ISSUE 20 Aug 2014
Fashion
See Pageant Winner Agnes Liong Sunset Meadow Editorial
Culture etc.
Meet Photographer Majid A Recipe by the Chewish Kitchen & much more
Go To Class In Style
Elevate
SIMPLY
Publisher Derek Palmer Editor -in- Chief Candace Smith Palmer Photographers Daniel Valverde Derek Palmer Graphic Designer Derek Palmer Board of Directors Keith Foster Tony Graham Danielle Walker Advertising & Subscriptions for inquiries for Advertising contact
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Before The Bell Rings
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Celebrating Our Sponsors
By Maketta Wright
advertise@simplyelevate.com phone: 336.870.4149 Order single magazines or subscriptions at www.simplyelevate.com/store
WHO ARE WE? We’re here to simply elevate artistic & positive people. ON THE COVER:
Photography by: Daniel Valverde Stylist: Andrea Horne Model: & MUA: Ciara Heckaman
125 Carden Place, Suite C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: (336) 870 4149 Email: info@simplyelevate.com
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Publishers
note
This issue is sure to have something you will enjoy! We will share with you talented individuals and groups in the Arts, Fashion and Culture world. Please email me and let us know how we’re doing! derek.palmer@simplyelevate.com
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21 fashion & style
culture etc. 16
Photographer’s Spotlight: Majid
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Sunset Meadow
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Fashionable Protection For Your Electronics
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Men’s Fashion Trends Classically Cool
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Agnes Liong: Truly Beautiful Inside and Out
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By S.K. Ward
By Andrea Horne
Editorial by Daniel Valverde
By Andrea Horne
By S.K. Ward
A Great Recipe
By The Chewish Kitchen
Go To Class In Style 13
Men’s Fashion Trends Classically Cool By Andrea Horne
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Fashionable Protection For Your Electronics By S.K. Ward
II Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Derek Palmer, Publisher of Simply Elevate Magazine Aug 1, 2014
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“Before The Bell Rings” I pledge allegiance to the public schools, in what’s considered the urban areas. To respect the underpaid teachers, during the several hours they keep us; in their attempt to educate and correct the mistakes we make. I’ll solemnly commit to sit, listen and learn, because a diploma or scholarship is what I’m here to earn; not to form a clique, bully anyone or to think attending school is just for fun. So, before the bell rings my mind will be made; to never be late, my teacher appreciate, a lot of work I’ll anticipate and my grades will be great! “Ring, Ring, Ring,” class is in session. Maketta L Wright 7/9/13
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Celebrating
Our Sponsors
PBS (Proficient Business Solutions) and PBSN (Proficient Business Solutions Network) are two separate entities however they are both one in the same, just divisions of each other. CL3 Agency is a strategic market and event Together they work towards a common goal. planning company in CT that specializes PBS (Proficient Business Solutions) is a in branding, presentation, web integration, business aimed at helping businesses grow public relations and signature events. and develop. PBS operates on a number of We service individuals, businesses, organizations, event planners and hotels with meeting space with unique and creative strategies that build networks, generate sales and enhance growth. We offer customized promo packages, advertising specialties and personalized coaching sessions. CL3 prides itself on it’s collaborations with other businesses and organizations and Simply Elevate is one of them. We have enjoyed this growing working relationship so much so that it has lead to CL3 becoming Simply Elevate’s sponsor. We support the initiatives of the magazine, their focus on community and their hands-on approach to supporting our clients, affiliates and company. CL3 is excited and grateful to utilize this space on Simply Elevate’s platform to promote, empower, educate, encourage, inspire and support. Stay tuned for our programs, projects and events as well as how you too can get on board. For more information on our services and special offers for Simply Elevate’s subscribers call 203-565-6170 or email cl3agency@gmail. com. In the meantime, visit www.cl3agency.com
Your Safety Is Our Business
Fosnet Self-Defense & Surveillance Systems
scales to handle any project a business may need. PBS is very design oriented, and design Some of the products we offer are: is the basis for any kind of task whether it is creating a new brand identity or, developing a new business model for a company to adopt. pepper sprays, stun guns, self-defense seminars, personal alarms, motion PBS handles the responsibility of analyzing and satisfying the needs of any business, with detectors, security cameras, etc. a unique and innovative approach for each business. PBS understands the identity and needs of each business is different and each approach is customized and well thought out to make sure those needs will be solved. PBS will also network and collaborate with companies to develop solutions for a client and offer more opportunities for businesses to get involved.
