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(10/10/19 5:26am)
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This is an opinion article. Any views expressed belong solely to the author and are not representative of The Cluster.
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Once again, Instagram has disappointed me. What was once a beautiful haven of puppy pictures and self-expression has reminded me why I have a hard time staying on the platform: blackfishing.
Blackfishing is a term that refers to white or non-black celebrities and personalities using black features or characteristics online to make it appear as if they themselves are black.
Essentially, it’s modern-day blackface.
Emma Hallberg and Alicja Brzotowska, two Instagram models, are the most popular perpetrators of this trend. Many also link Ariana Grande with popular blackfishers as she has had quite the noticeable tan in recent years, seeming several shades darker than what her natural skin tone is.
My issue with blackfishing is that these models are clearly mimicking my culture for clout and money, when every time I perform my culture, it’s ridiculed and sometimes even criminalized.
I am uncomfortable with non-black women making themselves several shades darker than their natural skin tones while dark-skin black women still have to deal with harsh names and discrimination as a result of their dark skin.
It is inappropriate for non-black models to wear black hairstyles for paid sponsorships when there are countless black people who are losing their jobs over “unprofessional” hair, and children are having their hair cut off in schools because of racist dress codes that don’t allow them to have natural hair.
The worst thing about blackfishing is that none of these models or celebrities will admit they are doing it.
Both Hallberg and Brzotowska have claimed to be of European descent and said publicly that they are not trying to be like black women or mimic their styles in an offensive way, yet they have both continued posting pictures of themselves in dark foundation and treated hair.
This is an interpretation of what the world thinks black women are, but instead of being for comedy, it’s for Instagram followers.
Some would say I should be flattered that so many wish to have my features because they are so beautiful and popular.
They would be wrong.
I’m not flattered, because the world does not consider those features beautiful or high fashion on me. They are considered “ghetto” and “low-class” and “scary” on me.
Having black features and performing black culture has disenfranchised me in my life and kept me from opportunities, and it's disrespectful that non-black people get to put on my culture like a costume and profit from it.
I’m not a fan, and it needs to stop.
(09/26/19 4:25am)
Senior Brianna Levin has always had a passion for travel. Even in high school, she heavily considered living abroad. When she came to Mercer, she realized she had a rare opportunity to visit places she had never been before.
Levin studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, her freshman year, but afterwards wished she could have spent more time there. She decided to study abroad again, but this time for a whole year.
“After (studying abroad in Cape Town), I realized that I had a real passion for cultural exchange,” Levin said.
Last fall, she studied abroad in Fukuoka, Japan, and spent this past spring in Ifrane, Morocco.
“I really liked the way my classes were set up in Japan. They were really more relaxed compared to Mercer classes which surprised me, and I had a lot of time to really form relationships with other people,” Levin said.
Levin also found that living in two countries for the year meant adjusting to two different cultures.
“In Japan, the culture is very gentle, and you really have to think about how other people are feeling because it's a really indirect culture,” she said. “People don’t outright tell you how they’re feeling all the time. So, I think I became better at reading between the lines, and I became a better listener.”
Morocco’s culture, on the other hand, did not shy away from being direct with one another.
“In Morocco, it was a little difficult at first,” Levin said. “You had to bargain… in stores or with taxi drivers and even with professors when people would try to negotiate when assignments are due.”
During her time abroad, she took a public speaking class in Morocco, where she had to engage in a class discussion on several controversial topics.
“It was a bit out of my comfort zone because I feel that, at Mercer, in most of my classes, most people have kind of the same opinions, but in Morocco, my class was always split halfway on every issue,” she said. “It was just very cool that we could all respectfully disagree with each other and listen to other points of view that I wouldn’t have heard.”
One such topic was gender and sexuality, which inspired her final project on same-sex adoption in Morocco, where homosexuality is illegal.
“I was happy that I could bring my experiences from the U.S. and from having a lot of friends in the LGBT community and show some Moroccan students a different perspective than they had seen growing up. But also learn from them and learn how to express my views while still respecting their culture,” Levin said.
Levin said spending her junior year abroad was an insightful learning experience.
“I’m so glad that I (went abroad) because I got to experience more of the world,” Levin said. “And I got to gain more experiences than from staying in one place.”
(09/26/19 4:14am)
We all want to look our best, but being decked out in the hottest fashion trends can be expensive. You can look like a star without breaking your budget if you follow these five simple tips.
Thrift shop
One man's discarded yellow sweater is another man’s whole new look. Thrift stores are a good way to find hidden gems to spice up your look at a good price. Check out the local Goodwill and also Macon’s very own Wear. Wear offers cute clothes at an affordable price. For the month of September, they are offering a $2 T-shirt for every $5 purchase when you have your library card.
Accessorize
Oftentimes it can feel like we’re wearing the same old, same old, but that can all be changed if you look at your clothes from a different point of view. Try accessorizing your outfits with different pieces. If you always wear your gold necklace with your red dress, try changing it up next time and wear a black hat or a set of bangles. Small changes can make a big difference.
