December 2019 Issue by Queen Size Magazine

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

COVER STORY:

DEANA SOBILO

DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

Fashion + Lifestyle

Be your own advocate

COVER IMAGE BY PHILIP DREW

12 Days of Christmas

BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT Meet Maria Buckingham

MODEL SPOTLIGHTS SIP THE MODEL & SHAMAINE HOLMAN WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

FROM THE DESK OF Tawana Blassingame Founder & Editor in Chief

Welcome to the December 2019 issue of Queen Size Magazine. Where on earth has the time gone? It feels like just a couple of issues back I was just welcoming everyone into the New Year. Now we are upon yet another Holiday Season, about to prepare ourselves to welcome in 2020. Can you believe it? Time is flying by quickly. You know the old saying “life is short”; whelp it is. We have lost many greats this year, just as with every year. I have watched many models, designers, photographers, etc. excel in this industry in such a short timeframe. I have also watched many more move on to other endeavors. I want to encourage you all to continue to grow and continue to study your crafts. Life is too short to waste precious moments doing absolutely nothing. Find what you are good at, find what you like and LIVE YOUR PURPOSE. I want to wish you all a very happy, safe and prosperous holiday season. As with every issue, I truly thank each and every person that had a hand in making Queen Size Magazine possible. Without your love, support and contributions we would not still be here. Be blessed and remember to be a blessing as well. As with every issue, I truly thank each and every person that had a hand in making Queen Size Magazine possible. And on behalf of myself and Queen Size Magazine, I would like to thank all of our readers; without you we would not still be here. We would love to hear your feedback. Email us at queensizemagazine@gmail.com and let us know what you like, don’t like and/or want to see in future issues. We value your opinion.

Photo by PDrew Photography

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MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

MASTHEAD TAWANA BLASSINGAME CEO/Editor In Chief PHILIP DREW Executive Director & Director of Photography MEESHA ANN Executive Director & Fashion Editor JOY MORELAND Fashion Editor SHEENA POSTELL Social Media Director LAWANDA SANYANG Beauty Editor EYANI COUTURE House Designer

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CONTENTS FEATURED STORY SOBILO | Shares her 22 DEANA modeling journey HEALTH AND FITNESS

TIPS AMD TRICKS FOR SERVING WINE WITH HOLIDAY MEALS By BRANDPOINT

A FULL MENU FOR FUN-FILLED HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES By FAMILY FEATURES

BEAUTY&FASHION

MODEL SPOTLIGHT: SIP THE MODEL

4 TIPS TO DRESS FOR SUCCESS AT WORK

THE HOLIDAY LIP

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

MODEL SPOTLIGHT: SHAMAINE HOLMANE

By QSM

MODEL SPOTLIGHTS

DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

By STATEPOINT

By LAWANDA “LALA FACES” SANYANG

By QSM

BUSINESS

BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT | MARIA BUCKINGHAM By QSM

5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PACKAGES SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON By brandpoint

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SERVING WINE WITH HOLIDAY MEALS

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SERVING WINE WITH HOLIDAY MEALS | BRANDPOINT The holidays are fast approaching, as are lots of festive meals to plan, prepare and serve. How can you reduce your own stress, and guarantee that you’ll have happy guests throughout the holidays? A few simple tips for choosing versatile wines - and how to serve them - will not only please everyone, but will make everything about your get-togethers easier and more fun. Pairing delicious wines to serve along with your meals does not have to be complicated. Here are a few tips to help you choose and serve wine for a successful holiday party or dinner. KEEP IT SIMPLE Choose just one good red wine and one good white wine varietal to serve during your cocktail or dinner party, if you want to avoid feeling overwhelmed. You could choose another varietal or two for guests to sample, if you’re feeling adventurous, but having two contrasting options is a great start, and sometimes all you need. Since holiday meals can be heavy (or at least plentiful!), choose wines that are not overly rich or full-bodied. Instead, look for lighter wines that are fruity and bright, with soft tannins, that provide a nice complement to a big, rich meal. For example, Sanford Winery offers popular options in both chardonnay and pinot noir that can be a perfect duo to serve your guests.

