Twenty SomethingSeptember 2013

Twenty Something

Nathan PoppeMusic Feature Writer and

PhotographerTaylor Andersen

Restaurant Feature Writer

Cayla LewisPlaza DistrictFeature Writer

Laura SabolichStreet Style Feature Writer

Brittney MeltonFeature Writer

Plenty Mercantile

Kealey McIntireFeature Writer

Jacob PeregrinMen’s FashionFeature Writer

Elizabeth DiefenderferFood Feature Writer

CONTRIBUTORS

Tonya ZunighaFeature Writer

ThundergUrls.com

Samantha LambFeature Writer &

Photographer

Sarah McCubbinFeature Writer

ThundergUrls.com

Jeanne YoungCopy Editor

Kelsey SelfFashion Director

Co-Creative DirectorStylist

Bethany YoungEditor-in-Chief

Co-Creative DirectorPhotographer

Nathan PoppeMusic Feature Writer and

PhotographerSarah Ethridge

Music Feature WriterMeagan Owen

Fashion Feature Writer

Chad & Melissa CosperVideography & PhotographyDCMGMT Creative, Inc.

Whitney LynnFashion Feature Writer

Emily DavisDecor Feature Writer

Jeff RaganHealth Feature Writer

Lacey RosenwaldFashion Stylist

Michaela WebbLyric Theatre

Feature Writer

CONTRIBUTORS

Abigail SmithPhotographer

Fashion

Fashion

Photography: Abigail SmithModels: Aaron & Rachelle Boyer

You don’t have to break the bank to be fashionable.

We styled this photo shoot with clothing, shoes and accessories that ranged

from $9 to $28. By browsing the sale rack

or visiting your local vintage shop, you can score great finds

that will make you look like a million dollars.

Fashion

Made in America. It is one of those lines that you are proud to say. It’s even a proven fact that people are willing to pay a little more for these products without any outward sign of difference. But what differentiates a product that’s put together here in the U.S of A. from

one that was assembled 10,000 miles away in a foreign factory?

There are benefits to both depending on what your end goal is. The most harped upon advantage of American production is the dedication to quality. When a friend of mine was

recently reminiscing on starting a wholesale leather goods business he said, “When we first made our products we didn’t know what we were doing and they were kind of junk.

Only our friends thought they were cool and bought them. But we had to start somewhere or we never would have started.” After years of fine-tuning, the brand went on to great

success and went into doors like Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters.

These brands are proud of their products. It is their work, but it becomes their craft, skill, creativity, design, and essentially their lifestyle. Brands like Red Wing Heritage make a boot that other countries cannot emanate, and stand behind it with a lifetime warranty. At the same time their workers take pride in their work, and will literally chat your ear

off about how much they love their work and company. The excitement is palpable when speaking to these employees, and the quality of manufacturing is unmatched by lower-

wage foreign markets.

Made In or Made Out

American brands seem to have a “get it right the first time” mentality. Since the people on the manufacturing line are generally invested in the product, they do not want to put an

incomplete or unfinished product on the market. The line “We stand behind our product” comes to mind. And in the off chance that something does go awry, most anyone in the

business will go above and beyond to make it right and keep your business. On the other hand, brands I have spoken with who do business with Chinese factories have had issues with multiple factories knowing they are making the incorrect product. These factories

overlooked the correct designs to do what was more convenient. They do not care about their customer because they can easily find another one looking for low-cost products. In most cases these brands have to send their design teams to live near the factories to over-

see production on sight so corners are not cut.

One of the more heartfelt pros of production being kept here is the focus on the people doing the work. It will obviously help keep jobs here as well as your dollars in the States.

But what brands are doing is celebrating and supporting local craftsmanship. On a recent trip to Portland I was overwhelmed by how many quality brands were basing their opera-tions out of the city. Leather brand Tanner Goods, apothecary brand Otter Wax, sunglass-

es brand Shywood, lighting brand Schoolhouse Electric, bags and accessories by Wood & Faulk, boots by Danner, notebooks by Scoutbooks. In fact, if you look at the American List by the blog A Continuous Lean, about every tenth brand seems to be native to Port-land. The most refreshing part about each of these brands was that they all were unlike

any other brand I had seen. They are creatively doing their own thing, something that sets them apart and differentiates them from mass markets. This is a new direction that manu-facturing is moving towards, back to small creative workspaces where workers love their

work and do it to create and live, not merely to make a buck.

Another interesting fact that these brands showcase is how they don’t only offer great products, but they also have great teams making their products. Brands like Imogene +

Willie out of Nashville & Shinola from Detroit showcase their employees on their site and invite you to stop by the shop to see them in action. These personal connections give an

added value to your product. You literally see whom you are supporting by purchasing the goods. These people are having fun doing this, and in turn the fun is contagious for the

customer.

Article and Photos by Jacob Peregrin

Cost may be the most visible difference between products made abroad and here. Manu-facturing in the leading low-wage textile countries of China and Bangladesh is the most affordable option. Especially in the case of large-scale production, which benefits from better price breaks if a brand purchases more pieces at a time. The minimum wages in

these countries have been slowly rising. China is still at .80 cents an hour in some areas, while Bangladesh sits at dismal .11 cents an hour. Cost of living may be lower in these countries, but that admittedly is not enough to do much more than just live. The hours

worked are not an easy nine to five. There are deadlines that are dictated by large compa-nies, and these workers are required to be there long hours to complete those orders on

time.

These prices on production are ridiculously low compared to America’s federal minimum wage of $7.25. There are other factors that do offset the low cost. Import and shipping

costs absorb the cost of having goods produced overseas. Once an item is shipped into the U.S. the shipping duopoly and the government both make money and increase the final cost of goods. After all this is said and done a similar product will cost anywhere from

20-50% less when made outside the states. Although the time to ship does take anywhere from a two week to two month difference in timeframe for goods to arrive depending on

shipping method and delay in customs.

Some brands inevitably make things in America without living up to these standards that have been outlined above. Recently factories in L.A. have been caught paying below mini-mum wage and not paying employees for overtime labor. These brands paste the moniker

of “made in USA” on their labels to charge a higher price but are not passing that down the supply chain. Most brands that are doing it the correct way are very transparent about

what they are doing. This is because they are proud, and they have every right to be. To make it in the American market takes some hard work, and is a labor of love. I would like to challenge you to find an item you care about and track down a brand that does it right

in the U.S. Maybe you’ll get excited and want to start something of your own. I know I’d like to.

Fashion

Photography: Bethany YoungStyling: Kelsey SelfModel: Luke CramerClothing and Accessories: Blue 7Bow Ties: The Clad Stache

The Clad Stache bow ties, designed by quirky-cool

Taylor Hanna, are popping up in all of our favorite local shops. We got a one on one with the

creator to show you the many ways you can rock a bow tie this fall.

