Revamped by REVAMPED

Revamped editorial design styling photography (unless otherwise credited) content planning by Samantha Grose

Revamp, Amor Design Studio www.revampamor.com

a publication from Revamp, Amor & Samantha Grose, llc 2016 all rihts reserved

spring / summer

REVAMPED, vol.2

My goodness! Where has the time gone since last issue. Finally Spring is here & FINAL- LY (since you’re reading this) volume 2 of REVAMPED has finally launched. Remember that time when I launched a magazine back in November & I announced it would be quarterly... well, life happened. Not to fear, however, REVAMPED is still here to bring awesome content to my creative bosses & ladies with style. Better late than never... fashionably late? Here’s what happened: I quickly realized that once I started to book my dream clients, I had zero time to focus on my passion projects. WTF.. isn’t that why we become our own bosses: to focus on passion & give ourselves freedom? I also realized that shooting a ‘spring’ editorial in the dead of winter would require more than a camera & a dream. I needed studio equipment.. stat. So out of panic & pure childish hope, I started a kickstarter. It was great.. errr, panic-inducing.... yeah, great. But truly, I learned a lot & am so excited to see how I can better serve my audience with this magazine. A very special thank you is due to each & every person who contributed. Seriously, at one point I was so overwhelmed with gratitude that I cried. Stop judging me. I mean, after all, this is for you all. I want you to flip through & find inspiration, laugh, have a glass of wine, and maybe enjoy a craft project of your own. As always, my goal is to empower you to find yourself & build your personal brand through style, design & community.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

oh shit!

Happy Spring, ya’ll. Let’s hit the refresh button & let ourselves sparkle a bit more this season.

XOXO

spring / summer

say hello!

contributors LEAH LAVELLE

designer, curator & traveler

mariel cornel style expert & model www.polydeux.com

www.urbanwildstudio.com

mariela pita model & language enthusiast

www.comunicateeverday.com

mckenna graham

mixologist & urban gardener www.picnicart.com

EMMA Moore

sales & marketing strategist

HALEy pettit blogger & creative

www.whateverbrightthings.com

Mona algner

female empowerment coach & blogger www.projectemme.com

lauren macmoyle photographer

www.laurenmacmoyle.com

REVAMPED, vol.2

Emily Dick

beauty blogger & social media expert www.whyhellobeauty.com

christian sinclair

spiritualist & coach media expert

ashlee sides lifestyle blogger

www.alifestyledaily.com

gretchen bell florist

www.fleurlouisville.com

www.christiansinclair.co

Roxanne merket

designer & artist

www.roxannemerket.com

timothy quinlan

wine geek & somm

& a special thanks

to o u r b a c k e r s Connie Cohen, Leslie Nordness, Donna Porter, Mary Carothers, Grace Kennedy, Noble Holden, Joey Solomon, Amelia Rusbar, Stacie English & Anne Weigel Hatcher

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MAKE, LEARN, do

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HOW TO 8.

lavender & earl grey vodka infusion

10 . BOHO flower arrangements 12 . floraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gin fizz 14 . natural light photography

live & learn 18 . but I digress- spring wines 22 . how to not let fear overcome our dream 27 . flower power- discovering birth flowers 38 . empowering your intuition

girl boss 36 . why creativity only takes 15 minutes a day 42 . staying healthy with a carzy schedule 45 . spring desk update 48 . 5 ways to sell without being tacky 51 . how to grow your instagram

style files 56 . the anatomy of posing 64 . shimmer & shine- updating your style

wanderlust & culture 78 . a reflection on being bilingual 80 . starred in Portland spring / summer

how to

FLORAL LIQ U O R infusions W

armer weather is (finally) settling in & that calls for front porch cocktails. Want to try something outside of the standard warm weather libation? Try making a floral & tea infused vodka. Once infused, a simple vodka & soda becomes much more refreshing, What can I say... girls in the south love iced tea... & day drinking. This is the best of both.

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by: Samantha Grose

WHAT YOU’ll NEED vodka glass jar / bottle lavender buds 1 earl grey tea bag

HOW TO INFUSE 1.

In a glass jar or bottle, add the infusions ingredients: lavender, earl grey tea (just cut open the bag & empty the contents into the container).

Pour the liquor over the other ingredients. A funnel can be helpful, but isn’t required.

Seal and store! Let the infusion sit for at least a week before using. You may choose to strain the mixture before serving, however you don’t need to worry about mold as the alcohol will kill any bacteria.

The vodka color may change as the flavors infuse. Don’t worry, it’s totally normal & a good sign it’s also taking in the flavor.

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o t w ho

F lower s t n e em g n a r Ar

ss o B a Like

by: Gretchen Bell

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STEP 1: Place Greenery I normally like to have two options for greenery when arranging a more ‘wild’ shape, a stiffer variety likeolive branches or magnolia are always nice choices but other evergreens like pine and juniper (or holly for the holidays!) work really well. Then I pick something with a little less structure, I see silver leaf eucalyptus used A LOT but tree fern is a personal favorite of mine. Allow the branches to spread wide— rule of thumb is about one and a half times the size of your container.

STEP 2: Insert flowers Place the largest focal flowers at varying angles amid the branches. Pepper the arrangement with your secondary, smaller flowers, such as ranunculuses and tulips. These are the backup singers of your arrangement, you want to make sure they are highlighting your star but still have some room to shine.

STEP 3: Add fillers Finish the arrangement with touches of fillers. These are typically berries or smaller blooms (think berries or wax flower).

Keep it alive :

Change the water in your vase every other day. If any of the flowers are looking a little sad, give them a trim (an angled cut is best, and don’t forget the flower food!).

Remember, it doesn’t have to look ‘perfect’. The point of this style is to mimic nature. Let loose and have fun with different shapes, texture and color.

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p ri n g can be fickle. One day her warmth and sunshine has us reaching for our t-shirts and open toed sandals, the next day she’s sleeting and snowing all over our hopes for rising temperatures. Why she must toy with our emotions, especially when we’re so weary from the woes of winter, I’ll never know… But this pretty brunch cocktail is a peace offering to smooth the cold war between the seasons. Its got winter’s juicy citrus and the first flush of spring’s flowers. It also has gin- a spirit that has been too long relegated to the mothball ridden corners of America’s cocktail scene. I hear its due for a comeback but as far as I can tell, it still has a bad rap

F LO R A’ S

GIN F I Z Z 12

REVAMPED,& vol.2 written photographed by: Mckenna Graham

around the cocktail lounges and bar stools that I frequent. The thing with gin is it’s misunderstood. It can be such a diverse and delicate spirit, exuding not only juniper but also the unique and particular flavors of the place it was made. Like wine, terrior is especially important to this spirit. Find a good gin and its like tasting your way through a sprawling herb garden, rich with botanicals, sunshine dancing across the boughs of pine trees that gently sway in the breeze. Somewhere nearby a wave rises from the briny depths and crashes against a rocky hillside. A hawk flies overhead. You know, Ralph Waldo Emerson romanticism type stuff. To that end, I prefer Botanica Gin, from Falcon Spirits Distillery in Richmond, California and Leopold Brothers Small Batch Gin from Denver, Colorado. Give these guys a shot and it might change the way you feel about gin forever. And, for god sake squeeze that juice fresh! You’ll be glad you did.

eparate yolk from egg white. Place egg white in shaker without ice and do a quick and vigorous “dry shake”. Add gin, juice, syrup and ice. Shake again. Strain into glass and top with a splash of your favorite dry sparkling wine. Garnish with candied flower of choice.

