Twenty Something
December 2012
Jamy Green Hair Artist Duncan Brothers Salon 405.550.0690
Angela Hamilton Hair Designer Elevation Salon 405.659.5212
Kealey McIntire Feature Writer
Mikala Ewald Makeup Artist
www.MakeupByMikala.com
Samantha Lamb Feature Writer
Jessica Bohne OneHealthyBod Monthly Workout
Alex Mendez-Kelly Makeup Artist Feature Writer
Steve Clausen OneHealthyBod Monthly Workout
Intern: Christopher Turner
CONT
Bethany Young Editor-in-Chief Co-Creative Director Photographer
Kelsey Self Fashion Director Co-Creative Director Stylist
Sarah Ethridge Music Writer
Denver Duncan Feature Writer
Meagan Owen Feature Writer
Chad Cosper Videography DCMGMT Creative, Inc.
Jeff Ragan Health Writer
Amber Fike Makeup Artist 405.473.9145
Whitney Lynn Feature Writer
Emily Davis Decor Writer
TRIBUTORS
Fashion
Fashion
Personal Style
Glamorous. Edgy. Chic. Girly. Vintage. There are so many words that come to mind when discussing personal style. Fashionistas all over have their own unique point of view when it comes to wearing clothes. Personal style is all about figuring out what type of clothing makes you feel and look the best. There are so many different types of personal style that it has been displayed through what we know as street style. If you have been around anyone who is obsessed with fashion, you have probably noticed one or more of these personal style types. The glamorous girl is the girl who loves to dress up whenever she can. Her go-to items are her dresses and high heels. Her diamond earrings are on display when she walks out the door. Her bags are designed by the most popular designers in the industry. She is the girl who wants to make a statement. If this sounds like you, then your personal style is glamorous. Your fashion icon would be someone like Holly Golightly in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Since your wardrobe consists of dressy clothing, you probably like shopping at a very stylish and chic store. The vintage girl is the girl who loves vintage clothing. Her go-to items consist of a great vintage dress and a pair of vintage shoes that she picked out in a vintage boutique. Her bags and jewelry are one of a kind because of those hours spent searching through vintage bins. She does not mind looking a little retro because that is what vintage is all about. If this sounds like you, you guessed it! You are the vintage girl. Rachel Zoe, the celebrity stylist who is known for having a great vintage wardrobe, would be your style icon. Your clothes are unique in style and design due to the fact they were made years back. If you are the vintage girl, it is obvious that you like shopping at those unique vintage stores. The laid-back girl is the girl who likes to dress comfortably while still looking chic. She doesn’t mind putting on layers of clothes and slipping on a pair of flats. She carries a basic everyday bag and she may slip on a pair of earrings here and there. Although she has a laid-back attitude towards the way she dresses, her look is effortless and stylish at the same time. If your attitude towards dressing sounds like this, then you are the laid-back girl. You like shopping at stores that sell simple but stylish clothing to compliment your laidback attitude. Having a simple wardrobe, you wouldn’t want it to look too fancy but you would still like to keep it stylish! I could go on and on about the different types of personal style that people like. Although I only mentioned a few, the various types of personal style that I have seen give a unique flavor to the fashion industry. As I have said in earlier articles, choose the right style for you. Every fashionista has her own personal style. You just have to find the one that makes you feel and look your best!
Written by Whitney Lynn
Beauty
Visual Delights
I have spent lots of time telling all about how to get different makeup looks and how to better your skincare and body care routines. So I thought it only fitting in a season that is ALL about the visual delights, to SHOW you what all this advice can look like!
First off we have Brittany, who is the Hair Designer at The MakeUp Bar. She is sporting flawless skin, thanks to our last chat about exfoliation! We have used MUB beauty’s Sha-liner in BlackBerry ala Adele. Mixed in above the luscious liner is soft champagne glitter courtesy of Gilractik. What Holiday look would be complete without a bright 1940’s inspired red? From the Lipstick Queen herself, Poppy King’s fav, Sinner Red with Rouge Lip Liner. Light on the face makeup and blush, and voila! You have a classic, can never disappoint look.