Tell us about yourself Taylor!I grew up in Oklahoma City and have lived there since birth. Ever since I was little I never wanted to be taught anything, I al-ways felt much more comfortable figuring it out myself. One of my most vivid memo-ries is of my mom trying to teach me how to hit a ball. I tried by myself a few times and had barely been missing, but I had a natural swing, so I knew what felt good and what didn’t. After several attempts my mom comes to help me. She gets behind me with her hands wrapped around mine. My uncle lobs the ball and my Mom swings. Now remember I am basically attached to the bat with her death grip around my hands. We end up missing the ball all together. My mom lets go and turns towards my Dad, which is filming; with her back turned to-wards me I take a swing at her. Completely missed, thank God!. But my point is that I’ve always done things a little bit differ-ent. I’ve always had a rebellious side to me but have never taken it to extremes. I like to teach myself how to do things and then take criticism once I feel I have mastered what it is that I am doing. Even to this day.

I taught myself how to sew, thanks to the support of my wife. Without her The Clad Stache would not be possible. She has given me so much encouragement and was the one that told me to make my dreams come true. We have been married for just over two years and have two amazing girls. I have no fashion background nor did I want to while I was growing up. It was pretty much the furthest thing from my mind. But I’ve always been good at putting things to-gether, always loved working with my hands and have always had a thing with colors pallets. I love texture, mixing patterns, and especially taking the traditional and putting a spin to it.

When, where, how and why bow ties?My wife and I were at my parents house swimming and we had a wedding later that day. We got stuck out at the pool a little long and I forgot to pack a necktie with me. My dad has always worn bow ties and liter-ally has no neckties. So he convinced me to try a bow tie. I grew up thinking they were supper dorky and ridiculous. He taught me how to tie one in just a few minutes and I instantly fell in love with it. Since then I have only worn a necktie once, and that was 3 years ago.

My dad ended up giving me this awesome handmade bow tie, which I wore anytime I needed to dress up. I then started to buy some of my own, but after about 4 it be-came harder and harder to find ones that fit my style. I wanted something that would stand out from the rest and just be that accessory that would make my outfit pop from everyone else’s. I looked into hav-ing some custom made and the prices they were asking were just ridiculous. They were more than my shirt and pants combined. One day my wife said, “You should just start making the bow ties that you envision in your head.”

My birthday rolled around and sure enough my parents asked me what I wanted and I told them a sewing machine. That’s how The Clad Stache was born.

Where did the name The Clad Stache come from?Several years ago one of my now best friends could not ever get out Taylor. He was constantly calling me Tyler. He got so fed up with it that he wanted to know my nickname. I told him I didn’t really have one that I liked so he called me Stache, since at the time I was the only person that was really rocking a mustache. So the name partly comes from David Foster. The other half of the name comes from the want to find an old-fashioned word that nobody re-ally uses anymore. I came across it one day and it just seemed to fit.

In addition to bow ties what are you going to offer?We would like to officially announce that we are going to be getting into the necktie game. The “Greyson” is the necktie that is featured in this article. In addition to Neck-ties we will be offering a line of pocket squares, men’s scarves and rags. Our rags are the same size as a bandana and are perfect to use as one. We want them to be used for any occasion that you can pos-sibly imagine - bar towel, dish rag, sweat rag, a rag for barbers to wipe your freshly trimmed hairs from your neck and face, or jus a rag to throw in your pocket as an ac-cessory to set your outfit off.

Describe the moment you realized this could be something major.My wife and I were at a Thunder party just walking around and from 200 feet away comes this guy running towards us yell-ing, “Hey, hey I need to talk to you.” My wife and I are both looking around us and behind us trying to figure out if KD or

Westbrook or one of the other players was behind us. Sure enough this kid comes running up to me and all out of breath says “Where did you buy that bow tie?” I told him that I had made it and before I could get out that I was the owner of The Clad Stache he took the words right out of my mouth.

From that point on the company has just taken off. We have started shipping world-wide to Australia, the UK, Sweden, Canada, Denmark, as well as several States here in the U.S. Florida, NY, Texas, Pennsylvania, California, Seattle, North Carolina, Virgin-ia, Colorado, and Arizona.

Where can we buy The Clad Stache Merchandise?We just launched our web site last month www.TheCladStache.com and there you will find our entire line of bow ties that we are currently making, and soon Clad Stache rags, and pocket squares. On our website we also have a “Custom” tab where you can inquire about having a custom bow tie or neck tie made. Here you can also send us pictures of a necktie that you want convert-ed into a bow tie or a custom rag or pocket square.

In Oklahoma City - Blue SevenIn Norman – StashIn Seattle – Michael Paul Gallery

It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started taking pride in what I wore and tried to make sure that I always had something a little different than what everyone else was wearing. That’s what our bow ties do. We are small, we are handmade and that’s how we intend to keep it.

Isn’t it funny. It’s that time of year we are all looking to September for fall and winter fashion, but wait we are already behind! As you might know, the first weeks of September are arguably the biggest fashion fest in the Big Apple as

it is Mercedes Benz Fashion Week for Spring 2014. The air isn’t quite as frigid (trust me) and the streets aren’t lined with snow and slush. Enter the editors,

the buyers, the bloggers, the trendsetters, the socialites, the writers, the every-one who is fabulous. As I plug away my favorite shows into my calendar (to

sulk) and to stream from Oklahoma, let’s revisit the best trends from February of this year to make sure we don’t “fall” behind!

Fall Fashion from the RunwayFashion

LeatherA fabric synonymous to most with leather jackets and biker

dudes has come a long way in its, dare I say, playful nature! You no longer have to don a moto jacket (although I wouldn’t mind

a cute one, they are fantastic) to now be in a leather trend. Peplum tops, leather sleeves or even a leather strip on the side

of your favorite leggings can add a touch of texture to an otherwise flat outfit.

Mustard and Teal Several sweaters, blouses and skirts traipsed down the runway but the colors I saw most repeating were

mustard (or ochre) and teal. Which is fantastic as this yellow adds the warmth that screams, “this scarf

would look great while I sip a pump-kin spiced latte by a fire,” and the

teal adds the coolness and crispness of winter for an awesome balance.

Alice and Olivia

Lela RoseIce by Prabal Gurung

Photos & Article by Meagan Owen

Camo I say this with much trepidation as a writer in a southern and very hunting friendly state, but camo is very much a fall trend. If Duck Dynasty only knew they were so fashionable?

(Kidding) Slivers of this print work in your favor, as it can be a print or a neutral tone. No need to purchase a complete overhaul here as I do believe less is more, but a pair of camo skinny pants or maybe a patch or two on an awesome jacket will go a long way!

