CHARLOTTE OC
Q&A wtih trendy singer-songwriter
48 HOURS IN
BIRMINGHAM
Hottest spots in the Magic City
ESCAPE
ARTIST
Examining escapism
in pop culture
ETERNAL
$3.99 Vol. 2, No. 3
SUMMER
Keep your head in the clouds and your feet in the sand as you
shine in refreshing florals, throwback styles and dreamy trends
The University of Alabama | May 2017
LOOKING AHEAD
Grab your ice cream cones and leave
your shoes at home as Alice braves the heat
in this exquisite summer issue. Join us
beneath sprawling moss-draped live oaks or
on the waterfront as we explore the trends
this season has to offer. The possibilities
are endless.
Photo by Alex Green
Letter from the Editor
On the web:
Twitter: @Alicethemag
Instagram: @Alicethemag
facebook.com/Alicethemag
alice.ua.edu
Alice on Pinterest:
pinterest.com/Alicemagazine
Editorial and Advertising offices for Alice Magazine are located at
414 Campus Drive East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.
The mailing address is P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.
Phone: (205) 348-7257.
Alice is published by the Office of Student Media
at The University of Alabama.
All content and design are produced by students
in consultation with professional staff advisers.
All material contained herein, except advertising or where
indicated otherwise, is copyrighted © 2017 by Alice Magazine.
Material herein may not be reprinted without the
expressed, written permission of Alice Magazine.
Summer is just around the corner. The temperature is rising,
the sky seems bluer and sunscreen is an absolute must. My senior
year is now coming to a close (waterworks may have taken place).
This year has been a season of lasts and now this is my last Alice
as editor in chief. With this being my final issue, I wanted to
make sure that I “left it all on the field.” Every time I see Alice
on the stands at the Supe Store or in the hands of a student, my
heart swells. I couldn’t be more proud of this magazine. Having
the opportunity to work with the magazine this year has been
a dream come true. I couldn’t imagine my senior year being as
wonderful without this position. I have loved every single second
of working for this magazine. From the late nights laughs of
productions to the moments of frustration from the April rain
showers that made our photo shoots very difficult to get finished
— it has been so rewarding. I cannot say enough good things
about Alice. She’s a mentor, a fashion expert and someone that
has made me realize my potential as a leader. She’s something
different to other people — discover what she has to offer you.
With all that sappiness being said, let’s talk about this issue.
As I say every issue, the team and I have put all of our
hearts and souls into this magazine. But, hey, it’s true and I
want to recognize the incredible work ethic and creative genius
of the editors of Alice. This summer’s magazine is definitely
the most innovative that we’ve ever done. The Ten Bleaching
Commandants on page 5 is something I will definitely urge
people to check out (With recently bleached hair myself, I have
been pouring over it). The fashion spreads are seriously stunning
— turn to page 16 and get ready to be blown away. Read The Big
Reveal to see the latest trend: fishnet tights (pg. 34). As many
people will probably be attending summer weddings, catch up on
our Wedding Survival Guide (pg. 41). Check out our article on
alternatives to the pill (pg. 58) and nudity in art (pg. 62). Flip
to our Coffee Crawl on page 70 to know about the newest coffee
shops in town. What is summer without a good book? Go to page
80 for Dreamy Pool Reads and page 87 for Poetry for People Who
Don’t “Get” Poetry.
While working on this season’s issue, our time was split by
spring break. For part of that week I was able to go to New York
City with Allie Binford, the next editor in chief of Alice. I know
I’ll miss this magazine, but I also know that’s in great hands
and I can’t wait to see where Alice is headed. As we adventured
throughout the city and even at the top of the Empire State
Building, Allie would bounce around incredible ideas for the
future of Alice. Get ready, people, great things are coming and
it starts with this issue. I’ll just leave you with this: *Cue “Don’t
You (Forget About Me)” here.*
Paige Burleson
Editorial
Editor in Chief PAIGE BURLESON
Creative Director MARIA OSWALT
Photo Editor EMILY HEATH
Managing Editor CLAIRE TURNER
Market Editors ALEXIS DANZO AND ALLIE BINFORD
Beauty Editor KAILA WASHINGTON
Lifestyle Editor RACHEL WILBURN
Fashion Editors ALLIE BINFORD AND EMILY HEATH
Food and Health Editor MADISON SULLIVAN
Entertainment Editor ELLEN JOHNSON
Features Editor ALEXIS FAIRE
Social Media Coordinator DONICA BURTON AND CLAIRE TURNER
Contributing Writers EMILY ADAMS, HALEIGH AMEND, CHRISTINA AUSLEY, VONDRA ARNOLD, SERENA BAILEY, KATIE BELL,
EMILEE BENOS, MIA BLACKMAN, SARA BETH BOLIN, PAIGE BURLESON, CARSON COOK, ANNA CRAIN, LOTA ERINNE,
ANALIESE GERALD, JO HANNA HILL, KATIE HUFF, ANNA KLEMENT, LAUREN LANE, MIKELAH LUKE, LAWSON MOHL,
MARIA OSWALT, KALLEN SEBASTIAN, KALI STURGIS, KIRBY TIFVERMAN, CLAIRE TURNER, DANIELLE WADDELL,
AUDREY WATFORD, CAROLINE WELLS, CARSON WOODY
Contributing Photographers PRESTLEY BRAMLETT, ALEX GREEN, TEAH SHAW, MARIE WALKER, SARAH WESTMORELAND
Contributing Designer MARY KATE HOLLADAY
Models ARI BARLEY, LUCY COOK, REAGAN CUNNINGHAM, ALEXIA DUGGER-MAYE, ALANNA FAGAN,
EFFIE GUENTHER, MEGAN HILL, HALLIE HUDSON, ADAM KIM, SARA MORGAN, DONNA PATE, MADYSON SMITH,
LINDSAY TATMAN, ALYISCIA THOMAS
Hair and Makeup HALEIGH AMEND, EMILY HEATH, ALLIE LOWERY
Advertising
Advertising Manager RUFUS ALDRIDGE (cwadmanager@gmail.com)
Advertising Creative Director GRANT SNOW (cwcreativemanager@gmail.com)
Sales Representatives (205) 348-7845
JADE LEDET, LIZZIE MIZENKO
Advisers
Editorial MARK MAYFIELD (msmayfield1@ua.edu)
Published by UA Office of Student Media
Director PAUL WRIGHT
[2] Alice May 2017
Table of
Contents
Beauty
5 BLEACHING COMMANDMENTS
7 A WRINKLE IN TIME
9 DON’T SWEAT IT
11 IS YOUR SKIN WORTH THE
SPLURGE?
13 THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL
Fashion
16 HEAD IN THE CLOUDS
22 COLOR THEORY
28 LET THE GOOD
TIMES ROLL
34 THE BIG REVEAL
ABOUT THE COVER: The call of seagulls and crashing
waves set the scene for our sunrise shoot in Fairhope and
Montrose, Alabama. Pat Hall, a UA alum, and Charlotte
Carey graciously let us into their homes and clued us in on
the places to see around the Mobile Bay area. From tropical
and breezy beachwear to cleancut formal outfits, this
edition of Alice has it all. Sun-soaked streets and nautical
views served as the perfect backdrop for our little getaway.
Cover photo: PRESTLEY BRAMLETT
See story: PAGE 48
Lifestyle
37 48 HOURS IN BIRMINGHAM
41 WEDDING SEASON SURVIVAL
42 PACK ATTACK
44 BOTTLE IT UP
45 REVIVING RESOLUTIONS
Alice May 2017 [3]
Features
48 ETERNAL SUMMER
58 HARD TO SWALLOW
62 EXPOSED
64 ESCAPE ARTIST
Health
& Food
68 SHADE OF YOU
70 COFFEE CRAWL
71 BREAK IT DOWN
72 SUMMERTIME SWEETS
73 SUPERFOODS
75 ON THE BRINK OF NO STINK
77 WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT EXPIRATION DATES
Entertainment
78 SO YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO HANGOUT
80 DREAMY POOL READS
82 TAKE A CHANCE
83 Q&A WITH STUDENT COMEDIAN
85 THE SHORT LIST
86 A DOC A DAY: DOCUMENTARIES TO MAKE YOU THINK
87 POETRY FOR PEOPLE WHO DON’T “GET” POETRY
88 CHARLOTTE OC
Alice would like to thank
the following stores for
providing outfits and
accessories for photo shoots:
LULUS.COM
MARKET HOUSE
AZ WELL
LAVISH
PANTS STORE
TWICE AS NICE
LUCCA
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SUPE STORE
[4] Alice May 2017
BEAUTY
Photo by Prestley Bramlett
By Kali Sturgis
As summer approaches, tans get
darker, days get longer and hair definitely
gets lighter. Take a look at our
hair bleaching bible to get that sunkissed
look while keeping the locks
happy and healthy.
DOs
Do listen to your stylist. One of the
hardest tips to follow, but the most
important to acknowledge: listen. The
majority of us who like to dye our hair
will often go for a color that we find
amongst social media or our favorite
celebrities. Showing a picture to your
stylist prior to your appointment will
guarantee your stylist’s ability to be
able to (or not to) color your hair how
you would like it. So if your stylist tells
you that the color you want is unattainable,
ask what they could do to produce
a hair color you can happily sport, or
find another stylist who is confident
in their hair coloring abilities, and
see if they’re willing to get you your
dream color.
Do sleep in argan oil or coconut oil
the night before bleaching. Easy to
do, easily accessible and reduces hair
damage from bleach; oil isn’t just for
cooking. Seventeen.com dishes Kylie
Jenner’s hair stylist’s trick to having
healthy hair after bleaching. Coat your
strands in argan or coconut oil the
night before you bleach your hair, then
go to sleep with the oil to let it soak
into your locks and scalp. If you’re
concerned about messing up your pillowcase,
wrap your head in a towel
or wear a shower cap to prevent leakage.
Just don’t forget to wash it out in
the morning!
Do give yourself time to bleach. This
is super important. Try bleaching on
a weekend to give yourself time to go
slowly and appraise your results. Then
you won’t be rushed to fix any mistakes
while worrying about having to be seen
in public with discolored hair.
Do be gentle with your hair. People
wonder why their hair becomes so
damaged after bleaching. The main
problem comes from continuing their
usual hair routine. When you bleach
your hair, the actual hair follicle is forever
changed. Invest in a deep-conditioner
and use it once or twice a week
along with always conditioning after
Alice May 2017 [5]
shampooing. This will add that extra
moisture your hair needs. When it
comes to showering, your hair is already
going to be dry and inelastic,
and washing your hair multiple times
throughout the week will cause major
hair breakage. So reduce your everyday
wash to every other day or even try
every two days. Remember those oils
that were so great for the night before
a bleach? You can do the same thing
before a hair wash to keep your hair
hydrated and protected from environmental
damage.
Do get regular trims. A lot of people
try to avoid this tip when they’re
on the kick of letting their hair grow
out, but this is so important to follow
through with. You should be getting
your hair trimmed at least every six
to eight weeks so that your hair stylist
is able to remove all of the previously
damaged hair for new, healthier
hair to grow in its place. Continually
growing your hair overtop damaged
hair does not magically make a happy,
healthy head of hair.
DON’Ts
Don’t try and bleach your hair yourself
if you have virgin hair. This point
is kind of an obvious one, but if you’ve
never dyed your hair before, then going
to a professional is a lot safer than
standing confused in the beauty aisle
of your local convenience store. It will
also ensure that you come out of the
salon with practically perfect bleached
locks. So put down that sketchy box of
drugstore bleach and call your locally
appraised hair salon to avoid damaging
your hair and a bad hair day.
Don’t overlap bleach in the same
day: Genuinely think before re-bleaching
your hair. Bleaching your hair already
strips the hair follicle and causes
it to be prone to breakage. Waiting
at least a day before bleaching your
hair again allows the scalp to relax
from sensitivity you can obtain from
bleaching. This will also help reduce
hair damage that can occur during the
bleaching process.
Don’t use permanent hair dye to
dye your hair. According to hercampus.com,
permanent dyes disintegrate
the hair cuticle due to the process of
pulling out your natural hair color and
sequentially putting new color back in,
unlike semi- and non- permanent dyes
that avoid damaging the hair by coating
the hair follicle with color like a
gloss. Semi- and non-permanent dyes,
also, last for about four to six weeks,
so you won’t have to worry about being
stuck with a color you dislike for a long
time or continuously having to go get
root touch-ups.
Don’t use (as much) heat. Obviously
we all can’t avoid hot tools for
as long we color our hair, but we can
regulate how much heat we use. Keep
the heat on low to avoid as much hair
damage as possible. Patting your hair
dry (not scrunching) or using a blow
dryer and round brush can go a long
way compared to straightening your
hair. If you do use heat, make sure to
apply some sort of heat protectant to
your locks to reduce as much damage
as possible.
Don’t leave the bleach on for too
long/too little. Leaving bleach on your
hair and scalp for too long can cause a
variety of mishaps to occur, including,
but not limited to: chemical burns on
your scalp, damaging your hair follicle
and frying your hair to the point
of it falling out. While this all sounds
completely terrible, leaving bleach
on for too little can also cause some
problems. Not allowing enough time
for bleach to sit on the hair won’t allow
the bleach to lift the original color
from the hair, which will cause those
dreaded brassy tones to show up. So
make sure you follow the bleaching
instructions carefully.
Getting that perfect summery glow
to your hair can definitely take a toll
on your strands, but follow these tips
and you’ll be able to rock lighter locks
while keeping it all intact. *
Photo by Prestley Bramlett
[6] Alice May 2017
BEAUTY
Photo by Emily Heath
By Anna Klement
Everyone ages. Let’s face it, most of you reading this are
in or around your 20s. When it comes to skin care (and
life in general), we’re in that awkward age gap between
too old to have baby’s butt skin, but we’re not yet past the
teenage acne stage. From the inspiring words of Britney
Spears, we’re “not a girl, not yet a woman.” However, you
can’t help but see dozens of labels shouting out to you as
you pass through the beauty aisle at Target — “anti-aging”
this, “reverse fine lines” that.
Do you ever wonder in the back of
your mind when will be your time
to step up to the plate and face the
unknown of age related cosmetics?
We’re sparked by these fascinating
terms like “collagen” and
“retinol,” but what do these things
actually mean? If you’re clueless
about where to begin, read on to
learn how to really take care of your skin: there’s no time
like the present.
The truth is, you’re not going to learn the intimates of
anti-aging skincare in your chemistry or anatomy class.
Aging is a natural process of life. With the society we live in
now, it’s hard not to be concerned about fine lines and wrinkles
that are doomed to pop up on our face one morning.
But don’t lose yourself in a world that requires anti-aging
as a beauty standard — do it to love your skin and keep it
healthy. My grandmother always says, “take care of your
We’re sparked by these
fascinating terms like
“collagen” and “retinol,”
but what do these things
actually mean?
skin now so you don’t have to pay for it later.” She’s the brunette
version of Christy Brinkley, and I think I owe my entire
top shelf to her as far as good products and good genes
can go. Looking for your guide to keeping your skin fresh?
Here’s Alice’s take on tackling anti-aging in your 20s.
Sunscreen. You should be lathering up — Every. Single.
Day. It doesn’t matter if it’s pouring rain outside; sunscreen
is essential to the health of your skin. Prolonged sun exposure
speeds the aging process tremendously. Infrared rays
(hair dryers, ovens, phones) can also damage skin, hence
why you should never be caught
without this essential layer of protection.
Radiation penetrates skin
and attacks collagen. Stick with a
SPF of 20-40. FYI- a higher SPF
than that doesn’t actually work to
protect your skin.
No smoking. Cigarettes contain
over 400 toxic chemicals. These
chemicals causes blood vessels to
constrict, which decreases blood flow that is essential to
healthy skin . Smoking can also lead to puffiness, wrinkles,
blackheads and scars. This is one of the most detrimental
things you can do to your body when it comes to trying to
age gracefully.
Be gentle with your skin. Use eye cream, serums and oils,
even if you have oily skin. When you break out, your body is
trying to make up for lost nutrients. Dab eye cream on with
your ring finger so the vitamins absorb fully in your skin. Using
your ring finger gives you the perfect amount of control
Alice May 2017 [7]
while also keeping your touch gentle
— the tools to your skincare are
your hands! Since skin is thinnest
around the eyes, they often
age first, so be sure to take care of
that area.
Daily regimen. Implementing a daily
skin care regimen will get you into the early
habit of taking a few extra minutes to show
your skin some TLC. You can modify this list
to what fits your lifestyle, but here’s an overview of
some great steps to a routine:
#1. EXFOLIATE Use an exfoliator 2-3 times a
week to remove dead skin cells.
#2. CLEANSE Use a gentle cleanser daily, even if
your skin isn’t sensitive.
#3. TONE The necessity of toner in your routine is
highly debated between all sorts of online blogs and
dermatological testimonies, but it can be worth it if
you’re looking to improve your complexion. You can
substitute this with micellar water, which removes
excess dirt and has similar benefits to a cleanser.
#4. MOISTURIZE This is an incredibly important
step. Moisturized skin helps prevent aging. Your
skin craves moisture (think about when your lips
get chapped), so in addition to this, drink tons
of water.
#5. OILS This is for those of us with skin like
the desert. Skip this step if you have oily skin, as
the oil is meant to provide nutrients your skin lacks.
#6. SERUMS Something all skin types should take
the time to do. Something like a Vitamin C serum,
which plumps skin, does just the trick.
#7. EYE CREAM Small amount, ring finger,
tapping motions — simple as that. You can actually
use any excess on the skin around your lips to help
with fine lines and wrinkles.
#8. SUNSCREEN Can you tell how important
layering on some SPF is? Use this in conjunction
with everything else.
Befriend a dermatologist. Remember to eat well and
consult a nutritionist if you’re interested in vitamins and
supplements. These things play a huge role in your outward
appearance, although you might not see results as fast as
the other tips. Try not to get too stressed out over aging
because it’s the natural cycle of life. Aging is unavoidable,
so take care of your body, and your body will love you back
— after all, you only get one in your lifetime! *
Crisis Pregnancy?
