December 2011Twenty Something

Lil DoescherHair & Makeup Artist

Salon 9309405.607.4247

Meredith FoersterFeature Writer

Meagan OwenFeature WriterMakeup Artist

Sherree ChamberlainFeature Writer

Jacob PeregrinStylist

Fashion Writer

Christina Fallin-BaconFashion Writer

Denver Duncan30 Before 30

Alex Mendez-KellyMakeup Artist

Interns: Kylee Gwartney & Ashley Foster

CONTRIBUTORS

Sherree ChamberlainFeature Writer

Luke StephensFeature Writer

Sarah EthridgeMusic Writer

Jamy GreenHair Stylist

Duncan Brothers Salon405.748.8688

Chad CosperVideography

Denver Duncan30 Before 30

Taylor Upchurch30 Before 30

Emily DavisDecor Writer

Jeff RaganHealth Writer

Abigail OgleSports Writer

CONTRIBUTORS

Bethany YoungEditor-in-Chief

Co-Creative DirectorPhotographer

Kelsey SelfFashion Director

Co-Creative DirectorStylist

DCMGMT Creative, IncVideo and Photography Production ServicesPH 405.503.4120info@dcmgmt.com

facebook.com/dcmgmtcreative

Show up to the Holiday Mixer in style.

The Holiday season always gives me a burst of excitement and energy. Get togethers, giving gifts, getting gifts, and loving on those closest to you should be enough to put a smile on anyone’s face.

The best way to show some style this time of year comes down to a little creativity and confidence. Be creative to discretely show how you are in tune with the Christmas spirit while not going too far. Confidence to do something a little quirky, which may get peoples attention. You can do this with your gifts, your style, and your presence.

Christmas is very consumer. Skip the card section at the nearest box store and make your own. Brown paper, a printer, and a sewing machine are all it took to put together the “have an OK. Christmas” cards. This little ef-fort will make your Christmas card a keeper, and show you spent that extra time on someone. My favorite gift to give is the gift of music. Burn your “best of ” Christmas album for all those closest to you and include it with the card. I have done this for the past few years and am always happy to hear my mix tape in friend’s cars dur-ing the colder months.

Show up in style. I am not saying to go buy an outrageous sweater or rent a Santa suit, (although I would love to see both). Try something understated. This season I will be wearing a festive red bow tie, and a clipping of mistle-toe on my blazer lapel. I can wear a red bow tie all twelve months of the year, and only wear that Christmas tree sweater during one. Smart invest-ment. The mistletoe is as masculine as plants get, sharp pointy foliage. It also grows wild here in Oklahoma. Wear-ing it on you will allow only you to decide whom you will be leaning in to kiss. If you want an easier option that is not quite as dressed up, spend five dollars on a pack of Christmas socks at the nearest Target. This will show you are into the season when you kick off your shoes, without hardly any ef-fort at all. I am a sock guy, and there is no such thing as too many pairs.

Lastly, show up to have fun. It is easy to scrooge out after spending too much money on gifts, or because it is too brrrrr cold outdoors. But change your focus. Show how much you care for friends and family by loving on them and spending some genuine, down to earth, no frills about it time with them. I recommend playing Twister. It brings you closer by tying you up in knots.

Holiday Mixer Style

Written by Jacob Peregrin

Illustration & Photos by Jacob Peregrin

DecemberFashions

Makeup: Alex Mendez-KelleyHair: Jamy Green

Styling: Kelsey Self & Jacob PeregrinModels: Makenzie Muse, Cale Black & Joel Black

Photography: Bethany YoungClothing: Blue Seven, Gil’s, Ten14, Pink Sugar, Lucca

Special thank you to Oh! Space

Blue Seven

Menswear: Blue SevenWomenswear: Gil’s

Menswear: Blue SevenWomenswear: Ten14

Blue Seven

Gil’s

Gil’s Ten14

Blue Seven

Winter Wear

Blue Seven Blue Seven

Target

WallisUrban Outfitters

Blue Seven

Blue Seven

Blue Seven

Marc by Marc JacobsMBYM

Opening Ceremony

Model: Haley Brown

Twenty Something

Girl

Makeup: The MakeUp BarHair: Jamy GreenStyling: Kelsey SelfPhotography: Bethany YoungClothing: Bohemian Spirit Vintage

Tell us about yourself.I’m a 21 year old, Marketing Senior at Oklahoma State University. I was born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma to a Mom, Kim, who owns a Twirling Studio, and a Dad, Gene, who recently retired from Oklahoma Natural Gas and now owns his father’s busi-ness, Lot-A-Burger. My parents waited 12 years to have me, and I am an only child. I was born into a family of politicians - so I love to watch Fox News and CNN - but what my family has taught me is not about “politics” - its about public service. I love big cities, going shopping, and traveling, but I also love going out to my grandparents farm to go fishing and explore on the gator! Besides twirling, I have danced for 15 years, was on a competitive cheer squad, and took vocal lessons. People find it unusual that I was not the twirler for my High School Band, but instead was on the Pom Squad. I have always wanted to be the Featured Twirler for a college university - and now, I’m just finishing up my 4th year as the Fea-tured Twirler at Oklahoma State University.

What was it like growing up in a small town?Enid is a small town compared to the Okla-homa City or Tulsa areas, but is actually the largest town in Northwest Oklahoma! I went to gradeschool, junior high, and high school with almost all the same kids! We have a lot of the same opportunities and venues that bigger cities offer, but on a smaller scale. I had the options of going bowling, movies, dinner, the mall, or putt-putt with my friends on the weekends! The thing I looked most forward to when I was in school was Friday night football games! It seemed like most of Enid came out to watch.

How did you get into Baton Twirling and is the journey its taken you on anything like you expected?Of course I learned how to twirl in my mother and grandmothers studio (yes, I am a third generation twirler!). I like to joke that instead of a rattle - I had a baton! I have been a competitive baton twirler for 17 years. Twirling has taken me all over the United States and Europe, competing and performing. I have 23 national baton twirling titles and I have been able to per-form at Disney World, Disney Land, NBA Games, Arena Football, Branson’s Veterans Homecoming, and so many more wonder-ful places! I’ve been so blessed to have been able to participate in baton twirling. It has opened many doors and I’ve been able to share my gift with others - That’s what I enjoy the most.

You are the headlining twirler for Oklahoma State University - tell us what that is like!Being the Featured Twirling for OSU is one of the most thrilling things ever! I love foot-ball games days, and even in my 4th year, I still get the nervous rush of adrenaline when entering with the band under the sta-dium to go out for pre-game! I practice with the Cowboy Marching Band for two hours, three days a week, and also on Saturday mornings before the game. Those practices have always been the hardest for me. We usually have a 2 hour practice that begins at 5,6,7, or 8:00a.m. depending on the time of our kick-off! After practice, I have a full day of fun performances at different OSU venues leading up to kick-off. My favorite is when we lead the Football Players during the “Walk” up to the stadium and seeing the Sea of Orange! This has been the best sea-son ever!