Keep it neutral and simple with blacks or tans, or add a splash of contrast color (like the teal or mustard mentioned above).

Cap Toe Shoes

My favorites are without question the adorable shoes I saw at the Marissa Webb presenta-tion and as always, the cap-toe lineup in the J. Crew catalog. Think of it as a way of color

blocking your shoes! The great news here is this looks fantastic on both flats and heels. So, if preppy is more your style, grab a pair of these!

Marissa Webb

Rebecca Minkoff

HatsQuite possibly one of my favorite trends is the

use of hats. Vintage hats, fedoras, baseball caps, slouchy beanies - I love them all, so to my surprise several of them were on the runway! If you follow the blogosphere at all you have probably noticed

a comeback in baseball caps on bloggers like Blair Eadie of Atlantic Pacific or Rachel Parcell of Pink Peonies. As one who believes that all accessories

take your outfit to the next and best level, hats are probably tied for my favorite!

(If you want to know, hats are tied with statement necklaces as my all-time best accessories. A good

one of either can take on the personality of the outfit by itself!)

We made it through the summer… almost. Even though fall doesn’t technically start until October, Labor Day seems to represent the unofficial end of summer. The turning of the leaves that starts to take place in mid to late September is paired with a change in our wardrobes. Moms and fashionistas alike switch out summer shorts, tanks and flimsy dresses for longer pants, sweaters and layers. Depending on whom you ask, color trends also change. Bright and loud hues are shelved while their more subtle earth-toned coun-terparts are brought to the forefront of the closet. While I do agree that a white sundress looks ridiculous in December and a hot pink tank top (without anything over it) may be out of place in the dead of winter, I don’t necessarily follow all the rules of fall/winter fashion. When it comes to color and style, one theory has served me well: wear your mood.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dressed the way I’ve felt… or felt the way I’ve dressed. I’m not sure which it is, but it just seems to work. In a power suit, I feel strong and respected; in gym shorts and ten-nies, I feel young and carefree… and so on. The same goes for colors. As I’m sitting here writing this, I’m wearing a fuchsia jacket over a turquoise, orange and fuchsia tank. The fact that it’s Friday or the extra bit of coffee I had this morning could be contributing to my good mood, but I really believe the nature of my outfit reflects the way I’m feeling. The bright colors make me feel as though the sun has risen a little higher, there’s an extra bounce in my step and I’m a little more unpredictable and outgoing than usual. Yes, this is the effect fuchsia has on me!

Dozens of theories based on colors accessorize the worlds of fashion, home décor and more. Feng Shui’s bagua map dictates which areas of your home should be decorated with certain colors. I found several studies on how colors affect us, and here’s what my unscientific research says about fuchsia: My love for this hue of pink implies that I’m sympathetic, but vulnerable. It also suggests that I wear the color to meet my boyfriend’s parents. I’m married and I like to think that my mother-in-law likes me, but perhaps we would’ve gotten off to an even better beginning if I’d had this information seven years ago!

I went through the color wheel and picked my favorites to see what those shades express. I’ll start with my power color.

Orange Let me start by saying I’m talking about true orange… the exact color of the fruit. So all you Oklahoma State and Texas haters can quiet down! I love this color for what it is. It’s bold, it screams ‘Look at me: I’m comfortable in my own skin and I’m brave enough to wear this bright a@# color!’ I don’t have a ton of this shade in my wardrobe because I feel that wearing it all the time would send the wrong message, but I put it on when I want to feel happy and outgoing. I wasn’t surprised when I found that researchers say it’s a color to put on when you want to feel energized. I was correct in assuming that you may not want to wear it too often, as it suggests you might be impatient.

Color Me Happy, Sad, Sultry, Sullen...Fashion

YellowAre you noticing a pattern here? This is another color I put on for a bright, warm, fuzzy feeling. I do have quite a bit of this hue because I don’t think it’s as bold as orange. I feel more mellow yet flirty when donning a yellow shirt or my favorite yellow skinny jeans. Once again, my research is pretty in sync with my personal feelings. It’s said to be a happy color that you wear on a drizzly winter day to lift your mood.

PurpleI’ve got one word: Womanly. I’m not a super girly-girl, but I enjoy being a woman. Not in the bra-burning sense, but I like to wear make-up, high heels and paint my toenails. However, when I wear a few of my favorite purple tops, I can’t help but to feel a bit ‘I-am-woman-hear-me-roar-ish’. Sporting purple gives me a sense of empowerment. I feel as though if our moth-ers and grandmothers wore purple to the office, it would remind employers of their sex. They’d be viewed as a single woman trying to find a husband or as a wife or mom who still works. Call it purple power, but I feel our generation can finally embrace and celebrate womanhood at work – purple and all. I literally LOL’ed when I read that purple apparently shows that you’re intuitive and have deep feelings! I was surprised at how serious I got for a moment there!

BlackSEXY ___ VIXEN... you fill in the blank! Need I say more? EVERY woman has an entire section of black in her wardrobe. If you don’t, you need to hit up White House Black Market pronto! Sure, black pants are a staple of any wardrobe and will go with just about anything, but when I dress in all black – head-to-toe black – I feel like Halle Berry in Catwoman. The movie was horrible, but she looked amazing! Even I, as a het-erosexual woman, cannot deny the awesomeness that is Halle Berry in her black Catwoman suit. Black is the go-to color for a night on the town. It’s the perfect color for a first date. You can’t go wrong with an LBD and you feel sexy and empow-ered. You might want to take the experts’ advice on this color

Of course, I will wear other colors throughout fall/winter, but I’ll turn to these favs when I need a little mood coaxing. With all of the depressing news in the world, I can feel blue anytime I want to. Instead, I’ll don these colors and remind myself of everything I have in my life that makes me smile brighter than the sun.

Article by Kealey McIntire

though. Apparently, it can say that you’re a little too independent and inflexible.

FashionAlexander Wang

September is a month in which fashion weeks are getting ready to start and last minute touches are being made to collections and presentations. If you have ever looked through your favorite fashion magazine’s September issue, you might notice that designers are mentioned in things like editorials. Since this is Twenty Something Magazine’s September issue, how about highlighting a fashion designer?

Alexander Wang is an emerging designer in an industry full of talented designers. With his own label, a diffusion line, and a creative director position at a historic fashion house, it is easy to see why Alexander Wang is one of the darlings of the fashion world.

Alexander Wang is originally from California and attended design school in New York City. Alexander has mentioned that he basically started his company out of his dorm room with his brother and sister. Wang has an eponymous label, Alexander Wang.

Wang’s label can be geared toward the edgy street-wise female. The female for which he designs might have a tough and street-like attitude while at the same time be very stylish. The Wang label has received rave reviews and caught the attention of many people in the fashion industry. The edgy, street-wise female is going to need a huge wallet as the price of a dress from this label could cost over $1,000. Although the price point of his eponymous label is higher than one may be used to, Alexander Wang has a lower priced line for the fashionista looking to save money!

