Hello again, let’s dive right in with some Iowa City meal deals

Mickey’s

Mondays are for Mickey’s amazing $6 burger baskets, fresh pretzel buns, the juiciest patty and for only $6! I honestly don’t have much to say because the burger speaks for itself, to be so honest, do yourself a favor and go try it.

Taco Depot

Taco Tuesday obviously has to be mentioned because who doesn’t like $1 tacos. I can definitely say I am a fairly regular consumer of tacos because of how fresh and taste of the tacos consistently.

Cortado

Friday pizza night! Ranging about $20 for an entire pizza, you can get protein added to a fresh pizza with simple high quality ingredients. I unfortunately do not have a picture but that just means you have to go and see for yourself!

Airliner

I feel like this is one of the most well-known ones, but $1 slices on Sunday is always a classic for most Sundays. While their pizza options are not as complex as Cortado, they still have really good simple pizza that is fresh and filling.

I truly hope you will go and try these 4 restaurants if you haven’t already because you are missing out and if you already have maybe it’s time to try something from the menu that you haven’t tried yet, and I will see you in my next post! <3

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Hello and long time no see!
We are back again with another movie review for February, so let’s dive right in.

Carry-On

Netflix’s Carry-On (2024) is a thriller about a TSA agent who gets blackmailed into letting a dangerous package onto a Christmas Eve flight. As the situation escalates, he has to navigate a high-stakes dilemma with serious consequences. The film delivers tension and suspense as the story unfolds.

7/10 – I liked it! The story doesn’t just follow the TSA agent but also ties in other characters who help piece together the bigger picture of the criminal threat. Nothing too groundbreaking compared to similar movies, but still a solid watch.

Hush

A psychological horror-thriller directed by Mike Flanagan. It follows Maddie, a deaf-mute writer living in isolation in the woods. Her quiet life turns into a nightmare when a masked killer starts stalking her, thinking she’s an easy target. But Maddie proves she’s anything but, using her intelligence and survival skills to fight back.

8/10 – This was so tense and had me on edge the entire time. Definitely not one I’d watch alone at night again because I swear I felt like I was next. Out of all the home invasion movies I’ve seen, this one felt especially menacing—the killer doesn’t just attack; he plays with his prey like a cat with a mouse, making for a terrifying watch.

The Thing

A sci-fi horror classic directed by John Carpenter. It follows a group of Antarctic researchers who encounter a shape-shifting alien that can assimilate and perfectly imitate its victims. As paranoia spreads, the crew struggles to figure out who’s still human—and who’s the Thing.

9/10 – It’s easy to see why this became a cult classic. The practical effects were insane for the time and still hold up way better than a lot of modern CGI. The second the creature reveals itself, the crew descends into total distrust, and watching them slowly unravel is just as intense as the horror itself. As they burn through resources (and their sanity), you’re left wondering—can they even stop it? Or is it already too late?

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Hey Hawkeyes!

Hope your winter break is going well! This break, I decided to pick up some books and dive into reading. If you’re looking for something new to add to your list, here are my recommendations for the new year:

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
A woman kills her husband and then completely stops speaking, while a psychotherapist makes it his life’s mission to “save” her. This thriller/mystery had an intriguing premise, but it didn’t completely blow me away. I’m giving it a 3/5. The pacing was slow, the characters were somewhat likable but didn’t stand out, and while the plotline was decent, it didn’t quite live up to its potential. It’s not horrible, but it’s also not amazing—a middle-of-the-road read for me.

The Appeal by Janice Hallett 
Now, this one is a favorite of mine! It’s not written like a traditional novel; instead, it’s presented entirely through documents, making it a unique mystery. The story focuses on a local theater troupe preparing for their next performance when the director’s granddaughter is diagnosed with cancer. This prompts a fundraising effort, but not everyone is convinced the money is going where it should. Then, a dead body is found in one of the props, turning rehearsals into utter chaos. The drama unfolds as lawyers sift through the documents to figure out “whodunit.” I loved the variety of characters and how you get a front-row seat to all the drama without the characters themselves being fully aware of it. I’m giving it a solid 4/5. While it does have a follow-up called The Christmas Appeal, I don’t recommend it since it’s essentially the same as The Appeal.

Wicked by Gregory Maguire
I’m still in the process of reading this one, but so far, so good! Wicked gives you the Wicked Witch’s perspective, which is such a contrast to the classic Wizard of Oz story from Dorothy’s point of view. Compared to the movie, the book definitely takes a darker, more complex view of the land of Oz. I’ll let you know my full thoughts once I’ve finished it, but if you’re into reimagined classics, this one’s worth checking out.

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Hey Hawkeyes!

