5 Tanning Takeaways: 1. Always be conscious of the sun. You need SPF even when the sun isn’t shining — the rays are always there. If you feel like you’re getting burned, grab some aloe and head inside. *Our favorite sunscreen right now is the Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen with SPF 30 from Babo Botanicals. A redbook 2016 MVP, we love it because it’s ultra sheer, hypoallergenic, and leaves out everything that isn’t safe for our skin like sulfates and parabens. 2. Use a moisturizer or foundation with at least SPF 15 every day. If the product has built-in protection, why not take advantage of it? You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get the protection you need, and a little will go a long way.

*Don’t forget that your hair needs sun protection, too! We love the Fekkai Pre Soleil Hair Mist — it contains UV filters to help protect from sun damage, color fade and dehydration.

4. Using a natural self-tanning product is a great alternative to indoor tanning. Self-tanners are a perfect way to give yourself a nice glow without the damage. When your skin reacts with sunless 3. Avoid exposure during peak tanners, it only gives a tint to the times when the UV index is high. outermost layer of your skin, as Peak times are between 10am opposed to real tanning, which and 4pm, so throw on cover-ups, advances further. Self-tanners also sunglasses and sunhats. Think of come in a variety of forms; such as it this way: you can wear a cute, wipes, mousses, and sprays. trendy outfit and keep your skin healthy. 5. Finally, leave it to the pros and see a dermatologist for regular skin *We love unique sunglasses that check-ups. They’ll be able to detect give our eyes protection and add to problems easier than you can. The an outfit without breaking the bank. older we get, the more crucial it is Look no further than PERVERSE to do this. sunglasses. Our favorite styles for summer are SYL, Catalina, Alyssa, Eagle, and Vista Cruisin. 38

Health & Wellness Trailblazer

Candice Kumai Directions:

Hayden McConnell BEAUTY & WELLNESS Senior reporter

Besides the aforementioned list of endeavors, in the works is Kumai’s sixth book on Japanese Wellness. At The Edge, the Beauty + Wellness team has been eagerly awaiting the release and swooning over her social media coverage of the book and Kumai’s adventures in Japan. While we wait for her new book to hit the shelves, we are sharing three of our favorite Candice Kumai recipes that inspire us to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. 39

Ingredients:

4 cups kale 1 cup honeydew melon 1 medium cucumber 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Sweet Kale Melon The

f you don’t already know her, Candice Kumai is #goals, and we don’t throw that hashtag next to her name lightly. Her ever-inspiring career as a wellness and food writer has quickly become an inspiration to women who want to kick butt in their career while remembering to be kind and spread love. Kumai has appeared on six cooking shows and was the youngest chef competing on the first season of Top Chef. She contributes to a variety of well-known publications such as Cosmopolitan, The Wall Street Journal, Well+Good, Yoga Journal, ELLE, ELLE Japan, Shape, Self, and Men’s Journal. Kumai has dedicated her life to personal wellness and giving back to her community. She volunteers in local soup kitchens and at her church in San Diego, California, and currently lives in New York City.

Serves 1

Add all ingredients into a juicer. Pour into glass, whisk in lemon juice, and serve immediately.

Avocado Grilled Cheese Serves 4 Takes 10 minutes

Ingredients: DIJJONAISE

2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard 2 tablespoons olive oil mayonnaise

Directions:

Ingredients: GRILLED CHEESE

1 tablespoon unsalted butter 8 slices whole wheat, whole-grain bread or gluten-free bread 8 ultrathin slices Gruyère or Asiago cheese 4 kale leaves, tough ribs or stems removed, leaves torn 1 ripe tomato, thinly sliced into 8 rounds, cut into half-moons 1 ripe avocado thinly sliced Maldon sea salt, to finish

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard and mayonnaise to create the Dijonnaise. Spread on one side of each slice of bread. 2. Add the butter to a medium nonstick skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the bread slices (you should hear them sizzle when they hit the pan) and grill until browned, about 2 minutes. Flip over and brown the opposite sides, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes longer. 3. Top each slice with cheese, and heat until the cheese starts to melt. Add the kale, tomato, and avocado slices and top with a slice of bread. Once the cheese has fully melted, remove the pan from the heat. 4. Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and let them cool for 2 minutes before slicing. Cut into two diagonal pieces and serve and they are ready to serve.