We want to help you.
Free Counseling,
Adoption, and
Multi-Level
Support Services
Available
205-324-6561
info@cfsbhm.org
www.cfsbhm.org
[8] Alice May 2017
BEAUTY
DON’T
SWEAT IT:The
best waterproof
makeup of
the summer
By Haleigh Amend and Kelsey Zaroff
Summer means cookouts, beach
trips, pool days and high temperatures.
But after hours of sweating you
might glance in a mirror at your makeup
and think, “YIKES.” The good
news is, Alice won’t let melted makeup
kill your summer vibe. We’ve got the
secrets to waterproofing your makeup
for when things get hot and steamy (we
mean humidity, of course). No matter
what, your makeup will look as fresh
as it did when you first applied it.
THE PREP
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Daily
Liquid Sunscreen
Before reaching for your makeup,
you want to start with a sunscreen.
Doing this will prevent wrinkles for
when you’re older and decreases your
chance of getting skin cancer. Also,
who wants a burned face? The type of
sunscreen you use can make or break
the lasting power of your makeup, so
it’s important to use one that’s lightweight.
The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
Daily Liquid Sunscreen is oil free, so
you won’t break out or look greasy.
Milk Blur Stick
Let your sunscreen soak in for five
minutes before following the next
step to make your makeup melt-proof:
primer. The Milk Blur Stick will help
you achieve the flawless matte complexion
you’re after.
THE FACE
It Cosmetics Your Skin But
Better CC Cream
Once your skin is fully prepped for
makeup, adding a light layer of CC
cream will give you the coverage you
need without looking too overdone.
The It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better
CC Cream will give you a natural
look with insane coverage and an extra
dose of SPF 50.
NYX Gotcha
Covered
concealer
If you’re not
a fan of CC cream,
you can simply just spot
treat areas that you need to
hide. The NYX Gotcha Covered
concealer is waterproof and full coverage,
so you know it’ll keep everything
covered no matter what.
NYX HD Finishing Powder
A setting powder is going to be your
saving grace for banishing shine.
Carry this with you to touch up when
Alice May 2017 [9]
you see shine attempting to break
through. Translucent is best because
it’s colorless and won’t get cakey when
you add more to your face throughout
the day. We love the NYX HD
Finishing Powder.
Physicians Formula
Butter Bronzer
To add a subtle bronze
glow to your skin, apply
a light colored
bronzer — like the
Physicians Formula
Butter Bronzer
— to the areas the
sun would naturally
hit your face. With a
large, fluffy brush, apply
the bronzer to the hollows
of your cheeks, temples and
under your jaw. For a fully bronzed
look, apply the bronzer down to your
collarbone and neck as well.
Makeup Revolution Sun
Kiss Highlight
Make your cheekbones pop with a bit
of a golden highlight. Dust on some of
the Makeup Revolution Sun Kiss highlight
in the color Sun Kiss. The shimmer
in this highlighter is finely milled
so you’ll look naturally lit from within
rather than looking like you just
doused yourself in glitter — or sweat.
Tarte Cheek Stain
A healthy dose of color on your
cheeks will keep your face looking
fresh. The Tarte Cheek Stain is perfect
because it is a stain rather than
a powder which will leave your cheeks
with a rosy flush even after swimming
in the ocean. There’s a wide range of
colors to choose from so there’s a shade
to flatter every skin tone.
THE EYES
NYX Eyebrow Gel
If you like to keep your brows fleeked
at all times, try the NYX Eyebrow Gel
— it’s waterproof and long-wearing.
Your brows will look natural and defined
like normal, but this brow gel is
specifically formulated to last. It won’t
be going anywhere when you swim or
sweat, and it’s also affordable.
Revlon ColorStay Cream
Eyeshadow
The Revlon ColorStay Cream Eyeshadow
is a quick way to add a wash
of shimmery color to your eyes with a
swipe of your finger. These come in an
array of colors that give you options
for every occasion whether it’s for day
or night.
NYX Proof It Waterproof
Mascara Top Coat
If you don’t want to buy a specifically
waterproof mascara just to go to the
beach, opt for the NYX Proof It Waterproof
Mascara Top Coat instead.
With this product, you can transform
any mascara you already own into a
completely waterproof product.
Now that we’ve shared all of our tips
and favorite beauty products for summer,
it’s up to you to create your signature
waterproof summer look. When
you do, take a selfie and make sure you
tag Alice on Instagram. *
[10] Alice May 2017
BEAUTY
Photo by Alex Green
Floral dress: Buckle
By Vondra Arnold and Anna Crain
There is something satisfying about
having aesthetically pleasing, high end
and raved-about skin care products
sitting on your countertop. Who doesn’t
love going into Sephora and picking
out their favorite beauty guru’s holy
grail moisturizer or face mask? Are all
high end skin care products worth the
hype? Or are there equally as effective
and affordable products out there when
you aren’t willing spend the rest of your
money on a tiny tube of eye cream?
ASK THE EXPERTS
When is comes to skincare, there
are products that are worth the high
price tag and others that you can
find at your local CVS for $10. The
big issue is deciding what products
to splurge on and what products
you can put on your shopping list
for your next grocery haul. Price is
not always the best indicator of the
quality of a product. Dr. Neal Schultz,
Founder of DermTv.com and creator
of Beautyrx.com, shares that when
you buy higher end products, you are
paying for ingredients, formulation,
the way the ingredients are actually
mixed together, packaging, prestige
and perception.
When buying skincare products,
ingredients are crucial factors that
affect the quality. There are two
different types of ingredients: active
and vehicle. Active ingredients are
treating agents. They’re things like
Vitamin C, caffeine, and glycolic acid.
Vehicle ingredients make up creams
and lotions, which active ingredients
are dissolved in. Dr. Ellen Marmur
says, “Some of the more luxury
department store brands may have
more premium ingredients in them,
though that doesn’t mean drugstore
brands aren’t efficacious.” So be on the
lookout for those ingredients during
your next skin care routine update.
Alice May 2017 [11]
WHEN IT’S OK
TO SPLURGE
Schultz suggests splurging on treatment
products such as eye creams,
moisturizers, exfoliants and antioxidants.
These products tend to have
more active ingredients, which are
usually significantly better in higher
end products. Alice has done the
research for you and discovered the
products that are actually worth
the splurge.
DR. DENNIS GROSS C+
COLLAGEN BRIGHTEN & FIRM
VITAMIN C SERUM $78
This illuminating gel-serum packed
with Vitamin C will brighten up your
face — great for that 8 a.m. you stayed
up all night for. The fast absorbing
gel helps smooth skin and reduce fine
lines. The serum is loaded with the
antioxidants niacinamide and CoQ10,
which help fade the appearance of
dark spots and prevent future signs
of aging.
CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE
INTENSE $39
If the name isn’t convincing enough,
customer reviews say this product is
like drinking a huge glass of water
— but for your face. This moisturizer
locks in moisture without leaving
your skin feeling greasy, no matter
what your skin type is. Other customer
reviews share that this product is excellent
for the winter time and is great
with or without makeup. It’s sure to
become your go-to daily moisturizer.
FIRST AID BEAUTY FACIAL
RADIANCE PADS $30
When it comes to exfoliation, you
want a product that is going to penetrate
into your skin. It needs to dissolve
the oil and makeup that builds
up deep in your pores. Dr. David
Colbert, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist
in NYC, suggest using exfoliator
with glycolic and lactic acids. First aid
Beauty’s Facial Radiance Pads fit all
the requirements and do just the trick.
ORIGINS HIGH-POTENCY
NIGHT-A-MINS MINERAL-
ENRICHED OIL-FREE RENEWAL
CREAM $43
If you don’t like serums but still
want their benefits, wearing a night
cream may be for you. Night time is
when your skin is able to regenerate
and heal. Experts say antioxidant enriched
night creams are most effective
at reducing redness as well as moisturize
dry skin. Origins formula is a
creamy mineral formula filled with vitamins
and oils.
WHEN TO SAVE
YOUR MONEY
It’s still possible to treat your skin
without paying the big dollar. Products
like facial wash, toner, body lotion
and even face masks will do just the
job coming from your local drugstore.
Of course, some drugstore products
will be a bust, but there are plenty of
fantastic items you can pick up on your
next Target run.
CETAPHIL DAILY FACIAL
CLEANSER $10
Cleansing your face is one of the
most important parts of your skin routine,
but this doesn’t mean you need
to spend a fortune. Since cleansers
are only on your face for less than a
minute, you don’t need to splurge on
ingredients that could be found in your
[12] Alice May 2017
moisturizer and serums. This product
gently removes makeup, dirt and oils
without drying out your face. Packed
with glycerin and Pro-Vitamin B5,
Cetaphil’s Daily Facial Cleanser will
leave your skin feeling soft and clean.
MARIO BADESCU’S RANGE OF
TONERS $15
Toner is one of those products you
can go with or without. Since it’s not
a necessary skin care step, there’s no
need to buy something fancy. Toners
range from complex treatments to basic
hydration, so it’s best to find a toner
that fits your skin type. Aloe and
chamomile-infused toners are designed
for those with sensitive skin, while glycolic
acid and AHA-packed formulas
fight uneven texture and brighten dull
skin. Clarifying astringents are best
for acne prone skin. Mario Bedescu’s
range of toners are designed for a variety
of skin types, all at a friendly price.
GARNIER SKINACTIVE CLEAN +
PORE PURIFYING 2-IN-1 CLAY
CLEANSER AND MASK $5
Yep. You read correctly, $5. Ever
wanted to indulge your skin in the
new trend of charcoal face products?
Well, now you can. Garnier’s new clay
cleanser and mask uses charcoal, while
kaolin unclogs pores and removes surface
impurities. You can use this product
as a daily cleanser, but get the
added benefit of it being a mask. In
just five minutes and $5, you can treat
you skin.
Next time you go out shopping for
your next skin care products, consider
this: “don’t cheat yourself, treat
yourself.” We want to take care of our
skin and make sure it’s flawless, but
take the time to look into the products
you’re buying so you know exactly
when to pull out a credit card. *
BEAUTY
By Lawson Mohl
Photos by Emily Heath // Makeup by Bobbi Brown
Alice May 2017 [13]
“Although we love the
smokey copper eyes
and mulberry lips of
the colder months, this
season is the time
to experiment.”
If there’s one season that gives off
that “anything goes” vibe, it’s summer.
Although we love the smokey copper
eyes and mulberry lips of the colder
months, this season is the time to experiment.
Bold, bright colors are becoming
the summer staple; to hell with
the rule that says you can only emphasize
your eyes or your lips — never
both. If you’re ready for the whimsy
that comes with the warm weather,
let Alice help you find your signature
summer look.
SPECTRUM SHADOWS
Out of all of the makeup categories,
eyeshadows have perhaps the widest
range and availability of textures,
finishes and colors. Don’t be afraid to
make your eyes stand out; that ‘80s
blue eyeshadow fear has morphed into
a sought after statement look. Makeup
brands have begun to cultivate a range
of bright eyeshadow palettes, making
it simple to create every eye look over
the rainbow. You can choose to stick to
a color palette — like a warm sunset
eye or cool toned galaxy lid — or combine
totally unrelated colors to really
make an impact. Look for eyeshadows
that aren’t chalky and don’t have a
lot of fallout. To make the color stand
out as purely as possible, prime your
eyes with an eye primer, and use a flat
packing brush for the lid. This makes
it so you layer the pigment straight on
rather than buffing it out to be more
sheer. Then blend out your crease for a
seamless, airbrushed finish.
PUCKER UP
One of the easiest ways to make a
statement when you walk out the door
is to play up your lips with a bold color.
There’s no need to stick to the traditional
reds and nudes — teal, lavender
and electric orange are all underrated
options great for making your lips pop.
If you’re not ready to dive into the deep
end of the rainbow, try an orangey-red
or a hot pink; you can still be daring
while keeping your look suitable for
every day. Before you apply any bright
[14] Alice May 2017
lipstick, make sure your lips are exfoliated
and moisturized. You want to
give your lipstick as much of a smooth,
even canvas to work on, so you can
build up that pigment. Look for a liquid
lipstick or a bullet lipstick with
some coverage to really make your
lips eye-catching.
GET IN LINE
Graphic liner is a fast growing trend
that is perfect for those of us who want
to spice up that classic cat eye. The
great thing about graphic liner is that
it gives you full license to break the
conventions of drawing on your normal
wing: many of the styles employ geometric
shapes, sketchy lines and symbols.
If you want to create the look but
you’re not sure where to start, look for
natural lines around your eye that you
can accentuate with eyeliner. Trace
your liner along your crease and connect
it with your normal eyeliner into
the shape of an open wing. Skip top
liner altogether and extend your bottom
lash line with a double flick. Or do
away with lines and ink out some cool
dots instead. Don’t think you have to
stick to black either; some of the most
fun looks involve a cobalt blue, pure
white, or an ombré of several colors.
When it comes to getting graphic, liquid,
gel and a creamy pencil liner are
the way to go. Don’t forget to have a
small clean up brush and some concealer
on hand so you can sharpen and
define your look.
So whatever your comfort level is,
don’t be afraid to be a bit more free
with color this summer. Take advantage
of this time to try new things, be
creative and just have fun with your
look — after all, with all of the colors
of the rainbow at your disposal, why
not use them? *
SPRING101
> TRENDS 2016
@THE
UNIVERSITY
OF
STYLE.
online on facebook + university-mall.com
1701 McFarland Blvd East
Open Daily 10am-9pm, Sunday 1pm-5:30pm
PLAID . COLD SHOULDER . TIE DYE . SUEDE
FRINGE . BACKPACK PURSES . VIVID COLOR
Alice May 2017 [15]
FASHION
HEAD
IN
THE
CLOUDS
Photo by Teah Shaw
Airplanes and location courtesy of Abe Alibrahim
[16] Alice May 2017
Blazer: Az Well
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth
with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been
and there you will long to return.
– Leonardo da Vinci
Photo by Emily Heath Photo by Emily Heath
Alice May 2017 [17]
Photo by Sarah Westmoreland
[18] Alice May 2017
Photo by Emily Heath
White flowy top: Market House
Pants: Az Well
All sunglasses: Lulu’s
Gray jumpsuit: Lulu’s
Photo by Emily Heath
Alice May 2017 [19]
Blue jumpsuit: Lulu’s
Photo by Emily Heath
[20] Alice May 2017
Photo by Emily Heath
Photo by Teah Shaw Photo by Sarah Westmoreland
Alice May 2017 [21]
FASHION
COLOR THEORY: GOLDENROD
Photo by Alex Green
[22] Alice May 2017
Photo by Alex Green
Romper (above): Lulu’s
Romper (left): Pants Store
Alice May 2017 [23]
Photo by Alex Green Photo by Alex Green
Goldenrod blazer: Forever 21
Striped dress: Forever 21
[24] Alice May 2017
Alice May 2017 [25]
Photo by Emily Heath
Cool Looks for a Hot Summer
It’ll be a summer of comfort and style in these bold, bright and colorful outfits –
inspired by the sunny streets and untouched beaches of Cuba. The Havana Collection,
available at The Trunk Show boutique inside both Supe Store locations.
Floral flowy v-neck
¾ length sleeve dress
by JODIFL - $36
3/4 length sleeve floral wrap romper
by JODIFL - $34
Chambray ruffle shorts
by jella c. - $21
Cold shoulder long sleeved
tunic w/ eyelet lace trim
by EMME - $40
Black strappy crepe dress with embroidered
bodice by JODIFL - $36
Ditsy floral wrap dress
by JODIFL - $36
Strappy cropped top
by daytrip - $19
Shorts: short linen ruffle shorts by
veryJ - $26
FASHION
LET THE
GOOD TIMES
ROLL
Photo by Alex Green
[28] Alice May 2017
Photo by Alex Green
Red two-piece: Lavish
Black off-the-shoulder top: Lavish
All other items: Twice as Nice
Photo by Alex Green
Alice May 2017 [29]
Photo by Teah Shaw
Photo by Alex Green
[30] Alice May 2017
Photo by Emily Heath
Alice May 2017 [31]
Photo by Emily Heath
[32] Alice May 2017
Photo by Alex Green
Bralette: Lavish
Black bead necklace: Lavish
Photo by Alex Green
Alice May 2017 [33]
By Kallen Sebastian
This season, less actually is more.
Clothes that show a little skin have
made a major appearance in both runway
and day-to-day fashion. From
nude and sheer to cutout and mesh,
clothes seem to be doing a lot more
showing and a lot less telling.
Perhaps this is a result of recycling
styles from the ‘80s, or perhaps it’s
a byproduct of the lingerie trend:
whatever it is, everyone seems
to be getting on board.
Although we may not
all be so bold as to
wear an entirely sheer dress like Rihanna
or Kim K, we’re starting to see
their vision.
So arrives sheer tops, fishnets and
cutouts of every kind. Fishnets aren’t
limited to their classic design: we’ve
seen a variety of colors and sizes on
the streets (and the internet). If you’re
feeling an early 2000s throwback, try
layering fishnets over nude tights or
try a pair underneath torn denim, giving
you a little grunge while keeping
you in 2017. Even better: try it with
high-waisted fishnets that peek above
your jeans.
If full-on fishnets aren’t for you,
don’t think you have to go all-out to
be a part of the movement. Nude fishnet
ankle socks paired with loafers or
converse are a great way to add a little
spice while keeping it subtle.
Shirts and bodysuits with lace-up
cutouts are also a simple way to show a
little skin without baring it all.
If you’re not quite so Madonna and
a little more Jane Fonda, you will be
pleased to know that athleisure hasn’t
missed the cut either: mesh leggings
and strategically-placed cutouts are
making bold entrances into the athletic
work. It gives workout gear a little sass
without losing its function.