1 egg white

To prepare candied flowers, wash each blossom and gently pat dry. Beat one egg white until foamy. Using a small paintbrush, paint each flower’s petals lightly with the egg white wash. Coat backsides of petals first and then paint the tops. Once coated, sprinkle superfine sugar over the petals. Let sugar dry and if completely absorbed, sprinkle with more sugar. Allow the candied flowers to set on parchment paper for 12-36 hours until they are completely dried and brittle. Store flowers in an airtight container for up to one month or garnish everything you can get your hands on immediately.

splash dry sparkling wine

Spring’s here. So go ahead, pick your bouquet… and drink it too.

2.5 oz ruby red grapefruit juice (squeezed fresh) 1 oz gin .5 oz gomme or simple syrup

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how to

natural

phot ogr aphy by: Lauren MacMoyle

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hile many different elements come into play when creating a beautiful photograph, knowing how to use light is one of the most important. Using light strategically can be the difference between a decent photo and an amazing one. This knowledge also eliminates the need for excess lighting equipment.

Shooting Outdoors Natural light creates so many different moods and with a little practice, awesome portraits can be taken in any situation. Whether it’s the golden (or magic) hour or a moody, cloudy day - shooting outdoors is definitely ideal. The golden hour refers to the hour right after sunrise and right before sunset. Dur-

ing these times the light is very soft and flattering, making it the best time of day to do a photo session. There are different techniques to shooting in natural light, and with time they can easily be mastered.

Harsh Sunlight Shooting when the sun is high in the sky – from about 11:00am to 1:00am – can be challenging and super unflattering if done incorrectly. Standing directly under the noonday sun will create harsh shadows on your subject’s face and they’ll find it hard not to squint. Sometimes you’ll still have to photograph in the middle of the day but don’t worry – with some simple methods you can still get great shots!

and it won’t be nearly as bright for your subject. 2. Use a natural reflector. A natural reflector could be anything that’s light and neutral in color. Think buildings and concrete sidewalks. By positioning your subject above or next to a reflector, sunlight naturally bounces light off that object onto the person’s face, eliminating unfavorable shadows. 3. Always position the sun behind your 1. Find shade. One of the best ways to subject. The sun isn’t directly overhead deal with harsh sunlight is to position your for too long. When you see that the sun subject in the shade. That could be next has shifted (example: 1:00pm), make sure to a building or under some trees. Stand- it’s behind your subject’s head. ing in the shade will help diffuse the light

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cloudy Clients often express disappointment when their shoot falls on an overcast day, but I always assure them that cloudy days still produce beautiful photos with plenty of contrast. This is probably one of the easiest situations to shoot in. Just remember:

thick, there could be minor shadows under the eyes and nose. 2. Shoot down on them. Have them sit or crouch and look up at you. Light will fill their eyes, making them look bright and sparkly. Without highlights, the person’s eyes can look somewhat dull. 3. Use a wide-open aperture. An aperture 1. Keep track of the sun. Even though the of 2.0 or lower will cause the background clouds act as a diffuser, light still comes to be blurred. Instead of looking dull and through at an angle. It’s a good idea to be flat, your portraits will have dimension aware of what direction the sun’s com- and movement. ing from because if the cloud cover isn’t

backlit Backlit portraits are popular for their dreamy, hazy look. They are shot usually later in the afternoon or evening with the sun positioned behind the subject. While they are gorgeous, they do take some trial and error to figure out. A few no-fail tips for shooting backlit portraits are:

include the sun, 2. Make sure the light is filtered. Doing backlit portraits without filtering the sun through trees or plants can cause your portrait to come out too hazy and not sharp enough. 3. Expose for your subject. It’s important to set your camera settings so that your 1. Leave the sun out of the frame. If the subject is exposed properly. The backsun is in the frame, it will make it more ground may be slightly blown out but difficult for your camera to focus and your that can be pretty (and it can always be photo will likely be washed out. If you do tweaked in post production).

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shooting indoors As a natural light photographer, I obviously prefer shooting outdoors but sometimes there are situations when I need to do a session inside. Examples include the ever-popular lifestyle session, newborn sessions, or the time you find an awesome old building (and decide trespassing is worth the risk!). Doing photo sessions inside is definitely more tricky than doing them outdoors, but it’s doable without using flashes + other complicated equipment. When you are getting ready to shoot in-

doors, assess the location. Rooms with the most windows will be the best to shoot in. Generally, kitchens and bedrooms have tons of natural light but it all depends on your specific location. If you want to use a room that doesn’t have much light, simply position your subject close to whatever window is there. Generally, when shooting in low light, you should keep your aperture wide open (2.0 or lower) and lower your shutter speed (1/125 or above). This way, you’ll let more light into your camera.

using artificial light It’s best to turn off all of the overhead lights and utilize the natural light coming from the windows, but sometimes you may need to use them. Make sure your subject isn’t positioned directly under an overhead light (it will cause unflattering shadows under the eyes and nose, similar to being out in the harsh sun). Also, make sure your white balance is set correctly so the color isn’t off. Most cameras have a “fluorescent” setting but if you have two different light sources (such as

the window + a lamp), you may need to just use the “auto” setting and correct the white balance with an editing program like Photoshop later. Whether you are shooting with a DSLR or a smartphone, learning how to use light properly will help you create stunning photos. You don’t need lots of extra equipment to produce professional quality photos!

spring / summer

but

digress... Ruminations on life with and without a glass by: Timothy Quinlan

have always considered myself a strong supporter of the “glass is half full” side of the street. Even in these times of frostbite and never-ending greyness, I like to think ahead to warmer, sunnier days where laughter replaces the sound of jackets zipping up. In that vein, with spring quietly (if not quickly) approaching, I thought it was time to start discussing some favorite styles of vino for those days where the porch becomes a place to enjoy jokes and not a graveyard for shovels and wet, frozen mittens. Not necessarily in this order, these are some favorite early spring selections:

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2015 Mulderbosch Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon First off, lets set the record straight…. Rose is good all year! Supremely food friendly and deservedly more popular now that wine drinkers realize that pink does not necessarily mean sweet! And this one is one of the early arrivals that hits the market before the sea of French and Spanish Roses arrives post -vernal equinox (which occurs on Sunday, March 20 this year and is one of only 2 times during the year when the Sun is directly overhead on a point on the equator….but I digress). Made from 100%

Cabernet Sauvignon from arguably the most important wine region (Coastal Region) in South Africa, you can absolutely expect the green peppery and blackberry notes while still enjoying the lighter body and slightly more lush fruit flavors in Mulderbosch.

