May 2019 Issuee

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

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WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|MAY 2018 2019 ISSUE

ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES

FROM THE DESK OF Tawana Blassingame Founder & Editor in Chief

Welcome to the May 2019 issue of Queen Size Magazine. This past weekend we celebrated my son’s 11th birthday. Watching my kids grow into the great young men that they were destined to be is nothing short of amazing. It gives me a sense of accomplishment; like I am doing something right in this world. But it also reminds me that time waits for no one. The funny thing is, this is something that we all already are aware of. But sometimes we get those hard reminders. We were all created to be great in our own individual ways. But here is the problem; many of us are wasting too much time doing everything other than being great. We feel like we have plenty of time to have fun first and then be great later. But that time thing that we talked about earlier…. Is getting away from you. We all know that we are not promised tomorrow. We all know that the way our economy is set up, many of us are one or two paychecks away from being in financial ruts.

What is the moral of this story you ask? Your time to be great is NOW. I will be 45 years old this year and I remember celebrating my 11th birthday too. Time moves fast; move with it.

Something to think about......

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.

Be blessed and remember to be a blessing as well.

Photo by PDrew Photography WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| MAY 2018 2019 ISSUE

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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 E. MORELAND Fashion Editor SHEENA POSTELL Social Media Director LAWANDA SANYANG Beauty Editor SHAWNA P. HAYDEN Lifestyle Editor EYANI COUTURE House Designer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: MARCO MAYS (SIR ICON)

Photography |Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model/Designer | Charon Richardson @gwanbycharon Hair | Audrey Malone @alindaenolam Makeup | Tjameika Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics

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MAY 2019 ISSUE

CONTENTS FEATURED STORY

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CHARON RICHARDSON G’WAN BY CHARON SHARES HER STORY COMING UP

By QSM

HEALTH AND FITNESS

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FAMILY FAVORITE COMFORT FOODS

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6 TIPS FROM DOCTORS FOR A HEALTHIER HEART

By FAMILY FEATURES

By STATEPOINT

BEAUTY&FASHION

14 3 WAYS TO RETAIL THERAPY

By JOY E. MORELAND

18 MEN’S WATCHES: A MUST HAVE ACCESSORY

By QSM

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SECURING YOUR BAG

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5 TIPS FOR THE HEALTHIEST HAIR

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BIG AND TALL FASHION FINDS FROM MVP COLLECTIONS

By LAWANDA “LALA FACES” SANYANG

By BRANDPOINT

By QSM

BUSINESS

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ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT - SARAH POTENZA SEASON 8 CONTESTANT ON THE VOICE

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HOME DECOR 101

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MANAGING YOUR PRODUCT WITH YOUR FEET UP; THE BIG AND TALL OF IT

By QSM

By FAMILY FEATURES

By SIR ICON

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SMART MONEY TIPS IF YOU ARE LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK

By STATEPOINT

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your

CONFIDENCE

is

SHOWING

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: YASMINE ARRINGTON Founder & Executive Director of ScholarCHIPS; MADDY JONES Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief Plus Model Magazine; JILL ANGIE Author, Runner & Life Coach

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#YOURCONFIDENCEISSHOWING

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ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

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Family-Favorite Comfort Foods 3 dairy-inspired dishes for weeknight dinners

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FAMILY FEATURES

arm meals that come together quickly are a necessity for busy families, especially on weeknights filled with homework, practices, meetings and more. Serving up comfort foods that require less time in the kitchen make for more moments spent together at the table.

Hearty and satisfying, this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup can bring everyone together for a warm, soothing meal, while Cheesy Turkey Chili Mac makes for familiar fare enjoyed by adults and kids alike. For a rich, creamy, onedish dinner solution, Pasta and Chicken in Garlic Cream Sauce requires less than 45 minutes of kitchen duty, making it an ideal weeknight family-favorite.

These dairy-fueled recipes from Milk Means More of Michigan can be part of a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, fatfree or low-fat dairy and a variety of protein foods.

Find more weeknight meal solutions at milkmeansmore.org.

Pasta and Chicken in Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe courtesy of Milk Means More Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 8

4 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide pieces 3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 10 ounces (about 4 cups) farfalle (bow tie) pasta 2 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 3 cups baby spinach leaves 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, for garnish WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|MAY 2019 ISSUE

Place removable pan inside programmable pressure cooker. Using saute function, cook bacon, uncovered, until crisp. Use slotted spoon to remove bacon from pan. Drain bacon on paper towels. Leave 1 tablespoon drippings in pan; discard remaining.

Add chicken to bacon drippings in pan in two batches. Using saute function, stir-fry chicken 2-3 minutes, or until cooked through. Use slotted spoon to remove chicken from pan. Repeat until all chicken is cooked.

Press cancel.

Stir pasta, broth, garlic, Italian seasoning and pepper into drippings in pan. Secure lid and set pressure release to sealing function. Select high pressure setting and cook 5 minutes. Press cancel.

Allow pressure to release naturally 5 minutes. Move pressure release to venting function to release any remaining steam. Remove lid.

Stir cream into pasta mixture. Using saute function, cook and stir, uncovered, until boiling. Boil, uncovered, about 4 minutes, or until sauce generously coats pasta, stirring frequently. Press cancel. Stir in chicken and Parmesan cheese.

Place spinach and bacon in large bowl. Pour pasta mixture over top. Toss until combined. Ladle into serving bowls. Top each serving with tomatoes.

FAMILY FAVORITE COMFORT FOODS | FAMILY FEATURES Cheesy Turkey Chili Mac Recipe courtesy of Milk Means More Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 8

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound lean ground turkey 1 cup chopped onion 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 can (15 ounces) no-saltadded tomato sauce 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chili peppers 1 2/3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 tablespoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 8 ounces (about 1 3/4 cups) elbow macaroni 1/2 cup 2 percent or whole milk 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Mexican blend cheese

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3/4 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt or sour cream Place oil in removable pan of programmable pressure cooker.

