34-35 & 72 Oceanna Orlandi 36-37 Kids Charities 42 Healthy Eating habits 43 Fitness Moms 44-47 Genevieve Fulford 48-49 Abigail Gudas 50 Best Seasonal Toys 51 Pageantry Life with Allegra Graziano 52 Pets For Kids 53 Taekwondo by Arianna Pafume 54-55 Olivia McGrath 56-59 Alexis Theberge 60 Clyde's Cider Mill 61 Bronx Zoo
2-5 Jordyn Hartman
62-63 Maximilian Dunaj
8-9 Devyn Vaz
64 Child Fame: Then & Now
10-13 Eli Goss
65 Taylor Swift’s Story by Megan Willgoos
14-15 Kids Fall/Winter Activities 16- 19 Ashlyn Dunn
66-69 Madison Coyne
21 Rachel Smith
71 Behind The Scenes: Where the magic happens!
22-23 Tony Saliba Boutros 24-25 Broc Baker ( StyleUp Chic Kids Cover Model) 26 -27 Kids Trends 28-31 Alyssa Tarentino 32-33 Destiny Moreno
73 Spring/Summer 2019 Preview Back Cover: Mairin Maxwell
By The Beauty Within
www.styleupchickids.com PAMELA S MASUCCI Editor in Chief Kimberly Branch Managing Coordinator
Nolan Christopher Wills Graphic Designer
Contributing Writers Pamela Masucci Kimberly Branch Allegra Graziano Arianna Pafume Morgan Garcia Megan Willoos
Editorial Photographer TBW Photography Featured Boutiques Old Navy| Gap Forever 21 |Children's Place Gucci | L.L. Bean American Eagle Abercrombie Hollister Goodfellow & CO Chaps | Express Ralph Lauren Aeropostale No Boundaries Faded Glory Kohls
FALL & WINTER FAMILY ACTIVITIES
ALLEGRA FARM SLEIGH RIDES COLCHESTER, CT ALLEGRAFARM.COM EDAVILLE FAMILY THEME PARK CARVER, MA EDAVILLE.COM
GREAT WOLF LODGE FITCHBURG, MA GREATWOLF.COM CHARMINGFARE FARM SLEIGH RIDES CANDIA, NH VISITTHEFARM.COM
THE DINOSAUR PLACE AT NATURE’S ART VILLAGE OAKDALE, CT NATURESVILLIAGE.COM
RI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & ART PROVIDENCE RI, RIMOSA.ORG
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE BOSTON, MA MOS.ORG
YAWGOO VALLEY SKI AREA EXETER, RI YAWGOO.COM
LAUNCH TRAMPOLINE PARK WARWICK, RI LAUNCHRI.COM
NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM BOSTON, MA NEAQ.ORG
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER SOMERVILLE, MA LEGOLANDDISCOVERYCENTER.COM
FALL & WINTER
TRENDS
With fall approaching, we know all you mothers are extremely excited to upgrade your child’s closet to something
Monnallisa-Plimbo
warmenr and darker colors.
GAP
The last few years fashion has been a great social media influence, which has led to a rise in the number of littlefashionistas taking over social media platform like instragram. As a results kid’s fashion has today become fastmoving and cutting edge in many ways.