2014 Avelada Verde

Vinho

In its best role, wine plays a compatible and enhancing role for foods of all strips. The warmer the weather, the lighter and more delicate food trends become. Because, be honest, how many of us are planning fish boils and enjoying fresh vinaigrettes during the depths of winter! When you can find them, Portugese Vinho Verdeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are a special and affordable crowd pleasures. Low in alcohol (usually around 6%), Vinho Verde (literally translated as Green Wine) is a style of wine, being made from many different white varietals (with Albarino the most well known of the bunch). They are slightly effervescent and are meant to be drank young. Look for shellfish and fresh salads with zippy (yeah I said that) vinaigrettes for great pairing ideas

2014 The Pinot Project by Michael Skurnik

So, as a self-proclaimed wine snob (may the Cupcakes and Toasted Heads and Barefoots of the wine world be sent into the equivalence of Danteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7th layer spring / summer

of hell! The wine world is not meant to have to suffer the mass marketing of these brands that lack soul and fail in artistic integrity…but I digress) I am exceedingly grateful anytime fellow wine snobs blind taste me on something I have previously let drop off my radar. Recently, TPP came back into my wine world through just such an occurance… and THANK GOD! Much more complex and refined than previous vintages, it is a blend from multiple solid vineyard sites throughout California. Skurnik, who does the lionshare of his business through importing boutique old world gems from France, Germany, Italy, and many other locales, has crafted a wine unicorn of sorts, an old world style Pinot noir with great structure (acid) and correct flavor notes (dark cherry and a slight organic, earthy feel) that retails for around $15! The back label threatens to self-destruct in 5 seconds, so make sure to have glasses on permanent standby just in case!

Saint Hillard Blanquette de Limoux Don’t assume that because this is the last wine discussed, that I am suggesting this is your dessert pairing. NOTHING IS WORSE THAN PAIRING SPARKLING WITH SWEETS! (And whoever was the dupe that made sparkling wines and cake & chocolate and red wine goto food & wine pairings 20

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needs to be taken out back and had their pallet shot, or lashed 100 times, or forced to sit through a viewing of Pee Wee’s Playhouse with the sound on!!!... but I digress). For the record, sparkling wine is one of the most underused styles of wine. Many reserve the bubbles for “special” occasions. Guess what, today is Tuesda... and you are alive... that is special! Go out and find this fantastic sparkler made in the south of France and in the traditional Method Champenoise style that all the great champagne houses craft their wines. The familiar bright yellow and purple label has been in the Louisville market for awhile, so it should not be hard to find at your favorite independent retailers.

Sugggested Retail Pricing (best guess): Mulderbosch Rose

$10.99

Avelade Vinho Verde

$9.99

The Pinot Project

$15.99

Saint Hillard Sparkling

$15.99

a c r e a t i v e gif t b o u t i q u e for girl b oss e s

S TAT I O N E R Y

H O M E A C C ESS O R IES

ART PRINTS

W W W . S H O P A M O R cita. C O M

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HOW TO

FEA N OT L E T

OVERCOME YOUR DREAM

by: Mona Algner

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Don’t let the fear of being judged stop you from pursuing your dreams .

efore I started my blog I went through a phase of serious selfdoubt. I analyzed every possible outcome, balanced the pro and cons of running a blog, and had intense discussions with my inner critic (please don’t think I’m weird, I promise I’m not. Or at least not super weird). When I finally decided to launch my blog, I hardly told anyone about it. I even kept it secret from my friends and family (which is pretty ridiculous, because they are the most supportive, amazing bunch of people ever). It wasn’t that I didn’t like what I created – in fact I love it and am pretty darn proud of how it turned out. Still I refused going public with my blog. After all, it is quite intimidating to share thoughts openly. I thought about how they would react, what they’d say about my writing, about the design. I guess what held me back was the fear of being judged, the fear of not being liked.

pass by because you were afraid of what others might think of you? How often did you regret turning down a great chance because the fear of being judged stopped you? Does this sound familiar? Every human being has an innate fear of being judged and sometimes this fear can stop us from acting on our impulses. But when you’re serious about building your career or starting your own business you have to get rid of this. I’m serious. Let it go. You are too amazing to let this keep you from pursuing your dreams. LET THAT SINK IN: YOU . A R E . AMA Z I N G . You have to start believing in yourself, otherwise no-one else will. I know, I know, this probably sounds really cheesy, but I am truly convinced that this is crucial for living a successful and fulfilled life. The good news is that there actually are some research-backed ways to shift your mind to positive thinking. HERE’S HOW TO LET THE POSITIVITY

I think, this is something many of FLOW AND BECOME AWARE OF HOW you can relate to: MUCH YOU’RE WORTH How many opportunities did you let

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BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR SELF TALK If you’re anything like me you probably struggle with serious negative self talk. But if you want to succeed, and want others to believe it too, you have to stop keeping yourself small by telling you over and over again that you’re not capable of doing this and that you’re gonna mess up anyway. Stop limiting and self-defeating thoughts immediately and replace them with positive messages to yourself. Give yourself a little pep talk. You can do this, pal!

STOP COMPARING We have this growing need to be perfect, because – let’s be honest – everyone looks so goddamn perfect in their Instagram pictures. It seems everyone else is living a perfect life, with perfect friends, a perfect job and of course without any negative feelings and self-doubt. What we don’t see, are the 47 nearly identical selfies that just didn’t cut it. So I’d suggest we all stop comparing ourselves to others and life will get at least 64% better. Maybe even 68%, but don’t tie me down to this..

OWN YOUR EXPERTISE If you are passionate about a certain topic (or you’ve been doing something

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for a really long time), chances are you’ve become quite an expert in this field. This might be knowing how to code because you’re a long-time blogger or you took so many pictures that you know that using an unusual angle will make them more interesting. Or maybe you rock at connecting with people just because you’re an outgoing person. Even if you think you have zero skills, take a closer look at what you enjoy. I bet you’re really good at it.

TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT YOU’VE ACCOMPLISHED IN THE PAST Being aware of what you’ve already done will shift your thoughts from the nerve-wracking self-doubt to a more positive and confident outlook. I started to include this into my daily gratitude practice. Every day before I go to sleep, I use my gratitude checklist to reflect on what happened that day. I note what went good, and which areas I could improve. But I always make sure to reframe, which is basically a fancy term for trying to find the positive side of the „bad“ things. Sounds crazy at first, but there actually are a ton of benefits you’d never think of. For me this works incredibly well. I managed to change my overall outlook on life, or at least I am trying to.