Meet our December Twenty Something Girl, Aly Akers!

You are also the current Miss OSU, tell us about that!I was so excited and humbled when they called my name as Miss OSU. I will be rep-resenting my University at Miss Oklahoma in June. My platform is an anti-bullying organization I created March of 2010 which is called “P.A.S.T. - Prevent and Stop Tor-menting.” I had been going to grade schools speaking about anti-bullying since I was 16. When I decided to enter Miss Oklahoma preliminaries, I saw that you were required to have a platform - something you were very passionate towards. That’s when I de-cided I wanted to expand my anti-bullying “speeches” into an organization. I have been able to do assemblies at numerous schools and spoken to over 3,000 students across Oklahoma. I have created T-Shirts, Brace-lets, and a Facebook page for P.A.S.T. as well as expanding the program into parts of Missouri, Texas, and Arkansas with hopes to reach more states in the future! I would love to be able to make traveling across our great state, going into schools and different venues, speaking about my platform my full time job for a year as Miss Oklahoma and then again in the near future! My goal is to make bullying a thing of the “P.A.S.T.!”

What are your plans for the future?I’m graduating December 2012 with a Marketing degree and plan on attending Law School. Somewhere also in this mix, I would like to work in OSU Athletics, the State Capitol and continue to grow my P.A.S.T. organization!

Gift Guide for theInterior Enthusiast

Need a fabulous gift for the design lover in your life? Here are some of the seasons best picks, sure to please even the most discerning

decorator... or someone who could use a little help in the home area!

Click on the images to find out where you can purchase these fabulous gift ideas!

Written by Emily Davis

It’s December and many of you are officially freaking out. This probably sounds familiar: ‘Oh, crap. I’ve got 20 people to buy Christmas gifts for and only a few weeks to do it.’ First, smack yourself for your procrastination. Now, take a look at the rest of this article as we give you ideas on what to get even the toughest person on your list.

Keep in mind that the definition of a good gift is something the person would want, but would never buy for him/herself. Most people drop hints as the holi-days draw near. So if you hear your sister saying, ‘I’d love to get a hot-stone massage or facial (both great ideas, by the way), but I’m not sure if I’d like it,’ get your booty to the nearest salon with massage services! Here are a few other ideas and websites we’ve discovered:

Last Minute FindsFrom KSBI’S All About You

For the girly girl: LushLifeHome.comThis site doesn’t have a lot of items, but we love the ones it does feature. One of our favorites is the patterned power strip! It comes in leopard, ros-es, skull & crossbones and zebra. It also has velvet coasters with marabou feathers in various colors. Items start at about $10.

For any woman: CosmeticsLike most ladies, we’re a big fan of cosmetics. A great gift is always a new make-up brush set or a make-up case/ bag. We love Sooo Lilly Exclusive Cos-metics, a local business. You can get a full set in a carrying case for less than $75. You can also get a make-up ‘plan-ner.’ This handy book-like case has zipper compartments for your eyes, lips and face products. She’s inside Kokopelli at NorthPark Mall or on the web at SoooLilly.com.

For anyone: CHOCOLATE!We recently discovered a company called Dove Chocolate Discoveries. Think Mary Kay or Stella & Dot, but for chocolate lovers. You could host a holiday chocolate party for co-workers or order items from a con-sultant. It might be a good idea for a co-worker or a friendly neighbor. The company sells all kinds of chocolaty goodness! Some of our favorites that we’ve tried on the show are the Mud-slide Chocolate Martini Mix, Milk and Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Dusted Almonds and Mad About Mousse. Order from a local consultant by visit-ing www.dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/sites/angela.

For the guys: HomeWetBar.comEvery guy wants a sign marking his domain, right? How about a cast iron cigar ashtray in the shape of a hand? This locally based website has it all! It’s loaded with hundreds of great ideas that you might never think of, no mat-ter how hard you try. Another favorite is a liquor dispenser in the shape of a gas pump. The site also has several gift ideas for the ladies, like a wine holder in the shape of a stiletto, for us shoe lovers. These prices are very reason-able as well.

Written by KSBI’s JaNiece Cranmer and Kealey McIntire

Hello December and hello Christmas festivities! It’s the most wonderful time of the year for many and with good reason. Classic Christmas carols, gift shopping, hang-ing Christmas lights, and decorating the tree are just a few reasons why people love this last month of the year. Another great reason for joy and celebration are holiday parties. Whether it is for work, family, or friends, everyone has a busy schedule of holiday get togethers. As fun as they can be, they can be equally damaging to your health improvements if not handled properly. So we don’t sacrifice three months of progress for three days. Follow the tips below to enjoy your parties, while ending the year right and setting yourself up for a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2012.

Don’t Skip your Workout – You’re going to be eating additional unhealthy foods more often this time of year. Skipping your workout because it’s cold outside or you’re busy is only going to make your caloric surplus worse.

Snack Healthy Prior to Party – Fruits, veggies, nuts, and lean proteins are all a great way to get excellent nutrients and be slightly satiated before the party.

Moderation not Deprivation – Don’t deny yourself of everything you want. Enjoy your favorite foods, but do so wisely with reasonable portions.

Say No to the “Food Pushers” – People will constantly try to get you to eat or drink more. Just say no continually with your goals in mind. Don’t be rude, but polite and firm with a smile. You don’t even have to provide a reason. If you feel obligated to take something to be polite, do so, then don’t eat it or throw it away in the other room.

60% Rule – Anytime you want to eat, make sure 3/5s of your plate is filled with a combination of lean proteins, fruits, nuts, or veggies. The rest can be anything you desire.

Cheat Credits – Set certain full body exercise values to unhealthy foods you like, to keep yourself accountable. For every one you eat, you owe that in the gym. For ex-ample, 10 minutes of sprint intervals for every cookie, 50 pushups for every brown-ie, or 2 miles running for every piece of cake.

Get Active – In conversation and any offered activities, such as billiards, ping-pong, or darts. The more engaged you are with other people, the less likely you’ll be to crowd around the food table. Great parties are because of great people, not because of food.

How to Healthily Handle Holiday Parties

Written by Jeff Ragan

Things that are totally fine this holiday season...

If you spent no money on bags or paper because you re-used the bags you have received from birthdays, showers, who are we kidding - last year’s Christmas.

You went to Black Friday and accidentally picked up a few things for yourself.

It’s totally fine if you think stockings are the best part of Christmas.

If you picked a child off the Angel Tree and spent more time and ef-fort on that little one than you did your own family.

If you went back for a second Angel Tree child because buying toys for the first one was so much fun.

You can recite the “Code of the Elves” from the movie Elf (and live by it.)

All of your favorite Christmas foods fall in one of three categories: cheese, carbs or dessert. (Or a little bit of all three…)

You secretly hope Oklahoma becomes Snowklahoma again with a re-peat of Christmas 2009.