Naturion
Little Creative Factory
Alberta Ferretti
L.L Bean
Old Navy
Da Pitti Bimbo Pac Sun
Blue Severn Kids
CHILDRENS
CHARITIES Did you know that of the almost one million charities registered in the U.S., many support children in one way or another? If you want to use your charitable dollars to help children, here is a list of 11 children’s charities to help with that decision. 1. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Center AVID is an educational program that helps C and D students improve their chances of getting into college. Students, most of whom are underprivileged, can begin the program as early as the fourth grade. They work with specially trained teachers and tutors to learn organizational and study skills and develop critical thinking abilities. Ninety-five percent of AVID graduates go to college, and 85% remain enrolled in college after two years. AVID is active in 1,500 schools in 21 states and 15 countries. For more information, visit www.avidonline.org. 2. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBSSA) is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. They serve over 220,000 six- to 18-year-old kids, with a goal of reaching one million by 2010. For more information about BBSSA, go to www.bbbsa.org. 3. Boys & Girls Clubs of America Boys & Girls Clubs of America began in 1860 when several women in Hartford, Conn. decided to develop a positive alternative for boys who were roaming the streets. Originally called the Boys Club, girls were added to the program in 1990, and girls now make up 45% of the membership. Now, Boys and Girls Clubs of America has around 4,300 clubs in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and on U.S. military bases around the world. 4.8 million boys and girls are served by the more than 50,000 trained professional staff members and volunteers who work for the organization. For more information about Boys and Girls Clubs of America, go to www.bgca.org. 4. Canines for Disabled Kids Canines for Disabled Kids (CDK) is a relatively new charity, having begun only in 1998. This organization provides assistance dogs to children under age 12 who are autistic or have hearing or physical disabilities. Since its inception, CDK has placed sponsored over 90 assistance dogs. In addition to helping with the daily tasks of life, these assistance dogs provide companionship to the children and help them develop confidence and responsibility. For more information about CDK, go to www.caninesforkids.org. 5. Children’s Defense Fund The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) has a mission to ensure that every child has a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. Specific programs they focus on include children’s health insurance, summer and after-school enrichment programs, scholarships, and leadership development. See www.childrensdefense.org for more information about the Children’s Defense Fund.
5. Children’s Defense Fund The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) has a mission to ensure that every child has a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. Specific programs they focus on include children’s health insurance, summer and after-school enrichment programs, scholarships, and leadership development. See www.childrensdefense.org for more information about the Children’s Defense Fund. 6. Locks of Love Locks of Love uses real, donated hair to make high-quality hairpieces for children who have suffered hair loss due to medical conditions. Their mission is to return a sense of self-confidence and normalcy to these children. The hairpieces are provided free of charge or on a sliding scale, depending on the financial need of the recipient. More than 2,000 children in all 50 states and Canada have been helped by Locks of Love. For more information about Locks of Love, go to www.locksoflove.org. 7. Make-a-Wish Foundation The Make-a-Wish Foundation is the world’s largest wish-granting organization. In 2007, they granted wishes to 13,006 children suffering from life-threatening medical conditions. Since its beginning in 1980, this organization has granted more than 165,000 wishes. From an afternoon spent as a police officer or fire fighter to a visit to Disney World, the 25,000 volunteers who are part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation give ill children their greatest wishes. To learn how you can donate to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, visit www.wish.org. 8. March of Dimes March of Dimes is an organization dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded in 1938 as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, the original mission of the March of Dimes was to find a vaccine for polio and to care for polio victims. Since that initial success, it has also been instrumental in developing newborn screening tests, identifying healthy habits for pregnant women, pioneering fetal surgical techniques, and working to reduce premature births. For more information about the March of Dimes, visit www.marchofdimes.com. 9. North American Council on Adoptable Children The North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) helps find permanent, loving homes for children once considered unadoptable or hard to place. They may be school-aged children, many of whom have physical, mental, or emotional difficulties. They also help adults through the pre-adoption process and provide support to adoptive families. For more information about NACAC, go to www.nacac.org. 10. Save the Children The original Save the Children Fund began in England in 1919 and provided aid to children in Vienna affected by World War I. It was reborn in the United States in 1932 as an organization designed to help the people of Appalachia who were struggling through the Great Depression. Since then, Save the Children has grown to a worldwide organization serving 37 million children in more than 50 countries. Programs include food aid, education, health care, and economic-development programs. For more information, go to www.savethechildren.org. 11. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital St. Jude is a hospital located in Memphis, Tennessee that treats children with serious illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, and sickle cell anemia. In addition to the hospital, St. Jude also includes a research facility dedicated to raising the survival rate for many diseases. Because of research done at St. Jude, the survival rate for some pediatric cancers has increased from 20 to 70 percent. The primary funding arm for St. Jude is the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities. For more information about St. Jude, visit www.stjude.org.
THE MOST COMFORTABLE
BEAN BAG CHAIRS
Bean Bag Chairs designed for life. These incredibly soft seats make a wonderful addition to a child’s room. They are a fun and inexpensive type of furniture that many of us probably remember from when we were kids. No matter what ages anyone can enjoy a nice bean bag chair!
