Queen Size Magazine February 2016 Issue by Queen Size Magazine

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

FEBRUARY 2016 ISSUE

MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

ALEXANDRA CASTRO RISING STAR PRODUCER, ACTRESS, MODEL

GO RED FOR WOMEN MONTH BEHIND THE GLAM THE ULTIMATE CHEAT SHEET FOR BEAUTY CRYSTAL CARMEN

SINGLE ON VALENTINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY NATALIE DAWN

CHEAP SHOES/ EXPENSIVE ISSUES FEATUREDMODELS TAWANA BLASSINGAME LAKESSHIA SLAUGHTER JA TAWN ALEXIS ALLEN

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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE MANAGEMENT TEAM? Queen Size Model Management is a company created to guide aspiring models along the path to becoming successful models. If you are looking for a management team that truly cares about your success, and is looking to dedicate their time and resources in you; then reach out to us and let’s talk about how we can help you. Please email us two photos of yourself to queensizemodelmanagement@gmail. com Tell us why you want to model and we will contact you for an interview. Remember, you have to take the ﬁrst step. We are waiting.

ALEXANDRA CASTRO QUEEN SIZE MAGAZINE Photography by | Mondern Photographix

QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE@GMAIL.COM

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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

Note from the Editor

ard, Jr

Photo by Paul J. Heyw

Welcome to the February 2016 issue of Queen Size Magazine. I hold this issue very dear to my heart; literally. I am dedicating this issue to women all across the globe. Plus size, straight size, young elderly, black, white, orange, etc. As we all know February is Valentine’s Day month; but more importantly it is Go Red for Women Month. This is the month when we raise awareness for Women’s Heart Disease; our number one killer. In 2015 many of my friends had scares with their hearts; none were fatalities thank God, but all were wake up calls to take better care of ourselves. Very recently someone very dear to me experienced her own “warning sign”, it was enough for everyone very close to her to take a look are ourselves and each other. Ladies, if you are experiencing any changes in your body that is out of the norm, I urge you to get it checked out. You owe it to yourselves to do that. It may not be anything but on the other hand it might be something. Don’t ignore the signs, continue to do your research and spread the word. I am my sister’s keeper. Thank you all for continuing to support Queen Size Magazine. 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.

TAWANA BLASSINGAME CEO/Editor In Chief

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MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

MASTHEAD TAWANA BLASSINGAME CEO/Editor In Chief PHILIP DREW Executive Director NATALIE DAWN Assistant Editor CRYSTAL CARMEN Beauty Editor KAMILLE RIVERS Assistant Editor SHIRLEY BEALE Assistant Editor CARRIECE JEFFERSON Assistant Editor DUANE JONES Director of Photography for N. Carolina DOUG SWAIM Director of Photography for the DMV area KENDALL REED Photographer DAWN HALL Model Recruitment Manager DIONNE REEVES-GRUBBS Model Recruitment Manager

CREDITS - Cover, this image and all images on pages 28-35 Model: Alexandra Castro Photographer: Philip Drew, Phil De Vibe Photography Make-up: Flawless Faces by Tia

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CONTENTS FEATURED STORY

ALEXANDRA CASTRO

HEALTH AND FITNESS

06 GO RED FOR WOMEN By QSM

10 TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION By SHIRLEY BEALE

FEATUREDMODELS

FEBRUARY 2016 ISSUE

BUSINESS

14 SINGLE ON VALENTINE’S DAY By NATALIE DAWN

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT THERESA RANDOLPH By QSM

20 MS. FULL FIGURED NY By QSM

BEAUTY&FASHION CREATING A VALENTINE’S DAY LOOK IN

12 A FLASH

By CRYSTAL CARMEN

24 THE ULTIMATE CHEAT SHEET FOR BEAUTY

By CRYSTAL CARMEN

36 DRESS UP WITH BLACK By TAWANA BLASSINGAME

TRACES OF MY PEN

42 INSPIRATION By KAMILLE RIVERS

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

GO RED FOR WOMEN February is without a doubt one of the most important months for women; it is the month that we collectively get together to remind each other of how real Heart disease is. February 6th is the day that the nation gets together and wears red in honor of Go Red for Women. Heart disease has no targeted name, age or demographic; except women. Studies show that one in every eight women will get some form of heart disease. Most of us know of siblings, cousins, aunts, mothers…. That have been born with heart murmurs; but most of us don’t recognize that as a heart disease. Well ladies and gentlemen, it is. It is one of many forms of heart diseases. Here is a scary truth for you all; Heart disease is the number one killer of women and is more deadly than all forms of cancer. Now with breast cancer running ramped; how scary is that truth for you? Does it make you take a closer look at your health?

What are some of the symptoms? According to WebMD; here are 11 Heart Symptoms that you should never ignore: • Chest Discomfort • Unexplained Nausea, Indigestion, Heartburn, or Stomach Pain • Pain that Spreads to the Arm • Dizziness or Lightheadedness • Pain or pressure in the center of your chest that spreads up into your throat or jaw • Extreme exhaustion or unexplained weakness for days at a time • Unusually loud snoring that sounds like a gasping or choking • Breaking out in a cold sweat for no reason • A Cough That Won’t Quit • Swollen Legs, Feet, and Ankles • Irregular Heart Beat

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GO RED FOR WOMEN | QSM

Each one teach one. Don’t for to: • • • • •

Wear your Red Encourage family and friends to wear Red Research and spread the word Don’t ignore the symptoms Take care of your health

There are many different forms of heart diseases that we need to watch out for. (http://www.world-heart-federation. org/cardiovascular-health/heart-disease/different-heartdiseases/#c420) Rheumatic heart disease Rheumatic heart disease is caused by one or more attacks of rheumatic fever, which then do damage to the heart, particularly the heart valves. Rheumatic fever usually occurs in childhood, and may follow a streptococcal infection. In some cases, the infection affects the heart and may result in scarring the valves, weakening the heart muscle, or damaging the sac enclosing the heart. The valves are sometimes scarred so they do not open and close normally.