If you still don’t know the words of Carol of the Bells or Oh, Christ-mas Tree.

If you say you are going to work out more for your New Year’s reso-lution but then get annoyed at how many people are in the gym and leave after the second spin class of the year.

If you went to Hobby Lobby to buy one thing and came out with $250 worth of holiday décor.

If you end up watching at least 23 of the 25 Christmas movies on Fa-lala Lifetime and there are no children around to blame it on.

To use “mistletoe” for an early escape at an awkward family gather-ing…WWF wrestle mania cousins? Mayo/dorito casseroles?…Um, you’re excused.

If you have 308 crafts pinned to your holiday folder on Pinterest and never actually do any of them. It’s the thought that counts right?

If your efforts to have a matching Pottery Barn tree are thwarted by the million random ornaments people feel the need to give you. Log cabin? Well alright. Tennis Shoe? Okay, maybe. Sea Horse? I give up.

Just a little something to wish you some holiday cheer and to let you know that you are not alone in your fake Christmas song lyrics, awe-some stocking, cheese-loving ways. Because hey, no one knows the second verse to Jingle Bells either and we love you just the way you are!

Written by Meagan Owen

30 Before 30Let the games begin! It’s officially started, thirty things to do (Oklahoma style) before turning thirty! The clock is ticking.

These are the adventures of Taylor Upchurch, a beloved high school science teacher, husband, and music enthusiast and Denver Duncan, a local musician, husband, and father of two. Friends since childhood.

Denver: So the first thing we did was dress as Dracula to the premier of Breaking Dawn. It was a logical place to start.

Taylor: It was hilarious to see you at my front door in a cape.

Denver: Well, I bought a bag full of make-up and fangs from the dollar bin. It went with the cape.

Taylor: The fangs you bought were awe-some at first. Then, the putty from mine did not adhere to my teeth. I though I might swallow one. It was like a science experiment putting all that together.

Denver: I’ve swallowed a tooth before. No big deal. Why did you have iron-on paper at your house?

Taylor: You never know when you need to make a t-shirt. Like a boy scout: “Be Pre-pared”.

Denver: “Team Dracula” t-shirts really pulled our ensemble together. So what were you thinking as we pulled into the mall parking lot?

Taylor: I felt proud.

Denver: And by proud, you mean “maybe we should back out now”? That sure is

#1 Dress as Count Dracula to the Breaking Dawn Premier

what I was thinking.

Taylor: You’re right. I was a little scared at this point.

Denver: Me too. Those Twilight fans are pretty hardcore!

Taylor: I about raged on those teens who laughed at us as we walked in the door.

Denver: It was a respectful laugh though. Anyways, we walked in large and in charge. Right until we ran into the security guard.

Taylor: He was a jerk. Apparently you are not allowed to have video cameras in the mall.

Denver: Yeah the dude at the helicopter stand doesn’t give you that info when you

walk in. We did get a few good questions in though before we got kicked out.

Taylor: That’s right. We got kicked out! Instant street cred.

Denver: So not giving up, we drove down to Harkins. Then feeling tough from being escorted off the premises, we snuck in the exit. We were in baby!

Taylor: We had struck gold. People wel-comed us like we were celebrities. I don’t know how many babies I had to kiss.

Denver: My favorite part of the night though was how we confused movie go’ers by only asking Dracula questions.

Taylor: I really liked the one you asked: “Out of all the Twilight movies, which is your favorite Dracula?” The looks on their faces.

Denver: It was pretty funny. Some were even mad. Ha ha!

Taylor: That was a good one to start our list. Proud.

#2 Drop in on a half pipeTaylor: I told you before we started, this was going to end badly.

Denver: It wasn’t that bad.

Taylor: Then we saw the entire park was made of concrete.

Denver: Yes it was a bit intimidating when we walked up and saw how steep the actual half pipe was

Taylor: But we were dressed real nice. Like skaters; skinny jeans, flat-billed hat, and shoe string belts.

Denver: I still think we should have gone for more of a nineties skater look. JINCO’S!!!

Taylor: My dad wouldn’t let me get a pair.

Denver: Ha ha! The biggest help was our coach. The fifteen year old, chain smoker.

Taylor: He did help though. Telling us that we had to commit and stomp the front of the board down.

Denver: I think he just wanted to see us fall. Which we did, a lot.

Taylor: Well, I did. You eventually got the hang of it.

Denver: You were 0-4 and I was 1-6. Not bad percentages for our first time out!

Taylor: And probably our last time out.

Denver: No injuries, no endorsement deal from Van’s, but did however feel cool in all the gear. Mission accomplished.

#3 Eat Calf Fries from Cattleman’sDenver: Just so we’re clear, calf fries are bull testicles.

Taylor: But Cattleman’s serves lamb fries and not calf fries.

Denver: Lamb testies.

Taylor: My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Denver: Gross. My loins hurt thinking about it.

Taylor: Bethany really got us the “in” at Cattleman’s. She made a phone call, and Boom!

Denver: We were chumming it up with the owner and GM!

Taylor: It was cool how the GM came out and explained where the fries came from and how they were cooked.

Denver: Those balls are from Iceland.

Taylor: Only the best imports for Okla-homa.

Denver: I didn’t mind the taste, it was the thought of what they actually were that started to get to me. Also seeing the raw nuts didn’t help.

Taylor: I liked them. I could have had a full meal of them. A little lemon juice, some cocktail sauce. Tastes like shrimp.

Denver: Then general manager asked us if we wanted to try some calf brains.

Taylor: We obliged. Shouldn’t have, but did.

Denver: We also invited our new friends to join. Even played a trick-a-roo.

Taylor: Yeah. Three high school kids asked what we were doing, and we invited them over to join.

Denver: We convinced them to eat a lamb fry first with out telling them what it was. They weren’t to happy. But they stayed around for the calf brains.

Taylor: I wasn’t doing too well the next day. But I am still glad we accomplished #3.

Taylor: We met Bethany Young, Kelsey Self, and Chad and Melissa Cosper at Cuppies & Joe to get a plan together.

Denver: Covert style! Oh and shout out to the Deif ’s.

Taylor: I am not sure why we needed a map, but you drew one up for us.

Denver: I wasn’t sure what would happen if we showed up with a camera crew to a place that is only open at night and only takes cash.

Taylor: Better safe than sorry. So we mic’ed up in the Cuppies parking lot. I felt like a spy.

Denver: Yeah I felt like I was about to be in a sting! But it was all a bit overboard be-cause they said it was cool to film.

Taylor: Yeah. We drove over to east 23rd Street. I think Kelsey and Bethany were surprised that it was just a trailer in a park-ing lot.

Denver: Trailer or five star restaurant, the chicken is amazing. It’s so good and smokey your pores will emit the smell for days after partaking.