BACKPACK
STYLE
Be the coolest kid around with this selection of stylish school backpacks. You will be organized and ready for lessons both in the classroom and adventures in the great outdoors with friends!
isn't as confusing or as restrictive as many people imagine. The essential steps are to eat mostly foods derived from plants— vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes (beans, peas, lentils)— and limit highly processed foods. Guide your family's choices rather than dictate foods. ... Encourage your children to eat slowly. ... Eat meals together as a family as often as possible. ... Involve your children in food shopping and preparing meals. ... Make healthy snacks available. Keep plenty of fruit, vegetables, and healthy beverages (water, milk, pure fruit juice) on hand so kids avoid unhealthy snacks like soda, chips, and cookies. Limit portion sizes. Don't insist your child cleans the plate, and never use food as a reward or bribe. Plan to eat at home, and make family meals routine. Your children will remember these wonderful memories when they are all grown up! Children are allowed to have a once a week cheat meal to satisfy their taste buds, not to fill their belly at some all-you-can-eat buffet! Exercise and outdoor activities are very important. The heart is the most important muscle that gets exercised during physical activity. Regular exercise helps to reduce risk factors of cardiovascular disease such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Improves balance, flexibility, coordination and strength. Department of Health and Human Services say that children and adolescents age 4 and older need at least an hour a day of physical activity. Most of the hour should be either moderate or vigorous aerobic activity. Have a safe and active Fall/Winter 2018-19 and create healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.!
Fitness Tips for Busy Moms Where does the CEO of the most important job in the world, Mom, fit in a lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise while trying to take care of the family and probably working outside the home? Here are some helpful tips that you can follow so you don’t forget to take care of yourself: You don’t need a gym membership or a shiny treadmill in the living room. Grab a chair and use it as a workout bench! Chairs are just as easy and convenient for upper body workouts and ab routines. Treat yourself to the purchase of a Yoga Mat and some hand weights. Find a small area to stretch, workout your arms, legs and core train. Watch YouTube for exercises that you can follow easily at home or the gym. Throw those weights, mat and a jump rope in the car. When the kids are at the playground this fall, you go play too! Pick a spot to watch the kids and take out that jump rope, do some sit ups and planks on your mat. Maybe take the kids for a brisk hike and work those legs. Best part, your kids will be exercising along with you and they won’t know it! Drink plenty of H2O. Drink 6-8 bottles of water a day. Your energy will stay high and it will keep you hydrated, as well as, keeping your kidneys flushed. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help you stay full. It’s easy to carry a bottled water in your purse, car cup holder or keep on your desk at the office. Adding more fiber to your meals is another easy way to stay full longer between meals. Which means: less snacking. You don’t need to be a celebrity Mom with a trainer or a Fitness Model to incorporate exercise into your daily life. The best part is you’re teaching your kids about healthy lifestyle choices. AliExpress.com
THIS SEASONS
BEST TOYS Nerf Laser Ops Pro: $38.99 L.O.L. Surprise! House: $189.00
New Wonder Woman LEGO Set: $46.00
Rogue Hoverboard: $149.99 Holy Stone HS200D FPV RC Drone w/ Camera: $109.00
Ozobot Bit Coding Robot: $35.00
Hatchimalbabies $59.99 Googly Eyes Game: $17.99
FurReal Friends Torch My Blazin’ Dragon: $66.00
The Wonderful World of Pageantry By Allegra Graziano -Miss Rhode Island North America 2017
The world of Pageantry is often misunderstood. To most, this world seems as though it is filled with beautiful women who are out to get one another while vying for a shiny crown. However, this is not the case. I came into the pageant world much later than most. I competed in my first, and only, teen pageant at the age of 18 and caught the bug. Even though I did not place, I gained something much more valuable, the true meaning of sisterhood.
PC: Allegra Graziano
The ladies I competed with showed me that when a young girl enters a pageant, there is a reason. She could love being on stage, being in a gown, want to meet new friends or just need something to boost her confidence. For young girls, a gown and fun fashion is an amazing opportunity to showcase personal style in ways one might not be able to in day to day life. To get up on a stage in both a gown and a swimsuit, (teens still competed in swim when I competed) takes a lot of gumption and poise from a young lady. It is almost impossible to not feel intimidated by the whole experience, but somehow, everyone who takes the jump, walks out a stronger person and a second family full of support. I have made valuable connections throughout my pageant years. There is something truly amazing about the way people come together during a pageant week or weekend. I now have friends and professional contacts not only in
Rhode Island but across the country and internationally as well. There is always a sisterhood that comes with each system and a bond that is never broken. Some of my “competition” have become my best friends. Strong women help build strong women!
