EDITOR’S LETTER
Festive Valentine’s Day soiree’s may litter your mid-month calendar. We know attending those mushy lovefest alone can be a major drag. So we’ve got you covered. In this issue of Muve Mag we take a closer look at 3 apps that have carved out a place in the hearts of mobile dating enthusiast. We then inquired about the secret to relationship longevity with a couple that have been an item for more than 35 years. We also snapped a few shots of Amber Z. in downtown OKC for our Apricot Lane February fashions spread. Then enjoyed a taco or two at Iguana’s Mexican Grill’s, Iguana Tuesdays and shared a few laughs with Keyon Bastani. As always, Read. Enjoy. Share. Andre LaMont, Editor
MUVEMAG.COM EDITOR: ANDRE LAMONT PRODUCTION MANAGER: POLO CONWAY STAFF WRITER: BRI HARPER EDNA TOMAL FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS BOOTH CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: DOUG SCHWARZ JOSE PAULO WILLIAM RAINES AUTOMOBILE ALLEY WAY OUT WEST MODEL: AMBER Z. HAIR & MAKE UP: MELISSA “MURQUREE” LOCKHART OF STARLITE SALON APPAREL: APRICOT LANE
Muve Magazine is published by Muve Media. All material copyright (c). All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of Muve Mag. While every effort is made to ensure the information in this magazine is correct, changes can occur which affect the accuracy of copy, for which Muve Media LLC holds no responsibility. The opinions of the contributers do not necessarily bear a relation to those of Muve Mag or its staff and we disclaim liability for those impressions.
CONTENTS/////
ON THE MUVE
6
DESIRABLE DESTINATIONS
24
FIT FROM HOME
28
14
WAY OUT WEST
32
LET’S GO STEADY
40
FIT TO BE TIED
MUSIC
ON THE MUVE
W/ KEYON BASTANI
MUSIC
Paving his way through the entertainment arena to his own beat. Keyon delivers an infectious soundtrack at some of OKC’s most Desirable Destinations. We caught up with Keyon. Tune into the interview after the jump.
Take
us to Day One.
of mine started buying dance records. We began blending the records
Honestly, I used to be into the whole
together. I caught on pretty quick. I’ve
Rock and Roll thing. I played drums
been DJing ever since.
and the electric guitar. I learned most of the songs I played by ear. After a
I think one of the major things that
while I wanted to move on to a new
made DJing and producing more
musical expression. Oddly enough,
alluring was the fact that I alone
I stumbled upon a Jamiroquai track.
could
It was super funky and had this disco
gigs. The need for a band no longer
era sound. The track totally caught
appealed to me. I wanted to venture
my ear and I fell in love with it. My
in my own direction. DJing offered an
interest in the kind of music I wanted
autonomous exploration into a new
to be involved in drastically changed.
musical voice for me.
produce
music
and
play
I began consuming everything I could get my hands on in regards to dance
Before I played my first gig out, my
music. Shortly after that a close friend
friends would let me crash their gigs
MUSIC
from time to time. I’d play a few records
there that gig all over the nation without
here and there, just to get accustomed
producing one track. But it’s rare. I
to being in front of a crowd. I landed
wanted to reach out to more people,
my first gig at America’s Pub. I was so
play larger venues and make a career
nervous. I remember rescheduling with
out of my passion. So I decided that
the promoter of the event several times
producing records was the next step
before finally sticking to a solid date.
for me. I understand that getting to that
I wanted to make sure I was good
point takes sacrifices and hard work.
enough to play for a crowd alone. I
I’m ready to endure it all and give it
finally DJ’ed the venue and days later
my all to reach my goal. I think you’ve
I landed a residency at Posh inside of
got to really hunger for it to attain it.
