The Perpetual You_Create Fun by Unleashing Moxie by The Perpetual You

G E T RE AD Y (14) / M AKE A STATE M E NT (46) / LIVE BOLDLY (84)

Discover Your Superpower with Ravit Darougar founder of 4Ever Magic Cosmetics

The Fun Issue

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A RT W O R K by @ CR A F T I VAT ECT

We believe in choosing, embracing, unleashing, and celebrating who you've always been – who you already aare – who you want to be.

Be YOU...the Perpetual You.

L ET T ER from our ED I T O R

THE

THE OFFICE The Perpetual You 101 Putnam Ave. Hamden, CT 06517

inbox, join our mailing list at:

theperpetualyou.com/read.

ourselves in; a way of living that is

THE LIST To receive each issue of the magazine directly to your

oxie is a rather old-fashioned word, but I say we bring it back! Not as a slogan or a hashtag - as

a state of being; a feeling we can immerse authentic in its confidence and appealing

T H E C O M MU N I T Y Look for us on social media @theperpetualyou.

in its authenticity. Moxie has proven to be effective in my life during times when I desire to be authentic even in a situation where I don't know what to expect. Tapping into my reservoir of confidence allows me to remember that

THE SOCIETY Meet like-minded women in our private FB group, The Perpetual You Society.

I have something to bring to the table, no matter the meal that's being prepared. I have a variety of talents, a storehouse of experience, and an abundance of interest in whatever's going on. The benefit to unleashing the moxie we have inside is that authentic confidence leads to more fun – whether it’s the crazy, roller coaster fun of a day with no agenda or the

THE STOCKISTS You can pick up a print copy of our magazine at the following shops: Lovet Shop

fun of knowing you’re experiencing the fullest, most authentic range of emotions, no matter the actual circumstance. To be confident then, can lead to the kind of fun that can’t be taken away because it’s genuine, because it’s certain, and because it came from within. That's the kind of confidence (and fun!) I want for myself, and for each of you.

Milford, CT ShopLovet.com Dwell New Haven, CT DwellNewHaven.com

T HE M A R K E T P L A C E Shop consciously at theperpetualyou.com/ the-marketplace.

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

Publisher & Managing Editor @wordsbyleelee

p.s. Check out our FUN coloring pages this month. After flipping through the mag, tear out each of our section dividers and get to coloring!! Original artwork contributed by TPY Bestie, Amy Stamp. Follow her @craftivatect.

P H O T O by @ J I V E J U N C T I O N 1 9 4 0

Courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it by use. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; RUTH GORDON

The FUN ISSU E

P H O T O by @ L I F E U N S T I L L

FIND US @THEPERPETUALYOU

IN THIS ISSUE

Create Fun by Unleashing Moxie M O N T H LY M US I C

Mega Your Moxie by listening to our Confident Ladies playlist on Spotify at bit.ly/TPYmusic. T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

Unleash

Unleash your courage to turn your childhood dreams into a reality - with makeup maven, Ravit Dourager. P H O T O G R A P H E D by A D VA R I K L I N

The FUN ISSU E

Realize Unfasten your seatbelt and live life on the moxie

side! Casual up your wardrobe and colorize your routine; pursue your passions and prioritize the activities that make you feel confident; imbibe on pretty drinks, engage in authentic movement, and inspire your friends to take a weekend trip. Lifestyle Dress for Fun.................................................. 14 Grab Something Colorful............................... 24 Buy Bravely..................................................... 30

TPY Faves

Books ............................................................. 17 Food .............................................................. 18 Cocktail.......................................................... 20

Movement....................................................... 22 Style ............................................................... 33 Self-Care......................................................... 36

Plus Have the time of your life, with photographer @lifeunstill

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

Dwell Uplevel the design of your home, by indulging in the aesthetic most authentic to you. Add a pop of color or a wall of art. Go bold + bright and throw in a little DIYâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;just because you can. Design Showcase your Personality............................... 40 Discover your Style............................................ 42 Love your Home................................................ 46

Live Undo the restrictive and subversive patterns in your life in favor of living romantically, happily, and confidently. Be yourself every day and every where. Mindset Romance Yourself.......................................... 76 Reproduce Joy............................................... 80 {Re}Discover Moxie........................................ 86

The FUN ISSU E

FIND US @THEPERPETUALYOU

T H E MA K ERS

Our makers consistently share their time & talents. We'd love to introduce you to the lovely ladies who contributed to this month's issue.

Adva Riklin

Jessica Brigham

Cover Story Photographer

Dwell Feature Photography

@advariklinphotography

@brighamandco brighamandco.com

Born and raised in Israel, Adva is a LA photographer who

Jessica is a vivacious native New Yorker based in New

is married with twin four-year-old girls. She has held a

England who boasts a love for big and bold design.

camera in her hand since she was 8 and continues to be

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s her goal to equip and empower creatively-inclined

attached to her camera today. She loves photographing

women to live out their best magazine-ready life. She's

pregnant women and first time mothers, making them

obsessed with DIY-ing, rearranging, cooking, cocktail

feel sexy and beautiful. Adva dreams of traveling

imbibing, thrifting, and getting shit done. This is

the world & taking pictures, with her family. This is

Jessica's first collaboration with The Perpetual You.

Adva's first collaboration with The Perpetual You.

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

Jessie

Casee

P.K.

Art Director

Brand Marketer

Proofreader

@littlelegendsdesign littlelegends.com

@hopeandharbor caseemarie.com

Connect on Facebook

Krystal

Payal

Cat

Mantra Siren

Cover Story

Media Editor

@krystalbrandt krystalbrandt.com

@payal.mehta

@catballou24 amlofarms.com

Constance

Lisa

Willy

Collaborating Photographer

@constance_schiano constanceschiano.com

@right_click_photo rightclickphoto.com

@lifeunstill lifeunstill.com

The FUN ISSU E

Amy M.

Amy S.

Christy

Collaborating Artist

@amoscatfish amymcnamara.space

@craftivatect craftivatect.com

@cmjohnsonart christymjohnsonart.com

Calling all Creative Ladies! TPY collaborates with artists, photographers, writers, and more. Visit bit.ly/TPYcollab for current opportunities!

Let me help your brand

Branding, Graphic & Web Design for Bold Business Owners. Let's start a conversation! hi@createlittlelegends.com

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

Words by Lee Lee

Values-Based Copywriting for Cause-Based Businesses. wordsbylee@gmail.com

A RT W O R K by @ CR A F T I VAT ECT

to align your daily practices with your ever-evolving desires

A RT W O RK by @ N ADIAHO R N

REALIZE

I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y D A N I E L L E S C H M I T T @ H E L I X I S 7 1 8 5

THE LA DY

Coco Chanel Affectionately remembered as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coco,â&#x20AC;? Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel learned to sew at the orphanage where she grew up, and later worked as a seamstress while moonlighting as a cabaret singer. Chanel's flights of fancy carried her through the troubling times of her life and inspired her pioneering fashion business. We celebrate Coco Chanel for teaching us that to be unapologetically yourself is always in fashion. The FUN ISSU E

I want to feel my life while I'm in it. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MERYL STREEP

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

REALIZE

UNLEASH

Playtime with

Marie Levey-Pabst

Choose a comfy wardrobe and a playful attitude.

s soon as we got to the park, I knew I had failed to plan

pants. For twenty glorious minutes we were all running and

well. It was early June, late enough for the park water

playing and laughing in the wet water with abandon.

play features to be turned on, but early enough that

we didn’t have our summer gear of towels, sunscreen, and

Back in the day there were many children (myself included)

extra clothes in the car.

who had “school clothes” and “play clothes” that were

I had taken my 4 and 6 year old to a park with water to play in,

“loungewear” for adults. Of course, most parents I know

with no swimsuits, no towels, and no game plan. As soon as I

make sure their kids wear play clothes 99% of the time, and

parked the car they flew out and ran to test the sprinklers as I

then pull out the fancy clothes for special events like parties

groaned Oh No.

or church.