Place pan in pressure cooker.

Using saute function, heat oil until hot. Add turkey and onion. Cook, uncovered, about 5 minutes, or until turkey is no longer pink, stirring to break up. Press cancel.

Stir in beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, chili powder, garlic salt and pepper.

Stir in macaroni. Secure lid and set pressure release to sealing function. Select high pressure setting and cook 5 minutes.

Allow pressure to release naturally 2 minutes. Move pressure release to venting function to release any remaining steam. Remove lid.

Stir macaroni mixture. Whisk together milk and flour. Stir into macaroni mixture. Using saute function, cook and stir, uncovered, 1-2 minutes, or until boiling.

Press cancel.

Stir cheese into macaroni mixture until melted. Ladle into serving bowls. Spoon dollops of yogurt or sour cream on top.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe courtesy of Milk Means More Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 1 1/2 1/2 2 2 4 4

cup shredded carrots cup finely chopped onion cup sliced celery cloves garlic, minced tablespoons butter or clarified butter cups chicken broth ounces (about 2/3 cup) wild rice, rinsed and drained 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 1 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons flour 1/2 cup whipping cream In Dutch oven, cook carrots, onion, celery and garlic in hot butter about 2 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir broth, wild rice, thyme, salt and pepper into vegetable mixture. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 40 minutes. Stir in chicken pieces. Return to simmer, covered, 10-15 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is done.

In small bowl, whisk together yogurt and flour.

Gradually whisk in cream. Stir into chicken mixture.

Cook and stir over medium heat until boiling. Boil 1 minute. Ladle into bowls.

WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| MAY 2019 ISSUE

HEALTH AND FITNESS

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6 Tips from Doctors for a Healthier Heart

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) udra11 / stock.Adobe.com

WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|MAY 2019 ISSUE

6 TIPS FROM DOCTORS FOR A HEALTHIER HEART | STATEPOINT

Nearly half of all U.S. adults are living with high blood pressure, putting them at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the American Medical Association (AMA). But there are several easy steps you can take to lower your risks.

“We urge all Americans to take control of their heart health by knowing and monitoring their blood pressure levels and making healthy lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce the risk of serious health consequences associated with high blood pressure,” says Barbara L. McAneny, M.D., president of the AMA. “We know that by empowering more patients to monitor and control their blood pressure, we will continue to help improve the health of patients, while reducing health care costs.”

To help you get started, Dr. McAneny and the experts at the AMA are offering six tips.

1. Know your blood pressure numbers. Visit LowerYourHBP.org. The site contains tools, resources and information for both patients and physicians, and was launched by the AMA as part of an effort to reduce the number of Americans who have heart attacks and strokes each year. Having a better understanding of your numbers and taking necessary steps to get your high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, under control will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

2. Commit to manage high blood pressure. Work with your doctor to create an individualized treatment plan that includes healthy lifestyle changes that you can realistically stick to long-term to help you maintain a lower blood pressure and lower your risk for negative health consequences.

3. Be more physically active. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. It is recommended that healthy adults 18 to 65 years of age get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

4. Eat a healthy diet. Making simple dietary changes can help you manage or prevent high blood pressure. These changes should include eating less sodium, reducing the amount of packaged and processed foods you consume (especially those with added sodium and sugar), reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and eating foods that are rich in potassium.

5. Maintain or achieve a healthy weight. Being overweight can put you at an increased risk for developing high blood pressure. Take steps to maintain a healthy weight.

6. Drink in moderation. When consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans -- up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.

Living a heart-healthy lifestyle is possible. By paying attention to risk factors like your blood pressure, weight and more, you can reduce your risk for heart disease.

article provided by (StatePoint) WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| MAY 2019 ISSUE

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

Photo by Artem Bali from Pexels

THREE WAYS TO RETAIL THERAPY | JOY E. MORELAND

Three Ways to Retail Therapy Ever go to your closet and can ‘t find anything to wear, but your closet is full of clothing. Are there times you find a top and never can find the perfect bottom to match? The list goes on to our complaints, but wanting more clothes is always soothes our heart and make us happy.

This is where retail therapy comes in place and it is a strategy in helping us to stay mentally and emotionally happy fashionable.

According to Google retail therapy is making one happy when going shopping. In order to make yourself feel great you should want to have a plan unless you have plethora of cash you can shop endlessly without feeling guilty. Follow these simple four steps in making your “retail therapy” perfect for a happier shopping and no regrets.

Take an inventory of your closet- Part of retail therapy is

when you’re going to shop, first you need to make room for the new items by letting some old clothing go first. Look into what you have. Many times we have too many dresses, pants, various tops that are sitting in our closet that we can’t wear or have no desire in wearing. So, first purge the closet!

Shop with a goal in mind- Part of retail therapy wanting to feel and

look great. Shop with the idea of what you’re getting, so your not feeling bad after spending so much money and not wanting what you have. When shopping think of fashionable looks for work, probably seasonal clothing for a particular vacation, or just universal clothing that can be worn to work and at happy hour with the girls. Knowing what you’re shopping for can help you mentally without feeling frustrated and upset.

Shop seasonal- Part of retail therapy is to know what is in for the season. At times

we are trying to rebuy everything for the season. There are four seasons and you already have some items that worked from last year and can work for the current season. Shop overtime within the season sparingly to have the idea of wanting to shop. When you get everything in one time that will cause you to go shopping more and spend more money recreating the cycle of having a closet full of clothes.

Have fun when shopping- Part of retail of therapy is to know you’re

going to shop and it is going to be for fun. Having fun shopping is to shop out of your normal comfort fashion. Look for patterns that are different from some patterns you will normal would wear. Shopping is met to be fun and exciting.

Yes, there are so many ways to help with retail therapy and there are no one-way to fix, but to know what you’re going to shop for will help you in the future. Going shopping should be fun and enjoyable. So, the next time you go shopping follow these steps for your mental mind will help you.