Buy smart brands
Another key factor in making sure you can ball on a budget is buying brands that aren’t super expensive but still look good. This could mean dressing up the clothes you thrift or even the ones you get from places like Walmart and Burlington. What matters is how you make your look new and exciting, and less about where it comes from.
Clothes swap
Have you ever had one jacket you always see your friend wearing and you wish that you had it? Well, another way to spice up your fashion is by doing a clothes swap with your friends. Take items that you don’t like or don’t want anymore and disperse them among your friend group. This way each of you has new items without breaking the bank.
Sell the pieces you never wear
To make a little extra cash, simply get rid of your unwanted clothes. They would be a treasure to someone else, and then you can afford cooler and more suitable threads. So go through your closet and, in the words of Marie Kondo, if it does not “spark joy” toss it into the sell pile and make some extra cash.
With these tips in mind, you can keep your style affordable while still looking like a million bucks.
(09/10/19 10:15am)
Mercer junior Alexis Quarcoo, the owner of an Instagram shop known as JeweledbyAQ, has been making jewelry since the summer before her sophomore year.
She started after her aunt took a jewelry-making class and offered to show her what she had learned.
“I just kind of fell in love with it. I was like, 'wait, this is exactly what I am into, like exactly what I wear. I could make the things that I like just by myself,'” Quarcoo said.
Entrepreneurship runs in Quarcoo’s family. Her grandmother owns a school in Ghana, and her father owns a pharmacy, so her family was behind her when she decided to start selling her pieces in September of last year.
Quarcoo is an accounting and marketing major, but she also works in admissions on campus.
“I am running constantly — it has forced me to become a more organized person for sure, like prioritize things over some things and say no to people when I can’t,” Quarcoo said.
Her target market is college and high school students due to the trendy and bohemian style of her jewelry.
“They’re neutral things that you can wear with anything, but there’s an element of it that is fun and trendy,” Quarcoo said.
There are also a variety of styles that JeweledbyAQ offers, such as chokers, bracelets and necklaces.
Quarcoo also has an ambassadorship for her business with her business partner, Nadia Pressley. At the moment, they have six girls on staff to help them as their business grows, assisting in making jewelry, marketing and advertising for JeweledbyAQ.
Quarcoo has been interviewed by VoyageATL about her jewelry-making, but her branding has mostly been on Instagram. She is also working on setting up an Etsy page, as well as a website.
For now, when someone wants to buy a piece of jewelry, they can direct message JeweledbyAQ on Instagram.
“It’s been nice being able to communicate with people about exactly what they want in a necklace versus them ordering it on a website and them not knowing what they’re getting. I can just communicate with them directly and if they want adjustments made on it I can do all that over (direct message),” Quarcoo said.
The pieces on JeweledbyAQ run typically for $18-25 and can be found on Instagram, where she currently has 315 followers.
(09/09/19 10:17pm)
In the presence of a stressful academic life and thriving social life, it can be hard to make sure we’re doing everything we can to stay healthy. Here are five ways to avoid the freshman 15.
Keep it cool
Oftentimes when we begin to fall into unhealthy habits, it's because we are stressed about certain aspects of our lives. As students, our academics, social lives and other engagements can make our lives overwhelming and impact our overall health. To keep yourself in balance, make sure to keep the stress to a minimum. Go to Counseling and Psychological Services or try meditation when you get a free moment.
Catch those Z’s
Another factor in unhealthy habits is not getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and weight gain. Make sure that you are getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Even if that sounds like a stretch to you, try napping when you can for 30 minutes and no more to keep your REM cycle on track.
Three meals plus snacks
It has been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Oftentimes, many students avoid breakfast due to a busy class schedule, but breakfast is vital to you starting your day on the right foot. When you eat in the morning, you’ll be less hungry at other meals and avoid overeating. In addition to eating lunch and dinner, you should also be eating snacks in between these meals to prevent overeating at any of the big three.
The buddy system
When it comes to staying healthy, it takes a village, so it may be a good idea to take a friend with you on your healthy living journey. This is a good way to keep each other accountable and share helpful tips. The best squad is a healthy squad.
Drink water
We all know that we need water to live. But many students aren’t getting enough. Typically, the average person should be consuming between 2.7 liters (11.5 cups) and 3.7 liters (15.5 cups) of water per day, from drinking water and other liquids as well as eating food. So to keep a healthy lifestyle, make sure you’re drinking enough water and staying hydrated!
College can be rough, and it can be easy to slip into bad habits. But if you keep these tips in mind, they can serve as your guide to beating the freshman 15.
(08/15/19 3:22pm)
This summer offered up a lot of new trends. As the school year gets started, it’s the perfect time to switch up your style. Here are five summer fashion trends that you should try this school year.
Tie-Dye
This summer there were tons of runways and celebrities, such as Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift, that were covered in tie-dye. This cool ‘80s trend has come back into fashion and is a great way to spice up your wardrobe. So throw on some denim and rock some new colors.