We parents have a few options in situations like this. We

It turns out we were absolutely dressed for the adventure—we

can haul back in the car to go home and get what we forgot.

almost always have our “play clothes” on. I want my children

We can set boundaries to make up for our mistake (like no

to play in their clothes, and get them messy without stress,

water play, or you have to wear your hat because I forgot the

and move about in them freely. That’s part of being a kid!

sunscreen). Or we can dive in.

separate. I think of it as akin to “work clothes” and

After the impromptu fun that day, I realized adults need the

That day all three of us dove into the messy fun of water play

same kind of freedom, play, and fun that I want for my kids.

without the proper attire. We took turns dancing through

Maybe we need to wear our play clothes more too!

sprinklers. We filled up buckets of water and flung them at one another in a makeshift game that was a cross between tag

When I say play “clothes,” I really mean our play mindset, at

and “chase the monster!”

least partially. Was it inconvenient that I soaked my only pair

My normally sensitive daughter fell on her butt in a puddle,

bra on a drying rack when I got home? Yes. Was it worth it?

and recovered more quickly than I had ever seen. She was up

Also a resounding yes.

of shorts that day at the park? Yes. Did I need to go throw my

and running and laughing again, even with her sopping wet continued on next page

The FUN ISSU E

Let’s Play Dress-Up When you go out into the world this month, think about

There are a few things we can all do to be ready to play, no

how your clothes and your attitude can actually help you

matter what clothes we are wearing!

embrace play.

•

Buy clothes that are machine washable. They might wear out a bit faster, but at least you will enjoy the time you wear them without thinking about a dry cleaning bill.

•

Embrace fun patterns and bright colors. Allow a sense of play from wearing clothes that invite others to notice you, or enliven you with their bold and energetic colors.

•

Wear shoes in which you can move and/or that make you feel confident and powerful. Wear shoes that you can walk in, laugh in, and even quick-step in, if needed!

• Are your shoes giving you the freedom - or the swagger - that you crave? Right on! • Are you willing to get creases, messes, or other imperfections on your shirt in the name of fun? Better yet, are you excited to do so? • Are your clothes adding to your confidence? Your willingness to smile? Your ability to enjoy a deep belly laugh? It’s been said that “the clothes make the woman.” I want to argue that we, as women, can actually choose what our clothes mean to us and for us. We are the ones who can turn our clothes into “play clothes” at a moment's notice. We can be ready to dive in to fun and play with energy and moxie, both in our choice of wardrobe and in our mindset. T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

Marie is the founder of the Create Balance method and a co-host of the Mama Now podcast. She teaches parents to create balance between family, work, and personal fulfillment. Connect with Marie at @CreateBalanceCommunity on Facebook or at CreateABalancedLife.com. Photos by @right_click_photo

P H O T O by @ C A T B A L L O U 2 4

W OM EN TA K E O N T H E W O RL D

The Glimpses of the Moon

Girl Wash Your Face

Moxie

by Edith Wharton, pub. 1923

by Rachel Hollis, pub. 2018

by Jennifer Mathieu, pub. 2017

No one wrote about wealth and the oppressive

Broken into chapters by the lies we tell

Moxie is a powerful story of feminism, girls

customs of early 20 century society better

ourselves, Hollis’ manifesto bravely tackles

supporting girls, and women standing up for

than Edith Wharton, a woman full of moxie

the daily struggles women face and offers

themselves and others. Main character, Vivian,

who took on society norms and turned

steps we can take to make a positive, lasting

takes a page from her mother’s Riot Girrl days

them on their heads. The Glimpses of the

difference. In this humorous and inspiring (yet

and creates a feminist ‘zine with which she’ll

Moon is a beautifully descriptive and highly

accessible!) read, Hollis gives us the honest,

impact many other girls whose voices have

entertaining example of Wharton’s ability

and sometimes harsh, truth of how we have

thus gone unheard. Full of empowerment and

to explore the impact of a narrow-minded

been taught to think about ourselves. She also

strength, friendships and fun, the characters

society on characters. Filled with all the

softens this reality by offering us the tools

are likeable and the relationships are

social conventions she ignored in her own

we need to forgive ourselves, to understand

entertaining—all of which makes this book an

life, this novel is a fascinating portrait of the

others, and to create a healthy path towards

enjoyable read.

juxtaposition of passion against propriety.

healing and positivity. The FUN ISSU E

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

REALIZE

UNLEASH

Raw Beauty Oysters arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just yummyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;they're a model of Authenticity.

hether you love or hate their taste, you have to

everyone is attracted to you or not everyone understands

admire the raw beauty of a platter of oysters on

you. But hey, you don't see oysters changing themselves to

the half-shell. And for those of us who do love

please anybody else. Do you?

them, the fun is in the details: from toppings to varieties to the accompanying cocktail.

Go on ahead and be yourself. Be raw, real, and totally

In short, eating oysters is an experience. One that cannot be

expectations of others; it's your job to Be You. Because...

replicated in any other way. Make you think of anything else?

Authenticity is the attraction.

authentic. It's not your job to adjust yourself to the

Like, maybe...You?! Yes, lady. YOU. You are as unique and special and wonderful

Photo by Life Unstill Photography, @lifeunstill

as any other irreplaceable experience. Maybe that means not

The FUN ISSU E

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

REALIZE

Campari Spritzer Put on your best boots and strut into fall with a jewel-toned Campari spritzer.

The fall is a magical time with colors and wonders at every turn. The leaves are changing and we know that winter is just a few months away, but nature, in her abundant grace, is throwing summer a going away party with confetti of orange and red and gold falling all around. Similarly, Aperitifs are intended to be palate cleansers, preparing your taste buds for the meal to come. As we move into the season of gaiety and whimsy, the Campari spritzer will awaken your senses with itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s striking color, strong herbaceous flavors, and immodest alcohol content. Celebrate your bold spirit with the simple combination of Campari or Aperol with cava or your bubbly of choice over ice. Toast yourself and the adventure that we can find in each dayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;no matter how early the sun goes down.

Words and photo by Willy of Life Unstill Photography, @lifeunstill. Willy is a campari-loving portrait photographer based in Denver, Colorado but she will travel for cocktails!

The FUN ISSU E

REALIZE

UNLEASH

Authenticity Ease yourself into shedding your mask and being your authentic, wonderful self. Every day, we wear masks, depending on the environment or circumstance we are in. Taking off these masks is a way to bring fun and ease to the practice of authenticity. Movement allows us to explore activities and feelings that are uncomfortable or outside of our comfort zone. Writing with your non-dominant hand is a wonderful way to exercise your brain and enhance its ability to change. By changing your brain, you make something that was once uncomfortable easier to tolerate. Trying a new type of movement or physical activity (dance, yoga, or tai chi) is another way to challenge your comfort zone. Try ways of moving with different tempos, paces, and levels of intensity. Notice the way you sit, stand, walk, even sleep. Being more mindful of your movement patterns will allow you to identify when you feel good and when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Paying attention leads to a place of freedom and authenticity, from which we can explore the outer edges of our comfort zone.

Erica is a dance/movement therapist and the CEO of Chicago Dance Therapy, a body- centered psychotherapy practice serving Chicago and its suburbs. Connect with her on Instagram at @ehornthal. Photo by @representationmatters.me

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

with

Erica Hornthal

Bringing you closer to nature davinejewelry.com

The FUN I SSU E

REALIZE

From Top to Bottom: TRAILHEAD SWEATSHIRT ($40) from Nic and the Newfie ∙ SAFFRON GINGER SOY CANDLE ($23) from Annie's Natural Essentials ∙ HANDSEWN WALLET ($??) from Lisa Maree Designs ∙ CERAMIC COFFEE MUG (from $35) from Ave Rivera Studio ∙ REUSABLE RAINBOW STRAWS (3/$15) from Confetti Bar T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

Left: “SHE BELIEVED” EMBROIDERY HOOP (from $24) from Mama Bear's Hollow / Right: ELECTRIC PURPLE CALF SOCKS ($12) from Bombas

Unleash Some Color! Shop consciously. Live boldly. Have a whole lot more fun. Small batch makers and conscious companies alike are catering to the confident woman: the woman who knows what she wants, takes up the space she deserves, and boldly adorns her world with the colors she most adores. Colorful products offer more than just a quick pick-me-up. Products in a rainbow of hues showcase our personalities and encourage our creative proclivities. Whether something you're wearing or something you rely upon to get through your day, splashes of color can elevate the fun factor for any confident woman.

Product Placement If you’re a shop owner or small batch maker who would like to be featured in one of our issues, fill out our product collab form.

Photos by Lisa Nichols, @right_click_photo The FUN ISSU E

UNLEASH A

New Experience with photographer Willy Wilson

What happens when a photographer from Denver takes a New England vacation? Lots and lots of fun!