ice cubes” for recipes that require cooking with wine another day or a flavorful option to chill down your next glass of wine without diluting it. LET WINE DO DOUBLE DUTY Optimize and harmonize flavors by cooking a dish that incorporates the same varietal of wine your guests will be drinking. For example, a recipe for Citrus and Garlic Roasted Turkey uses pinot noir to create a sweet and tangy sauce along with fresh cranberries, rhubarb and tangerines. Visit sanfordwinery.com/ recipe/citrus-and-garlic-roasted-turkey for the full recipe. Whether you’re using a red wine or white wine in your cooking, don’t opt for an inferior “cooking wine,” but use the same quality wine you plan to serve during the meal. Because the alcohol cooks out of the food you’re preparing, what’s left is the flavor of the wine - and that will make a big difference to the flavor of your finished dish. Holiday entertaining does not have to be overly complicated. Going for flavors you enjoy and offering your guests a few options in terms of food and wine will result in a successful meal or party, every time. What really counts is relaxing and enjoying the meal and the wine together.

Offering a refreshing fruit and cheese plate after dinner gives guests the chance to savor the last sips of wine before dessert and coffee are served. Don’t let the “rules” of pairing wine and food throw you off - keep both a red wine and a white wine on the table and let guests experiment for themselves and decide what they prefer! WINE SERVING TRICKS Since the temperature of the room and your guests’ hands will warm the wine glasses throughout the meal, it’s a good idea to chill both red and white wines for a while before serving. Create fun, holiday-themed DIY wine charms for each guest, especially if you’re serving buffetstyle or enjoying a cocktail hour before dinner. Check your local craft store or websites like Pinterest for fun ideas. Each 750 ML bottle contains approximately 5 glasses of wine, so plan your wine supply accordingly. Only fill each guest’s glass one-half to two-thirds full, to give the wine room to breathe. Wine left in the bottle? Freeze leftover wine in ice cube trays, then you’ll have ready-to-use “wine ariticle provided by Brandpoint WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

HEALTH AND FITNESS

FAMILY FEATURES

hen holiday gatherings turn into all-day events, having meals ready from morning to night becomes an important part of seasonal hosting. Starting with breakfast through the main course followed by a savory dessert, a full day of celebration calls for a variety of dishes. To help keep your crowd fueled for a wide range of activities, consider these recipes for Hot Cocoa Pancakes to get your morning started, Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash to pair with a holiday ham and Black Forest Cake to end the festivities on a high note. Find more holiday recipe inspiration at Culinary.net.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Begin the Holiday with a Family Breakfast

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With so many activities scheduled and places to be during the holidays, starting the morning with a filling breakfast can help set your family on the path to enjoyable moments with loved ones. These Hot Cocoa Pancakes require little time in the kitchen, leaving you more time to spend with the family before hitting the road or working on decorations for seasonal gatherings. Made with Aunt Jemima pancake mix, containing no artificial coloring or flavors, this recipe makes it simple to put breakfast on the table quickly while still achieving a meal full of flavor.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

A FULL MENU FOR FUN-FILLED HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES | FAMILY FEATURES

Begin the Holiday with a Family Breakfast

Hot Cocoa Pancakes

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 2 minutes per pancake Yield: 12 pancakes (3 per serving) 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

Party-Perfect Potatoes

Almost every holiday meal calls for side dishes to complement the main course, and as one of the most versatile base ingredients available, potatoes often provide home chefs with a multitude of options. Served mashed, fried, scalloped, sliced, diced, boiled, roasted or just about any style in-between, potatoes are ideal for matching with the centerpiece of your family meal. These Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash call for Wisconsin yellow-flesh potatoes to achieve a dense, creamy texture with their just-buttered appearance. Find more dishes for your holiday gatherings at eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.

Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash

Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes 1 pound (3 medium) Wisconsin yellow-flesh potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch chunks

1 cup 2% or non-fat milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups Aunt Jemima Original Complete or Buttermilk Complete Pancake & Waffle Mix 1/4 cup water marshmallow spread (optional) chocolate syrup (optional) Aunt Jemima Syrup (optional) Heat skillet over medium-low heat or electric griddle to 375 F. In microwave-safe bowl, mix cocoa powder, sugar, milk and vanilla until well combined. Heat in microwave 30 seconds, or until warm. Stir again to ensure mixture is combined. Combine cocoa mixture, pancake mix and water. Stir until large lumps disappear (do not beat or overmix). If batter is too thick, add additional 1-2 tablespoons water. Pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter onto lightly greased skillet or griddle. Cook 90 seconds, or until bubbles appear on surface. Turn and cook additional 30 seconds. Repeat with remaining batter. Top pancakes with marshmallow spread and drizzle chocolate syrup, or top with syrup.

1 small butternut squash (about 1 pound), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks water 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 3 tablespoons butter, divided 8-10 fresh (2-3-inch) sage leaves, stacked and cut into 1/4-inch strips 1/2 cup 1% milk freshly ground black pepper, to taste In 3-quart saucepan, cover potatoes and squash with water; add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat, cover and cook until tender, 12-15 minutes. In small saucepan over medium heat, mix 2 tablespoons butter and sage. Tilting pan and watching closely, cook about 3 minutes, until butter foams and begins to brown; keep warm. Thoroughly drain potatoes and squash, return to pan and shake 1-2 minutes over low heat. Using hand masher, roughly mash to create chunky mixture. Over low heat, gently mix in remaining butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon into serving bowl and drizzle with brown butter and sage.

Serve Up a Savory Sweet No holiday gathering is complete without dessert, and you can take your sweets to the next level with this rich, creamy Black Forest Cake recipe. Tart cherries and whipped cream are combined with Domino Golden Sugar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a less processed option which is made from pure cane sugar and works cup-for-cup just like white sugar, but with a golden color and distinct hint of molasses flavor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for a contrasting profile to put a spin on a seasonal classic. Find more holiday dessert ideas at dominosugar.com.

Black Forest Cake

Servings: 8 Cherry Filling: 1/2 cup Domino Golden Sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 cup water or unsweetened cherry juice 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted tart (Montmorency) cherries 2 tablespoons cherry brandy (optional)

Cake: 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups Domino Golden Sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups buttermilk Stabilized Whipped Cream: 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin 2 tablespoons cold water 2 cups (1 pint) heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons Domino Golden Sugar chocolate curls or shavings, for garnish (optional) To make cherry filling: In medium saucepot, whisk sugar and cornstarch with water or juice then bring to boil over medium heat. Stir in cherries and cherry brandy, if desired, and boil 2-3 minutes, stirring, until sauce is thick and translucent. Drain cherries from sauce and set both aside. To make cake layers: Heat oven to 350 F.

Line bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Grease and flour bottoms and sides. In medium bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar 2 minutes on medium speed. Add eggs and vanilla; beat 1 minute. Stir in flour mixture and buttermilk. Pour batter evenly among cake pans and bake 20-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool and remove layers from pans. To make stabilized whipped cream: In small pan or microwaveable bowl, combine gelatin and cold water; allow gelatin to bloom. Heat until gelatin melts and dissolves; set aside. In chilled bowl, whip cream with chilled beaters until soft peaks form. Add sugar and gelatin; beat until stiff. Prick tops of two bottom layers with fork and brush cherry filling over layers. Sandwich bottom layers with a 1/4-inchthick spread of stabilized whipped cream. Sandwich second and top layer with same whipped cream. Spread remaining whipped cream over top layer and sides. Garnish with shaved chocolate, if desired, and decorate with any remaining whipped cream.

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

S MODEL SPOTLIGHT | SIP THE MODEL

Sipora Richards

Sip The Model

With a signature, iridescent smile, show-stopping confidence, and an empowering message, Siporia Richards is bringing a new fire, in modeling and beyond. Dubbed Sip The Model, the highly sought-after plus beauty is defining a new generation of artistry and is widely recognized as one of the industry’s most talented and versatile beauties, continuously pushing the boundaries of standardized beauty, mastering appearances every time she hits the runway. Sip began her career as a runway model for celebrity designer, Sharita Benson of by S. Benson, in 2017. After traveling her own roadmap of selflove, Sip began to understand the concept that confidence was essential, over the years, has used modeling to develop a foundation of love, comfort and assurance, all of which shine through her signature appearances. In a short span of time, Sip has worked with some of the Plus industry’s most honored events including TCF Style Expo, Crusade of Curves, NC African Fashion Week and District of Curves. The thread that connects Sip’s work is her message of living life as authentic and unapologetic as possible, no matter what you’re faced with. A woman of compassion, distinct style, strong morals and a unique vision, Sip counts it a privilege to be living her dream day by day and is a prime example of what commitment and hard-work can achieve.