I had plans to recommend a Christmas movie, but let’s be real—I didn’t watch either of the ones on my list. Luckily, I did check out some new movies that came out recently, so here are my thoughts!

Mufasa
Let’s start with this new musical—it was pretty good! I’m giving it a 7/10. Seeing Mufasa’s backstory added so much depth to characters like Scar, Rafiki, and, of course, Mufasa himself. The songs brought more personality to the story, which I loved. That said, I wasn’t a fan of the way the narrative kept cutting back to Rafiki talking with Pumbaa, Timon, or Kiara—it always seemed to happen right when the story was getting really good. Still, I enjoyed it overall and now feel a little more motivated to check out the live-action Lion King.

A Real Pain
Surprisingly good! I’m giving this one an 8/10. The story follows a pair of cousins on a trip to honor their late grandmother, which stirs up a lot of past emotions. I feel like you’re really just watching them go through life, going through grief, and trying to reconnect, It’s simple but really well done—definitely worth a watch.

Wicked
OMG, I absolutely loved this! It’s a solid 9.5/10 for me. Everything was just chef’s kiss—the songs, the costumes, the cast, the sets—it all came together so beautifully. I feel like as someone who has never seen the play I was easily engaged and was able to see the similarities with he Wizard of Oz. I’m already counting down the days for part 2, and now I can’t wait to dive into the book to see how it all wraps up!

So there you have it—a mix of musicals, drama, and magic to keep you entertained during the break. Whether you’re looking for something heartfelt, nostalgic, or just plain spectacular, these movies have a little bit of everything. Until next time, stay warm and enjoy the holiday season Hawkeyes!

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Hello Hawkeyes!

It’s finally time for my Christmas movie picks! This time, I’ll share two recommendations and two movies on my watch-list for the upcoming weeks. Let’s get started!

The Polar Express

Rating: 10/10

The Polar Express is exactly how I imagined the North Pole as a kid. This movie embodies the magic of Christmas and the holiday season that many of us wish could last all year. It’s been a yearly tradition for me, so in my opinion, it’s a must-watch—especially if you’re ready to embrace the holiday spirit!

The Grinch

Rating: 9/10

I’ve always loved The Grinch for his quirky attitude and his adorable sidekick, Max. Whoville is hilariously unprepared for the chaos they unleash leading up to Christmas! I prefer the animated version because the characters are so much cuter compared to the original, where the Grinch looks creepier (which I’m sure was intentional). This is a simple, heartwarming movie with a fun twist on a classic story.

Onto My Watchlist…

Krampus

I’m still in the Halloween mood, so Krampus seems like the perfect mix of Christmas and spooky vibes. I vaguely remember starting it before but getting too scared to finish it! The story centers on Krampus, a dark and menacing figure who punishes those on the “naughty” list. It’s about a dysfunctional family trying to band together and defeat him. Wish me luck getting past the first 10 minutes this time!

A Christmas Story

This is on my list simply because it’s a classic that so many movies reference. I’ve never actually seen it, but from what I’ve read, it follows a typical ’40s kid navigating Christmas with his family (and a bully!). I’m not sure if I’ll love it, but it never hurts to give a classic a try.

Hopefully, if you’ve seen the first two movies, you love them as much as I do! And if you haven’t seen the last two, maybe we can check them out together this season.

As we head into winter, keep an eye out for my upcoming Winter Weather Activity Guide! Stay warm, and I’ll see you soon!

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Hello, Hawkeyes! Hope your transition into fall has been as good as mine! With Halloween season here, let’s dive into my favorite scary movie recommendations.

Evil Dead

Rating: 9/10
If you’re looking for heart-racing jump scares and intense suspense, Evil Dead delivers! Here’s a quick summary: Mia, hoping to overcome her drug addiction, asks her brother David, his girlfriend Natalie, and their friends Olivia and Eric to join her at their family’s remote cabin for support. Things take a dark turn when Eric discovers the mysterious Book of the Dead and unknowingly awakens an ancient demon. Chaos ensues as the malevolent entity possesses Mia, leading to a terrifying night they’ll never forget.

Monster House

Rating: 8/10 (mostly for nostalgia!)
Monster House may not be super scary, but 8-year-old me would disagree! This animated classic is about three teens who can’t resist investigating their creepy neighbor’s “haunted” house, especially after he warns them to stay off his lawn. As they uncover the house’s dark secret, they realize that it may be alive—and they’re determined to find out why.

The Visit

Rating: 7/10
This one’s just…odd! But in the best way. The Visit follows two siblings who go to spend a week with their grandparents in rural Pennsylvania. As the week unfolds, the kids start noticing that something is definitely off with their grandparents. The entire movie keeps you guessing with twists you won’t see coming.