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

REALIZE

The FUN ISSU E

e took our summer vacation this year to see my sister in upstate New York and to visit college friends in Cape Cod. In NY we visited Hudson,

Red Hook, Tivoli, the Frederick Church house, Bard College, and many other little towns. When we were on the Cape, we took a day to visit Martha’s Vineyard and another to go to Wood’s Hole. Each day was an adventure of discovery, I’d never been to Cape Cod before, and every time I’d visited upstate NY in the past, it was super cold, so we weren’t really interested in outdoor activities. Since we’d been hiking quite a bit this summer at altitude in Colorado, it was awesome to be confident that hiking at sea level would be relatively easy. On this trip, I found myself being more excited to be out in nature and hiking than being in towns and shopping. This is a big departure for me, a person who has been known to say that my idea of hiking is shopping in a pedestrian mall. I wanted to be outside every day, even if it was raining. Climbing down to the waterfall and getting in the water was something I’ve never done, what a thrill! Being with lifelong friends, it was great to trust their instincts about places they thought we’d enjoy, adventures they thought we’d like to try. I’ve been upstate a few times but my family hasn’t been with me, so it was also a neat feeling to know how to get from JFK to my sister’s house upstate, navigating all the rail, bus, subway travel to get us around the state. I actually felt like a travel rock star on this trip. My husband doesn’t travel much so I was pretty much ON FIRE. I liked being the leader. Being from a MUCH smaller city, navigating New York can feel pretty overwhelming. I enjoyed feeling like I knew where I was going and what I was doing. (Except that time I got stuck in the turnstile with my suitcase… Not a rock star moment.)

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

We are travel foodies, so it was different that we barely ate out at all the whole trip. We went to the farmer’s market and fish market, and shopped for local grocers daily. Being from a landlocked city, I never really loved lobster. On this trip, we had fresh steamed lobster and it turns out, I LOVE lobster! I suspect I will be planning future trips around my ability to eat crustaceans. We bought the best pies from Green Acres farm stand in Hudson, NY. We ate pie every day of our trip upstate and then brought two pies with us to Falmouth. I wish I would’ve bought three instead of two. Or maybe ten. Sadly, they do not ship to Colorado...! I loved both parts of this trip. If I could go again, I’d take my camera on the first waterfall hike. On day ONE, I would go to the local distillery near my sister’s house and the general store in Tivoli, which turned out to have the best local beer selection of anywhere we went. I'd spend more time at Martha’s Vineyard and go to the sand dunes by Provincetown. Oh and I'd get a photo of the Gay Head sign. How did I miss that?!

Willy Wilson is a Denver, CO based photographer who will travel for good cocktails and great fun.

The FUN ISSU E

REALIZE

Unleash Your Ambitions with Leigh Schwab

Confidence breeds beauty.

very one of us is simply beautiful. Learning to see

I recently decided to start a business I’ve dreamed about for

ourselves as strong and capable can be challenging

years - the Greenville Green Guide.

because, as adult women, we retreat into the fear

of what others will think. My children, on the other hand,

Despite my fear, I moved forward and have the example of

have no problem being their authentic selves everyday. What

my children to thank for the boost of confidence. The beauty

an example!

about this is, through authenticity and the pursuit of a project

When was the last time you did something you love without

I’ve long dreamed of, my confidence has grown. After all,

inhibition? Answering that for myself has made me realize that

confidence and authenticity are really the beholders of beauty

I’m done worrying about others and their opinions about me.

in this world.

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

BeYOUtiful Beauty, when combined with confidence, can be a force of nature. This month, we're highlighting three women business owners in the beauty industry, who have manifested their moxie by stepping out of their comfort zones and following their dreams.

Inspired Activist Laurel Shaffer, founder of Laurel Whole Plant Organic, took her love of going to the spa and combined it with her desire for clean skincare products to create a beautiful product line based on plant-derived ingredients.

Leigh recommends: Laurel Whole Plant Organic

Passion-preneur Susanne Norwitz, creator of Maya Chia, is the epitome of pursuing passion. She left her corporate job to create a line of high quality and safe skincare products that use ingredients that are eco-conscious and sourced from Guatemala

Leigh recommends: Maya Chia

Legacy Leaver Heather Hamilton, founder of Zoe Organics, came up with the idea for her line after discussing the need for clean baby products with her sister-in-law, who subsequently passed away leaving behind her daughter, Zoe. Though tragic, this passing inspired Heather to start a thriving business based on safe products in honor of her sister-in-law.

Leigh recommends: Zoe Organics

Leigh Schwab uses her love for skin care to help educate women about the ingredients in their products and the need for proper skin care legislation in our country. Learn more about her passion for a healthy and simple life on Facebook and Instagram @leighschwab. Main photo by Lisa Nichols, @right_click_photo

The FUN ISSU E

P H O T O by @ K F P P H O T O G R A P H Y

Wish me courage and strength and a sense of humor - I will need them all. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ANN E MO R R O W L I ND B E R GH

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

REALIZE

Unleash Charisma Dress how you like and inspire others to do the same.

he onset of fall brings on some of our favorite

Layer on the things you loveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not because they're stylish or make

accessories, from statement necklaces to lightweight

a statement, but just because they make you feel good. Heads

scarves. One day, the heat is stifling; the next, we feel a

will still turn and compliments will still be handed out. And, by

cool breeze and know it's time to fall in love once again with the

following your own wardrobe whims, you'll be able to take the

items and routines we've been ignoring all summer long.

credit you deserve. How fun is that?

Rather than checking in with trends, try checking in with your closet. Which items make you feel confident? Which allow for a fun, flexible day? What textures, colors, and patterns have you missed wearing during the days of summer wardrobing (or the lack thereof)?

Photo by Amanda Luisa Nicastro @amandaluisaart Featured Necklaces: Phases of the Moon necklace by Heart Stone Gallery; Triple Tassel necklace by Conflicted Pixie

The FUN ISSU E

P H O T O by @ C O N S T A N C E _ S C H I A N O

P E R SP ECT I V ES from T H E PA N EL

What daily ritual or routine helps you feel confident?

Movement brings me out of my head. Even 15 minutes of gentle yoga or

Shayna Holistic Life Coach @shaynamahoneyxo shaynamahoney.com

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

a walk with my dogs helps me to appreciate my body and find a sense of confidence. I also try to find time for solitude, especially when I feel anxiety and overwhelm creeping in. I may drive by the beach to watch the waves, do a short guided meditation, or take a few breaths at my desk. These allow me to believe in myself and be in the present moment.

REALIZE

Feeling confident means connecting to my true self. Taking

Cathey

sometimes only five minutes each morning to sit quietly allows me to sift through the chatter of my mind and connect to that part of me

TPY Partner + Collaborator

that is true love, true peace, and a reminder that it is always there -

@cathey.april

even when the world around me is chaos..

Summer Health & Wellness Coach @summer_delaine summerdelaine.com

My daily yoga practice grounds me, guides me, and empowers me. I am stronger physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am fully myself because it is a part of my everyday. It's not just the asana practice, or the breath (though both are integral), but the mindset of yoga as a lifestyle that supports my confidence.

Taking time to experience orgasm on my own means all the

Allison Sensual Living Coach @allisonlrichard allisonrichard.com

Lesley

pleasure and sensation is all about me. It's one of the fastest ways I know to reconnect with my body, realign with my desires and beliefs, and get out of my head so that I can live from my heart. When my body, spirit, and heart are aligned that is when I feel truly confident.

I get up early. I like a few minutes for myself to gather my thoughts and prepare myself for the day ahead. I make a to-do list and am

TPY Collaborator

always sure to list the most important things that need to be taken

@mrsp825

care of first.

The FUN ISSU E

M A I N P H O T O by @ L I F E U N S T I L L , R U B Y P H O T O by J O LY N E L . H A R R I S P H O T O G R A P H Y

REALIZE

Self-Care Suggestions Share Something. Make a short video

about something you love and post it on social media. HAVE FUN WITH IT. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry about how you look, if your presentation is perfect, or if you make a mistake. Make your video in one take and let your authentic self shine!

Adventure Alone. Challenge yourself

to create a fun solo adventure. This is YOUR adventure so you get to decide where and when it happens. You may go to a new coffee shop in a different town, hike a trail youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never been on, take a dance class, or even set out on a solo road trip.

U NL EA S H S EL F- CO N F I D EN CE

Moxie is all about being bold, brave, and letting your self-confidence shine. In our everyday lives, we are often called on to keep life on track for ourselves and others. Sometimes this feels great; other times, it gets stale. Here's where Moxie comes in... Let this month's toolkit inspire you to add a whole lot of fun, bravery, and confidence to your otherwise regular routines. Diffuse some spicy ginger essential oil to stimulate your senses. Ignite your passion by wearing or meditating with a ruby. Call on the Goddess Freyja to inspire your adventurous side. And gather a few friends for your own Moxie Night: wear your boldest outfit, support each other to be more confident, passionate, and bold. Sing and dance together, and give each person a chance to unleash her moxie to a willing, supportive audience.