301 S. Elm St. Greensboro, NC 27401
PBSN (Proficient Business Solutions Network) is a North Carolina based Network and Marketing Firm. PBSN’s mission is to give exposure to all of the following - Business, Organizations, Attractions, Events, Art and Music and more. PBSN is also heavily in support of community efforts that will help establish and maintain a strong working network for the future growth and prosperity of the statewide community. If you have ever had ambitions to infuse your own hobbies, or creative passion into your work, if you ever wanted to express your ideas in multiple facets, and profit from it, If you are a writer, blogger, photographer, artist, videographer, musician, or anyone with a desire to see your own personal work reflected in real life projects, then this is a network you want to be a part of!
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fashion&style
Photographer: Daniel Valverde Stylist: Andrea Horne Model & MUA:Ciara Heckaman
Agnes Liong
Model Spotlight
Truly Beautiful Inside and Out
Story By: Andrea Horne
Photo by: Albert Apicella
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Agnes Liong is not your typical 23 year old beauty queen. As a child she would have never imagined that she would become the reigning Miss Germany International and past winner of Miss San Francisco Beauties of the Nation. Agnes is originally from Indonesia but, due to a political war in the country, she moved to Germany as a child. Upon graduation, she then relocated to America to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Finance & Marketing at California State University. Agnes is fluent in three languages: English, German, and Indonesian. When she is not modeling or competing in pageants, she works as a financial planner. When Agnes attended school in Germany, she was bullied for being the only Asian and for having such a petite frame. She found the courage and inner strength to start modeling and entering beauty pageants in the USA about five years ago. She not only wanted to prove everyone wrong but she believed that “just because other people are different, that doesn’t mean that you can treat them with no respect. Every individual is unique, and every individual matters.” Her platform for pageants is an anti-bullying campaign called ‘Stand Up 2 Bullying’. She is part of the Utterly Global Youth Empowerment program, which is a nonprofit group that educates children and adults with bullying prevention programs. Agnes visits local schools and educates them on the harsh statistics and provides anti-bullying tools and techniques. You can support her and donate to her cause at: http://www.gofundme.com/StandUp2Bullying Agnes is also a successful model. She began modeling about five years ago, but standing at only 5 foot 3 inches, she has faced challenges being petite. However, with hard work and determination she has been published as a model in Zele Magazine, Giuseppina Magazine, Petite Magnifique Magazine, and several others despite her height. She would love to be a future Miss Universe and open her own modeling agency that would represent various talents across the globe. Agnes is a real role model and inspires young girls to consider themselves beautiful regardless of their height or size. She thinks the fashion industry has “the responsibility to depict inclusivity as well as celebrate each other’s unique differences and flaws. How boring and monotone would the world be if everyone was perfect?” To learn more about Agnes, you can visit her at the links below: Website: http://agnesliong.com/ Email: empressagnes20@gmail.com Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/nesnez20
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/empress_agnes
Instagram:
http://instagram.com/agnes_nesnez
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/agnes-liong
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Photos by: Albert Apicella
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Sunset Meadow
PHOTOGRAPHER: Daniel Valverde Stylist: Andrea Horne Model & MUA: Ciara Heckaman
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PHOTOGRAPHER: Daniel Valverde, Green Valley Photography Stylist: Andrea Horne Model & MUA: Ciara Heckaman
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Back To School: Men’s Fashion trends classically Cool By: Andrea Horne Photography: Raymond Cauilan Models Teejay Marquez, Lharby Policarpio Hair/MUAs Lhee Murias, Jason Delos Reyes Stylists Alfy Almonte, Lhee Murias
August is the biggest month for back to school shopping with the average high school student spending just over $600 and college students spending $800. The biggest portion of their budget is dedicated to clothing, shoes, and accessories before electronics and other supplies. Need some ideas on how to spend that money? Here are 3 easy men’s fashion trends you can incorporate into your existing wardrobe this fall. • Make a statement without saying a word: It’s never been easier to express yourself than with a slogan statement sweater. This was a big spring trend for women
and designers have extended it into their menswear. It is a popular street style look that displays cool logos and objects that is usually a light hearted play on words. You are able to share your thoughts and be fashionable at the same time. Wear this on the weekends and pair it with jeans. Speaking of jeans, they are a staple in any student’s wardrobe. The average guy owns five pairs but keeps two pairs on constant rotation. Look for a dark wash or black denim but be careful that the color does not bleed. To ensure this, right after you purchase them, wash them in cold water and add a cup of vinegar to the rinse.