Citywalk. I guess the preparation and what seemed like a community of
It’s a never ending school session
friend’s support really paid off!
with music. I’ve learned so much by teaching myself how to produce. I’m
Sinking your teeth into producing?
not too computer savvy but when it comes to production software, I feel as
I believe that there is a ceiling to just
though I get more familiar with it each
being a DJ. I know there are DJ’s out
time I sit down in the studio. I guess you
could say I’m an eternal studio in the school of music. Anything in the works? Currently, I have a few tracks that
are
getting
mastered
and I just released a track with Benjamin Boom. We teamed up to produce a track for a remix contest and took home the gold. Winning the competition was a huge deal for us. It taught us that contrasting ideas work well in the end. We have always worked well together, though. So a collaboration has always been in the works. Although we both have our own respective approaches to production. We were able to focus and infuse both of our approaches in the “Death by Stereo “ remix. Your inspiration? I wish that I had an original answer for that. I feel as though the music itself has been a huge inspiration for me. I get chills in my spine when I hear well constructed music. I think
MUSIC
MUSIC
that’s the determining factor in forgettable or unforgettable music. If it can change a mood or bring about a change in it’s listeners, it’s definitely rememberable. Speaking of that, mood changing experiences due to great tunes. As a kid I had a major chip on my shoulder after my brother passed. I felt like I had to take on this role as a hard-boiled tough guy just to get through the day. I fought often and carried a lot of anger around. I honestly believe that discovering music as an outlet dramatically improved my demeanor. Overtime I began to surround myself
MUSIC
with other music enthusiast and fans of it’s culture, eventually that tough-guy ideology began to wane. I became cultured, well-rounded and….well, patient. Also, One of the most important things to me is that I remain humble, no matter what I accomplish. I think at times many artist feel as though their popularity in a region or state sets them above the bar. Overtime their hunger to succeed becomes a bit watered down, because they feel as though they have, well succeeded. I don’t agree with that approach. I think for an artist to reach beyond his state or even his country for that matter and acquire new listeners they have to stay humbled and never settle. They have to continually think that nothing is good enough and they can always do better. I guess in a way I’m saying that they have to constantly challenge themselves. While never forgetting where they came from, who helped them along the way and why they started creating music.
WAY OUT WEST
FASHIONS FROM APRICOT LANE
DESIRABLE DESTINATIONS
MUVE MAG
Rooted in tradition , Iguana Mexican Grill, delivers a dining experience that is truelly authentic. Hailed as “The little taco stand by the railroad tracks”....that packed a punch. Iguana has warmed the hearts of Oklahomans for over 6 years. Every Tuesday night, Iguana serves up
With their variety of lunch, brunch
the most AMAZING street tacos to a
and dinner dishes that are quite wal-
completely packed house. What’s the
let friendly we are sure you’ll become
occassion? One of the most festive
as enamored with Iguana as we are.
dining events in OKC, fittingly titled Ig-
Passion, quality and authenticity has
una Tuesdays.
made “the taco stand by railroad tracks”, Muve Mag’s February Desir-
You can enjoy Iguana’s eclectic and flavorful menu 7 days week.
able Destination.
WELLNESS FASHION
FIT FROM HOME GETTING FIT FROM AT HOME W/ BRI HARPER
For this workout, we will be focusing on high intensity interval training. So what is high-intensity interval training, or HIIT? It is exactly like it sounds, intense! HIIT training has been shown to burn high calories, while toning and shaping the body. It is “killing two birds with one stone” so to speak, and the best of the best trainers swear by it. Each muscletargetting exercise will be done in intervals of 60 seconds, paired with 30 seconds of “High Knees” to increase heart-rate. You will need to push
yourself here! But it WILL be worth it. Beginners, you may have to decrease the interval times, but try to work up to the full 60 second/30 second pattern. We will use the High Knees exercise in between the muscle-targetting exercises. To perform High Knees, keep your feet hip-width apart. Raise one knee above your hip, then alternate by raising the other knee. Similar to jogging in place, but get those knees up! If you have trouble with this exercise,
WELLNESS FASHION you can replace the High Knees with Jumping Jacks or Jump Rope. First, start with a warm-up. Warming up will ensure that blood is pumping to your muscles, and your body will be ready to work! Warm-Up Options: 5 minutes of jump rope, jogging, or walking. Get your blood pumping!