Second we have the beautiful Betsy. She’s a little more rock ‘n roll, so Dakota, makeup artist at The
MUB, choose Nude’Tude eye shadow palette from The Balm. It is filled with, well nude colors! Ranging from light and glimmering to dark and sultry, this palette has everything you need for everyday and elegant affairs. He smoked out her eyes and smudged the liner to look messier. The blush is a very soft peachy neutral from The Balm, also called Frat Boy. And for the lips it was a very soft lip color, not to compete with the smokey eyes. Blonde Venus lipstick and Sweet Dreams Lip gloss both from NARS. Third but certainly not last, Miss Sara wanted glam to the max. So Dakota held nothing back! He started with MUB beauty’s Sha-liner in New Day all over the eye to create the base of smoked out glamour. To intensify the dark plum color he softly pressed T.LeClerc’s Prune Tendre eye shadow over the sha-liner. Using a BB cream by B. Kamins and a cream foundation by The Balm, the matte and flawless canvas was created. Dakota highlighted her skin with our favorite highlighter of ALL time, Mary-Lou-Manizer also by The Balm. A soft sweep above the cheekbones and along the eyebrow arch makes the finishing touches seem easy as pumpkin pie. And for la piece de résistance! Lips were lined in Vintage by MUB beauty and filled in with T.LeClerc’s Organza and topped with La Moss (Created for Kate Moss) by Butter London’s Lippy Collection. I hope you enjoyed “seeing” what a few swipes of the perfect color can do and get some ideas for your own party attending self! My Holiday wish for all of you is peace and love. May you be with those that share your lives, be it with the family you were given or the family you created. Smile wider, hug longer and selflessly give somebody else the last piece of fudge. Happy Hanukah and Merry Christmas!! Written by Alex Mendez-Kelley Owner of The MakeUp Bar
Feature
Unique Holiday Decorating
Holiday decorating, like decorating in general, should be nothing if not unique. There is nothing worse than having the exact same décor as everyone on your street, and this rings true for holiday decorating as well. This season, let’s all step outside of our box and try some unexpected and unique holiday decorating ideas! Forget your front door - Hang a wreath in an unexpected place. Perhaps nothing is more ‘holiday’ than a great wreath. I love them all over the house. I say anywhere you can - hang one!
Image Sources: Country Living, Better Homes and Gardens, iSuwanee Blog, Shelterness, Lonny
Don’t forget the chandelier. Because they are so pretty on their own, chandys can be easy to overlook while holiday decorating. But they can be so much prettier with a little swag or ornaments hung on them.
Go for a non-trad color. Perhaps the most unique choice you can make while decorating is choosing an unexpected color. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do love the tried and true green, red and white - but trying a different color can be a super fun way to change it up!
xoxo, Emily
Fashion
Holiday Statements Christmas day with family and friends is guaranteed to be a Kodak moment. See how you can style up this holiday by finding that perfect casual-chic look while still being comfortable enough to tear through all of those presents. Photography: Bethany Young Makeup: The MakeUp Bar Hair: Angela Hamilton Styling: Kelsey Self Clothing: Blue Seven, Gil’s, Royce Clothing Model: Graham T. of Anthony David Agency
Feature
A Christmas Carol
It’s the Holiday season, which means one thing - it’s time for Lyric Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol! We caught up with the leads of this classic to find out more about the show.
Jonathan Beck Reed - Scrooge
Winning play ‘The Normal Heart.’ I am a long time veteran of all aspects of the performing arts, having first appeared in a play at the tender age of eight. I lived and worked extensively in New York for twelve years before returning to Oklahoma City to settle down. I am a co-founder of CityRep, where I frequently direct, design, and/ or perform. My wife Amy Reynolds Reed and I have, for thirteen years, owned and operated Dance Unlimited and Spotlight Acting Academy in Edmond, Oklahoma, and we each teach in area university musical theater departments; Amy at OU, and I at OCU. We are the extremely grateful and proud parents of four and a half year old twins Krayson Rayce and Emmalynn Ember.
Tell us about yourself! My name is Jonathan Beck Reed and I am reprising the “plumb” role of Ebenezer Scrooge in Lyric Theater’s Spectacular Annual Holiday Production of ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Before this assignment, I appeared in How did you become involved in the leading role of Ned Weeks in Oklahoma theatre? City Repertory Theater’s (CityReps) highly I was born and raised in Oklahoma City acclaimed production of the Tony Award (The Village) and from the time I can call
to mind a memory, I have wanted to be an actor. My beautiful mother Mary recognized in me some ability and interest in acting around the age of seven, and gently encouraged me to give the stage a try. By the time I was eight, I was enrolled in acting at the now “mythic” Mummers Theater in the warehouse at 1108 West Main. It was a magical place, inhabited by genius and artistry at every turn. It was an “artistic incubator” for the gifted and passionate, and, in short order, I was hooked. The Mummers, at that time, was a professional regional theater and highly regarded on the national stage. Over the years, I was not only exposed to some truly tremendous performances by acclaimed actors and creative and thoughtful instructors, but also allowed to succeed and fail, and taught the value of both.