Joy E. Moreland Lifestyle Blogger enJOYCurves JOY Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle http://joyofcurves.com Instagram: enJOYCurves Facebook:Joyofcurves Twitter: Joyofcurves

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

#eloquii

#lanebryant WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|MAY 2019 ISSUE

RETAIL THERAPY| QSM

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#rebdolls

#target WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| MAY 2019 ISSUE

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

MEN’S WATCHES

A MUST HAVE ACCESSORY

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MEN’S ACCESSORIES | QSM

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FEATURED STORY

Photography |Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model/Designer | Charon Richardson @gwanbycharon Hair | Audrey Malone @alindaenolam Makeup | Tjameika Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics

WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|MAY 2019 ISSUE

G’WAN BY CHARON | QSM

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the real women of the world!

Charon’s diversified creativity has landed her positions at some of the most recognizable apparel companies in the business and her design style has been merchandised on some of the most coveted retail floors in the United States.

These days Charon is lending her creativity and passion to her own collection, G’wan by Charon. She designs beautiful, versatile clothing & accessories to bring out the confident women in us all. Her ardent appreciation for a hint of vintage underlines her designs. Charon also continues to create lines of fashion that make women of all sizes feel empowered and self-confident!

Charon is the Founder and Director of the Queenaration.

Her story has many chapters of pain, abuse, struggle and insecurity. Her life story reads like an epic adventure filled with learning, growing and stretching moments. From her life’s experiences she has unearth her divine life’s purpose.

She discovered the power that lies within her and recovered her authentic self. With her “Rise and Reign philosophy she pours into women around the world the importance of honoring the Queen that lives within them. Her ground breaking approach of teaching has liberated women to embrace their feminine power and start a journey of self love.

Charon is a Fashion Designer, Life Design Coach, Speaker, and Author. G’wan, as the people of St. Croix would say in their native language, means, “Go ahead!”

Through her fashion designs, Charon, the creator of “G’wan

by Charon” inspires women to fall in love once more with their authentic selves, no matter what size or ethnicity; Charon’s fashion designs reconnect women with their innermost beauty. At the age of nineteen, Charon was already experimenting with fashion designs for her sisters! Born and raised on the tropical island of St. Croix USVI, she naturally brings an appeal.

Professionally trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Charon has spent years traveling the globe learning and experimenting with different design elements.

Her styles reflect her global journeys and are designed for

Photography |Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model/Designer | Charon Richardson @gwanbycharon Hair | Audrey Malone @alindaenolam Makeup | Tjameika Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics

The Queenaration is so much more than a women empowerment movement of women that share their stories and life’s journey; it is a sisterhood. It is a safe place to release, inspire, and build each other up. When women stand together mountains can move and that is what the Queenaration aims to do in the lives of all the Queens who make space for it.

In her quest to liberate women, Charon has created Whorish Beauty. A cosmetic company that offers lip lash’s (liquid lipstick) and will be branching out to include other products. As a growing girl she was told by others how she should show up in this world.

She was told that wearing makeup was whorish. Wearing red was whorish. Wearing pants was whorish. You see living in her full femininity wasn’t a good thing. Showing up in the world in her womanly power was frowned upon. Charon wants to empower women to embrace themselves exactly as they are, releasing them from the ole wise tales that was poured into them.

#IAmAWhorishBeauty

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22 Photography |Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model/MUA | Tjameika Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics Designer | Charon Richardson @gwanbycharon

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FEATURED STORY Photography |Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Audrey Malone @alindaenolam Designer | Charon Richardson @gwanbycharon Makeup | Tjameika Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics

G’WAN BY CHARON | QSM

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Photography |Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model/Designer | Charon Richardson @gwanbycharon Hair | Audrey Malone @alindaenolam Makeup | Tjameika Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics

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LET’S GET TO KNOW CHARON

FEATURED STORY QSM: G’Wan by Charon. Now hasn’t this been a long time coming? We are honored to be able to shoot with you and interview you. Thank you for this. Let’s start with how you got into designing to begin with; what sparked the interest for you? Take us back to the beginning.

Charon: I’m truly honored to be able to grace the cover of your magazine. It surely has been in the works for a few.

I have always had an eye for fashion and style. I took a sewing class when I was about 22; just to have something to do. First day of class, Ivan the teacher, taught us how to sew a pencil skirt. I went home and came back the next week with a few variations of skirt. He asked “how did you do that’. I was like I figured if you could to A-B-C, Maybe I can do D-E-F. He gave me another project and I did the same thing. Ivan and another lady conspired for my greatness. They got brochures to FIT and told me that I could be a great “Fashion Designer”. I was like WHAT! People get paid to create? That was April and by August I had moved to New York to pursue my dream at the World-renowned Fashion Institute of Technology.

QSM: Tell us about what it was like for you growing up in St. Croix? I think many of us look at the USVI and say “I would love to live there”; what do you say to that?

Charon: Growing up on my beautiful Island of St. Croix was amazing. Being able to go to classes and see the ocean, smell the salt in the air, and breeze tickling my face is indescribable. I must say I took all that for granted when I moved to NYC and saw the water was ummmmm... Dutty.

LOL!! USVI is a beautiful place to retire QSM and live. The food.. the people.. the culture. It will always be home for me.

QSM: Do you go back home often?

Charon: Yes, I do go back at least once a year. My mom still lives there.

QSM: What is something that they don’t teach in school that you and maybe other designers had to learn through trial and error?

Charon: They don’t teach you how to run a business.

We learn the building of garments. We don’t learn what happens to a woman body as she gets older or gain weight, I had to learn that myself.

QSM: Your bio states that you have spent many years traveling the globe learning and experimenting with different design elements. What are some of the places you have visited?

Charon: Ohhh my! When I think of all the amazing places that this likkle island gyal got to see it takes my breath away. I have been to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Tokoyo, Rome, Florence, Milan, London, Paris... These are just a few of the place. I must say, it is nothing like traveling the world and experiencing different cultures. One of the greatest things I learned is that America has racism; the world didn’t see an African American, they saw a woman.

