MOUR | February 2015

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M UR FEBRUARY 2015

THE SOCIAL ISSUE


Join the

#WeeklyWearChallenge Head over to www.mourmagazine.com every Monday where a new fashion challenge beckons. Each week. We lay the ground rules, you show us your fantastic style! @mourmagazine #WeeklyWearChallenge #LexStreetStyle


table of contents dear readers | three instas we love | four lexstreet | five entertain me | six trend hunting | eight tiffany | ten march of dimes | nineteen beauty monthly | twenty three blog spot | twenty four where it’s at | twenty seven give it away | twenty eight chef it up | thirty swept away | thirty two music now | thirty three 1


THE TEAM Editor in Chief Tamra Graves | @tamarelli

Art Director Maggie Christensen | @maggiechristensen

Copy Editor Jaime Shouldis | @mrs_shouldis

Newsletter Editor Jamie Hagood | @misterjamesholt

Brand Ambassadors Kasey Blackford | @kaseyblackford kasey@mourmagazine.com Les Mann | @lamadamejoseph leslie@mourmagazine.com

Writers Lauren Allen Carrie Burkett Jessica Caudill Madison Elder Danielle Fernandez Edd Mackey Jon Shouldis

Graphic Assistant Rachel Walker 2

cover photo by: kappel cloninger


T

dear readers,

he new year is well under way and exciting new changes are happening all the time, still. Resolutions remain in the forefront of our minds – have you kept yours? - and momentum charges forward, forward, forward!

This month we wanted to try something a little different. Focusing on a topic that is a part of our every day lives and one that we've not quite concentrated on before. Our social lives. And by social, we mean technology. The ever growing, ever changing, world that we now live in surrounds itself and obsesses over who is doing what this very minute. Instant information. Immediate content. Everyone has their own thoughts and opinions on the importance and relevancy of social media in our lives. We desired to hear thoughts first hand from someone who's career depends on the likes of social branding. So we asked contributor Madison Elder to speak with social media maven, Tiffany of Offbeat + Inspired. Picking her brain on the subject Madison discovers how Tiffany finds the balance between real and social worlds. If not careful social media can get the best of us, however, we asked ourselves, “What could be more ever changing than technology?” And not just ever changing but ever presenting new opportunity.Opportunity to change, grow and re-invent. Feeling the itch for change we decided to find a balance all our own. A balance through re-invention. This issue of MOUR will be an all digital issue. Moving forward, we are thrilled to progress into an online focus so that we may present fresh content to you daily. While we're elated to elevate our social presence – you may have already noticed our site makeover – we adore print and maintain to present beautiful fashion packed publications to you bi-annually. We couldn't be more excited to continue sharing in this journey with you by our side. We hope you enjoy, The Social Issue.

with love, tamra

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INSTAS WE LOVE

JENNIFER JOHNSON @pagesofstyle | 1,000 followers www.pagesofstyle.com

HANNAH MAPLE @hannahmaple | 1,545 followers www.hannahmaple.com

LOVE, LEXINGTON BLOG @love_lexington | 5,430 followers www.lovelexingtonblog.com 4


MOUR FASHION

lexstreet style: #mourxshakespeare Wrapping up January with an evening of fun, we held our first #MOURSsocial at Shakespeare & Co.’s new Chinoe location. We challenged our friends and fans to show up in style and join us for delicious libations, socialization and prizes to boot! Party goers enjoyed specialty cocktails: The Insider, MOURtini and Dapper 46; and enjoyed prizes sponsored by Surfset Fitness, Coach Colene, The Lexington Bottling Company and Shakespeare & Co. themselves. A fashionably fun night was had by all. Keep an eye out at @mourmagazine for our next #MOURsocial.

photos by roy yeung 5


ENTERTAIN ME Entertain Me is the quickest way to get caught up on store openings, show times and other fashion and lifestyle buzz circulating in Lexington each month. So open your calendar with a pen ready for dates and be sure to check out all these new and exciting events going on in February!