Animal Prints
We took a ride to the wild side this summer with animal prints. Whether it’s a tiger, cheetah or even zebra print, you can’t go wrong with this look. If you would like to spice up your look this school year, throw on a print and show off your wild side.
Feathers
You can be as delicate as a bird in this look. Feathers are even better to accessorize with. Try adding a feather in an up-do or a feather earring to mellow out a look. This can also work as a full look; a feather dress or skirt will have you looking light and airy all year long.
Bucket Hats
This ‘90s trend has made a comeback this summer. If you are into the vintage look then this is a trend you should try out. Not only will you be able to shade your eyes from the sun but you will look good doing it. Keep on theme with another trend this summer; try a tie-dyed bucket hat and double your style.
A Pop of Neon
This summer, a pop of color has been a trend. Neon is not only for workout clothes. Recently it has also been proven that neon can be worn as a dress, romper or even a cute accessory. This year try something a little flashy with a pop of neon on your outfits.
The beginning of a new school year is the perfect time to try out something new and show off your style.
(04/26/19 6:35pm)
As the semester is winding down, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to do this summer. There are so many adventures to be had under the summer sun that it's good to be prepared. Here are five things you should know to plan for a summer vacation.
1. Start Early
There are only a couple weeks of school left so you may want to start thinking now about what to do. If you have some clear plans set before the semester is over, you will have something to motivate you through finals and save you from the stress of trying to make plans last minute.
2. Get a Group
No matter what your summer plans are, they will be a lot more fun when done with others. In the summer you will also have more time to bond with your best pals now that you are all free from the constraints of classes. Getting a group together for a summer vacation will give you some fun memories that will carry on into the new school year.
3. Think Creatively
There are so many fun things to do in the summer, but of course, everyone will be at the beach or chilling at home. So, in order to avoid the mundane, try to find something fun and fresh to do. Take a risk and try a new experience. Get in your car and get lost in your hometown. Think outside the box this summer and see where it takes you.
4. Remember to Save Up
In this world, things cost money. So, when thinking of what your amazing summer adventure will be, try and have the big bucks to go with your big dreams. When you go out, you’ll want to be able to have a good time without having to think too hard about how much everything will cost. So, take some time and save up for your grand summer plans.
5. Get Organized
No matter what the adventure, you will want to make sure you plan for everything. Make a list beforehand of the supplies you need to pack and places you want to visit. When you have a clear goal of the things you want to do, nothing can stop you from having the best possible time. If you are going with several people to a new place, make a group chat so that everyone can stay in touch during the planning and on the trip itself.
Summer is the perfect time to make memories. This summer, keep these tips in mind when planning your next great adventure and you are sure to have a fun-filled vacation.
(04/11/19 6:33am)
When we get into the flow of studying it can be hard to realize when enough is enough. Taking the time to know when you’ve reached your limit can be tough and can make you feel like you’re being lazy. But, being a good student also means knowing when to take a break. So, here are a few tips for what you can do during a study break.
Stretch
You have probably been sitting still for a while. Take some time to relax your limbs. Stand up if you can or just flex your toes and fingers. Do whatever you can to release some of the built-up tension in your body. Once you’re nice and loose, you can head back into your work feeling a bit more relaxed.
Change the medium
If you work in front of a screen for most of your studying, try and stay away from a screen during your breaks. When you continue to look at the same medium, your brain may not register that you are no longer in work mode and it can get boring having both fun and work activities be so similar to each other. So, change it up and go back to work feeling refreshed.
Take it Slow
Breaks don’t have to be long if doing that is going to make you anxious. You can start slow with five-minute breaks and then progress to taking 30 minutes to an hour to relax your mind. Also, in whatever activity you choose to do, make sure it is something that isn’t going to take too much brain power. Your job is to relax, and think less.
Coloring or Doodling
If you would like a creative project to do, try coloring or doodling. You can find many adult coloring sheets online that you can print out. Most of the work is already done when you color, all you have to do is make the creation more beautiful. Also, doodling can be a fun break from having to follow instructions or rules. These methods are chances to enhance a skill you may not know you have.
Nap
Many times we demonize sleeping because we think it implies laziness. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself to a nap once in a while, especially if you have been working really hard for several hours. Also after you have given your brain a rest, you will feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your studying goals.
In college, it can be hard to know what your limits are. Often we want to push as hard as we can and never consider that taking a break would actually be better for us. Take these tips when studying this semester and remember that taking a break can often be the best thing for you.
(04/11/19 6:25am)
In 2018, Vogue Magazine published an article that featured an interview with the chief architects of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. In the article, chief marketing officer of L Brands, Ed Razek, said, “We market to who we sell to, and we don’t market to the whole world.” This comment, as well as his refusal to cast plus size and transgender models in the annual fashion show, rocked the Twitter and fashion worlds for weeks.