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

MODEL SPOTLIGHT | SIP THE MODEL

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

4 TIPS TO DRESS FOR SUCCESS AT WORK In today’s workplace, many employers have abandoned strict dress code policies, providing employees with more flexibility to dress casually. In fact, 59 percent of American workers described their current employer’s policy as “business casual” or “casual,” according to a recent study from Randstad US. Although a more relaxed dress code gives you the creative freedom to express yourself, not everything may be appropriate for a work setting. Here is the fashion 411 on workplace attire today.

Don’t break the bank. Fifty-five percent of managers agree they care more about performance than what their employees wear, so don’t feel pressured to break the bank in order to keep up with the workplace Joneses. Your expertise is more valuable than any sparkly set of cufflinks or a pair of heels will ever be. However, you can look great for less with a few smart strategies. Visit the Randstad US career resources portal for workplace fashion tips to “casually” rip the (office) runway at randstadusa.com/jobs/career-resources/personalbrand.

Understand your company’s dress policy. If you’re unclear of your employer’s dress code policy, just ask your manager or HR. Thirty-eight percent of 25 to 35-year-olds say they’ve been asked to dress more professionally by their manager or HR, and 45 percent say they know someone who has been sent home from work for breaking dress code policies. Unclear policies may be the culprit, and no outfit is worth the risk -- or embarrassment -- of being sent home. Another tip is to simply take note of what people around you are wearing, especially those in senior-level positions. As the saying goes, dress for the job you want, not the job you have!

Leave the weekend wardrobe at home. According to many U.S. employees, some things are still considered a bit too casual for the office. In fact, the survey found that the majority of Americans think ripped jeans and leggings are not appropriate, even in a casual office environment. Therefore, if you show up to work in ripped jeans, there’s a good chance (statistically speaking) that you won’t be making a great impression. The same goes for leggings -- sorry athleisure lovers!

Dress for comfort and performance. Don’t be afraid to embrace your personal style, as long as it stays within your company’s guidelines. Sixty-three percent of younger workers (aged 18 to 35) say they actually prefer dressing up for work, as it boosts their confidence and performance. The definition of “dressing up” can vary from person to person, ranging from casual to conservative, depending on one’s taste.

“It’s great to show your personality and wear what you feel most confident in, though it’s always a best practice to be mindful of today’s cultural norms and what most people -- according to our survey -- feel is appropriate for the workplace,” says Traci Fiatte, CEO of non-technical staffing, Randstad US. “You want to be evaluated on your performance and what value you bring to your company, not just on your clothes.”

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For more tips on how you can make a good impression at work, visit www.randstadusa.com.

4 TIPS TO DRESS FOR SUCCESS AT WORK | STATEPOINT

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

THE HOLIDAY LIP | LAWANDA “LALA FACES” SANYANG

Hello Queens, Happy Holidays! Nothing says Holidays like a gorgeous Utra Matte Red Liquid lipstick and I want introduce you to an affordable stunner. Queens meet “LaLa Land” by Colour Pop Cosmetics. I just love the name and no I am not an affiliate of the brand. I stumbled upon this color looking for a matte red lippie for a Bride and felt this was noteworthy to share with my Queens. It retails for $7 and can be found in Ulta Beauty and online at Colour Pop Cosmetics. It’s time to raise the bar on that Holiday party and pull out a sexy, classic, bold red lipstick. The amazing thing about red is that it works well with any skin tone and most every style. Go off script and make them wonder. Then give them a moment they will never forget. Keep being amazing my Queens and know you are loved! Smooches, Lawanda Sanyang, MPA Lala Faces Makeup Artistry

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FEATURED STORY

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KELLY'S KLOSET #1 ONLINE WOMAN OWNED LINGERIE STORE! www.kellyskloset.net WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

