Authentic Vlogging and Healthy Vlogging

Sitting in Dash Coffee Roasters, Mary Mondanaro is beaming watts, enamored with life, and applying her berry Laniege lip balm. Of course, we’re sitting in Dash, because it is her favorite coffee shop in Iowa City and one that is often found in her vlogs. Her essential order? A cold brew with a little room … Read moreAuthentic Vlogging and Healthy Vlogging

Spirituality isn’t black and white

As I grow older, the topic of spirituality, its misconceptions and the looming question of what it means to be “spiritual” holds a lot of wonder in my mind. For the longest time, I presumed it had to do with witches, cauldrons, black cats and crystal balls. I thought spirituality looked like the crazy lady … Read moreSpirituality isn’t black and white

30 Years After the Fall of the Berlin Wall: UI exhibit asks, “What Does Change Mean to You?”

30 years ago, November 1989. On the evening of November 9th, an East German government official gave an unexpected announcement over live television: the travel restrictions which had kept citizens from leaving the German Democratic Republic or GDR—a satellite state of the Soviet Union—were lifted. The ability to freely travel outside of the GDR had … Read more30 Years After the Fall of the Berlin Wall: UI exhibit asks, “What Does Change Mean to You?”

Iowa City nurtures a vegetarian lifestyle

People often think tofu and salad when thinking about vegetarian or vegan meals. While that is not wrong, there is a lot more to these lifestyles than these cliche dishes.  More and more individuals are deciding to move to meat-free diets for ethical and health reasons. Yet, many people seem to misunderstand vegetarianism. Take a … Read moreIowa City nurtures a vegetarian lifestyle

Rock n’ Roll… n’ Support the Planet

Walking to an Iowa City bar at 9 p.m. on a Sunday night hardly resonates with any notions of a “charitable event,” or “helping the environment.” That’s exactly what I did Nov. 4 in an effort to support the University of Iowa’s Environmental Coalition and their first event of Sustainability Week.  UIEC put on a … Read moreRock n’ Roll… n’ Support the Planet

Her and Hothouse

The mirrors of the studio are filled with steam from the heat as yogis exit the room, dripping in sweat. This is typical for a Hothouse yoga class. Afterward, you can find Maureen Mondanaro, owner of Hothouse Yoga Studio, smiling and chatting with her students.  Mondanaro first got into yoga because of her former husband. … Read moreHer and Hothouse

IC Climate Strikers Initiate Roving Strikes Following Visit From Greta Thunberg

A buzzing crowd awash with bright colors and handmade signs awaited 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg at the Iowa City climate strike on Friday, November 29. The young activist who is known for fighting for sustainability and only traveling in environmentally friendly transportation arrived in a Tesla to an uproarious greeting. She reached national acclaim earlier … Read moreIC Climate Strikers Initiate Roving Strikes Following Visit From Greta Thunberg

Top Five Fall Activities in Iowa City

As the fall season approaches, it is time to start marking your calendars with all the activities you want to experience. So, VERVE Magazine has created a list to help you find events and activities to do in the Iowa City area without stealing all your rent money. Visit the Black Angel The Black Angel … Read moreTop Five Fall Activities in Iowa City

Student Guide to Iowa City: A Video Series

I absolutely love Iowa City. It has, without a doubt, become my home away from home over the past four years. I wanted to take advantage of my final months in this cultured town and capture some of my favorite napping places, restaurants, and entertainment venues. While these videos certainly don’t do justice to the … Read moreStudent Guide to Iowa City: A Video Series