Dark Chocolate Truffles

Makes 2 dozen truffles Takes 1 hour and 30 minutes

Ingredients: TOPPINGS

1⁄2 cup crushed pistachios 1⁄2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

TRUFFLES

3 cups premium semisweet or dark chocolate chips 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 tablespoon almond extract (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, over very low heat, melt the chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk. Mix well with a spatula to combine. 2. Remove from the heat and stir in the almond extract, if using. 3. Place the chocolate mixture in a parchment paper– lined loaf pan or shallow bowl and cool completely to room temperature. 4. Using a small melon baller, scoop out the truffle mixture and mold into 1-inch balls. If you don’t have a melon baller, use your hands. 5. To coat the truffles, fill small bowls with toppings, and then roll the truffles in the toppings to coat. 6. Transfer the truffles to paper cupcake liners and refrigerate until ready to serve. 40

Tennis CHICK 41

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welcome to the

love club Shot at Highway55

Bodysuit Thrifted

Skirt

Urban Outfitters

Sweater Target

Shoes Tobi

Glasses Thrifted

T Shirt

Brandy Melville

Jean Jacket

Stylus

Skirt

American Apparel

Sneakers

Vans

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The Elon Bucket List Jenna Sachs & LAURA DUNBAR | STYLE Senior ReporterS

1. Comedy show (Spring Event) | Alumni Gym: In the spring, SUB puts on a comedy show in the Alumni Gym. This year, Nick Swardson, an actor in Just Go With It and Benchwarmers, among other movies, had the entire gym in an uproar of laughter. 2. Attend a sports game | Intramural/ main fields: Elon’s sports teams have games all throughout the year, whether it’s in the gym or out on the fields. Be sure to check out a basketball game, where you’ll find yourself jumping up and down with adrenaline at the end of a tied game, waiting for the buzzer shot. A sports game is sure to bring out more school spirit than you ever realized you had. 3. See a school musical- McCrary Theatre: Elon’s musical theatre program has an outstanding reputation in the industry, so you’d be disappointed to miss one of their shows. This spring, they put on Little Women, transforming Roberts Studio Theatre into the iconic family home in New England. 4. Visit an art exhibition | Arts West: Although Arts West might seem like foreign territory to those not pursuing a career in the arts, this building hosts weekly gallery exhibitions and artist talks featuring both student and professional artists. Plus, it’s free. 45

5. Listen to ACapella live | Whitley Auditorium: Elon’s acapella groups are bursting with talent. Twisted Measure’s cover of Chandelier went viral last year, and a member of RipChord made it to the live shows on The Voice. It’s an honor to be able to check out groups like these live at one of their concerts. 6. Go to College Coffee | Phi Beta Kappa Plaza: College Coffee is one of the unique things about Elon that you won't find elsewhere after graduction. If you haven't been yet, it's well worth it. Every Tuesday morning from 9:40 to 10:20, you can participate in one of Elon’s oldest traditions and chat with professors, staff and other students over free food and coffee.

For those who prefer wine and cheese nights, come by Tuesday nights for half off bottles of wine. Craving something a bit more casual? Thursday nights, aka “flight night,” feature discounted samples of crafted beer and lots of fun. On Tuesdays, grab a group of friends for themed trivia at Fat Frogg. Why wait until Thursday to go out? 9. Order the Lumberjack Special for brunch | West End Terrace: Think comfort style homefries but better. Featuring bacon, sausage, veggies, eggs and cheese, this dish is a bestseller for a reason. 10. Participate in an Elon Outdoors trip: If you crave adventure and want to explore beyond Elon’s campus, Elon Outdoors has a selection of both day and weekend trips that occur almost every weekend. Whether it’s snow tubing at Liberty Mountain in Virginia or backpacking the Pisgah National forest, there are incredible opportunities available!

7. One last visit to Late Night | Lakeside Dining Hall: If you’ve never been to Late Night, you need to stop by one weekend night for as much fried food as you can eat. Open from 10pm-3am, a visit to Late Night will leave you with the world’s best tatertots and a whole lot of nostalgia for 11. Stock up on fresh produce and goods at the Elon Community Church Farmers’ freshman year. Market | Elon Community Church LAWN: 8. Half off bottles of wine & Flight Night + From April to October, you can Trivia | The Oak House and Fat Frogg: For stop by this local farmer's’ market students over 21, be sure to pop on Thursdays from 3:30 to 6:30. into Oak House late night and take advantage of their nightly specials.

