Teen Exalte Summer Edition 2016 by Exalte' Magazine

EXALTE teen Be

Original

Manners Social

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All about SELFIES

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Magazine.com

Publisher/Editor

Kymberly Soule’ Kymberly@exaltemagazine.com 251.455.0580

Associate Publisher Mike Soule’

Creative Design Kymberly Soule’ Desha’ Ringe

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Photographers

Elle Photography Katco Photography Oh Snap Photography

Writers & Contributors

Ashten Cunningham Cara Pace

Lead Hair & Makeup

Katherine Thomasson/Katco Beauty

On the Cover

Photographer: Elle Photography Model: Brent Soule’ On Location at Spring Hill College Designer Belk

Inside Cover

Photograpy:Katco Photography Model: Mattea Pierce

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SELFIE By Cara Pace

A photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and shared via social media

Photographed by Katco Photography

Click. Click. Click. You’re on about your thirtieth photo and none of them seem to be just right. You’ve tried more filters than you can count and edited it time and time again. Ah, the selfie. The ongoing social media trend we’re all so fond of. But where’d it come from?

In 2010, Apple released the iPhone 4 with a front-facing camera. Naturally, people started taking quick and easy photos of themselves and with their friends. The term “selfie” is assumed to come from Australia, where people use the suffix -ie to create slang words. It stuck, and spread around the world quickly in the following years. It was added to Oxford Dictionary in 2013 and was named Word of the Year. The thing about selfies is that they’re just fun. You’re hanging out with your friends and snap! You can make memories and look back on them at anytime. But what about when we’re taking pictures of ourselves to post? There are SO many things that we worry about. The number of Instagram likes, our facial features, our bodies.

Don’t deny it ladies, we all make sure we post our selfies when other people are sure to see them, and immediately following that is “Hey, go like my pic.” in the group message. But no matter what, if you don’t get many likes on the picture, you’ll probably be a little disappointed. “Oh, it’s not getting many likes right now. I’ll just post it again later.” The number of likes or comments you get on your pictures doesn’t define you. If you know you look fantastic, that’s all that matters! Leave that picture up. And don’t even get me started on editing. Sure, maybe you use a little photo enhancement like adding a filter or playing with the brightness, but the real problem is when people edit their selfies so much that they look nothing like they do in real life. There are tons of apps now that can photoshop makeup onto your face with just the click of a button, and most of them are free! Keep in mind that girls always know when something is photoshopped. No matter what. Keep it simple, ladies. Use one filter, don’t overdo it, and accept yourself as you are. Every now and then, post a picture without the makeup or filters and you’ll be happy with all of your positive feedback. Demi Lovato even has Fresh Face Friday (#FFF) on Instagram to promote self-love and makeup-free beauty, so follow her if you haven’t already! All in all, next time you start taking selfies, make sure you know that makeup or not, photoshop or not, and 150 likes or not, you should be proud of who you are! Rock that selfie. You look awesome!

#goodfriends

Whatever you do in life, make sure it makes you happy.

Photographed by Elle Photography

Hobbies

By Cara Pace

Today, school and work are often considered the two most important responsibilities of teens. They boost your intelligence, teach integrity, and prepare you for life after graduation. It’s easy to come home after a long day and plop down in front of the TV; we’ve all been there. But no matter how busy or tired you are, it’s important to set time aside for hobbies. Why?

Stress management. It’s nice to have a break from your responsibilities and do something for fun every now and then. It keeps you from getting too overwhelmed or exhausted. And you’re less likely to be bored!

Confidence. The relaxation and pleasure that derives from your hobby will teach

you skillfulness. The more you are able to master your skill, the more your long-term confidence will build.

Identity. Pursuing your interests will help you discover who you are and what

special talents you have. You may find something you love so much that you’ll want to make a career of it!

Try new things. Maybe you’re interested in something that you’ve never had a

chance to explore. See if any classes for your interest are offered locally, or if it’s something you can teach yourself, go for it! “The more you know, the more you grow.”