T by Alexander Wang is Wang’s diffusion line. A diffusion line is basically a lower priced line of clothing, the price point being lower than his eponymous label. This line may be focused on the younger customer. Although there are still some pricey pieces, the T by Alexander Wang line can still be geared to the same tough, edgy girl. There are a lot of simple tees, dresses, and blouses in this line compared to the complex pieces that are in his eponymous line. For all of you Twenty Something Magazine readers that like the idea of having designer clothing without having a designer wallet take a look at the T by Alexander Wang line and see if anything would work for your budget and wardrobe!

Aside from the success of his other labels, perhaps one of the biggest milestones in Wang’s de-sign career is his appointment as Creative Director for the historic fashion house Balenciaga. The young designer was named to this role last year. For his first collection with Balenciaga, I thought Wang did a good job at showing fashion forward, wearable, and sleek looks. Celebrities like Car-ey Mulligan have already worn pieces from his collection. Balenciaga has a long history of dress, so one can expect to see a different customer compared to the Alexander Wang customer. With that being said, one might notice just a little bit of Wang’s aesthetic in some of the Balenciaga looks for this first collection. Going past my expectation, Wang has the potential to have success at this historic fashion house.

Alexander Wang has already accomplished so many things at such a young age. His aesthetic is strong in the sense that he designs for a specific woman, and this woman has an edge to her. To all of the Twenty Something Magazine readers wanting to know more about this designer, check out for yourself what Alexander Wang is all about!

Written by Whitney Lynn

Beauty

Smile with your eyes this fall by being a risk taker and dare to try

something different in your everyday makeup look.

Check out these ideas by beauty guru

Michael Harris.Hair and Makeup: Michael Harris

Photography: Melissa CosperAccessories: Bad Granny’s

Model: Caroline S. of Brink Model Management

Fashion

Photography:Melissa CosperStyling: Lacey RosenwaldMakeup: Gwen PettieHair: Omar PerezClothing: 200 Park for HerModel: Ren B. of Brink Model ManagementAssistant: Kedron Marsh

CITYCHIC

Photography: Melissa CosperMakeup: Malorie AvalineHair: Ashley Paterson Salon: blo. Stylist: Lacey RosenwaldClothing: 200 Park for HerModel: Averi B. of Brink Model Management

Fashion

Maxi

Fall 2013 is all about the maxi, whether it be the dress or the skirt. So lets MAXImize your fall

wardrobe and transition spring/summer clothing items into the new season.

Tips & Tricks - Wear with a blazer or leather motorcycle jacket

- Add a denim jacket or denim shirt

- Top it off with a sweater or cardigan

- Wear it with a pair of boots: combat, cowboy (you pick your poison)

- Layer underneath (lace is a great option)

- Accessorize with a statement necklace or scarf (thicker and chunkier, more fall-inspired)

- Throw on a long-sleeved shirt or blouse over the maxi dress and tie it up on the side or back

- Belts are fabulous and natural dark leathers can tone down any bright color

-Gold. All day, every day. Add Gold accessories and a black wrap to your classic black maxi with your

favorite pair of ballet flats (epitome of Bo-Ho Hollywood Glam)

How to Get StartedDo you have a room in your home that needs some help but you don’t

know where to start? Did you just move into a new place and feel totally overwhelmed at the thought of trying to make it a home? Do

you desperately want your space to feel like ‘you’ but don’t know what steps to take to get there? Don’t worry, you are definitely not alone!

For many, decorating can be a daunting task, but it really doesn’t have to be! Here are some of my best tips for how to get started in creating

a space you will absolutely love!

Decor

Image Credit: Carlyle Designs

Find an Inspiration ImageIdentifying the way you would like for your space to look is impor-tant. And fortunately, inspirational images are super easy to find! Pe-rusing Pinterest, blogs and home décor magazines are a great place to get started. Pull a bunch of images and look for what they have in common – is it a certain style of furniture? Wall color? Fabric choice? Hammering down on what you like about other rooms will give you a great place to start in your own. However, I do have to stand on my soapbox for a minute and say – I do NOT endorse copying someone else’s space exactly. You want your home to reflect who you are and showcase what you love, are interested in and care about. Copying what someone else has already done is not the best way to do this!

Article by Emily DavisEmily Davis Interiors

www.mainstreetchic.blogspot.com

Look at What You Already HaveMost of us don’t have the budget to start from scratch (Oh, what a world that would be!) So, taking a good, hard look at the pieces you already have is a great place to start when decorating your space. Let’s say you already have a couch. Ask yourself: Where should it be placed in my space? What colors would work best with it? Is there any way for me to re-imagine or freshen this item? If this item fills one need for the room, what other needs are most important? Having one item you love to work off of is a great foundation to build on. Not to men-tion, having concrete items to work with really drills down on where the rest of your budget can be spent.

Start with ColorFor most people, identifying what colors they do and don’t like isn’t a difficult task. And the colors that you love and make you happy should be represented in your home. Identify those colors and start there. For decorating beginners, a no fail equation is neutral base (wall color, bigger furniture pieces) + colorful accessories (lamps, throw pillows) = a great space!

Chat with a ProIf after reading all of the above you still are at a loss – don’t hesitate to contact a professional interior decorator or designer! For some, it may seem frou-frou, but it really is the same as having someone do your taxes for you. If you don’t know how to do it, but want to make sure it is done right - no problem! That is why design professionals exist. Many decorators have flexible plans that can fit most schedules and budgets. And the best part is – the stress is taken off of you! A good decorator will work with you to ensure your needs, wants and budget are taken into account. Having a professional on your side can ensure you will end up with a space you absolutely LOVE!

Needless to say, Lyric’s run of summer shows was a smashing success. Whether it was nostalgia over the theatre’s 50th Anniversary or simply the fact that all four musicals were huge hits, there was certainly magic in the air.

But, alas, the theatre never rests! This fall, Lyric will be back at its intimate Plaza Theatre space on 16th Street with a little something for everyone. If you haven’t yet ventured to the Plaza Theatre, you really must go. What was once a bustling movie theatre in the 1930s is now a modern, fully renovated, 279-seat venue and a true gem of Oklahoma City.

Theatre

Kicking off Lyric’s fall shows will be the cult classic Richard O’Brien’s THE ROCKY HOR-ROR SHOW. The re-imagined, ever-scandalous production will run October 16 through November 2.

Re-imagined, you say? Yes, it’s true. Director Matthew Alvin Brown has created a version of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW that he has dubbed the “same circus, different tent.” The familiar characters, storyline and songs will be found in the setting of a wacky circus sideshow. This, you must see.