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• Stay neutral. For those that find wearing color a bit daunting, stick to neutrals like grey, tan, and brown. They are fail proof and can be used to tone down a patterned shirt that you love but just can’t seem to figure out what to wear it with. You can combine different neutrals to make a complete outfit like the one shown with the grey jacket, brown pants, and copper watch. Or try a monotone chromatic look by wearing 3 different shades of the same color; a taupe collared shirt, tan pants, and chocolate brown shoes. Furthermore, neutral colors are widely available in natural materials like organic cotton, alpaca wool, and bamboo. The fabrics are comfortable to wear and you are doing your part to help the environment.
• Keep it formal. Whether you are attending the homecoming dance, the fraternity’s social, or your sports team’s awards banquet a tuxedo may be necessary. Consider your school calendar for the year to see how many occasions you would need one. If it is more than three times, it may be a better investment to purchase one. If you do buy one, spend the extra money before you pick it up and get it tailored. Look for a two-button style with a notched lapel and pockets without flaps. If you want to make a statement, pair it with some new brightly colored kicks as shown in the photo. Sneakers can be the added touch of individuality in a sea of black suits. Choosing the right tuxedo can make you look like you belong on a red carpet and it is sure to impress your date.
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Culture etc.
Photo courtesy of Hubspot.com
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Photography PHOTOGRAPHER’s Spotlight:
Majid
Interview By: S.K. Ward Photos By: Majid Muhassan
Majid Muhassan, 38, is a North Carolina photographer and the owner of Unbounded Images who specializes in portraits and fashion photography. His photos are inspiring, dramatic, and thought provoking. Here are some highlights from his interview. Can you describe your style of photography? My style really depends on the genre and objective. I like real emotion; whether it’s lifestyle, commercial, or personal work. I like to create things that people will look at for more than a moment, maybe reflect a little on the story of the image. Maybe evoke an emotion within them, strong enough to spark conversation with their inner and maybe even outer circles. What equipment do you shoot with and what is the most important equipment you use besides your camera? The Canon 5d classic (the first Canon 5d). A makeup artist is my next most important tool. Not the lights, not the light modifiers, not my Sekonic light meter, but my makeup artist. One reason is because if the makeup is done correctly, I spend less time in post correcting nuances of the skin. I typically have my makeup artist do the makeup specific to the light pattern that’s used. So it could be one light, two lights, the sun, a reflector etc, for me, the makeup is more important because it really helps enhance the drama of the shot. I use Camera RAW to process the RAW file and enhance them in Photoshop CS5. Minor tweaks were also done in Aperture.
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What’s more important, getting the photo right during the shoot or the post production editing and retouching? Hands down, getting it as right as possible in camera, or BEFORE the shoot. I like to know what the light is going to do, how it’s going to illuminate and fall off before the person steps in front of the camera. That way during the shoot, I can make subtle minor tweaks as needed. Even if I go a different way on a whim, still getting it right in camera is far more important. Even if I’m shooting to edit, I still have to get what I need in camera so that I can execute the concept in post. Sometimes I feel that people rely too heavily on Photoshop, when in reality, if they get it right in camera, it lessens the time needed in post. Tell us about these two photos featured here. The model Malayka Viney is a student of mine that I coach for modeling. Each week, we would work on various types of modeling, from commercial/lifestyle, to fitness, to editorial, and all that’s in between. She finally reached the point where it was time to go in the studio with the lights, wardrobe and makeup, and put it to practice in a real time scenario. I partnered with celebrity fashion designer Tamara Shannell, who’s made custom outfits for people like Alicia Keys, to Fantasia - who she still makes outfits for now. I also teamed up with Gregory Lawrence to do the makeup. He is a fantastic makeup artist and I swear by his work. Besides being the Beauty Director for the Charlotte Fashion Guild’s Style Week and the lead MUA for Africa Fashion Week New York, he also does the make up for local TV personality Jennifer Michelle. The concept for the shoot was to do something high fashion that could be used in larger markets like New York or even overseas. Much research and prep went into the look, clothing, makeup, lighting, and even the direction I was going to take in post to create the final image. In just under an hour we knocked out 3 looks, and I couldn’t be more proud and happy for the work the team put in. What is your secret to getting clients comfortable and at ease during a shoot? Laughter, conversation, and being genuine to who you are is all that it takes. There’s no one set answer because everyone is different. In most cases I partner with the people well before the shot. I get to learn about them, what they like, and what motivates them to get a general feel to their unique personality. I like for people to bring the music they like, and keep the atmosphere as upbeat as possible. If music is not an option, the art of conversation does wonders. Once the person opens up a bit, and gets warmed up, that’s usually when the best shots come. If you could do a photo shoot any place in the world, where would it be and why? It would be some place third world, very destitute, and remote. Immersing yourself in an area that’s still retained its culture, not tainted by the ocean of information on the internet, life is simple as it’s been for the past 100 or more years. It’s authentic, it’s not scripted. The background is real, the people if in the shot are real, and often the most beauty can be found in places where people have the least. Below are links to view more of Majid’s work and how to contact him: Website: www.UnboundedImages.com Facebook: www.Facebook.com/UnboundedImages Instagram: majidmuhassan Email: info@unboundedimages.com
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Photos By: Majid Muhassan Model: Malayka Viney
Laughter, conversation, and being genuine to who you are is all that it takes.