STOP JUDGING YOURSELF

made them judge me), because this Why would I bring up this topic? Isn’t also means that confidence evokes apit about you being judged by others? proval (or at least silenced some of the Yes, absolutely. But to quote one of doubters). the greatest philosophers of our time: Check yourself before you wreck yourBELIEVE IN YOURSELF self! We’ve already covered this one. Start or Marie Forleo put it this way: to believe in your abilities and your whole appearance will change. People “We human beings have the will believe you have the butt-kicking ability to make others judge skills to get the job done. Concerning this issue, I learned a lot from my baby us, for something we judge brother (I think he’ll hate me for this – ourselves for.” he’s 21 now). My brother is the most confident and positive person I know I know, pretty deep and at first, I didn’t and he impresses me everyday with his genuine character. A year ago, he really get it. It took me some time to restarted a fashion business and stuck alize that she might have a point here. with his plan even when everyone Before I launched my blog I was selfquestioned the concept. And now, one conscious about admitting that I liked year later his business flourishes and I blogging and expressing myself in pubcouldn’t be more proud. lic. It just didn’t seem like something I would normally do (I’m not that much This is not about promoting his label of an extroverted person). (although I think it’s really cool and you should check it out, if you love your During this time I noticed people around boyfriend/husband/best friend/or any me making comments about how weird other man in your life), my point is that it was to blog or to share thoughts on he made it because he believed in himsocial media. This, of course, made me self. feel even more insecure. It was only After I finally decided to share my until I decided to screw my self-doubt not-so-little-anymore secret with my and just go for it that the comments friends, I got amazing feedback. Everystopped. This might be coincidence. one was so supportive and encouraged But I like the idea that my insecurime to continue, which leads me to anty caused a reaction in people (read:

spring / summer

other thing I wanted to address: Maybe our fear of being judged by others is for no reason. Sounds crazy, but maybe we shouldn’t always assume everyone’s a judgmental asshole. Maybe they just didn’t get what we’re doing because we’ve never taken the time to explain it to them..

THE TAKEAWAY It’s so easy to get caught up in a mild, or even extreme, fear of being judged. Whether it be by peers, mentors, friends, family, or bosses, there’s nothing as intimidating as putting yourself out there, vulnerable and open to criticism. But, on the flipside, there might be nothing as rewarding as taking the risk to follow your dreams. Plus, overcoming your fear of being judged and making this really bold move out of your comfort zone, distinguishes you from others and might inspire them to do the same. BE BRAVE, AIM HIGH.

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wer po i rt h b r y o u h at i t e n i & w s for def r e w nd flo s ta

writt

You probably know your astrological sign and your birth stone, but do you know your birth flower?

t Petti aley by : H ra t e d illust en &

ooking at a bouquet of flowers, it should come as no surprise that their beauty inspired a language of their own. Walking through a garden - whether cultivated or wild - it makes sense that the personalities of flowers are as distinct as the people who admire them.

Find the month you were born in and read all about your birth flower and the meaning behind it.

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January

Carnation & Snowdrop affection, hope, beauty, fascination 28

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February

Primrose loyalty, humility, virtue

March

Daffodil devotion, affection

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May

Hawthorn & Lily-ofthe-Valley happiness, sweetness, hope

April

Sweet Pea pleasure, innocence, youth 30

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June

Rose & Honeysuckle love, happiness, affection spring / summer

July

Water Lily & Delphinium purity, laughter

August

Poppy & Gladiolus integrity, grace 32

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September

Morning Glory & Aster love, affection, daintiness

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October

Calendula & Marigold love, contentment, joy, modesty

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November

Chrysanthemum & Peony innocence, purity, love

December

Holly & Narcissus happiness, hope, contentment

spring / summer

Why

only takes

minutes ea c h da y

by: Roxanne Merket

was on the phone with I’d be if I had my brother a few days practiced just ago. He just bought a key- 15 minutes a day board and has committed my whole life?” to practicing piano just 15 minutes a day. When I You see, we grew up in a asked why 15 minutes, his very musical family. I was answer surprised me: raised by two talented pianists who have dedicated “Can you imag- their lives and careers to ine how good music. My siblings and I

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are also very talented, but none of us had the discipline of my concert pianist father. During college my dad would practice 7-8 hours a day. 15 minutes seems pointless compared to the hours he put in. The comparison mentality combined with our natural

talent was disastrous for me and my siblings. None of us really “practiced.” We’d sit down at the piano and goof around for a while, then move on. We all play by ear quite well, and so the idea of practicing scales and arpeggios was about as appealing as eating a rotten egg sandwich. So when I talked to my brother, I knew what he meant - 15 minutes a day seemed pointless, but what if I had done it? I went through periods of practicing as I got older. Some weeks and months I actually sat down, practiced scales and finger exercises, and saw significant improvements in my abilities. I was never consistent, though. And several years ago I came to the same realization as my brother. Imagine how good I’d be if I practiced just 15 minutes a day? So I decided to experiment. I accepted the fact that I would never prac-

tice 8 hours a day. I committed to practicing even a few minutes. And guess what? I’ve improved. Significantly.

make progress. Sometimes that progress is impossible to see, but several days and weeks of insignificant work become remarkable changI’ve learned creativity is es. just like piano practice it’s a muscle we exercise. Creativity is a slow, ofWhen we don’t use that ten irritating process. We creative muscle it atro- are energized and rejuphies. venated by the bursts of creative energy that ocHow often do we think casionally occur. More about something that often, though, the crewould be amazing to ative juices are an irritatcreate - a blog, a prod- ing drip instead of flow. uct, a book - and then By capturing those daily realize how much time it “drip” moments we crewould require? It’s easy ate an enviable flow over to think about how many time. hours something would take. It’s much harder to It’s like that old phrase break those hours down - how do you eat an elinto actionable steps. It’s ephant? One bite at a harder still to sit down time, right? No one ever and DO something, es- talks about the effort of pecially when we realize opening your mouth how much there is to do. and that’s where the work happens. I’ve learned through my creative journey that I So open your mouth, am my biggest obstacle. make insignificant steps When I take 15 minutes to toward a significant goal, work on something - even and see what 15 minutes if I know that 15 minutes a day could do for your won’t make a significant creativity! dent in my workload - I spring / summer 37

E mpowering

e hear it all the time, “trust your intuition,” but what exactly is intuition and how do we use it? What is so great about it and how can it assist us in our daily lives? There are a lot of misperceptions about intuition. For many people the word “intuition” conjures up an image of a woman with a crystal ball or some type of woo woo sorcery, like we see in the movies, but the truth is, everyone has intuition but most of us just don’t know how to use it. Intuition is different for everyone, but in most cases it’s a feeling or an instinct. Have you ever met someone who gave you a bad feeling you couldn’t explain? 38

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Thought of a friend, then the phone rang? That is your higher consciousness, or intuition, talking to you. Intuition is more than coincidence. It is the gut feeling you have about people, situations, and circumstances in your life. It’s essentially another one of our senses, which is why it’s referred to as the “sixth sense.” Intuition feels like an unexplainable knowing. In fact, the definition of intuition is: the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. But when we are taught by society that conscious reasoning is the responsible decision, the thought of trusting our gut or doing things without reason, may seem ir-

your by: Christian Sinclair

responsible or scary. However, the way we live our lives without our intuition is much more frightening, you’re just used to it! Imagine living your life feeling connected to yourself and your surroundings with the ability to make informed decisions and co-create your life, rather than floating along watching your life happen to you. Wouldn’t you like to feel empowered over your life? Wouldn’t you like to trust your intuition so that you have better relationships, jobs, friendships, and all around quality of life? Do you want to be the boss of your life, instead of watching your life happen to you?