FEATURED STORY

“Modeling is a career where you need thick skin and to believe in yourself”

Deana Sobilo WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

DEANA SOBILA | QSM

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model: Deana Sobilo @themodelontwo Hair done by model MUA: Tjamieka Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics Poncho | Modena (T.J. Maxx @tjmaxx) Top | Kimchi Blue @kimchiblue (Urban Outfitters @urbanoutfitters) Pants | Alloy Apparel @alloyapparel Shoes | Nine West @ninewest

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FEATURED STORY

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model: Deana Sobilo @themodelontwo Hair done by model MUA: Tjamieka Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics Sweater | ASTR the Label @astrthelabel (Nordstrom @ nordstrom) Pants | Good American @goodamerican (Nordstrom @ nordstrom) Jewelry | Francescaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s @francescas Shoes | Lauren Lorraine @laurenlorraineshoes

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DEANA SOBILA | QSM

Deanna Born and raised in Connecticut, Deana Sobilo always knew that she wanted to work full time in the modeling industry; however, she knew that it would not be easy to get there. Although she started off as a child model, it was her driven passion and perseverance that moved Deana to where she is today. This year alone, she has accomplished a lot of Queen-Sized goals in her modeling career and in her personal life. Deana was blessed with the opportunity to walk in New York’s Full Figured Fashion Week. While in that fashion show, having experience from countless runway shows, the skills weren’t the problem, but there was still something missing. It didn’t matter that Deana was walking for three designers from various locations (Bahamas, Florida and California), since Deana didn’t believe she truly belonged, it showed. Becoming her biggest critic derived from years of being bullied and constantly hearing from peers that she wasn’t beautiful enough to be a model. Modeling is a career where you need thick skin and to believe in yourself. When posing in front of the camera or when looking in the mirror, she only saw flaws with herself. Deana realized that by constantly being callous towards herself and telling herself that she doesn’t belong, she was deciding to not belong. After an abundance of hard work Deana transformed from being her biggest critic to her own number one fan. She shares this journey to her own happiness with others in hopes that maybe her

journey will spark some hope for someone else that they too may reach their best selves. The desire to be happy was there, but no action was taken until Deana was at Barnes & Noble and stumbled across the self-help books. Recognizing a cover that a friend previously recommended she decided to give it a try. Starting off with one quickly led into the next, and then another one after that; You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson personally helped her the most. After numerous chapters and therapy appointments, she began to discover the minor and major sources of her unhappiness. From there, the journey began of being educated about mindfulness, how to strengthen resilience, and other tools that would slowly, but surely lead to being content with herself. The next focus was to figure out how to feel fulfillment from her career. There were points throughout the year where Deana found herself stuck; she felt that her modeling career was not progressing. Having an epiphany that it was only Deana who could change that, caused her to take charge and get her moving. Nothing was going to happen if she sat and waited for an opportunity to knock on her door. She had to be the one to knock on all the doors. Deciding to self-represent gave Deana the most opportunities. It’s not easy making cold calls or sending cold emails, but she is a firm believer in “if there’s a will there’s a way”.

Sobilo WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

FEATURED STORY

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DEANA SOBILA | QSM

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model: Deana Sobilo @themodelontwo Hair done by model MUA: Tjamieka Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics Vest | Hot & Delicious @hotanddelicious Top | UO @urbanoutfitters Jewelry | Francescaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s @francescas Pants | American Eagle @americaneagle Shoes | Dolce Vita @dolcevita (DSW @dsw)

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FEATURED STORY

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model: Deana Sobilo @themodelontwo Hair done by model MUA: Tjamieka Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics Poncho | Modena (T.J. Maxx @tjmaxx) Top | Kimchi Blue @kimchiblue (Urban Outfitters @ urbanoutfitters) Pants | Alloy Apparel @alloyapparel Shoes | Nine West @ninewest

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DEANA SOBILA | QSM

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING IDEAS

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HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING IDEAS | QSM

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12 Days of Christmas

BEAUTY AND FASHION

“My favorite thing about Christmas is good food and giving gifts”

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12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS | QSM

11 Days of Christmas “My favorite thing about Christmas: Is Christmas! It’s not Santa or Jesus, it’s the time of the year. The food, the fashion and music, the lights everywhere, the decorations, especially the decorations because I love to deck the halls! It’s the whole vibe of Christmas where people are a little nicer, a little more accepting, and little bit more welcoming. For a moment peace on Earth becomes real at Christmastime and that’s what I love the most.”