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Back To School: Fashionable Protection for your electronics By: S.K. Ward Photos by: Joanna Phinney
Laptops, iPads, and E-readers; if you are student, chances are that you own at least one of these electronic devices. According to Bradford Networks, 85% of educational institutions allow students to use an electronic device in the classroom or on their school network. These electronic devices are essential tools that aid in learning today. With the rise in popularity of homeschooling and online universities, electronics are required in order to be successful. However, these tools are expensive and therefore require care and attention. In addition to regular cleaning, these electronics need a protective cover. When shopping for bags, cases, and covers we often look for ones that are both functional and fashionable.
Baseball Kindle Cover
Pink Skulls iPad Cover
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Rain Girl Designs is an online retailer of cases and bags for electronics. The owner, Joanna Phinney, hand crafts and sews each item in her home studio in Washington State. She works with a range of styles and colors which appeal to all age groups. The fabrics Joanna uses are cotton, wool, and leather. Each piece is lined with a cotton blend batting that protects without adding excess weight or bulkiness. Joanna is known for her quality and craftsmanship as she is five star seller on Etsy.com with nearly 2,000 items sold. Shown in this article are the baseball cover for kindles, the pink skull iPad cover, and the sushi laptop bag.
Photo by: Joanna Phinney
The Sushi Laptop Bag
These items are available at her Etsy shop: http://raingirldesigns.etsy.com Visit her website: Â www.raingirldesigns.com Twitter: Â https://twitter.com/RainGirlDesigns
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Food A Great Recipe by
The Chewish Kitchen EGGS BENEDICT BAO Recipe by: Robyn Huang of www.theChewishKitchen.com. She is Chinese, her husband is Jewish, hence the ‘Chewish’ kitchen. Robyn loves to cook using ingredients from around the world. For this dish, she substitutes an English muffin for a bao, which is a Chinese steamed bun. Make the Steamed Bao – Adapted From Momofuku for Two Ingredients: - 1 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast - 3/4 cup lukewarm water - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 3 cups flour (I used a small bag of flour I bought from the Chinese supermarket – it had a picture of cha siu bao on it…) Directions: 1. Put the yeast in a small bowl, add the water and set aside for 1 minute. Whisk in the oil to blend and dissolve the yeast. Set aside. 2. Make the dough by hand: Combine the sugar, baking powder and flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Slowly stir with a wooden spoon, moving from the center toward the rim, to work in all the flour. Keep stirring as a ragged, soft mass forms. Then use your fingers to gather and pat the dough together into a ball. Transfer to a work surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth, fingertip-soft and slightly elastic. (You shouldn’t need any additional flour on the work surface if the dough was properly made. Keep kneading, and after the first minute or two, the dough shouldn’t stick to your fingers. If it does, work in a sprinkling of flour.) Press your finger into the dough; the dough should spring back, with a faint indentation remaining. 3. Lightly oil a clean bowl and add the dough. Cover with plastic wrap and put in a warm, draft-free place to rise until triple – I left it overnight. 4. When ready to use, punch the dough down. Divide and roll into 6 pieces (could have used 8-10 pieces for smaller baos). 5. Roll into small circulars, and pat down with your hand. 6. Place onto individual sheets of parchment paper so it does not stick to your bamboo steamers.