extraordinary things. It is difficult to say what one experience outshines the others. It’s not fair to compare. But I will tell you of a couple that have served as proof, to me, that some “Greater Theatrical God” is guiding my life. When I was a kid, there were two celebrities that I WORSHIPPED. The first was Don Knotts, whom most will remember as Deputy Barney Fife on ‘The Andy Griffith Show.’ He was my hero. I LOVED him. Even as a kid, I would study his acting and wonder how he was able to DO what he DID. The second was Rip Taylor...a comedian who was the Robin Williams of his time. He was a MAJOR Celebrity and the funniest and most eccentric human oddity I had ever seen. Well, in the interest of space, I’ll forego the complicated, though fascinating, stories delineating the circuitous route and unbelievable circumstance which ultimately brought us together What is it about the theatre that on the stage but, just suffice to say, they inspires you? DID!!! I starred opposite Don Knotts in Hard to say with any specificity! So many the national tour of ‘Norman, Is That You?’ things about the theater “inspire” me. The and appeared as Hysterium opposite Rip’s theaters themselves...each unique, with Psuedelous in the Broadway national tourtheir own personalities and history. An ing revival of ‘A Funny Thing Happened on amazing set on which to play. Wearing a the Way to the Forum.’ In both cases, I was costume that “completes” the creation and blessed to became very close friends with allows you to fully “inhabit” the character. the two men, and, in fact, spoke alongside A great play to perform. A great role to play. Andy Griffith, Ron Howard, Bob Newhart, Working with a wonderful cast and/or diTim Conway, and other icons from the rector. Performing for an appreciative audi- Golden Age of Television at Don’s Memorience. Simply standing on a stage and having al Service in LA. Who knew that little Jonny another opportunity to make a difference in Reed would one day grow up to share the someone’s life through the work you do on stage and a close friendship with the two that stage. Trials, challenges, triumphs and men he worshipped as a boy?! Those expetragedies. A life in the theater is never short riences shine pretty brightly over the course of inspiration!!! of my career, but the one that always shines brightest is the one you’re in NOW!!! Of all the experiences you have had in the theatre world, what Tell us about your involvement has been the one that outshines with Lyric! the rest? I first appeared on the Lyric Stage at the In my long career, I have been blessed to age of eleven as a Snow Child in ‘Carouwork with some extraordinary people, both sel’ under the direction of one of the most famous and infamous, and experience some important and influential men it has been
my honor and privilege to know...then Lyric Theater Artistic Director Lyle Dye. A few years later, I performed in ‘Bye, Bye Birdie’ and, a few years after that, was hired for ensemble and principle roles for four consecutive seasons. To date, I have been performing on the Lyric Stage for twenty-nine years and have played a wide variety of roles, some of which include twice Tevye in ‘Fiddler,’ twice Harold Hill in ‘The Music Man,’ Julian Marsh in ‘42nd Street,’ Captain Hook in ‘Peter Pan,’ Bill Snibson in ‘Me and My Girl,’ Nathan Detroit in ‘Guys and Dolls,’ The Chairman in ‘Drood!’, Herbie in ‘Gypsy,’ Joe/Josephine in ‘Sugar,’ and twice Will Rogers in ‘The Will Rogers Follies.’ I have also been a part of many “firsts” with Lyric Theater. I played Eb Scrooge in Lyric’s “first” original musical, the World Premier of ‘A Country Christmas Carol’; starred as Will Rogers in ‘The Will Rogers Follies,’ which was the “first” Lyric Show to perform in the Civic Center Music Hall after the move from The Kirkpatrick Auditorium; costarred with David Coffee in ‘Greater Tuna’, Lyric’s “first” non-musical production; and with this production of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ I have become a part of a new Lyric Theater ‘Holiday Tradition,’ a “first” for the Theater that I consider to be a second home. What should patrons expect out of ‘A Christmas Carol’? Audiences who attend Lyric’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ can expect to see the Dickens Classic brought to life by a tremendously talented and exuberant cast; directed with inspired passion by Michael Baron; set against a beautiful, evocative set; costumed in walking works of art created by the enormously gifted Jeffrey Meek; lighted by Arial in washes and wisps of shadows and color that bathe the stage with joy and sorrow, fear and foreboding; surrounded by impressive techno wizardry that make ghosts fly and snow fall; and MUSIC!!! Beautiful voices signing beautiful songs and carols that act
as a “connective tissue” throughout the play. It is a TRULY spectacular show made all the better in the intimate Plaza Theater. What are you most excited about when it comes to starring in ‘A Christmas Carol’? Playing the role of Scrooge is one of the most challenging roles it has ever been my privilege to attempt. I have played the miserly old skinflint now a total of six times and it never gets any easier. But the challenge, for me, is the great appeal. Anytime you play a character that has an “epiphany”, it is tricky but, in the case of Scrooge, his revelation is played out entirely onstage in full view of a discriminating audience’s eyes. Taking him from a place of being cold, mean and miserly to a place of uncontainable joy and generosity requires that the “evolution” be clear to an audience and that the changes in his nature seem believable and motivated. Every second that I stand on stage, I have to “live” this story with authenticity if I expect to earn the audience trust. THAT challenge excites me!!!
Tom Huston Orr - Bob Cratchit Tell us about yourself! I was raised in the theatre. I started working at age seven at a wonderful old theatre in Ft. Worth, TX called Casa Manana. I literally spent my whole youth there in
What should patrons expect out of ‘A Christmas Carol’? I don’t want to brag, and I say this with all humility, but this production is awesome. The talent assembled in this group is amazing. OKC is blessed to have a significant talent pool. Our cast is made of some of the best actors in this city. And when you put them on stage together, magic abounds. Michael Baron’s adaptation and direction are utterly inspired. Ashley Stover-Wells’ choreography is a blast and so much fun to watch. I think this ‘Christmas Carol’ perfectly captures the magic and spirit that Dickens brought us in the novel. And I think proof of that is in the faces of the auWhat is it about the theatre that dience. Kids grinning and laughing, wide inspires you? eyed with astonishment, and adults with The wonderful community of artists that tears in their eyes, holding on to their loves become your larger family. I am so blessed ones. It’s just a very joyful, celebratory and to be surrounded by such talented and awe- lovely show. That’s what I have come to some people. I am humbled and inspired by expect. them daily. What are you most excited about Of all the experiences you have when it comes to starring in ‘A had in the theatre world, what Christmas Carol’? has been the one that outshines Well, I’m certainly not starring in ‘A Christthe rest? mas Carol.’ This group is an ensemble from I can’t answer that question, honestly. My the smallest Tiny Tim to the oldest and life in the theatre has been incredibly joymost experienced among us. And that is ful and fulfilling. Overwhelming, really, what I am most excited about. Being a part in retrospect. I might be able to say that I of this family. Every day we are together is treasure coming along at a time when I was a Christmas gift. I feel guilty to be having able to work with and/or observe some of so much fun! the greatest talents of the modern theatre, and now I am able to share that history with young actors and students that I work with. I feel very lucky about that. some capacity: as a child actor, then working backstage as a crew kid, then a production assistant and assistant stage manager, and finally back on stage as a resident actor for three years in my early 20’s. I’ve lived and worked on both coasts and worked in regional theatres all over the country. I married a wonderful woman and gifted performer, Robin Huston, and we have now been together almost twenty years. We have two amazing kids, Harper and Henry, and we are in our tenth year living in Norman where I serve as the James Garner Chair and Director of the University of Oklahoma School of Drama.
Tell us about your involvement with Lyric. I have worked with Lyric for five or six years now. I have choreographed fights for them and worked as an actor. It is a privilege to be able to say that I am a part of the Lyric family.
For showtimes and to purchase your tickets, please visit
www.LyricTheatreOKC.com
Music
What We’re Li Best Christmas Album: Ella Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas
It is the most magical time of the year and this month I feel it would be a shame to not write about the most wonderful Christmas music ever. This is strictly my opinion but Ella Fitzgerald has the best album of holiday music with Ella Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas. It has all of the classics that automatically make you feel nostalgic. Even though most of us know who Ella Fitzgerald is, I have to cover my bases because she is the queen of jazz. With songs like “Frosty the Snowman,” “Winter Wonderland,” and my personal favorite “Sleigh Ride,” I can’t help but think of films like The Holiday and Elf. Why wouldn’t such fantastic Christmas movies only choose the best for their soundtracks? Your holiday season isn’t complete without Ella.
istening To... Best Christmas Song: “The Christmas Song”, Nat King Cole
Choosing a favorite Christmas song is like choosing a favorite child. It’s almost impossible. But if I only had one option, I would probably choose Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song,” only because no one else does it better. His voice turns such an original song to gold and I can’t imagine anyone else’s interpretation having the same effect. This song was actually recorded three different times within twenty years and the last recording made in the early 1960s was done in one take. It was the one that stuck and has been the most played Christmas song within the past fifty years.
Best Christmas Artist: Vince Guaraldi My choice for best Christmas artist would have to be Vince Guaraldi. Not only did he provide all of the Charlie Brown music for all of Charles Schulz’s creations, he managed to create a soundtrack to a cartoon that is strong enough to stand on it’s own. It is pretty amazing that his music transcended such an iconic film. Originally a jazz musician on his own, Charles Schulz thought Guaraldi would be perfect for the Peanuts gig. Vince Guaraldi and his trio truly contribute to the Charlie Brown legacy including Jerry Granelli on drums and Puzzy Firth on bass. He died in 1976 but recorded this work in 1965. Obviously I have an appreciation for the past when it comes to Christmas music, but where would we be without the trendsetters?
Written by Sarah Ethridge
Feature
The Pink Pistol
Miranda Lambert’s new store The Pink Pistol, named after her pink .38 gun that she carries, has opened its doors in Tishomingo, Oklahoma.
that can be found throughout the store for purchase, while Beverly Lambert, Miranda’s mother, brings a strong business sense to the table. “She [Beverly Lambert] owns a store of her own. She’s been teaching me the “My husband [Blake Shelton] actually enropes of how to actually run a store, and his couraged me to do it. I’m really creative and mom [Dorothy Shelton] is so great at makmost of my creative outlet is through muing these beautiful handmade crafts. Evsic, but I love to paint things and do crafts eryone is involved in one way or another,” and so does Blake’s mom, so he said, ‘You Miranda told us. should open a store because you would really love it.’” Soon after, there was a building So what can you find at The Pink Pistol? for sale in downtown Tishomingo [where Just about everything from home décor to the country legends reside] and the rest is apparel, and everything in between. Nearly history. all of the merchandise in the store was hand picked by Miranda. “We have what I like Many fans may be wondering why Miranda to shop for. It’s fun stuff. Whenever I am Lambert would open a store in a town with in need of a last minute gift I never have a population of only 3,000, when more traf- anywhere to go to get one, so I thought why fic could be gained in larger markets like not open a place where people can do that,” Nashville or even Dallas. But to Miranda, Miranda explained. “Mostly everything in Tishomingo is perfect. “I’m gone away from here I picked myself while I was on the road home enough, and so when I’m home I through online ordering. I’m very, very inwanted something close that I could do for volved with it, and I’m very hands on - a lot fun. I want to draw attention to our small of my heart was put into this.” town, and help our economy here. When I’m home I can go 5 miles and do someThe grand opening of The Pink Pistol took thing fun for myself, so it seemed perfect.” place the day after Thanksgiving, traditionDon’t be quick to fret all of you east and ally known as “Black Friday”, although Miwest coast country music fans, because randa felt it would be more appropriate to with time The Pink Pistol may grow into a call the day “Pink Friday.” The entire block multi-location store. “I would love for it to where the store is located was shut down be something that grows bigger and better to traffic so visitors could walk the streets, with time. It would be amazing if we could enjoy hot chocolate, listen to some karahave The Pink Pistol in Nashville or Vegas oke (of which Miranda Lambert and Blake or Dallas… Right now its just Tishomingo, Shelton participated in), watch a beauty and nothing is sold online so you have to pageant, and of course visit The Pink Pistol. come visit us, and that’s what we like about Thousands of people stood in line all night it.” for their turn to enter the new store, and it did not disappoint. The merchandise is The Pink Pistol is a Lambert/Shelton famdisplayed on fun things like a pink piano or ily affair. Dorothy Shelton, Blake’s mother, miniature ferris wheel, while antiques and makes one of a kind handmade crosses interesting objects hang from the ceiling.
To top it all off, there is a fully restored soda fountain in the store where visitors can sit at the bar and order a sundae or Miranda’s signature drink appropriately named, “The Pink Pistol.” So what made Miranda decide to make the store opening a grand event? “I have the name to put out there, I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am and I figure if I can draw more attention to our little town and make it an event, that’s great. I’m from Texas, so the bigger the better,” she told us with a laugh. If you weren’t able to make it to Pink Friday this year, you’ll be happy to know that plans for 2013’s Pink Friday are already in the works. “I hope it’s something that we can do every year that just grows and grows, and involves everybody in the town. People can come from all over and see what small town America means,” Miranda explained. Miranda Lambert is country music’s reigning female vocalist of the year, she has countless CMAs, ACMs, and Grammys, and we’re sure that The Pink Pistol will quickly become one of the most visited stores in the state of Oklahoma. So what is the secret to accomplishing so many things while being so successful at all of them? Miranda revealed it to us in saying, “I feel like a lot of it is just God blessing me. Giving me a gift to get to share with the world through my voice. Also it’s a lot of work. I definitely always have to be busy and doing something, and that’s just what I enjoy.” You can visit The Pink Pistol Monday through Saturday, 10:00am to 6:00pm.
Article & Photography by Bethany Young
Feature
The Decision To Grow Rainbows
I am currently sitting in the small cottage garden that is positioned directly in front of my house. Small Blue Swedish baby ducks are running through a thicket of grass and singing to the baby chicks just a hop skip away. Within it I have two large raised beds that are surrounded in cinder blocks, where carrots grow, and large river stones serve as stepping-stones through the clover and sweet grass. This garden in the spring and into late fall serves as my plot of sweet and light soil that grows all of my favorite things of wonder. Herbs of every kind try to creep over the wooden barriers of old and lovely pine, purple carrots make sweet songs from their thriving place in the depths of the sun, a few stalks of blue corn take their share of love and light… & large leaves of rainbow swiss chard take on the tone of wonder here in my fondly-named gnome garden. I adore it when people step onto the paths and really just can’t quite fathom the colors of all of these edible flowers and vegetables. One small boy who came to the farm for a visit first observed my eggs of every color that I had gathered in my dress and also looked deep into a thicket of plants and made the proclamation, “Dad, she really does grow rainbows!! They are really, really in there!!”
It has turned into my place of peace here at Early Bird Acres. I take my coffee upon one of the stones, while the sheep that are perpetually out find me there and expect lots of kisses. While the evening is coming on I sit on the wooden ledge and pick a handful of mint for my water, and then pick a basket of mixed greens for a lovely salad with wild berries and anything else I found while wandering through the many meadows and dappled shade of the trees. When I set out to make this garden, I knew I wanted to not only inspire people with a bit of beauty and give them a moment of repose, but I wanted them to see a stanchion of nature and go back home with the whole-hearted inspiration of life. Once they are away, a certain light would stay and give them a boost of wonder to achieve their own wonder, which turns into more than even words. What I ask of you in these hours of days as we witness the coming of winter, is to think about a personal project you would like to achieve that not only serves as your own personal peace and personality evinced, but makes other people realize the wonder of this sweet old world. I ask of you to evince a girl who can talk to wolves and the boy who sings to the fishes. It does not haft to make sense at all. Once an idea is fleshed out, it has the habit of rising like bread and then baked lovingly in people’s minds. Me… I chose to grow rainbows, and I hope this sweet old world is better for it. Article and Photography by Samantha Lamb
Feature
Twenty
Something Girl
Photography: Bethany Young Styling: Kelsey Self Hair: Jamy Green Makeup: Mikala Ewald
Meet our December Twenty Something Girl the newly crowned Miss Oklahoma USA, Makenzie Muse.
Everyone that put on the pageant was so friendly and has been so welcoming. The girls that I met there were all so nice and have kept in touch with me even after the pageant.
What was the scariest part of the weekend and what did you do to overcome that? Tell us about yourself! The scariest part of the competition was the I grew up in Oklahoma City and moved to Yukon when I was in sixth grade. I am now at- onstage question. However, I did not know if tending Oklahoma State University, where I am I would even make it that far. So I just tried to take each part as it came and once I actua junior studying Elementary Education. ally made it to the questions I just took a deep breath and started praying. ;) What drew you to compete in the Miss Oklahoma USA pageant? What was the first thing that went I am good friends with Lauren Lundeen, who through your mind when they anwas the previous Miss Oklahoma. I knew that she had a great experience participating in the nounced you as the winner? People have asked me this question a lot and Miss Oklahoma pageant. I also thought that I never really know what to tell them because it would be a great way to learn more about it all happened so fast! They announced the myself and, if I got the opportunity to be Miss winners so fast and after that everyone was sayOklahoma, I could touch a lot of children’s ing congratulations and taking pictures. It still lives. hasn’t really sunk in! Was this your first pageant? This was my first pageant so I did not know what I was getting myself into when I first decided to do it. I was very pleased with what I found. All of the girls were so nice and encouraging and I have made some great friends that I still keep in touch with. What was it like preparing for the pageant? Preparing for the pageant was a lot of work. However, I had a lot of amazing people supporting me and training me. I really learned a lot about myself and I learned things that I will use for the rest of my life. I had a trainer who taught me how to lead a healthier life style - he gave me work out plans to follow each week. I also trained for interview and onstage question with Heather Rouba, which was the hardest part for me. I know that I will use these skills for interviews in the future. What was your favorite part of the weekend competition? My favorite part of the competition was definitely meeting all of the wonderful people.
What will you do to prepare yourself for the Miss USA pageant? I will keep working with my physical trainer and I will have bootcamps with some of the other contestants to prepare for Miss USA. Just a lot of interview training and onstage question training also! What are you most looking forward to experiencing out of all of this? I cannot wait for Miss USA, but also I am really looking forward to all of the appearances I will get to do. Since Elementary Education is my major, I am really looking forward to working with kids and trying my best to be a role model in their lives. I am so blessed to have this opportunity and there are so many amazing things that can come from this. I am so thankful for all of the people who have supported me and that have been so encouraging.
Fashion
Nothing says ‘Tis the Season’ more than the Nutcracker. Without hesitation, this iconic figure makes his appearance every year. Who knew he could inspire such fashion? Pair your military inspired jackets with sparkling skirts and dresses for an “Ode to the Nutcracker” holiday look.
Hair: The MakeUp Bar Makeup: The MakeUp Bar Photography: Bethany Young Styling: Kelsey Self Model: Chasity R. of Anthony David Agency Clothing: Blue Seven, Gil’s, Royce Clothing
Feature
Holiday Tradition
Whether you are a twenty-something single, almost-married or married girl, you have your own holiday traditions. You do “Dirty Santa” on this side of the family, you draw names on that side of the family, but what do you do just for you during the holiday season? What makes you love the holidays the most? Could it be giving to people in the most need, hosting several friends over for a night of food and fellowship, or is it just soaking in the Christmas atmosphere? Keep your old traditions this year, finish all your shopping and maybe… maybe find some time to add a new tradition in the mix with the ones you love! For the Entertainer… Host a holiday-themed party for all your friends! Possible themes up for grabs: -Christmas jammies and movie party: Invite all your pals in their Christmas PJs for a marathon of your favorite Christmas movies. The good news is it’s as casual as it gets! -Pinterest Christmas: Everyone’s invited, but they have to bring an experimental Christmas food they learned from Pinterest. Everyone has to come with an empty stomach and prepare to be stuffed! -Tacky Christmas: The college date party revived. Everyone shows up in his or her tackiest-of-Christmas attire. Ugly Christmas sweaters preferred. For the Giver… Find someone in the most need and do some Christmas good! -Adopt a Salvation Army Angel. Trees are in the malls and you will not be surprised how much fun it is to pick out clothes in a 4T size and a tiny Buzz Lightyear for a bitty buddy! -Pay off someone’s layaway. Head up to Toys R Us or your nearest Wal-Mart/Target and request to pay off a part of someone’s Christmas layaway. What a Christmas surprise that will be to a hard-working family to know the stress of their Christmas is relieved! -Contact a school in need of coats for kiddos or just generously contribute to a coat drive. Winter is chilly in Oklahoma and all kiddos could sure use a coat. (Do a good deed and get something in return if you participate in Winter on Western on December 6. Drop off a coat at any of the drop-off locations and get a 20% off card from some chic Western Avenue stores!)
For the Christmas enthusiast… -Grab a hot chocolate, pop some popcorn, load up the car, and head on a Christmas light trek across town to see the best lights. This is kid and adult friendly, as Christmas lights seem to warm all hearts! -Buy a real Christmas tree! If you are not allergic, don’t mind the occasional passes with the vacuum, and want your house to smell like a delicious forest, then head to a tree farm and cut down your own this season! -It may be a little late this season, but next year gear up your friends for Black Friday mania. It’s so much more fun with your pals and 50% off the entire J. Crew outlet… why would you not brave a little line?!
Maybe you have already adopted some of these or maybe they have inspired you to start a few new traditions with your family and friends. But truly a tradition that never goes out of style is telling all your loved ones how much they mean to you and how much you love them! Share some love this Christmas with them and maybe even a few strangers!