By empowering and improving your intuition, you will be able to create a richer and more fulfilling life. Using your intuition can improve your life, health, relationships, finances and anything else you want! What’s great about intuition, is that the more you honor and encourage it, the more it will be strengthened and become a part of your daily habits. By strengthening your intuition, you will be able to trust yourself and know what best serves you in every situation of your life, and be blissfully happy with the results. Follow these steps to improve and empower your intuition, and watch as your life blossoms and flourishes in ways you never dreamed possible. spring / summer

Dream Until Your Dreams Come True Watching your dreams is an awesome way to improve your intuition. You’ll also notice the more attention you pay to your dreams, the more they will begin giving you messages. If you want clarity on a certain situation, ask for some guidance to appear in your dreams. Science proves that our dreams are our deeper subconscious and by connecting to that place you will be able to receive guidance from your higher self.

Meditate

Meditation helps calm the cognitive mind, which is the part of our brain that we use constantly in our day-to-day lives. By calming this part of our brain we are able to develop the other parts, including that which generates intuitive perception.

Test Yourself

Test your hunches! In the morning when you wake up, do a small mediation about your day. Is there anything that stands out? A certain person you run into? A phone call you’re not expecting? Write it down! It may seem crazy at first because our logical mind tries to reason what we see, but intuition is not logical. Try to write down 1-3 things that come to you and test it through the day. Don’t get discouraged if it seems “off” at first. Intuition is like a muscle, the more you work it, the stronger it becomes. Right now you are taking your intuition to the gym and it’s out of shape, but soon it’s going to be running laps.

Let Your Body Do the Talking

Every single person has a negative or positive physical response to things. When you get scared do you get a stomachache? When you feel happy do you feel warm? These physical responses are your body’s way of communicating what it already knows intuitively. When you are faced with having to make a decision you can use these feelings to your advantage. Think about any decision you are trying to make. Maybe you’re trying to decide to take an internship or study abroad. It can be something huge like buying a home 40

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or something smaller like whether you should become a vegetarian. Sit or lie in a comfortable position and relax. Think about your current situation and all the details that go with it. How do you feel at the thought of staying in your present space? Run through your day in your mind. Think about getting up, the people you see, the way you eat, your job, your friends, or anything that relates to the choice you are trying to make. Are your shoulders in your ears with stress? Or does it feel peaceful? Now think how it would feel to move to a new country. Buy the home you’ve been dreaming of. Get married. Think about all the possible changes, new friends, new commute, maybe even a new language. Are you excited or overwhelmed? Does it feel uncomfortable or reassuring? This is a key exercise that lets your intuition literally communicate with your body to give you more guidance in your decision-making. If something sounds fun and exciting, but when you “check in” with your intuition you feel overwhelmed and on edge, it may not be a good experience after all. Or you may check in and receive confirmation that this new opportunity is going to be awesome and change your life for the better.

o matter what your intuition tells you, or what feedback you receive, do not try and convince yourself otherwise and don’t let anyone belittle or minimize your insights. Just because someone does not agree or feel the same things you do does not make you wrong. If you know something is true, then stick to that gut feeling no matter what. This can be difficult when there’s no “proof” or others disagree with you, but the more often your intuitive feelings come true, the more you’ll be able to trust those feelings despite outward appearances.

Be patient and kind with yourself as you explore your intuition. Although right now it may seem difficult, the more you improve and empower your intuition, the more it becomes second nature. You’ll be able to instinctually feel things without having to check in first. You’ll be amazed how fun and easy it becomes to listen to yourself and how incredible you feel when you make informed decisions. You will adore the feeling of knowing what choices to make for your highest good, and become smitten with the influence that you yourself now have in your life.

spring / summer

STAY I N G

healthy

with schedule by: Ashlee Sides

e are finally approaching the months of warmer temps, longer days, tank tops, shorts, & lazy afternoons by the pool, and with that brings the panic of trying to scramble and quickly get that bikini bod back that we lost during Winter. But how is a girl going to find the time to work out, eat right, & juggle the responsibilities of the day? It’s hard enough to wash our hair everyday (thank god for dry shampoo!), let alone lift some weights, throw in a few crunches, & make a delicious but oh so healthy meal. I’ve got a few tips & tricks to help you get back on the healthy track, stay motivated, and won’t make you feel like you need to rip your hair out because you don’t where the heck this will fit into your schedule.

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Meal Prep Sunday -

This is so key to starting your week off right. Make a list of some healthy recipes you want to try this week, (hello, Pinterest!), and hit the grocery store. If a few recipes require some of the same thing, go ahead and get all that ready and pre-measured into Tupperware. Grill up a few pieces of chicken for those nights you’re too tired to cook. Add that to some spinach and toss in some veggies & you have a quick and yummy dinner all ready to go. Bake a batch of protein muffins, 3 ingredient pancakes, or make some chia seed pudding for when you’re running late in the AM. When you have everything ready to go for the whole week, you’re more likely to stick with healthy foods instead of ordering a pizza.

Make your lunch night before.

the

I know that scanning Instagram and Facebook for the millionth time in a row seems like a MUST, but eating is more important. So put the phone down and put some healthy meals and snacks into your lunch box. If you can’t break away from your phone, scan your feed and pack your lunch at the same time. You kill two birds with stone AND you’re being productive.

Stick some healthy snacks in your bag so you

don’t shove a cookie or that bag of chips in your mouth. I love making my own trail mix, eating Kind bars, or just keeping a piece of fruit in my bag for when I’m out running errands.

Lay out your workout clothes, set your alarm for 30 min- Commit to giving yourutes earlier, & plan the workout you want self AT LEAST 1 1/2 hours to do for the next morning. of healthy time everyWhen you’ve got your clothes ready and you know exactly what quick workout you day . I know our schedules get crazy, want to do, it’s a lot easier to pass on hitting the snooze button. Getting your workout done in the morning, sets the tone for the day. You’ll feel more energized and ready to tackle your to-do list. Pinterest is amazing for having a ton of 10-20 minute workouts, or find some fitness and health bloggers that get you motivated to be active.

we get tired after a long day, or time just slips away. But out of 24 hours in a day, I think we can give ourselves at least 1 ½ hours. That’s 30 minutes of exercise, and an hour of meal prepping, cooking, making lunch, getting clothes & workouts together for the next morning, etc. And I promise that you once start, you won’t even realize that the 1 ½ hours has already passed and you’re still doing things that will make you feel healthy and amazing.

hope these tips were enough to get your started and ready to get that bikini bod back! Just remember, if you aren’t feeling your best, your business or work will suffer and that’s not what any of us wants at the end of the day. So put yourself first! And don’t get discouraged if you miss a day or two. Keep going and this will soon turn into a habit! spring / summer

w o r h t

c o n f e t t i

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w w w. r e va m pa m o r .co m

d e s k

u p d a t e

written & photographed by: Haley Pettit

hen the sun starts to peek through the clouds, the birds begin to chirp, and the scent of blooming flowers fills the air, the last thing you want is to be stuck inside, sitting at a desk, staring at a computer all day. But that Spring-Break vacation isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to pay for itself, is it... Instead of pining after the outdoors as the weather warms up, bring a little bit of spring into your workspace!