7. Steam in bamboo steamers for approximately 10 minutes. It should be white, puffy and fluffy looking when ready.
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Make the Poached Eggs Ingredients: - 6 eggs - 3 tablespoons vinegar Directions: 1. Bring 12 cups of water to a boil and add the vinegar. Break the eggs into 6 separate coffee cups. 2. Swirl the vinegar and water really quickly to form a vortex and slide in an egg (do not keep on stirring or the spoon will break egg). The vortex will curl the egg around to a neat round shape. Cook for 2-3 minutes and then remove with a slotted spoon. 3. Repeat with the other eggs, one at a time, re-swirling the water as you slide in the eggs. Make the Sriracha Hollandaise Sauce – Adapted from Alton Brown Ingredients: - 3 large egg yolks - 1 tablespoon water - Dash of salt - 2 teaspoons Sriracha - 6 tablespoons of lemon juice - ¼ teaspoon sugar - 12 tablespoon size pieces of cold butter Directions: 1. Whisk together the egg yolks, water, salt and Sriracha in a sauce pan for 1 minute. 2. Put the pan over low heat and whisk vigorously, moving the pan on and off the heat every 10 to 15 seconds, bringing the mixture to 140 degrees F, on an instant-read thermometer, approximately 3 minutes. Add 1 piece of butter at a time, every 30 seconds, while continually whisking and moving the saucier on and off the heat. Maintain temperature around 120 to 130 degrees F throughout the remainder of the cooking process. Once half of the butter, or 6 pieces, have been added, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Add the remaining 6 pieces of butter, 1 at a time, every 30 seconds, while continuing to move the saucier on and off the heat and maintaining 120 to 130 degrees F. After the last piece of butter has been added, add the remaining tablespoons of lemon juice, and the sugar and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes. 3. Taste and add more lemon juice, as desired. Reheat over low heat for 45 seconds prior to assembly. Braised Bacon with Ginger, Mirin & Hoisin – Adapted from Grace Parisi Ingredients: - ½ pound double-smoked bacon strips, cut in half (about 4 inch strips)
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- 16 very thinly sliced coins of fresh ginger - 1 cup chicken broth - ¼ cup mirin - ¼ cup rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 2 tablespoons hoisin - 1 tablespoon soy sauce Directions: 1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon and ginger over moderately high heat, turning the bacon once, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. 2. Spoon off all of the fat in the skillet. 3. Add the chicken broth, mirin, vinegar, sugar and soy sauce to the skillet and simmer over very low heat, turning the bacon occasionally, until it is tender and the liquid is reduced to a syrupy glaze, about 10 minutes. 4. Cover and keep warm. Parsnip Latkes with Horseradish Cream – Adapted from Smitten Kitchen Ingredients: - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 4 medium-sized parsnips - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 2 large eggs, lightly beaten - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill - 2 teaspoons table salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Olive oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons sour cream - 1 tablespoons horseradish
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Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line one baking sheets with parchment and it in the oven until needed. 2. Peel the parsnip skins away. Continue peeling long strips for the actual pancake. You can alternatively use a cheese grater or a food processor. I just got in the groove of using my peeler. Some of the strips were really long, so I cut down length-wise and in half to make them smaller and thinner. 3. Wring any liquid out of the peeled strips using a dishtowel or paper towel. 4. Toss the strips with the dill, 1 teaspoon of salt and lemon juice. 5. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and pepper. Toss with vegetables, evenly coating the strands. In the same tiny dish, whisk your egg(s) and then stir this into the vegetable-flour mixture, evenly coating the strands. 6. Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Once skillet is hot, add 3 tablespoons oil. 7. Use your hands to gather spoonful-sized mounds of battered vegetables and drop them onto the heated skillet. When golden underneath, 1-2 minutes later, flip the pancakes. Watch them really carefully as they may burn. Cook on the other side until nicely bronzed underneath, another 1-2 minutes, and transfer to paper towels briefly to drain pancakes, before transferring them again to the tray in the warm oven. If latkes cook too quickly or slowly on the stove, adjust the heat accordingly. 8. Mix the sour cream and horseradish. Serve a dollop on top of each of the pancakes.
Photo By: Robyn Held, www.thechewishkitchen.com
Eggs Benedict
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Dream
Achieve
Discover
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