It has been four years since my first pageant and since then, I have gone on to win the title of Miss Rhode Island North America 2017 and placed 3rd runner up nationally as well as received two academic scholarships from the Miss Rhode Island America Organization. I then entered a new endeavor by taking on the assistant director position for both the Miss Rhode Island North America and Miss Rhode Island US International pageant systems. Stepping in from the other side has given me the chance to help girls enjoy their experience with pageantry in the same way I did. Although I am no longer directing, I am still in constant contact with all the young girls and women I have worked with over the years! From pageantry, I now run my personal platform organization, We Can, which encourages young women to break the glass ceiling and show the world they can do anything they set their minds to. Pageant girls come in every shape, size, ethnicity, background, and all their dreams are different. My heart is set on one day joining the FBI and because of pageantry, I am finishing up my master’s degree in December in order to fulfill that dream.
If your young girl (OR BOY) ever asks to enter a pageant, never be afraid of the process. The encouragement and bonds made are ones to last a life time and every young heart should have a chance to experience the wonderful world of pageantry! If you have any questions about pageantry in Rhode Island, please contact me at: allegragraz1@icloud.com
PC: Allegra Graziano (Zoe Habershaw -Miss Teen North America)
It can be a rewarding experience for a kid to have a pet. A well-chosen pet can bring years of joy. Owning a pet gives a child the chance to learn valuable life lessons as they care for a living creature. With parental guidance, pets can teach kids responsibility and dependability. The added bonus‌getting affection to and from your pet. A fish may be the perfect “starterâ€? pet for a child. But not any fish. You may think a goldfish as the most obvious choice, but they are actually more difficult than a Beta fish, also known as, Siamese fighting fish. Fish require a small amount of fish food each day, just a pinch, but can go a day or two without food. To keep your fish healthy, you should do regular weekly water changes. Reptiles may be the less obvious creature than that of a warm and fuzzy animal, but can certainly make prized pets. Tortoises can live more than 50 years. Geckos and lizards are also reptilian good choices.
Birds are a bit more demanding, but no the less a wonderful choice for a responsible and parent guided child. All birds need daily affection. Many are highly intelligent and very social. Parakeets are relatively inexpensive and may be a good starter. Cockatiels, Cockstoos and Conures are more expensive and are very intelligent compared to their smaller cousins. These birds need more attention and daily interaction and are very affectionate, if handled frequently. Small mammals, such as hamsters, guinea pigs and gerbels, are easy to raise. These little fur balls do well in small spaces and their care is fairly straightforward. Guinea Pigs are kid friendly and rabbits, surprisingly, make excellent pets due to their size and intelligence. Cats and Dogs are the family favorite choices. Cats are independent and less care and attention than dogs, but no less of a commitment to their care. Regular vet checks are required for both to keep them immuned and healthy. A cat may be a better choice if you have limited space and have a busy out of the house lifestyle.
helps to temper children's character. ... Even the most timid and introverted children will gain confidence, selfesteem and initiative. It promotes concentration and discipline. By mastering their body, they gain self-esteem and self-confidence. People of all ages should know how to defend themselves, and martial arts provides a proper medium to do so. Being a Taekwondo martial arts instructor at Superior Martial Arts and Fitness in Cranston,RI for over 10 years. Having the ability to run classes for all ages and learning disabilities, sharing the knowledge from what I learned throughout my journey to becoming a 2nd degree black belt and what I had to do to get there is one of the many things I am passionate about. Throughout their journey, students will learn that they are not alone when times get tough. This allows their confidence to grow. Students will go transition through different colored belts which represents where the student stands, and how far away they are from receiving their black belt.
At each belt there are certain learning structures that each student must know in order to continue on to their next belt rank. It is crucial that the students know the criteria they need to perform when it comes time for their belt testing. If the student does not know their criteria, they will not advance to their next belt and will have to wait until the next belt testing. While martial arts is well known for self-defense, it is also known for helping children with discipline, building structure, confidence and also respect for their parents, friends, teachers or anyone that crosses into that child’s life. While interviewing my students parents, the feedback I received was that the parents signed their children up for Taekwondo for discipline, structure and some kind of knowledge of Self defense. Sessions for children and adults are becoming more common and more advanced with knowing how our society is lacking respect and integrity now a days versus how the society was years ago.