Written by Meagan Owen
Feature
R-E-A-D
Yep. This is going to be another article on what gift to give for the holiday season. However, I’m channeling my inner nerd for this one. I could’ve talked about good go-to gift ideas, which, in my opinion, is any combination of a mani/ pedi/ massage. Instead, I thought I would bring back an idea that seems to be fading into the past. Reading. I recently had a discussion with someone who was about to stand in line overnight so she could buy a popular electronic item on the first day of its release. She said that she didn’t know what she was going to do all night to pass the time. I suggested that she read a book. Her response was something like this… ‘Pff, I don’t read!’ We are well acquainted so I gave her quite a bit of grief over this statement, but it really got me thinking about the art of reading. Is it going by way of the traditional paper book… an item of history? Something we’ll tell our grandchildren we used to do a lot more of? In this age of Facebook and Twitter, where we get quick, simple bits of information, is reading something longer than a status update going to have longevity? As an infant, reading is important for brain development and to encourage education. As an adult, I believe it helps keep the imagination going. Some of my favorite reads have helped shape my views of things like death, and what heaven might be like (The Book Thief by Marcus Zuzak and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold). A real life read has given me insight into what life was like for a victim of child abuse (A Child called It by Dave Pelzer). Reading makes you think about subjects you might otherwise overlook. Plus, it’s just fun. How else could we have a certain story about werewolves and vampires involved in a love triangle? So, in lieu of the traditional stand-by gift this year, why not look into an e-reader like a Kindle or a Nook for someone who has already expressed an interest in reading. Amazon.com has good deals between now and Christmas. For the novice, I suggest a gift card to your favorite new or used bookstore (used book stores often have current popular items for a quarter of the price). This holiday season I encourage everyone to give the gift of enrichment to friends and loved ones, but most importantly for yourself. Commit to reading anything on a regular basis; this magazine (congrats to you for already doing that!), a blog, a newspaper or take the leap into novels. Let’s just do something to keep this wonderful art form of storytelling and story reading alive and well. Written by Kealey McIntire
Health
KiZE Better Life Bites: All Na
Tis’ the season good twentysomething friends! For all the great reasons about the holidays, my favorite is giving gifts! That’s right…giving, not receiving. I LIVE TO GIVE and nothing beats the feeling of doing something to positively impact someone’s happiness and wellbeing, especially when you see firsthand the joy and benefit it brings. Whether it be time, effort, or something material, I encourage all of you to give BIG this holiday season. And what better gift to give than the gifts of health, time, and enjoyment? Luckily, you can give all of these and more with KiZE Better Life Bites, which just so happens to be my own company (shameless smile here).
KiZE Better Life Bites is an all-natural, premium food solution that helps make eating healthy easier and more enjoyable without sacrificing time, taste, or nutrition. Each delicious flavor is simply made using only four to six all natural, high quality, gluten-free ingredients. No preservatives, artificial ingredients, or cheap fillers. Only simple ingredients you know, can pronounce, and feel good about.
atural, Premium Food Solution
Better Life Bites are nutritionally balanced, filling, and provide quick and sustainable energy to power you through your day. The resealable bag is comprised of nine bites providing you the flexibility to eat one, a few, or the entire bag; whatever best fits your life at that time. Great as a snack, workout fuel, full meal, or healthy dessert. How you choose to use is up to you. Better Life Bites are ideal for individuals of all ages and activity levels. Athletes of all sports, busy professionals, kids, dieters, those looking to make an easy transition and gain control of their health, and those that enjoy great tasting food are just a few of the many types that greatly benefit from the easy-to-use, enjoyable energy of Better Life Bites. Flavors include Vanilla Almond, Cocoa, Peanut Butter, Pumpkin Seed, and Cinnamon Raisin. KiZE, inspired by the Japanese business philosophy Kaizen, is about getting better, rising up, and growing into your ideal life one step at a time. It is about enjoying life, loving more, living more! Our passion at KiZE is creating solutions that free you to be you. Choose your life, we want to help you fuel it! AND because I love to give so much, all orders will be 15% off when you use the special discount code ilovetwentysomethingmag! at www.kizeconcepts.com. They make excellent stocking stuffers and Christmas gifts for co-workers, family, and friends…not to mention for you! So whether you give the delicious, nutritious, and convenient gift of KiZE this holiday or many other, wonderful things, enjoy giving more than you ever have before this season! Written by Jeff Ragan Founder of Kize Concepts Inc.
Find us online Twenty Something Magazine
20SomethingMag
TwentySomethingMagazine.com
Advertise in Twenty Something Magazine! We want to help you stand out and reach your target audience. What better way to do that then to be in the fastest growing Oklahoma magazine! We have several options to cater to your specific business needs, so contact us today to find out how you can be in Twenty Something Magazine. contact@twentysomethingmagazine.com