Recently, Victoria’s Secret has announced that they are adding two new Angels to their lineup, Barbara Palvin and Alexina Graham, who are being hailed by the internet as models of diversity because one has slightly more tummy than their average models and the other is a redhead.
Victoria’s Secret can do better.
The issue with Victoria’s Secret, as well as many other high fashion brands, is their inability to showcase bodies that truly do break the mold of what it means to be a model in high fashion. They have failed to take the risk of casting models that will actually make a difference in some young girls’ eyes and have instead chosen to do what they have always done, cast another two models who are going to raise the standard of beauty to even higher, unattainable levels.
They have learned nothing in the past year and refuse to take that disastrous experience with them into their new casting lineup. But why does it matter? It’s just one brand and one fashion show, right? Wrong.
When brands like Victoria’s Secret refuse to cast models who look like the average women they are disenfranchising an entire group of people from seeing their bodies as beautiful or desirable. This can have a profound effect on how women see themselves and their bodies.
Also, the average American women wears a size 16 or above, according to tandfonline.com. So, it is also just bad business to not cater to the consumers who make up a large portion of your market.
This lack of representation is even more distressing to trans women who almost never get to see their bodies on a high fashion platform. These are the women who are especially hurt by this brand and other brands that make the deliberate choice to exclude them.
Victoria’s Secret wants to claim that plus size and trans models do not fit the image of their brand, so what is their brand? What is the fantasy they are trying to sell?
The reality of our world is that both trans women and plus size women exist and would like to buy cute clothes that fit us and make us feel good about ourselves. We are part of this world’s reality and should be recognized as such.
Since this Vogue article, Victoria’s Secret’s sales have plummeted and L Brands, its parent company, is set to close 53 of its stores this year, according to Business Insider.
Maybe it’s because the brand refuses to change its ways and offer more size inclusive clothing like Aerie by American Eagle or SavagexFenty by Rihanna. But, it also could be due to the fact that Razek promised to cast a trans model in the next show during his apology after the Vogue article and has yet to do so, according to Business Insider.
I have very little hope for Victoria's Secret and very little hope for brands like it. Either make clothes that fit actual people and cast models who look like your consumers or don’t make clothes at all.
(03/28/19 2:07am)
Instagram is home to snapshots of our favorite life moments. We try so hard to get that perfect angle, but sometimes we fall short on what we want our picture to look like. Here are five ways to step up your aesthetic on Instagram.
1. The Perfect Look
When you post to Instagram, you want to look your best. When planning your next post, pick an outfit that both resembles who you are as a person, but add something new. Make sure to accessorize, add a pop of color where you normally wouldn’t or try on that old top you bought but never wore. When it comes to fashion, Instagram is a great place to try out new looks and see how you feel about them. Also, you can show off your killer style to all your followers.
2. Setting
When you take a photo for Instagram, you want to be in a scenic location. Find a nice park bench or shady outdoor umbrella to sit under. These settings not only will give you nice lighting but they will also make your life look more like an adventure than it already is. Think about setting the next time you go someplace new. Having all your photos in the same location can get boring as your followers scroll through their feed. Changing up the location can urge you to try out new spots in your city as well as give a nice change of pace to your profile.
3. Take a Buddy
Selfies are fun, but sometimes you need to let your followers know that you are more than a head and shoulders. Next time you want to take photos for the ‘gram take a friend who can help you snap some full body shots. Having a friend come along will help you to discover new angles you haven’t been able to try before and give your Instagram some variety. Also, you and your buddy can bond over how cute you both look!
4. Follow the Light
Try and take photos under soft natural light. Avoid fluorescent lights if you can because they do nothing for your skin in a photo. Going outside will expose you to much better lighting and add a softer aesthetic to your Instagram. Everyone loves a good nature photo. If you are outside, the best time to take photos is at the golden hour, the time shortly after sunrise and shortly before sunset. Follow these tips, and you’re sure to glow.
5. Smile
Instagram is meant to be a fun and creative platform for you to show the world who you are and what is exciting about your life. It is not worth spending time making straight-faced, modelesque photos that aren’t going to make you happy. Your followers have come to your account to see you. So, smile for them!
Instagram is a great way to show off how creative you can be. Have fun taking photos of what matters to you and what makes you happy. Social media should be a tool for you to show your personality.
Gaining more followers is great but keep in mind that at the end of the day your profile is yours and you should find joy in what you post. Keep these tips in mind, and you will always have a perfect shot.
(03/28/19 1:54am)
College is a stressful and overwhelming time. It can be hard to keep up with your day to day activities and stay motivated to keep working throughout the semester. However, your phone is constantly by your side to help make college life a little bit easier. Here are five apps you need in college.
1. Calendar App
This may seem like a no-brainer but having a good and useful calendar app is the key to college success. It is an easy way to not only get the hang of your schedule at the beginning of the semester, but also help you keep up with all of your events and various dates. Most phones come with a calendar built in! You may want to sync it with your email so that even if you switch phones, you never miss a date. You will never be late or forget an important meeting with a reliable calendar app.