With summer right outside our windows,
it’s no wonder we want to show a
little skin. This season, add some intrigue
to the equation. *
[34] Alice May 2017
Photos by Emily Heath
Grey skirt: Twice as Nice
Mesh shirt: Twice as Nice
Black top: Az Well
White pants: Pants Store
Blue two-piece: Az Well
Blue fishnet: Forever 21
Alice May 2017 [35]
LIFESTYLE
Photo courtesy of Prestley Bramlett
[36] Alice May 2017
48
hours in
Birmingham
By Emily Adams and Christina Ausley
Birmingham: our local big city with a southern, small-town feel.
Whether you’re visiting for the food or the sights, it’s the perfect
city to spend a weekend. Birmingham’s historic downtown area,
up-and-coming music scene and delicious southern eats are all conveniently
located only an hour from campus. Treat yourself to some
retail therapy, make evening plans to see the hottest show in town
and, most importantly, leave a little room for a bit of spontaneity.
Day
1
No
weekend excursion would be complete
without a luxurious hotel room.
Stay at the newly-renovated Hampton
Inn and Suites’ Tutwiler Hotel for its
convenient downtown location and affordable
room options. The Tutwiler is
perfect for anyone who admires southern
elegance and appreciates modern
conveniences.
9 a.m. Chez Lulu and Continental
Bakery is a little slice of Paris right
here in the deep South. Step into this
corner bake shop to sample the best
Alice May 2017 [37]
delicacies Chef Carole Griffin has to offer.
Every bite of her crepes, baguettes
and tarts is a taste of authentic French
cuisine (just ask her many loyal customers).
The doors to the bakery open
at 7 a.m., and since every item on the
menu is made fresh daily, it’s definitely
worth making the early morning trek.
Stop by for a delicious breakfast bite
and ask for the daily special. You won’t
be disappointed!
The details: 1909 & 1911 Cahaba Rd. /
$9 / chezlulu.us
10 a.m. Once you’ve had your daily
sugar fix, head to the Market at Pepper
Place. A retro farmer’s market located
in the former Dr. Pepper Syrup Plant
and Bottling Company, Pepper Place
offers the freshest food and trendiest
wares on the market. With over a hundred
Alabama-based artists, artisans
and crafters present each week, the
market is a hub for tourists and locals
alike. Be sure to take the time to explore
the rest of the historic Lakeview
Design District during your visit here!
The details: 2829 2nd Avenue South /
Varies / pepperplacemarket.com
12 p.m. From Pepper Place, it’s only
a short walk to one of the quirkiest
shops in town: What’s on 2nd. A treasure
trove of undiscovered vinyls, vintage
movie posters and collectibles of
all kinds, What’s on 2nd will keep you
busy for hours as you lose yourself in
its ever-changing inventory. Stop by
this local favorite to find that perfect
vintage piece for your apartment or to
peruse a bit of pop culture history.
The details: 2323 1st Ave. N. / Varies /
whatson2ndbirmingham.com
1 p.m. After a morning of exploring
the city, you’re probably looking forward
to some quintessential southern
eats. Saw’s is barbecue at its finest,
and the heaping plates of mouthwatering
brisket, chicken and pork are
Photos from top left to bottom: Light Tunnel, Seth Doyle;
downtown Birmingham, Blair Blackmon; Birmingham sign,
Morgan Stevenson; Penny & Sparrow at Iron City, Emma Bjornson
[38] Alice May 2017
definitely worth the wait in line. (Get
here before the lunch hour rush to
snag a spot at the front.) Saw’s is an
award-winning eatery, and it’s easy to
see why when the homemade sides are
just as delicious as the main course.
The details: 1008 Oxmoor Rd / $15 /
sawsbbq.com
2 p.m. There’s nowhere better to grab
dessert (and to relax after a satisfying
meal) than Church St. Coffee and
Books. Come here to lounge with a new
bestseller in the cozy upstairs reading
nook, buy a homemade gift for a friend
or try a tasty treat off the unique
café menu. The Breakup Cookie is a
cult-favorite and locally famous for its
chocolatey deliciousness.
The details: 81 Church St., Mountain
Brook / $10 / churchstreetshop.com
7 p.m. For a picture-perfect moment
after the sun sets, visit the Light Tunnel.
An underpass turned art installation,
the Light Tunnel is the creation
of artist Bill FitzGibbons. Using thousands
of LED lights on a computerized
system, FitzGibbons turned a historic
Art Deco tunnel into a technicolor wonderland
perfect for cyclists, pedestrians
and Instagram enthusiasts to enjoy.
The details: 2501 5th Avenue North /
Free
8 p.m. To wrap up your first day in
Birmingham, catch a show at Iron City
Music Hall. Originally built in 1929 as
an auto factory, Iron City now hosts
one of the most phenomenal music
scenes in Alabama. Featuring upcoming
acts such as Mayday Parade and
Sister Hazel, Iron City is the perfect
venue for a girls’ night out or a rockin’
date night. With its three stages, two
bars and restaurant, there’s sure to be
something that catches your eye at this
downtown music hall.
The details: 513 22nd St. S. / Varies /
ironcitybham.com
Day 2
The sun rises on day two and it’s
time to kick-start your last 24 hours in
the Iron City. Stretch your legs and get
ready for a day full of French cuisine
made with local ingredients and views
to die for. Use these tips, but also plan
ahead by making reservations if you’re
in the mood for a nicer sit-down lunch
or dinner under the city lights of Birmingham.
8 a.m. Let’s toast! If you’re in the
mood for a tasty morning treat, try
this: Trattoria Centrale. Start your
morning off right with Trattoria Centrale’s
famous French toast in a trendy,
European-styled café. If French toast
isn’t your thing, the café also offers
fresh scones, omelets, sandwiches and
orange juice — all made with local and
organic ingredients.
The details: 207 20th St N / Varies /
trattoriacentrale.com
If you’re closer to Clairmont Avenue,
Bogues remains open from 6 a.m.
– 2 p.m. and offers a unique spot for
breakfast, brunch or lunch. This Birmingham
gem offers traditional southern
hospitality and cuisine from biscuits
and gravy to a stack of blueberry
pancakes, not to mention the prices are
more than reasonable.
The details: 3028 Clairmont Ave / Varies
/ boguesdiner.com
9 a.m. If you want to see the true view
of Iron City, check out Birmingham’s
Vulcan Statue. Home of the largest
cast iron statue in the world, this giant
stands tall over the city. For just $6,
you can climb up the steps to the top
and view Birmingham in all its glory.
The overlook is a great photo-op and
can be accessed in the early morning
or late evening for spectacular sunrise
and sunset views. With Birmingham
known as “Steel City,” how could you
miss this 50-ton iron giant?
Alice May 2017 [39]
The details: 1701 Valley View Dr / $6 /
visitvulcan.com
11 a.m. If you’re looking to walk off
those blueberry pancakes or French
toast, Railroad Park offers an array
of walking paths and trails. The park
also offers free exercise classes like
yoga and Zumba whether you’re in the
mood to relax or get your heart rate
up. Visit http://www.railroadpark.org/
for the park’s schedule of events.
The details: 1600 1st Ave S
12 p.m. In need of a little pick-me-up?
If you’ve spent your afternoon walking
the trails or climbing the Vulcan Statue,
you’re more than likely in need of a
sugary or caffeinated boost. For a hip,
rustic and local coffee shop, try Urban
Standard Coffee for a house-made chai
latte or iced coffee.
The details: 2320 2nd Ave N / Varies /
urbanstandard.com
If you have a sweet tooth, try Doodles
for homemade sorbet or Savage’s Bakery
for an intricately-frosted cupcake
or cookie. Both locations are long-running
and local favorites.
The details: (Doodles) 3236 Cahaba
Heights Rd. (Savage’s) 2916 18th St S
/ Varies / savagesbakery.com
2 p.m. Let’s turn the page, if you’re
looking for a little taste of shopping, be
sure to sort through Jim Reed Books.
This historic book store offers thousands
of novels, magazines, newspapers
and antiques fit for almost any curious
visitor. The best part about this
shop is that it offers around 250,000
uncatalogued items up for discovery.
Ask for just about any obscure item,
and they’ll find it for you.
The details: 2021 3rd Ave N / Varies /
jimreedbooks.com
Outside of books, Charlemagne Records
and Renaissance Records offer
thousands of vinyls to skim through
and purchase. Whether you’re looking
[40] Alice May 2017
for classic rock, alternative or vintage
pop, both of these businesses will more
than likely have exactly what you’re
looking for.
The details: (Charlemagne) 1924 ½
11th Ave S / Varies // (Renaissance)
2020 11th Ave S B / Varies
6 p.m. Once dinner time rolls around,
try Bottega Restaurant for upscale
Italian fare or Hotbox for a fun take on
Asian food for less than $10. Though
both locations couldn’t be more different,
both offer some of Birmingham’s
best cuisine and local favorites.
The details: (Bottega) 2240 Highland
Ave / Varies / bottegarestaurant.com //
(Hotbox) 4036 5th Ave S #2 / Varies /
hotboxbhm.com
8 p.m. If you’re looking to wrap it up,
enjoy Birmingham’s nightlife watching
the sunset from Red Mountain
near English Village, purchasing a
ticket for the night’s performance at
Alabama Theater or checking out
Moonlight on the Mountain. Moonlight
Photo by Noah Hinton
on the Mountain provides a unique
musical atmosphere where you’re encouraged
to bring your own drinks
and snacks, as they don’t serve any of
their own. Instead, the intimate setting
offers live acoustic acts, poetry
readings and comedians. Visit http://
www.musiconthemtn.com/events/ for
their schedule of events and more information.
The details: (Red Mountain) 2011
Frankfurt Dr / redmountainpark.org
// (Alabama Theater) 1817 3rd Ave N /
Varies / alabamatheatre.com // (Moonlight)
Bluff Park Shopping Center, 585
Shades Crest Rd
Check out the app “Birmingham IN
Guide,” where you can get a layout
of the city’s restaurants, hotels and
attractions. The app also supplies directions
to each location and customer
comments to help you find the parts of
Birmingham that best accommodate
your preferences. *
Wedding
Season
Survival Guide
By Katie Bell
With the sunshine comes the bride:
summer wedding season is upon us.
From what to wear and who to bring,
this time of year can be a little daunting.
Travel, lodging and registry gifts can
be enough to make your head spin. We
know you know the Golden Rule (don’t
wear white to a wedding), Alice has
the best tips to not just surviving but
thriving for every summer celebration.
Lots of planning goes into a wedding
from the bridal party’s side, and being
prepared on your side can help the big
day transition smoothly. It’s a special
event celebrating the couple’s big day,
but a bride is just as worried about her
guests having fun as she is walking
down the aisle.
First and foremost, RSVP to wedding
invitations by the suggested date
given. This helps the bride plan for catering
and seating, while also showing
appreciation and respect for the hard
work that went into designing, organizing
and mailing those invitations.
Next, book a hotel or Airbnb for the
weekend if applicable. Always go in
with friends to reduce the cost and
make a fun road trip out of it if you
don’t fly. Also, monitor the bridal registry
and pick a gift within your price
range or go in with a friend on an expensive
item.
As far as bridal showers go, don’t
sweat if you can’t make all of them —
the bride will understand. Pick a party
that works with your schedule, RSVP
and enjoy the time celebrating the bride.
DO
“Pick the right shoes. Don’t wear a
pair with skinny heels that will sink
into the ground if it’s outside. Dress
for the venue.” - Molli, 22
“Take a date that you know can handle
the agenda for the day. A ceremony
and reception can sometimes be allday
events, and mixing that with alcohol
and strangers and be overwhelming
for some. Take someone who would
be excited to go.” - Kelley, 22
“Eat a little something before you
go. You never know what the food table
will look like and partying on an empty
stomach can be risky.” - Kim, 54
DON’T
“Don’t blow your budget going to
every party or shower a couple has.”
- Angel, 38
“Don’t post pictures of the wedding
before the professional photographer
does.” - Allison, 35
“Don’t experiment with spray tans
a few days before a wedding if you’ve
never gotten one before. I did once …
let’s just say it didn’t go very well.”
- Kady, 22
Nobody wants to provoke a bridezilla.
When choosing an outfit, steer clear of
anything that could potentially overshadow
the bride or bridal party. Don’t
be the guest on her phone the whole
time — this means putting it away for
the ceremony and reception.
You are responsible for your plus one
date, which means choose a respectful
date who knows how to conduct himself
or herself around an open bar and new
people. At the end of the night, don’t
worry if you’re unable to say goodbye
to the bride and groom. Offer congratulations
and praise at some point of
the night when the bride and groom
are available; saying goodbye can be
hard in a reception room full of people.
Overall, remember you are there to celebrate
the marriage of a friend and to
have fun. *
Alice May 2017 [41]
Pack
[42] Alice May 2017
By Lota Erinne and Carson Woody
Whether you’re spending a summer
in Paris or just going home for the
weekend to visit family, there is one inescapable
issue when it comes to traveling:
packing.
It’s the least glamorous part of any
trip, yet it’s arguably the most important.
After all, how can you enjoy
a getaway with friends if you’re scrambling
to replace those sandals you left
at home or worrying about how to deal
with the catastrophe of a shattered
bottle of foundation? An organized, efficiently-packed
suitcase is the key to
starting any trip on the right foot, and
we are here to help you unlock the keys
to a stress-free vacation.
WEEKEND TRIP
Whether you’re going on a fun getaway
with your friends or traveling
for something more serious, everyone
needs to know how to pack for a weekend
getaway. All you need for this short
trip is one bag and maybe a large purse
or tote bag (seriously, those things
can hold everything). Here’s what
you’ll need:
Shirts: It’s tempting to dump your
entire closet in your suitcase, but stay
strong. You’ve worn the same shirt for
the past four days (#RealTalk). Two
or three shirts should do the trick.
Pants: Depending on the weather,
two pairs of pants or shorts should
be fine. For a lightweight solution
that barely takes up any space,
bring leggings.
Underwear: Here is where you can
splurge. Underwear hardly takes up
any space, so overpack a little on this
in case of emergency. Pro tip: you can
pack underwear inside other things —
like shoes.
Toiletries: Just bring the basics.
Wherever you are going will most likely
have shampoo and conditioner, so
remember the essentials: your makeup
bag, a toothbrush, some deodorant and
personal medications.
A WEEK
Weeklong trips pose a dilemma:
Should you stick to one small-to-medium
sized bag? Or would it be better
to bring two bags or just upgrade to a
big suitcase?
One big suitcase is fine for air travel,
but less is definitely more if you’re
driving to your destination. It’s best
to cram all you can into a suitcase
that’s not too tough to maneuver and
doesn’t take up much space. Here
are a few tips to maximize efficiency
and keep your long-suffering zipper
from busting.
Pack socks and underwear in shoes.
This technique, as weird as it sounds,
will keep your shoes from flattening
out. Lay them on their sides with the
soles touching each other to keep from
getting your clothes dirty — no one
Attack
wants to open their suitcase and be
greeted with a dirt-streaked surprise.
Roll your clothes. You’ve heard your
parents lament your habit of just
throwing everything in the bag, and
now it’s time to listen to them. While
folding is the most common practice,
rolled up clothing saves even more
space and is easier to sift through
without yanking out the contents of
your suitcase.
Don’t cut corners. Once your bag
seems full, take a moment to reassess.
Are there empty spaces in the corners?
Could you reposition your makeup bag
to create more room? Never miss an
opportunity to fit a few last things in
your bag.
Get stacked. Place anything fragile
— glasses, breakable makeup containers,
etc. — between layers of softer
material. Be sure to pack everything
tightly to minimize jostling as you
travel and keep your belongings intact.
STUDY ABROAD
Congratulations: You are about to
embark on one of the most exciting adventures
of your college career. With
all the paperwork and detailed planning
behind you, you want to make
sure that that last piece — packing
— is as painless as possible. As with
any lengthy trip, a well-packed suitcase
is essential. However, you don’t
have to pack literally everything you
own just because you’re going to be
gone for months. Remember: you can
buy things in other countries too, so
that pillow that’s taking up space in
your luggage has got to go. What you
need are the essentials, and a few other
lesser known items that people tend
to forget.
Medicine: If you take a regular medication,
research it and make sure it is
allowed in your destination and on the
plane. It’s best to pack a full supply for
the duration of your trip.
Clothing: Roll your clothing so it fits
better in your suitcase. You’ll be gone
for a while, so bring all your staples,
including at least one nice outfit. Pay
attention to the weather as well, and
pack accordingly. If you need to bring
a big winter coat, wear it with you
while you travel to save space.
Photocopies of all important documents:
This is the most important one.
Make sure you have copies of all the
documents you need (passport, visa,
etc.) — actually, make multiple copies
and store them in a secure place.
Credit Card without Foreign Transaction
Fees: No one wants to pay extra
fees when they are already traveling
and spending money.
Toiletries: Keep these minimal. Most
of these items can be bought in any location,
so free up some space in your
suitcase and leave them out.
Shoes: You don’t need more than
three pairs of shoes — wipe that grimace
off your face, you know you don’t.
Pack one for casual day-to-day wear,
one formal pair and one pair for more
rugged terrain.
Leave some room: When you eventually
have to go home (yes, you do have
to leave at some point), you’ll want to
bring a few mementos back with you.
Leave some extra space in your suitcase
to store memories made on your
amazing time abroad.
OVERALL TIPS
A suitcase is a suitcase no matter
where you take it. The following strategies
are useful for trips of any length
— keep them in mind every time you
travel and you can’t go wrong.
Check the weather forecast for your
destination and prepare accordingly.
Plan your outfits, or at least have an
idea of what you’ll need to wear.
Make a list of everything you pack.
When you’re coming home, go back
over the list and be sure you aren’t forgetting
anything.
Travel is going to be a bit hectic no
matter what, but you don’t need to
let the stress take over the fun and
adventure of the journey. When in
doubt, focus on the necessities and
remember that if your forget something
it won’t be the end of the world.
Happy Traveling! *
Alice May 2017 [43]
LIFESTYLE
BOTTLE IT UP
By Danielle Waddell
With sweltering heat right
around the corner, hydration
is key to keeping up
with your summer bucket list. Not
sure what type of water bottle best
suits your summer needs? Here’s our
list of hyped-up water bottles, their
perks and downfalls.