Inspiration:

Having a visual in mind before you start a redecorating project is essential. The inspiration for this desk space is Gucciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring 2016 line (as seen on the cork inspiration board). From the lush floral detailing to the bright color scheme, this line is the perfect base for a spring update.

Eye Candy :

Having an inspiration board and motivational artwork is important for keeping your attitude positive. A cork board is the perfect place to collect inspirational images, quotes, important notes, and any other papers you want to hang on to. For a look like this desk set-up, find a poster you love and frame it in an inexpensive Ikea frame. So easy! spring / summer

Containers : Keep clutter in con-

trol with colorful containers. The bright pink box with brass hardware and the yellow case tie the colorful Gucci inspiration board in with the vintage look of the desk.

Twinkle lights: There should

be plenty of light to keep your workspace bright in the spring-time, but twinkle lights add an extra little sparkle.

Flowers :

Adding a small bouquet of flowers, a plant, or a few little succulents to your workspace will instantly freshen up the area.

Books :

Stay inspired by keeping a stack of visually beautiful books on your desk. Whether they’re just for decor, or for browsing through for ideas and info, you’ll be glad to have them in arm’s reach.

Details : Treat yourself to a

new set of pencils or a shiny pair of scissors. Making your desk a fun space to work at will pay off in productivity and morale.

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everyday fresh is a

start

spring / summer

ways to sell

without being tacky

hether you’re selling a product, a service, or yourself as a personal brand, the only way your offer is going to change lives (no matter how amazing and life changing you might think it actually is), is if your target customers know about it. If you don’t sell it, they won’t know about it - it’s a vicious cycle! The sales industry has a bad reputation, and that’s mostly thanks to bad salespeople with insincere motivations. The reality though, is that it’s easy to buy from good sales people, and you do it every day, because you don’t feel like you’re being sold to. Here are my five hot tips on how to sell in a clever and authentic way - no tacky phone scripts required!

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by: Emma Moore

Know your market

Think long and hard about who would need your service or product, and why they would need it. Looking into their intrinsic motivations will help you target these people, therefore increasing the possibility of them investing in it. Not everyone will have a need for your product or service, and that’s ok; it’s always easier to sell to someone who wants what you’ve got, rather than someone who doesn’t know they want it.

Collaborate

Create strategic partnerships with brands and people who have the same target demographic as you do. It’s quite likely that your target market is also involved in other non competitive markets, so think of a way that you can add value to their brand or increase their reach, and pitch an idea that is mutually beneficial. If you’re stuck for ideas, Collabosaurus is a great place to start, and they do the hard work for you.

Content Rules

Produce as much good quality content as you can. Press releases, articles, blogs, podcasts, webinars or interviews; work on creating interesting and newsworthy hype around your product/service/brand to gain exposure and profile. If you’re running short on ideas, re-edit and reuse old content, call on guest contributors, or experiment with new media channels like Periscope or Snapchat.

Track everything

Whether you’re using a CRM system, Excel spread sheets or a whiteboard, it’s imperative that you track the sales contact that you’ve had. Not only will this keep you on top of who to follow up with and when, but it will give you a solid summary of your proactive efforts, which is always encouraging. Just as you need to track social media, website and marketing analytics, tracking your sales progress will tell you a lot about the consumers that are the easiest and hardest to sell to, and will give you a guideline of the standard sales cycle for your product or service.

Feel warm going in cold Cold contact only sucks when you’re not confident that your product could benefit the person you’re targeting. Whether you call, email, snail mail or engage on social media, make sure that you’re addressing the correct person and don’t pitch straight off the bat. Show that you’ve researched them, prove it by personalising your contact, and be brief – keep it short and sharp. Point out the potential benefits for them and usually if it’s in your target demographic and they’re ready to buy, they’ll respond favourably.

Give yourself time, be patient, and don’t let yourself wallow in what’s not happening today - just keep focusing on what will happen tomorrow if you keep hustling! spring / summer

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i nsta famous

h o w t o gro w y o u r ins tagra m follo w ing by: Emily Dick

Plan and design your ideal Instagram feed Who inspires you on Instagram? Which account do you always find yourself checking in for updates? What colours appeal to you personally & get you clicking that FOLLOW button? Note this down and start to build an idea of how you would like to your Instagram feed to look and feel. This is a time to consider creating a fun mood board too, to play with different colours in your own way!

spring / summer

Take inspiration from those you follow & incorporate these your own way! You like the chic black and white theme? More of a pretty + pastel gal who likes to make a statement with colour? Want to feature more fashion shots, #flatlays or simple #selfies? Jot it down and start to incorporate.

A cohesive instagram feed feel

Instagram feed with the same colours used throughout really give that cohesive feeling. Start to use the same filter or editing process for each Instagram image. Why not try creating quote tiles for every 4th image, which will create a really cool grid effect, using a favourite colours + begin to create your signature.

Curate your feed and use a scheduling program Consider using a scheduling program like Hootsuite to plan all your social media images and captions in advance, and use all that extra time to brainstorm new ideas to take over the world!

Post regularly and choose up to date/ current/relevant/fresh content Aim to post on instagram at least once or twice a day, and avoid posting any more than 10 a day. Keep an eye on what is fresh and on trend within your area of interest and incorporate accordingly.

Gauge what times work best and post accordingly I always find that my follower engagement is highest on Sunday evenings around 9pm, so gauge what days and times work best for you and begin to schedule your weeks around this. 52

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Like, comment and follow like those accounts similar to yours and also those you admire Build your potential audience by liking images within your chosen area of interest, which if for example, you’re a beauty blogger, are the following; #sephora #chanel #mac #lipstick etc. But, you can also broaden your reach by liking the latest ‘IT thing’ within your area. Consider it like this: I’m a beauty & lifestyle blogger who shares product reviews, interviews with inspirational women and of course, copious amounts of pretty flatlays. But as well as being interested in beauty, I am also really into Garance Dore’s new chick-lit book ‘Love X Life X Style’ right now and before that, the book ‘How to be Parisian’ was big on my radar as is monogrammed leather goods. So I often search #lovelifestyle #howtobeparisian #monpurse #thedailyedited #monogrammed #monogramstyle and the like to find cool new accounts to follow and take inspiration from. This works for anyone, so if you’re not a beauty blogger, simply tweak this technique for your chosen area.