2. Meditation App
Self-care is important at any stage in college. You must keep your mind sharp and ready if you are going to stay motivated. A meditation app can lead you through exercises and offer inspirational messages to improve your mental health. Helpful apps such as Oak and Calm are great meditation apps that will aid you in finding your zen. In Oak, you can even earn badges the more you use the app and the longer you have meditation sessions. Also, there are plenty of adult coloring apps such as Pixel Art and Colorfy that will keep you relaxed.
3. Habit apps
Maintaining a routine in college can be difficult. At some point, everyone falls off the wagon of what they should be doing to keep themselves healthy. To help achieve better habits and improve your lifestyle, Habitica is a great app to try. Habitica is a task manager that is made to give the user the same feeling of playing a role-playing game. Each task you fulfill in Habitica gives you experience points and helps you buy armor, pets and more. You can even join in with your friends to form a guild and keep each other accountable.
Another habit tracking app is Forest. This app is made to stop procrastination by cutting off all your phone notifications for a set amount of time. The longer you go without your phone, the bigger your tree grows, the larger the forest. These apps will keep you present and on task!
5. Study Apps
As a college student, you are constantly on the go, and as such you will need an app to help you study. Make sure you have apps like Quizlet, Duolingo, HelloTalks, Chegg and others to help you keep up with your rigorous course load. You are doing your best to make it through college, and a little well-placed tech will get you to the next level.
6. Microsoft and Google Apps
The Microsoft and Google apps are two products that college students use all the time. It will make your life so much easier if you don’t have to take the time to get out your laptop every time you need to check your Google Drive or look at a Powerpoint before your presentation. Having these products in your life will give you a walking office and help you breeze through locating all your files.
College life can be hard, and sometimes we need a little help to make it the best experience possible. These apps will help you breeze through college and elevate your workflow.
(03/14/19 9:31pm)
A fun way to be creative is to start a visual journal. This activity is used to help people analyze their emotions and can help you sort through thoughts and feelings in a way words sometimes can’t. Also, it is a super fun and relaxing activity. Here is how you can create your own visual journal.
1. Gather Materials
To start a visual journal, you will first need a notebook of any shape or size, markers, colored pencils, crayons or paint and tape or glue. You can also use sudoku puzzle sheets, magazine or newspaper clippings as well as coloring sheets. To make a visual journal, you can use just about any material you like to make any image you want.
2. Decide on your concept
Sometimes it can be difficult to decide what exactly you want to draw or write. It’s important to remember that your visual journal is personal to you and your experiences. So, when thinking of what you want to do, think about how your day has been, a strong emotion you’ve been feeling but are unable to express, or just think of the things in your life that make you happy. You can make a visual journal about anything!
3. Embrace imperfection
While creating a visual journal is an art form, you do not need to be artistic to create your own. It’s okay if you can only do stick figures or your drawings are not particularly beautiful. The point of journaling is to express an emotion or work through a thought. Be okay with however your thoughts show themselves on the page.
4. Break the Rules
There is no right or wrong way to create a visual journal. When making your journal, each page is a part of your journey into self-reflection. So, when you get into drawing and making your journal, remember that it is a personal experience and that no one can tell you what you should be doing.
5. Try something new
If starting from scratch is too difficult, try taking an older, slightly used book and modifying it. You can draw pictures in the margins, draw over paragraphs of text, make poetry with lines from the book, or even cut and draw over the images to turn them into something completely different. There are so many ways to creatively use your visual journal. Try something new and enjoy yourself.
Visual journaling is a way to get creative and practice some self-care. Take an unused journal or even go out and buy a new one and get creative. Enjoy expressing yourself!
(03/12/19 2:36am)
Macon’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival is fast approaching. This year the festival runs from March 22-31, and there will be many different events to attend as you admire the beauty of Macon’s blooming cherry trees. Here are five Cherry Blossom Festival events you should know about.
1. “Ice” Skating in the Park
Go show off your best short program performance at Ice Skating in the Park. From March 22-31 there will be a free ice skating rink in Central City Park. The rink is open to all ages and skill levels. Each group will be allowed 30 minutes on the ice from 10 a.m. to 10p.m. For more information on times go to cherryblossom.com.
2. Spring Spirit Stroll
Get a little spooky this spring at the Spring Spirit Stroll. From March 22-31 the Riverside Cemetery will be hosting a guided tour with a few of the “spirits” from Macon’s Cherry Blossom past. There will be live actors along with some of Macon’s most famous gravesites. The tours will take place from 6-8 p.m. with a $10 admission. To purchase tickets go to riversidecemetary.com.
3. Ocmulgee Duck Dash
At this March 16 event, 5,000 ducks will race down the Ocmulgee River at Amerson River Park, and one lucky duck will win $1,000. The event is from 9:30 a.m to noon. Ducks can be adopted from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and the race will begin at 11:45 a.m. The race is free, and duck adoptions are $5. The proceeds will go to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor program.
