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Ayla Peden

Asst. culture editor Ayla Peden shares her favorite books to kick off the holiday season.

Holiday romances that will make you forget about seasonal depression

By Ayla Peden | 4 hours ago

As the sun sets earlier over the horizon and temperatures continue to drop, the best thing to look forward to is the upcoming holiday season. Now, I know there is debate about whether holiday celebrations should start on Nov. 1 or after Thanksgiving — I personally fight for the latter — but that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for when you’re in the festive mood.So, with that said, here are five holiday romance novels that give off the same cheesy, nostalgic vibe of a Hallmark movie.

Asst. Culture Editor Ayla Peden shares new book releases to wrap up 2025.

6 new book releases to get you through 2025

By Ayla Peden | October 25, 2025

As the days get shorter and courses start ramping up, it may seem like there is nothing more to look forward to this year, but fret not! There are still plenty of books that have yet to be released this year, which can give you an incentive to make it through each week.

Customers take the staircase down to Steinkeller.

Steinkeller: 25 years of German culture, food, community and beer

By Ayla Peden | October 2, 2025

When Steinkeller first opened in 2000, Jim Kuykendoll was only a junior at Miami University. Now, 25 years later, Kuykendoll and his wife, Jenny Kuykendoll, have been the proud owners of the beloved restaurant for four years, and they aim to bring German culture and great food to Oxford.

Asst. Culture editor Ayla Peden recommends her favorite books based on Greek mythology.

Love Greek life? Try Greek mythology

By Ayla Peden | September 23, 2025

If there is one thing that you should know about me, it’s that I was a Greek mythology addict as a kid and, quite frankly, I still am.If there is one thing that you should know about me, it’s that I was a Greek mythology addict as a kid and, quite frankly, I still am.I would spend countless hours watching YouTube videos that ranged from the gods’ family tree to the most niche stories about random demigods and their adventures. However, once that obsession had started, it couldn’t be stopped, and I quickly ran out of things to watch. That was until I heard about the many books that recount new as well as classic myths.So, I give you some of my favorite books based on Greek mythology.

Sabrina Carpenter releases her seventh studio album, "Man's Best Friend."

Sabrina Carpenter’s “Man’s Best Friend” is my new best friend

By Ayla Peden | September 6, 2025

While Sabrina Carpenter may not be “Man’s Best Friend,” I would so let her be mine.On Aug. 29, the pop sensation released her seventh studio album to the begging hands of anyone who has ever had to deal with a “Manchild,” and let me tell you, I was excited.Much like her last album “Short n’ Sweet,” many of the songs were produced and co-written by Jack Antonoff, who has worked with other artists such as Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Lorde and more.

Miami Dance Corps provides a safe space for students to dance and socialize.

The Miami Dance Corps: A club for expression and friendship

By Ayla Peden | September 1, 2025

For many years, Miami University has been a place where students could thrive, not just academically, but socially as well. But how has Miami created this place where so many friendships flourish? The answer lies in the hundreds of clubs that have been established around the campus.One such group that has had a profound impact on its members is the Miami Dance Corps (MDC).

Asst. Culture Editor Ayla Peden gives her recommendations for fun drinks in Oxford

Thirsty? Try these fun drinks from around Oxford

By Ayla Peden | May 7, 2025

Have you ever been studying and thought, “I could get so much more done if I had a fun drink?”Now, I know some people like to stick to their signature beverage; I, too, am guilty of this. So, I give you an excuse to try something new with my recommendations.

Asst. Culture Editor Ayla Peden recaps fashion's biggest night.

Fashion’s biggest night is back with the 77th annual Met Gala

By Ayla Peden | May 6, 2025

Celebrities and designers alike flocked to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (or the MET) to celebrate the museum’s 77th annual Met Gala on Monday, May 5.The Met Gala may seem like a frivolous show of wealth, but it is so much more than that. The gala serves to celebrate the fashion industry and to raise money for the MET’s Costume Institute. Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine, heads the gala.

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