Be genuine No one likes a spammer who comments “Good post” or “Cool!” (right?!), so please ensure all comments posted are kind and sincere and heartfelt because really, who doesn’t like people like that? #nicepeoplerule

Build relationships & make connections If you’re a blogger, join any of the many amazing FB groups out there. You’ll find additional resources & inspiration and gain endless new ideas – I can’t recommend this step enough! Even if you’re not a blogger, check out groups The Social Society, Savvy Business Owners etc for copious amounts of #girlbosses to learn from!

Find joy in Instagram Have fun with your space of the World Wide Web! If it’s not fun and inspiring, it’s not worth it ☺ For additional tips, advice and resources for #girlbosses, come visit my @thesocialblogger and join my community! spring / summer

DO what you lo ve W I TH

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S TY L E

spring / summer

The

anatomy of

posing written & modeled by: Mariel Cornel photographer: Justin Quebral

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Several times, I’ve been asked to teach others how to pose. Now this is especially difficult when I’m asked this via message and every time I’m asked this, I always give the same response: I can’t you. Why?

teach

Because

every

person is different. Every face is unique. Someone’s smolder is not the same as mine. Someone’s proportions aren’t the same as mine. In essence, everyone looks best in different angles and that all depends on their external structure.

spring / summer

THE BASICS OF BODY LANGUAGE

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t slouch; stand up straight. Relax your shoulders and your face. Tilt your These are necessities I believe chin up but not too much. These are every subject should know when tak- key to evoking a confident posture and ing pictures and just to reinforce them, people will gravitate towards that. Try your best not to go into default poses I have them here:

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such as ‘the broken arm’ pose (In which one arm is folded across your chest, holding onto the other’s elbow), or the ‘sorority girl’ pose (hand on hip + overexaggerated head tilt), or the ‘princess’ pose (leg tucked behind the other in a curtsy-like manner). Even small details such as where

your shoulders are turned to or where your toes are pointed can change the tone that you’re transmitting. These poses are the most common because they are comfortable but they also show that you are insecure or unconfident. Really think about how your body conveys messages to others in your pictures!

TAKE SELFIES

I know this may sound narcissistic to the first and last ‘s’ in that word, but you need to know how you look. We all have a general idea of what we look like from other’s perspectives and reflections, but do we really understand it? Take selfies. Take as many as you can, every day, even. Memorize the contours of your face. What angle makes your face look round and what angle can we see your jawline at best? Develop muscle memory for this. Practice makes perfect. I didn’t get comfortable in front of a camera until I understood at what position I needed to tilt my chin and explored from there on. spring / summer 59

LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES

I personally hated watching myself dance growing up and even now, I hate it a little less. You are your worst critic. That’s only because you feel the most vulnerable when you look at yourself. I’ve learned that you have to analyze what you’re doing, learn from your errors and you have to understand what you could be doing differently that would be more effective and more powerful. Look at your pictures. Look at your selfies. Then try looking at other muses. Look at how other bloggers or models pose. I usually study a lot of poses from Tumblr since I follow many high-end blogs. I love couture and I love abstract concepts. I encourage you to practice them too! Practice poses that are difficult and practice poses that you usually wouldn’t be doing, even if it 60

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doesn’t fit your aesthetic. Challenging yourself and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will make posing so much easier. Not only that, but it will add to your repetoire. As a dancer, it’s easier since that’s all I do but I wasn’t able to pick it up as quickly since dance consists of one movement to the next as opposed to isolating movement from a period of time.

DON’T THINK ABOUT IT

Don’t put much thought into your poses. Move as freely as you want to. The more you think about how your photographer thinks you look, or the more you think about your face, or the more you force yourself to pose in an abstract way that is uncomfortable to you, you will get stiff. There is no right or wrong way to posing. Posing should look as natural as it feels to the subject.

Modeling is an outlet. You need to feel good to look good and that energy will convey a positive and strong message. This is where the muscle memory helps most. Ignore all other thoughts and the world around you (especially if you’re shooting outside and people are looking at you) and focus on the intimacy of you and the camera. That in itself is a sacred moment and therefore nothing else should get in the way of that.

ADDITIONAL TOOLS

blogging of standing in front of walls If it helps, try playing music of by turning it into something completely an artist you live through vicari- dimensional. ously or music that makes you feel like you can conquer anything. I personally If it helps, use your clothing as tools play Beyonce when I can. She is fierce, to make your poses more intriguing. fearless and a chameleon in her own Hands in pockets, wearing jackets over right. So when I shoot, I pretend that I’m shoulders, holding onto purses, placing her. When that happens, I am instantly a hand on your hat. Bring the viewer’s washed over by empowerment and my attention to these objects. Surroundings are great for this too. Whether it’s a most abstract poses come from that. chair, the floor or simply putting a hand I think that’s what sets my style apart on a wall can be the best start to poses from other bloggers: I’m conceptual in that are more striking. my pictures; I deconstruct traditional spring / summer

When

comes

down to it, you have yourself at the end of the day.

learn

not to depend on other

objects

as a crutch for your aware

posing. of

each

body part. Fold your arms across your chest, run a hand through your hair, or put a

finger

under

your chin. The

world

your oyster.

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spring / summer

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Shimmer

ideas for infusing shimmer & shine to your style this season

spring / summer

opt for a clean, classic shape with a shimmery knit fabric. messy hair keeps classic shapes youthful & perfect for a casual 66 REVAMPED, vol.2 affair

accessories are great for the faint of heart to add just a hint of shine. look for high gloss finishes or pearl details

spring / summer

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the idea of adding glitter to your beauty routine scare you. This is not what you did in junior high. TRY THIS: use a fine glitter in the corner of your eye to catch the light & add a glimmer to your stare or just opt for a seriously high gloss lip in an unexpected 68 REVAMPED, vol.2 color

spring / summer

sequins are perfect even for casual evenings. try pairing a spangled number with converse tenis REVAMPED, or70 a ripped top vol.2

if you are feeling bold, try using a glitter mascara to tame your brows. wanna take it to the next level? use a colored pencil liner to fill them in first. a t-shirt doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be basic... find one with confetti sparkles and foiled details

spring / summer

look for lame fabrics with accordion folds or pleats vol.2 to72 reallyREVAMPED, show off the texture & catch a few eyes

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when choosing accessories, look for unique shapes. the shape & bits will catch the light in an unexpected way glitter roots are life... seriously. use craft glitter for a bold look & fine beauty sparkles for a daytime shimmer.