4. Weiner Dog Race
On March 23, Dachshund dogs will be racing down Cherry Street for the title of “Fastest Wiener Dog in Middle Georgia!” There will also be a “Best Dressed” portion of the competition. The free event will take place on Cherry and Third Streets from 11 a.m. to noon.
5. Movie Night
On March 29, Disney Pixar’s “Coco” will be on a large outdoor screen on The Green at Wesleyan College. This event is free, and there will also be other events such as face painting and food trucks starting at 6 p.m. The movie will begin at 8 p.m., so make sure to get there early to grab a good spot.
This year make sure to check out something new or something you have never been to at the Cherry Blossom Festival! Enjoy the spring weather and all the events that the festival has to offer.
(03/02/19 4:23pm)
St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner! Savannah, Georgia has the third largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the world, according to Savannah’s Official Tourist website. To help you get into the Irish spirit, here are five events you can attend to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah until actual St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.
1. The Greening of the Fountain
This event on March 8 at 12 p.m. kicks off the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the greening of the fountain in Forsyth Park. Traditionally, the parade’s Grand Marshal will pour green dye into the fountain with many people present. It isn’t St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah until everything is green, including the water.
2. Irish Heritage Dance
Later that night on March 8 at 8 p.m., the Irish Heritage Society will hold an Irish Heritage Dance. There will be several Irish dancers of all ages performing their heritage, tradition and talent at Alee Shriner’s Temple. You can find more information at savannah.com and on the event’s Facebook Page.
3. Celtic Cross Ceremony and Reception
This year on March 10 at 1 p.m., Irish Catholics will join together to celebrate their heritage with family and friends in a ceremony at Emmet Park at the Celtic Cross Statue. There will be bagpipes playing as many Irish community members discuss their past, present and future. For more information visit savannah.com.
4. St. Patrick’s Day Festival
On March 15 and 16 at 10 a.m. - midnight, Savannah’s River Street will be a large party for all to enjoy. There will be food, music, drinks and vendors of all kind throughout the day. Every inch of historic River Street will be filled with booths and activities for guests to enjoy.
5. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
This year, the parade will be held on March 16 from 10:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. More than 300,000 people are expected to come to Savannah to celebrate friends, family and Irish Heritage. Don’t forget to wear green and have a fun time watching the parade.
St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah is a hallmark of heritage and tradition for the city. It is a
time where everyone comes together to celebrate and enjoy a vital part of the Savannah community. To learn more about events and St. Patrick’s Day visit Savannah’s website, visitsavannah.com.
(02/28/19 7:19pm)
Midterms can be a stressful time for any student. You want to do your best and sometimes that can be stressful, but going into it with a good mindset will help you to succeed. Here are five ways to evaluate yourself at midterms.
1. Get a Game Plan
Before you start studying and getting into the flow of midterms, make sure you have a plan. Set out specific study times for each of your exams, get your notes in order of what chapters you need to read and go over. Planning ahead will help you feel ready for your exams but also will help you prioritize what you need.
2. Speak Goodness into Existence
Knowing what you want going into an exam is key. If you can speak success into your life,
then it will come your way. Go into midterms knowing that you’re prepared and that you will do great. You will feel better and calmer about your academic life if you are positive and believe in yourself.
3. Set Up Breaks
When going into midterms, it is easy to only focus on working hard and getting the grade. But doing this can lead to getting burnt out and can make it harder to do the things that need to be done. Make sure that you evaluate what is going to make you feel relaxed and positive while making your game plan for midterms. Set aside time that isn’t studying and give yourself whatever other motivations you need to do your best.
4. Know Your Limits
We, as students, always strive for doing the best we possibly can. Take the time before midterms to understand realistically what that is. Set your goals by what will keep you happy and in a good mental state for the rest of the semester. Do your best and then forget the rest.
5. Know what you want
Before you go into midterms, have a goal grade in mind. This will help you to visualize your success. Also, by doing this, you can evaluate what you need out of this semester and where you are going later in your academic career. Once you know what you want, you can figure out how to get there.
Midterms can be a stressful time. However, with proper planning and a good mindset, you can go into midterms feeling confident and ready to succeed. Good luck with all your assignments!
(02/13/19 1:19am)
Student life can be very stressful. The flow of going to class, doing homework and managing a social life can be a difficult and overwhelming ocean of issues to navigate. However, there are ways to make it through. Here are five ways to relieve stress daily.
1. Take a Break
Sometimes it may feel as if the whole world will fall apart if we don’t work as hard as humanly possible at every moment of the day. However, doing this can lead students to lose energy and be unhappy with their performance in classes. So, take breaks often to refresh your mind. Try going for a walk, watching a funny video or do a coloring sheet. Doing something that's not work for a few moments will relax you and get you fired up to accomplish your tasks.
2. Get Some Sleep
There is no use in doing work if you’re exhausted. A lack of sleep can cause moodiness, a loss of focus and generally leave you feeling worn out throughout the day. If you have trouble sleeping try a relaxing meditation to calm your nerves, listen to some calming music or even find a relaxing podcast to listen to while you drift to sleep. Also, get yourself on a steady sleep schedule so that you have the energy and motivation to take on your everyday tasks.