E S S E N T I A L O IL

C RYSTAL

GODDES S

PRACT IC E

Ginger

Ruby

Freyja

Moxie Night

BENEFITS

BENEFIT S

BENEFI TS

Restores initiative, confidence, and determination

Stimulates vitality, selfconfidence, and passion

Invites you to take risks

Brings together bold, feminine power

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

W O R D S + T O O L K I T C U R A T I O N by @ LY D I A M A N D E L L

A RT W O R K by @ CR A F T I VAT ECT

to align your physical space with your ever-evolving self

The FUN ISSU E

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y @ C M J O H N S O N A R T

Compact /' kĂ¤m pakt / noun A convenient way to match your Look to your Outlook

The FUN I SSU E

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

DW E L L

Beautiful + Useful with

Lee Lee McKnight

If we use something every day, it's design is worth thinking about.

ou enter the kitchen a million times a day and—most

Whether you're the most confident cook on the block or

likely—at some point while you're there, you wash &

you're confidence shines only when you're taste-testing

dry your hands. Crack an egg, wash & dry. Spill your

someone else's recipe, you can select a Tea Towel that reflects

coffee, wash & dry. Spot clean a pan, wash & dry. And the list

that feeling back to you. Or maybe you're manifesting said

goes on.

confidence; yep, a Tea Towel can help with that too.

How many times a day are your hands coming into contact

From colorful & cheery to pretty & patterned to magnificently

with that seemingly insignificant accessory: the tea towel?

mantra-ed, the tea towel you choose reflects the values you

How many times are you holding it, styling it, tucking it into

hold. Whether hand-sewn by a favorite maker or an heirloom

your apron? How many times do you hang it back up after

passed down from grandma, go ahead & dry your hands in

somebody else has left it on the cabinet?

style. Appreciate the beauty and the usefulness, and walk away

The things we use every day aren't trivial; even if they're

feeling pretty darn good.

utilitarian in nature, we can still appreciate them. And we can still love the way they look—if we choose intentionally. In fact, we can choose so that they reflect our values.

Lee Lee is obsessed with intentionally styling her home. Connect with her on Instagram @wordsbyleelee. Photo by @alliedearie

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DWELL

Your True Style with

LaToya Burton

Express your authentic voice by making decor choices that empower you.

magine a place created just for you, where you can be yourself and freely do what you love. A place where all the items within were consciously

chosen with your tastes and lifestyle in mind. Your home can be this place - a place where you are inspired to be, to create, and to live! Authentic style means taking time to discover what you really love - there is no time limit on designing an intentional home. Look around your home: how are you expressing yourself? Where are your stories celebrated? How are your values being displayed?

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In our featured home this month, owner Mira Blackman

As Mira's tastes have becomes clearer, she's become

shows the infinite possibilities in paring down over time.

confident in her unique style and design sense. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I love

She makes use of a neutral yet textured palette of natural

something I get it," says Mira. "I never think about if it will

materials with subtle accents of gold, muted reds, and

go with anything else; eventually it makes sense.â&#x20AC;? This

hits of blues woven into the patterned textiles. Blackman's

translates to a house containing only things that reflect her

space offers a balanced, reverent background that supports

peace and bring her joy.

everyday activities.

Bringing beauty into your life counts as standing in your

Mira says she used to be more of a collector, but now she is

power. Find freedom in making decor choices to reflect your

intent on simplifying. Letting go of extraneous decor means

intentions and desires for life - consider the contents of

she can focus on the things she loves both inside and outside.

your space as reminders and physical affirmations of your

Now the space itself is as supportive and nourishing as the

values and dreams, let your home empower you to live your

elements within.

best life.

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Dwell on This If your home is a mirror for what is going on inside you, what would your home say? What is really working and how can it grow? What small changes could bring things more into alignment?

Be Brave. If you can't express yourself in your home, then where can you? Build confidence in your decor and watch it expand into how you carry yourself in the world. Colors and lighting can affect the vibrancy of a home, whereas shape and placement of items influences creativity. Seeking expansion? Bring in more greenery - a true affirmation of growth and aliveness!

Be Honest. What do you really need and want? Do an honest inventory of what you are holding onto and take time to simplify, if needed. Let go of the things which block your joy and peace of mind. AS an inviting gesture, leave your coffee table free and clear for an entire day. What feelings does this blank space evoke?

Be Free. Have Fun! Decorating doesn't have to be so serious. Pick things that make you smile or even laugh. Choose an item that really lights you up! Place your crystal collection on the mantle or decorate your unused fireplace with special books and records. Use an area rug to create a perfect spot for impromptu dance sessions (or to pull up a cushion for an afternoon nap!).

LaToya is a mama / imaginer / gypsy nomad who explores life through the lens of interiors, imagination, and inspiration. She lives on a bus with her husband and son exploring the Australian landscape. For more inspiration, follow her @latoyaburton_musing. Photos & Featured Home: Mira Blackman @mirablackman

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Design Intentionally,

Live Boldly Words + Photos by Jessica Brigham

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DWELL

Photographer turned interior designer + lifestyle blogger, Jessica Brigham, shares how she made the intentional choice to create a welcoming and cozy sanctuary of unabashed color and clever, eclectic design.

ince I was a little girl, I’ve always viewed the home as a sanctuary—a place to retreat and relax as well as a reflection of personality and style. When I made the conscious decision

in January 2017 to embrace a wilder, more vibrant atmosphere, while bringing to light my deep love for unique, thrifted finds, the puzzle pieces just fell into place. The more I shamelessly trusted my gut, the more confidence I felt. I’m a lover of color. And by gosh, I was ready to change my approach in the home. Way back when, I accented different colors on almost every wall (a condition I refer to as Starbucks Syndrome). When I embraced a different neutral—a crisp white or a dark, moody wall color—that was the moment my design shift occurred.

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We all have our own life to pursue, our own kind of dream to be weaving, and we all have the power to make wishes come true, as long as we keep believing. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

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With this new blank canvas came the opportunity to design my heart out with unique, bold and colorful curiosities. My 1934 Craftsman Bungalow home has since morphed into pattern-filled, plant-loving, colorful and brass-capped glamazon. (Fun fact: I have more than seventy plants. They need names.)

M A K E A S TAT E M E N T. Often, my basis to designing an entire room for myself or a client revolves around my favorite, personalized concept: BBBs! Big, bold and beautiful statement pieces. Whether thrifted or brand spankin’ new, these storytelling furnishings—or even bold, accent wall patterns like removable wallpaper—lay the groundwork for the rest of the space. In my dining room, the statement piece is an early-1900's Spanish Revival sideboard; in my master bedroom, a gargantuan hand-carved, three-door, mirrored armoire takes center stage; and in my living room, a cascadia blue velvet sectional sofa (“The Blue Wonder”) and a vintage, two-tier marble and brass console table speak to each other, loudly. My second floor guest room, affectionately dubbed “the adventure room,” was inspired by a recent solo excursion to California. With color a main aesthetic in

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

this fun room, I whipped up a couple of bright DIYs—a colorgasmic kilim bench and neon yellow hexagon shelves. These vivid colors tied in with my own personal photography of an inspiring destination, The Saguaro Palm Springs.

I N D U L G E I N T H R I F T. The common theme in my design style is frugality: a majority of my decor is secondhand. My Momma ignited my thrill for the thrift at an early age. You’d find us most weekends taking car rides to ogle gorgeous old homes, working on some DIY project, or digging through dusty boxes at antique flea markets to find the one (or many ones). Today, I'm a voracious and tenacious seeker whose thrifty nature has paved the way to crafting high end spaces on a budget. Remember that marble and brass console table in my living room? That was thrifted for $44 at online auction. Yep, you read right … $44!!! The botanical swivel rockers were found at a consignment shop for $120. In my home office, the tiger-oak executive desk and filing cabinet were $200 each. The list goes on...

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Truly, the best part of secondhand: the story. Whether it’s a

open, exudes coziness, and hosts a prime amount of seating,

found object with a tale to regale or a family heirloom. In my

critical for my love of entertaining.

first floor guest room resides a ridiculously glam, cerused wood bedroom set my grandparents bought when they married more than 60 years ago. Having a place for these familial gems is incredibly special and adds positive energy to the room.

U S E W H AT Y O U ' V E G O T. The best way to make headway in a home is to accentuate the design features you were dealt. My quaint Craftsman Bungalow has its quirks—which I LOVE—and one of the biggest design challenges is the layout. My living room is flanked by four doorways, a fireplace, and lots of windows. Rather than focusing on the limitations, I looked for solutions. I started with a practical sectional to fill in the most usable space. All the other decorative accouterments came afterward—color, placement, texture, etc. The space is now

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I’ve happily embraced the “leftover” open space between my home office and living room, deeming it the dance floor or in-house yoga studio. Since I work from home, this open space works to my benefit. With my own two hands, I installed a set of French doors (thrifted, of course) to designate clearly defined spaces for work and home life.