Taylor: So we ordered a seven piece, with honey. You always ask for honey. They pour it over the FRIED chicken, french FRIES, and FRY bread. Yummy!

Denver: You mean honey flavored syrup.

Taylor: From a one gallon jug.

Denver: We also got yelled at for not paying attention and confirming our desire for the honey flavored syrup.

#4 Eat Bobo’s Chicken

Taylor: After we ordered, we got a good interview with the security guard. He was really cool about it all.

Denver: It was freezing outside so we took it back to Cuppies & Joe to enjoy our spoils.

Taylor: Our thinking was that the coffee aroma would mask the smokey smell. No dice.

Denver: It’s so potent, but well worth the ruined clothes and intestines.

That is it for now. We accomplished four tasks this month, and we are excited about this list!

Next month we will be emceeing our alma mater’s beauty pageant, Miss Woodward. Oh, and we get to

throw a party at the governor’s mansion.

We would like to send a shout out to the following people: @bethany_young, @Kelseyself,

@melissa_cosper, @chad_cosper, @CuppiesandJoe, @CondorBMX, and @garyeOK.

You can continue to follow our progress through twitter (@20SomethingMag, @denver_duncan,

@taylor_upchurch), the Twenty Something Magazine Facebook and website.

To watch videos from this month’s tasks and to see more photos, click here!

Hair & Makeup: Lil DoescherStyling: Kelsey SelfPhotography: Bethany YoungModel: Morgan WoolardClothing: Ruth Meyers

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland

“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the houseNot a creature was stirring,

not even a mouse.The stockings were hung by the

chimney with care,In hopes that St Nicholas soon

would be there.”-Twas the Night Before Christmas

What we’re listening to this month...Artist of the Month: Lana Del Rey

Some artists (good and bad) just blossom over night and suddenly every-one who doesn’t live in a closet knows their name. You know, people like Rebecca Black, Jillian Edwards, and of course, Lana Del Rey. Y’all need to know about this girl. She’s been around since 2009, but only recently, with-in the last two months, has she become legitimately famous. Her singles “Blue Jeans” and “Video Games” were released digitally October 11 of this year and got to the top 5 on the iTunes Albums Chart within hours. The chick is basically a digital phenomenon. She already has countless remixes done of her two singles and already has bands like Kasabian covering her work. They say imitation is the best form of flattery and for Lana Del Ray, I would say that’s definitely true. She’s good at making music simple, yet genius, thus making her work so appealing to listeners as well as other art-ists. Her voice reminds me of Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s. She’s not pretentious, but has been called a “self-proclaimed gangster Nancy Sina-tra” by one of my favorite bloggers. Oh, and hey, guess what? She’s only 24. When is she going to come out with more music!?

What we’re listening to this month...Album of the Month: Mylo Xyloto, Coldplay

Honestly, I don’t really know how they do it. They’ve been around since I was in the 8th grade, and they’re still resonat-ing with me. Coldplay does such a great job with Mylo Xyloto, their latest album released in September, because it shows another dimension of their creativity as artists. You’ve probably heard “Paradise” on the radio, which like I said earlier, reflects hip-hop’s progressive domina-tion over the music industry with its heavier beats and less of the melancholy instrumentals that their so well known for. They even unexpectedly partnered with Rihanna for “Princess of China,” a brilliant collaboration that could’ve sounded like a Glee mash-up if they

weren’t careful. And of course, their “Clocks” of the album, “Every Teardrop is a Water-fall” is so true to Coldplay. It just sounds like them and reminds us of why we like them so much. As promised, this band is always on tour and will in fact be around to distribute their latest masterpiece in person.

Song of the Month: “Don’t Move” by PhantogramI had never heard of Phantogram before I heard them on my radio and instantly fell in love with their song, “Don’t Move.” It’s a good reflection of the recent blend of hip-hop and independent music that seems to be going on for whatever reason. Phantogram consists of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, friends from Saratoga Springs, New York. They’ve been making electronic rock music together since 2007 and have toured with bands like Zero 7, Beach House, Metric, The xx, Yeasayer and Caribou to name a few. “Don’t Move” will catch you off guard and make even the most A.D.D. radio-listeners like me hold on a second to check it out.

Written by Sarah Ethridge

Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert broke the mold in today’s pop-country world. Her fiery lyrics tell tales of guns, vengeance and cigarettes, all of which oppose her female counterparts.

Before rising to the top as one of country music’s leading ladies, Miranda was just a 10-year-old girl discovering her dreams at her first concert. “I watched Garth [Brooks] and he was high on the stage. It was one of those moments that ‘wowed’ me, and I thought it would be really cool to do that for the rest of my life,” she said. A moment that many people can connect with, but an ambition few people achieve.

The appropriately titled, “Four the Record”, is Miranda’s fourth and latest album. Mi-randa wrote and co-wrote six of the 14 songs, as well as one bonus track, including her first released single, “Baggage Claim.” With spunk and attitude, the ear-catching lyrics tell the story of the type of baggage better left behind. “I think I just wanted something that was upbeat and fun, and that would be fun to perform live,” Miranda explained. “We’ve [Miranda and her band] done a lot of sets and being able to do it live and on stage has been cool.”

“Fastest Girl in Town” rings classic Miranda Lambert with up-tempo beats and lyrics with affection. “I get to play a character through my songs, and that’s what’s fun about it,” Miranda noted. “I kind of show all my personalities in all of my songs, but I definitely get to show a different side.” Miranda added that with this album there is not a distinct theme, but rather a hybrid of her different traits.

Another difference between this fourth in-stallment and records past is the addition of her country crooner husband, Blake Shel-ton. When Miranda and Blake announced their engagement, it was an entertainment writer’s dream headline. For the couple,

however, their nuptials were a testament of their love and commitment. “The first time I met him [Blake] I knew he would be someone really special in my life,” Miranda gushed. “I don’t remember everything ex-actly, but we just had so much in common and we could see that we were destined to be together in some way, and it was obvi-ously marriage.”

Although the couple walked down the aisle to Miranda’s “Makin’ Plans,” she claims they do not have a couple’s song. However, with Blake on the record, they now have songs to share together. “It was a really cool moment between us,” Miranda said of their song, “Over You.” “It was one of the most emo-tional songs I’ve ever recorded or written…it was going to be kind of a love-gone-bad song. But as we started writing it, I said, ‘You went away’, and Blake said, ‘How dare you’ – and we both started crying. It was definitely something that we hadn’t experi-enced on that level as a couple and to just do it together, to create something so per-sonal, it kind of took our relationship to a new level.”

Another song performed by the power-house couple is “Better in the Long Run.” “When we heard this song, it was a no-brainer,” Miranda revealed. “I was thrilled that we finally found a track that we both loved.” Whether or not Miranda and Blake will continue these duets is unknown. “We definitely like to [do songs together], but we want to keep it special, we don’t want to do it all the time.”