‘’Enhance self-esteem by heightening your physical and mental powers.’’ Arianna Pafume
CLYDE’S CIDERMILL Clyde’s Cider Mill is located in the small village of Old Mystic, CT. B.F. Clyde’s started making Hard Cider in 1881. The apples for our Hard Ciders and Apple Wines come from local orchards and are pressed into juice here at our Mill. The juice is then pumped directly into oak casks in the Mill’s cellar, where it is fermented and ages for up to 3 years. Our Ciders and Apple Wines are still, in keeping with the tradition of cider makers of long ago. Tradition is very important to Clyde’s. In 1898, Frank and Abby Clyde built the Victorian style building and purchased the machinery still in use today. Clyde’s is the last steam powered cider mill in the U.S. today. In 1994, Clyde’s was designated a National Historic Landmark. They are the 6th generation of the Clyde’s family making cider just like B.F. Clyde did in 1881. Opened from September thru late December, a visit to Clyde’s Cider Mill is like stepping back in time. The only steam powered cider mill with a loud whistle in the U.S. that signals the crowd that the apples are getting ready to be pressed. They start their season in September with hard ciders and apple wines, jams, jellies, local honey, maple syrup, fudge, and what many people call “The best sweet cider on Earth”! Also available in the Fall are apples, apple pies, pumpkin bread, gourds, Indian corn, pumpkins, candy apples, kettle corn and apple cider donuts.
PLAN A VISIT TODAY AT
74
www.BFclydescidermill.com
The Bronx Zoo Celebrating its 119
th
year
since opening on November 8, 1899. Being a part of the Wildlife Conservation Society and participates in responsible breeding of its animals. More than 20 western lowland gorillas are featured. From cautious to playful to nurturing, each has a unique personality. It was a pleasure to visit the world-famous New York City Bronx Zoo this summer with my BFF’s. It’s been on our bucket list for a while. The Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit; the largest captive group on the continental was spectacular to watch these beautiful animals interact with each other. Meet Ernie, a 505-pound male silverback, watching his offsprings. Ernie is 35 and has been around. Born in the Oklahoma City Zoo, he lived in Colorado Springs and Knoxville, Tenn., before arriving in the Bronx on May 25, 2010, he was shipped in a large crate via FedEx overnight express. Strong, smart, witty, cautious, handsome and a proud papa! Having sired four babies who were born to his mates in the last 48 months. You go Ernie!! Ernie was diagnosed with mild heart disease, which is not uncommon in male gorillas. His keepers and veterinarians say his conditions is under control and he continues to fulfill his important role in his troop. The Grizzly Bears were bathing together when we arrived playing in the pond. Something very cool to watch. The Butterfly Garden has well over a dozen different species flutter through the meadows and greenhouse at any given time. The Children's Zoo, Jungle World, Indian Rhinoceros, World of Reptiles, King Vultures, Prairie Dogs, Owls, Madagascar, Sea Lions and much more…. You would need the whole day for the total experience your children would never forget. Bronxzoo.com
CHILD FAME!! THEN & NOW We can’t seem to get enough of child stars. They’re cute, they’re precocious and they usually steal the spotlight from even the biggest stars. Some of these pint-size performers continue on in their acting / modeling careers, long into their adult years, while others choose to follow a new path. Where are some of your favorite kid stars from the past and now? Take a look back into the good old days of TV show, mall appearances, and commercials and see where some of entertainment’s most famous kids are now!