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G’WAN BY CHARON | QSM

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Photography |Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model/Designer | Charon Richardson @gwanbycharon Hair | Audrey Malone @alindaenolam Makeup | Tjameika Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics

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FEATURED STORY QSM: In an industry saturated with designers, how do you make yourself stand out from the rest?

Charon: Yes we do have a lot of designers. I stand out by being me...

QSM: When you are creating a project for a client what pertinent questions do you ask in order to create what they are looking for?

Charon: When creating for a client the first thing I ask is “What are your trouble points”. We all have them; a part of our body that we don’t 100% like. This helps me to design around that.

QSM: Charon, you have an extensive background in fashion. Can you tell us about some of the places that you have worked at before you decided to come out with your own line?

Charon: WOW! I have worked at some amazing companies, Liz Claiborne, SWAK, Hampshire Design, Creative Worldwide are a few. My designs have graced the floors of Bergdorf, Macy, Wet Seal, JCP, Sears, Walmart, Belks just to name a few.

QSM: What made you want to start your own line?

Charon: It started out of a need to dress myself. You see when I was Design Director over a few brands, we only went up to a large. I didn’t design clothing for me. I didn’t see myself represented.

QSM: Tell us about your very first line that you came out with.

Charon: Haha before there was G’wan by Charon, I had a label with one of my GF called Lady Bryd. My first collections where various maxi dresses for every woman and every body shape. I initial only wanted a plus size label but then my skinny friends wanted in... so I let them in. LOL! QSM: I don’t know if too many people know this about you, but you are also an author. Tell us about that and how/why you tapped into writing?

Charon: OMG!!! You are right, many don’t know I wrote an Affirmation book to empower woman. Women tend to tell me their most intimate stories, while we are fitting. The one thing that keep resonating was they weren’t happy with their bodies and where they were in life. The bad thing was it wasn’t even what they thought about themselves but what someone else had told them about them. They are carrying around stories and shame that don’t belong to them. That was one of the biggest reasons I wrote “Lover of Me”. To help women pour love and adoration into themselves daily. (For anyone interested, the book can be purchased here https://www.amazon.com/Lover-MeQueenly-Affirmations-Reign/dp/1540646629)

Photography |Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model/Designer | Charon Richardson @gwanbycharon Hair | Audrey Malone @alindaenolam Makeup | Tjameika Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics

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QSM: As a fellow writer I know you understand what it is like to have writer’s block sometimes. Does that happen to you as a designer? And how do you unblock that?

Charon: Design Block is surly a thing. What I do to unblock is grab a bottle of wine, yes I said a bottle. LOL! Put on some Anita Baker and I dance for little and wait... And another thing that works best is I wait till the world sleeps, my peek designing hour is 2-3am... I get the BEST ideas then.

G’WAN BY CHARON | QSM Photography |Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model/MUA | Tjameika Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics Designer | Charon Richardson @gwanbycharon

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QSM: Have you ever had a client that did not like what you created for them? How did you or how would you handle that?

Charon: WOW, in 10 years I just had that issue about 2 weeks ago. I usually don’t have it as I sketch the idea, share fabric and trim with my client. I make them part of the creative process. With the client from 2 weeks ago, I took responsibility because she was in a rush and I rushed a project when my intuition told me to hold off.

C

QSM: Let’s talk Whorish Beauty. LOL. That name though. Lol Why that name?

Charon: HAHAHAHHAHAH Yasss to the Whorish.... As growing girls, we have all been told by others how we should show up in this world. We were created to rise and reign. Our natural self-have been suppressed for years. I created this brand because as a young Island Gyal I was told not to wear bright color lipsticks. Heck, I was told not to wear lipsticks at all, it was considered “whorish”. Men would look at me, I would appear too sexy. You see living in our full femininity wasn’t a good thing. Showing up in the world in our womanly power was frowned upon. As I grow older there comes a sense of self… self-awareness… Self-assurance…. I no longer allow what others want to define me nor control how I show up in my life.

I show up unapologetically authentically as me.

QSM: I feel like you and I have connected from day one because we share the same values. The name Queeneration spoke volumes to me. Why is it so important to you that women understand the Queen within themselves?

Charon: The Queenaration was formed for my love of a woman. I once was an angry woman. My story has many chapters of pain, abuse, struggle, and insecurity.

My life story reads like an epic adventure filled with learning, growing and stretching moments. From my life’s experiences, I have unearthed my divine life’s purpose...

I empower women through my words and one stitch at a time. I believe that all women have a Queen living inside of her... Some of us don’t even know it, but we feel her and have no idea how to let her out. The Queenaration provides tools to help her unleash the Queen that reigns inside.

Photography |Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model | Audrey Malone @alindaenolam Designer | Charon Richardson @gwanbycharon Makeup | Tjameika Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics

QSM: You recently opened your showroom; congratulations on that. Of course, I have been there already; but let people know what they can expect when they walk into your showroom.

Charon: Thank you so much. It has been a labor of love. I wanted a place where women could come and we could play dress up together. A safe place.... A place where she can get styling tips, body shape tips and the best styles for her. Once you schedule an appointment, I will pull out pieces that I know will work for you. You try on and once you have made your selection we take your measurements and create the clothing for you to your size. YESSS to your exact size. This is what makes us different.

Our clothing are made for our clients body. We are all not cookie cutter like the big stores think we are. At G’wan we embrace all women’s shape.

QSM: How do you find your clients?

Charon: Most of my clients come from word of mouth. And Now with the showroom, they see our amazing window and stop in. We are also very active on Social Media and do find many of our G’wan gyals that way as well.

QSM: What else is there to Charon that people don’t know?

Charon: I have a daughter who is an attorney in 4 states and I have 3 grandkids.

I know I don’t look a day over 25, LOL! I would love to expand and open a manufacturing plant in the USA to also help other up and coming designers to have a place to go to have their designs manufactured; I understand that side of the business as well. Guess all those trips to Asia is paying off. LOL!!