D E S I G N A L L T H E WAY U P. A particularly prominent characteristic of my home is the high ceilings. In small rooms, this feature is one to play UP! Two simple design decisions changed the course of both my office and the bathroom. In my office, I utilized the height to install modular shelving, which got an old shelving unit off the ground and made the space feel roomy. In the bathroom, I took a chance and painted

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"Be You" Keychain

the ceiling a dark, moody color. This draws your attention upward and makes this rather tiny windowless room feel huge. Some people look at high ceilings as a design challenge, but I consider them a godsend! With the footprints of my office and bathroom roughly 8' x 14' and 5.5' x 8.5', respectively, having that ceiling height means both rooms are maximized to their ultimate potential.

Core Values Banner

G O F O R I T. I’m a self-taught carpenter. The day I picked up a pneumatic nail gun is the day my life changed forever. I’m a firm believer of “if there’s a will, there’s a way” and that’s exactly how I learned. My grandfather was a carpenter by trade, and—though I never met him—part of me likes to believe he passed this ability down to me someway, somehow. With a bit of bravado and my handy dandy nail gun, it took me two weeks to complete the three-quarter high board + batten

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Mantra Pillow (4 options available)

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in my dining room. True story: the hardest, most tedious part was the caulking. The thought makes me shudder. The end result, however, is more than worth all that hard work. The guest room in my house not only embodies my love of color but also my handy skills. I built the neon yellow hexagon shelves, the Turkish kilim bench, and made the macramé plant hangers. With so much of myself injected into this space, how can it not be welcoming and inviting to all who enter?

T R U S T Y O U R S E L F. The more I feed this creative, colorful machine, the more my home Self-care Magnets

sanctuary truly becomes a reflection of who I am. Every little element encapsulates so much of my experience, friendships, and travels, not to mention my hoarderculturist's obsession for plant life. My home is forever a work-in-progress. When you’re working on a budget and searching for unique finds, the design process takes time. Over time you learn to trust your intuition, which brings a major confidence boost. If you love it, it’s going to work. Have fun; let your imagination—and your moxie—run wild! Dreams begin as tiny little fragments that evolve gradually over time. If something isn’t just right, change it. Change it as many times as you need to get the look of your dreams. I promise you, deep down inside, you’ve got the creative gusto you’ve always imagined. Take the risk, because what is life without a little chance?

Desired Feelings Candle, 4oz. tin (4 options available)

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theperpetualyou.com/the-marketplace

Bold + Designed If your goal is to live high end, but your budget doesn't reflect that—you can still take small design steps so that you can live in your dream home. The following are some of my favorite tips for living "magazine ready.”

Clean. I keep a neat and tidy home because it allows me

Cultivate. If you're a hoarderculturalist like me, I

Choose. Pick textiles that fit with your lifestyle. If you have

Colorize.What’s your favorite color? Get it into your home!

Create.Not in the budget? Try DIY! It’s amazing how easy

Curate. HAVE FUN with your rooms! I invite you to step

to start fresh each day. One small step I take daily is making the bed, and I like being able to quickly clean the house. Stuff piling up can cause mental clogs (and that’s a drag!).

recommend a plant watering schedule. I water my babies twice a week—on Tuesday and Saturday—to keep them fresh and happy. I particularly like low maintenance varieties like pothos, cacti and sansevieria.

pets and babies, leather (or faux alternatives) is a worthwhile investment for keeping fur and stains at bay. Washable blankets, pillows, and curtains are also wise purchases!

Start small, whether it's a small room or a tiny nook. Create a mood board with your favorite colors, textures, and dream pieces and use that as a base for making your design dream a reality.

it is to find inspiring instructions on how to make anything. For example, for my budget bathroom remodel, I painted the boring 6”x 6” white tile floor. A year and a half later it’s looking real good and holding up great!

outside of the box, and try something different. Mix styles you love. Put it all together and move it around. This is a critical step to finding out what you love and manifesting your home sanctuary.

Jessica is a vivacious native New Yorker based in New England who boasts a love for big and bold design. It’s her goal to equip and empower creatively-inclined women to live out their best magazine-ready life. She's obsessed with DIY-ing, rearranging, cooking, cocktail imbibing, thrifting, and getting shit done. Connect with Jessica on Instagram @imjessicabrigham or jessicabrigham.com. Photos by the Author The FUN I SSU E

Shop the Look Whether it’s on your front porch or tucked away in a special corner of the dining room, a fabulously styled bar cart showcases your indulgent & fun aesthetic. Surround it with a boldly painted wall or removable wallpaper in a bright, graphic pattern. Curate down to the smallest detail: from the collection of vintage plates to the custom switchplate.

REMOVABLE WALLPAPER by Justina Blakeney / Hygge + West ($190/roll) ∙ HOLLY WOOD REGENCY BAR CART from Mid Century Collective ($100) ∙ T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

ART DECO SWITCH PL ATE from House of Antique Hardware ($12.99)

Go Bold, Baby corresponds to Benjamin Moore 322

Pop of White corresponds to Benjamin Moore 2144-70

Honey + Sunshine corresponds to Benjamin Moore Cw-290

BOL D + BE AU TI F U L

Rosylicious corresponds to Benjamin Moore 1328

In this Master Bedroom, from our featured Dwelling, an infusion of bold colors creates a fresh, yet restful atmosphere. Beautiful, clean white bedding contrasts with large-scale wallpaper, luxurious furniture, and healthy plant life. The rosy hued throw blanket brings in yet another layer of fun, luscious color. If you like your bold colors in lesser doses, here are some ideas for incorporating this color palette in other ways:

Grow, Grow, Grow corresponds to Benjamin Moore 20144-10

Table Setting.

Reading Nook.

Try out some new colors via table linens that are

Keep a colorful chair tucked away in a private

totally temporary. Indulge in the trendy hues

corner, or pile fun, patterned pillows on a

of the season, or choose a classic palette that

window seat. Keep the textures and textiles

never goes out of style: yellow, green, and white.

abundant, so you'll be drawn to lingering there

Flower arrangements are another flexible way to

whenever you occasion to pass by.

accent a room colorfully.

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Any happiness you get you've got to make yourself.

P H O T O by C O N S TA N C E S C H I A N O

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ALICE WALKER

A RT W O R K by @ CR A F T I VAT ECT

to align your life story with your ever-evolving sense of self

T H REE Q U ES T I O N S

with

Ravit

What's one practice in your daily life

What's one aspect of your physical space

What's an example of Fun & Moxie

that brings you fun?

that brings you or reminds you of moxie?

working together in your own life?

Networking! Specifically, meeting new people and getting to talk about my product, which is my baby! (Who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enjoy talking about their baby?!) For me, gaining knowledge of other cultures is fun, so, when I meet others, I get to enrich myself with a bit of their background.

For me, moxie is something that comes from within you, so while I tried hard to think of something, I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t point to any physical place or item. I have a strong connection to my beginnings of my own confidence, rooted in my childhood, when I adapted my shy nature to pursue my goals.

On a daily basis, I approach beauty influencers to collaborate with our brand, sometimes through emails, but often face to face at events. It requires a confidence to introduce myself and my product to them, but at the same time it is so much fun! I get to collaborate with highly creative people, and see how they use my product on their social media channels.

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H O W T O H AV E F U N W H I L E D O I N G W H AT Y O U L O V E

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

Words by Payal

Mehta

Photography by Adva

Riklin

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Perseverance, lack of ego, and a true belief in her product. That is what has brought Ravit Darougar, CEO and Founder of 4EverMagic Cosmetics, to today. After years of research and development to make just the right formula, her company launched an innovative eyebrow gel product meant to fill a void for the consumer and fulfill a childhood dream for herself.

mmigrant stories often center around a desire for a

and to the point, spoken as though her knowledge was

better life or more opportunities, a struggle to pursue

just common sense, and without a trace of arrogance.

that dream, and a deep belief in one’s ability to bring

the dream to fruition. As a product of two people who made the decision to leave their homes and forge their

Here is a woman who creates a product to make people look and feel more confident; yet, she also expressed

lives here in the U.S., I was eager to learn Ravit’s story.

how self-doubt and criticism have affected her. This only

And hers did not disappoint. From following her heart

little girl who liked to mix up her mom’s eyebrow shades

in both relationships and life, to overcoming challenges,

and apply to to her friends faces to someone running a

to adapting to a new culture, to setbacks in her career—

successful beauty brand.

made me want to hear more about how she went from a

all the elements of an American immigrant story were present. Through hard work and personal development, Ravit launched her dream—not to impress others; just to

A N AT T I T U D E O F C O N F I D E N C E

live up to her own standards.