A+ Nalgene Tritan Wide
Mouth (32 oz.) $10.99
Easy on the nose. Users say Nalgene
bottles don’t hold the “smell,” as compared
to some other bottles. If you’ve
experienced (and hate) the “smell,”
here’s your new BFF!
No limitations. The Tritan’s wide
mouth allows for lots of ice and water
without the difficulty of fighting a
strange or small mouth shape.
Tough skin. Nalgene users gush
about the bottle’s durability. No
amount of drops, falls or abuse drive
the bottle to leak.
Shape of you. Nalgene bottles
come in all shapes and sizes, so be
sure to check out which one best fits
your preferences.
A
Hydro Flask (21 oz.
Standard Mouth) $32.95
Baby, I’m worth it. User Mallory
McIntosh said the bottle is heavy duty,
long-lasting and perfect for keeping
cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot.
For long summer days on the beach,
ice cold water is more than worth the
extra money.
Tough Skin. McIntosh says the nice
exterior of Hydro Flasks fade quickly
[44] Alice May 2017
with a few drops to the floor, so handle
your Flask carefully.
Shape of you. Be aware of the different
mouth shapes; different people
have different preferences. Research
what’s best for you before purchasing
your bottle or any add-ons.
A heavy load. Hydro Flask products
tend to be rather dense (part of
the temperature technology), adding
some weight to your daily cross-campus
travels.
Tinted, not tainted. Users say the inside
of your Flask may stain from coffee
or tea — a warning for those easily
panicked by signs of staining.
A-
S’ip by S’well $24.99
Baby, I’m worth it. Keeps your hot
drinks scalding and your cold drinks
frigid.
Ice, ice, baby. The small opening
makes getting peculiar-shaped ice into
the bottle tricky, so be aware of your
freezer’s ice shape.
Size matters. On the topic of size,
S’ip is a bit on the small side, but
Erika Pope said she loves the size —
S’ip fits into backpack pockets beautifully.
Thankfully, S’well’s handy
temperature-keeping strength is found
in all their bottles for those seeking a
little more water room.
Don’t sweat it. Pope raved about the
bottle’s no-sweat power. Dry hands
for days!
B+
Brita Filtered $18.99
So fresh, so clean. With a built-in
Brita water filter, users can drink
nearly any water, anywhere — a major
bonus for world travelers.
Work for it. Due to the filter itself,
along with the shape and science of
the spout, it takes a bit more effort to
drink water from this bottle as compared
to others.
Clean freak. Cleaning the bottle
proves to be quite a hassle as areas of
the lid are difficult or nearly impossible
to reach.
A piece of cake. Replacement filters
for the bottle are inexpensive and easy
to replace.
B- CamelBak Chute
(0.75L) $15.00
I’ve got it handled. Chute users love
the harnessed cap that folds back and
snuggly slips into the handle. No worries
about losing the lid or having it
fall on your face mid-sip.
Clean freak. Frequently compared
to the difficult-to-clean Eddy mouthpiece,
Chute’s wide mouth allows for
easy cleaning.
Rain drop, drip drop. While some
users never experience leaking issues,
others say the Chute leaks no matter
how well or tightly the cap is screwed
on. Give the bottle a thorough trial run
before allowing it the space next to
your laptop.
Tough skin. The Chute can take a
hit (or two, or three…) While reviews
say a few falls might further affect the
leaking, the bottle itself proves to be
tough stuff.
Summer is fun, but not when you’re
dehydrated. Whether hiking your way
through summer (Nalgene for the
win!) or relaxing on the beach day-byday
(hello, Hydro Flask), don’t forget
your most important accessory: your
water bottle. *
LIFESTYLE
Revamp
and Revive
Your New Year’s
Resolutions
By Mikelah Luke
It’s sweet summertime right now,
and, between all of the beach trips and
days in the sun, you realize that you
haven’t even thought about your New
Year’s resolutions since January. But,
hey, it’s okay, it happens to the best of
us. In fact, statistics have shown that
about 45 percent of people who make
resolutions each year don’t maintain
them past six months. If you don’t
want to be one of those people and
you’re looking for a way to get back on
track, here are our five steps to revamp
and revive those resolutions, so you can
get out of that “better luck next year”
mindset and you’ll be able to show the
rest of this year who’s boss.
Step 1: Revisit
The first thing you need to do is revisit
your resolutions. Think about
what it was you wanted to change or
start doing and write it down. Along
with doing this, you want to make sure
you’re being realistic when it comes to
making your resolutions. It’s great in
theory but ending world hunger can’t
be done in a year. It’s a better idea to
have realistic goals that you can complete
in a decent amount of time. You’ll
feel loads better in the end when you’ve
actually accomplished what you set out
to do.
Once you’ve got your thoughts together,
try to prioritize your list by
what’s most important to you. Figuring
out those things can make the entire
process a lot less stressful. Let’s
face it — you probably already have
too much stress in your life, so you
should try to cut out as much of it as
possible.
Step 2: Support
So you’ve got your new and improved
Alice May 2017 [45]
list: what’s next? Get a support system.
We honestly can’t stress this enough
— if you don’t have someone there to
help motivate you, you’re more likely
to fail compared to someone who has
a whole army of people behind them.
I’m not saying you need an entire battalion,
but a couple of people, or even
one, is always better than none. For example,
it’s easier for most people to go
to the gym with a friend than it is for
them go to by themselves. It’s always
helpful to have someone go with you to
help motivate you, and that same logic
applies here.
If you’re trying to eat more vegetables
or cut out sodas from your diet,
you can always expect to have weak
moments. Sometimes you’d rather eat
the cupcake instead of the celery and
having someone to tell you, “No, remember
that you’re trying to cut that
stuff out,” can help you move leaps and
bounds towards your goals.
Step 3: Baby Steps
While your support system can help
hold you up during your weak moments,
you have to first remember
that taking small steps is essential.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you
can’t change your whole lifestyle in a
day either.
You always have to remember to take
it one day at a time; while it can seem
like it’s easy to just cut out half of your
regular food groups in one day, trust
me, it’s not.
Step 4: Patience
Speaking of failure, it happens to everyone.
Failure is a part of life and unless
you have the willpower and determination
of a bull, you’ll probably fail.
But, even if you do mess up, you
have to remember not to be too hard
on yourself. Stuff happens and life can
always get the best of us. If you’re at a
tailgate and you decide to try that football-shaped
cupcake instead of going
for the vegetable platter, it’s completely
fine. Sometimes cheating is good for
you, and you have to try not to feel too
guilty about straying from the path
you’ve set out for yourself.
Always remember to take care of
yourself first. While sticking to a goal
can feel great, mental health should
always be your top priority. A healthy
mind is always the first step to creating
a healthy lifestyle.
Step 5: Keep It Fun
Last but not least, make the process
fun. If you’re too clinical about this,
it won’t be something you want to do
every day and you’ll go right back into
that “better luck next year” mindset.
Try to find ways that can make you
happy to be making lifestyle changes.
If you can find ways that you enjoy
you’ll want to do it everyday and then
eventually it’ll become a habit. Reward
yourself along the way — when you
reach a milestone, go buy those shoes
you’ve had your eye on, or treat yourself
to a facial and a night in with your
dog. The little things always add up in
the end and can really make changing
your life worth it.
Alice knows that being a student
can be tough, especially when you
feel the pressure of keeping up with
homework, internships and social lives
as well as your personal goals. We’ve
been there and know how rewarding
it feels to complete a New Year’s resolution.
Hopefully these steps can help
you as the mid-year slump approaches.
There’s always time to turn the year
around and with our guide and your
people around you, you’ll have that list
of resolutions finished in no time. *
[46] Alice May 2017
48
58
62
64
Features
Eternal Summer
Hard to Swallow
Exposed
Escape Artist
Photo by Alex Green
Alice May 2017 [47]
Photo by Prestley Bramlett
Black floral maxi: Lulu’s
[48] Alice May 2017
ETERNAL
SUMMER
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm’d;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimm’d;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st;
Nor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st;
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.
–William Shakespeare
Styling by Allie Binford
Hair and makeup by Allie Lowry
Alice May 2017 [49]
Photo by Prestley Bramlett
Green maxi: Lucca
White jumpsuit: Market House
Photo by Prestley Bramlett
[50] Alice May 2017
Alice May 2017 [51]
Photo by Alex Green
Striped two-piece: Pants Store
Photo by Prestley Bramlett
[52] Alice May 2017
Photo by Prestley Bramlett
Photo by Prestley Bramlett
Alice May 2017 [53]
Photo by Prestley Bramlett
[54] Alice May 2017
White tank: Market House
Black top: Az Well
Striped skirt: Az Well
Light blue dress: Lucca
Striped pants: Market House
Photo by Alex Green
Alice May 2017 [55]
Photo by Prestley Bramlett
Photo by Alex Green
Photo by Alex Green
[56] Alice May 2017
Tan dress: Lucca
Navy jumpsuit: Lulu’s
Alice May 2017 [57]
Photo by Prestley Bramlett
Photos by Marie Walker
[58] Alice May 2017
HARD
TO
SWAL-
LOW
A look into fertility awareness and
hormone-free alternatives to the pill
By Maria Oswalt
The ‘80s had Heathers, the
‘90s had Clueless — if you
ask any college-aged woman
today what she considers the
most quotable movie of her generation,
I’d bet good money she says it’s Mean
Girls. The 2004 teen comedy became
a cult classic with its witty one-liners,
which continue to be relevant over a
decade later. My favorite quote comes
from the skeeziest character in the entire
movie — Coach Carr, the health
teacher. Parodying abstinence-only
sex education, he proclaims to a gym
full of teenagers:
“Don’t have sex,
because you will
get pregnant and
you will die.”
Various studies, including one in
2007 from the National Center for Biotechnology
Information in the U.S. Library
of Medicine, suggest that abstinence-only
approaches to sex education
don’t delay or prevent sexual activity
in adolescents — so I wouldn’t recommend
Coach Carr’s tactics. However,
that’s a debate for another day. Rewatching
this scene made me recall the
sex education I received growing up in
north Alabama.
Despite the anti-sex stereotypes
surrounding the Bible Belt, the sex
education I received in high school
was relatively comprehensive. I vividly
remember when my tenth-grade
health class watched The Miracle of
Life — well, actually, I remember the
smooth surface of my desk against my
forehead and the faint smell of Clorox.
I’d put my head down to avoid seeing
too much, and the girl sitting behind
me generously narrated every gruesome
detail, so I wouldn’t miss out.
Outside of the awkwardness of that
film, my health teacher did a decent
job explaining the biology behind sex,
talking about the dangers of various
STIs and even discussing the pros and
cons of barrier methods vs. hormonal
methods of contraception. Something
that never came up, however, was the
science behind fertility. I was shocked
when, at 20 years old, I learned that
there were natural, hormone-free ways
to avoid pregnancy that were nearly
as effective as hormonal
contraception.
I was doubly
shocked when I
learned that the
pill is classified as a
Group 1 carcinogen
by the World Health
Organization. If
there were healthier
options, why
weren’t we learning
about them? I was
already an adult (well, as much as you
can consider a 22-year-old who wears a
Pikachu onesie every so often an adult)
when I realized that I knew next to
nothing about how my fertility worked
— and a quick survey of my friends revealed
that I wasn’t the only one feeling
that way.
“The only sex ed I got was in seventh
grade, and they basically told us, ‘Use
the pill. Use condoms.’ It wasn’t until I
was in college that I learned anything
about the possible consequences,” said
Georgia Gallagher, a freshman from
Denver. “I feel like most women are
in the same boat as me, and they take
it because they don’t realize there are
other options.”
Genevieve Aucoin, a senior from Atlanta,
echoed her sentiments. “Most of
what I remember from my high school
sex ed was a single transparency they
put on the projector that showed the
different kinds of birth control and the
pros/cons of each. I think there was
something about the Rhythm Method,
and they said that it was ineffective
— that was all they told us about
‘natural alternatives.’”
Mary Katherine Holladay, a sophomore
from Athens, Alabama, said
that she received an abstinence-only
sex education. She eventually got her
information about contraceptives from
friends and friends’ parents.
“I’ve tried multiple forms of birth
control, and for the most part they had
a negative effect on other areas of my
life, such as my mood,” Holladay said.
“It just wasn’t worth it. Hormones,
for me, haven’t been an effective or
worthwhile solution.”
As college-aged men and women, it’s
imperative that we make well-informed
sexual health decisions — so what exactly
are the consequences of using
hormonal birth control? What are our
options in regards to natural methods?
PILLS N’ POTIONS
Let’s start at the very beginning (a
very good place to start). The history
of the pill is riddled with controversy,
and not just because of the typical drama
surrounding contraceptives. Many
ethically reprehensible practices were
involved in its development — for example,
in the 1950s, biologist Gregory
Pincus, gynecologist John Rock
and Dr. Edris Rice-Wray couldn’t find
enough women willing to endure the
painful side effects from the trial runs
of their hormonal contraceptives, so
they turned to forcing women to participate
in their studies. “These women
weren’t told what the pill was for;
instead, they were supposed to shut
up, take their medicine, and submit
to frequent, invasive medical exams,”
writes Bethy Squires in her Broadly
article “The Racist and Sexist History
of Keeping Birth Control Side Ef-
Alice May 2017 [59]
fects Secret.” She goes on to mention
that the development of birth control
for men was considered, but it was
eventually dismissed due to the side
effects. “It was believed that women
would tolerate side effects better than
men, who demanded a higher quality of
life,” she writes. Beyond the trial runs
of hormonal contraceptives, as it was
brought into the consumer market,
the risks continued to remain under
wraps. Thankfully, modern technology
has reduced the number of side effects
related to the pill, but it has not
eliminated them.
Estrogen acts as both
a promoter and an initiator,
so higher levels of estrogen
in the body lead to much
higher risks of breast cancer.
[60] Alice May 2017
A RISKY CHEMICAL ROMANCE
With this knowledge, it’s no surprise
that there are so many misunderstandings
surrounding the pill’s side effects.
Recent studies link use of the pill with
everything from depression to a higher
risk of breast cancer.
A November 2016 study from Denmark
is the most recent one to find a
correlation between hormonal contraceptives
and depression. This study
reported an 80 percent relative risk
increase in the likelihood that a 15- to
19-year-old taking oral contraceptives
would later be put on antidepressants
as well. Other types of hormonal contraceptives
— such patches, rings and
injectables — reported higher rates
of correlation with depression than
oral contraceptives.
When it comes to breast cancer, the
connection comes from increased estrogen
levels. According to the American
Cancer Institute, cancer is caused by a
mutation in a cell’s DNA. Carcinogens
are factors which can aid in the development
of cancer in one of two ways:
either they speed up the cell division
rate as a “promoter,” which increases
the chance that a mutation will occur,
or they are an “initiator,” which directly
causes the mutation. Estrogen acts
as both a promoter and an initiator, so
higher levels of estrogen in the body
lead to much higher risks of breast
cancer. While oral contraceptives as
a whole have been labeled as Group 1
carcinogens because of this, the pill
comes in many forms with varying
levels of estrogen, so each type comes
with a different risk level.
Other, less severe side effects that
have been linked to the use of hormonal
contraceptives include nausea, mood
swings and a loss of libido.
As our culture increases its awareness
regarding the hormones we put in our
bodies through our food, it is equally as
important to consider the effect of the
hormones we consume through contraceptives.
While the knowledge of these
side effects might not affect every person’s
sexual health decisions, it is important
that this information is more
widely known.
NO EASY ROAD
The primary reason that natural alternatives
to the pill are not utilized is
a lack of convenience. They require the
user to study and chart their own fertility
levels — hence why they are often
referred to as fertility awareness-based
methods, or FAMs. They can also be
referred to under the umbrella of Natural
Family Planning.
According to the Guttmacher Institute,
a sexual health research and policy
organization, only 1.4
percent of people avoiding
pregnancy use FAMs. It
makes sense that — with
the convenience of simply
taking a pill rather than
charting and learning about
fertility — a whopping 25.9
percent of contraceptive users take
the pill.
When it comes to effectiveness, however,
the two are almost equal. Studies
from the Guttmacher Institute reveal
that the percentage of women using
FAMs who will have an unintended
pregnancy over the course one year
of “perfect” use is only 0.4–0.5, compared
to 0.3 percent of women who
“perfectly” use the pill for a year.
WHADDUP FAM?
So what constitutes a fertility awareness-based
method? A common misconception
about FAMs is that they are all
essentially the Rhythm Method. The
Rhythm Method, developed in the early
twentieth century, is calendar-based
— users chart their periods and use
mathematical projections to estimate
the next time they will ovulate. This is
not nearly as effective as other FAMs,
which typically require the user to
monitor more than just timing. Furthermore,
twenty-first century medical
technology has greatly improved their
effectiveness. Today, the most common
FAMs are the Creighton Model,
the Symptothermal Model and the
Marquette Model.
CHEERS TO THE
FREAKIN’ CREIGHTON
The Creighton Model of NFP focuses
on female cervical mucus. Users learn
from a certified instructor about the
various types of mucus and how they
relate to fertility and hormone levels,
and then they monitor and chart their
observations every day. While there is
a bit of a learning curve, this method
can be highly reliable if done with the
help of an instructor; a five-study composite
compiled by NaProTECHNOL-
OGY found the method-effectiveness
of the Creighton Model to be 98 percent
and the use-effectiveness to range
from 94.6 to 97.9 percent.
BE A SYMPTOTHERMAL
KIND OF MAN
(I tried, y’all. There are zero good
puns using the word “symptothermal,”
so I did what I could).
The Symptothermal Model also
monitors cervical mucus, but in addition,
it reqiures the user to track
their basal body temperature as well.
This dual-tracking method has been
found to have an accuracy rate of 99.5
percent when used properly with an
instructor’s help.