QSM: Thank you so much for your time because I know just how busy you are. Please provide people with your contact info.

Charon: Thank you so much for having me. I am truly honored and humbled by this experience. You can come to visit our showroom 10 Hill St, Suite, 1G Newark, NJ 07102 or call us at (732) 707-7360. Also please connect with us on all social media platforms @GWANBYCHARON WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| MAY 2019 ISSUE

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Photography |Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model/Designer | Charon Richardson @gwanbycharon Hair | Audrey Malone @alindaenolam Makeup | Tjameika Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics

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FEATURED STORY

G’WAN BY CHARON | QSM

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Photography |Philip Drew @pdrewphotography Model/Designer | Charon Richardson @gwanbycharon Hair | Audrey Malone @alindaenolam Makeup | Tjameika Wilson @cdiamondscosmetics

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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE SEE PAGE 55 FOR MORE INFO FOLLOW US

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

SECURE YOUR BAG | LAWANDA “LALA FACES” SANYANG

Secure your bag!

Queens let’s secure our bags honey! Makeup bag that is.

Queens it is important to have the essential items you need in your everyday makeup bag to maintain that flawless look.

Have you ever pulled your makeup bag from your purse and started rambling through it to find your favorite summer lipstick, only find out it’s a melted mess? So frustrating right?

Well Queens, Lala is here to help you with some simple quick tips on how secure and maintain your bag.

TIP #1 PURGE

Go through all of the items in your bag and check for expiration dates, check for dried-up old products, and discard them.

TIP # 2 ASK THE QUESTION

Ask yourself when was the last time you really used that lipstick? Was it your favorite lipstick two summers ago and now you’ve moved on to something new? If so, you need to discard it and move on because it’s just taking up valuable real estate in your bag.

TIP #3 SANITIZE

Now that you’ve purged and discarded items, it’s time to sanitize. Get yourself some makeup wipe remover and wipe them down, because Queens we know that bag has traveled many places. And don’t forget to sanitize the bag or even get a new one.

TIP #4 REPLENISH

Now that you’ve have disposed of old outdated, unused products it’s time to replenish with the essentials you need. Some essential should include; a powder compact, lipstick, brow pencil, eyeliner, mascara, clean brushes and your favorite perfume rollerball for that special Happy Hour cocktail.

Alright Queens now that you have your tips, go and secure that bag honey and I will talk to you next issue. Until then remember you are Beautifully Crafted my Queens.

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BEAUTY AND FASHION

TIPS FOR THE HEALTHIEST HAIR

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5 TIPS FOR THE HEALTHIEST HAIR | BRANDPOINT

The changing seasons, environmental factors, overuse of harmful products and ingrained grooming habits can actually be damaging the health of your hair. Getting the strong, shiny hair you want is as easy as following a few simple tips for the health of your hair and scalp.

ONE: Wash in lukewarm water. Washing your hair in overly hot water can strip too much of the

hair and scalp’s natural oils and moisture, and leave your hair looking and feeling dehydrated. Using lukewarm or even cool water (which can feel great in the summer!) while you shampoo and rinse helps protect your hair and your scalp.

TWO: Dry with warm or cool air. Blow drying daily using the hottest air setting can damage hair

over time, causing frizz and split ends. First, air dry for a while or gently towel dry the hair then choose the warm or even cool setting when drying. You can also get a diffuser attachment to use on the hair dryer to help reduce damage while styling.

THREE: Treat hair before washing. To help replenish moisture and give your hair a healthy boost, use a pre-shampoo treatment such as MONAT’s REJUVENIQE Oil Intensive to provide much needed nourishment that washing alone may remove. Just one pea-sized drop of this product will nourish your hair, and it can be used either as a pre-shampoo treatment, intensive hydrating treatment or as a leave-in finishing treatment. REJUVENIQE was developed as a result of MONAT’s researchers scouring the world to uncover 13 unique ingredients, including Abyssinian oil (selected for its remarkable rejuvenating properties), antioxidants, beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids to balance and benefit the hair.

FOUR: Don’t over-wash. Depending on your lifestyle, hair type and personal styling needs,

giving your hair a rest from daily washing can help further protect your hair from damage. Try a good quality dry shampoo to maintain hair’s natural bounce and beauty.

FIVE: Use naturally based products. Avoid potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens,

polyethylene glycol, petrolatum, mineral oil, paraffin wax, plastic microbeads, formaldehyde releasers, and harmful colors or fragrances. MONAT offers dermatologist-tested, naturally based shampoos and conditioners that do not contain these harmful ingredients. Additionally, all MONAT products are cruelty free, vegan and Leaping Bunny Certified.

Treating your hair with the same gentle care you give to your skin will show visible results. It will also maximize your hair cut and style giving you the strongest and most vibrant locks you’ve ever had.

article provided by (BRANDPOINT)

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BUSINESS

BIG AND TALL FASHION FINDS | QSM

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Sarah Potenza “I work for me,” Sarah Potenza declares at the beginning of Road to Rome, kicking off her second solo album — a record of self-empowered R&B, swaggering soul, and contemporary blues — with her own declaration of independence.

Filled with messages of self-worth, determination, and drive, Road to Rome shines new light on a songwriter whose career already includes multiple albums as frontwoman of Sarah and the Tall Boys, a game-changing appearance on The Voice, and an acclaimed solo debut titled Monster. Released one year after she sang in front of 12 million people during The Voice‘s eighth season, 2016’s Monster prompted Rolling Stone to gush, “Potenza is to the blues what Adele is to pop: a colossal-voiced singer who merges her old-school influences with a modernistic sound.” Three years later, that sound deepens and intensifies with Road to Rome, an album that shows the full scope of Potenza’s aims and ambitions.