“Dear Diamond” is another example of Miranda’s songwriting talent. The title may sound symbolic of the union between Mi-randa and Blake, but the lyrics speak of one girl’s not-so fairytale ending. “As a girl, you wait your whole life to get your first diamond,” she said of developing the story. “When I had gotten my ring, I developed

this obsessive relationship with it. I was constantly looking at it with the light hit-ting the stone. And so, being a songwriter, and leaning more toward real life songs than happy ones, I just started writing that song…I definitely get ideas from personal experiences, or things from people around me, but every single scenario isn’t necessar-ily true to my life.”

With a nod to her husband’s roots, “Okla-homa Sky” pays tribute to her new home. “I’m definitely a proud Texan, of course, but I love that I live in Oklahoma. I’m re-ally starting to build my life there,” Miranda confided. “It’s different; it’s definitely one of those things where I wasn’t sure. I moved in and now we’re married and I really love it…Just as much as I love Texas, I now love Oklahoma, and it’s kind of my song for my life there now.”

Although Miranda has created numerous number one hits, she claims “Safe” is the song for which she is the most proud. “I wrote it by myself and it’s a big deal to have a song on the album I wrote by myself,” she explained. “It’s sort of a different song for me; it’s poetic, and I’ve never written a poetic song like that before. I feel like I’ve just expanded as a songwriter with that one.” The words came easily to Miranda – she was able to lyrically portray her message after only 20 minutes of writ-ing. “I was at Blake’s show and we had just gotten engaged and it was one of these things where it just kind of came to me…He was on stage…[and] I just thought, ‘Man, I am so blessed to have this person that I’m just safe with, that I can be my whole self.’”

Miranda Lambert is the reign-

ing Female Vocalist of the Year, for the second consecutive year, as awarded by the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards last month. When Taylor Swift won the award for Entertainer of the Year, Miranda turned to Blake, channeling her inner Be-yoncé, and said, “Who runs the world? Girls!” “It’s definitely true,” she admits laughing about her comment. “It’s really cool to be part of this movement where the girls are really starting to rise-up and be something, and I was definitely rooting for my husband on that category, but Taylor’s really out there representing for the girls, so I was really proud.”

For country music fans, it is easy to see that Miranda Lambert is part of that inner circle taking the country music world by storm. Not only is Miranda a CMA recipient, she is the first artist to have all four of her albums debut at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart. With all of her suc-cess, Miranda strives to live in the moment. “I’m trying to get better about it because I don’t want to miss anything by looking to the next thing before the last thing is even over,” she said. “It’s something that I’m hav-

ing to work on, but it’s a great thing be-cause I’ve had so many wonderful things happen that I’m trying to take it all in.” Through all of her accomplishments, Mi-randa credits her down-home roots for remaining humble. “I think having a farm definitely helps, getting out there and being out in the middle of nowhere and keeping my head straight. I have a great family and a great foundation, so I think I’ll always be good on that front.”

One would think this newly married, coun-try superstar would have enough on her plate, but Miranda Lambert added band-mate and philanthropist to her profile with the introductions of Pistol Annies and MuttNation Foundation. Pistol Annies is an all-female trio comprised of Miranda Lambert, Angaleena Presley and Ashley Monroe. “It’s just three girlfriends writing about real-life situations, and it just seemed like the right thing to do,” she explained. “[We’re] writing songs about women and these different issues that we deal with, and I think it’s really important to be that real.”

MuttNation Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support organizations whose pur-poses are to assist in the efforts of animal care. “I wanted to be able to help shelters and I eventually want to help make every shelter “no-kill”, which is our goal,” Mi-randa said of her reasoning for starting the Foundation. Miranda and Blake both take these efforts to heart, which is apparent in their own adoption of their eight dogs. “We did a benefit where we actually got a shelter built. We’re trying to take it nation-wide to help more than just in Oklahoma and Tex-as. We did one [benefit] in Louisiana not too long ago, so we’re hoping to help with other shelters across the United States.”

Miranda Lambert is truly a household name in country music and an Oklahoma favorite both on and off the stage. “Four the Record” is in stores now and is an album you will want to listen to from start to finish. For upcoming tours and all things Miranda Lambert, visit www.MirandaLambert.com.

Mates of State

Mates of StatePhotography: Bethany Young

Written by Sarah Ethridge

Once upon a time, in Lawrence, Kansas, two students met and fell in love. I’m sure this has happened lots of times, but very seldom can smit-ten college students have such a great story and history as Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, the members of “Mates of State.” We had the privilege of sitting down with them and getting to know how they became so awesome and how they manage to be probably the coolest parents to walk the earth. Jason and Kori met in the late 90’s while they were attending the Univer-sity of Kansas and decided to make music together. They both have musi-cal influence from their childhood, Kori having history in piano, organ and guitar, while Jason has an educa-tion in drums as well as piano. As they got to know each other, they started drawing from each other’s musical in-terests. Jason, influenced by anything from Heavy Metal to Gorillaz, had his taste, while Kori took a liking to more subdued music like Tori Amos and Joanna Newsom. Needless to say, it seems as though opposites attracted with these two fourteen years ago, cre-ated a magical duo and called them-selves “Mates of State.” Not only are they extremely tal-ented musicians who have produced seven albums, including several hits like “Goods,” “My Only Offer,” and “For the Actor” that have been on hit TV shows and films, but they are the coolest parents ever. Seriously. As our photos show, Kori and Jason

are not only musicians, but they are husband-and-wife as well as parents to two lovely girls, Magnolia and June Elizabeth. They are admirable in the sense that they want to live life while doing something they love. So many would sacrifice their personal life for fame, but not this couple. Jason and Kori model a stellar relationship with each other through their marriage and their professional life, while involv-ing their children as often as possible. They are fortunate to not have to put their girls in day care, but witness their development even when they are on tour, according to Jason. It is so re-freshing for fans to see such legit mu-sicians live such a great life and who actually want to share it with others. Kori currently writes a blog entitled Band on the Diaper Run sharing their experiences of touring and raising a family simultaneously. Obviously this band has more figured out than just music. Mates of State are known for unique harmonies and almost always upbeat melodies. They ensure an elevated mood to their fans every time they listen, making this band special, suc-cessful, and an impeccable example for any aspiring twenty-something to follow. This duo makes it work and, most importantly, pursue their dreams. Their latest album Mountain-tops was released this past September 13 and is, of course, raw and origi-nal material as promised by Mates of State. They only draw from their per-sonal experiences and what they find

to be important in life, says Kori. But with this album, Jason expressed with us, the themes are broader than those of their previous work and represent a different stage in their life. It is a must-listen and another fantastic compila-tion of what this couple can do. This band truly graced us with their presence and displayed to us how much they have to offer as mu-sicians, co-workers, spouses, and parents. I’m sure they will be on tour soon, entertaining us in person, while showing us with their perfect chemis-try how great it is to do what you were meant to do while being with the ones you love.