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Audrey L. Malone @alindaenolam Hair and MUA | done by model Dress and Shoes | Amazon @amazon

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

10 Days of Christmas

“My favorite thing about Christmas is being around family”

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12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS | QSM

9 Days of Christmas

“I am not big on holidays, but December 25th is my mother’s birthday and she loves Christmas. So my favorite thing would be seeing her light up for the season with decorating and cooking while the family spends time together.”

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

8 Days of Christmas

“My favorite part about Christmas is that people take the time to think about each other and take the effort to be with their family and beloved friends.”

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12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS | QSM “Christmas is a time for me being together with my family and to celebrate the year’s personal achievements. It’s a time to relax with lots of laughter, singing (performing to Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé in the car), driving around to see Christmas lights and food… a lot of food”

7 Days of Christmas

Photographer | Philip Drew @ pdrewphotography Model | Deana Sobilo @ themodelontwo Hair and makeup done by model Dress | Express @express Shoes | Rampage @ rampagebrand (from Kohls @ kohls)

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

8 Days of Christmas

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Sheena Postell @mspostell Hair and Makeup done by model Peach two-piece sweater suit | Uptown Consignment @uptownconsignment

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12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS | QSM

“I enjoy the sparkle of the lights and how it twinkles against the moonlight. Something about the colors neatly placed on trees and houses gives an automatic warm feeling. It’s a magical ambiance and refreshing to see someone else’s patience give so much hope and peace to others.”

5 Days of Christmas

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Sheena Postell @mspostell Hair and Makeup done by model Pink jumpsuit | Curve Conscious @curveconscious

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

4 Days of Christmas

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Shenique Grenion @shenique_grenion MUA | Kandiece Lang @KonsultKandii_style Dress | Shavi Lewis @ShaviLewis

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12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS | QSM

3 Days of Christmas “I like the idea of that one ‘Day’ of the year there is Joy, Christmas songs playing and FOOD! And HEAT!!! Wrapped up in a blanket, because I get to sleep in and enjoy my day off from work”

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Shenique Grenion @shenique_grenion MUA | Kandiece Lang @KonsultKandii_style Pajamas | Charter Club (from Macy’s)

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2 Days of Christmas

BEAUTY AND FASHION “There’s something about the holiday season that brings me warmth and glee. Spending quality time with family; Mommy full of joy cooking my favorite meals while dancing around the house adding Christmas trimmings. Making memorable moments with friends rocking out our holiday best. And most of all waking up in the morning in anticipation hoping to see a White Christmas again.”

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12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS | QSM

Christmas Day

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Founded in 2011, we are a magazine dedicated to Queen Size women. Queen Size is not only about the physical size, but also the mental. We are dedicated to highlighting women of all walks of life. If you are a woman making Queen Size moves, then this is where you belong. We do not limit ourselves to just women; this was the basis of why we created the magazine. We are looking to highlight and promote small businesses owners/entrepreneurs, both men and women. Queen Size Magazine puts out a new issue every month with realistic articles written by real life people. We have writers that cover health and fitness, true life situations and experiences, fashion, recipes and more.

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6x $570 $330 $240 ////// $1,410 $1,170 $810

12x $1,080 $600 $480 ////// $2,760 $2,280 $1,560

Ad Due Date November. 10th January. 10th March 10th May 10th July 10th September 10th

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BUSINESS

ARTICLE TITLE BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT | BY AUTHOR | QSM