And just who is Sarah Potenza? She’s a songwriter. A bold, brassy singer. A businesswoman. A proud, loudmouthed Italian-American from Providence, Rhode Island, with roots in Nashville and an audience that stretches across the Atlantic. Road to Rome spells it all out. Co-written by Potenza, produced by Jordan Brooke Hamlin (Indigo Girls, Lucy Wainwright Roche), and recorded with a female-heavy cast of collaborators, the album isn’t just her own story. It’s the story of all artists — particularly women, who remain the minority within the male-dominated music industry — who’ve learned to trust their instincts, refusing to let mainstream trends dilute their own artistic statements.

For Potenza, such lessons were learned during the writing sessions for Road to Rome, which took place aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean, as well as at her home in East Nashville. It was during the cruise that she first began

writing songs with Justin Wiseman, a piano player from Austin, TX. For years, she and her husband, Ian Crossman, had worked together as a duo, splitting their musical duties more or less equally, writing songs with guitar in hand, and merging their very different influences. This was something different, though — something about the piano that allowed Potenza the chance to rediscover her own voice, making an album whose unique approach to soul music was entirely her own. Although Crossman and Wiseman’s contributions as co-writers can be heard throughout Road to Rome‘s tracks, the album represents a strong shift in dynamic, with Potenza leading the charge.

When it came time to record Road to Rome at MOXE, Jordan Brooke Hamlin’s Nashville-area studio, Potenza looked to a wide range of musicians for influence. She turned to Whitney Houston. To Lauryn Hill. To Pops Staples, the Dirty Projectors, RL Burnside, Bette Midler, and more.

Those artists gave her inspiration not only on a musical level, but on an emotional and thematic level, too. They were artists who spoke with conviction, chasing their own muses into unique, personalized territory. Potenza did the same, turning Road to Rome into an album filled with everything from the torch song balladry of “Earthquake” (a love letter to Crossman, thanking him for years of support ) to the funky fire of “Dickerson and Queen” (where Potenza howls, swoons, and croons over bass grooves and swirling organ, reminding everyone that, “I don’t give a fuck about nothing but the music”).

She even makes room for a piano-propelled cover of “Worthy,” originally written by Grammy-nominated icon Mary Gauthier, who personally sent the song to Potenza.

Released on International Women’s Day 2019, Road to Rome is the sound of a songwriter taking the wheel and driving toward her own destination. This is Sarah Potenza’s strongest album to date: a battlecry from a soul singer and blues belter, shot through with pop melodies and rock & roll attitude.

photo credit Jeremy Ryan

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ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT | SARAH POTENZA

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photo credit Jeremy Ryan

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ONE ON ONE WITH SARAH

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photo credit Jeremy Ryan

QSM: Tell me about Sarah Potenza; who is she?

Sarah: I am just a XXL who got fed up with trying to make myself fit into a S,M,L world.

QSM: I know that’s right!!! Tell me about life growing up for you?

Sarah: My home was very spirited and fun, and very dramatic. Lots of love, lots of fights, lots of everything. I was loudest in my loud family. We did skits on Sundays, and I was always the center of attention. My parents were both teachers, and they both seemed to tolerate their jobs, but they never loved them the way I love mine now. I grew up in the suburbs. The very white suburbs of Smithfield, RI. The one saving grace of RI is that it’s the highest percentage of Italian Americans in the country; 23% to be exact, myself included. Until I moved away, I never noticed that I was spoiled. The food in RI is some of the best in the country.

QSM: I love your spirit. Besides the obvious, what do you like to do for fun?

Sarah: I love shopping. I love fashion. I am also one of those super obnoxious pet owners who is obsessed with my cats. I love to just spend time watching TV with them on the couch. I actually don’t have a lot of free time though, and recently realized that my career has taken over my entire life, and I need to get some more hobbies.

QSM: When did you realize that you just might have a carrier as a singer?

Sarah: Oh I have never ever wanted anything else so badly. I can’t remember when it started, but I have no memories in which I wasn’t a singer.

QSM: How long have you been signing now?

Sarah: see above! lol QSM: LOL. Well that answers that. Lol. Tell me about your first experience singing live.

Sarah: I guess that would have to be in church. I grew up Baptist, and when they let us go up to the front and sing ‘This Little Light of Mine’ I was living!

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ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT | SARAH POTENZA

Sarah Potenza

photo credit Jeremy Ryan

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BUSINESS

44 QSM: That is my song lol. I remember a couple of your performances on Season 8 of The Voice. What inspired you to take that big step?

Sarah: It was just time. I was ready.

QSM: I hear that. When you are ready, you just know it. You are a plus size beauty. Have you been plus most of your life?

Sarah: Yup, except for when I grew taller, and took ‘Ritalin’. I was even forced to join the weight watchers kids program. I can recall back in the day being dragged into the pretty plus section of JC Penny. UGH!!

QSM: Has your size been a hindrance at all in terms of you getting bookings?

Sarah: Not directly, but it has shaped my entire career. Do I think I have been overlooked for thinner people? Sure. But more than that, it’s the whole industry. Sure you can point to Adele and say, well she’s Plus. But she’s the exception, not the rule. In general it’s just harder. I mean, I love the show Drag Race, on a recent episode Ru told one of the thin queens that she had a couture body. And I thought… oh are fat people not couture?

QSM: Do you write all of your own music?

Sarah: Oh yes I am the boss bitch! The queen mama, and the diva supreme. And being those things means you gotta pay the cost to be the boss. You need to know your shit!

really into 90’s R&B. That ohhh ah ah feeling it gives me.

QSM: What advice can you give to people who don’t live their life to the fullest; for whatever reason?

Sarah: Start to follow some women who do. Look at fat bodies, beautiful fat queens and see that you are them. Be brave. Wear a tank top and see if the world ends. Spoiler alert, it probably won’t.

QSM: What can we look out for from you?