Hypertensive heart disease High blood pressure of unknown origin (primary hypertension) or caused by (secondary hypertension) certain specific diseases or infections, such as tumor in the adrenal glands, damage to or disease of the kidneys or their blood vessels. High blood pressure may overburden the heart and blood vessels and cause disease. Ischemic heart disease Heart ailments caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries and therefore a decreased blood supply to the heart.

Cerebrovascular disease Disease pertaining to the blood vessels in the brain. A cerebrovascular accident or stroke is the result of an impeded blood supply to some part of the brain.

Inflammatory heart disease Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), the membrane sac (pericarditis) which surround the heart, the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis) or the myocardium (heart muscle). Inflammation may be caused by known toxic or infectious agents or by an unknown origin.

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LaKesshia Slaughter

LaKesshia Slaughter is a plus-sized fashion model of Black/African roots with rich brown eyes who, like so many in her industry, has confidently accentuated the adversity of her unique beauty. Although plus-sized modeling is becoming more of an “acceptable” reality in our world, Ms. Slaughter’s rise above and beyond the naysayers has been no less challenging. But then, she honors her mother with having shown by example that you achieve success through hard work and so, she works hard—and the result is a burgeoning career in the plussized fashion modeling industry. Ms. Slaughter has become a consistent and sought-after face and body in print, commercials, and on the runway. She brings her gourmet expertise as the Brand Ambassador of Lip Fetish, the finalist in Cynthia Bailey’s Curvy Girl Photo Girl Contest, as the Face of FBM (Full Blossom Magazine) 2015—and is featured on its cover in which she also provides an exclusive interview about how she’s taking the industry by storm, and as a T.D. Jakes Megafest Hair Battle Model 2015 ViSalus Executive Promoter, and the face of CURVY and HEALTHY. Her talent on the runway is evident in her many fashion shoots throughout the US and includes Curve Nation Expo 2016 in Orlando, FL, Fashion Week 2015 in Houston, TX, Harrisburg Fashion Week 2015, Harrisburg, PA, Ms Camay’s Black Tie Gala-2015, Seattle, WA, and Pink the Runway 2015 in Philadelphia, PA where she graced the top 5. Recently being crowned Mrs. Mississippi Plus America has been the highlight of her modeling career. She will use her title and role as a plus size model to promote positive body image and that every woman is beautiful at any size.

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MODEL STATS Height: 5’9” Bust: 40” Waist: 39” Hips: 52” Dress Size: 14/16 Shoe Size: 10 Hair Color: Brown Eye Color: Brown

MODEL| LAKESSHIA SLAUGHTER

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QUEEN SIZE MAGAZINE PRESENTS

“To Answer Your Question” By SHIRLEY BEALE

THOT IN THE PLAY Question: Hello Shirley. It’s time for our Annual Christmas play that an organization put on every year to perform at a children’s home. There is a woman in the organization that always signs up for Mary because she knows they always make my husband Joseph. I try to be Mary a few times but they said I am too soft spoken and she is loud. So they never pick me. This bothers me because he has told me she is saying inappropriate things about them being together and what she wants to do to him in bed. He really likes playing Joseph and said he wants me to be Mary but I have to speak up. I don’t know what to do.

SHIRLEY’S RESPONSE: This is simple, since the chick keep signing up for Mary; your husband can tell the person in charge he insists on someone else to play the part of Mary. If no one else is available, then you need to step up. If you can’t speak up, use a cordless microphone so you can be heard. That is the best solution. If the chick insists on pushing up on your hubby, tell the play director to write in the part of a harlot into the script, that way she will have a part more befitting her character rather than playing a part in direct contrast to who she really is as she is playing the part of the Virgin Mary, of all things. I would personally go to her and speak with her about her behavior. If she persists in such actions, I would go to the director and enlighten them on her performance. Before you do either of the above suggestions, I would see how your husband wants to handle it and try to solve it with him. It is so sad that women like this make all of us look bad. The last suggestion is to volunteer to do the program. If the chick continues to play the part of Mary; where it lists the character, next to the name of Mary, just write her name and title like this: “Virgin Mary played by Jane Doe (THOT TTTMY) which stands for THOT trying to take my husband. Then end the program with: Program designed by Mrs. _________, wife of gentleman playing Joseph. Then wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

it and he left the church. My daughter doesn’t come as often but she is leaving too. The affair is still going on. When I confronted the pastor, he refuses to do anything because we are close to moving into a new church and he don’t want to jeopardize the funding. I spoke to my son-in-law about this and he is going to keep it up. I hate to see my daughter suffer but even more, I hate to see this each Sunday in my face. I have no more respect for the pastor, the director, or my son in law. What would you do? SHIRLEY’S RESPONSE: I’m so sorry you are experiencing this. If I were in this situation, I would do as the Bible says: go to the pastor, tell him of the situation again. If he does nothing, take some deacons with you and go back to him. If nothing is done at this time, I would leave and try to take your daughter with you. If you are worshipping in a place where the new building is more important than the souls of the congregation, then you are in the wrong place.