Maria Buckingham Charm City Glam

Blogger Model Body Positive Activist and Avid Traveler

WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

BUSINESS

BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT | QSM

QSM: Who is Maria? Not model or blogger Maria; but the Maria not found in your bio? Maria: I ‘m a girl who loves fashion, anything themed or nostalgic (give me a themed pop up bar or 50’s themed dinner and I’m happy as can be). I’m also a fur baby mom to my cat Fred who is frequently seen on my IG stories. QSM: Can you share what you do for a living when you are not modeling and blogging? Maria: I’m an Esthetician QSM: Tell us about your first modeling experience. Maria: It was this past year for the Philadelphia Curve Weekend event. I was so nervous and could not figure out how to get the elevator to work in the building ( it was one of those old time elevators with the gate) Luckily one of the other models helped me out with a bright smile and helping hand. She set the tone for the entire experience. Everyone was warm and welcoming. I had so much fun and have been hooked ever since. QSM: What made you want to get your feet wet with modeling? Maria: The better question is why not? I saw an open casting call and thought “This is something that seems exciting and challenging to me” So I applied. QSM: Tell me more about BmoreCurvy. Maria: I started BmoreCurvy as a way to bring the curvy community together in the Maryland, D.C.and Virginia area. I wanted a place to showcase all the great things the community is doing as well start hosting fun events myself. QSM: Now how did you get into blogging and what is your blog called/about? Maria: My Blog sort of started by accident. I was nursing a broken heart and needed an outlet to refocus my energy and move on. I started posting outfits on Instagram for fun and the response was great so I decided to put real effort into it. My hometown of Baltimore is often referred to as Charm City. I put that together with my love of all things girly and glamorous. Charm City Glam was born! I blog about fashion, body positivity, fun things to do in the area and travel.

QSM: You mentioned” I would love to help show other women who look like me know that they are beautiful and powerful just as they are”; how are some ways that you can do that? Maria: One way I can do that is by continuing to unapologetically love myself and lead by example. I also believe the more people we see in the media that look like us the easier it is to say I’m beautiful and powerful too! QSM: You said you are an avid traveler. Where have you traveled? Maria: I have traveled all over the US ( New Orleans has my heart), The Caribbean and Mexico. I’m planning my first overseas trip to Greece in 2020 . QSM: What are two things that you would like to see change about the industry we work in? Maria: I want to see it become more mainstream! I would love to just be a fashion blogger and not a plus size fashion blogger. All humans are beautiful in their own way and wish we didn’t have to put labels on ourselves. I also want to see more collaborations. When great people come together amazing things can happen. QSM: Maria, do you have anything coming up that we can be on the lookout for? Maria: I’m always working on something. You can expect some great holiday fashion, more YouTube videos and the first BmoreCurvy event in the near future. QSM: Before we let you go please let everyone know where they can follow you. And tell us your favorite thing about Christmas. Maria: You can find me on Instagram @CharmCity_Glam and @ BmoreCurvy My Website Charmcityglam.com and on YouTube Charm City Glam My Favorite thing about Christmas is all the amazing parties with close friends and family.

QSM: Do you ever feel like we are oversaturated with bloggers? How do stand out with your blog? What makes you unique? Maria: Oversaturated no, Highly competitive yes! There are so many amazing bloggers killing it right now. It can be hard to stand out but I find the best way to do so is to be authentically myself! I’m not the uber sexy model or perfect looking blogger. I’m more quirky and cute and I embrace it! QSM: What would you say are three of the most important traits that one must possess to be successful? Maria: Passion, a clear vision and most importantly action! The first 2 don’t work if you don’t take action. QSM: What is one thing about Maria that people would be surprised to learn? Maria: I was a shy person as a child. I learned ways around it through theater and music. WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

BUSINESS

5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PACKAGES SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

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KEEPING YOUR PACKAGES SAFE| BRANDPOINT

According to the National Retail Federation, 41.4 million people shopped exclusively online from Thanksgiving Day to Cyber Monday in 2018. As the holidays approach, online shopping will continue to grow in popularity, helping families spend more time celebrating the season and less time struggling through long disorganized lines, fighting massive crowds of frantic shoppers, and worrying about whether that must-have gift will still be on shelves at the mall. While online shopping offers up a convenient way to purchase holiday gifts, many consumers are concerned about their delivered packages going missing. Ensuring your online holiday purchases are securely delivered can make your cyber shopping experience even more rewarding and stress free. Here are five tips that will keep your packages safe and your holidays happy.