Making friends. Having hobbies is a great way to meet people that share

your interests. “Breaking the ice” is lots easier and you’ll always have something to talk about.

Sharing. No matter what your hobby is, it’s something you can share with

others. If your hobby is singing, other people will appreciate experiencing fine arts. If your hobby is photography, people will loving looking at your photos, fixing cars you may be able to help a friend and so on.

Whether your hobby is a sports or gardening, try to set time aside for it every week. Choose a worthwhile hobby that gives you joy, and a world of opportunities will open. Get up, get moving, and get active!

Social Media

Life

By Cara Pace

Photographed by Katco Photography On location at The Studio

We live in a day and age when social media is incorporated into every aspect of our lives. Birthdays, vacations, and parties are all documented through Facebook or Instagram. 78% of U.S. citizens have at least one social networking profile (statistica.com). Though these outlets can be great for capturing moments and documenting time with loved ones, they can also take away from spending time with those very people. Older generations tend to see the bad in social media, whereas young people have a hard time seeing anything but good. The truth is, though, there are both advantages and disadvantages to social networking.

THE CONS:

•Less Interaction: We’ve all heard from older generations, “You young people and your electronics. Can’t stay away from them,” and they’re not completely wrong. •Desire for Fame: It’s easy to see someone who is “Instagram famous” and become jealous of their millions of followers and constant vacations. •Unkind Words: Cyberbullying is more prominent now than ever before. With so many social networks and ability to comment and share posts with others, people offended •Less Productivity: Let’s be honest. Who wants to do homework when you could be looking at all the celebrity news from the latest award show? Unfortunately, that can lead to dropped grades and less regard for education.

THE PROS:

•Extending Relationships: Not only can you build new relationships in the internet world, you can maintain old ones and get in touch with family members and friends that you may not get to speak to otherwise. •Hobbies/Interests: If you have unusual hobbies, it’s easy to connect with people who share them or find an outlet to express them. •Technological Knowledge: With growing use of technology, social media will help you become more equipped for future jobs and experiences. •Spread a Message: If you advocate for a specific cause, social media can be an easy and efficient way to tell more people about it. Your friends can see it and share it with their friends. You’ll reach a larger audience.

Like anything, social networking is healthy in moderation. It definitely has a downside, but it can be productive and fun if you use it well. All you have to do is find your balance.

Take it

e d i s t u O

Outside, there are a lot of nuisances. There are mosquitos flying everywhere, bees on a mission to harass you…not to mention the humidity. But for every reason you can find not to go outside, there are plenty more why you should. Between doing chores, catching up on social media, and watching Netflix, we barely have any time to appreciate all of the beauty there is in the world. Think about all of the little moments in nature that clear your mind. The rain falling on the pavement, birds chirping in the morning, seeing light filter through the tree leaves, smelling flowers on a bright spring day. These moments are natural, and they are some of the most pure in the world. Even spending as little as 10 minutes outside every day can make a huge difference in your life. How? 1. You’ll be happier. People who regularly spend time in nature are generally much happier and are kinder to the people around them. Try doing your homework outside once in a while. Chances are, it will seem much less boring and will make you less cranky. 2. You’ll feel better. You’re less likely to develop severe allergies if you spend more time outside, and you’ll be less likely to get sick as well 3. You won’t be as stressed. There’s a lot to be stressed about as a teenager. Homework, drama, practices, and rehearsals. Even doing something simple, like taking a walk outside, lowers the stress that comes from everyday life. 4. Vitamin D. Getting outside means being in sunlight, and being in sunlight means you’re getting more Vitamin D. In turn, you’ll have more energy to do all of the things that you love. 5. Creativity. Being outside and observing the natural things that happen in the world allows your mind to wander and imagine. Maybe you’ll be inspired!

Photographed by Katco Photography

No matter how you’re feeling, take a little time to go outside each day. It can be anything from stargazing to taking a walk to simply doing your homework in your yard. There’s a beautiful world beyond cell phones and indoor environments. It’s time to unplug and step outside.