Push-ups (60 seconds) Beginners: You can bend knees to create an easier modification of push-ups, but work up to being on your toes. Hands should be placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. From the top of your head to your heels should form a straight line. Do not stick your butt in the air! Hold your abs and glutes tight. Lower until your arms are forming a 90 degree angle, then raise up until your arms are straight. 30 Seconds High Knees
Squat Jumps (60 Seconds): Feet should remain shoulder-width apart. Lower into a squatting position. Go as low as your can, keeping your knees behind your toes. The key here is to push through your heels, not the front of your feet. Jump straight up as high as you can, then lower back into the squat position as soon as your land. Bring your booty towards the ground! You can place your arms straight in front of you or on your hips for balance. Keep your chest up. 30 Seconds High Knees
WELLNESS Spiderman Planks (60 Seconds): Begin on your elbows and toes, forming a straight line in the standard plank position. Raise your left knee outwards towards your left elbow and back again, alternating from left to right. Keep your booty squeezed and core tight! Bring your knees as close to your elbows as possible. 30 Seconds High Knees
Chair Dips (60 Seconds): Grab a stable chair or bench. Sit straight up with your hands flat on the edge of the chair, and fingers pointing towards the ground gripping the edge. Your legs should be extended with your feet flat on the ground. Keeping your hands in place, steadily lower yourself off the chair until your elbows form a 90 degree angle, then push yourself up to starting position. 30 Seconds High Knees
Jumping Lunge (60 seconds): We saved the best for last. This is a booty and leg killer. Begin in a normal lunge position. Your front leg should be bent at 90 degress, with your back leg extended behind you. Make sure your front knee does not extend forward past your toes. Squat down, then jump upwards switching the positions of your legs in the air. You should land in the lunging position with the opposite leg in front. Keep your chest and torso upright and tight throughout the entire movement. For balance you can place your hands on your hips. 30 Seconds High Knees Repeat Workout 3-5 Times. You set the limit here! Push yourself, focus, sweat, and build your body! Determination and discipline is the key.
WELLNESS
HEALTHY EATS AFRICAN PEANUT STEW PREP TIME: 1 hour INGREDIENTS: 2 cups brown basmati rice 1 tbsp high-heat cooking oil (such as sunflower, safflower, peanut or grape seed oil) 2 yellow onions, cut into 1/2-inch dice 6 cloves garlic, minced 3 jalapeño chile peppers, seeded and finely chopped 2 tbsp curry powder 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth 2 cups boxed or jarred chopped tomatoes, with juices 1/3 cup smooth or chunky all-natural unsalted peanut butter 1 3/4 lb sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch dice 4 cups shredded green or red Swiss chard Sea salt, to taste 1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Cook rice according to package directions; cover and set aside. 2. Meanwhile, in a 5- to 6-qt saucepan or stockpot, heat oil on medium. Add onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic, jalapeños, curry powder and ginger and sauté for 1 more minute. 3. Stir in broth, tomatoes and peanut butter. Add potatoes and chard and increase heat to medium-high. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until potatoes and chard are tender, uncovered, 12 to 14 minutes. Season with salt. 4. Divide rice among serving bowls. Top with stew and cilantro. Nutrients per serving (1/2 cup rice, 1 cup stew, 1/2 tbsp cilantro): Calories: 321
LET’S GO STEADY
A CLOSER LOOK AT 3 POPULAR DATING APPS
CULTURE
Digital dating has witnessed some enormous progress. High-traffic dating sites have spawned their own ventures into the mobile dating app arena, along with trendy start ups. Few have lassoed the dating pools unwavering attention. But for those you have, it has been a golden era of bliss. We cover just a few of those in this editorial jaunt.
CULTURE it’s “hot or not” styled navigation it simplifies the meeting process down to it’s framework. Will you stumble upon your ideal dating match? We can’t be sure. One thing that we are sure about is that, Tinder removes the grimacing teeth of rejection. By tossing it at bay, dialing in a connection could prove to be a piece of cake.
Tinder If speed dating had a pictorial representation, Tinder would be just that. “Like” or “pass” photos of Tinder users. Then connect with users that share the same appreciation for your gorgeous looks. The app enables an inapp only chat session where you and the favored Tinderitte can engage in witty banter. If the conversation goes south you can always bail with your integrity intact and continue the hunt through their colorful assortment of eager online daters. If load, launch and play is your forte, this may be the app for you. With it’s growing user base that has spawn 50 million connections, coupled with
POF It’s Facebook…but for dating. With a pool of over 55 million users, Plenty of Fish lives up to it’s meaning. Creating a profile can be daunting. It’s certainly more enjoyable than preparing your own taxes. Although you should prep your texting thumbs for a lengthy engagement. From the creation of your bio to pinpointing those favorable traits in your ideal mate, accessing
CULTURE the POF rolodex is by far one of the
delivers a dedicated space for you to
lengthiest endeavors in the app dating
share, chat, document, date, study
haven.
and remind each other of all the small things that make your connection
Once set up you are greeted with
spark. 2life states that it’s purpose is
what seems like countless like minded
to foster strong personal relationships
individuals in your area. You can
while building meaningful connections
cruise the rolodex a page at a time or
through open communication.
narrow your options down to specifics. Stumble upon POF’er boasting your
The app reminds us of a stripped down
desired traits? Then, shoot over a
version of a Customer Relationship
message and well, wait for a reply.