Get deliveries straight to your garage with Key by Amazon Online retailers such as Amazon serve as a popular holiday shopping destination. This season you can get your Prime packages delivered safely and securely right in your garage with Key by Amazon in-garage delivery. Amazon recently launched the new service to provide Prime members in 50 cities and surrounding areas with the option to select in-garage delivery at checkout. To provide peace of mind that your holiday purchases wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go missing or get damaged by weather, all you need is a myQ-connected garage door opener linked to the Key App to have packages delivered directly into your garage for no extra charge. myQ technology can be added to all leading brands of garage door openers in minutes via a Chamberlain myQ smart garage hub, which is being offered at a low cost this holiday season.

Give specific delivery instructions

Most delivery services allow customers to set instructions. Ask your mail carrier to knock or ring the doorbell so that you are immediately alerted when a package arrives at your door. If snow, rain or any other weather issue is a concern, consider requesting that you mail carrier drop off packages in an out-of-sight dry spot.

Get creative with these drop-off locations and use other delivery points such as back porches, patios and exterior basement stairs.

Major mail carriers and delivery services have systems for tracking packages. You can use tracking numbers to determine where an item is, and when it should be delivered. Check with your delivery provider to see if you can sign up for alerts via email or text message for when your package is shipped, out for delivery and delivered.

Team up with a neighbor

Work with a trustworthy neighbor to mutually look after each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s packages. If a neighbor is home during an anticipated delivery, ask permission to have packages sent to their address or have them hold deliveries that come to your front door. Return the favor whenever possible, and bake a holiday treat or give a small thankyou gift to show your appreciation.

Request a signature

If you are ordering expensive items online, it is a smart idea to require a signature for delivery. By requesting a signature before a package is released, you can ensure that your online purchases are never left unattended. If you are not home at the time of delivery, the mail carrier will typically leave a note with options for rescheduling the delivery for a more convenient time or picking the package up in-person. Holiday shopping is already stressful. Give yourself the gift of peace by trying out some of these package delivery tips, and spend more time enjoying the moments that matter. To learn more about in-garage delivery, visit https:// www.myq.com/key-by-amazon.

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BUSINESS

Shamaine Holman Shamaine Holman (also known as Lady Brooklyn), born in Brooklyn New York first started modeling in the adult entertainment industry under a different name. After being in the adult industry for 2 years she felt that she could do better With the love and support of a former adult model who gave her some sound advice, She said “sis if you feel that you can be greater than this then I get out there and be great.” Shamaine started to re think her art as a model with a new name. Today Shamaine Holman has changed the way she viewed her art as a model and became an artist. She first entered the world of pageantry as a contestant for the Ms. Full-Figured NYC. Then again facing challenges, she felt she needed some help to perfect her craft. She reached out to Shawn Montgomery of ThickNThicker Model Management who was able to put her into training sessions with Plus Model Jeannie Ferguson. Under the training of Ms. Ferguson, Shamaine went back to the Ms. FullFigured pageant competing for the title of Ms. Full-Figured USA, winning the category of Ms. Social Media 2017. She didn’t stop there; appearing on shows such as Dr. Oz and BET (the New Year’s episode) she said: “I still have more work to do”. Shamaine has taken her career and art further than she ever thought she could. With landing brand ambassador jobs for brands such as: Sonic C Photography, Urban Eyez Studios Photography, La Venne Jewelry Designs, Flavors of Fullness and Urban Eyewear. Shamaine has put her art and her craft to good use. But that’s not all, she is now the host of a game show app called joyride, she has become an artist of her own right. Shamaine hopes to continue to become a great model and has hopes of being signed to an agency. She also has hopes of making it to the big screens. And through it all, Shamaine stays humble and very thankful for all opportunities that she has received. To find Shamaine on social media, check her out Facebook: Shamaine Holman and on Instagram @ladybrooklyn11

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MODEL SPOTLIGHT | SHAMAINE HOLMAN

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Shamaine Holman @ladybrooklyn11

WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

BUSINESS

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Shamaine Holman @ladybrooklyn11

WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

MODEL SPOTLIGHT | SHAMAINE HOLMAN

Photographer | Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Shamaine Holman @ladybrooklyn11