Sarah: More rad fashions and music. I am working on a new concept called Five Minute Fat Fashion. I sort of dwell in the outskirts of normal fashion. I love glam rock and hip hop fashions and things that are just not sold at Torrid or Lane Bryant. As much as I dig those stores, they don’t carry the same kind of things you see in a boutique in Hollywood. And I want those high end stage looks. I have spent a lot of time figuring out how to modify the more tamed items you see in Plus fashion to meet my needs. I have made replicas of things I have seen in couture mags on thin bodies. So I am gonna share my tips and secret fat fashion hacks with others! In fact, here’s a coat I wanted, but A: I could not afford, and B: it did not come in a size 18/20. So I got a cape from Torrid and modified it to recreate the look in my size.

QSM: You better say THAT!!! Tell me the inspiration behind ‘Road to Rome’.

Sarah: I am on my way and I am not gonna stop and give the shame, the could haves, should haves, or would haves their moment or my energy. All roads lead to Rome, and I am on my way!

QSM: Pretty Big Movement; I loved your video featuring them dancing. You talked about how you related to Akira’s story.

Did Pretty Big Movement cast or did you reach out to them to dance in the video? (I am a HUGE fan of theirs by the way).

Sarah: I saw Akira’s story a few years ago on Youtube, and I felt an immediate connection to her. I even shared the post and said that I was gonna hire them for my next video. So when it came time to make this one, I send the track to her via instagram and said, look if this song resonates with you the way your story resonates with me, hit me back and let’s make something.

QSM: WOW! And that is how you all created magic. I love it.

I love your spirit. Have you always been confident with an I don’t give a f*** attitude?

Sarah: No not at all. I was on the outside because it was part of my persona; but it was fake. Inside I was like, tell me what to do, who am I? Though my confidence was fake, it lead me to follow a lot of Plus women on Instagram. I started to read things like Shrill, by Lindy West. Seeing real confident, beautiful Plus women changed me. Suddenly, I saw myself on that screen and I was able to break free. So thank you for doing what you guys do! Representation matters.

QSM: Thank YOU!!! Who and/or what inspires you?

Sarah: I love a good diva, Bette, Tina, Whitney. Right now I am

QSM: VERY NICE! Well thank you so much for sharing so much with us. Please also share your website and info on where people can follow you and what you are doing.

Sarah: sarahpotenza.net is my site, there you can get tour dates, buy rad merch ect… and my insta is really where I do a lot of stuff too https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahpotenza/ Thanks so much you guys!!!!

Sarah photo credit Jeremy Ryan

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ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT | SARAH POTENZA

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HOME DECOR 101 Decorating with bold colors F

FAMILY FEATURES

rom dark and moody to vibrant and bold, colorful design is gaining favor among homeowners ditching safe, neutral palettes to create more daring, dramatic spaces.

Decorating with deeply saturated colors can be intimidating.

Explore these ideas to welcome more bold colors into your home and create inviting spaces for living and entertaining.

Walls of color

Say goodbye to beige and embrace the bold color trend by enhancing walls with hues that make a statement. The trick is to avoid making colors so loud that the space loses its stylish appeal. Bold doesn’t necessarily mean bright, so look for muted variations of the shades you prefer. Also remember that when it comes to design, there is such a thing as too much. If painting all the walls in a space will close it in or make it feel lost in the dark, try adding color in more subtle ways, such as an accent wall

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(or two), or painting the ceiling as your accent.

Another option for implementing vibrant wall color: stick to smaller rooms, where the bold look is less likely to be overwhelming.

Illuminate color with natural light When decorating with statement colors, remember that lighting can make a significant difference in the overall aesthetic. In addition to lighting fixtures, be sure to incorporate plenty of natural light to bring out the best in those bold hues.

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To bring natural light deeper into the space, consider skylights as an option with a solution such as Velux No Leak Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights, which can bathe the space in natural light and open to bring in fresh air.

Another smart way to capture natural light is by installing an option like Sun Tunnel skylights. With their low-profile design, they create a sleek appearance, and installation is also quick and easy. Learn more at whyskylights.com.

Bold furnishings

An often overlooked but essential component of design is the furniture. Creating a colorful, inviting room doesn’t stop with the walls and floors; what’s in the room can bring the colors to life. Think of the space and all its contents, not just the architectural components, as your canvas for creating the space you envision. If you’re hesitant to invest in a pricy couch in a trendy hue, a compromise might come in the form of a richly colored accent table or chair.

Creative cabinetry

Traditional wood grain cabinetry sometimes gives way to far more creative color schemes in kitchens and bathrooms. While white is still a popular choice, and can even be considered bold in the right setting, true color on cabinets is also gaining traction among homeowners. With the right backsplash, countertops and flooring, you can safely install cabinets in a uniform color throughout the kitchen, but another on-trend option is to reserve the color for an island base or just one wall of cabinets. You could even mix and match colors on the tops and bottoms. Detail elements like the hardware provide another opportunity for a bold look. You can enhance the room’s design with standout pulls that lend extra vibrance to the space.

Fabric with flair

Textiles provide nearly unlimited options to balance a bold design. Using lighter fabrics for elements such as draperies, upholstery, rugs and decorative pillows can soften the feel of a room with bold tones. Look for subtle patterns that pull in hints of the deeper hue to bring the look together, or simply coordinate shades from complementary color families.

UNEXPECTED POPS OF COLOR Designers often talk about adding pops of color to bring together a palette, but there are no real rules about where those color enhancements can or should be. Introducing vibrant color in unexpected places can be an especially impactful way to stylize a room.

One example is with a skylight blind, which provides a decorative element while also allowing for light control.

If you prefer a trendy option like combining dark colors with metallic accents, consider options such as a metallic gold skylight blind from Velux to connect to the room decor below. More than 80 color and pattern choices heighten the drama of a skylight blind, and you can choose from features like room darkening, light filtering and Venetian-style blinds to add function as well.

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MANAGING YOUR PRODUCT WITH YOUR FEET UP! “It Is Not Enough To Be Busy, We Must Ask: ‘What Are We Busy About?’”...Henry David

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THAT’S THE BIG AND TALL OF IT | SIR ICON Have you ever been lying around the house and doing nothing? Just throwing your feet up on the couch and watching television. This can be a blessing or it can be a curse. The blessing is the relaxation time, but the curse is the ease of downtime. Oh, the idle mind!