3. Positive Affirmations
Life can be full of stressors that weigh down our confidence. This semester, when you get up in the morning, look in the mirror and say something positive. It could be a compliment about your outfit or a simple “I can do this.” This will help you shake off any stressful feelings you have about the day because you have started it off confidently and ready to take on the world.
4. Make a List
For some people, visualizing what needs to get done is important. So, make a list of things that you need to do and slowly cross them off as your day goes on. Try and keep the list short. Having a long grocery list of items can lead to more stress as the number of responsibilities add up. Keep your list to seven items or less. This way you’ll know your goals and stay motivated to finish them.
5. Remember You Matter
Student life can sometimes feel like a tornado of stress and responsibilities. While you are giving your time and energy to the world, remember to save some of that greatness for yourself. Practice self-care and self-love often to keep your stress levels low. Understand that you are one person and you can only do so much. Be kind to yourself this semester. You can do it!
Managing stress while in college, one of the most stressful environments, can be a challenge. However, with these tips in mind, you will be able to manage your stress and have a better semester.
(02/13/19 12:41am)
It’s a new year, and as such, you may be wanting a new look but are unsure of how to pull it off. There are many ways to spice up your style, but a fun and creative way to show off your personality is through makeup. Here are four makeup looks that you can do for any occasion.
1. The Basics
If you just want to look your best while going to class or meeting friends, then this look is right for you. For a simple everyday makeup look, stick to neutral colors and warm tones. Colors such as brown, beige and white can help add to this simple aesthetic. Try a nude lip color and don’t forget to blend your eyeshadow so you can have one cohesive look.
For this look I used:
Mac Cosmetics highlighter in “Cheeky Bronze” ($35)
Fenty Beauty Match Stix in “Blonde” ($25)
Maybelline eyeshadow quad in the set “Neutral Smokes” ($5)
Maybelline Colossal Spider Effect mascara ($6)
Maybelline 950 in “Untainted Spice” ($5)
2. Formal/Dance
In the spring semester, there will often be several dances or formals to attend. For these events try and keep it simple but fun. A mixture of dark tones and glittery ones can add some fun to a makeup look while also keeping your makeup understated enough to be classy. This look can have any color lipstick but trying to match the lip to your outfit is a nice touch. This look aims to make you shine and help you become the belle of the ball.
For this look I used:
NYX “Love You So Mochi Sleek and Chic” eyeshadow palette ($20)
BH Cosmetics “Take Me Back To Brazil” 35 Color Pressed Pigment Palette ($20)
Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara ($9)
NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in “Downtown Beauty” ($7)
3. Going out!
When you step out on the town, you want to be noticed. This makeup look does just that. Try bright, flamboyant colors to give your whole outfit a pop of color and creativity. A bold red lip will add some intensity to the look and also make it classy. This look is screaming to be stared at and admired.
For this look I used:
BH Cosmetics “Take Me Back To Brazil” 35 Color Pressed Pigment Palette ($20)
Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara ($9)
NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in “Cherry Skies” ($7)
Wet n’ Wild liquid eyeliner in “Black” ($4)
Wet n’ Wild MegaGo Illuminating Palette in color “Catwalk Pink” ($5)
4. Valentine’s
If you want to look spiffy for that special someone, then this look is for you. Try some fun, new colors you haven’t tried before and make it your own. However, the colors of Valentine’s Day are typically red, purple, white and pink so, use the holiday as inspiration to get the attention of a loved one. You’ll have fun, and everyone will be dying to be yours.
For this look I used:
BH Cosmetics “Take Me Back To Brazil” 35 Color Pressed Pigment Palette ($20)
Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara ($9)
Wet n’ Wild MegaGo Illuminating Palette in color “Catwalk Pink” ($5)
NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in “Pink Lust” ($7)
It is always a good time to be adventurous and creative with makeup. This semester, challenge your skills and take strides to make different style choices. It can be very rewarding in the long run.
(01/30/19 10:39pm)
As Valentine’s Day rolls around, many people are thinking about how to show that special someone they are loved and appreciated. However, if you don’t have someone to spend Valentine’s Day with, here are five ways you can celebrate Pal-entine’s Day with your best buds.
1. Have a Night on the Town
Instead of sitting at home and being sad that you’re single on Valentine's Day, go out with some friends and have a Pal-entine’s Day celebration. Treat your friends to a nice evening out, so they know that they are appreciated and loved. Your friends support you through so many things in life, take a day to show them how much their love means to you.
2. Don’t Forget Self-Care
Valentine’s Day is such a stressful time for so many couples who are worried about what to give each other, but not for you and your crew. Get together and de-stress by having a self-care party. Practicing self-care with a group can be a great bonding experience. You will have time not only to focus on your self-love, but you will also get to spread some love to your buddies. Take some time to plan an evening of face-masks and mani-pedis.