ART SHOWS:

By: Carrie Burkett

Tanya Habjouga: Recent Photographs While living in the Middle East, Tanya Habjouqa documented citizens expressing pleasure and a sense of absurdity despite the challenges of living in the Palestinian Territories. DATES: Saturday, January 24, 2015 - Sunday, April 12, 2015 TIMES: From: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Friday 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM LOCATION: The Art Museum at the University of Kentucky ADMISSION: Free RECURRENCE: Every Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday THE LEXINGTON OPERA HOUSE:

DATES: Saturday, January 24, 2015 - Sunday, April 12, 2015 TIMES: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Friday 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM ADMISSION: Free RECURRENCE: Every Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

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The Opera House Fund and Variety Live present Rain, which follows the career of The Beatles from their landmark performances on The Ed Sullivan Show through their final albums, Abbey Road and Let It Be. This performance also includes original film footage and TV commercials from the 1960’s. Feb 26-28, 2o15 42ND STREET

Same Difference: Michelle Grabner, Simone Leigh & Russell Maltz The Art Museum at the University of Kentucky presents an exhibition starring three artists that each use strategies of theme and variation, producing a range of painting and sculpting elements that are stacked, clustered and installed in unique ways.

Feb 17, 2015 Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles

Feb 6-8, 2015 Peter And The Starcatcher The Opera House Fund and Broadway Live present the winner of 5 Tony Awards, Peter and the Starcatcher. This innovative and imaginative play is based on the best-selling novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. Dozens of actors are on a journey to answer the century-old question: How did Peter Pan become The Boy Who Never Grew Up?

The Opera House Fund presents 42nd Street, a play capturing the hopes of everyone pursuing a dream. 42nd Street is a story about Peggy, a young aspiring actress that moves to New York City and lands her dream job, but after the star of an upcoming performance breaks her ankle Peggy is suddenly pushed center stage to take her spot. Will she be able to memorize her lines, save the show and become a star? Visit www.lexingtonoperahouse.com to see show times and purchase tickets.


| what you’re meant to wear

www.fatestyling.com


Trend Hunting Spring 2015

By: Lee Cutlip

Derek Lam

Luxe Leather Designers didn’t just stop at a leather jacket here or there but instead crafted dresses, skirts, pants and tops out of the supple material. Although commonly associated with the colder seasons, designers Derek Lam, Calvin Klein and Nicolas Ghesquiere for Louis Vuitton made the case for warm weather leather in varying hues, patterns, and shine. Marc Jacobs

Army Brat Uniform dressing was taken to the extreme with heavily inspired military looks. Marc Jacobs offered the most literal take on the trend, sending models out in heavy army green dresses embellished with utilitarian cargo pockets. Brands like J. Crew and designer Jason Wu offered a more sober approach featuring a basic cargo jacket or suede trench in fatigue green.

Dries van Noten

Hippie Daze If designers took inspiration from the sixties for their fall collections, for spring they were clearly looking to the Age of Aquarius. Sinuous dresses, psychedelic prints in vibrant pinks, blues, and greens, complemented with suede fringe accents, were seen at Dries van Noten, Tommy Hilfiger and Pucci. The looks epitomize the festival girl and are sure to earn a “far out” from your friends. Lanvin

Clean Slate Spring often signifies a new beginning and what better way to start fresh than with an equally fresh wardrobe? Tunics, billowing dresses, and matching separates in muted neutrals and stark white were prominent at Lanvin, Hermès and The Row, all promising a serene season.

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MOUR FASHION Diane von Furstenberg

Gingham Style Spring is the perfect season for picnics, so why not take inspiration from your picnic blanket? Gingham dominated the New York runways, the allAmerican pattern most commonly shown in shades of blue - from pastel at Altuzarra and Oscar de la Renta to cobalt at Diane von Furstenberg. Whether you like your gingham minuscule or oversized, pastel or primary, be sure to check out this trend. Oscar de la Renta

Baring It Exposing one’s midriff completely is a terrifying prospect, so instead of revealing it all this spring the key is to show just a sliver of skin. Matching satin separates at Katie Ermilio and an unapologetically feminine faille crop top and skirt at Oscar de la Renta, evening wear was taken to new and unexpected heights with just the right amount of skin. So at your next cocktail party don’t be afraid to bare it (even if just a little).

Céline

Flower Power Florals are always to be expected in the Spring collections but the patterns showcased in the Spring/Summer 2015 season are not for the faint of heart. Tropical fronds emblazoned dresses at Erdem and Thakoon, while designers Victoria Beckham and Diane von Furstenberg thought bigger is better with oversized blooms. The biggest surprise of the season came with minimalist brand Céline’s foray into florals; in exuberant colors and head to toe looks, you’ll be anything but a wallflower. Michael Kors

Double Denim The thought of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s infamous matching denim ensembles of 2001 can make anyone wary of incorporating more than one denim piece into an outfit. However, designers showed that double denim might not be so bad after all. A crisp dark denim blazer and matching cropped jeans at Tod’s was the perfect mix of business and casual, while Michael Kors took a similar approach with high waisted trousers and a cropped jacket, accented with leather pockets and zippers. Pure jeanius!

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Shot by David Mitchell 10


Through Her Eyes By: Madison Elder

I recently watched a TEDx talk called “Notions of Self in a Technocratic Age” (sexy, I know) and speaker Jessica Joffe summed things up well: “What’s the difference between an actual public figure who has 150,000 followers on Instagram, and a civilian who has just as many?” I am nowhere close to that many followers. I have around 132…maybe. I am not sure! (I am sure- it’s 132. Feel free to follow me @mybffmadi). Not very many people in Lexington, Kentucky are. But I mean, it’s Lexington. What in the world is there to blog about, you know? That’s what I told people when I was seventeen and they suggested I start a blog. Now, I am woman enough at twenty to admit that holy frick, I should have opened my eyes. Thank God we have some creative minds in this city that are encouraging us to do so. I consider myself lucky to have spoken with one of these beautiful souls, Miss Tiffany Mitchell of the blog “Offbeat + Inspired” and the personal instagram @tifforelie. Here are some key stats: she is not originally from Lexington, but she and her husband chose to live here. Now her family is slowing moving down, too. Speaking of family, they are “a bunch of quirky people” (her father dropped out of high school to make video games, and her mother is a self-taught graphic designer/biker chick), and they were supportive of her blogging from the start. She runs the blog with her life-long friend Sarah who lives in Chicago, and her instagram has 122,000 followers. Through her media, she has worked with various companies such as Jeep and Free People. So, I needed to ask: what is the difference between her and a celebrity with the same number of followers – do you feel as if you are a celebrity? “I don’t, because I feel like I’m very accessible. I feel like celebrities are not accessible because if you post on their feed, they may not respond to it. If you saw them in person you may not be able to have a conversation with them. I’m just a person. If a person emails me, I’m more than happy to sit down and have coffee. If they comment, there’s a ninety-nine percent chance I’m going to respond. The root of what I do is sharing this stuff, while celebrities are known for some other reason and instagram is one of their fan pages… I definitely don’t feel like a celebrity!”

The fact that Tiffany is a human and only then a blogger comes up consistently throughout our conversation. For instance, she has her limits. There is pressure on bloggers to further their brand by building presence on multiple channels of social media, and this isn’t a great strategy for her. “I don’t like feeling the obligation to post something all the time… I could get drained and not want to do anything.” And after how far she has come, she is still amazed people are interested. “It’s random, you know what I mean?” From the tone of her voice, trust me: she is genuinely surprised. She wasn’t just repeating a script handed to her by a management team (besides, she doesn’t have one). She will never forget the moment Anthropologie regrammed one of her photos. “I was literally almost passing out, standing in my living room. I had family over and they saw me going. down. And then I just started laughing like a crazy person. It was surreal.” It’s arguably the “human” aspect Tiffany keeps in her posts that make them so enjoyable to view. She loves when people feel a connection to her content, especially considering she started this career with the goal of inspiring. Hearing that she has given readers new perspectives, or that they have become motivated, is rewarding. “There is that satisfaction…. But I’m always very aware there’s not a person sitting in front of me.” Just as much as she sees the bright, she sees the dark side of social media: “It can lull people into this sort of fantasy land where everything is crafted and the ugly things are hidden. I think that’s very dangerous and alienating.” Seeing as her career is currently based on the internet, and seeing as she claims a slight techie status, a healthy relationship with her computer is imperative. She doesn’t spend as much time in front of her screens as one would assume- only a few hours on the computer every morning writing emails and editing photographs, and then one or two hours every few days to respond to instagram comments. And while she notices how readers respond to one post versus another, she doesn’t decide on content based on these stats. Instead, she has a moral filter: “Would I be excited to share this with my sister? If the answer is yes, I will post it. If no one cares, it’ll be fine.” Learning to “let it roll” has been just one thing

Tiffany has faced. In fact, even starting her blog was scary. She went from taking photographs for herself, to publishing them. She remembers thinking “How do I get comfortable sharing something that seems so silly?” Next, of course, was the transition from being a person who blogs to being a bonafide I-Make-A-Living-OffOf-My-Content Blogger. Jessica Joffe continued in her TEDx talk by saying “A kid with a cool Instagram feed is a potential marketer and advertiser’s wet dream.” While bloggers are making the transition to being a business/brand, they still need to pay rent, so working with advertisers is advantageous to them, too. This transition is where a lot of bloggers really struggle – how do you keep your integrity while providing for the hand that feeds you? “If the visual side is what your passionate about and what interest you” (like her) “it’s gonna be easier for you to do well and remain authentic. It’s easier to transition into business mode because what companies are looking for is that high-quality visual content as well as the personality. A lot of people are trying to improve their photography skills…to make their blog more profitable. It can result in lower levels of authenticity in some cases, but in other cases it’s just seamless.” Tiffany is a visual person (if you couldn’t already tell from her stunning pictures), so she was already creating high-quality photos. She didn’t need to adjust. This is unofficial, but I think one of the reasons Tiffany has been so successful is that she is providing for others what she needs, herself. She needs visuals. She needs to communicate (though preferably face-to-face). She needs to live her life, and she wants inspiration for the motivation to do just that- whether “that” be exploring the rolling hills of the bluegrass or the peaks of the Rockies. You may have noticed a tattoo on the inside of her left arm of three trees. I once asked her what it means to her, and she described how when she sees it in the mirror, it reminds her to explore and see the world, to take risks – to seek adventure. So all the aspects that are great about her blog? They are Tiffany. And who is Tiffany Mitchell? “I’m human.”

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Shot by David Mitchell 12


Shot by Chandra Rae Fredrickson 13


Shot by Rebecca Kuehl

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Shot by Rebecca Kuehl


Shot by Kappel Cloninger 16 18


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Shot by Tiffany Mitchell


making a difference

one healthy baby at a time By: Jessica Caudill

The March of Dimes is about healthy babies. Through valuable research, they strive to provide education and intervention for moms-to-be at every stage in their pregnancy. According to marchofdimes.org, 1 in 9 babies in the United States is born prematurely. The financial and emotional strain on a family is devastating. The nonprofit organization was initially developed to combat polio. Thanks to funding, the Salk vaccine was developed. Since then, its mission has shifted to premature births and birth defects, and they provide support for women who have experienced a pregnancy loss.

step up as chairperson, just a couple of months after learning that her oldest daughter was pregnant. Diane says it happened at a point in her life when she asked herself what’s the most important, and for her, that’s healthy babies. “When you’re older,” she says, “you have a different perspective; you realize how precious life is and how quickly it passes. You’ve seen things happen that were unfortunate, and you’ve also seen miracles. That’s why I wanted to become involved.”

Preparing for the Signature Chef’s Auction is no easy task. After determining a date, location and sponsors, the committee secures a signature chef, who then gathers Everyone has benefitted from the March of Dimes other local culinary geniuses from new and established mission, whether through research, breakthroughs, or eateries, private chefs, caterers, and hospital chefs. vaccines. These goals are not met without donations “Like writers,” Diane says, “chefs speak a language; through networking and creative fundraising events, they understand what it takes to put together a meal one of which is the annual Signature Chef’s Auction. for an event like this.” The hospital chefs are a special Diane Atchison, Chairperson for the Signature addition to the troop of food slingers, as Diane says, Chef’s Auction in the Bluegrass Division, takes the “This is a time when they get to leave the hospital and organization’s mission for healthy babies to heart: “I’m make something that’s exciting to them, and probably a mother and a grandmother, and someone who just something that’s not within their dietary restrictions. wants to make a difference in my community, and make They are definitely crowd favorites.” To help alleviate a difference in the future of babies by raising money cost to the chefs, the committee plans to reach out to and awareness.” their suppliers and see if the ingredients they need can be donated by the companies, which would allow The December Signature Chef’s Auction marked chefs to participate who might otherwise not be able Diane’s second year as chair for the event. After without the donations. attending the event in previous years as a patron, she joined the auction committee, and was soon asked to 19


Among the organization’s nationwide programs and events like the Signature Chef’s Auction, March for Babies, NICU Family Support, Becoming a Mom / Comenzando bien—a prenatal support group for women offered in English and Spanish—one program started right here in Kentucky. The March of Dimes Greater Kentucky Chapter piloted the Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait project. HBWW is a “preterm birth prevention initiative” that reaches out to women and healthcare facilities about the risks of early elective deliveries and measures that can prevent delivering babies before 39 weeks gestational age. Those last few weeks in the womb make a huge difference in brain development, Diane says. Baptist Health in Lexington has been recognized by March of Dimes for meeting the criteria for the March of Dimes 39+ Weeks Quality Improvement Service Package. This kind of outside-the-box thinking is what helps March of Dimes bring a community together. Diane recently attended training in New Orleans to encourage the mission through creative means, learn ways to approach and educate people about the organization and get them excited about donating and volunteering, and how to network with businesses to find like-minded people who want to get involved but don’t know how. Diane says, “There are new professionals looking for ways to become involved, and we want to find those people.” For those of us who feel the calling but haven’t a clue where to start, Diane says, “We can use just about anyone in some type of capacity if they’re really interested.” The easiest way to get involved is to contact the Lexington office. Anyone interested in helping out at the 2015 Signature Chef’s Auction can gather auction items or volunteer at the event. Healthy babies is a goal that everyone can get behind, as Diane eloquently states, “Everyone’s not going to have a heart attack, everyone’s not going to get cancer, but everyone is born.”

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Diane Atchison, Chairperson for the Signature Chef’s Auction


The Acrylic Craze: Set Your Space Apart

READ ONLINE: mourmagazine.com/the-acrylic-craze


Does HE Like My Style?!

READ ONLINE: mourmagazine.com/like-style


BEAUTY MONTHLY FOR FACIAL SKIN HYDRATION

“Hydrated skin is happy skin. Keeping your face moisturized is so important when you’re walking around outside in the cold. The cold hits your face and dries it out and this product heals dry skin and keeps it looking and feeling healthy. Although it is pricey, the Mario Badescu Kera Moisturizer really works wonders and doesn’t cause irritation like other face moisturizers may,” says Aimee, an Ulta makeup consultant. $20.00, Ulta | Best for: Dry skin on face.

Winter is here and unfortunately so is dryness! February beauty is all about a cute pop of color on your lips, and keeping everything else soft and natural. MAKEUP Winter makeup is all about looking natural. When it is unbearingly cold outside the last thing you want is a face full of makeup that feels so heavy on your face! Even face coverage, a brush of blush, light eye shadow colors, a swipe of mascara and a bold lipstick color is all you need for a fabulous February look! “We are beginning to see a lot more natural looks. Every woman that came to my counter asked how to do the “smokey eye” in 2012 and 2013. Last year. the dark eye shadow and heavy eye liner began to lighten up and I really think that in 2015 minimal makeup is going to be the new thing,” said Janell, a Treatment Specialist for Clinque.

FOR THE EYES Naked Urban Decay Basics $29.00 All of these colors can create a very soft look. A softer smokey eye would be perfect for going out during the nights in February!

FOR THE FACE FOR THE LIPS Reds, Nudes and Pinks are exactly what everyone is wearing for February! Nothing catches peoples attention like a bold, feminine colored lip! These colors are perfectly paired with natural looking makeup and will be hit on Valentine’s Day :)

By: Carrie Burkett

BB CREAMS!!! BB Cream has gained so much popularity in the makeup world lately and it’s perfect to use in the winter. They keep your face moisturized and give you over equal coverage. So try any of these and see what all the buzz is about! Maybelline, $6.29 at Target Clinque $37.00 Garnier $10.39 at Target

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The Blog Spot:

Glitter & Gingham By: Lauren Allen

With a widely successful blog, who wouldn’t want to know all of Shelby Skaggs’s secrets to success? She recently took the time to tell us all about herself, her blog and her favorite spots to shop in Lexington. I bet you’ll be just as surprised as I was to know what her day job is! Keep reading to find out what inspires her and possibly pick up some inspiration yourself! Once you get to know her here, go to glitterandgingham.com to keep up with her and her style.

Tell us about your blog and yourself. I am a twenty something, born and raised Kentucky gal who loves clothes, my pug and all things Kentucky. I’m a Georgetown College alumni and a MBA grad, who wears many hats. In addition to blogging, I work for a local waste management company and an investment banking firm. While my day jobs keep me busy, I love having Glitter & Gingham as a creative outlet and a hobby where I can share my outfits and inspiration. Over the years, G&G has become much more than a hobby, but at the end of the day I always try my best to product relatable content and outfits for the everyday gal.

When did you start G&G? G&G came about in 2012; I was living in Georgia for graduate school, and in between learning about present value and management strategies, I was scouring Pinterest

and I stumbled upon the blogosphere. Thanks to grad school, I was in major need of a creative outlet, and blogging seemed like something I could dive right into. And thats exactly what I did, albeit blindly, mind you. I have always had an intense love for clothes and fashion, and blogging seemed to find a way to make that a hobby. Who would have thought?! What is your favorite part about blogging? Throughout my blog’s little life, I have learned so many things, about myself, others and this industry. In addition, along the way I have met some pretty kick ass women. They have all inspired me and shown me that it is definitely worth going for what you want. So while I know thats not one thing, it was just too hard to narrow it down to one.

What is your current fashion obsession? In one word, leopard. I have Clare V. to thank for that, her amazing bags in leopard print are my current obsessions. It seems like I find myself carrying one every day. Any leopard print clothing I own has currently been put on the back burner because I can’t be the crazy lady in leopard carrying a leopard bag, thats just over board. My other current obsessions, neutral wardrobe staples that go with everything and distressed denim. Put all three together and you've hit the trifecta, my friend.

Where do you get your inspiration? Its funny because I feel like when I started this blogging journey, I spent hours and hours online looking at Pinterest and other blogs to get inspiration. I also worked for a retail store for the first two years I was blogging, so all of those things had a major influence on the kind of clothes I bought and outfits I put together. I found myself buying things because I saw them on another blogger or on the sale rack where I worked. Since then, I have quit that particular job and made efforts to try to find a style that doesn't so much mimic those of others, but truly reflects who I am. I still very much use those platforms for inspiration, but just in a different way.

Photos Courtesy, Shelby Skaggs

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How would you describe your style? I always have the hardest time answering this question. Can I say ever evolving? I have seen my style change so much over the years, even since I started blogging. While I still embody some of the style I did when I started G&G, I have found a style that more so reflects who I am. Sometimes my style is is simply reflective of my mood that day. But, if I had to describe it, I would say my style is classic, girly with an edge.

What are your go-to shopping places in Lexington? When I am out and about shopping I look for once thing, nice pieces that don't break the bank, but are pieces that will last and prove to be worth my money. When I am shopping for myself, the Lexington Green and the Fayette Mall are one stop shops, but I also love shopping local. AdelĂŠ and omar + elsie are perfect places to find unique gifts. I also love stopping into o+e when I want to treat myself to an investment piece.

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By: Sydney Fulkerson

The Coffee Run: And Other Internship Need-to-Knows I am not an expert. I know how to seek out internships, how to network among professionals, and how to positively present myself in a job interview. This does not make me an expert, but it does qualify me as experienced. I am a 21-year old recent graduate from the University of Kentucky with a BS in Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles and a Minor in Business Administration. During my 3.5 years of being a full-time student, I worked two part time jobs, did three internships, and maintained somewhat of a social life.

From The Devil Wears Pradalike tasks in NYC to developing a designer’s entire social responsibility strategy in LA, these internships have largely contributed to the person I am today. Given my experiences, I have been asked a lot of questions from friends and students about internships. “Where do I look for an internship?” “What did you have to do as an intern?” “Did you have to go get coffee for your boss?” After playing 20 questions, I began to realize the lack of resources for students on internship advice and honest information. That’s when it hit me – I was going to write a book.

Workaholic? One could say. There is a reason why I have always sought out work, even as a full-time student with limited time. I crave a challenge. Conquering a challenge brings me purpose and once a challenge is met, I grant myself a small celebration and then eagerly seek out my next encounter. But right now I would like to introduce you to my most recent challenge – writing my first book. During each of my three internships throughout college, I learned quite a bit. I have had the best to the worst internships and everything in-between.