Management tool. It lacks an excel
Continue this process in a bait and
spreadsheet creator alongside a PDF
switch fashion and your probability of
reader. However, we are sure that may
reeling in a meaningful relationship
be included in thier next app update.
increases. We were gnawing at the bits to review this app. Oddly enough because of it’s business management influenced approach to relationship sustainability. Dating apps may lead to new found friendships but can they sustain them? 2life offers an awkwardly innovative approach to relationship building.
2Life
But it unfortunately lacks one of the essential ingredients in the stew of relationship sustainability. Face to face
2life is the dating app for those that are
candid communication. Part of the
already dating. The app is a conduit
allure of mobile app dating is meeting
for two. Specifically design to be
in person. Without it, the endeavor
utilized by only two people. The app
loses it’s luster.
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FIT TO BE TIED
R ONNI E & T A M M Y SH A R E S T H I E R 3 5 YEAR JOURNEY
CULTURE Tammy: August 9th, 1980 was our wedding day. I was 22 when we finally jumped the broom. He was 13 years my senior so all my life I’ve been dating an older man. And loving it. Tammy: When we were married we made a commitment. I told him “If he were to ever do anything to mess it up, I’d totally square up his family jewels and shoot them off” no I’m totally joking. Ronnie: No, you were a bit nicer than that. But, honestly we both discovered quite quickly that we have our differences. But instead of pushing them out of our relationship because they are foreign to us, we embraced them. I accepted her and she did the same for me. Our relationship has always been a 50/50 endeavor. I feel as though in order to be in a successful relationship and marriage you have to make concessions. Over time we both have learned that making those …..can be tough. But we enjoy it. Ronnie: You may have heard that communication is the key to success, that’s a rule that can be applied to just about everything especially marriage. When Tammy and I have deep discussions
CULTURE don’t enjoy occupying our time with the same things, and that’s okay. For example, she loves chicks flicks. As you can imagine I’m not a fan. If we talk about one that she really wants to see and it appears to offer something outside of the normal realm for most chick flicks, I’ll gladly join her. Tammy: Our I’ll go to see movies like ‘The Hunger Games’ with him and he’ll owe me 5 chicks flicks in a row directly after. Ronnie: After a number of years together we began to really enjoy one another outside of making everything an olympic event. Dates took place often, facetime was a normal occurrences but the over all meaning behind why we spent time together changed. We no longer needed to attend events with main attractions. We created them and were each others about anything we always tend to
focal point.
speak with an open mind and at least attempt to see each others perspec-
Ronnie: We allowed ample room in our
tive. Through that level of open and
commitment so that we could grow
accepting conversations we have
together. It wasn’t something that we
grown to accept that we don’t have
did intentionally. I believe that it ma-
the same view points and honestly we
tured out of our mutual trust for each
CULTURE
other. Most people view marriage as
now. Tammy and I tend to grow per-
THE EVENT, not as the journey. When
sonally, emotionally, spiritually and
the event is over glamourized, the re-
professionally together. We share in
ality of the lifelong commitment that
our successes and work together to
has been made, often creates a huge
leap over any hurdles. It’s ultimately
disconnect with people. When the re-
the winning formula for our bond.
ality sets in, I think it’s natural to want to tuck your tail and run for the hills.
Ronnie: I can honestly say that we ar-
Because your idea of how matrimony
en’t entirely sure why we have worked
should be doesn’t quite align with the
for so long. Anything worth having
way it actual is.
takes a bit of work. It’s a day to day, week to week, month to month and
Ronnie: I believe that in 35 years my
year to year endeavor in giving, grow-
marraige will be 35 stronger than it is
ing and loving without cessation.