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not ready for full on sparkles? try a garment with a metallic ebroidery

spring / summer

jewelry isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t limited to rings & necklaces, try a hairpin vintage hair pins or hat pins can look stunning and add a bit or whim to your spring wardrobe. donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to DIY one (see the tutorial for this pin on RevampAmor. 76 REVAMPED, vol.2 com

shine

B R I G H T L Y

spring / summer

have been bicultural, and bilingual for quite awhile. With the years I have developed interest in the why’s and how’s, I am naturally a Spanish speaker transitioning into an english speaking country. I noticed for the longest time that when I spoke in English the tone of my voice changed, I want to say a little bit, but it wouldn’t be true. Originally my “Spanish voice” is high pitch and it goes with a completely different

this flexible brain that not only is able to communicate in totally different languages, it also gives a more well-rounded perspective of the world.

These are the facts. Half of the world is bilingual (multi-linguistics not included) Being fluent in another language gives an advantage in future linguistic development. When switching languages, a bicultural/ bilingual individual will change behavior, it’s like a subconscious, cultural accommodation that is triggered. That change leads to a change in cultural identity as well. One by: Mariela Pita does not switch from one personality to anbehavioral pattern than my “english other when speaking, but rather voice”, while my english is deeper, switches attitudes towards the conquieter, calmer and slower. Also as text of the situation... aaaah what a a hispanic, gesturing while speak- relief to know I’m not crazy after all! ing is typical. Dreaming in both languages is a classic. Like living in After understanding this topic bettwo worlds. Always the same ques- ter, I feel proud of my linguistic abiltion: In what language did you…… that?! ity. It is the most exciting feeling to This all sounds pretty crazy. Am I be able to communicate with differbecoming a person with a double ent kinds of people, possibly from personality disorder of some sort? different cultures. So now you know: Investigating about it seemed like If you want to make your brain hapthe best way of knowing… py, start learning a language, and branch out into possibilities of meetI discovered that I am gifted with ing new and interesting people.

Being

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Learn a new language get a new soul

-Czech proverb

spring / summer

star by: Leah Lavelle

he City of Roses has a friendly old artistic soul that whaps the back of your knees and grins with a spunky new energy. It’s a quilt of warm, well-loved neighborhoods, heavy with verdant greens and criss-crossed by familiar sun-bathed streets. A typical visit to PDX can involve thousands of steps, a constellation of coffee bars, friendly bus drivers, all things hand-

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made and hand-churned– and a discussion about moving to Portland. If you have never been, you may have seen the series “Portlandia” and gotten one idea; actually, lots of it seems to be true. Locals and visitors I’ve met have chuckled, acknowledging the quirky truths about the city that the show pinpoints. But under all of it, Portland lays on the charm. It

seems to be a city for artisans and shop owners, for crafting things to be exquisite and for enjoying those things keenly. For a slightly slower, quieter life. For now, at least. And for now, if you get there you must see certain Portland sites. Here are a few places that come consistently recommended, and a few that you may not yet know.

photography by: Leah Lavelle & Keith Morkis

red in Next time you’re in this beautiful city, you might check out these sweet spots:

Coffee S a i nt S i mon – a coffee bar the size of a postage-stamp, on Broadway. Owned by (literally) a band of brothers: a group of brothers and a cousin who brew a mean pourover by day and croon in the band

Redcast by night. On my first visit, they served us a flight of three very strong, very poignant cold brewed coffees in bottles with ice frozen on the bottom, perfect for enjoying the coffee up-top without the hastle of cubes. The brothers combine Stumptown roots with their own flavor: down to the minimalist menu and signage, this place has mastered the details.

St u mpto w n a t th e Ac e – a smaller branch of the well-known Portland coffee roaster, located next to the Ace Hotel lobby. Why come to this location? Because you can grab a cup and sit at the couch around the huge table in the lobby. Maybe make a new friend or maybe read a book. 1026 SW Stark St, 97205

2005 NE Broadway, 97232

spring / summer

G ood C o f f e e – an exquisite cup in a beautifully curated environment. Neutral hues, lots of plants plenty of textures. It’s like being in a caffeine spa. Lots visit this place, and for “doog reason”: come for the astounding latte art, stay for the well-served brew. 1150 SE 12TH Ave

Food

Blue St a r Don u t s – this Portland micro-chain usually has a far shorter line than Voodoo Doughnut, but only because it’s less of a tourist mecca. These treats are made with natural, fine, rich ingredients and sport a slightly higher price tag. Worth it. They have exotic flavors but I got, and devoured, the blueberry glazed cake donut. 3549 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 97214

L u c e – homemade pastas sauced with olive oil, or zippy pesto, or sweet marinara. Dishes enriched with bits of fresh mozzarella, dark balsamic vinegar. Juicy polpette (meatballs!). If we lived nearby, I would go regularly even just for snacks of their bread, butter and house wine. 2140 E Burnside Street, 97214

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Shopping C a rgo – the import market from your dreams. This huge market sits on the East side of the river, in the warehouse area. Find here: swords, rice paper, letterpress drawers, lanterns, dolls, jewelry, furniture, fake birds, paper goods.

Plus! Carpets, dishes and those trendy brass-handled seamstress scissors. (Tip: Followers of de-cluttering titaness Marie Kondo beware!) 81S Yamhill, 97214

Un i on W a y – an indoor alleyway of quaint shops, both chain and local: Marine Layer leather, Danner boots, Boxer Ramen, Steven Alan. Bonus! The through-way connects the famous Powell’s bookstore to the Ace Hotel (and Stumptown at the Ace! See above). 1022 W Burnside St

For a View Ride th e A e r i a l T r a m – this windowed air coach glides along a wire to convey people be-

tween the upper and lower wings of a hospital on a hill on Portland’s West Side. Roundtrip fare is just $4.50 per person and gets you quite a view. Plan to spend some time at the multitiered deck at the top to gaze at the city of Portland and its winding river. On a clear day, you can also see both Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens on the horizon.

or a street sammie and sit on the stairs or one of the many benches, and watch the tiered square below. There might be free music, a farmer’s market or yoga classes. Lots of people to watch, and lots of food carts for sustenance. 701 SW Sixth Ave, 97205

P ortl a nd Int e rn a t i on a l R o s e T e s t 0698 SW Gibbs St, 97239 G a rd e n – there are two spots with similar names in W a l k a br i dg e – We the city, so make sure to dug the view of the Fre- choose the open, bloommont Bridge from the ing garden on the hill. Broadway Bridge around Spend some time wandersundown. ing, spend some time on a wooden bench. And if the to Do weather’s right, you must get a rose-flavored snow P i on e e r C o u rt - cone from the tiny conho u s e S q u a r e – cession stand. (Really, try nicknamed ‘Portland’s liv- it. Trust me.) ing room.” Take a coffee 850 SW Rose Garden Way, 97205

L oo k out f or th e P D X C a rp e t – Luckily, if you’re flying into our out of Portland you can’t miss it. Find the famous #pdxcarpet right under your feet at the Portland Airport. Also look for coffee mugs and tee shirts with its likeness...The carpet is a legit thing. R i d e a ny c i ty b u s – this really must be experienced. Portland’s bus drivers and local passengers are memorably friendly, kind and patient. We heard their bus system is among the best in the country, and that’s palpable.

spring / summer

believe

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REVAMPED, vol.2

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