Falling in love with her now husband brought her to the

As we talked, Ravit’s voice reminded me of a good perfume, soft and deep, making its point without overpowering. Her answers to my questions were direct

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

U.S. From there, she relied on her inner confidence to get her through the tough challenges of living and working in a country far away from her family.

Ravit describes past struggles in her journey almost as an afterthought. She describes events from her past in a way that makes it apparent she’s no longer stuck in the muck of history. Still, she acknowledges that her move to the U.S., as it is for many immigrants, was not without challenges. Changing the country you live in isn’t like changing your clothes. Ravit left her culture and her family thousands of miles away. She worried her English wouldn’t be good enough to be understood. If that wasn’t enough, she had to manage immigration paperwork. Though worn down by these challenges, Ravit didn’t succumb to feelings of worthlessness. Her self-confidence was of utmost importance. Ravit managed to find a job just one month after getting her green card and with her law degree she was making a grand salary of . . . .$11 an hour. “It was like going backward,” she says. “But I told myself that I can prove I’m good and show my

A RELEASE OF EGO One way to meet your goals is to not take it personally when someone tells you no. Ravit says there have definitely been times when people have laughed in her face or been less than interested with her self-introduction - something she does on a regular basis in order to get her brand known and in front of beauty influencers. She has also been told she comes off as pushy. “I’m not a big company,” she says. “I don’t have a budget to spend on marketing, so this is what I have to do!” In moments when her ego may be bruised, she refocuses on her goal and keeps on doing what she’s doing.

boss what I can do.” Sure enough, she ended up leaving that job with a salary of $25 and hour, and the next job she was making $50 an hour.

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Ravit spoke calmly, and with compassion, of a time when her strong sales pitch ended up piquing the interest of someone who originally said no. Recognizing that “it may not have been the right time” when she first made the pitch, Ravit didn’t take it personally. Now that she’s “built a reputation” the client is interested. “Everyone doesn’t have to work with me,” says Ravit. “Everyone is not going to like me.” She also acknowledges that not everyone can “take a risk” on her product, which is “new” and “unknown.” Still, she keeps on asking, looking for that “one yes in a sea of ‘no’s’.”

A R E L I A N C E O N I N S P I R AT I O N Ravit’s family legacy was in education, so there were no examples of business people in her life. Driven by her inner interests, she had to become her own inspiration. She also finds inspiration in her travels and exposure to other countries. Her unique product, then, is inspired by Ravit’s particular needs when it came to makeup. “There aren’t a lot of options when it comes to eyebrow gel,” she explained. “The ones that were available weren’t of the quality I wanted. There was nothing out there that had everything I needed!” She has also created unique packaging for her product, to further set it apart. “Every day a new beauty brand is launched,” says Ravit. “I knew I had to make my product amazing in order for it to stand out and be successful.” To differentiate herself in such a saturated landscape, Ravit chose to fill a niche and create a unique product. “Don’t copycat. Think outside the box,” she says. Understanding the nature of the industry you’re in is only one side of business. You have to truly believe in yourself, down to your core to achieve true success. This is what kept Ravit going through the years of creating the product, and what keeps her going through the many public appearances to promote her brand.

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The FUN I SSU E

A S TA N D A R D O F E X C E L L E N C E From the beginning, Ravit set high expectations of herself and her product. Her eyebrow gel is “rich in castor oil, which

because it costs more to do it,” she says. Giving her customers the option to choose a lighter color for day and darker shading for evening, with just one product, was important to Ravit.

is good for your skin and promotes hair growth,” she says. “I

Ravit hasn’t studied chemistry, nor did she have experience in

wanted it to be long lasting, so the customer gets value.” And

working in the cosmetics industry before launching her own

she packages it with a brush, so it’s ready-to-use.

brand. After years of saving money to build a website, and more

Additionally, her product is made in the U.S., is cruelty-free, and is vegan. “Makeup is something that is meant to make you feel good,” she says. “You’ll feel good if you don’t hurt others.”

years to develop her own formula, she holds herself and her product to her own standards, and feels comfortable with her own vision.

Though she joins many other clean beauty brands in setting these standards, they’re still radical in the overall landscape of the beauty industry.

A MAGICAL MISSION The name of Ravit’s company—4EverMagic—her tagline—“Let

Ravit also managed to get a lab to pour two colors into one jar

the magic of cosmetics begin”—and her product—an eyebrow

– which allows the customer to have two shades for her brows

gel formulated to “give women an extra boost of self-

in one product. “The big companies don’t make it this way

confidence,” even while remaining their “natural-looking”

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Get Inspired Through the telling of her story, Ravit hopes to inspire others and show them that everything is possible if you pursue your dreams! Here are some of the things that have kept her going, throughout the ups and down of entrepreneurship.

Support. Ravit’s family may not have the same interests and careers as she does, but she speaks highly of their support. “They are proud of me,” she says, “they have seen how high I’ve reached and know how far I’ve come.”

selves—all illustrate Ravit’s belief that cosmetics can

Ravit knows better than anyone that downtime is just as important as time devoted to growth and expansion. She loves to watch a funny movie—”The Birdcage” with Robin Williams is a favorite—to give herself a break from the relentless demands of running a business.

create a little magic. She’s the first to recognize that makeup is not just about your outer appearance. Makeup can shift your spirits to a happier place. Women, says Ravit, are often held back by fear that comes from “self-doubt and a lack of

great, she wants her to feel good too. One way she adds in a little extra boost to the natural portion of her proceeds to programs that help at-risk children and women. Right now, $1 from each transaction is donated to one of two charities, which the customer can choose from when she purchases.

Inspiration. Travel is a huge source of inspiration for Ravit. Her favorite destination is Costa Rica, but, she says, “the world is so big and there are so many places and cultures I want to see and experience.” Thailand and Australia are next on her list!

self-confidence” so, in addition to making her client look

high that buying beauty products brings is by giving a

Ease.

Values. At the end of the day, Ravit’s reason for being in business is the biggest reminder to keep believing. “Makeup is fun!,” she says, “But I also believe in my heart that cosmetics aren’t some frivolous extravagance.” Makeup is important to women, and to our culture, for many different reasons.

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The FUN ISSU E

Future plans include creating a special day for cancer patients bringing in makeup artists for a professional makeup session. Ravit has regularly volunteered in hospitals, and has lost a family member to cancer, so this cause is important to her. She also knows how much looking good on the outside relates to feeling good on the inside.

vision into a functioning business. Now, she runs her brand with self-belief, confidence, and determination—all while having lots and lots of FUN. Sounds pretty magical to me!

Ravit’s journey began long ago—as a little girl in Israel who enjoyed mixing colors of her mother’s makeup to make new shades. She gravitated toward chemistry and always loved beauty. And she had a vision for bringing those two interests together. Over time, with perseverance, humility, and faith, she learned to listen to herself and trust her instincts, so that she could turn her

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

A second generation Indian American, Payal Mehta was raised by small business owners, which in turn led her to chase a life of corporate servitude. She recently escaped, and now works from home, and spends time cooking, writing, and acting—and basically doing whatever else she wants. Connect with her on Medium @payal.mehta. Photography by Adva Riklin

Connect with Ravit  @4evermagiccosmetics  @4evermagiccosme

 @4evermagiccosmetics

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Expose yourself to different people and different kinds that’s the beauty of adapting yourself. – RAVIT DAROUGAR

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A RT W O R K by @ CR A F T I VAT ECT

to align your innermost thoughts with your ever-evolving perspective

I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y A M Y M C N A M A R A

Red Poppy The bright and cheerful poppy is a reminder that strength stands the test of time. With its brilliant, seductive color, even a single bud of this flower can make an impressive and intense decorative statementâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;just as any woman who stands in her truth can inspire others to do the same.

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The world needs you to soften into your wild feminine truth, just as much as it needs your lioness roar. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SHARYN HOLMES

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LIVE

Romance Your Self-Care with

Casee Marie

Your relationship with yourself is the most important relationship of your life.

s a single woman, self-love without boundaries often

When practicing this radical form of self-love, I depend upon

feels elusive. Romantic love is idealized, and from

rituals and routines. The following are a few loving habits

every angle it seems that I'm receiving the same

through which I am deepening my self-relationship, as I stay

message: until properly coupled, I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to experience

open, connected, and honest.

the full scope of love. I've come to the conclusion, however, that a full and unconditional experience of love is denied me only if I allow it to be. I can fall in love with myself. In fact, as I have waded deeper into the body-positive movement, I've realized that I'm not the only one looking for permission to connect with a fully emotional and all-encompassing sense of affection for oneself. Correcting the thought patterns and the negative beliefs of a fat-phobic, body-shaming culture is a constant practice. Seeing myself as beautiful, as sexy, as beloved, is not a destination I hope to reach, but a choice I try to make each day. Joyful and free of shame, unconditional self-love means

S AT I S F Y I N G T H E S E N S E S The most basic form of self-care for me is the act of tending to my sensuality. Hear, smell, taste, see, touch. Sitting in nature with a cup of tea, digging my bare feet into the dirt, and exploring my connection to the wild world. Or a gentle self-massage with essential oils and a playlist full of India. Arie songs, followed by a luxurious piece of chocolate. Drinking lots of water, choosing silence over background noise, intentionally selecting the elements of my atmosphere... Creating an ambiance of affection is my gateway to self-love.