Regional favorite Monte Riegel Wheeler will reprise his 2008 role as Frank ‘N’ Furter dur-ing this year’s run. Riegel was last seen on Lyric’s stage as Clayton in last summer’s TAR-ZAN. Starring as the ill-fated lovers Janet and Brad will be Lexi Windsor and Sean Eckart. Colin Anderson will portray Riff Raff, Renee Anderson as Columbia, Vince Leseney as Eddie/Dr. Scott and Sean Burroughs as the title character Rocky. Other cast members include Kate Moore as Magenta, W. Jerome Stevenson as the Narrator and Cristela Car-rizales, Elizabeth Koepp, Elliott Mattox and Brian Stockton as Phantoms.

As for all performances of ROCKY, audience participation is not only encouraged, but required. Goodie bags will be sold to assist in audience participation and include rubber

There’s Something for Everyone at Lyric This Fall

gloves, noisemakers, party hats, cards, toilet paper and more. If it’s your first time to see THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, don’t worry; there will be plenty of seasoned veterans to guide you in your callbacks and prop use. And don’t forget ladies and gentlemen, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW is Rated R—so, let’s leave the kids at home.

Speaking of the kids, Lyric’s last show of the year will once again be the gorgeous produc-tion, Lyric’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL presented by Devon Energy. No R rating here! Lyric is proud to produce this holiday tradition, suitable for all ages, for the third year in a row, running November 29 through December 28.

The “bah humbug” himself, Scrooge, will once again be played by Jonathan Beck Reed, with Tom Huston Orr back as his heartfelt assistant Bob Cratchit. Matthew Alvin Brown will be showing off his talents on stage this time as Fred/Young Scrooge. Mandy Jiran will once again play the Ghost of Christmas Present and for the first time, Jennifer Teel will join the cast as The Ghost of Christmas Past. Other fantastic cast members include Tommy Cunningham, Susan Riley, Matt Govich, Charlie Monnot, Lexi Windsor, Melissa Griffith, Brenda Williams and a slew of talented children.

There’s no doubt about it—Lyric at the Plaza is the place to celebrate both Halloween and Christmas this year. We’ll see you at the theatre!

To buy tickets, visit Lyric’s box office at 1727 NW 16th Street, call (405) 524-9312 or visit

www.LyricTheatreOKC.com.Written by Michaela Webb

MusicWhat We’re Listening To...Artist : Kings of Convenience

This duo has a special place in my heart. Musicians Erland Oye and Eirik Glambek Boe are from Bergen, Norway and really have a charming way about them that, along with spot-on harmonies and melodies, have created a substantial and prominent career. The two friends met in school when they were young and would make raps about their teachers. As they got older they started making music together and became an official band in 1999. Since their debut they have collaborated to make four albums. The last one was produced in 2009, but just because they are not current does not mean they should be ignored. Resembling acts like Fleet Foxes, Simon and Garfunkel, Zero 7 and Feist, Kings of Convenience remind us of life’s simplicity with their minimalist approach to music. Effortless guitar strumming paired with perfect harmonies are what this band is all about. Songs like “I’d Rather Dance With You,” “Homesick,” and “Toxic Girl” are the most recognizable songs, while “25-24” is my favorite. Acoustic sounding music can sometimes sound boring and uneventful, but these guys have proved me wrong. If you are wanting a more alternative edge to Kings of Convenience, check out Whitest Boy Alive, a side project created by Erland Oye, the lead vocalist. Minimal may describe the style of Kings of Convenience, but it certainly doesn’t depict their talent.

Album: Muchacho by PhosphorescentMatthew Houk, the creator of Phosphorescent, has a way of rep-resenting the south with his music. He has a unique approach to blend-ing folk with dreamy vocals, which makes a not-so-big of a country fan like me appreciate his work. Phos-phorescent was originated in Ath-ens, Georgia, the environment that undoubtedly influenced his hint of twang that can be recognized from a distance. Mark Houk started his one-man show in 2000 and created his first album as Phosphorescent

Written by Sarah Ethridge

What We’re Listening To...

entitled A Hundred Times or More in 2003. He has since created his sixth studio album, Muchacho, released March 19, 2013. With his current sound, his present location of Brooklyn, New York is more evident as his style could be categorized as folk alt rock. Muchacho was created as a result of a dark time in Houk’s life where it was hard for him to find a lot of hope. During a trip to Mexico, he continually heard the phrase “That’s how it is, muchacho.” He of course found his musical outlet during that time and created the album based on that plateau. The second track of the album, “Song for Zula,” is probably the most notable song and is what attracted me to his music in the first place. It’s whimsical and imaginative sounds give a symphonic edge to the album, which makes one appreciate the use and rhythm of all instruments done by one man. From the violins to percussion, all elements work beautifully together to create an almost hypnotizing sequence that, to me, would be impossible to ignore. Other songs like “Sun, Arise” include Houk’s electronic influence with spacey keyboard that sets the stage for his drawn out twangy vocals. Needless to say, this album is diverse and shows many sides to Matthew Houk’s talent. I think we all have something to learn from this album, Muchacho.

MusicBetween Bonnaroo and

David Letterman’s “Late Show” stage, there are few places

JD McPherson hasn’t been in the past couple of years. When the

Broken Arrow native isn’t opening for Bob Seger or Dave Matthew’s Band, he’s keeping in touch with his roots.

Here’s JD performing at a benefit concert for those affected by the

recent tornadoes that ravaged the state in May. Shortly after, he recorded a

cover of Bob Wills’ “Good Old Oklahoma” with

Pokey LaFarge. All profits from the track aid the Oklahoma City Fund

Tornado Relief Endowment. Rolling Stone magazine took notice.

I’m thinking you should too.Photo & Article by Nathan Poppe

Music

Photography: Payton Doss

Josie-Lynn

Let us introduce you to Oklahoma musician, Josie-Lynn.

This lady’s song writing talent matched with her dreamy voice make for a perfect combination

that we’re sure you’ll love.

So tell us about yourself!I was born and raised in Oklahoma. I am eighteen years old and live pretty far out in the country with my sweet family. We have always been super close! I have one sister, who is my very best friend.

How did you first become interested in music?My parents have always been really big into music. I grew up listening to all different types. Singing has always been an obsession of mine. My mom says when I was a little girl she would ask herself, “Do all kids sing this much?!” When I was about twelve, I realized my true passion for making music. I started teaching myself how to play guitar around that time and learned all of my favorite songs!

You write your own songs - where do you find inspiration?Most of the songs I write start out in more of a poetry form. I write a lot about relationships and obviously your average teenage girl emotions. My producers and I take all of those thoughts and put them to melodies we write. The songs on the album are basically me singing my journal.