Steve Moakler

Photography: Bethany YoungWritten by Meredith Foerster

Pop rock with a little bit of country de-scribes the unique sounds of singer/song-writer Steve Moakler.

In his hometown of Bethel Park, Pennsyl-vania, Steve discovered his musical aspi-rations. “When I was a kid, I didn’t real-ize how often I fantasized about music,” he explained. “Every time I’d be driving somewhere with my parents and the radio was on, in my mind I was always singing. I guess it wasn’t until I was 14 that I really was like, ‘I want to do this. I want to be a singer and a songwriter and be on stage performing.’”

When the time came to set his goals in mo-tion, Steve turned to a skeptical audience. “I told my mom I wanted a guitar and she told me I’d quit everything else I’d done, and she was right, so she wasn’t very eager to get me a guitar,” Steve admitted laughing. “My grandma overheard the conversation and she was dating this guy named Tony…he collected all kinds of stuff. One morning when I came down for school there was an old guitar there; a 1981 Alvarez and I start-ed writing songs right away.”

Steve tested his songwriting capabilities when composing his latest album, “Watch-ing Time Run.” Ninety songs later, he ce-mented the list to 12 must-listen-to tracks. “It’s surprisingly easy to narrow 90 down to 15 because just because you write 90 songs, doesn’t mean you wrote 90 good songs,” Steve revealed. “I’ve been writing songs for 10 years now and it becomes easier to identify what a great song is and what is just okay. Narrowing down to 15 was easy. Nar-rowing it down after that was tough.”

Despite being from Pennsylvania, Steve claims he is not a northerner, as told in his ballad, “This Ain’t Rock and Roll.” “I’ve really fallen in love with the south, and country music has made its way into my writing,” Steve continued, “I also kind of

feel like I’m at a party, and I wasn’t really invited, but people are giving me drinks anyways and talking to me…That’s kind of my contribution to country music and the south.” This autobiographical tune tells of his new life in Nashville and is one of his favorite songs off the album to perform. “I get really excited for [this song] because I think it’s something about putting yourself out there,” Steve shared. “I think I’ve said something that a lot of people haven’t said yet. It’s honest; it kind of feels like the white elephant in the room. It’s also cool to tell my story and where I’m from.”

Although he composed some country-driv-en melodies for this album, Steve is quick to clarify that his music remains relatable to his pop rock fans. “I think what I’ve con-cluded is that [my new music] is not that big of a departure,” Steve noted. “The songs that I write are written as very lyrically-driven songs for a broad audience and I’m a lot more concerned with songwriting than sound. That’s what country music is – it’s a place for songs to live where you don’t have to reinvent new sounds. [Country music] is just all about great songs, and that’s what I’m about promoting.”

Musical icons such as Elton John, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen influenced Steve when he was younger, but he later devel-oped his own taste in music. “It was that mid-to-late-90s radio with Matchbox Twen-ty, Goo Goo Dolls and Third Eye Blind and all the one-hit wonders that came out of that time,” Steve said. “John Mayer was a big influence on me, and Coldplay, U2 and David Gray are probably my favorite. I’ve really gotten into country music; like Eric Church is my favorite country artist.”

For inspiration, Steve turns to his guitar for melodies and to personal experiences for lyrics. “A lot of my songs are autobiographi-cal,” Steve admits. “I’ve written a lot about relationships; not only my relationships, but

ones that I want to have and ones that I’ve seen around me that have been beautiful or broken. I write a lot about being a whole person and pursuing happiness and living bravely. I just kind of want to breathe life into people.”

Aside from his music, Steve also breathes a new life into people through his char-ity Free the Birds. Started by Steve and his manager Tim Schurrer, the organization funds freedom and restoration for women and children who have been exploited by human sex trafficking. “I first heard about the sex-trade a few years ago at a church I was going to and it just totally broke my heart,” Steve confided. “I couldn’t believe it was real. It planted a seed in my heart and I didn’t know when would be the time to do something about it. After pursuing music for a year, I realized two things. One was that I am not totally fulfilled in doing [mu-sic] and one of the things I didn’t like about being an artist was how self-centered it can be. [Second] I also realized that a lot of the people who listen to my music are girls between the ages of 14 and 25. I was going through my Twitter followers and realized I had a clear demographic. I realized that if this [issue] moves me the way it does, then it is going to resonate with them too.”

To raise money, Steve builds and then sells birdhouses at his shows and on the Free the Birds website (www.helpfreethebirds.com). “The symbol is the birdhouse which is what it is all built around,” Steve explained. “A bird is an old-fashioned term for a lady, it’s kind of a slang term, and a birdhouse is a symbol of freedom for a bird, as opposed to a cage.”

When Steve is not recording or writing, he is out doing what he loves the most – touring. “I love being able to connect with listeners and see people singing my songs,” Steve said. “It’s awesome to travel and meet new people. Sometimes you don’t realize

how good it is being plugged in and having roots in a community; I think we’re made to do that.”

In his pop rock tunes, Steve Moakler makes a dash of country chorus go a long way in the genre’s hometown of Nashville, Tennes-see. For more on Steve Moakler, visit www.stevemoakler.com.

Photography: Bethany Young

Oklahoma’s own Sherree Chamberlain is at it again, bringing you her latest creation... and we

couldn’t be more excited! To watch our exclusive interview about Sherree’s upcoming album, and see more photos from her session at Blackwatch

Studios, click here.

BronchoAs you all have noticed, we like to keep it local around here. Thankfully, every now and again we discover incredible tal-ent next door. Broncho is our most recent example of such talent. A young band of only two years, Broncho gave us some feedback about their history and their debut album, Can’t Get Past the Lips, released October 18. Broncho consists of Ryan Lindsey on vocals and guitar, Jonathan Ford playing bass, Ben King on guitar, and Na-than Price, the band’s drummer. They met through mu-tual friends and represent the cities of Tulsa and Norman, Oklahoma. Although punk rock bands, like The Clash or Black Flag, influence each member, the band mates do not categorize themselves as such. They are technically “alterna-tive” and resemble artists like Jet or The White Stripes, but with an edge. Each member of Broncho grew up listening to music, everything from classical to punk rock, all of which shaped his interests to pursue music as a career. They also got their fair share of band experience before they formally collaborated. Several of the band’s members played in other groups before working together. Can’t Get Past the Lips is a true representation of the inner-workings of this group for the last two years, and is a great listen for any rock and roll fan. Broncho operates by moving at their own pace and not doing anything unnatural. Letting things happen in their own way is what makes them thrive, according to the members of the band. Organic and genuine are words to describe this group of gentlemen because they do not want to force their success, but just have fun. After all, they did tell us, “The moment Broncho wouldn’t be fun anymore, it wouldn’t be Broncho.” They are already working on their second album and antici-pate recording to start within the next few months. As fans, we also can look forward to seeing Broncho perform their work in their haven of Tulsa on December 16. Look for this band and be proud of them as the represent, Oklahoma, be-cause they’re not going away any time soon.