Both the Creighton and Symptothermal
models are especially useful
for women with irregular cycles who
might have trouble relying on calendar-based
methods like the Rhythm
Method. Although it is more time-intensive,
monitoring the body’s natural
signs and functions to estimate ovulation
is much more reliable than merely
relying on statistics.
BACK ON THE MARQUETTE
The Marquette Model tracks hormone
levels to determine fertility with
an at-home urine test. This model is
more high-tech than the others and
requires less training, but that comes
with a price — the cheapest fertility
monitor, from Walmart, will set you
back $110.99. Higher quality monitors
can cost up to $200. If you can
afford it, the Marquette Model is easier
to use, and it has been found to be 97
percent reliable.
THE MORE YOU KNOW
The benefits of FAMs go beyond
just being a hormone-free way to avoid
pregnancy. If someone using FAMs
decides that they do want to get preg-
nant, the body literacy gained by using
FAMs makes achieving pregnancy
much easier. Furthermore, it is empowering
to better understand the way
your fertility works. Men and women of
all ages can benefit from having better
body literacy.
“I’ve actually been charting since
I was eighteen,” Aucoin said. “Since
then, I’ve learned a lot more about my
body and why it does the things it does.
It’s not some big mystery any more.
[Fertility awareness] has given me an
opportunity to get to the base of my actual
health problems, helping me treat
what needs to be treated rather than
merely treating the symptoms.” *
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
Although many prefer the traditional
pen-and-paper style of charting, if
you’re a techie kind of gal, there are
apps that can help you chart, track,
and estimate your ovulation cycles.
Here are a few of top recommended
apps for Natural Family Planning:
OVUVIEW
Ovuview’s tagline is “Period
and fertility taken seriously.”
Available only for Android users,
OvuView uses the Symptothermal
Model to monitor your period,
fertility, and more.
KINDARA
Kindara boasts that they are
“the most powerful and trusted
fertility app on the market.” In
addition to the app, they also offer
a bluetooth-connected basal
body temperature thermometer.
Kindara is available for both Apple
and Android users.
GLOW
Glow is new and unique in that
it is the only app to offer both
male and female fertility tracking.
They allow you to input your
current symptoms, medications
and other factors that might affect
your charting. A review from
How We Flourish (howweflourish.com)
highly recommends this
app; however, they also warn that
you should not rely solely on its
predictions. The author states,
“[Glow] attempts to tell you your
percent chance of getting pregnant
on a given day — DO NOT
pay attention to these numbers!
They are simply estimations and
mean nothing about your own fertility
— trusting them is basically
trusting the calendar method.”
NAPROTECHNOLOGY
Interested in learning more
about FAMs? Want to talk to
a professional? Look into finding
a NaProTECHNOLOGYspecialized
doctor near you.
NaProTECHNOLOGY (short
for Natural Procreative Technology
and often shortened
further to NaPro), is a relatively
new reproductive science
that focuses on fertility awareness.
NaPro-specialized practictioners
can help you navigate
the world of FAMs and discover
how increasing your body
literacy can lead to an overall
healthier lifestyle.
Alice May 2017 [61]
[62] Alice May 2017
EXPOSED
Photos by Marie Walker
Text by Claire Turner
From Native American cave paintings to every piece in
the Museum of Modern Art, art has defined and refined
our culture, setting examples and breaking barriers. Art
is years spent chipping away at a slab of marble; art is the
scent of oil paint in a warehouse; art is the snap of a camera;
art is dark charcoal on fingertips. Art is a great wave
coming over the horizon; art is a sculpture of a god. Art is
a collection of fruit in a bowl; art is a woman posing nude
on a bed.
Or is it?
A great debate exists that argues whether or not nudity is
actually considered art or pure objectification. However, everything
in art is technically objectified: a tree, an animal,
an idea. According to Susanne Langer, author of Mind:
an Essay on Human Feeling, art is “the objectification of
feeling and the subjectification of nature.” Basically, this
means art is taking something of value and turning it into
an object while the subject desperately wants itself to be
known. Artist and muse, working hand-in-hand.
Think back to the classics. Sandro Botticelli’s 15th-century
Birth of Venus, which depicts a long-haired nude woman
emerging from the sea in a seashell while modestly trying
to hide her body; Edouard Manet’s Olympia from 1865,
which shows a nude woman on a bed staring confidently at
the viewer; and Pablo Picasso’s 1907 The Young Ladies of
Avignon, which portrays five Cubist nude women, known
to be prostitutes. Each work was and is celebrated for the
artist’s mastery, yet in today’s world, a well-known feminist
like Emma Watson poses semi-nude for a magazine and is
criticized for being a hypocrite. Bodies define feminity at its
core: more than homemakers, more than prostitutes, more
than child bearers ... beneath it all, women are women no
matter what they are wearing.
How can a painter of a nude woman be more acclaimed
than the woman herself? The nakedness of a woman who
is cloaked in confidence and shrouded in mystery deserves
to be the center of attention. Alice wants to commemorate
women of all types, no matter their shape, color, role or belief,
and remember that a woman is a woman over and under
her clothes. *
Alice May 2017 [63]
Escapism through film and literature
By Paige Burleson
[64] Alice May 2017
After all the hype, I finally
gave in. My mother, sister
and I shuffled into the dimly
lit theater with our torn
movie tickets. I stopped dead in my
tracks as I rounded the corner, seeing
the room was almost entirely full, and
the movie didn’t start for another 30
minutes. We stood at the front for a
few seconds as we scanned the rows,
looking for a seat. Faces peered down
at us, and I began to feel uncomfortable.
We decided to split up — I lost
sight of my mother as she went left,
and my sister, Katherine, and I went
right. I asked a middle-aged man if he
was saving the two seats beside him,
and, thankfully, he wasn’t. Katherine
and I did the awkward dance to get to
them, and we collectively let out a sigh
of relief when we claimed the chairs
as ours.
The previews started and after each
one, Katherine and I would quietly discuss
if we would see it or not. The film
began to roll, and the screen lit up with
bright colors and singing and dancing
in an L.A. traffic jam as the ever-wonderful
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling
appeared. As I began to feel immersed
in the movie, all of my cares, worries
and doubts of society, politics, school
and my future faded away. The only
two things that could bring me out of
this blissful trance were the man snoring
next to me and the ending of La
La Land.
DEFINE IT
When I returned to my bed in Tuscaloosa,
Alabama, I put the needle on
a Duke Ellington record and pulled up
Google. Merriam-Webster defined “escapism”
as “a habitual diversion of the
mind to purely imaginative activity or
entertainment as an escape from reality
or routine.” People escape the burdens
of their life mainly through film,
literature and music.
Some forms of escapism are through
nostalgia for decades past. Listening
to Frank Sinatra can transport you
from 2017 to a “simpler time,” just like
reading The Great Gatsby can push the
politics of today out of your mind and
replace it with prohibition and wild
parties. Another form of escapism is
through the fantastical, such as Game
of Thrones, Lord of The Rings and other
popular books that are turned into
movies or TV shows.
Vogue created a list of 21 escapist
movies that will truly make you want
to buy a plane ticket to a glamorous location,
each filled with striking scenes,
dazzling colors, fashionable outfits and
the desire to escape. Some of the more
popular movies on this list include: The
Talented Mr. Ripley Atonement, The
Grand Budapest Hotel and The Blue
Lagoon. In this May 2016 article, one
Vogue editor described watching Blue
Crush as, “The location and the entire
plotline tapped into my 20-something
(read: present day) dropout dream to
take up surfing full time, live on the
beach and date a pro quarterback.”
These movies (and many more) are
intended to entertain, but they also
create an innate sense to gravitate towards
the idea of dropping everything
and escaping into the screen.
THE SWEET ESCAPE
While looking for the definition, my
Google search also brought up the
question about whether escapism is just
Alice May 2017 [65]
avoidance. The word escapism usually
carries a negative connotation. Some
articles, such as “How to Snap Back
to Reality” and “Leave your Fantasy
World and Live in Reality,” described
the downsides of too much escapism.
Other articles say that escapism can
help alleviate depression and can promote
a creative lifestyle. The one thing
that these articles and studies agree on
is moderation. I am not a professional
psychologist, but I do believe that I (an
almost-journalism graduate) should
not tell you what is right or wrong.
How about I present you with the information
and you can come up with a
conclusion for your personal life?
A Lifehacker article said, “[Escapism]
allows a momentary reprieve
from your circumstances, giving you
a chance to recharge your batteries
before you jump back into the fray.”
The writer agreed that escapism is a
normal way to get away from the feeling
of being overwhelmed. When not
in moderation, escapism can also be
detrimental. Patrick Allan, the writer
of the Lifehacker article, said, “Think
of escapism like sugar or salt. You can
sprinkle it on top of your life to make
it better, but too much will ruin the
whole thing. It can cause problems at
work, damage personal relationships
and maybe even cut yourself off from
normal social circles.”
Writers such as C.S. Lewis and
J.R.R. Tolkien were advocates for escapism.
They escaped through writing
and we escape through their words. In
C.S. Lewis as Philosopher, the writers
said that Lewis “considered that used
in moderation, escapism could serve
both to refresh and to expand the
imaginative powers.” Even inside the
novel, The Lion, the Witch, and The
Wardrobe, the children escape from
Nazi Germany into the countryside
and eventually to the land of Narnia.
Without Lewis’s imagination, we also
wouldn’t be able to escape to his world.
In Tolkien and the Modernists, Theresa
Freda Nicolay said, “Tolkien argued
for escapism in fantasy literature as
the creative expression of reality within
a secondary (imaginative) world.”
Escaping to Middle-Earth in Lord of
the Rings wouldn’t exist without Tolkien.
These novels and movies have affected
people across the world. These
writers created worlds for their characters
and readers to fall into when
their surroundings get overwhelming.
Now, the movies of our childhood are
being made into live action films, and
escaping to Neverland, Wonderland
and other fantastical realms has never
been easier.
In a study about “Culture and Politics
in the Great Depression,” Alan
Brinkley says that in 1929, Americans
escaped the depression through
magazines, radio and movies. He said
in Life magazine in the 1930s “most
of the pictures give no indication
that there was such a thing as a depression;
most of the pictures are of
“Think of escapism like sugar or salt.
You can sprinkle it on top of your life
to make it better, but too much will
ruin the whole thing.”
[66] Alice May 2017
bathing beauties and ship launching
and building projects and sports heroes
— of almost anything by poverty
or unemployment.” Most films of that
time were “consciously, deliberately set
out to divert people from their problems,”
said Brinkley. In no way am I
comparing our society and politics to
that of the Great Depression, but I believe
that any stress about presidents,
money or war can be escaped through
film and literature just as they did in
the past.
BUT I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE
Hello, my name is Paige and I’m a
daydreamer. My head is perpetually in
the clouds. I’m a talented escape artist.
No, I can’t escape from chains or
boxes, but I am pretty dang good at
escaping reality. Whenever I’ve had a
long day, my favorite way to escape is
to read any of the Harry Potter books
(I could never choose a favorite).
The world of magic that J.K. Rowling
created holds a special place in my
heart. I can to be completed captured
by her words and able to keep my stress
at bay — at least for a few chapters.
When I start to feel overwhelmed by
graduation, I lay at the end of my bed,
turn on my globe string lights and put
on a Penny and Sparrow vinyl on the
record player. Records automatically
make me feel better. The scratching
sound the player makes before the music
begins takes me back to a time before
I was born; an era that I’ve experienced
only through books and movies.
Through watching Z: The Beginning
of Everything on Amazon, I saw Zelda
Fitzgerald (then-Zelda Sayre) go from
an Alabama beauty to an icon of the
‘20s. I felt as if I was traveling along
with her from Montgomery to New
York City. After just binge-watching 13
Reasons Why on Netflix, I have needed
to escape through happier means.
When wanting to turn off my mind
and relax, I tend to watch 20-minute
shows that I’ve already seen. My personal
favorite is Scrubs, perfect for
those wanting to laugh and relate to
the characters.
Movies are a whole other obsession
of mine. I think any Tim Burton or
Quentin Tarantino movie has the best
cinematography for escape. Netflix recently
added Midnight in Paris to their
site, and it sat in my queue for a few
days until my roommate convinced
me to watch it. Woody Allen (another
talented escapist director) brings the
lovely Paris to life, but with a twist.
Gil (Owen Wilson) finds himself transported
to the 1920s at the stroke of
midnight. It’s a must see for those that
love the Jazz Age and the scenic views
of France. Lion, a true story about a
young boy getting lost in India and
finding his way home after 25 years,
has breathtaking scenes of India and
the beaches of Australia. It was also
nominated for a few Oscars, so, you
know, no big deal. The plotline will
have you in tears and the views will
leave you breathless.
Last, but not least, I give you Fantastic
Beasts and Where to Find Them.
As you already know, I’m quite the
Harry Potter nerd, so when this movie
came out, I was first in line to see it.
I was once again able to travel to this
magical world through film and I forgot
about all the worries I had a few
minutes before the lights dimmed.
BON VOYAGE
There you have it. Escapism is the
act of escaping reality through entertainment.
In moderation it’s a good
thing for your mind and soul, but
abusing it can lead to avoidance. So I’ll
just sit (still on my bed) with the Duke
Ellington record waiting for me to flip
it to the other side. And I’ll talk to you:
The girl who is stressed out about finals,
or the girl who is going through
a bad breakup or the girl who doesn’t
know what will come after graduation.
Escape. Escape through film, television,
Netflix, music, a book or whatever.
Just escape. You’ll always find your
way back. *
Alice May 2017 [67]
HEATH & FOOD
Shade of You:
Tanning Bed Alternatives
By Audrey Watford
With summer just around the corner,
the pressure to be bronze
goddesses in our beachy Instagram
posts also brings the unhealthy pressure
of tanning bed use. It’s easy and
affordable, plus you can see quick results
before your eyes, but it’s not worth
the damage to your skin. The mildest
of side effects are early wrinkling, sunspots
and freckles, not to mention the
increased risk of skin cancer, resulting
in difficult treatments and surgeries to
remove damaged skin. Why chance all
of this when there are healthier ways
to achieve that covetable glow?
Self-Tanners
The first, no-fail option is applying
tanning products wherever you are,
from the comfort of your home to a
hotel room. Options for self-tanning
range from sprays to mousse gels to
wipes. TanTowel is great for fair skin
tones and beginners, although the
[68] Alice May 2017
glow can be deepened with a darker
shade option. The towelette allows a
more thorough coverage, and the tone
is forgiving if you miss a spot or two.
TanTowel also offers a spray that can
be used for spot tanning, such as legs
or face, and both applications begin to
show up within two hours. It is available
at Ulta or Amazon.com. Jergens
Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is a
great option for those who worry most
about pale legs. It is available in Fair
to Medium and Medium to Tan shades,
and you can use it in replacement of
your regular body moisturizer. It can
be found at Target, Wal-Mart and
most drugstores. St. Tropez Self Tan
Classic Bronzing Mousse is the best
option for any skin tone, even the fairest
of complexions don’t look orange.
St. Tropez offers a tan applicator mitt
to rub the foam all over the body, and
you can immediately see a difference.
You can add multiple layers depending
on how dark you want to be, and the
foam is available in three sizes at Ulta.
Spray Tans
Spray tans are an effortless option
for last minute tanning. Palm Beach
Tan in Tuscaloosa offers beds and
sprays, but Tara Spath, the store
manager, recommends sprays for
skin health.
She said UV light from tanning beds
automatically draws vitamins and
nutrients from the skin. Palm Beach
spray tans last three to five days, and
the color can be restored at any time
with another spray and without skin
damage. You can choose between
sprays in a computerized booth or by
hand by one of the staff, whichever you
are more comfortable with. The salon
offers a college-friendly Silver package
of $19 a month, but the best package
is Platinum for $69.95, which includes
unlimited sprays and discounts on
all additives for a longer lasting tan.
If you have sensitivity to the odor of
spray tans, Palm Beach offers scents
to add to the Mystic spray booths to
lessen the smell.
Base Tans Debunked
By Carson Cook
Natural Tanning
The last, most beneficial option is
tanning naturally outside. Not only
does sunlight improve brain function
and sleep quality, but it also provides
the richest glow to your skin. The Skin
Cancer Foundation recommends at
least a SPF of 15 or higher for acceptable
UVB protection for normal everyday
activity and a SPF of 30 or higher
for extensive sun exposure. Adjusting
the angle of your body toward the sun
periodically makes for a more even tan,
and the reapplication of sunscreen is
best every two hours, especially on the
sensitive skin of your face and neck.
An after-sun moisturizer with aloe infusion,
such as Hawaiian Tropic Silk
Hydration, is a great way to soothe and
replenish skin after a day in the sun.
Regardless of the option you choose,
all are much healthier than the harsh,
direct UV rays of tanning beds — it’s
like a hot box for cancer. Taking care
of your skin is so important, and we all
want to look young forever, don’t we? *
With summer right around the corner, drug
stores everywhere have set out brightly-colored displays
of sunscreens that many of us walk right past.
Yes, getting some vitamin D from the sun can be
healthy, but only if you’ve protected yourself from
the harmful UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays hit the surface of your skin, causing
sunburn. UVB rays penetrate deeper into the epidermis
layer, which is where most cases of skin cancer
occur. How can you be sure that you’ve protected
yourself from both types of rays? Make sure the
sunscreen you choose says “Broad Spectrum.” This
means your lotion will protect from both UVA and
UVB rays. It is also highly recommended to use a
sunscreen with SPF 30. Less than SPF 30 is not
enough protection, and anything higher than 30
does not actually protect you more. In fact, many
who wear sunscreens with super high SPF end up
burning because they think the higher SPF will
protect them and forget to reapply every two hours,
as recommended.
Another commonly held belief is that once you
have a base tan, you will not burn. Getting a base
tan is the equivalent of wearing an SPF 4, which is
essentially no protection at all. The best sunscreen
will be a lotion, not a spray or powder.
There is no way to know for certain how much of
the sprays or powders are absorbing into your skin.
The best sunscreens contain two important ingredients:
zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Wearing
sunscreen is important every season and even when
you are not tanning. One of the most common places
of skin cancer forming is on the left arm from
your car window while driving.