Tell us about the process you went through to make your new album, “Better Off.”I was given the opportunity to record in Nashville in late 2012. I started sending lyrics to my producer and then in January of this year, I traveled to Nashville and was given an incredible opportunity to work

with some amazing songwriters and musicians. We immediately began work on the EP and all the songs started quickly falling into place. I made several more trips there over a four-month period and spent many hours in the studio putting the finishing touches on everything.

What do you hope people gain from listening to your album?I hope that people will be able to relate to my music. I hope there will be listeners out there who are in situations where my lyrics are just what they need to hear! I enjoyed making this album so much, and I hope people will be able to hear that through the songs. I want to make music that touches people’s emotions and that is also fun to listen to.

Who are some of your personal music inspirations?I listen to a lot of older country - Shania Twain, Jo Dee Messina, Dixie Chicks, Deana Carter, Faith Hill, etc. Of course I love new country as well! I love a lot of different music. Kacey Musgraves, Norah Jones, Ellie Goulding’s older albums, The Lumineers, Mat Kearney, and Ed Sheeran are some of my favorites as well.

Now that your album is out, what is next for you?The main thing I am focusing on is booking shows and connecting with fans. I always want to be super connected with my followers and am so grateful for every ounce of support people send my way. I’m looking so forward to seeing what opportunities this journey has for me, and where I will be even in a year!

You can listen to Josie-Lynn’s album hereand follow her on Twitter here.

Thunder gUrlsFeature

Hey there!

Are you a Thunder fan but the names Anna Win-tour, Anthropologie, and M.A.C. ring more bells to you than Bill Simmons, Grantland, and NBPA?

Are you a Thunder fan and you know the birth weights of North West, Blue Ivy, and Prince George, but you’re not quite sure exactly how tall Hasheem Thabeet is?

Are you a Thunder fan but can’t seem to find time to read Royce Young’s 4,000-word article chroni-cling the Thunder’s past five years because you’re six hours behind on Instagram and already run-ning late for barre3?

Then you’ve come to the right place.

We are the Thunder gUrls and we get you.

And until Ottorbox comes out with a cover that protects phones from spray tans, we understand that there just aren’t enough hours in the day to digest all the sports news that is out there.

We listen to the Sports Animal so that you don’t have to. We watch Thunder press conferences online so that you don’t have to. We read Grantland articles so that you don’t have to. We follow Dar-nell Mayberry and Andrew Gillman on Twitter so that you don’t have to. (Although Andrew is really funny so you should probably still follow him.)

Stick with us and we will tell you what you need to know about the OKC Thunder from a gUrl’s perspective.

Top knots & Thunder Up,

Sarah and Tonyawww.ThundergUrls.com

Kevin Durant is engaged! In early July, Kevin Durant and Monica Wright got engaged. Kevin and Monnie have been friends since their senior year of high school and she plays professional basketball in the WNBA. We think she’s an absolute doll. No one even knew they were dating, but we should have all read the signs. If you

Photo: Layne Murdoch, David Sherman/NBAE, Adrienne Bloomer

Russell Westbrook: New and Improved I remember exactly what I was doing when I got the news that sweet baby gUrl Britney Spears had shaved her head. Shock, awe, horror, sadness: all normal feelings. Similarly enough, I remember exactly what I was doing when I found out that the Thunder’s star point guard had been injured in a game. Our boy was gone for the remainder of the playoffs and the Thunder’s future was as uncertain as the comeback of flared jeans.

But today is a new day and our Russell is back! We’re not super sure what all took place in order to get him to 100% (like ice and stretching, and sur-gery and stuff), but we think these super cute pics of him on vacation let us know that he’s as good as new.

had your sights set on one day becoming Mrs. Durant yourself, then read why we think it was never gonna happen anyway.

Left to Right: Grant Jerrett (college: University of Arizona), Andre Roberson (college: University of Colorado), Steven Adams (from New Zealand and LOVES food buffets) Not pictured: Alex Abrines (the Spaniard), and Ryan Gomes (most recently played professionally in Germany and also for the LA Clippers)

If you’re going to the first home game on Novem-ber 3rd get ready to hear one of the loudest cheers in Chesapeake Arena history as they announce him in the starting line up!

Off Season VacaysKendrick Perkins went on a road trip with his fam-ily.

Ok, so a lot of the guys went on vacations, but none of them have wives that make us feel like part of the family quite like Perk’s wife Vanity! If you want to follow a Thunder wife, she’s the one to follow: vanityhearts5. (get it? Cause Kendrick is #5??! PRECIOUS!!)

Other well deserved vacations:

Serge Ibaka in Barcelona

Nick Collison photo bombing in Hawaii

Kevin Durant paddle boarding in California with his boo thang

Changes in the RosterNotable changes include trading Kevin Martin and acquiring some new pledges guys. You can read more about them on our blog, but they will likely be playing mostly in the “D-League” (think: Jr Varsity) and not in the Chesapeake Arena (think: Varsity), so you don’t need to care too much, just yet.

FeatureFood on the Plaza

Classes have started and fall is just around the corner. The weather is cooling down and the desire to sit outside and enjoy the cool breeze increases exponentially. Our restaurants

here in the Plaza District offer great spots to relax after work or school, get some work done or have a meeting, and even just hang out with good friends and family.

The Mule Grilled Cheese extraordi-naires at The Mule are all about serving up the clas-sics - but with a unique twist. If I had to have one last food item before I die, it would probably be the Fried Cheese Curds. These but-tery, cheesy, salty morsels of Heaven are made with real Watonga cheese curds, beer-battered and fried to a nice golden brown. Dip them in

house-made marinara to seal the deal! The Mule not only boasts gourmet grilled cheeses but also tasty and traditional cocktails. A-drink-for-all-seasons, The Rosy Palmer, is one of my favorites. This yummy concoction is made with Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, Lem-onade, and a Rosemary sprig, which adds that extra something special to an old favorite. They also have their namesake Mules in whichever poison you prefer, or you can stick to the classic, Moscow Mule.

Urban Wineworks Urban Wineworks offers a new take on fine wine and fine eats. They have created many unique entrees but my favorite thing to do here is snack. Lucky for me, they’ve got quite the tapas menu. Urban Wineworks uses fresh and local ingredients whenever possible and also tries to make many of the ingredients in-house, including cheeses and sauces. The Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta is the perfect example. This dish features house-made ricotta cheese with beautiful Greenfield and High Tide tomatoes on a nice, crunch crostini. When ordering off the tapas menu, you also can’t go wrong with the fried brussels and anything with their house-made aioli. They have a fine wine selection, all crafted by UWW, but I always like to go for the Wine-A-Rita; it’s like a grown-up Icee drink, a very, very delicious Icee drink. You can’t go wrong with any of their rotating flavors.