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EMOTIONAL ALCHEMY Self-love also consists of connecting with my soul-self, understanding my triggers, and choosing what brings me joy. This is the work of abiding with myself, discovering what turns me on and lights me up. Meditation or journaling, exploring my feelings through therapy or a heartcentered conversation with a soul-sister, or simply being present with myself to better understand what my needs are. Stopping to check in with myself is, in its own way, a radical act of affection.

SHADOW WORK I know that I cannot be fully unconditional until I can learn to love my shadow self. That is the place where the grievances, the shame, and the limiting beliefs all live. They are very real, but how I choose to meet them dictates how much control Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m willing to give to them how much power they will have over me. T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

Though jealousy, greed, perfectionism, and heartbreak exist, I do not view them as evidence of my own unworthiness, but as a necessary part of my wholeness. I understand that my shadow self is also deserving of love.

The pleasures of life are not offered to us on a conditional basis; we do not have to wait, to achieve, to be more before we can be fully rooted in love. Whether or not you are single, spend some time giving consideration to the ways you could bring more romance into your self-care practice. Like all forms of unconditional love, unconditional self-love means acceptance without boundaries. When your self-love has no boundaries, you can unlock the deepest magic in your experience of being you.

Casee Marie is a motivational writer living in Wallingford, Connecticut with her rescue pup, Blaze. She is the author of the online journal Hope & Harbor where she writes to encourage a deeper relationship with compassion and vulnerability. You can connect with her at caseemarie.com. Photos by Connie Schiano, @constance_schiano

Take a Breath. Are you ready to feel inspired and more alive in your body and soul? Are you ready to step into your true power and free yourself from limiting beliefs? Want to feel whole and complete exactly as you are right now? Begin the journey to your truest self by scheduling a free connection call at www.lydiamandell.com Conscious Connected Breathwork, Shamanic Healing. Movement. Coaching. lydiamandell.com

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Being Happy & Spreading Joy with

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Jessica Serra Huizenga

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One February morning in 2013 I woke up and told my husband I wanted to start a confetti shop. That is, quite literally, how I got into the business of happiness.

t that point I had realized life is hard. Like, really hard sometimes. There are pressures and stress and both bad and sad things can happen at any

moment. Anxiety and depression are at an all time high, and it seems that too much is happening too fast and it can be overwhelming to say the least. I decided that focusing on the good is generally more fun and healthier, as well as more productive, so I made it my life’s mission to make people happy. While selling confetti is an obvious, literal vehicle that represents the little bits of happiness I want to spread in this world, my motivation really comes from a much deeper place. Because I’ve dealt (and still deal) with my own versions of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, I am passionate about really taking the time to celebrate even the smallest of moments - because there are so many amazing and wonderful things to be grateful for: all the loving people in my life, colorful sunsets, perfect beach days, the ability to pursue my dreams, delicious smelling candles, and inspirational art, to name a few... After a few years of running my business, though, I started to notice that my own personal sense of happiness got murkier the harder I worked to make others happy. What I realized — after much self-reflection — is this: It is not my job to make people happy, but it is my purpose to try. You see, it’s not so much about the outcome, it’s about the journey. It makes me happy to try and make other people happy, as long as I don’t lose myself in the process. Am I ever going to make every single person happy? Nope. And that’s ok. By trying to be the best version of myself, though, I am sharing as much joy with others as I can.

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Here's how I put this philosophy into practice regularly and consistently:

P R I O R I T I Z E E M PAT H Y. It’s practically human nature to judge other people — we all do it, even if we don’t want to admit it. But I've found that taking

SMILE MORE. A smile is the most beautiful thing we can wear. This doesn't mean I'm never sad, only that I make a conscious effort to smile

the time to understand a situation from the other side rather than making snap judgments produces courteous, productive, and constructive dialogue.

more often.

DIAL THE “NOISE.” S I M P L I F Y. Less stuff means there is less to manage (physically and emotionally). I always try to simplify to only the essentials in

It's important to know when to look to others for support and encouragement. I also value knowing when it’s time to take a step back and regroup with my own thoughts.

order to focus on what makes me (and those around me) happy.

S E L F - R E F L E C T. Truth builds confidence, so it makes sense that in order to be truly happy we need to be honest. Digging into the heart of a deeper truth means being honest about my insecurities. T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

C O L L A B O R AT E A S I N D I V I D U A L S . Inspiration and collaboration can be fuel to spark creativity, but I avoid defining myself through the eyes of others. Instead, I surround myself with creative people that each bring something unique to our relationship.

Happiness isn't solely an individual pursuit; our social relationships â&#x20AC;&#x201D; when strong, positive, and supportive â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are what help give us a source of identity, purpose, and fun. Both the giving and the receiving of support from our circles help boost our individuality. Having relationships with other humans is part of the individual

C A R E F O R O U R S E LV E S , T H E N O T H E R S .

happiness journey. Rather than relying on others for happiness, however, we want our relationships to amplify it. Happiness

What we surround ourselves with and what we allow into our

breeds happiness, so we have to protect our good vibes, which

space and bodies affect us emotionally and practically. The

allows us to spread more joy.

same goes for what we put out into the world. I work to keep toxic thoughts, toxic situations, and even toxic foods/products away from myself and those I love.

Jessica Serra Huizenga is the kombucha-drinking, happy-making confetti artist behind The Confetti Bar. She delights in creating unique, bright, and engaging content that makes people smile. At the core of everything she does is her mission to spread happiness, color, inspiration, and, of course, confetti. You can follow along with her adventures in Confetti Land at www.theconfettbar.com and on Instagram @theconfettibar Photos by Becca Olcott

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thebravefilespodcast.com

mamanowconversations.com

Uplifting Podcasts to Listen To Le vital corps Salon Sonic comfort + conversation for women who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time for BS or burnout

A podcast about fertility & modern family building.

Hosted by

Kara Martin Snyder

Hosted by Katie Lynch, therapist, modern family builder, & fertility advocate

fertilenest.com T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

vitalcorpswellness.com

Start living as if you are already free. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; GENEEN ROTH

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â?&#x2018; Tasked

by the Universe H O W & W H Y I B E G A N M Y 3 3 K TA S K L I S T P R O J E C T

Words by

Kara Martin Snyder

Photography by

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Juliet Lofaro

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For a huge chunk of 2016, I would wake up before dawn dreaming about different art installations using thousands of handwritten task lists. Initially, I dismissed the “noise” because I wasn’t an "artist." Still, the deluge of creative energy was relentless, splattering on me like I’d never experienced. Once I gave myself permission to explore it, I started sleeping until 7:30 AM again.

et’s start with the fact that I was born the child of a

100-hour weeks and slept under a conference table. You know

passionate love affair and weirdly obsessed with my

what I actually achieved? A few spot bonuses, irritable bowels,

grandfather’s Moxie™ soda habit when I was a kid. Both

anxiety, depression, and about 35% more body mass.

will put a little passion and pep in your constitutional step. Although I was blessed with some moxilicious raw materials, raw

After shamefully and very publicly losing control of those said

passion and energy are things I’ve had to learn how to balance.

irritable bowels, I had to make a change. I had to recover my

For sure, it’s really handy to have a strong sense of self and the

error to redesign my lifestyle habits and transition my career.

courage to embrace it. Yet, it’s easy to be deemed too much or a weirdo at times. I’ve often had to wipe the splatter of others’ unsolicited opinions off me. Whenever I’ve tried to tone myself down or conform in some way, I’m almost always left feeling depleted. In my teens and 20s, I was a raging, Type A workaholic with a strong pull towards perfectionism. I made all the “right” strategic moves and ticked all the “right” professional boxes. I clocked in

T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

physical and mental health. It took years of research, trial, and

Not wanting to ever sit in an existential dirty diaper again, staying in recovery for me means knowing when I’m working hard vs. overworking: challenging myself to slow things down, take breaks, and find something joyful in each day is a vital part of my life.

The 33k Task List Project is an art project that evolved from my work as a health + lifestyle strategist. My goal is to collect 33,000 handwritten task lists, a.k.a. to-do lists, from women around the world to (1) see what we can learn from them, (2) transform them into art, and (3) change the conversation around stress, desire, and obligation. Currently, I’ve collected over 1,000 lists from across 27 states and 7 countries. I’m averaging about 600 lists each year. Unless I hit that tipping point well-wishers keep talking about, I may be the Carmen Herrera of task list art. From personal experience, I know the task list is a tool. It short-circuits the repetitive don’t-forget-to loop, which can make me feel a little anxious, and allows me to see what competing demands I have on my time and make smart decisions. Plus, I love ticking off all those checkboxes! When I started this project, I thought, “How hard can it be to collect something so many women recycle or throw away?” Turns out, it’s mega-difficult because of the emotions and energy that permeate from that piece

be a life-limiting, worry-generating, self-worth-crushing, punishing collection

of paper containing mostly obligatory,

of obligatory sh*t. Are you getting things done? Or are you procrastinating

mundane activities.

the desire-drenched, quasi-scary stuff that will set your soul on fire and set you free?

Some women simply forget to keep and mail them. Others think their current list

We cannot give this physical (or digital) list more power than it deserves. We also

isn’t interesting/ organized/ colorful/

cannot fill our task lists with only obligatory, please-pleasing garbage and expect

pretty/ representative/ unstained/

our deepest, desire-soaked dreams to appear when we check things off.

legible/ complete/ artistic/ ambitious/ entertaining/ inspiring/ perfect enough to contribute. Some are procrastinating that one last incomplete task on their doublesided, yellow, legal-sized sheet.

There are so many reasons I’m tackling this project. First, it’s messy and playful. Woven into all of my professional roles has been an element of creating structure from nothing or restoring order to broken, sometimes chaotic, situations. The energy of this creative project is the exact opposite: focused on the process rather than the endpoint. Second, I’ve made a lot of invisible change in my career, but I’ve never gotten to make anything physical with my hands. Rarely do folks get excited about (or

I’ve learned—from my own recovery, years of private conversations with other frazzled

even notice) a redesigned process or created, yet invisible, structure. With the physical task lists, I’m bearing witness to and interacting with women.

women, and this project—that the task list, while intended to be a helpmeet, can also

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Thirdly, and most importantly, I’ve witnessed some seismic

would put me back in my comfort zone! (By the way, that’s a real

effects from these seemingly innocuous pieces of paper. For

task that rolled in on a Post-it.)

some, it’s a tool for organized focus. For others – like many of my exhausted, Type A clients – it’s a weapon to abuse themselves and negatively impact their own health and wellness.

Besides, I want to be congruent. I can’t ask other women to step outside their comfort zones and not be willing to step out of mine. More than that, I believe diving into these areas of resistance might set me free. What doesn’t kill you will surely make you wiser.

Make no mistake: the 33k Task List Project is wildly outside of my comfort zone! In every job I’ve ever had, there’s some flavor of coming into a broken, often chaotic situation, to gather as many puzzle pieces as I can, to analyze them, and to strategically turn things around. But now, I’m a beginner.

I’ve been told that it will be “completely impossible” for me to complete my 33K Tasklist Project, particularly if I don’t allow printouts or screenshots of lists. But guess what? This is my project. A screenshot of someone’s digital task list doesn’t make my heart go pitter-patter the way a unique handwritten list does, and that’s totally OK.

I’m sitting with messiness and playfulness. I’m getting cozy with things being undone. It’s not a project I’ll be able to put a nice, neat bow on in a year…or likely even a decade. It’s forcing me into places where the ground doesn’t feel solid under my feet, where I need to ask for—and gracefully receive—help.

While I need to stay open to constructive feedback (not always

Sometimes, it takes being uncomfortable to learn. One payoff

myself and my original intentions. When I do this from a place

of sitting with my discomfort of being an artist is that I could

of playful curiosity and possibility, the next steps will almost

create a database to study the lists I collect. Analyzing a factoid

always organically emerge.

like the number of times women remind themselves to eat lunch

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easy for me), I’ve also learned it’s important to stay true to

Getting Started Fun is a by-product of this sort of moxie. When I’m feeling energetic and courageous, it’s easier to cultivate a more playful, amusing approach to life, to feel at home in my skin and do the things that make me totally me. The good news is, Moxie can be stoked. As not glamorous as it sounds, it starts with solid self-care: Eat your veggies. Get your sleep. Move your body. Mitigate or manage stressors. Schedule quality time with the people you love. These foundational health and lifestyle habits matter a lot. You can’t build a house on a foundation made of Jell-O™. For example, instead of fighting my natural hair, which is more wavy on one side, I opted for an easy, asymmetrical cut. Instead of endlessly shopping for clothes that fit well, which doesn’t bring me joy at all, I asked a tailor to create five copies of a favorite, well-fitting skirt. Both moves creatively and pragmatically solved a problem, which brings me immense pleasure.

Ever dream about doing something big, nebulous, and possibly wonderful? Here are some strategies for taking action without knowing everything: 1. Repeat after me: I do not need to know everything to explore this [idea/project/work]. This sounds obvious. Yet, people often tell themselves all sorts of stories to the contrary. 2. Write down 3 questions you currently have about your project. Then, identify 1 tiny action you can take within 24 hours related to each question. Make each task small enough to make it happen. 3. Trust that if you take any action at all, it’s progress. If you get it right, bravo. If you get it wrong, you’ve gained clarity and eliminated an option that won’t work. 4. When you get stuck, nap, walk, or craft for 20 minutes. No mentally taxing activities allowed! It helps your brain enter a more creative, flow state. This supports diffuse understanding and problem-solving.

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Unsurprisingly, total strangers have crossed rooms to compliment me on both my hair and my skirts. Many times, those random conversations have proven serendipitous. I’ve met sister listers (women who write task lists); I’ve met podcast listeners, clients, and mentors. Even if we can’t always see it, we are all so interconnected as humans. Moxie can make us magnetic.

From a healthier, stronger place—from the magic and might of Moxie—I encourage you to infuse a little more confidence in your life on the regular: •

Speak up in a moment you’d normally remain silent.

•

Say no without guilt, games, or drama.

•

Eschew unnecessarily asking for permission (and make asking for forgiveness your Plan B).

•

Ask for what you need.

•

Ask for something you want.

•

Ask for something you desire.

Go ahead: fill your tasklist with this stuff and—one day—you’ll be checking it off. You got this.

Kara Martin Snyder is the Founder/Strategist over at Vital Corps, a health + lifestyle studio located at the 3-way intersection of functional health, selfcare and strategic action. She’s also the host of Le vital corps Salon podcast and the creator of 33K Task List Project, her quest to transform 33,000 handwritten task lists from women around the world into art. Connect with her on Instagram @vitalcorps. Photography by Juliet Lofaro @julietlofarophoto

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Join The Perpetual You in January 2019 for a weekend of connection to reawaken your soul and warm your spirit. Explore the sensory gifts of intentional living through guided workshops on yoga, breathwork, creativity, meditation, and self-awareness. With the evocative seaside as your backdrop, you'll unearth the power of camaraderie while envisioning your year in a safe, sacred environment. For more info, email hello@theperpetualyou.com. T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU

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M OX I E She asked “What If…?” She felt her fear And Then… She locked hands with Courage + Persistence and moved toward her desires

Melissa Combs Melissa is a mixed-media artist who creates original, multi-layered and colorful collages. She recently exercised her moxie when she launched her own business to sell her art and one-of-a-kind products. Connect with her at studio-mlc.com.

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@QUANTUMOFMILL

@ANNMARIEDRURY_ARTIST

@RAWFOODJO

@FIT_AT_SIX

@SHURI_KAT

@IAMDONELLA

@YOGAWITHAMYLAUREN

@THETROPICALBOHO

@PAYPAR38

# C ON F I D EN CEI S BEA U T I F U L

Time to take off the mask of timidity, ladies! Confident is the new Beautiful. From body positivity to ladyboss badassery to design-with-YOU-in-mind, confidence is making a comeback in the lives (and homes!) of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and we couldn't be happier about this trend! Share your confident, authentic photos and tag us @theperpetualyou to be re-posted on our IG stories this month.

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O CT O BER MA N T RA

I unapologetically take up space in exactly who I am. M A N T R A b y K R Y S TA L B R A N D T P H O T O by @ R I G H T _ C L I C K _ P H O T O

P H O T O by @ R I G H T _ C L I C K _ P H O T O

Unleash Moxie

The Perpetual You_Create Fun by Unleashing Moxie

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