In this day and age, downtime means finding yourself scrolling back days, even months through your social media platforms to see any growth in yourself. You could be doing it from a physical or mental capacity, but most often it is truly from boredom. It may immediately seem like a rollercoaster of emotions and lots of work, however, this could be a good thing!

The Big and Tall phenomenon has not been around that long, however we (self-included) can see a stark difference in the content posted on our social media from then to now. The noticeable knack for posting every thought and feeling of your life becomes quite clear. Most were from the darkest moments of life to gain support from the world wide web when there was little support on the inside of us. One or two likes, but deafening silence nonetheless. Ugghhhhh, social media right!

The Gram, IG, or Instagram, for instance, is easily used by many Big and Tall models and influencers because it is highly driven by posting photographs. Many cannot see themselves without this social media platform. Which is not a good place to be, but where did Instagram start actually?

According to medium.com, Instagram was developed by two gentlemen, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger in San Francisco. In 2009, it originally was called Burbn with a simple task to allow people to check-in where they are on their mobile app. In only 551 days, Systrom quit his job, partnered with Krieger, and gained a $500k investment in 2010 to birth what we know today as Instagram. Whoa, nelly!

Big and Tall models and influencers can learn a lot from these two gentlemen. In an article on inc.com, Systrom stated, “Once he (Krieger) joined, we took a step back and looked at the product as it stood. We decided that if we were going to build a company, we wanted to focus on being really good at one

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thing.” This speaks volumes to anyone starting or veterans in this industry.

So how can reviewing your social media platforms be a good thing you say? The answer is fool-proofed. Step back and review your product!

Most posts expose heartache, financial woes, challenges at work, low self-esteem, and everything in-between of the individual. It screams the need for attention, happiness, or false reassurance from social affirmation. These actions are also signs of the individual feeling isolated and being terrified with their own thoughts.

I see and read in disbelief, way too often, of many of my Big and Tall brethren post content of intimate details to the world wide web. This can be very detrimental and allow unwanted attention in forms not seen immediately. All attention is not good attention.

We must defend the PRODUCT (image) we have promised the PUBLIC. That includes handling personal and business problems where resolutions can be formed without social media influence.

Learn to keep your passive-aggressive behavior out of the public spotlight.

The beautiful thing about this social media platform, most will allow you to edit what you have posted. I said, most! So take a moment to scroll back through all of your posts and edit whatever your “guts” say you should. Your gut will never steer you wrong!

Hear me gentlemen in the Big and Tall industry! My advice is simple: learn to manage your product and focus on being good at it without using social media to manage your personal problems.

The couch with your feet up is a great place to start!

That’s the Big and Tall of it

About Marco Mays aka Sir Icon He is the

paragon of a classy male with sophistication and style. With the combination of his love for fashion and self-empowerment, Marco has made a name for himself in events management and image development. Known as a go to person to ensure that shows and models are presented seamlessly, Marco’s skills have allowed him to work with celebrities and on high-end productions, reinforcing his knowledge of image and brand from a Big and Tall perspective.

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Smart Money Tips if You Are Living Paycheck to Paycheck

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) alfa27 / stock.Adobe.com

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LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK| STATEPOINT Nearly four in five American workers are now living paycheck to paycheck, according to Career Builder. If that describes you, experts say there are steps you can take to live more comfortably and securely.

BUILD A NEST EGG Having the capacity to absorb a financial shock is one of the major tenets of financial wellness, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Unfortunately, nearly 60 percent of Americans don’t have enough savings to cover a $500 unplanned expense, according to a report from Bankrate.

Does your budget include a line item for a rainy-day fund? If not, it’s time to make room in your budget for one. Most budgets, when closely examined, have some give, so look for where you can cut back in order to divert more funds toward growing your nest egg. Once you’ve determined how much you can afford, automate payments to this account.

SEEK OUT BUYING ALTERNATIVES Meeting short-term purchasing needs without compromising your long-term finances can be tricky when you’re cash-strapped. Though high-interest credit cards, payday loans or rent-to-own contracts might look like lifelines when faced with a necessary expense you can’t immediately afford, these options can quickly devolve into compounding interest rates, hidden fees or even loss of merchandise.

Look into new financing options, such as employee purchase programs, which can offer a better way to buy when cash or prime credit are not options.

“In a high employment market, many employers offer purchase programs as a voluntary benefit to retain loyal, satisfied workers,” says HR industry expert, Racquel Roberts. “It provides easier access to products and services paid over time, but without the usual pitfalls.”

Programs like Purchasing Power, for example, allow employees to pay for items through payroll deduction over the course of 12 months. There’s no interest on the purchase, no fees and no credit check, making this an ultimately more affordable and accessible way to acquire that appliance, computer or other needed item. For more information, visit purchasingpower.com.

LEVERAGE OTHER BENEFITS As more employers learn that a financially secure workforce makes for a more productive workforce, you may find a growing menu of voluntary benefits in your workplace designed to help you gain control of your financial life. From financial counseling services to student loan repayment to employee purchase programs, leveraging such tools can help you gain financial footing in a paycheck to paycheck reality.

GIVE YOUR CREDIT A BOOST The importance of good credit can’t be overstated. However, 20 percent of U.S. consumers have FICO scores of less than 600. For those who pay their cable, phone, utility and other recurring bills on time and in-full, a new program called Experian Boost may be able to help you boost your credit instantly. The program works by factoring in a consumer’s payment history on such bills, to give those with a limited credit history a boost.

It can be tough, if not impossible to feel secure when you are living paycheck to paycheck, but some smart strategies and helpful resources can help you gain financial footing.

article provided by (StatePoint)

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MEN ACCESSORIES | MEESHA ANN

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MEN ACCESSORIES FROM FASHION NOVA

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ADVERTISING Rates & Sizes

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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From our family to yours Happy Holidays

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