SaintsA novel approach to Irish cuisine, Saints provides pub food kicked up a notch with specialty beer along with traditional and seasonal cocktails. Saints is another restaurant in the Plaza where I could eat solely off the appetizer menu and be perfectly happy. Don’t get me wrong, items like Cherry Smoked Duck Breast and Shepherd’s Pie are great too,

Written by Cayla LewisPhotos by Bethany Young

but any Saints dining experience should definitely start with the Smoked Salmon Potato Pancakes. This dish featured house applewood smoked salmon served on soft and light Irish potato cakes; the two combined with the house dill sauce makes for a winning com-bination. Saints also prides themselves on their specialty cocktails, both traditional and created by the drink connoisseurs themselves at Saints. A great pairing for this yummy ap-petizer is the Pimm’s Rangoon. This classic cocktail is created with Pimm’s One, muddled seasonal fruit, fresh lemon, lime, and orange, fresh mint and cucumber and then topped with house-made ginger beer. There is a lot of craftsmanship that goes into each cocktail, making Saints a great stop to try something new.

Empire Slice House Our newest addition to the Plaza District, we are proud to welcome Empire Slice House. This New York style pizza joint offers a full bar and late night dining of whole pizzas and pizza by the slice, as well as stuffed sandwiches, the intriguing “Andre The Giant Meat-ball”, and other new food options. Their claim to fame, however, has got to be good ol’ fashioned New York style pizza. The pizza stays true to New York style with its giant size, thin crust, and fold-ability. They’ve suc-ceeded in making pizza magic in their own Empire-Slice-House-style as well, but they won’t tell you all their secrets! I suggest trying one of their unique beer cocktails, The Loaded Toad. This wonderful concoc-tion starts with COOP Aleworks Horny Toad, add in a shot of Absolut Peppar, a few splashes of tomato juice, and a squeeze or two of lime. They’ve topped it all off with a garlic black pepper and salt rim, garnished with

specially prepared veggies. This drink is the perfect blend of saltiness and spiciness but still has the lightness of a good old-fashioned beer.

Upcoming Plaza Events: LIVE on the Plaza - Every second Friday of each month

Plaza Sunday - Every first Sunday of each month Plaza Festival - September 28th

Photography

A Closer Look Of Love In A LandscapeMeadow Meandering 101

by Samantha Lamb

A Closer Look Of Love In A LandscapeMeadow Meandering 101

by Samantha Lamb

FoodAutumnal Offerings

Fall, autumn...call it what you may but my little heart skips a beat at the arrival of this season. Give me some spices, 20 different ways to cook a pumpkin, and “You’ve Got Mail” (insert Nora Ephron movie of choice) and I am a happy girl. I don’t know what it is about this season; the aroma of what’s baking in the oven, watching football, the leaves changing color, a crisp breeze or a combo platter of them all, but I simply adore it. There is something magical and inviting as I step into fall; a coziness, a warmth. For me, there is a certain nostalgia that seems to accompany this transitional season of moving from the heat of summer to winter’s chill. My hope is that I spend it wisely and not merely as a means to getting to the next season. Who am I kidding though?! Fall is never long enough for me. I crave it all year and feel as though it simply kisses me on the cheek as it passes by. Granted, the zeal for pumpkin cupcakes, roasted butternut squash soup and its gourdy counterparts will eventually wear off but, for now, I’m embracing them with open arms.

And while I’m a huge fan of sports-related gatherings (as a spectator not a participant), why not use this time of year as an opportunity to feast around the table together, potluck style. Communal meals are one of my favorite ways to spend time with friends. Sometimes a quirky theme is involved; other times the element of surprise wins and anything goes. The anticipation of what each guest will bring to the table is one of the things I love most about potlucks. Part of this could be due to the fact that I dine with some of the finest culinary wizards in town. For this Twenty Something meal, brunch was the order of the day. Breakfast/brunch is my favorite meal to enjoy with loved ones; starting my day with someone over a cup of coffee and a pastry or a savory frittata is more special to me than dinner at the finest of restaurants. It feels more intimate and intentional.

We gathered at the home of some of my favorite people; they are two of the most generous and beautiful people I know and today was no exception. They live in the sweetest house on what feels like an alley in a European town, tucked away like a hidden gem. I invited dear friends who I love dining with but, more importantly, love living life with.

Photography by Bethany Young

Each family filed in, their brunch offerings in tow and making my anticipation grow. What has now become standard protocol, the dining room table was moved outside beneath the trees along with the occasional autumnal breeze. Extra chairs and stools were gathered so we could all squeeze around the table after collectively contributing to the meal before us. My friends and I wanted to highlight the flavors and spices of the season with our brunch. We all share a love for food but we also share a love for creating, whether it be in the kitchen, through a lens, on a canvas, or elsewhere. You can only imagine the conversations and creations a crew like this can inspire. Per usual, table questions were also a must for our brunch, which somehow eventually led to what survival skill we would each bring to the table should the need ever arise. The food was delicious and divine, as I knew it would be. Conversation, cooking, and laughter; I could not think of a more perfect way to usher in my favorite season.

So how will you welcome fall? What will be your autumnal offering? I leave you with this table question for your next gathering: “If you could have ONE character trait you admire in another friend, what would it be?!” (Preferably someone you’re dining with) Now go, eat, and be merry!

The menu:~Sweet potato waffles, salty whipped butter with cayenne, and spiced

orange syrup~Vegetable frittatas with goat cheese and fresh herbs

~Skillet rosemary potatoes~Maple fig sausage

~Fresh fruit~Bruleed grapefruit

~Pumpkin butter + pepita granola and yogurt~Fresh squeezed orange juice

~Coffee

Article by Elizabeth DiefenderferOwner/Baker Cuppies & Joe

*Thank you to the McKinneys, Mathews, Castros, and Wrights for always joining me around the table.

FoodPie Junkie

Have your pie and eat it too at Pie Junkie in the eclectic Plaza District of Downtown OKC!

After three years of cooking together and developing a strong wholesale presence in some of OKC’s trendiest restaurants, stay-at-home moms Dar-cie Schein and Leslie Coale-Mossman decided to turn their blossoming home catering company into a retail storefront.

“The gateway for us was really the wonderful welcome we received from the patrons of S&B Burger Joint almost three years ago,” Schein said. “Since that time, we have grown our business to include all of the S&B locations, as well as The Paramount, Pizza 23 and Sundays at Coffee Sling-ers. We knew Oklahoma City was ready to welcome us and our unique creations in our own retail shop.”

Step inside Pie Junkie and you’ll feel as welcome as if you’d just walked into your own kitchen. Prepare to be greeted by brightly painted walls and even brighter smiles.

The shop offers a variety of slices and whole dessert pies, as well as coffee, tea, ice cream and prepared savory pies for take-out customers.

