Editors note: Tastemakers is a column where we give you, the readers, a glimpse into what we at The Spectator are interested in (fashion, music, pop culture, etc.) It also takes heavy inspiration from Perfectly Imperfect, a paid Substack with content in a similar format. 

Taylor Boggess is a first-year creative writing student and a copy editor for The Spectator. Taylor is a lover of not only Taylor Swift and reading but also her fair share of fast food and animated films.

Taylor Swift: Taylor Swift is a worldwide known singer-songwriter who has taken the world by storm. I have listened to Swift for as long as I can remember. I have a distinct memory of watching Swift’s “You Belong With Me” and “Blank Space” music videos repeatedly. 

While I love all of her eras, my favorite will always be “reputation.” When the album dropped back in 2017, it was the first time I was able to really pay attention to the drop. This album will always have a special place in my heart.

Swift is still a major part of my life, being my top artist year after year. I always listen to music, in class or when just lounging around my dorm, and without a doubt, it is almost always my Apple Music playlist “taylor swift” that is playing.

Basement Yard Podcast: When I am not listening to music, I often watch my favorite podcast called “The Basement Yard.” The show is run by two best friends who have known each other for almost thirty years and talk about their lives and current events.

I usually have a hard time paying attention to people talking for an hour without getting distracted, but hosts Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez have no problem keeping my short attention span enthralled.

Books: One of my favorite pastimes is to read. I often get many book recommendations from “#BookTok” on the platform TikTok. I have many favorites — “Icebreaker” by Hannah Grace, “Mindf*ck Series” by S.T. Abby and “The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” by Stuart Turton.

But I also have a favorite author, that being Lauren Asher. I have loved every single one of her books, and am excited for what is to come. I recently read her newest novel, “Love Redesigned” and adored it.

McDonald’s: Unlike many people who grew up, my McDonald’s order has stayed the same since I was a child. I love the McNuggets. So it was either a four-piece, a six-piece or now a ten-piece that I order every time with a side of fries, ketchup and a Dr. Pepper. 

Panda Express: Though I have a very low spice tolerance, I actually quite enjoy Panda Express’ orange chicken, especially with the steamed white rice. Though it is not spicy to the average person, for me it is just the right amount.

Since moving to Eau Claire to attend UW-Eau Claire, it has been one of my favorite places to get dinner. 

Dr. Pepper: When I eat my lunch and dinner, I always need a soda to go with it. My all-time favorite is Dr. Pepper. With its blend of 23 flavors, it creates a delicious taste. I also enjoy their special editions, like cherry or strawberries and cream flavors.

Animated Films: I enjoy my fair share of movies, though my heart has a soft spot for animated movies, especially those from when I was younger. Over winter break I rekindled my love for the “How to Train You Dragon” movies.

These movies were ones that both my brother and I could actually agree on watching. I continue to fall more and more in love with Hiccup and Toothless each time I rewatch. Even though I am older now, I still love to watch animated films over live-action.

Boggess can be reached at [email protected].