Photographed by Elle Photography

Photographed by Katco Photography

Take Care of the

Planet

The 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle A helpful way to think about taking care of our environment is to think of it as the 3 Rs: Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. These three words encapsulate the ways that you can help conserve and protect our environment.

A No-Waste Lunch at School

Did you know that if you pack a disposable lunch, you can create as much as 100 pounds of garbage per year, just from your lunch?

School Supplies

Reduce your waste by reusing your school supplies from year to year. Recycling is also about using what you have.

At Home Use reusable dishes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even if it means that you have to wash them Hang your clothes out to dry Unplug your laptop or phone charger when not in use Talk to your parents about considering going solar Open your windows instead of using the air conditioning Drink from reusable water bottles Use cloth napkins and towels Clean with cloth rags instead of paper towels Buy products in bulk so that it takes up less packaging Buy recycled paper products: envelopes, printer paper, napkins, and others Take shorter showers to conserve water Turn off the water while you brush your teeth Turn off the lights when you leave a room for a long time

Facts about Texting while Driving After viewing the following statistics on texting while driving, you may think twice before you participate in the act: Text messaging makes a crash up to 23 times more likely to happen 34 percent of drivers have admitted to texting while driving Experts say texting while driving is a leading factor in accidents One in five drivers text while driving Texting while driving is dangerous. Because of the facts listed above, many states have outlawed the action, while others are trying to accomplish the same feat. If you want to stay safe, then keep off your cell phone while driving.

You can do anything you set your mind to

Oh Snap Photography

MODERN s r e n man

By Cara Pace

1. Dress for the occasion! Present yourself appropriately and remember that it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. 2. Write thank-you notes. It’s more meaningful than just a text or a Facebook post. End your notes with “Thanks again.” Make notes personal. 3. Arrive on time. “Fashionably late” isn’t a good excuse. In professional situations, it’s good to be ten minutes early. “Ten minutes early is on time. On time is late.” And this brings us to the next… 4. Be professional. Before sending emails to teachers or adults, make sure you haven't misspelled or abbreviated anything, and that you’ve used a closing such as “sincerely” or “thank you” with your name and contact information. When making professional phone calls, never call before 9am or after 9pm. 5. Unless it is an absolute emergency, turn your phone on silent and put it away during meals, church, and other important events.

Photographed by Katco Photography

12. Meet people confidently. Have a firm yet warm handshake. You never know when meeting someone might require it. Make eye contact when being introduced. First impressions are important.

13. Share your opinion politely. Don’t be pushy or 6. Be sincere. Give compliments, but only when you mean them. Mean what you say and say what you mean. rude, and always consider what other people have to say. Be engaged in the conversation. Nod and make 7. When exiting elevators, train cars, or small areas, the eye contact to let the other person know you’re first person to exit should be the one closest to the door. listening. 14. Be polite in the homes of others. Take your hat off when entering a house unless it is part of your outfit. Take your shoes off in the house if no one else is wearing shoes. Wait for the host or hostess to offer 9. Keep arguments off of social media. If you absolutely you something to eat or drink; don’t help yourself must discuss the problem, try and do it in person. But the unless you know the family well. best thing to do is let it slide gracefully. 15. Be courteous in public. Say “excuse me” when 10. Know when to have conversations in person and you need to get by. Don’t stare at people; it can be when to have conversations by text. Never make big interpreted as rude. Thank people for holding doors announcements by text. for you; it is also nice to hold doors for other people. 11. Know your table manners! Chew with your mouth Offer your seat to people who may need it (if they closed. Keep your elbows off the table etc. have children, are injured, or are elderly). 8. Always RSVP when formally invited to an event. Not RSVPing is not the same as declining, and RSVPing at the last minute can be stressful for the host.