“We are a good mix of traditional and modern,” Coale-Mossman said. “We can easily make you a cherry pie or you can try one of our unique creations like the Drunken Turtle Pie, which is a baked chocolate pie with salted bourbon caramel and pecans on top. We love to experiment with flavors and we’re not content with the ordinary. We are always challenging ourselves to consistently make a delicious pie.”

Pie Junkie is open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays but open late during special events like Live on the Plaza.

No matter the sweet tooth, you can satisfy your need for pie with the sweetest selections and service at Pie Junkie in OKC!

Written by Taylor Andersen

Photography by Bethany Young

LifestyleShop ‘till Prices Drop

Shopping. You know the word – it’s a fun word. You know what it means and exactly how to do it. Sustainability. You know this word too – but it’s not such a fun word. You know what it means and usually it’s sacrificing. All true? It was for me, but then I got the news: there’s no perfect here and you don’t have to sacrifice style, unless you want. Here’s why.

There is no perfectly sustainable product. Producing any item requires resources of all types, which is not considered entirely “sustainable.” But that’s not the expectation. Even if you tried, the worldwide design and manufacturing infrastructure isn’t totally set up for it. The mass web of retail is just beginning the process of adapting to the demand for ethi-cal, responsible, meaningful everyday products. This industry we know well has made great strides in recent years, but it has a good way to go. Right now, the best move is learning what to look for so everyday choices become educated trade-offs. Making repetitive wiser choices heightens the demand for these types of products and forces industry to adapt even more quickly. Always keep in mind - any purchase is a vote. (Yikes.)

Here’s what has worked for me. (It’ll pull at the heartstrings.) Before put-ting a product in your cart, consider this: How many decisions had to be made to get this product right here right now in front of me? Asking this question reveals an entire chain of choices: materials, transportation, minds, resources, countries, hands, machines, time, process, waste, design, and due-diligence. If the options behind these decisions were on a ballot – how would you vote? Because in fact, when that little piece of plastic with your name on it swipes – your vote is counted as a “yes” towards certain worldwide standards.

Understanding no humanly produced consumer product is perfectly sus-tainable is surprisingly helpful when attempting to consume more respon-sibly because it allows a break down of the process of one product and forces consideration of its parts. Asking the right questions and consider-ing the trade offs reveal smarter choices. For example, Coyuchi is a bed-ding and bath textile company offered at Plenty Mercantile in downtown Oklahoma City. While the organic cotton is not grown in America and the

textiles are not manufactured in America, there are responsible alterna-tives supporting those decisions. Most organic cotton grown in America is short-staple cotton designed for clothing manufacturing; textile weaves require long-staple cotton. Coyuchi sources organic cotton where it’s pro-duced in the highest quantity and quality – India and Turkey.

The raw material is close to the makers in Europe and Asia, cutting down on distribution emissions from grower to manufacturer. The company utilizes hundreds of years old weaving traditions and extremely developed and efficient textile factories in India, Turkey, Germany, Portugal and Canada. These manufactures have mastered the art of weaving and Coyu-chi holds them to high social and environmental standards. The products require one oversees trip to Coyuchi’s distribution center in Northern California. The products have minimal packaging, if any. Coyuchi is com-pletely transparent in its materials, sources, manufacturing processes, and standards. It is not perfect, but it’s a strong alternative to standard bed-ding. This company, along with many makers worldwide, has learned to offer a product that is both breathtaking and heartwarming. By purchas-ing these types of products, you vote for meaningful design and respon-sible production.

When these types of efforts receive support in dollars, it makes the world-wide web of retail more able and willing to adapt to the demand – and ultimately allows lower prices on the shelves. We’ve seen it happen with organic produce. Organic produce used to be an elite price point, but be-cause consumers started purchasing, the price has been able to drop, giv-ing growers the ability and security to operate organically. We can make this happen with clothes, shoes, bedding, furniture, you name it. I leave you with one challenge: Go shop. Go vote.

Brittney MeltonFounder & Shopkeeper of PLENTY Mercantile

www.plentymercantile.com

Self S.W.O.T. AnalysisIn previous articles I’ve outlined steps to determine what our ideal life would look like - where we would like to go and who we want to be. Having the end in mind gives us a great target to move toward. However, we won’t be able to best map our road to our destination without knowing where we start.

Our starting point is an honest and thorough self-assessment or analysis. It’s having as much awareness about ourselves as possible. To truly know and discover ourselves, our real self, not who society or someone else wants us to be is imperative toward growing into your ideal situation.

S.W.O.T. stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths and weaknesses are internal or personal things you can control while opportunity and threats are ex-ternal or beyond your control. We want to maximize our strengths and capitalize opportunities while eliminating or im-proving weaknesses and mitigating or preparing for threats.

Asking lots of questions can discover these. Brainstorm a list yourself then ask family and friends to gather more informa-tion. Matches are a good indication that your perspective and reality are aligned. Ask people to be brutally honest, particu-larly about your weaknesses. Some answers may shock you. It may even hurt to hear. That’s perfectly fine, normal, and what we want. To grow ourselves, we have to know ourselves and having those closest give their candid opinion gives us the best chance possible. Stay open-minded and know whatever is said is for your best.

Lifestyle

Written by Jeff RaganFounder of Kize Concepts Inc.

www.KizeConcepts.com

Visualize being at the valley staring up at the great mountain climb of your life. The goal is to get to the top and enjoy the summit. Consider how prepared you are to achieve this goal. What equipment do you have or don’t, what can help and hurt, and what things out there can make it easier or difficult along your climb. Ask yourself some of the following:

What are your strengths, weaknesses?

How can you better use strengths? How can you turn weaknesses into strengths?

What opportunities are available? How can you take advantage of these?

What things threaten your progress? How can you handle these?

The better you understand yourself, the easier you can navigate towards the life of your dreams.

Take 15-20 minutes writing down your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to better understand yourself and your current situation. Ask close family and friends. Gain awareness towards these and constantly find new habits that you can better use or get rid.

There are a multitude of excuses as to why someone doesn’t have “time” to go to the gym.

The misconception is often that a person needs to spend hours every day to get

the results that they desire. While some people may actually do this to look great, that doesn’t mean that everyone has to! With 30 minutes of intense boot camp training, an individual can

burn up to 500 calories and get the desired workout in just the right amount of

time. OneHealthyBod boot-camps offer a full body workout incorporating high intensity

interval training (HIIT), core strengthening, toning, and active stretching to get your body looking and feeling great. First time trying a boot camp and nervous that you can’t keep up? No worries, with motivating instructors to teach technique and form, an individual

can still get an amazing workout and will get hooked after the first class! It only takes 30

minutes a few times each week to change your body and start leading a healthier lifestyle.

Contact Steve or Jessica at OneHealthyBod to start today!

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