Alice May 2017 [69]
HEALTH & FOOD
Coffee Crawl
By Caroline Wells
Alice tries three local coffee shops
Oooh, coffee. I am convinced the
word “coffee” lights up the pleasure
receptors in the brains of every college
student. It is coffee’s bitterness
and warmth that draws us in and its
caffeine boost that keeps us coming
back for more. It’s the early morning,
the late night and the afternoon cups
of coffee that keep us alive. Recently
in Tuscaloosa, coffee shops have
been popping up everywhere. Alice, of
course, wanted to try them all out, and
this is what we found.
Heritage House
Heritage House is the traditional
local coffee shop in Tuscaloosa loved
by every college student that walks
through its doors. It has expanded into
three locations in town and the newest
location is Alice’s favorite. Large
windows and long tables make this
Heritage House feel like home. If you
are a fan of the flavored coffee, Heritage
House’s specialty coffee menu will
make all your dreams come true. I got
the Bama Blitz coffee (vanilla, caramel,
roast of the day, steamed milk). It
was smooth, sweet, and delicious. For
all of you black coffee warriors, the
Turtle Kisses roast is a must try.
O’Henry’s
Although O’Henry’s is one of Tuscaloosa’s
coffee franchises, its environment
nestled in downtown feels
inviting and homey and anything but
a chain coffee shop. It offers a large,
covered outside patio for good weather
days and many single tables for days
when studying alone is a necessity. If
you are a sugary-sweet coffee lover,
this coffee shop is for you. O’Henry’s
drinks are crafted with true Ghirardelli
chocolate, making their lattes
some of the sweetest and tempting in
Tuscaloosa. If you are a fan of chocolate,
caramel, and coffee, The Snickerdoodle
Mocha must be your next
order. But, if coffee’s not your drink
of choice, O’Henry’s Hot Cocoa made
with Ghirardelli Chocolate will become
your new addiction.
Monarch Espresso
Two Alabama alumni recently
opened the newest coffee shop in Tuscaloosa,
Monarch Espresso. This coffee
shop has a big-city feel with its
dark brick interior and modern tables.
It appeals to true coffee lovers with
a simple but delectable menu. Some-
what of a hidden gem is the Cuban, a
velvety espresso with sweetened condensed
cream and steamed milk. They
also offer clean and rich tasting pour
overs. The Guatemalan pour over is a
dark and smooth coffee that delivers a
punch of dark roast flavor.
[70] Alice May 2017
HEALTH & FOOD
Break It Down
By Analiese Gerald
The sun is hot and the beach
is waiting, and while there’s
an excited rush as everyone
buys their newest and cutest bikini,
there’s also the annual scrambling to
hit the gym and get that last-minute
beach body.
Since most quick-fix workouts don’t
produce the miracle results they promise,
I decided to look for a program
that was a little more trustworthy
when looking for my summer workout
plan, even if it meant some more time
and effort. I settled upon fitness guru
Shawn T’s Hip Hop Abs.
Shawn T is well known and respected
in the fitness world, and I have previously
done his infamous Insanity
workout program, (which was every bit
as insane as advertised, but so worth
the results). Hip Hop Abs is a monthlong
program that averages around
30 to 50 minutes a day and goes for
around $28 on Amazon. One month of
hard work in exchange for some toned
abs seemed both realistic and worth it.
I was ready to go.
Week 1
I started off my first day with the
program’s instructional video “Secrets
to Flat Abs,” which explained Shawn
T’s “tilt, tuck, tighten” technique, the
backbone of Hip Hop Abs. I learned
how to tilt my shoulders over, tuck
my hips under and constantly keep
my core tight, activating all parts of
my abs while it felt like I was simply
dancing along to the video. Even just
learning the technique had my abs
burning! When I moved onto the first
workout, however, I got a little discouraged.
Though the hip hop dance moves
were fun and easy at first glance, applying
“tilt, tuck, tighten” while still
keeping pace was less simple. Each day
I got the hang of it a little more, but
I still felt like I wasn’t fully following
the technique, and therefore didn’t feel
like my abs were getting as much of
a workout as they could be. Week one
wasn’t a total flop, but more frustrating
than I’d hoped.
Week 2
Week two, day two: something
clicked. Though I had been consciously
focusing on sticking to my technique
while following along with the workout,
beginning my second week there were
still some specific moves where I didn’t
feel any work being done in my core.
But practice makes perfect held to be
true, and I was finally able to complete
a workout tilt, tuck, tightening the
whole way through and keeping pace
with the dance moves. Along with this
improvement came the soreness, which
just motivated me even more. I wasn’t
immediately flawless — I still had to
pause occasionally to make sure I was
dancing correctly — but I finally felt
like every move had a purpose and was
making a difference.
Week 3
I was used to the dancing, and tilt,
tuck, tightening was coming more and
more naturally. This was the week
where I started to both feel and see
the long-awaited results. In the workouts
I noticed my stamina improve,
and that I was able to go longer before
getting tired and do more without being
sore. Visual changes were less noticeable,
but subtly started to appear.
I shaved off a small amount of weight
and there were the beginning hints of
defined abs. Another thing that made
a big difference this week was making
a conscious effort to clean up my eating.
Exercise that isn’t paired with a
healthy diet isn’t very effective, if effective
at all.
Week 4
I entered my final week with excitement
about where I was at and even
more excitement at the last bit of progress
I could make during the week.
There was definitely a sense of accomplishment
on the last day, and though
I didn’t stick to the program perfectly
(life happens), I stayed as consistent
as I could, and it paid off. The results
I started to see in week three became
more pronounced — my stomach was
noticeably flatter and abs more defined.
Besides just looks, I felt stronger
and had better endurance. Each
workout I was able to do longer without
getting tired.
Overall, I’d recommend the program
with the advice of sticking to it, even
if the tilt, tuck, and tightening takes
a while to get the hang of. No workout
program is going to give you Victoria’s
Secret abs in just one month,
and Hip Hop Abs may require more
focus than most, but I was happy with
the changes I saw and felt in my body
and my mind. *
Alice May 2017 [71]
HEALTH & FOOD
Southern Summer Pops
Ingredients
1 cup sweet tea (your favorite brand or homemade)
¼ cup sliced peaches
Directions
Pour sweet tea into popsicle molds about halfway,
then place sliced peaches in each mold to desired affect,
pour in more sweet tea until the molds are filled
to ¼ of an inch of top. Freeze for at least four hours
before enjoying on the front porch.
By Jo Hanna Hill
Is there anything better than having a delicious
popsicle in the scorching summer heat?
Well, it could be better if you made that popsicle
yourself. These recipes are easy, fresh and just
as satisfying in the summer sun.
The following recipes make about six popsicles
from a standard mold. If you don’t have a popsicle
mold you can easily use paper cups — just fill
them to ¼ inch below the top, cover with plastic
wrap and stick a popsicle stick through the middle
before freezing.
Parfait Pops
Ingredients
1 cup plain yogurt
¼ cup sliced strawberries and blueberries
A sprinkling of Granola
Honey (optional, but delicious)
Directions
If using honey, drizzle honey on sides of the popsicle
molds first. Spoon a thin layer of yogurt in each
mold, sprinkle berries over yogurt and then top
the berries with more yogurt in alternating layers.
Repeat until ½ of an inch from top of mold, (ending
with a yogurt layer). Make sure to get yogurt
throughout the layers so the finished pop stays in
one piece. Top with granola before putting in stick
and freezing for at least four hours. Makes a perfect
breakfast for warm summer mornings.
1 cup lemonade
½ cup blueberries
¼ cup fresh mint
Smoothie Pops
Ingredients
1 banana
Frozen strawberries, blueberries and cherries
½ cup orange juice
½ cup plain yogurt
Directions
Blend all ingredients together (you can even switch
out these ingredients for your favorite smoothie).
Pour the smoothie mixture into molds, place sticks,
and freeze for at least four hours. Yes, you will probably
have extra smoothie after placing the mix in the
molds... but who’s complaining?
Blueberry Mint
Lemonade Pops
Ingredients
Directions
In a separate bowl, crush the blueberries and mint
together. Add the lemonade to the bowl and mix all
together before pouring into the popsicle molds.
Freeze for at least four hours for a refreshing pop.
[72] Alice May 2017
HEALTH & FOOD
Superfoods
For the Broke College Student
By Lauren Lane
The word “superfood” often comes
with the connotation that it must be
overpriced and sourced from the Amazonian
jungle or an Asian village.
There is no actual legal or scientific
definition of a superfood, but they are
often defined as a nutrient-dense food
that can improve one’s quality of life
and provide a wide variety of vitamins
and minerals.
College diets are notorious for lacking
enough essential vitamins and
minerals; instead, they are often full
of salt, sugar and fat. Superfoods are
great options to add to our diets as
they add multiple vital nutrients, and
can be affordable if you buy them from
the right vendors. We have picked out
10 of our favorite superfoods for you to
try, and, if you buy them from Amazon
Prime instead of the Amazonian jungle,
you too can eat like Gwyneth and
Gisele everyday.
Dark Chocolate
You already like this list, don’t you?
Well, the kind of dark chocolate we
are talking about is not Hershey’s.
Dark chocolate must contain at least
60 percent cacao to be considered a
healthy addition to your diet. Cacao
is loaded with antioxidants, good fats,
fiber, minerals and vitamins, particularly
magnesium. Dark chocolate also
contains flavonols, which lower blood
pressure and protect us from UV rays.
Ghirardelli Intense Dark and Green
& Black’s are two affordable and
healthful options.
Black Beans
At less than a dollar per can, you are
almost stealing your optimum health
into existence by adding these to your
grocery list. Black beans are full of
protein, 14 grams per cup to be exact,
and 12 grams of fiber. They are also
high in Vitamin B6. Combine these
with quinoa, avocado and salsa for a
well-rounded, satisfying dish.
Flaxseed
These little seeds are chock-full of
Omega-3’s, both kinds of fiber, and
they have been known to reduce cancer,
cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The subjects of Charlemagne back
in the eighth century were required by
law to consume them because he believed
so much in their nutrient power.
Keep this superfood in your refrigerator
and blend it into smoothies or into
pancake mix.
Granola
Yes, granola. Ignore the refined
grain-laden, sugar bomb versions and
Alice May 2017 [73]
check out healthier brands such as
Purely Elizabeth. This brand of granola
is a combination of healthy fats
from coconut and cashews and different
kinds of nutrient-packed seeds,
proving itself worthy to be called a
sweet superfood snack. With flavors
like dark chocolate sea salt and banana
nut butter, you can enjoy snacking on
Purely Elizabeth granola on its own or
in yogurt.
Broccoli
With brussels sprouts as the trendy
veggie of the moment, broccoli has been
pushed out of the limelight. Broccoli
provides more than 100 percent of the
daily-recommended amount of Vitamin
K and C and is anti-inflammatory. It is
an excellent detoxifier and helps support
a healthy digestive system. Serve
this cruciferous veggie raw with hummus
or mixed into a healthy stir-fry.
Oats
Oats have been keeping breakfast
healthy for generations. Whether
you prefer them steel-cut, instant, or
soaked overnight, this whole grain can
be made differently every morning of
the week. Oats are full of filling fiber,
bone-building manganese and energizing
carbs to power you through 8 a.m.
classes and group projects. Make your
oatmeal Instagram-worthy by topping
it with sliced fruit, nut butter, coconut
flakes and whatever else will get you up
[74] Alice May 2017
in the morning.
Green Tea
Speaking of getting up in the morning,
green tea provides anywhere from
35-70 milligrams of caffeine and is full
of catechins, a special type of antioxidants.
Debates over whether or not
green tea actually helps you lose weight
have us unsure, but it is a healthier and
more relaxing swap for sugary drinks.
Harney and Sons Green Tea with
Coconut is a great starting point for
green tea newbies, as it adds a sweet,
tropical flavor to this otherwise bitter
drink without all the sugar.
Salmon
Salmon gets its acclaim from being
rich in Omega-3’s and being a good
source of protein. It is also full of Vitamins
D and B12, vitamins that can be
difficult to come by. This famous fish
is also good for our hearts, brains and
bones but needs to be wild-caught and
not farmed. Salmon is often served
with grilled veggies and healthy grains
to provide a nutrient-dense meal.
Leafy Greens
There’s a reason why your mom
made you eat them. Leafy greens,
such as kale, spinach, chard and cabbage
are some of nature’s most nutrient-dense
foods in the world. They are
a leading source of calcium and iron
and also provide a host of other minerals
and vitamins. Leafy greens are a
good source of fiber and help detoxify
the body. If the only kind of greens you
are used to are in spinach dip, blend
them into a smoothie until you can eat
(and enjoy) them in a salad.
Avocados
This fruit may be as trendy as the
Kardashians and for good reason.
Avocados are loaded with monounsaturated
fatty acids, which are known
to help with weight loss and reduce
cholesterol. They are also full of fiber
and adding them to any meal will keep
you full for hours. Sneak these into a
BLT or add them to a sushi roll for improved
heart health.
Red Wine
You’re welcome. Start feeling better
about Wine Wednesday and The
Bachelor on Monday nights thanks to
our friend, resveratrol. It helps prevent
blood clotting, inflammation and
reduces cholesterol and assists other
antioxidants in keeping our hearts
healthy. Pinot Noir provides the biggest
resveratrol bang for your buck
and should be purchased by brands
other than Barefoot and Sutter Home.
So next time your friend is trying
to justify her college diet of Taco Bell
and Cook Out, tell her about the superfoods
that are at her disposal and rake
in the thank-you’s. *
HEALTH & FOOD
“On The Brink of No Stink”
Tips for Deodorizing Smelly Workout Shoes
By Madison Sullivan
You lace up your tennis shoes and hit the boardwalk, the
sun sizzling on your face and the sea breeze whipping past
you. With the summer heat comes sweaty runs, long hikes,
trips to amusement parks and cycling classes that are all
fun and games until you slip out of your sneakers, seeing
noses crinkle in disgust.
Every athlete and gym rat knows the struggle that comes
with breaking in the perfect workout shoe. The smell. And,
as the summer months approach and the temperature soars
it only gets worse.
Although life is not the movie Holes, and “Sploosh” doesn’t
actually exist, I have put a few methods to the test (on my
countless pairs of equally smelly sneakers) to help you figure
out the best way to banish your tennis shoe funk once
and for all.
Disclaimer: Don’t actually use peaches and onions like in
the film.
The Store-Bought Method
What: Sneaker Balls Deodorizer
Where: Dicks Sporting Goods
Price: $4.99
Well, you’ll break a sweat by the time you get the packaging
open; so make sure you’re not wearing tennis shoes
during this part of the process or you’ll have to clean that
pair as well. Once I finally wrestled the packaging open,
I realized the deodorizers smelled like clean laundry and
looked like tiny soccer balls, so I was excited to give them
a try. I twisted them and popped them halfway into each
sneaker, leaving my shoes to sit overnight. The next morning
I took a big sniff and immediately regretted the decision.
They smelled almost exactly the same with a hint of
deodorizer mixed in. If you’re dead set on using Sneaker
Balls, I recommend using them as soon as you get a new
pair of shoes, popping them in every time you get home to
keep them from smelling from the get go.
Alice May 2017 [75]
The DIY Method
What: Washing Machine
Where: Any washer & dryer
Price: See your local laundromat
I’ll preface this by saying I was very wary of this method.
In the past I’d heard my friends swear by it, but could never
bring myself to put my grimy shoes into the machine that
I trust to clean my wardrobe. So, I waited until I was home
with my laundry expert of a mother before I finally gave
myself permission to put my pudding-stained (thanks to my
best friend), once white-soled, absolutely disgusting tennis
shoes into her pristine washer and dryer. Let me tell you,
I am a convert. In fact, I just washed another pair today.
Here’s how it’s done: pour Tide detergent into the machine,
tie the laces at the top with the tongue open, and start the
regular cycle on hot. My mom informed me that some people
take out their laces and wash them separately while using
this method — but since my laces were not the part of the
shoe that smelled, we left mine tied. Next, stuff them with
dryer sheets, wrap them with a towel and put them in the
dryer. Keep in mind that it will sound like your dryer is
falling apart. It (most likely) isn’t. Once we got my sneakers
out of the dryer, they smelled and looked new. I would
recommend this method to anyone who has the time and
doesn’t mind the noise.
The Quick Fix
What: Dry Shampoo
Where: Your dresser
Price: $3.00
I’ll admit that this is a secret trick I’ve used in the past
and I honestly never knew it was a thing other fitness junkies
did until recently. I discovered it one day when I was
about to go on a date and could smell my sneakers wearing
them… standing up. (Give me a break, I’m a health writer!)
The dry shampoo was the first thing I could find that had a
pleasant smell, and, as I leaned over to slip off my shoes and
spray it, I realized that its moisture wicking, smell-masking
design is the perfect quick fix for when you don’t have time
to spare. Granted, this is not a permanent fix, it likely won’t
last longer than a few hours, but I’d recommend it to mask
tennis shoe odor in a pinch.
So next time you’re scared to take off your shoes around
another living human being, remember these tips and try
them all out to see which method works best for you so that
you no longer have to live in fear. Pound that pavement and
be comfortably stylish in peace. *
[76] Alice May 2017
HEALTH & FOOD
What You
what you
Really
really need to know about expiration dates
Need to Know About
Expiration Dates
By Caroline Wells
Cool air rushes onto your face as you
open the fridge. You’ve never been this
hungry in your entire life. You feel like
a lion about to attack. As you look and
push around, your heart begins to sink
because, as always, there’s nothing to
eat. It’s not that the fridge is empty
or that there’s nothing on the shelves.
It’s actually packed. Someone looking
over your shoulder might think you
were crazy for even suggesting there’s
nothing to eat, but a closer look at the
contents of the fridge reveals the sad,
dirty truth: All the food is expired or
expiring too soon for comfort. All of it
will be wasted. You aren’t sure how it
got to this point; in the grocery store
your intentions were to buy, cook and
eat everything you bought. But somehow,
all of it has expired so now you
can’t eat it … right?