DRESSING WELL IS A FORM OF

good manners

Photographed by Elle Photography On Location at Spring Hill College Model Brent Souleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Designs by Belk

Reflections By Cara Pace

Photographed by Katco Photography

Dear you, You are beautiful. Everyone has good and bad days in terms of self-confidence, but I promise that you are beautiful every day. Maybe sometimes you look in the mirror and think that if you could just change that one thing about yourself then you would be happy and never complain about yourself again. You think that if you looked like that other girl, you would be beautiful. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. So many teenage girls think the exact same way. They want to look different, so they change their makeup or buy new clothes. They receive a compliment, feel great, then hear something negative and it’s back to square one. Trying over and over again to be beautiful. What if you could learn to love yourself no matter what other people thought of you? Chances are, you’d probably be a lot happier.

“You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.” Song of Solomon 4:7

Think about your best girl friends. You probably think they’re all absolutely gorgeous, right? Imagine trying to pick which one was most beautiful. You can’t! You can’t, because each one is beautiful in her own way. One is hilarious, another is crazy smart, one of them swims like a champ, and another one gives great advice. Are they anything like the standard of beauty you so often compare yourself to? Probably not. Your friends are beautiful because of their individual, unique qualities. They’re beautiful because they are themselves. There is not one set definition of beauty; it’s a subjective idea, and everyone has their own opinion of what it is (including you!). Not everyone will meet your definition, and in the same way, you won’t meet everyone else’s. That’s okay. Maybe you don’t like what someone is wearing or the way they style their hair. But they do. They see themselves as beautiful, and that’s what is most important. Everyone has beauty in one way or another. Though all of that is true, it’s still true that true beauty comes from your heart. Be kind, generous, loyal, and humble. Do what you can for those you love, but don’t let anyone use you as a doormat. Listen to people without judgment and offer compassion and advice. Learn to forgive. Be a leader. But above all, be you. Because you are beautiful.

Little things you can do to feel beautiful: •Put a sticky note on your mirror with something like “You’re beautiful!” or “Smile, you look great!” •Keep a journal and write about good deeds you’ve done and the positive qualities about yourself. Read this when you feel down. •Pamper yourself. Paint your nails, take a bath, give yourself a facial. Relax. •Surround yourself with friends who lift you up. •Remember that the most important beauty comes from within.

“You don’t have to be pretty You can be pretty like you.”

more about self love at lifeteen.com

y like her.

Embrace Your inner Fierceness By Cara Pace

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “fierce?” Maybe it’s a lion, or a burning fire. Hey, maybe it’s Beyoncé. (Let’s face it, Bey is pretty fierce.) But I bet not one of you said “Me!” I’m here to change that. To tell you that you are a perfect example of fierceness. To let you know that you are as fierce as they come. The word “fierce” used to have a negative association with violence, power, and viciousness. Recently, the world has been changing this. Women are taking the word “fierce” and making it all about feeling empowered-being confident, being wise, and standing up for themselves. Being fierce isn’t about being a hero or looking perfect every minute of the day. It’s about being brave enough to be you. A lot of people mistake arrogance for confidence, and there’s a fine line between the two. Arrogant people give off an air of being full of themselves, whereas confident people give off an air of being collected. That being said, an important part of achieving fierceness is thinking and speaking positively. Try to see the glass as half full rather than half empty, and know the power of your words. Know that your words can either hurt others or heal them…and use that power for good.

The fiercest women in the world take time for themselves. Confidence requires energy, so make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthily, and exercise. Use this time to realize that your body is your own, and take care of it. Look in the mirror and appreciate all the little things that make you unique. You are beautiful. Simple little things like your body language can greatly affect your self-confidence. Think again about Beyoncé. Do you ever see pictures of her slouching or hiding herself? Probably not. The way you physically represent yourself is important. Wherever you are right now, stand up straight, push your shoulders back, and walk like you own the runway. You do. Fierce women do not compare themselves to others. This is one of the worst things you can do for your confidence. You will only ever see what a person chooses to project, and that is never the entire story. Everyone has traits that they don’t like, but when you embrace those unique traits, your self-confidence will soar. Find your strengths and build from that. Feel that? You’re finally fierce. Own it.