THE GOLDEN QUESTION Question: Hello. What is your opinion on why people cheat or are unfaithful? SHIRLEY’S RESPONSE: WOW, that’s a question!!! I don’t have one single answer however, here are some of the reasons I’ve heard: Unhappy or unsatisfied with their partner, revenge, bored, because there are no consequences. Neither of those reasons justifies the action. There are always innocent people who get hurt and nothing is worth that. In a perfect world, I wish the faithful people would be together and the cheaters would be on a secluded island where they can be happy with their other cheating cohorts and everyone live happily ever after however since that is wishful thinking, the best thing to do is decide on the results that will give you peace. As for me, being alone and at peace is better than living or lying with a lie. Thank you for writing.

WORSHIPPING WRONG

DIVORCE ON REPEAT

Question: My daughter, her husband & I attend the same church. We discovered that her husband is having an affair with the director. The director’s husband found out about

Question: Hi Ms. Shirley. Shirley my name is Marie I been married for three years now. Out of the three years we have been separated for six months because I moved 800 miles

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TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION | SHIRLEY BEALE

1111

from my husband due to him putting his hand on me. We have now been back together over a year. Now he is on this thing about asking a lot of questions. When he don’t get the answer he hoping for, he gets mad. We get into a big argument and the first thing he says to me when things don’t go his way he says I’m filing for divorce. This has been going for the last 6 months. Nothing has been filed. So Thursday we had an argument and he said it again about divorce so I told him that I was tired of him threatening me with the divorce and not following through so I told him the next time, he doesn’t have to worry about it I’ll do it; I’ll file. So this past Friday we are here and he said I’m filing. Then he says oh I forgot you said if I said it again you were going to make sure it happens. Then he says ok Ms Bad ass let’s see if you can back up what you say. I double dare you. I’m tired am I wrong for this? SHIRLEY’S RESPONSE: It’s understandable you left due to physical abuse at the hands of your husband but you came back and I guess it’s due to your love for this man. However, now this “divorce” threat comes up each time you have an argument. Since he is bluffing you to follow through, don’t play into that game if it’s not what you want. He has gone from physical abuse to verbal abuse. Abuse is abuse no matter how you look at it. Ask your husband if he still want the marriage. If he says no, take some time to do some serious soul searching. If you don’t think it will work, make a move to change your present situation. You can’t make a grown person act right. There is a saying, when someone shows you who they are, BELIEVE THEM!!!!! I recommend the two of you seek counseling and seek it fast. If your husband is not willing to go, then you go alone and take care of you. Do not let anyone steal your joy. I’m an advocate of the sanctity of marriage but it’s a two way street. One person cannot do it all. Is there an older couple that you can talk to, one that can give you direction on what it takes to have a happy marriage? A couple that can share with you their experience? Your marriage is young and it needs to mature on both sides to understand what marriage is all about. On the other hand, don’t take advice from anyone who has no experience in marriage, relationships or who has no evidence of having joy or peace in their own lives. Would you get advice on cooking from someone who doesn’t know how to cook? Would you let someone operate on you who have never been to medical school AND who is not a surgeon? Would you have your girlfriend represent you in court if she has never gone to law school, didn’t have a law degree and who spends her day watching reality shows? I don’t think so. Faith and prayer gets me thru it all. I strongly advise the counseling but also entrust the counsel of a friend, family member or someone that will give you immediate spiritual counsel. No one should ever have to endure abuse of any kind but since this is your husband, talk to him from a Christian point of view, tell him you love him and you want the two of you to work on your marriage. If he doesn’t want to, if the abuse continues, then continue the counseling for yourself and once you are in a better mental state to make sound and not emotional decisions, you will be able to see where God wants to lead you. I will be praying for you Marie.

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Creating a Valentine’s D It’s that time of year again, when every aisle is full of red, pink and cupid. Valentine’s Day is a day when men and women often try to do something sweet for their sweet heart. Here are a few tips on how to make your makeup super romantic or sultry on the day for love. Whether you are meeting with a few friends to celebrate or you are off to an intimate date, this is one day you can definitely pull out a red or pink lipstick.

SWEETHEART GLAMOUR LOOK

Use a tinted moisturizer or BB cream on your entire face. Apply a matter bronzer to the cheekbone, temples and jawline. Use a brow powder to lightly fill in the brow Sweep an illuminating powder like Pretty Powder (Pink Stiletto Cosmetics) on the top of your cheekbones and blend. Sweep a satin or matte finishe beige or taupe eyeshadow over the lids. Use a reddish brown eyeshadow in the eyelid crease. Using a black eyeshadow and thin brush sweep a bit of shadow along the upper lash line and blend. Skip actual eyeliner. Add 2 Coats of a super length inducing mascara like one of my favorites,Miss Manga by L’Oreal. Applied slowly you can skip the clumps and get the look of super thick, long lashes. Line your lips and fill them with a red lip liner. Apply one layer of a red lipstick, blot with a tissue and add one more layer. Estimated time to Complete: 10 Minutes Skill Level: Novice

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CREATING A VALENTINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY LOOK IN A FLASH | CRYSTAL CARMEN

Day Look in a Flash

SULTRY GLAMOUR LOOK

Use a Medium to Full Coverage Foundation on the entire face Apply a berry or tangerine blush to the cheeks. Apply a light dusting of a glow powder to the top of your cheekbones and center of your nose. Softly fill in sparse areas on your brows with a pencil or brow powder Add a shimmery bronze eyeshadow to your entire lid. Apply a reddish brown eyeshadow in the crease. Add a rich black shadow to the outer corner of your eye and blend. Add one coat of eye liner and two coats of super voluminous mascara. Line your lips with a mauve or cafe lip liner. Apply a dusty rose lip color like Dynasty from Pink Stiletto Cosmetics or a softer pink like Sophia. Estimated Time to Complete: 15 Minutes Skill Level: Intermediate

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BUSINESS

SINGLE ON VALENTINE’S DAY

..............................................

by NATALIE DAWN

Single on Valentine’s Day… Are you single? When February comes around do you start thinking about your ex or looking at reasons why you may be single? Single ladies enjoy your Valentine’s day with or without a partner. How often do you actually take time to love on yourself? When is the last time you went to a spa or got a pedicure or manicure? Have you took anytime away to just do something you love to do? Well as a single woman Valentine’s day is not the end of the world. It is a perfect day to take some time to yourself and do something you enjoy. Things to do for the day

Spa Day (take advantage of V-day deals) Shopping Girls night out Night alone Kids night out Weekend get away Dinner with a friend Treat someone Self Makeover Look for single events in your area

Whatever you decide to do for Valentine’s Day make sure you take time to love yourself and someone else. You deserve to have an awesome holiday!

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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

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Ja Tawn

My name is Ja Tawn and I go by one name. I am a native New Yorker, a plus size fashionista and blogger. I’ve had 16 years of modeling in the fashion industry under my belt, strutting the runways for National and International clients. Some of my clients are Ashley Stewart, Lane Bryant, Macy’s, Elder Beerman, Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdale’s, David’s Bridal and many more. I have been in magazines such as Essence, Belle, Black Elegance, Very Full Figured, Curvy Connect, Queens Size, Figure, Curvysta and Luckymag.com. I do Showroom Fit for Dockers Plus, Michael Kors Woman, Eileen Fisher, Delta Burke Swimwear, Cremebralee Lingerie, Chicos and more. Featured on the Today Show, Good Day NY, The View and FOX CT. I became the Fashion Editor of Fire Magazine back in 2008. As a fashion blogger, I have written articles for online magazines Fashionledge, Style.com, Designer Issac Mizrahi’s (Inside Issac’s World) Mimosas and Turquoise and a Fashion Correspondent for The Examiner. I’ve now created a blog filling the void in the industry for the curvy community with great quality high end clothing. I reside in Queens and enjoy being with my family and Shi Tzu Sam.

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MODEL STATS Height: 5’10” Cup Size: 44DD Waist: 35” Hips: 51” Dress Size: 16/18 Shoe Size: 10.5 Hair Color: Black Eyes Color: Brown

MODEL | JA TAWN

Photo Credits: Photography | Ralph Avant Photography

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ENTREPRENEURIAL SPOTLIGHT

THERESA RANDOLPH | QSM

Ms. Theresa Randolph

In this industry you meet a lot of people; most of them are out or themselves and some of them a genuine. The day I met Theresa Randolph I knew that she was different; she was genuine. She has a heart of gold and always wants to help build up the next person. This is why she is one of the most supported individuals in this industry. People love and respect Theresa because she loves and respects everyone else in return. Ms. Theresa Randolph is the Founder and President of the longest beauty pageant solely dedicated to promoting the empowerment of the full figured woman, The Ms. Full-Figured USA pageant. Her mission for the past 25 years in producing the pageant has been focused on the building of self-confidence in full figured women across the United States. As plus size women from all over the country participate in her annual pageants, it is clear that size has no barrier on the beauty runway. Ms. Full-Figured USA Pageant is the longest and first beauty pageant system solely dedicated to promoting empowerment of the full figured woman. JT Pageant Enterprises presents their wildly popular plus-size event -- The Ms. Full-Figured USA Pageant, LLC. This annual standing-room-only extravaganza is the brainchild of beautiful plus size model/TV personality Theresa ”Sparkle” Randolph. Dazzling audiences throughout the United States for the past 25 years, it’s one of the most well-established and respected beauty pageants that feature lovely ladies in all shapes and sizes. This long-running, significant pageant gives these gorgeous women an opportunity to demonstrate that ”size has no barrier on beauty.” Indeed, the average American woman is not model-thin, as shown in the magazines -- huge numbers of them are considered ”plus sized” by a short-sighted fashion industry. This glittering, colorful beauty pageant is a must-see!

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BUSINESS

MS. FULL FIGURED NEW YOR PAGEANT

The Ms. Full Figured New York Pageant was a huge success. Eight girls competed in Ms Theresa Randolph’s pageant for their chance to be crowned. The judging panel had their work cut out for them as they had some beautiful and talented women to judge. Sabrina Clinton, Mercedes Peterson, Latavia Fields, Crystal Pegram, Priscilla Wright, Shennarry Nurse, Shamaine “LadyBrooklyn”, and Detras Powell all represented themselves, Theresa, the pageant and the plus community very well. Congratulations to you all; it takes a lot to step out in front of people, put your fears aside and allow yourself to be judged. You all are winners in our eyes, congratulations to you all. Ms. Congeniality – Priscilla Wright Ms. Rising Star – Latavia Fields Ms. Photogenic – Crystal Pegram Ms. Social Media – Detras Powell Winner of the Talent portion – Shennarry Nurse Winner of the Talent portion – Crystal Pegram 2nd Runner up – Crystal Pegram 1st Runner up – Mercedes Peterson Winner of the Ms. Full Figured New York 2015 – Shennerray Nurse

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BUSINESS

MS. FULL FIGURED NEW YOR PAGEANT

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

BEHIND THE GLAM By CRYSTAL CARMEN

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The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Beauty

THE ULTIMATE CHEAT SHEET FOR BEAUTY| BY CRYSTAL CARMEN

In my career as a professional makeup artist, I have come across a number of situations where I have had to improvise. Sometimes, no matter how prepared you think you may be, you find yourself having to come with a solution on the fly. Here are are my top cheats.

Handy Hair Gel You’ve been at work all day and you get that text you’ve been waiting for. Whether it’s a meeting of the minds or that hottie for a drink, it’s the one. You are dressed well enough but your hair is frizzy. No hair gel, no mousse, what do you do? Go the restroom and use hand soap. This may sound unusual, but it’s effective. Use a small amount to slick your hair back and do not add any water. This will create a temporary hair gel and will wash out like a breeze later.

Makeup Remover in a dash. Let’s face it, makeup remover is not number one on any one’s shopping list. That’s okay, because good old fashioned cold cream works wonders. Miineral oil is one of the leading ingredients in cold creams, which is why it can remove almost anything. While mineral oil is not the best ingredient to use on a regular basis, it will certainly do the job in a snap.

Oops! No Eyeliner If you can’t find a liner or a sharpener, but you have a dark eyeshadow, you are in luck. You can use a moistened angled liner brush to create a liner effect. The moist brush will intensify the color and give it more impact when you use it to line your eye. Just wet the brush, stroke it across the shadow or dip it (If you are using loose pigment). Apply it across the upper lash line. For longer wear, use a setting spray instead of water to moisten the brush.

No Budge Brows If your eyebrows tend to smudge or budge, you can get them to stay put by: Applying your brows first, so they adhere to your skin and not your foundation or you can apply eyeshadow primer to your brow area, before applying your brow product. For longer wear, make sure you spritz a setting spray on your entire face. You can use a product like Start To Finish Setting Spray from Pink Stiletto Cosmetics. www.pinkstilettocosmetics.com

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Instant Matte Lips Love your glossy lip color but wish it could be matte? No problem. First, grab a napkin to blot your lipstick. This works best by placing the napkin into your mouth and pressing your lips down firmly. When you remove the napkin there should be a tell tale lipstick smooch mark. Second, take a setting powder or translucent powder and dust that onto your lip color. Press your lips together and repeat until you have the texture you seek. That’s it, Matte Lips. Keep in mind not all lip products are created equal and this tip works best when the product is fairly pigmented.

No More Fall Out! If you always end up with eyeshadow on your cheeks right under your eye, you are not alone. Here’s a quick tip. Apply a generous dusting of translucent powder to the under eye area including the tops of your cheeks. Apply your eyeshadow as usual. When you are finished with your makeup, use a fluffy face brush to dust away the fall out. Setting powders generally contain ingredients like silica. Silica has a cushiony effect and will help the stray powder glide off when you sweep your brush past. To skip fall out altogether, try patting on your eyeshadow instead of sweeping it on.

Lip Line Everything Line your lips with a lip liner and fill the lip entirely. This will prevent feathering and will also extend the wear of your lip color. When your lip color finally fades away, there will still be residual color on your lips. In a pinch, swipe on a clear gloss to get a flushed lip look.

Unruly Brows or Hair Edges In a pinch, Chapstick is a life saver. Grab your Chapstick and slick a small amount onto your finger. Sweep the balm across your brows following the direction your hair grows. This tip is great for gentlemen too. You can also use it to slick down that one spot on your hairline that won’t stay sleek. I want these tips and tricks to help you look fab anywhere, anytime. Let me know what you think. Have a beauty question? Want to see it featured in an article? You can remain annoymous. Send us an email at: beautystudiopa@gmail.com

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THE ULTIMATE CHEAT SHEET FOR BEAUTY| BY CRYSTAL CARMEN

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE SEE PAGE 47 FOR MORE INFO FOLLOW US

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FEATURED STORY

Alexandra Castro

Photo Credits: Photography | Philip Drew, Phil De Vibe Photography MUA | Flawless Faces by Tia WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|FEBRUARY 2016 ISSUE

ALEXANDRA CASTRO

Alexandra Castro is one exceptional young lady; she is a rising star. She is an actress; she played as an extra in Orange is the New Black for two straight seasons. She is a producer; she produced and starred in Fat Pig the Play in December. She is an aspiring model as well. These are just the tips of the iceberg, a mere mention of all the things accomplished by Alexandra. Alex was born and raised in the San Antonio, Texas; home of the San Antonio Spurs, the team that she reps faithfully. We won’t judge her too much for that one! LOL. Also the home of (as Alexandra claims) the best Mexican food ever. I guess one day she will take to Texas so I can test that bold claim myself. In the fall of 2012, Alexandra moved to New York where she is quickly making a positive name for herself. During the day, Alexandra work as a Sales Coordinator for a Hilton hotel in the Times Square area. She’s worked in hotels for almost 9 years. It’s an industry that she says she just can’t stay away from; she loves the hospitality industry. Alexandra got a job as a PBX Operator right out of high school, she moved up to Front Desk Agent, got promoted to Front Office Supervisor, Guest Services Manager then kept climbing the ladder from there! She absolutely loves meeting people from all walks of life. Alex says that some of the best people she’s ever met have been thanks to the hospitality industry. I met Alexandra by faith, not chance. In the time that I have known her I cannot find on bad thing to say about this woman. She is smart, hard working and committed to every task she starts. Alexandra and I speak quite frequently but I was privileged to be able to sit down with her for a one on one interview; what I learned about her made me just adore her even more.

QSM: Alexandra, I could just hug you; you are such an inspiring young lady. How old are you? Alexandra: I literally had to take out my calculator and double check! I am 26 years old. QSM: Now that’s funny. Truthfully I find myself doing the same thing though. LOL … Where do you live now Alexandra? Alexandra: Currently, I’m living in Brooklyn, New York. I’ve lived all over this city...Astoria, Harlem, SoHo (for like 5 seconds) before I settled in Brooklyn. QSM: I am a Brooklyn girl myself. Tell me about life growing up for you Alexandra: This is actually something I rarely talk about, but growing up was an interesting experience. My family struggled...a lot; emotionally, financially. I grew up in a single parent household, in a very underdeveloped community and my wonderfully, amazing mother worked every day (on less than minimum wage) just to make sure my younger brother and I were okay. All in all, there was a lot of hurt growing up but, at a young age; I randomly turned to the arts as an escape. I joined an after school dance program, enrolled in band to learn clarinet, worked as the Arts & Entertainment editor of our school newspaper, became a regular competitor in the weekend academic club, learned to sew so I could alter and create clothing, taught myself guitar and joined a summer theatre camp. The best part is, when my mom found out I wanted to pursue performing arts as a kid, she was (and still is) super supportive. I was always worried she would be one of those parents that would say, “That’s great! But you should probably focus on a career that pays” since we struggled so much. But, it was just the opposite. And, it gave me a significant amount of drive as a teenager to apply myself and work insanely hard to not fall into the stereotype of where I grew up. QSM: That is awesome. Kudos to your mom. What does Alexandra like to do for fun? Alexandra: My favorite thing in the whole world is to go to the theatre. I usually enjoy watching plays over musicals, but coincidentally some of my favorite shows are musicals. Take me to a bookstore and good luck trying to get me out! I can probably spend an entire day at Barnes & Noble or at The Strand in Manhattan. I am also quite the sucker for going to brunch because nothing is better than day drinking with breakfast. QSM: How long have you been on Orange Is The New Black? Alexandra: I got the call to work on Orange Is The New Black at the end of Season 2 and we just finished filming Season 4. So, it’s been about 2 years. It’s only background (extras) work; therefore I don’t have any speaking lines. But, it is very nice to be a regular inmate. Background actors are not allowed to talk to the Principal actors, but at times, the leads will come over and make small talk with everyone. Also, the prison outfit is rather comfy! And..UZO ADUBA! Watching her work is a gift in itself.

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QSM: What piqued your interest in producing plays? Alexandra: In high school, I had some amazing opportunities to be the lead and co-star in roles for wonderful productions. My later studies in college, most recently at Stella Adler Studio of Acting, my instructors would compliment my work. Yet, when I auditioned for professional or independent theatre much of my feedback was based on my physical appearance. I don’t have the girl next door look and I wasn’t a size 2. I happen to be a fullfigured Latina and the demand for us is still not as high as it could be. As I have been learning, that is just a part of the business and, when you’re in school, the talent pool is much smaller than the outside world. Most times, casting directors already have a vision of the “look” that they want to cast. So, if I wanted to have a platform to act on, I couldn’t wait around to find where my “look” fit. I had to create my own opportunity. Also, all the talent that is out there, especially in New York City, is so overwhelming. The amount of talented artists and the demand for them just doesn’t match up. So, that’s when I decided, I should produce and act in my own projects. QSM: Commendable. Speaking of which, tell us about “Fat Pig” and why you chose to produce this play. Alexandra: Fat Pig by Neil LaBute is a play about body image and the effects it has on society and how we allow these views to influence our decisions, even if that means compromising your own happiness. The story follows Tom, a successful businessman, who meets and falls for Helen - the quirky, plus-size librarian. Tom is then criticized by his co-workers for dating a “fat chick” and struggles with standing up for his own convictions. When I read the play in college, I had gone through something similar to what the heroine of the story, Helen, goes through. Therefore, the story stayed close to my heart. I felt body image is just one of those topics that are timeless and many people can relate to on so many different levels. I personally have gone through body image issues my whole life. I’ve always been classified as “overweight” and became obsessed with how my body looked and how people viewed me. In the last 4 years, I’ve lost approximately 100lbs from my heaviest to now. And even now as a size 14, there are times when I still see a size 22 in the mirror. Also, I just enjoy LaBute’s witty, yet realistic, style of storytelling. He doesn’t hold anything back and tells it like it is. QSM: Did you have to get permission to produce the play? Alexandra: I had to reach out to the publishing company that has the performance rights to Fat Pig. If you do any sort of public performance, it’s always mandatory to get permission from whoever holds the performance rights (if

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not, you can get into legal trouble). And, if approved, there are certain fees that apply. It’s a simple process, but you can actually get told “No.” QSM: Why did you choose to act in the play vs. just producing? Alexandra: - Aside from being absolutely crazy and hardheaded, I love to act. It gives me a sort of happiness that nothing else can. Again, I wanted to create my own acting opportunities, so I felt this was a good play to do that with. QSM: Tell us about some of the people that helped make it happen. Alexandra: This show could not have happened without my Director, Brian G. Murphy. I met Brian at an intensive at Stella Adler and was immediately drawn to him (like I literally sat next to him on day one and the rest is history). We got paired together for a movement exercise and just fell in love with his creativity! Then, I got to see some of his acting work and immediately knew I had to work with him in some capacity. Brian has one of the most unique minds I’ve ever met and I’m hoping to collaborate on more work with him in the future. I also learned, during this whole process, that he is one of the few people that know how to calm me down! Ha! I cast the role of Jeannie (Tom’s ex-girlfriend/co-worker) very early on, when the project was only about 10% confirmed! I met Lucia Sawh in one of my acting classes at Stella Adler and was just blown away by her work and knew she’d be wonderful as Jeannie. There was no doubt in my mind. Each week, she would nail her acting scenes and took direction so well from our teacher. It was also apparent Lucia was an incredibly hard working individual so I wanted to have someone like her on my creative team. Brian and I had post on casting sites for the roles of Tom and Carter and received about 150+ interested men. We carefully narrowed down the list to 25 by going through headshots, resumes, and many acting reels. Adrian Burke (Tom) and Chris Viemeister (Carter) auditioned for us and that’s how we landed those two amazing guys. When Chris auditioned for Carter, he brought such a unique energy to the role, made brave choices and was extremely directable. Adrian’s audition was one of the best I’ve ever seen in my whole acting life. I’m not exaggerating when I say this, but I had to take a walk after he auditioned! Haha! He was so real and honest and stood out from every single audition that day. Fat Pig is really Tom’s story so I trusted Adrian’s talent would carry the show and tell the story just as we wanted it told.

ALEXANDRA CASTRO

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I got so lucky with the perfect cast. Two other very important people, that I consider a part of the cast, made this possible. Imani Champion was our Stage Manager and joined us at the last 2 weeks of the process, but she was PERFECT! This woman is like a wizard. She saved Brian and I from a million meltdowns. Everything instantly became more organized and perfect when she joined. Brandon Giles was our Props and Scenic Designer who has to be one of the smartest humans I’ve ever met. When he created our prop list, Brandon also gave me reasons as to WHY they should be there and how they helped the characters. Brandon truly made this show come to life. QSM: How did you come up with the funds to make the play possible? Alexandra: One of my best acting coaches, Heather Provost, briefly mentioned in one of our sessions that if I ever wanted to do my own play there was a process called Crowdfunding that was helping artists create work. I slowly started to get a bit more educated about Crowdfunding through a wonderful friend of mine, Salvador Briggman, whose business (www. CrowdCrux.com) is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs be successful in the Crowdfunding world. After picking his brain a bit about the whole ordeal, I decided to go with the website, Kickstarter, for our project. Kickstarter.com has the highest success rates with projects and I noticed the Theatre category was rather low, so I felt it was a good challenge. QSM: What was the whole process like? Alexandra: CRAZY, STRESSFUL, BUT AMAZING! Creating a Kickstarter campaign is not something you can do overnight. It was like having a second job and I actually did several months of research. There were moments in the campaign where I felt it definitely wasn’t going to happen and there were moments when I was completely moved to tears because of the people and amounts that were coming through. I even had strangers donate (one person I’ve never met donated the highest amount) so it was a completely stressful yet humbling experience. I actually did an in-depth interview with Salvador Briggman on his podcast about the whole process if anyone is interested in a breakdown of the process (www.crowdcrux.com/the-complete-blueprint-tolaunch-a-theater-campaign-on-kickstarter/). QSM: Would you do it again? Alexandra: Honestly, probably not in the near future, but it’s not completely off the table either! QSM: Do you have something that you are working on now that you can share with us? Alexandra: - At the moment, I have a million ideas, but nothing is confirmed just yet. There have been talks about what comes next, but I am still closing up business from Fat Pig and the Kickstarter campaign, so I don’t want to rush. I will say, doing Fat Pig helped ignite my creative fire, so I feel a project

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will definitely be happening soon. QSM: Now, since you are also an aspiring model, let’s touch on that as well. How long have you been modeling? Alexandra: I’m coming up on my 1 year anniversary. Where are the gifts? QSM: I got you on the gifts. Congratulations. LOL. How and why did you get into modeling? Alexandra: When I was in middle school, my dad and I were at a mall when we came across a store called Torrid. The store was more expensive than we could afford, but I’ll never forget how walking around the store made me feel. I was seeing beautiful clothing for women who were my size and these women were actually on advertisements! The concept of plus-women being celebrated was foreign to me, so instantly I was intrigued and wanted to be a part of this movement. Years later, I saw their Model Search posters, so each year I worked on piecing together a portfolio and I’d apply. I haven’t heard back yet! Haha, but there is always next year! I got into modeling because, to me, modeling is another form of performance art. You are performing to sell a piece, giving buyers stories to work with. I enjoy creating art and telling stories. Modeling does just that. QSM: Is modeling any different from acting? Alexandra: Modeling and Acting can be on the same platform in the sense that they are both subjective. But for me personally, they differ in the overall purpose. In my opinion, modeling is telling a story to sell a product and acting is about telling a story to creating an experience. I think others who model and act could give you different answers, but that’s how it is for me. When I’m on the runway, my goal is to make sure I am doing the designer and garment justice by selling it as best I can. When I’m on the stage, my goal is to ensure I am telling a story as honestly as possible to create an experience for the audience. QSM: What is your overall goal? Alexandra: If I could wake up doing what I truly love, it’d be on a Broadway stage Tuesday-Sunday and doing print modeling or runway work in my free time. Or, just getting the chance to be hanging out with Beyonce 24/7. QSM: Hanging with Beyonce? Don’t forget my invite!!! When it is all said and done what things do you want to have accomplished? Alexandra: I’d hope that, in some way, shape or form, I could inspire someone to always take a risk. Everything I’ve ever done that has made me happy was the result of taking a risk: joining band when I had no musical knowledge, auditioning for a theatre camp when I had never acted a day in my life, working in hospitality when I rarely stayed at a hotel in my life, moving to New York with little money and no real plan. I hope when everything is said and done someone can say ”I’m

ALEXANDRA CASTRO

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doing this because you did and I can too.” Because you can! QSM: Where does your inspiration to do all that you do come from? Alexandra: My mother. She is the most selfless, hardest working person I’ve ever met. And despite all the difficult times she’s been through, my mom smiles the biggest, laughs the loudest and loves the hardest. All that she is inspires me to keep pushing to be successful. I need to let her retire already so she can spend all day watching The Ellen Show. QSM: What advice can you offer people who don’t know how to get started in acting or modeling? Alexandra: Make sure you really love it. As much as modeling and acting are an art, they are that much more of a business. So sometimes you have to hear 1,000 “No’s” before you hear one “Yes.” One of the best quotes I’ve ever heard is, “Failure can be a part of your story. It just doesn’t have to be the end of it.” If modeling or acting is all you think about when you wake up and go to bed, keep going despite the “No’s” and work harder than the next person. There are no shortcuts. Do your research and homework

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on projects before committing. An opportunity is great, but there are so many people out there that can burn you. Never compromise your value or morals for a gig. There will be more out there. Also, don’t be afraid of creating your own opportunities. You never know who could be watching and what you will learn. QSM: Where can people follow you to stay in the know? Alexandra: www.AlexxxCastro.wordpress.com is my personal blog site where I have rambled about a bunch of stuff and there you can find links to my Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. I promise it’s not a dirty site! The three x’s was a joke between my friend and I years ago...I swear! QSM: LOL… FUNNY!!! Final thoughts/words Alexandra: Work hard, stay humble and take risks! Lastly, a huge, massive Thank You to, Executive Director, Mr. Philip Drew and, CEO, Ms. Tawana Blassingame, of Queen Size Magazine, for this opportunity to share a small piece of my story.

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Dress Up with Black

Can’t find anything to wear? Well you can’t go wrong with black; unless you are a bride, which would just make the wedding a little bit weird. But hey, whatever tickles your fancy when it comes to your wedding. I am not here to judge or discuss that color you wear on your wedding day. So back to the topic. I am often times told to explore in color when it comes to my wardrobe; but black has always been my go to color. Black is a slimming color, and let’s face it, who does not want to look slimmer? Black is more forgiving when it comes to hiding those “body imperfections”. Now this does not mean that you get a free pass to go down 2 sizes smaller, let’s not go getting crazy. Take a look at these beauties; you see how making a few changes can change the whole dynamics of your outfit all together. Nicole has added a nice head wrap with her dress to give the outfit a bit more depth. While Natalie has found an outfit that you can change the look to several different ways. The next time you go to rock black; change it up a bit and watch the versatility transpire.

Photo Credits: Photographer | Philip Drew, Phil De Vibe Photography MUA | Natalie Dawn Models | (left) Nicole Frantz, (right) Natalie Dawn

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DRESS UP WITH BLACK | TAWANA BLASSINGAME

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

DRESS UP WITH BLACK | QSM

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Wearing a black outfit allows you the opportunity to either dress it up or dress it down. For instance, llok at Detras her; she is wearing a pair of black jeggings, a black shirt and a pair of sneakers. She is dressed just fine for that supermarket run or Saturday morning errand runs.

Photo Credits: Photographer | Philip Drew, Phil De Vibe Photography MUA | Natalie Dawn Model | Detras Powell

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DRESS UP WITH BLACK | QSM

Here Detras replaced her sneakers with a nice red pump with bling for some added classiness. She added some nice blingy accessories and a chain belt to dress up that top and jeggings. See how she just went from a boring supermarket run look to a nice dressed up look. Detras pulled off this look perfectly. If she can do it then you can as well.

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Traces Of My Pen By: Kamille Rivers

Inspiration The women that have inspired me are none other Than Ms. Maya Angelou and Ms. Nikki Giovanni I found solace as a young girl in this cold unfair world just by hearing their poetry from someone’s lips or reading their word Those words skipping off the page and into my creative mind I wanted to jump into their poetry and go back into that specific time! Maya Angelou’s Phenomenal Woman , Still I rise! After reading them made me smile from ear to ear. I realized as a colored girl that I could explore the world as well as be proud of my natural curls. Or I could sing the blues and wear a tool belt, put my feet in any man shoes. I knew why the caged sang it’s beautiful song. Even though I knew that it was all wrong. Maya Angelou made it sound right and I knew I would be okay to fight the good fight. I wanted to one day be able to say “I met this is phenomenal woman” Ms.Nikki Giovanni’s poetry had me dancing to the rhythm of her words Like a Queen should do. I also knew that it was fine to wear silk fine threads and listen to music, nod my confused but weary head. She told the entire world that it is good to say a kind word. to spread love to our fellow man or any human being. Ms. Maya Angelou and Ms. Nikki Giovanni’s poetry are forever timeless you see. they make you feel like you are a part of their extended branched out family tree. I salute and thank you both for writing your poetry and trying to mend the world’s broken heart.

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Alexis Allen

Alexis Charee Allen is a native of California, born in the city of Huntington Park. She is a graduate from UEI College where she has a diploma in Medical Assistance. Even though Alexis has received her diploma in MA she is looking forward to returning to school to receive her certification as a Phlebotomist, she has always been intrigued with helping others, blood, needles and giving shots. Growing up Alexis has always been involved in singing and dancing. Dancing was definitely her passion a way for her to express herself. She’s taken many dance classes, jazz dance, modern dance, urban dance, etc. On stage or off stage she was definitely a performer. As much as everyone thought she would pursue dancing professionally, we soon found out that the camera was her friend. She found her true passion in front of the camera. She would spend hours posing, taking pictures of herself and editing them to look as if they were professional shots. She definitely blossomed in front of the camera. It appeared that she was most comfortable in front of the camera. As she is pursuing her modeling career in the city of Los Angeles where she presides, she definitely has her eyes and mind open to any and all opportunities that may come her way. Prepare to see Alexis Charee Allen on the next cover of a magazine or on a billboard posted somewhere.

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MODEL STATS Height 5’2” Bust: 42” Waist: 40” Hips: 54” Dress: 22W Shoe: 8 1/2 Hair Color: Honey Blonde Eye Color: Brown

MODEL| ALEXIS ALLEN

Photo Credits: Photography | Kendell Reed, Classic Photo Studios

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