Photography: Bethany YoungWritten by Sarah Ethridge

Milk on MilkTo Matt and Christina Fallin-Bacon, the visuals of Milk on Milk are just as important as the sound. Matt and Christina

met over their mutual love for music and performance at Matt’s former band’s (The Stock Market Crash) show. At the time,

Christina took great interest in mixing electronic dance music through deejaying weekly at Electro Lounge and Kamp’s. The song, “Like a Vulture,” holds much significance to Matt and

Christina, as it is the song he used to propose to her.

Milk on Milk is not a band, but a representation of Matt and Christina’s notion that music should ideally incorporate more senses than just sound, and that there is no longer a standard format to present music. Matt and Christina’s ultimate dream

would be to create an experience that incorporates all five senses.

Matt and Christina worked with Brent Ryan Green to create the music video for “Like a Vulture.” When asked about the music video, Christina states, “although it was great fun to

develop and shoot a music video, I have a renewed respect for what Brent does, as it takes a lot of work to rein in ideas and

make them cohesive.”

To watch the new new music video for “Like a Vulture” click here.

Written & Photographed by Kelsey Self

We sit down at Blackwatch Studios in Norman, OK with Altus native, Christopher Wray as he is in the midst of recording his 3rd album- only this time he has added a band. Accompanied by some of his exceptionally talented friends, the group, Shades of Jackson have all come together back in their home-town to create this very personal and narrative record. He is as tall as they come, complete with a handle bar mustache and newsboy cap. His look is one he styles as “timeless”. Dark skinny jeans and an even darker denim jacket- a jacket he searched high and low for. “The feel of this record was like a jean jacket to me. Like a good jean jacket. I had no idea it would be so hard to find.” His lace-up oxfords are a perfect shade of brown leather and his striped socks show as he relaxes with one leg rested on the other. He is as gentlemanly and kind as they come and the sounds of his music coming through the speakers provide a preview of the tunes he is in studio working on.

“The Days After” is the current title being thrown around for the record and it was inspired literally by the days after the end of a long relationship. Hope, Hopelessness, Despair, Vulnerability- the vibe of this album is darker and more emotional than any of Wray’s previous works. These are the types of songs that listeners might turn to during their own time of sadness and find that they can relate exactly to the lyrics, put it on replay and cry their eyes out, know-ing those same feelings. The songs are told from many points of view, sung from different perspec-tives, taken from the imagination of many types of characters and all manage to speak such truth that only song can express.

“I was reading Reflection of the Psalms by C.S Lewis while writing and I realized everything doesn’t have to be happy all of the time and that’s OK to feel that way. I hope in a positive aspect that people listen to the record and say oh yea, I’m not the only one who’s ever felt that way.” Wray said while strumming on the strings of his guitar, preparing to get back in studio to work on another track. “For this record I was inspired by Charlie Pride, Johnny Cash, old country stuff and also Wilco, Bon Iver, kind of that spectrum of acoustic experimental music. That doesn’t mean it will sound like that, but that’s what I have been listen-ing to.”

Wray currently lives in Los Angeles where he works as a composer, lyricist, and musician. His work can be heard on numerous tracks including those in the movies the Green Lantern and Larry Crown. Recent-ly he worked on the records of Anthony Hamilton and Tenacious D. He also created three tracks for a new movie starring Diane Keaton and Kevin Klein, to be released at a later date. Wray graduated from the University of Oklahoma and still speaks of his love for Norman.

“Oklahoma will always be my home for sure, I miss it.”

Advice Wray gives to his fellow musical Twenty Something’s is “stay grinding.” He says, “Don’t worry about the end goal. Don’t get focused on where you want to be. Just make music and do it to the highest level that you can. You can’t really sell music. People have to feel it. Make music that is undeniable and no one can deny that it’s good. “

Movies to see this month...

Movies to see this month...

The Grinch

Makeup: The MakeUp BarHair: Lil DoescherStyling: Kelsey SelfPhotography: Bethany YoungModels: Luke Stephens & Clytee BurchettSpecial Thank You to Haley Brown & Abbey Byers

Decor Provided by Hobby LobbyTable Provided by Restoration StationStyling & Photography: Bethany Young

Christmas Tablescape

For our Christmas dinner table we used all things white and sparkly.

Feathery trees, crystal votives, snow flake plates, silver chargers and unique

ornament parting gifts for our guests. You can recreate this table for your own

party - Your guests are sure to be wowed!

Makeup: Meagan OwenStyling: Kelsey SelfPhotography: Bethany YoungDresses: Sherri Hill

Miss Oklahoma USALauren Lundeen

Miss Oklahoma USALauren Lundeen

The first time was a charm for Miss Oklahoma USA 2012 Lauren Lundeen.

In her first attempt in the pageant world, Lauren took home the crown. “I decided to enter over Christmas break [last year], but I didn’t submit anything until May,” she said. “A few people told me about [the pageant] and said it would be good for me. My mom told me about it, and she really wanted me to do it because she knew it would be a good learning experience.”

As a sophomore at the University of Okla-homa, Lauren spends most of her days on stage for a different reason. “I’ve danced my whole life and done competitive dance,” said the modern performance major.

Despite having stage presence as a dancer, Lauren was unsure about pursuing pag-eantry. “I was against it at first just because it was something out of my comfort zone,” she confided. “As I thought about it more, I decided to do it because I didn’t have any-thing to lose. I figured it would be cool to try something new and it would help me practice talking in front of people.” How-ever, with Lauren’s poise it is hard to believe the college student needed practice.

Held in Guthrie, Oklahoma at the historic Scottish Rite Temple, Lauren entered the pageant as Miss Edmond USA. “I thought it was going to be a lot of ‘Pageant Patty Girls,’” Lauren admitted. “I was very sur-prised by how nice and friendly and down-to-earth everyone was.”

The weekend of the pageant brought sup-porters, stylists and nerves for the contes-tants. “I was really nervous because I didn’t exactly know what I was doing, and I had never been through the process before,” Lauren revealed. “Walking in my gown was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to walk in; it got caught on everything. I was more nervous for the on-stage questions than I was for the personal interviews be-cause those went really well; that was fun.”

On Sunday, November 20, the participants inched closer to finding a winner. “I was

just trying to take it all in,” Lauren said. “I was happy to just get Top 12, and I had no idea that I would even make Top 5, or win anything. It all happened really fast because I was trying to let it all sink in.”

Ready or not, the time came for a new Miss Oklahoma USA. “I honestly don’t even remember hearing my name,” Lauren said laughing. “I want to see a picture of my face when they put the crown on me because I honestly don’t remember. I felt like I had the air knocked out of me…I thought I was dreaming.” Lauren may have been surprised by receiving the title, but when talking with her, one can see why she was chosen to rep-resent Oklahoma.

Since being crowned, Lauren is eager to speak with younger generations about an issue close to her heart. “Some of the things I want to do for appearances are to talk to elementary schools and middle schools about drunk driving,” she explained. “My little brother got in a really bad car accident my freshman year of college with a drunk driver, so it’s something that hits home.”

As Miss Oklahoma USA, Lauren will rep-resent the state in the Miss USA Pageant in Las Vegas. “I am going to train a lot, and work on more interview skills and making appearances,” Lauren said of her prepara-tions. “I am very excited. I’m excited to go and have the experience. I’m so grateful to have been picked for this.”

As a whole, Lauren hopes to change the way people view pageantry. “I want to end the stereotypes of pageants and pageant people, because I know I did that before I knew a lot about pageants,” she shared. “I want to do more appearances where people can see that pageant girls are relatable, and that we’re not huge divas, and that we’re not perfect.”

No matter where Lauren decides to take her voice, it is clear that she will leave behind a lasting impression, and she has the state’s support all the way as the new Miss Okla-homa USA.

Written by Meredith Foerster

The torch has been passed!

After almost a year of sharing with the world the stories of Every Girl I’ve Ever Kissed, I’ve run out of stories to tell! After all, I’ve only kissed 37 girls.

The good news is that someone else has taken up where I left off and has started telling their stories at www.everygirliveev-erkissed.com. The idea is that once they are

done, someone else will start telling their stories and Every Girl I’ve Ever Kissed can go on forever!

I hope you give our new ‘kiss-and-teller’ a chance and see what her love life has been like. Her name is Sarah and so far, I’ve re-ally enjoyed her stories. It’s definitely differ-ent hearing things from a girl’s perspective! I wouldn’t let her tell me any of her stories in advance, because I wanted to experience

them all when the rest of the @E_G_I_E_K faithful do.

The site will still be updated like it always has, every Wednesday. So make sure and check it out!

I’ll still check in occasionally and write a monthly update on the website, but besides that, it’ll all be Sarah. Part of that monthly update will include stories that readers have

sent in of their kissing exploits. If you want to be a part of it, send an email to sukele-phens@gmail.com and you will see your story on www.everygirliveeverkissed.com!

So, CALLING ALL KISSERS! Email your best kissing story to sukelephens@gmail.com and your story will be shared with the world! See you in a month!

-Luke Stephens

1. Bedlam is Saturday, Dec. 3rd. Unfortunately, OU is essentially out of the running for an eighth national title, but the OSU Cowboys still have a slight chance but they MUST win Bedlam. (See #2 and #3 for some more info on OU and OSU.)

2. The Oklahoma State Cowboys suffered their first loss this season. The Pokes lost in DOUBLE overtime to Iowa State. This loss could have very well cost them a chance to play in the National Championship Game.*

3. The OU football team has been plagued with injuries and it has really hurt them this season. The Sooners are without their best receiver Ryan Broyles and best running back Dominique Whaley, to name a couple.

4. Ndamukong Suh (Nuh-Dom-Ick-Cun Sue) was the SECOND HIGHEST draft pick last year; he went to the Detroit Lions. Now Suh has turned out to be $60 million mistake. Suh was ejected from the Thanksgiving game after pushing a Green Bay player’s head against the turf several times, then stomping on his arm. YIKES!

5. This should be the happiest time of the year, but it definitely is not a happy time in Happy Valley (the location of Penn State University). PSU head coach Joe Paterno was fired mid-season after allegations about one of his former coaches molesting young boys. (I’ve read the Grand Jury report... don’t read it.)

6. Sadly, the same type of accusations surround Syracuse basketball coach Bernie Fine, who has been fired.

7. San Diego Chargers kicker Nick Novak was caught urinating into a cup on the sidelines. Comedian Jimmy Fallon tweeted: “Chargers kicker Novak was caught urinating on the sidelines. Marking the only time fans were glad a player didn’t go for 2.” LOL He was referring to a two-point conversion that teams sometimes go for.

8. Two words: Tim Tebow. He is hated by many and loved by many. Most OU fans dislike Tim Tebow because he beat the Sooners in the 2009 Championship game. Tebow is known for broadcasting his Christian beliefs every way possible. He is often seen “Tebowing”, which is the new planking. Whatever your feelings are towards Tebow, Broncos fans love him. He has given the Broncos a few wins lately.

9. The National Championship game is on the SAME day as Bedlam men’s basketball! Boo.

10. THUNDER FANS REJOICE!!! Starting Christmas Day, the NBA will be back in sea-son.

*I couldn’t write this without at least mentioning the tragedy that Oklahoma State Univer-sity faced in late November. OSU women’s basketball coach Kurt Budke and his assistant Miranda Serna were killed in a plane crash after a recruiting trip. Olin and Paula Branstet-ter, long-time Cowgirl Basketball supporters and pilots, were also killed. Please send your love and prayers to the families, the team and the university.

Block PartyWe were thrilled to be asked to come take photos of some incredible local designer’s creations for this years Block Party. All of the pieces

were inspired by or involved legos in some way - so fun!All proceeds from the event went to Oklahoma City Educare - an early childhood education center dedicated to helping young children grow

up safe, healthy and eager to learn.

Lydia Sullivan Designswww.lsdhats.com

Joanne Kotlowskiwww.anthaus.us

The Plaza Districtwww.plazadistrict.org

Nicole Moanwww.nicolemoan.com

The DollhouseAfter the ever-growing popularity of the movie Burlesque, along side the television shows Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, and the X Factor, it is undeniable that people enjoy a great performance. Song and dance have been a combination of excellent entertainment since the beginning of time and now Oklahoma City will have its very own outlet to come and enjoy a live performance, featuring talented and very beautiful singers, dancers and actresses.

Who: Who can be in the audience?Oklahoma can. All of you who are curious about this venue are invited. The atmosphere is mature, and the sophisticated are welcome.

What: What is this place?The Dollhouse is a contemporary revue with a variety of styles including modern “Pussy Cat Doll” inspired performances, and even the original 1920’s form of burlesque. These shows will offer a variety of national and local burlesque revues that consist of dance, comedy, song and vaudevillian acts shown throughout the night.

When: When can you come?Christmas 2011. This weekend will be filled with tons of excitement. An overwhelming crowd is anticipated to come out and welcome the most unique new spot for Oklahoma City nightlife.

Where: Where do you need to be?Nowhere other than Oklahoma’s most up and coming and attractive area, Bricktown.

Why: Well, why not?Oklahoma City has yearned for nightlife with substance for years, and until now all that has been available were nightclubs and bars. The Dollhouse wants to share its love for the arts and history, to show Oklahoma City something brand new. This is a lounge setting with live performances and a place where you can become a “regular.”

Don’t miss opening weekend, beginning December 25, 2011.

Find us online

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Twenty Something Magazine