If you haven’t seen these three, I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. If you have, they’re definitely worth a re-watch! As Halloween wraps up, stay tuned for my Christmas movie recommendations.

See ya! 🎃

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Hello Hawkeyes! Hope you’re enjoying the start of fall weather as much as I am! As the days get cooler, it can feel a bit tougher to stay academic, so here are some tips to keep the motivation going and avoid the slump.

Take a Break

Midterms, homework, and projects may be piling up, but sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a break. Whether it’s going to the gym, reading a book, watching a movie, or trying a new hobby, giving yourself a breather can be just what you need to reignite that academic flame. My personal favorite is catching an episode of House whenever I can.

Get a New Hobby

You might wonder, If I’m already so busy with school, why would I add something else to the mix? Trying something new can actually relieve stress since there’s no pressure like a grade hanging over it. Plus, it’s a great way to unwind! I picked up crocheting over winter break last year, and it’s become a relaxing go-to when I need a mental reset.

Go Outside

Fresh air does wonders for the brain! Spending all day indoors isn’t great for your body or mind, so take advantage of our beautiful campus green spaces or nearby parks. Whether you walk, sit, run, or even play games outside, a dose of nature can be refreshing.

As winter approaches, it’s easy to fall into the habit of skipping class or letting the homework slide, but hang in there—fall break is just around the corner for a much-needed reset! See ya!

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We’re back in Iowa City for another semester! If it’s your first time here, welcome to Iowa City!

Home to amazing restaurants, the best student sections, the friendliest people, and so much more. Let me take you through my three favorite parts of being back on campus!

1. Iowa Football

   Nothing beats a game day at Kinnick Stadium! The energy in the student section is unmatched. Personally, I wasn’t a big football fan until I went to my first game last year, and now I’m slowly getting hooked. Whether you’re into football or not, traditions like the Iowa Wave make Kinnick come alive as we cheer on our fellow Hawkeyes!

2. Outdoors

   If you love the outdoors, Iowa City has plenty to offer. On and near campus, there’s a ton of green space, like the Pentacrest and the park across from Hancher Auditorium. If you’re looking to venture off campus, I have two amazing recommendations.

   Lake MacBride State Park is about a 20-minute drive north of downtown and offers beautiful lake views and trails that take you into the woods.

   

   

3. Shopping and Coffee

   Iowa City has a variety of shops where you’re sure to find something you love. My current favorite is Beno’s Flower Shop—the atmosphere is so cute and cozy. If you’re into plants, crystals, or jewelry, you’ll definitely find something here. I love getting their small, shaped crystals because they’re adorable, and their crystal wall has so many options. When it comes to coffee shops, I have one requirement: they must serve good chai. While many shops offer it, I think Poindexter does it best. It’s also one of the best spots to study, thanks to its dim lighting and quiet atmosphere. I haven’t explored the full menu yet, but the seasonal items are always a hit—my favorite is the Maple Praline Latte.

   

   

   
   Welcome back to Iowa City, and enjoy the fall weather! See you around!

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I can’t believe it’s already time to begin preparing for the next semester, which is crazy to say because time is flying by! So, I’m going to give a brief overview of how I prepared for my first semester at Iowa!

• Scholarships

Definitely something you don’t want to miss, when you hear people saying scholarships are important, listen to them! Iowa has a pretty good scholarship pool for first-time students that is based on your major, interest, or personal background. You can never have enough scholarships so it’s also really good to apply for outside scholarships which can be a little harder to qualify and receive because there are more applicants than just those who attend your school!

• Finding a Roommate

If you are living on campus and aren’t single it’s important to find a good roommate that suits your living style. I currently live with a friend from my high school and I found it made my college adjustment so much easier because I already knew who I was living with. But, honestly, if you don’t know your roommate beforehand I definitely recommend reaching out to them and being honest about how you live to avoid uncomfortable conversations down the line!

• Planning Out Your Room

I know it seems a little odd, but your is going to mean a lot to you because you won’t really have any other place to hole up some days. I started by planning on Pinterest by looking at how other people used similar-sized spaces for some cute decor and ideas. From there I tried to find places where I could just make a huge order so I would have a ton of little packages, I used Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon! From there I would open and test everything I brought because when you buy dorm things early there is no time to try it actually in the dorm so, the house ends up looking a little messy but in the grand scheme of things it is definitely worth it. I plan on making a more detailed dorm guide in the next month so definitely be on the lookout for where I will go through some of my best and worst purchases to my dorm!

college is stressful, exciting, and everything in between but if you aren’t prepared for even the basic overlooked part of it you will definitely find yourself more stressed out. Without these three tips, I don’t think I would have adjusted to college life as easily as I did, which I am incredibly thankful for. Anyway, definitely be on the lookout for my in-depth dorm guide, and I will see you soon<3

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