Well, maybe, but also maybe not.
An “enjoy by” or “consume by” date
is actually more of a “highly suggested
day,” more than a date when a product
will actually go bad, causing food illness.
In an article by The National Resources
Defense Council, titled “Wasted,”
the author notes that pounds of
food are thrown away because the average
American misreads “sell by” and
“best by” dates.
“‘Use by’ and ‘best by’ dates, commonly
found on both perishable and
nonperishable products, are manufacturer
suggestions for peak quality.
They do not indicate food safety, as is
commonly believed, nor are they regulated,”
the article stated.
If food is kept in an airtight, shallow
container in the refrigerator, you
might be able to consume it a few days
after the best by date. Unfortunately,
microbial growth is not stopped by
refrigeration or freezing, it is merely
slowed. So if there is green mold growing
in your Greek yogurt, it’s time to
throw it away and buy a smaller container
next time.
Some foods that are usually safe to
consume after the expiration date include:
canned goods, cereal, frozen
foods, cookies, chips, crackers, bread
without visible mold and dry pasta.
These foods will generally be okay to
consume past the expiration date, but
always use your senses. If it looks or
smells terrible, it’s time to chunk it.
Some trickier foods that can be consumed
after the expiration date involve
a small test to make sure they are safe
to eat. Eggs are usually fine to eat and
cook, but to test put them in a bowl
of water. If it sinks, it is still safe to
eat. If it floats, you can throw it out.
Hard cheeses like Parmesan and cheddar
are also fine, even if they have a
little mold growing on them. Carefully
cut off all of the mold before consumption
and the remaining cheese will
be edible.
Most of the time, produce is hard to
buy because it must be used so quickly
after purchase. Salad mixes can be
difficult to use before the stated expiration
date, but they are usually fine to
eat a few days after. Wilted leaves are
no big deal. If the leaves are soggy and
slimy though, pitch them. As for your
meats, freezing them is the smartest
way to preserve them. Cooking and
consuming raw meat that has been sitting
in your fridge for longer than four
days is not safe, but freezing/re-thawing
meat can extend the shelf life for a
few months.
“If it looks or smells
terrible, it’s time to
chunk it.”
Although expiration dates can sometimes
be up to interpretation, always be
smart with your choices when deciding
to consume something past the printed
best by date. So next time it’s midnight
and you’re rummaging through
the fridge for a late-night snack, take
a closer look at the packaging before
you ditch your attempts and drive
to McDonald’s. *
Alice May 2017 [77]
ENTERTAINMENT
So You’ve Never Be
Our Guide To Alabama’s Biggest
By Ellen Johnson
Florence Welch, one of the U.K.’s most acclaimed artists
of recent years, hails from South London. Florence + The
Machine is ranked 270th (an impressive number) in the
world for number of monthly listeners on Spotify. Her uplifting
anthem “Dog Days Are Over” was covered on the TV
show Glee. Her songs are a melancholy melting of pop and
soul sounds, the farthest thing from country music. Why,
then, was she singing on an Alabama beach in May 2016?
She was a headliner at Hangout Music Festival in Gulf
Shores, Alabama — that’s why. Under the moonlight, Ms.
Welch sang “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” adjacent
to the blue, big, beautiful ocean, bringing the 2016 festival
to a close. Hundreds of thousands of people have made the
musical pilgrimage to Hangout since the festival’s first year
in 2010. Since then, the artist chops have risen to a level
of almost outrageously cool: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie
Wonder, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Kendrick Lamar,
OutKast and Kings of Leon are just a few of the artists and
bands who’ve played Hangout over the years. Still can’t believe
this all happens right here in Alabama? It gets better.
This year’s headliners are Frank Ocean, Twenty One Pilots,
Mumford & Sons and Chance the Rapper. WHAT. You
read right. Around 40,000 people will flock to Gulf Shores
beaches again this year for a slammed lineup chock full of
music’s biggest names and the best of indie’s up-and-coming.
If you’re one of the ones lucky enough to trudge the
same sands as Frank Ocean and warm yourself under the
same sun as Mumford & Sons’ banjos, make sure you make
the most of your experience.
Here’s your Hangout quick guide; you won’t want to miss
a thing.
[78] Alice May 2017
1. Don’t fasten that wristband
until it’s where it belongs —
on your wrist
The Hangout wristbands, which are
your only means of entrance to the festival
everyday, will arrive in your mailbox
a few weeks before you make your
way to Gulf Shores. You’re going to be
so gleeful at the thought of dancing by
the waves to your favorite Head and
the Heart song that you’ll want to rip
that sucker out and play with it. Don’t.
Once you tighten the wristband, it cannot
be loosened and it won’t fit on your
wrist. That means no Head and the
Heart for you. So don’t tamper with
the wristband until you’re so close to
the sea you can smell the salt in the air.
2. Hydrate so you
don’t die-drate
You are allowed to bring an empty
water bottle up to two liters in size to
the festival. There are water stations
everywhere you go on festival grounds,
so you’ll be able to fill up your favorite
Camelbak or Nalgene and hydrate
yourself all the daylong. This is definitely
your best move — you won’t
have time to enjoy the music if you’re
too weak to walk.
3. You should eat, too
No outside food or beverages are al-
en to Hangout:
Music Event of the Year
lowed inside the gates. However the
food inside the festival, while pricey,
is delicious and satisfying. Anything
you could get to eat at a shopping mall
is available: pizza, Mexican food, Chinese
food, sandwiches, hot dogs, etc.
It might cost a little extra, but you’ll
thank yourself later when the only
sounds you hear are sweet musical
notes, and not the rumblings of your
stomach.
4. Get there early
Once the schedule is released, you’ll
realize that the bigger acts won’t start
until later in the day or evening. But
you, dear knave festivalgoer, have no
time to waste with so much new music
to discover. Eat some breakfast and
then get to the gates when they open
at 11 a.m. Head straight to whatever
act seems the most interesting. You
never know when your new favorite
band could be performing on the next
stage over.
5. Keep an open mind
You probably paid close to $300 for
your general admission ticket (or more,
if you’re swinging for VIP options),
and while it’s not cheap, it’s a great
deal for the amount of music you’re going
to be hearing. Many would pay that
amount just to see one of the headlin-
ing artists, but you’ll get to hear ‘em
all. But don’t forget about the names
you haven’t heard of before — LANY,
Frances, Joseph and Cobi may sound
unfamiliar now, but if you head into
their performances with an open mind
(and open ears) you might pleasantly
surprised.
6. Dress the part
It’s hot out there, so you will be most
comfortable in light clothing. Swimsuits
are an obvious choice, but if you
want to cover up a bit more try for
athletic material shorts, a lightweight
cover-up or a rash guard or surf shirt.
Funkier options include overalls and
anything tie-dye. Wear a comfortable,
sand-friendly shoe like Chacos or Sanuks
(back straps are helpful when
trudging from one stage to the next).
But your most important accessory is
sunscreen. Lather up several times a
day so you don’t get burned.
7. Stay close to the festival
If possible, you’ll want to find a condo
or house within walking distance
(say, around one mile away) of the
festival. You can leave throughout the
day and re-enter at any time with your
wristband, but it will be pretty hard to
sneak home for a bit if you’re staying a
bus ride away. There’s pretty much no
parking at the festival, so say goodbye
to your car for a few days. While many
condos do offer shuttles, you’ll thank
yourself if you stay close.
8. Embrace the fanny pack
Hands-free is the way to go when it
comes to festivals. A backpack will feel
too cumbersome, a purse too loose —
fanny packs are the sweet spot. Keep
your sunscreen, sunglasses and cash
in there for safekeeping.
9. Take it all in
You made it. You and 40,000 others
are all here together in this one place
for the same reason: to hear music. The
musicians are passionate about what
they’re doing, and hopefully you’re
passionate about what you’re hearing.
Take in each moment to realize what
you’re experiencing because it’ll be
over before you know it. Appreciate the
magic that is live music. Remember
that one James Taylor concert in the
‘80s your parents always talk about?
Well, Chance the Rapper could be your
James Taylor. *
Alice May 2017 [79]
ENTERTAINMENT
By Serena Bailey
Hot summer days spent lounging by the pool are the perfect
time to catch up on some reading. The school year is busy,
and those over-before-you-know-it months leave little time
for indulging in a novel or fiery non-fiction work. With sunny
days ahead, take some time for yourself, escape reality and
choose one of these dreamy reads. Here’s Alice’s list of recent
and upcoming book releases that will hit the stands just in
time to complete your personal summer reading list.
If you like sci-fi adventure…
The Wanderers by Meg Howrey
As three astronauts train to be the first humans on Mars,
they spend 17 months in one of the most realistic simulations
ever. Always under observation, the pressure to remain calm
and in-control is high. As they struggle to work in increasingly
claustrophobic quarters and with each other, they realize that
life in space is no less complicated than life on Earth. But,
as the line between what is real and what isn’t begins to blur,
they each must confront their own personal struggles and
examine their longing for discovery.
If you want to up your nerd cred...
Thrawn by Timothy Zahn
The Star Wars galaxy is more than what you see on the big
screen. Follow the story of one of the Empire’s most cunning
generals as he rapidly climbs the ranks of the Imperial Army.
After Thrawn is rescued from exile by Imperial soldiers, he
seeks to gain the attention of Emperor Palpatine and become
his most loyal and successful commander by taking down
smugglers, spies, pirates and rebels. However, Thrawn’s
skill on the battlefield doesn’t translate to politics, where
he struggles to navigate a potential alliance with those who
could make or break his ascendance through the ranks.
[80] Alice May 2017
If you want to get political...
This Fight is Our Fight: the Battle
to Save America’s Middle Class
by Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth Warren has made a name for herself in Washington
as being a fiery and outspoken force to be reckoned with.
Looking back on her own middle class childhood in Oklahoma
and weaving in stories from American workers, the senator
from Massachusetts examines the history and current state
of America’s middle class. From how it was born, how it
grew, why it’s currently under attack and what can be done
to save it, Warren looks at how political leaders like Franklin
Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and current leaders from both
sides of the aisle have influenced the lives and well-being of
American workers.
If you’re the tech friend...
Startup: A Novel by Doree Shafrir
Shafrir’s debut novel follows three characters as their lives
intertwine in a Manhattan tech startup office. Mack McAllister
is the creator of a $600 million idea, the mindfulness app,
TakeOff, and he’s about to launch a new version that could
turn it into a $1 billion business. Katya Pasternack is a tech
journalist looking for a hard-hitting story that will make her
one of the biggest writers in the industry. Sabrina Choe Blum
is a jaded mother and writer trying to break back into the
industry, whose husband is also Katya’s boss. When a scandal
embroils TakeOff and the company goes viral for the wrong
reasons, these three become entangled in the mess. It’s up
Sabina and Katya to get to the bottom of it, and tell a story
that the men in their lives would prefer stay hidden.
If you want some more mystery...
Into the Water
by Paula Hawkins
After the success of her debut novel, The Girl on the Train,
Paula Hawkins returns with a new psychological thriller. A
single mother is found dead in the same river where a teenage
girl met a similar fate a few months before. She leaves behind
a lonely fifteen-year-old daughter, who is now left in the care
of her aunt, a woman who never wanted to return to this
town and who’s a stranger in the eyes of her niece. As the
investigation goes on, secrets about the town and the river
will be dredged up from below its seemingly calm surface.
Alice May 2017 [81]
ENTERTAINMENT
Take a Chance:
Streaming Services Rejuvenate the Music Industry
By Katie Huff
A 23-year-old from Chicago, filled
with the purest form of happiness and
endless love for his hometown, made
history in February. You may have
heard of him. Among his fans are Beyoncé,
Kanye West and Barack Obama.
His most recent album is heavily influenced
by gospel music and focuses on
the many “Blessings” he has received.
He is most often seen with the number
3 stitched on his baseball cap.
Chance the Rapper made history at
this year’s Grammy Awards with his
three wins; the number three is fairly
constant in Chance’s life. He won best
new artist, best rap album and best
rap performance. The album, Coloring
Book, was released solely on music
streaming services, making it the
first album to be nominated and win
a Grammy without actually selling a
single copy.
Chance’s win lays the groundwork
for immense change in the music industry.
The Grammys would never
have considered a stream-only album
in previous years, but as the music
industry landscape changes, award
shows must adapt.
Spotify has more than 50 million
paying users, Apple Music has over 20
million paying users and SoundCloud
has over 175 million monthly users. As
streaming services such as these become
more popular, the need to buy a
CD on iTunes or at Target becomes insignificant.
The many features of each
service allow listeners to experience
their favorite songs in two clicks from
any location.
[82] Alice May 2017
With the Spotify app, you can listen
to the xx’s most recent album
through your headphones as you sit on
the beach, walk to class or wait at the
DMV. The ease with which one can listen
to music with the introduction of
these streaming services has changed
the music industry forever.
Artists are perhaps those affected
most by the push towards streaming.
Bands just entering the music industry
greatly benefit from streaming
services. Music can be uploaded to
SoundCloud in less than a minute. Any
SoundCloud user is capable of uploading
their tracks to the streaming services
and the music is available to the
public in an instant. Every minute, 12
hours of music is uploaded to Sound-
Cloud. The artists use SoundCloud in
order to increase their followers and
acquire a fanbase. SoundCloud does
not pay license holders like Spotify, so
it functions as a resource for artists to
connect with followers.
The upload process for Spotify is
done through labels and distributors
to protect against licensing issues.
Spotify has partnerships with labels
and a large percentage of the streaming
service’s profits redistributed
amongst the labels. While many worry
that streaming services put the music
industry in danger, many labels are
actually benefitting from the change.
Illegal downloads are far less common
because streaming service users can
pay a small amount for an immense
catalogue of music at their fingertips,
or they can make use of the free
streaming offerings.
Most streaming services offer artists
the ability to view their analytics.
This allows an artist to see how users
are finding their music, where their
listeners are and the listeners’ demographics.
The ease of access to statistics
such as these is beneficial to artists
as they plan how to release their
music and where to tour. Small artists
without labels are able to receive information
that they may not be privy
to otherwise.
Streaming services give artists control
of their music and diminish the
ability of large record labels to undermine
the artist. Chance the Rapper is
not signed to a label and he does not
need to be. He is able to release his
music on streaming sites and forms a
fan base through these sites. Coloring
Book debuted at Number 8 on the Billboard
200 chart, so the business model
is working for Chance. His profits come
from touring and selling merchandise,
including that famous “3” hat.
Music streaming services have revived
the music industry. Users are
able to listen to any artist at any time.
Because of streaming services like
Spotify and SoundCloud, our culture
has a widened appreciation for music
and an increased participation in the
music industry. Those that felt excluded
from music in the past are now welcomed
with open arms into the large
music communities of Spotify, Sound-
Cloud, Apple Music and Tidal. Now,
artists like Chance the Rapper consistently
contribute to the immense sea of
music found online and provide users
with an easy escape. *
ENTERTAINMENT
Q&A with Hallie Tarpley
The Hows, Hijinks,
and Ha-Has of
Being a Female Comic
By Mia Blackman
For Hallie Tarpley, second grade
was more than an arena for reading
and learning multiplication — it was
her first comedy gig. She’s now a
junior at The University of Alabama
majoring in telecommunications
and film. She got her start telling
jokes to classmates before storytime,
but since she has blossomed into a
rollicking stand-up act, performing
on real stages instead of classroom
carpets. She’s a regular at Stand-Up
Tuscaloosa, her favorite corny joke
involves zebras and her ultimate life
goal is to shake Tina Fey’s hand. This
funny lady isn’t slowing her roll or her
punchlines anytime soon, and she’s
defining for herself what it means to
be funny, and what it means to be a
woman in the male-dominated world of
stand-up comedy. Alice sat down with
Tarpley to talk life, comedy and all
things laughs.
Alice: What got you started
into comedy?
Tarpley: It started mostly with
television. Just loving comedic
television and then when I was nine, I
was in second grade, I started telling
jokes to my class. I would get a little
segment before story time and I would
get to tell a joke to everyone on the
carpet. They would be mostly jokes I
heard from joke books or comic strips
or something like that but sometimes I
would try originals and they would not
go over well. Like I would try to write
my own jokes and they were so bad.
Alice: Is there a comedian you look
up to?
Tarpley: I like Ellen DeGeneres a
lot but she’s so clean though so I feel
like we don’t have the same style. I like
Jen Kirkman, Amy Schumer, Sasheer
Zamata, Liza Treyger, Jenny Slate.
I like a bit of everything. Louis C.K.
obviously. I like Anthony Jeselnik,
he’s crazy. You never know where
he’s going.
Alice: How would you describe your
comedic style?
Tarpley: That’s a toughie ‘cause I
don’t really know. I think I can describe
the differences between myself onstage
and off-stage. I’m like a little reckless
on stage. Last night I was hosting a
show and I used language that I don’t
really use in day to day life. So I think
it’s just like a freedom to be a character
who’s like a little bit bolder and a little
bit more interesting as a character but
scarier as a person on stage.
Alice: What would you be doing if
you weren’t a stand-up comedian?
Tarpley: Oh my gosh. Just a
loudmouth probably. I do think about
this. I think you divide comedians
into “you can be comedically minded”
or “you can be funny,” and great
comedians are both. And not to say I
fall anywhere specific on that spectrum
but just from what I observed being
around other comedians is some people
are comedically minded and, to me,
that just means they’re critical and
upset by a lot of things. Someone
that’s funny can make that criticism
something that is funny and sellable.
I think I would just be a loudmouth.
It would be strange. I don’t know… I’d
probably just stick to my babysitting
job or something [laughs].
Alice: Do you ever feel pressure to
talk about a certain subject because
you are a female comic?
Tarpley: Not a certain subject but
I feel the pressure to be that much
better because typically I’m the only
female in a show. I’ve occasionally
done all-women shows, which are very
exciting, but usually there’s maybe
one other female and so I get really
upset with myself or the other female
comedian if either one of us are below
top notch. For the male ones, I don’t
group them because there’s so many
of them. Especially the straight, white
male comedian. There’s a lot of them
so you don’t feel the pressure to uphold
the whole situation on your shoulders.