P.S. Still not feeling quite fierce enough? No worries. Try completing a 30-day self-confidence challenge, or just doing something every day that makes you feel beautiful. Here are some of my favorite things to do when I feel down: 1. Find and read Psalm 139. It’ll mean more if you search for it yourself. 2. Listen to “Confident” by Demi Lovato. No song will leave you feeling more strong. 3. Write uplifting messages on sticky notes and leave them around town. Spreading self-confidence to others will boost your own. 4. Dance. You might feel silly, but having fun is the best way to feel great about yourself. 5. Watch your favorite empowering movie. (Princess Diaries is my favorite!)

Photographed by Katco Photography

True

e Friends By Cara Pace

Photographed by Katco Photography

Without friendship, the world would get pretty lonely. Who else would you stay up late with, watching cheesy movies and talking about the good old times? It’s hard to imagine a life without your closest friends. Friends will challenge you and frustrate you, but most importantly, they will love you unconditionally. Love can come in many forms and at many different times in your life. There are more ways than one to say “I love you.” Some people show it by sending a text when something reminds them of their friends. Some show it by bringing brownies over after a bad day. It’s important for everyone to have close friends that they can rely on even in the toughest of circumstances. Friends are the family that we choose. Growing up, I was involved in a lot of extracurricular activities-dance, pottery, choir, theatre, piano lessons. In every group of people that I spent time with, I found a miniature family that I could rely on for anything. I even met one friend that I now refer to as my “sister!” She comes over to eat dinner, spends holidays with my family, and knows all there is to know about me. I wouldn’t trade our friendship for the world. Keep in mind all the little things your friends do for you, and be sure that you’re a good friend in return.

Here are some ideas on how to be a good friend: •Celebrate success with your friends. No matter how jealous you may be of something your friend has accomplished, be genuinely happy for them. Congratulate them. •Support your friends through tough times. Whether it’s a pet passing away or going through a breakup, make sure your friend knows you’re there for them. Offer words of kindness and do what you can to help them feel better. •Make traditions! Go out for ice cream every Tuesday afternoon. Celebrate Christmas in July. Have a classic sleepover once a month. Don’t let your traditions die. •If a friend comes to you with a problem, listen to what they have to say before jumping to conclusions or giving them harsh advice. Sometimes they just need an open ear and a shoulder to cry on. Above all, make sure your friends know how much you appreciate them. Take time to thank them for being a great friend, and they’ll do the same for you.

So encourage each other a build each other up, just as you are already doing. Galatians 5:22-23

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17

Life-Saving Beauty Tips We at Teen Exalte’ have been inspired by a BuzzFeed article that has recently gone viral, “41 Life-Saving Beauty Hacks Every Girl Should Have in Her Arsenal.” This fun, picture-narrating article teaches you easy techniques to help simplify your makeup routines. So our Glam Squad picked their favorites to share with YOU!

Avoid Lipstick on your teeth! Stick your finger in your mouth, and pull it out! The excess lipstick that would eventually end up on your teeth will wipe off onto your finger.

Apply dry shampoo the night before!

DIY French Manicure! The secret? Rubberbands! Using a rubberband around your nail will help you achieve the perfect French manicure. Pulling it tightly will help keep it from slipping.

Applying your dry shampoo before you go to bed will help work it in better and will leave you with amazing volume the next morning!

Avoid Frizz! Dry your hair with a cotton t-shirt, rather than a towel. The towel can tangle and cause frizz in your hair. Wrap your head in a t-shirt to avoid out-of-control curls!

Lipbalm = a Clean Manicure!

Apply a thin layer of lip balm around your nails before painting them to insure a messfree mani!

Achieve the Perfect Lip!

Line your upper lip beginning with the Cupidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bow in an X shape, making sure it is even. Clean up with a bit of concealer on a brush, and accentuate your pout with a dusting of highlighter over your Cupidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bow.

Doughnut Dash

DARE

and 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile