Monday, June 8Royal Holloway's offical student publication, est. 1986

Lifestyle

Freckle Frenzy
Lifestyle

Freckle Frenzy

And just like that, freckles are back. The quiet advocates of natural beauty have slowly but surely infiltrated the minds and visions of the world’s trendsetters. Suddenly our perceptions have been reversed back to where they should be. Freckles are cool and they are here to stay. The utterly outrageous idea that freckles were somehow, ugly, unnecessary, dark, disgusting, like blotches of diseased skin eagerly waiting to be caked in foundation and concealer, has disproportionately plagued our collective consciousness for too long. The media frenzy of ‘clear skin equals good skin’ is slowly but surely washing away. Why though are those unequal sprinkles of concentrated melanin suddenly so desirable? Childhood memories of PippiLongstocking and Howdy Doody will set off an innate sense of frec...
Summer like it’s the Seventies
Lifestyle

Summer like it’s the Seventies

So they say that history repeats itself, and when it comes to the archives of the fashion world, the same applies. The massive 90s trend has apparently come and gone, and now all the high-street fashion retailers such as Zara, Topshop and New Look appear to be overrun with copious amounts of suede, denim and those ever-so-boho neutral earthy tones. So yes, flared jeans (like the ones you used to prance around in when you were five…) loose, draping tops, fringing, crochet and platform sandals are back. Hold on to your overpriced floppy hats from Topshop, it’s the seventies again! But never fear ladies! I know you’d prefer to embrace this craze with caution in order to avoid looking like you’re channelling your inner Scooby-Doo cast. It’s all about that boho-chic, bringing back those clas...
Why you shouldN’T delete Facebook (trust me)
Lifestyle

Why you shouldN’T delete Facebook (trust me)

Everyone is so intent on deleting Facebook due to its 'negative effects on society'. I mean, let's be honest, if you haven't tried to delete the app from your phone at least once, you're lying. It's the WORST distraction tool, coming out of a lecture knowing more about my sister's best friend's cousin's new babies christening than matrix multiplication is unfortunately, not uncommon. Don't even get me started on the hours I spend procrastinating by flicking down my newsfeed wondering how I could get back in touch with the guy I went out with in primary school who has BLOSSOMED, dare I say. However, despite all these demeaning Facebook cliches, there are reasons why we struggle to leave the circle, which don't suggest we are completely self-obsessed. 1. The aunt that comments on every pho...
Tasty and Exam Stress-Busting: Healthy and Super Easy Vegetarian Risotto Recipe!
Lifestyle

Tasty and Exam Stress-Busting: Healthy and Super Easy Vegetarian Risotto Recipe!

As I’m sure that many of you are now well aware, the dreaded exam period is now all that stands between us and the end of the year – not to mention the wonderful prospect of a gloriously long summer, of course! With final exams now looming, it is more than likely that as a student, your stress levels are probably rising. So what better way to combat this than with a delicious, but also nutritious and super easy recipe!? This vegetarian risotto makes an amazing evening meal – perfect for rewarding yourself and your friends with after a long hard day of studying! Cooking this dish is also an excellent way to use up any left over veggies that you may have left over in your fridge towards the end of the week. Served with a side salad, this meal makes for one fabulously healthy and tas...
Is Kanye cut out to do fashion?
Lifestyle

Is Kanye cut out to do fashion?

Kanye presented his collaboration with sportswear super house Adidas at New York Fashion Week in March. However, it left a lot to be desired. Whilst Kanye dominates the rap music scene i,n the world of fashion he is a stranger. To begin the show (which was running half an hour late) Kanye’s booming voice echoed around the silent showroom: "I'm here to crack the pavement… I want to create something better for you.” Yeezy tells a room with the likes of Anna Wintour that HE is here to create and dictate fashion for them rather than the other way around. Whilst his arrogance in music is justified, in fashion he is in a completely different ballpark. Whilst his dress sense and interest in fashion is endearing one cannot walk into the fashion world and expect everyone to fall at your feet. In t...
Cinnamon Swirl Pancake Recipe
Lifestyle

Cinnamon Swirl Pancake Recipe

It’s February! It’s Pancake Day! Forget Valentine’s Day, Pancake Day the most important day in February. Instead of boring old crepes this year, why not try something a little different? Cinnamon Swirl Pancake Recipe Pancake batter If you’re in a rush then you really can’t go wrong with Pancake packet mix, follow the instructions and you’re good to go! Nevertheless, here is the how to make the pancake mix: • 120g all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 240ml milk • 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil • 1 large egg, lightly beaten This mix can be used to make normal pancakes as well as Cinnamon ones. For Cinnamon swirl pancakes, you will need to make a couple of extra things: Cinnamon Filling • 100g butter (melted) • 135g packed light brown sug...
Lifestyle

Stress Busting: A Winters Walk Around Virginia Waters Lake

As 2015 hits and the number of deadlines and workload increases, it’s vital to get away from it all. Leaving yourself stranded on a seemingly lonesome, and stressful, island is the last thing you want to be doing at this time of year. It is scientifically proven that fresh air helps to revitalise your mind, helping it to achieve maximum efficiency for working and studying. So I decided to try this out with a little walk around Virginia Waters Lake, which is just one stop away from Egham strain station. The occasional patter from a jogger or a dog walker is all that can be heard at first; the silence of the place somewhat deafening. The sun sets over a horizon of trees, and the odd photography enthusiast or regular Instagram addict can be seen trying to get artsy reflections in the lake....
Lifestyle

Fashion Moving Forward

The fashion industry is one of the most economically successful and most powerful industries worldwide. There is no doubt then as to why this industry is used to speak volumes when it comes to protesting issues that are dear to designers, model’s and customers hearts. One of the most influential designer’s in leading protest in fashion would definitely be Vivienne Westwood. A woman who advocates action to prevent climate change and most recently has led anti-fracking and anti-capitalist protests. 2014 saw more designer’s using fashion to gather media attention for certain issues and I am curious as to whether this is a practise that will continue into 2015. In the style of Vivienne Westwood the A/W 2014 catwalk shows found designers incorporating messages into their own designs. Cara Dele...
Lifestyle

Which Cold Remedy is Best for You?

Which Cold Remedy is Best for You? For those lucky few of us who haven’t already experienced several rounds of “Freshers flu” this academic year, chances are you will catch some nasty virus some time in the next month or so, as we are very much into the cold and flu season. So, in order to arm yourself against an attack of the snivels this January, here is a short guide to help you choose the best “over the counter” remedy for your cold. 1. Lemsip – What’s in it? – The main active ingredient in Lemsip is Paracetamol. As you are probably aware Paracetamol is a painkiller which, in this case, will act to relieve any aches and pains that come with your cold. Paracetamol is also what biochemists like to call an “anti – pyretic” which simply means that it’ll lower your body temperature if ...
Lifestyle

Top healthy eating habits to get sexy this winter.

We all want to look and feel better. New year is the best time to make changes in your life. Start with adjusting and improving your lifestyle, mainly, your diet. 1. Drinking a glass of water with lemon first thing in the morning. This simple habit will help you to cheer up and improve digestion, as lemon juice helps to eliminate toxins. The water can be warm or hot but not cold. Our bodies are more than 60 % water, which makes us prone to dehydration. You can be dehydrated even if you do not feel thirsty. Drinking lemon water with a hint of honey after waking up is an ancient home remedy for weight loss. (Alternatively you can drink lemony “spa water” with floated berries or cucumber slices and mint). 2. Detox every day! Fresh fruit, vegetable and herb juices help both to nourish your b...