This “only growers” market helps support community farmers, bakers, and the local economy and is the perfect way to gather as a community. 13. Go to “Glowga” (or any special campus rec event) | Lakeside Plaza: What better way to get you sweat and zen on with glow in the dark yoga located right on campus. 14. Stop by Midnight Meals | Lakeside Dining Hall: Thursday nights starting at 11pm, you can come to Lakeside for free food, drinks and live entertainment — no meal plan required. Have a hidden talent no one knows about? Midnight Meals is an event for students to showcase their talents.

15. S’mores Outdoors | Beck Pool Patio (North of Alumni Gym): Every Wednesday at 10 p.m. Campus Recreation offers the closest experience to a campfire you will get at Elon. Roast some marshmallows over the fire or just simply sit and enjoy with friends. 16. Steal a brick: Anywhere on campus: While most of us attempted to take care of this Freshman year, there is still time to carry on this legendary Elon tradition. Thankfully campus is constructed almost entirely with all brick so scope out a wobbly one the next time you're walking around and viola, you’ve got a keeper.

MCCRARY LAKESIDE DINING HALL

FARMER’S MARKET

ALUMNI GYM

PHI BETA KAPPA PLAZA THE OAK HOUSE

WEST END TERRACE

WHITLEY AUDITORIUM SCHARR HALL

INTRAMURAL FIELDS

Nude

e all know how much it hurts to watch our bank accounts deplete every time we walk into Ulta, Sephora or even the makeup section of Target. Yet, while we definitely don’t want the effect buying skin care products has on our savings, these products are essential in helping us take care of our skin. After dealing with the same stress, Elon student Victoria Rodriguez took matters into her own hands and developed her own skin care products. “For years I made [the products] for myself and others as gifts,” Rodriguez said. “But at the end of my freshman year and beginning of sophomore year, a friend of mine told me that her roommate owned an online-based skin care company and was extremely successful. She recommended I start to sell my skin care.” This past fall semester, Rodriguez took her friend’s advice and registered her skin care line as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in North Carolina. Better Than Nude was finally born and Rodriguez is ready to take it to great heights. With a few products now on the website, Better Than Nude currently specializes in face masks and scrubs, all made by hand with top-quality, organic ingredients. Sweet Sunshine, one of Rodriguez’s face scrubs, is more gentle with the help of ingredients like coconut oil. Its uplifting aroma

Sophie Eng | Assistant Features Editor

makes it a wonderful start to any day. Nubian Goddess, Better Than Nude’s most popular product and Rodriguez’s personal favorite is a more abrasive face and body scrub with notes of eucalyptus and peppermint. “I like to use it in the morning and leave it on my face while I continue to get ready,” said Rodriguez. “It’s truly my go-to product for acne prevention and always leave my skin incredibly soft and hydrated.” Better Than Nude’s face masks sound more like desserts than they do skin care products, with names like Bitter Sweet Heart and Sunny Honey. Bitter Sweet Heart is a chocolate honey mask that’s perfect for balancing both dry and oily skin. It provides antioxidants for a bright and glowing complexion. “Our other face mask, Sunny Honey, is perfect for all skin types,” said Rodriguez. “Its gentle yet powerful formula is perfect for balancing skin, clearing acne and leaving the skin perfectly hydrated and soft." While Rodriguez loves her products and uses them everyday, she splurges every once in awhile. Her current favorite is the Murad Insta-Matte oil control mask, as

well as natural ingredients on their own, such as witch hazel and coconut oil. Rodriguez also shared that she’s been using and loving one of her own unreleased serums that’s she’s been working on. Better Than Nude is definitely off to an amazing start and Rodriguez is working hard to push it to the best it can be. But that doesn’t mean she faced challenges at the start. From understanding complex legalities, to affording startup costs and getting her name out through social media, it was hard to get Better Than Nude to where it is now. After taking a shot in the dark and emailing the Dean of Elon Law, Rodriguez knew she could do it. Upon receiving a response, she knew she was going to start her business and follow her dreams to create natural, affordable skin care products. “You can’t achieve your dreams if you don’t try. When I first decided to start Better Than Nude, I had no idea where to start,” said Rodriguez. “Use your resources, think critically and make as many connections as you can with other people. Taking chances and believing in yourself is the best way to find success.”