Justin Bieber was discovered in 2008 by American talent manager Scooter Braun, who came across Bieber's videos on YouTube and later became his manager. Braun arranged for him to meet with entertainer Usher Raymond in Atlanta, Georgia. Net Worth $265 million Nick Jonas was originally working as a soloist and on Broadways when Columbia Records signed him but also discovered that 'Kevin' and 'Joe' also had musical talents. The three brothers decided to join together and make a band. Net Worth $25 million
Selina Gomez
Born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, Selena Gomez got her start in show business with a two-year run on the kids show Barney and Friends. After a few bit parts in movies, Gomez guest starred on the Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and Hannah Montana. Net Worth $30 million
Ron Howard’s acting career took off at the age of 5 when he played Opie Taylor on “The Andy Griffith Show” in 1960. From there, he went on to countless guest star roles, until he landed the part of Richie Cunningham in the 1970s hit “Happy Days.” Today, the 64-year-old director and producer is co-chairman of Imagine Entertainment. Net Worth $160 million
Miley Cyrus is probably considered Disney’s brightest star. Her time as the titular
character in the blockbuster series “Hannah Montana” impacted an entire generation of tweens and teens. The 25-year-old singer’s career continues to flourish despite a few bumps in the road. Net Worth $160 million
Billy Gilman born in Westerly, RI began singing before he was
in school, and gave his first public performance at the age of seven. At the age of nine, Gilman was discovered by Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, who helped him record demos. Gilman's music video and how Billy opened for her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, back in 2000. He made history in 2000 when, at 11, he became the youngest artist to score a Top 40 hit on Billboard Hot Country with his first single, the goldcertified "One Voice," set off a bidding war between coaches Adam Levine and Miley Cyrus. He placed Runner Up on The Voice on Season 11. Net Worth $4 million
Christina Aguilera Before she became a pop music superstar, 37-
year-old Christina Aguilera was a child star featured in Disney’s “Mickey Mouse Club.” Do you remember her time in the “House of Mouse” with other alums like Justin Timberlake? Ah, the memories! Net Worth $160 million
Raven-Symoné The second in our trio of former Disney Divas first started her career on NBC’s “The Cosby Show.” She continued her star turn at Disney with “That’s So Raven” and “The Cheetah Girls” movie series. Today, the 32-year-old is a co-host on ABC’s “The View.” Net Worth $55 million
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen The Olsen girls ruled prime-time television in the ’90s in “Full House.” They graduated to countless movies and even
launched their own fashion line. The 31-year-old twins continue to design fashions and enjoy their fortunes. Net Worth $400 million
Megan Markle Actress/Model since 2001 and now Duchess of Sussex ‘’A TRUE CINDERELLA’’ story Net Worth $5 million
How to become successful when it seems impossible By Megan Willgoos While wearing a glittery American flag dress and a thick red headband with long wavy hair, Taylor Swift sang “The StarSpangled-Banner” during a Sixers basketball game at just 12years-old in 2002. This country teen was already writing her own songs and learning guitar while practicing signing autographs in elementary school. Little did she know she would be signing thousands of autographs during a three night sell out at Gillette Stadium one day. Achieving success like this doesn’t happen in a day or even in five years. In 2004, Swift’s parents decided to move their talented daughter from their hometown in Reading, Pa. to Nashville, Tenn., to pursue her country career. Performing in a small café called The Bluebird Café, Swift was discovered by Scott Borchetta’s Big Machine Records at 14-years-old. Just two years later, she released her first single, “Tim McGraw” and was already a country song Top 10 hit. Flash forward to today, Swift has not only proven she is a talented artist, but an inspiration to millions of fans everywhere between the ages of five and 35. Songs such as “Mean” in 2010 was a song written about people who doubted her, inspiring listeners to not give up on their dreams. Lyrics include, “You can take me down, with just one single blow, but you don’t know… someday I’ll be living in a big old city.” Not only does the pop star have a home in New York City, she also has homes in Nashville, Tenn. and Westerly, R.I. The feeling of succeeding after people doubted her must be one of the best feelings for Swift throughout her success. Flash forward to 2014 when the song, “Shake It Off,” was released telling listeners to shake it off whenever someone says something mean to you and just dance the problems away. “You have to not only live your life in spite of people who don’t understand you, you have to have more fun that they do,” Swift said on ABC News. The old Taylor may be “dead,” yet her messages carry over her into her new album, “Reputation” releasing songs that are aimed at more doubters such as Kanye West. In her song, “Look What You Made Me Do” she says, “The old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now.” She proves to fans that it’s okay to make fun of old ways, but it is important to turn those old ways into something better and to be the best person one can be. Although the “haters are goanna hate” we should turn this hate into encouragement. Ignore the doubters, be successful and follow dreams that seem impossible. As Swift says, “There are two ways to get through pain. You can let it destroy you, or you can use it as fuel to drive you: to dream bigger, work harder.” PC: Megan Willgoos
where the magic happens!
Summer/Spring 2019