So I definitely feel pressure to be very
refined, very prepared and I fall short
all the time. I think at the end of the
Alice May 2017 [83]
day it will make me better; it does
make me better.
Alice: How did you become involved
with Stand-Up Tuscaloosa?
Tarpley: I started actually with
Goulash Comedy out of Birmingham.
I followed Goulash Comedy on
Instagram and I saw they were having
an open mic in November of 2015. I
didn’t want to tell anybody so I just
drove down in the dark of night. I
brought one of my friends and lied
to everyone else. I tried it for the
first time and I didn’t come back to
January 2016. In that early winter
I met several Tuscaloosa comedians
who came down to do Goulash and
they were like, “You know we have a
stand-up group in Tuscaloosa.” and I
was like “Whaaat?” So then I liked the
page, went to a show, went to an open
mic and the rest is history.
Alice: How do you develop your
comedic material?
Tarpley: I usually bring around my
book that I carry all the time. I have
four editions of this book. I’ll just write
down things that stick out to me like
“Oh! That’s funny!” and it’ll come to
me in a perfect punch. And then other
times it’s things that bother me and
I’ll articulate why they bother me and
communicate it to someone through
some type of an analogy. I think this
would be worse than someone finding
my diary because nothing makes sense
in it. It says, like, “Buffalo text, alcohol
question mark, proving not a baby.”
It’s just absolutely senseless. I’ll also
write all my set lists down and jokes
just so I can look back at them.
Alice: Are there some topics that
can get racy? Who do you think has
more leniency to talk about those
topics? Male comics or female comics?
Tarpley: I think female because I
think males have the ability socially
to examine a wide array of topics
but I think with women in general
there’s like a purity that you expect
and when they defy that expectation,
it’s automatically funny. When you
[84] Alice May 2017
have me at 5 feet 2 inches, and I come
on stage and say things bigger than
what my appearance would suggest,
then there’s automatically a disrupt
of expectations. If you take someone
like Jenny Slate — she looks so nice,
wholesome and girl-next-door-esque
and then she says all this stuff like,
“Whoa! We’re going there.” But when
Anthony Jeselnik does it, it’s like not
surprising because he looks sinister,
like a scary man. I think women have
a better opportunity to defy those
expectations but I think it’s harder for
a woman to be a clean comic.
Alice: Harder to be a clean comic…
so is your set list kind of racy?
Tarpley: I try to play it pretty
evenly. I think I could assemble a clean
set, but in a college town, me doing
a bunch of dad jokes, I don’t think it
would go over quite well.
Alice: What is your favorite show
that you have ever done?
Tarpley: There was a show, Fresh
Ground Comics in Birmingham, and it
was like a ten-minute set on a Friday
night and I was so nervous cause
my mom had invited a bunch of her
friends to come and there was also a
girl I babysat in the crowd. It was just
very scary to have these people I knew
professionally and my mom’s friends
there and then to go up on stage and
behave in a way I normally wouldn’t
around my parents’ friends, but it
actually went really well and it was a
huge relief.
Alice: What is the funniest thing
that’s happened to you recently?
Tarpley: I got called a psycho
in some bar. This woman started
screaming at me because I was dancing
too close to her. She was wearing a fur
vest and it was extremely scary. She
was, like, 40, too, and bleach blond
and she was like, “You are standing
too close.” And then she went on this
rampage and her husband had to carry
her out of there. It was really nuts.
Alice: What do you think is the
biggest misconception people have
about female comics?
Tarpley: That who they are on
stage is who they are in person. I think
you could apply that to comedians at
large but with women I think it’s a
harder line.
Alice: What are your future projects
and goals?
Tarpley: Stand-Up Tuscaloosa
recently started a new show at the
Wheelhouse Sports Pub on the fourth
Wednesday of every month and I’m the
host of that show. It’s open mic and
I think trying to connect that with a
student audience is my immediate goal
right now. I think other open mics are
great, but they’re just geared towards
a more older population of Tuscaloosa.
But I think there are so many students
who would as comedians and audience
members have a better time there.
Alice: What is your ultimate goal
in life?
Tarpley: I think I would love to
shake Tina Fey’s hand. I just want to
say hello. I think that’s my ultimate
goal.
Alice: What is your favorite
cheesy joke?
Tarpley: What’s black and white
and black and white and green all over?
Alice: A sick skunk… maybe?
Tarpley: Two zebras fighting over a
pickle! It’s so good. It’s so simple and it
takes you on a journey.
Alice: As a comedian, do you
surround yourself with funny people?
Tarpley: Ummm, no. Sort of.
Yes. One of my best friends is also a
comedian but we can only spend so
much time together, cause it’s, “Punch,
punch, punch! Joke, joke, joke!” And it
gets so shop-talky that we have to take
a break. I feel like I surround myself
with eccentric people that inspire
comedy more so than people that are
funny themselves.
Alice: To finish off, what is the best
piece of advice you have ever received?
Tarpley: My grandmother says
this and my mom repeats it: “Make a
decision and make it work.” *
ENTERTAINMENT
The Short List:
Five Short Films You Didn’t Know
You Should Be Watching
By Emilee Benos
Director and Star Jim Cummings in Thunder Road
When most people think of standouts
of the Oscars or Sundance, or movies
in general, short films don’t usually
make the list. A real shame, because
there are so many great short films out
there. Alice compiled a list of the five
best short films of the last year you
didn’t know you should be watching.
Some tell stories of dreamers, some
of grievers, and some of frustrated
lovers, but all are worth watching
(plus, their short run times make for a
quick watch).
Thunder Road
Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at
the 2016 Sundance Festival, Thunder
Road tells the story of a man giving
a eulogy for his mother using Bruce
Springsteen lyrics. Director and star
Jim Cummings originally conceived
the idea when he was drunk and heard
Springsteen’s Thunder Road on the
radio. In just 12 minutes, Thunder
Road goes from awkward, to comical,
to heartbreaking and back again.
What is perhaps most noteworthy is
Cummings’ delivery of the whole thing
in one continuous take. Thunder Road
originally premiered on Vimeo in July,
and is still available to view.
Her Friend Adam
What director Ben Petrie calls
“16 minutes of romantic doom,” Her
Friend Adam tells the story of couple
Robert (Ben Petrie) and Liv (Grace
Glowicki), and Liv’s gay friend Adam.
When Liv gets home from work,
what starts as a casual exchange
evolves into a full-fledged argument
over Robert’s dislike and mistrust of
Adam. The actors deliver real, raw
performances — Glowicki won the
Short Film Special Jury Award For
Outstanding Performance at the 2016
Sundance Festival.
Food For Thought
Director Davide Gentile originally
developed Food For Thought for World
Health Day 2016. Food for Thought
takes place in a diner, eliciting a sense of
childhood nostalgia. The film explores
how bad food can be detrimental to
your health. The cinematography is
a standout feature of the film, and
Gentile uses color, sound and closeup
shots to deliver his message and
make the film engaging. Food for
Thought leaves viewers full with an
important message.
Embers and Dust
Embers and Dust takes place
during Orson Welles’s infamous 1938
radio broadcast of War of the Worlds.
Written and directed by Patrick
Biesemans, the film follows residents
of a small town hearing the broadcast
about a fictional alien invasion for the
first time, and explores the fears of
the 1930s. The film brilliantly blends
fiction and reality, and the lighting and
cinematography effectively transport
audiences to the scene.
Stutterer
Stutterer won an Oscar in 2016 for
Best Live Action Short Film. In the
film, director Benjamin Cleary and
producer Serena Armitage explore
the problems that arise with modern
romance. The film stars Matthew
Needham as Greenwood, a lonely man
with a stuttering problem who begins
an online relationship with a woman
named Ellie. Greenwood fears meeting
Ellie in person because of his stutter.
Stutterer is a sweet and poignant
shoutout to today’s society. *
Alice May 2017 [85]
ENTERTAINMENT
A Doc
A Day
Documentaries
to Get You Thinking
By Sarah Beth Bolin
So we can all agree that Netflix is
one of the most important creations of
the 21st century. Hours upon hours of
the most talked about, cherished TV
shows and movies are available at the
tip of our fingers. But what do we do
when we get tired of mindlessly bingewatching
the same shows over and over
again? What if we want something to
help us think? Documentaries are
there to pick up where sitcoms and
dramas leave off. There’s something
out there for everyone, no matter what
your interest is. Lucky for us, Netflix
is a gold mine for documentaries.
Here’s a few that are set to inform
and entertain.
Poverty, Inc.
As a society, everyone wants to
help each other. We see someone in
poverty on TV and our heartstrings
are tugged. Companies like TOMS
thrive on a philanthropic platform that
help justify buying a pair of shoes so
that we can help people in need. We
send billions of dollars in relief aid to
natural disasters each year. But what
happens when the disaster is over and
people start relying on aid instead of
producing themselves?
[86] Alice May 2017
Happy
What really makes us happy? Is
it money? Family? Friends? Power?
Happy explores the idea of happiness
and takes us on a journey to find a true
form of it. Follow the filmmakers across
the world from Louisiana to sunny
Brazil to the small island of Okinawa,
Japan as they search for the answer to
this question. This documentary will
surely make you smile.
Making a Murderer
Okay, so if you haven’t heard of Making
a Murderer, you might be living
under a rock. This viral Netflix sensation
premiered in 2015 and has rocked
the world of criminal justice. Follow
the story of Steven Avery, who was released
from prison after 18 years for
a crime he didn’t commit. After starting
an investigation about corruption
in the police force, he was arrested
and convicted of the murder of a local
woman. Avery and a team of lawyers
worked for almost 10 years to get the
conviction overturned, and the popularity
of the series helped raise awareness
for false convictions and corruption
in the police.
The Hunting Ground
According to statistics, one in five
women in American colleges and universities
are sexually assaulted. But
most of these crimes are not reported.
Why not? The Hunting Ground
explores rape culture on college campuses
and exposes the stigma against
reporting sexual assault in American
universities. It also captures the stories
of survivors and explains their
decision on whether they chose to report
their assault or not. It’s definitely
hard to watch, but it’s one of the
most eye-opening documentaries you’ll
ever see.
Planet Earth
This documentary is seriously nostalgic.
Everyone remembers middle
school science classes — whenever
teachers didn’t want to actually teach,
they would roll out the box TV and
turn on Planet Earth. But these colorful
documentaries are still beautiful at
any age. The series explores so many
parts of the world, letting the viewer
experience places, people and animals
that they never would before. It’s a
great way to see the world without ever
actually leaving your couch. *
ENTERTAINMENT
Illustration by Shel Silverstein
POETRY
for People Who
Don’t “Get” Poetry
By Kirby Tifverman
Reading poetry for pleasure can seem like a daunting
task for even the most avid lover of prose. However,
good poetry has the power to resonate like no other
works can — sometimes a compilation of figurative language
can ring far more true than our favorite novel.
If you’ve been dying to dive into poetry, but you don’t
know where to start, here are the best poetry books to
read if you’ve never read poetry before.
Where the Sidewalk Ends
by Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein, acclaimed author of The Giving
Tree, wrote multiple volumes of poetry for children
throughout his life. He was a favorite childhood author
for many before they could fully grasp the life lessons
behind his silly words. Like all of the best children’s
fiction, the poems in Where the Sidewalk Ends are just
as enjoyable and authentically touching when re-read
as an adult.
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur wrote and self-published this #1 New York
Times bestseller in 2014. Milk and Honey is a collection
of poetry that weaves beautifully through four sections,
highlighting the reality of being a young woman. A story
of love and loss, joy and pain, any reader can relate
to this tale of the ups and downs — the milk and honey
— of life.
Love & Misadventure by Lang Leav
A story of love lost and found again, Love & Misadventure
will strike a millennial nerve while navigating
the 2017 tumultuous dating scene. Pick this one up if
you’ve recently been dumped or just need your faith in
love restored.
The Complete Poetry
of Edgar Allan Poe (Signet Classics)
by Edgar Allan Poe
Before you dismiss this one for conjuring memories of
high school AP Lit, consider this: Poe was basically the
originator of both the crime and horror genres. Instead
of binge watching a Criminal Minds marathon, pick up
The Complete Poetry of Edgar Allan Poe. Like his famed
short stories, many of the selections are guaranteed to
make a chill run down your spine.
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
A constant page-turner, Crank is the story of a young
girl and her terrifying personal demon. Crank, the
street name for crystal meth, haunts this story’s protagonist,
Kristina. As the monstrous drug infiltrates
Kristina’s relationships, life and personality, you’ll realize
just how thrilling poetry can be. *
Alice May 2017 [87]
ENTERTAINMENT
By Ellen Johnson
Sometimes teenagers and people in
their 20s need time to figure things out,
learn about themselves and discover
their world. But most don’t take that
path of self discovery after making an
album for Columbia Records. Charlotte
OC (given name Charlotte O’Connor)
is a different story. The British singersongwriter
made her debut album for
Columbia as a teenager in 2011, and
then temporarily stopped making
music to work a stint in her mother’s
hair salon. In 2013, she was back with
her EP, Strange, and a newfound fire in
her music. Her latest album, Careless
People, was released in March of this
year, and with comparisons to female
powerhouses like Sia and Lana Del
Rey, she’s one to watch in 2017. Alice
chatted with Charlotte about life,
influences and making music even in the
darkest hours.
Did you always know you wanted
to make music?
Charlotte: When I was 16 years old
I started playing guitar...I just had
the feeling, just incredible. It was a
really nice feeling and that’s when
I got the feeling I could do it. And
when I started writing that’s when I
got better and that’s when I realized I
[88] Alice May 2017
wanted to create something as a singer.
It’s another outlet for you in music
and It’s about creating. That’s the
moment when I realized I wanted to do
this forever.
You made an album for Columbia,
but it didn’t work out, and you
took a few years and worked in
your mom’s salon. How did this
experience shape you as an artist
and as a person?
Charlotte: I was so young. I wasn’t quite
proud of what I had done looking back
to it now. It’s not necessarily where my
head’s at. I think when I took two years
out I was grateful. I think I was losing
myself a little bit. I kept my head down
and tried to figure out what I wanted to
do and do all the stuff I was missing out
on doing when I was making a record.
When you’re that young and doing it it
kind of feels like you’re doing a chore,
and I think you need to take yourself
out of it to get back again and see. I
think being in music is fueled by being
hungry for it. If that hunger’s not there,
you’re not moving along.
Can you tell me about the
inspirations behind the new album
and how your hometown influenced
your music?
Charlotte: I’m from Manchester in a
town called Blackburn. It’s quite a
small industrial town. I grew up there.
It was boring in a way, but there’s also
this kind of folklore there — ghosts and
witches. [In my music] it’s not quite
home, but the idea of home and the
warmth to it. But there’s also a little bit
of coldness and a bit of quite majestic
about them and quite otherworldly about
them, which is how I see Blackburn: as
a warm place of my home, my parent’s
home. But there’s also this coldness of
being in a Northern town but also this
magical feel to it. I wanted my music to
be like that. I wanted it to feel like that.
Can you tell us about the songs
“Darkest Hour” and “Medicine Man”?
Charlotte: What I was going through,
being in a toxic relationship, I wrote
that song as a way for me to get my head
around it and for me to realize how I
felt about that situation. It was about
me evaluating it. It’s almost like a little
bit of a prayer. When things get really
bad you always kind of ask for help from
something or somewhere. “Medicine
Man” is about love. It’s about that
feeling of love for the first time. Love
is like medicine in a way. It’s somebody
there making it a little bit better.
You’ve been compared to artists
such as Sia and Lana Del Rey. How
do you feel about that?
Charlotte: I appreciate both of those
artists. I think that Lana really carved
the way for artists like myself wanting
to make pop. It’s a gateway for artists
like myself.
Who are your musical influences?
Charlotte: I’m always really inspired
by Aretha Franklin. I was watching
the Muscle Shoals movie and it’s super
interesting that she couldn’t find who
she was in the beginning. Nobody really
knew what to do with her and then all
of a sudden it was just her. With great
artists, you’re not easy to be placed. It
takes time to find. She’s always been
one of my favorite, if not my favorite,
female vocalist. I also liked Freddie
Mercury a lot when I was younger.
What music are you really into right
now/what’s the best album you’ve
heard lately?
Charlotte: I listened to the new Childish
Gambino album and I really liked that.
The Sampha album is amazing. The xx
album, the new one, is incredible.
Describe your songwriting process.
Charlotte: I kind of like making the
piano first and putting the melody on
top of it. It kind of merges together. I
like doing it at the same time. I don’t
usually go in with lyrics first. I usually
write the lyrics after the structure.
Do you have a favorite song to
perform?
Charlotte: I like performing “Medicine
Man.” It’s a lot of fun It’s like the sweet
spot in my voice so it’s really nice to
sing. Another called “Running Back
to You.” I completely lose myself in
that song.
What do you enjoy most about
playing live?
Charlotte: The fact that I’m not really
hiding behind anything. And it’s that
one moment where I can do that and
it just feels like I’m being my most
magnified self and there’s nothing I can
really do about it. And there’s nothing
really anybody else can do about it,
because I’ve got the microphone. It’s
kind of like a power to it. It’s like the
feeling when you were a kid, like being
a child again. The only way I can really
explain it. You don’t completely lose
yourself in it; you’re really present.
If you could tell your 16-year-old
self anything what would you tell
her now?
Charlotte: I’d tell her to stop messing
with her hair and stop back combing it.
I’d tell myself to stop wearing so much
makeup because I probably looked like
a drag queen or someone a lot older
looking. I’d also tell myself to drink lots
of water. And I’d tell myself to not try
and do things to please others, like it’s
about what makes you is you being you.
Somebody once said to me, “Be yourself
because everybody else is taken,” and I
think that’s just like quite an important
thing to remember. It’s the most
attractive thing when you see someone
truly being themselves. It takes time,
but once you find it, it’s easy. *
Alice May 2017 [89]