3. Give Gifts
If you are into the gift-giving side of Valentine’s Day, there are no rules saying that you can’t do that for your best pals. Get together with your friends and make friendship bracelets, get your bestie something special or just buy a bunch of roses for everyone you love. Have a great holiday by letting your friends know just how much you care about and understand them.
4. Have a Sleepover
It can be so much fun to just chill with your friends. Get some chips and soda to have a classic night in with a few of your besties. Valentine’s Day is meant for people to spend some extra special time with their loved ones and what is a better show of affection than an all-night party with those closest to you. Pick a great movie and bring out the chocolate for a fun-filled Pal-entine’s Day.
5. Say “I Love You”
This is such a simple gesture, but it can go a long way. Sometimes life is hard, and people just want to know that in this great big world there is someone who cares for them and wants them to be their best. This Pal-entine’s Day, remember to let your friends know that you love them and that they mean the world to you.
At its heart, Valentine’s Day is about love. That means love in all form of relationships. So, whether you are single or in a relationship this Valentine’s Day, remember to let your friends know that you love them and that they make your world a much lovelier place.
(01/30/19 4:28am)
As the new year begins, many people vow to hold themselves to higher standards than the year before. But as the year goes on, many people will also lose the motivation to keep their resolutions going. Here are five ways to stay motivated and crush your New Year’s resolutions.
1. Start Slow
It is easy to want change to happen immediately. However, doing this can make you feel disappointed if you don’t meet your goals. So, instead remember that change, especially big change, takes time. Instead of quitting bad habits cold turkey or expecting a 10-pound weight change to happen in the next few days, start slow. You have a whole year. You will get there.
2. Get inspired
For some, visualizing what you want is important. Get inspired by creating a vision board or by creating a vlog about your experiences while making your resolution happen. Doing something creative with your New Year’s resolution can help you stay motivated to keep going. Write out a personal pledge to yourself, so that whenever you are down or feeling unmotivated, you can look back and remember why you began.
3. Take action
A lot of people don’t finish their resolutions because they are unsure of how to start. This year, make sure you get off on a good start to your goals. If your resolution is to volunteer more, begin looking at organizations you’re passionate about. If your goal is to write more, buy yourself a journal and write a few sentences. A little can go a long way to you accomplishing your goal.
4. Get a Squad Together
New Year’s resolutions can be tough to take on by yourself. This year get some friends together and try to better yourselves as a group. Taking on a resolution as a group will be much more enjoyable and also easier. Your squad can hold each other accountable and give each other encouragement when needed.
5. Be Flexible
If you aren’t enjoying the experience of completing your resolution then maybe you need to re-evaluate your choices. The point of a New Year’s resolution is that you are supposed to feel better about yourself and your accomplishments during the year. If your resolution isn’t making you feel that way, then you need a change, and that is perfectly valid and good. So, keep your head up and keep going.
Keeping a New Year’s resolution can be difficult. The important thing to remember is that you can succeed. Change takes time, and you have a whole year to make your life exactly how you want it to be. Good luck!
(11/30/18 2:00am)
The seasons are changing once again. That means there is a whole new category of fun things to do around Macon. Here are five fun-filled winter activities to do in Macon.
1.Christmas Concert at Wesleyan
Wesleyan College will be hosting its annual Christmas concert Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. The concert will feature Wesleyan’s Concert Choir, the Wesleyannes, and Christmas carol sing-alongs. This event is free and open to the public.
2. Movie Night: “Love Actually”
The Grand Opera House will be hosting a showing of “Love Actually” Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets to this event are $5 and can be purchased online. “Love Actually” is a classic holiday movie about how, “nine intertwined stories examine the complexities of the one emotion that connects us all: love,” according to the Grand’s website.
3. Kiwanis Christmas 5K
The Kiwanis Club of Macon is hosting its first 5K race at the cross country course at Middle Georgia State University. Proceeds for this fundraising event will go towards supporting youth through scholarship funds, art shows and the Teen Driving Road-eo. At the event they will be giving out T-shirts, hot cocoa and medals for the racers. It is rumored that Santa may make an appearance! This event will be held Dec. 8 from 8-9 a.m.
4. Holiday Arts Market
The Middle Georgia Art Association is hosting a market of handmade items this holiday season from Nov. 16 through Jan. 12. You can go by and pick out Christmas presents for your loved ones at the Middle Georgia Art Association Gallery. This event is free and individual times for the Market can be found on Macon365.com.
5.“The Nutcracker”
Hosted by the Grand Opera House, “The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia” has been seen by more than 110,000 people through the years and is a favorite Christmas tradition. Performances of “The Nutcracker” will be held on Dec. 5 - 9. Tickets to this event for students range from $12-17 depending on whether you choose to purchase premium seats. Individual dates and times can be found at Macon365.com.
As the winter months roll though, it is good to take advantage of all the new and exciting things Macon has to offer. Take advantage of the chilly air and fun times with friends and loved ones this season.