One thing that can be taken away from 2020, is to treasure the small moments in life. This could be a warm drink, cozy blanket or favorite album. Now Fall is in full swing, and the ZU news editors have gathered a list of items that have made this season a little more cozy.
Kelsey Arvidson, Lifestyle Editor
Oregon Chai Concentrate
Photo via Oregon Chai
As someone who has been trying to wean off of coffee for months, chai tea has become a staple. The brand Oregon Chai is high quality and often used at coffee shops. There’s a variety of flavors available — I’ve tried Vanilla, Caffeine free and Spiced. The best fall combo is a blend of the Original Oregon chai and the Spiced chai, poured over ice with oat milk.
Ruby McAuliffe, Editor-in-Chief
Biddeford Electric Heated Blanket
Photo via Target
As soon as the nights got cooler, I wasted no time. I immediately skipped over to my trunk of blankets and pulled out my Biddeford Electric Heated Blanket. The microplush heated throw blanket provides six different heat settings, which is perfect for various fall temperatures. The 13’ cord allows for movability, and the 10 hour auto shut off provides ultimate safety. And as someone who runs cold, I don’t know how I ever survived a fall season without it — it’s a must-have!
Jasmine Campos, News Editor
Bath & Body Works Candle
Photo via Bath & Body Works
I am by no means a “candle aficionado,” but this fall I have learned just what kind of difference they can make. Fall-themed candles can set the entire tone of the room, and even bring a calm over any situation. Do not underestimate the power of lighting a candle and just being with yourself, or a good book. There is nothing better than setting a candle and letting it fill the room with warmth, metaphorically and literally. I am a fan of all things Bath and Body Works fall-themed but a winter or even just favorite scent will do. Whatever you do, don’t go through the holiday season without lighting up your room with a bright warm candle.
Jordan Green, Sports Editor
Bob Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks”
Photo via Music Direct
There fails to be an album that personifies the shift of cooling weather quite like this 10-track masterpiece. With familiar songs such as “Tangled Up in Blue,” to lesser known tunes like “Buckets of Rain,” this Dylan record embodies the soul of a man who is experiencing sudden shifts in life. Whether these shifts are positive or negative is up for the listener to decide. Yet, there is no better LP to place on your record player when experiencing that transition from fall to winter.
Cora O’Sullivan, Opinion Editor
Triple Ginger Snaps
Photo via Amazon\
This time of year, most people are preoccupied with anything that has pumpkin in it — and don’t get me wrong, I also love a good pumpkin muffin to kick off the season. But I know fall has truly come once I treat myself to a box (or two) of Trader Joe’s Triple Ginger Snaps. These cookies are crispy, sweet and have a perfect ginger-kick. They are tasty just by themselves with their signature crunch or paired with a hot cup of tea. Although these are available year-round, they make the fall season that much more festive!
Brandon Gonzales, Assistant Editor
Starbuck’s drink
Photo via Starbucks
If I ever need a quick pick me up during the fall semester, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is my go-to menu item from Starbucks. The blend of bold coffee, sweet pumpkin cold foam, vanilla syrup and a dash of pumpkin spice makes for a delicious drink all coffee aficionados can appreciate. Around this time of year, Starbucks is also baking pumpkin scones, which pair deliciously with this fall drink.
Kane Casillas, Assistant Editor
Razzmatazz by I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME
Photo via Razzmatazz
I’ve spent a lot of time this year listening to the same songs over and over again because nothing new was coming out by my favorite artists. So I started browsing and came across I Don’t Know How But They Found Me, better known as iDKHOW. Their first full length album “Razzmatazz” was released shortly after my birthday, and it was the gift I never knew I needed. Filled with 80s-like beats, meta-humor and incredible vocals by lead singer Dallon Weekes, this album has it all. The tracks transition from fast, catchy bops with dark lyrics to slower tunes with happier lyrics. The contrast works in its own weird way, showing not just the band’s skill but their creativity as well. This band is not very well known, but I would recommend giving them a listen
Joelene Millan, Copy Editor
Apple Peeler Corer Slicer
Photo via Amazon
Hopefully, I’m not the only one so late to the game on this gadget. I was just scrolling through Tik Tok when I came across someone bringing this Apple Peeler Corer Slicer out to try, and my jaw dropped. I was on Amazon within seconds, adding this to my list of, “Things Tik Tok made me buy.” I’ve used it at least once a day since I’ve gotten it, and I regret nothing. It’s quick, convenient and honestly, super satisfying to watch the apple be perfectly peeled. Not only peeling the apple, but also slicing and completely removing the core, I know this baby will be a hit when I bust it out to make apple pies with my family this holiday season.