So here I am, writing a “what-todo and how-to-do it” guide for high school and college students interested in internships, or the “pre-real world” as I like to call it. My book, The Coffee Run: And Other Internship Need-to-Knows, is ultimately the book I wish I had read before my internships. It will guide students from the search, the preparation, all the way to the follow-up, and is based on real students’ experiences, including my own. Once I realized all that my friends really wanted was honest internship advice, I knew that this would be the resource students would want to read.

It is one thing to say, “I am going to write a book,” and another to actually do so. The idea came to me much easier than the actual fundamentals of writing and publishing a book. After some discussions with well-respected motivators and leaders, I was recommended to the San Francisco based crowdfunded publisher, Inkshares. Crowdfunding is kind of like a Kickstarter – you pitch your book idea and if your pitch is accepted, you begin raising funds through Inkshares’ online site. The funds needed to publish my book are based on a number of things, including number of pages and the type of book. I am proud to say that I am 65% funded of the needed $8,100 it will take to publish my book, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure funds are met by my deadline, February 26th. My goal for this book is to assist and inform students of everything internship. I want to emphasize that mistakes will be made, lessons will be learned, and coffee runs will happen. The benefits that internships produce are priceless if you decide to take advantage of the learning environment. Remember – it’s just as important to figure out what you don’t want to do, and

doing as many internships as you can will help guide you to discover your strengths and how to improve your weaknesses. I encourage you to watch my promo video, read my pitch and sample chapter, and support The Coffee Run through www. inkshares.com. With your help, I will publish this book and do my best to help prepare students for their future because it’s never too soon to start exploring. Editor's Note: Congratulations to Sydney whose book project has been fully funded. Support this young author by visiting www.inkshares.com and pre-order your copy.


High Street Fly is the newest fly on the wall in the city of Lexington. Even though the new boutique holds a small portion of property in this great town, it is already creating a big buzz. Differentiating itself from the owner’s other boutique, Calypso, the owner Ann-Michael is focusing on “gender neutral, androgynous kind of looks.” The boutique carries pieces for both men and women ranging from new local t-shirts to vintage leather goods. As Ann-Michael puts it, the style will be “J. Crew-ish, layered, gender neutral casual wear.” All of the t-shirts sold are Kentucky and Lexington focused and even printed locally. Because of all of the local pieces, High Street Fly is the ideal place for gifts. To make your life even easier, free gift wrapping is offered year-round. This makes it easy to shop stress-free for presents for friends and family.

High Street Fly

By: Lauren Allen

When you are done picking out pieces for everyone else in your life, don’t feel bad about taking a little something (or somethings!) home for yourself. The women’s section of the store is filled with anything you could need to layer with the classic gender neutral tees, from sweaters to skirts and denim. Men can also keep warm and comfortable with sweatshirts and leather jackets. Go see this one stop shop for gifts and personal shopping online at highstreetfly.com and in person at 887 E High St Lexington, KY. 27


Multi-Platinum Streamsound Recording Artist Kristian Bush Teams Up with Goodwill Industries of Houston for Free Concert. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kristian Bush

What Happens After We #GiveItAway By: Danielle Fernandez

If you’re a country music fan, chances are you’ve heard Kristian Bush’s new hit single Trailer Hitch, and if you’re like me you’ve also caught yourself singing and snapping along. It’s a laid back song with an important message about how liberating generosity can be. “You can’t take it with you when you go,” the song reminds us; so, why not give it away. Bush has recently partnered with Goodwill Industries to channel the wisdom of his lyrics into a national campaign that

Goodwill Industries of Houston President and CEO Steve Lufburrow Talks About the Partnership Between Goodwill® and Country Star Kristian Bush Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kristian Bush

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encourages us to give those things we don’t need to those who are in need. Goodwill Industries has been around since 1902, but for all the press they’ve received relatively few people understand that their mission is to put people back to work. Donate Stuff. Create Jobs. It’s a relatively simple equation. The Goodwill stores that you see across the country take donations and channel the profits that they make from selling those goods

into job training and placement programs that help people overcome barriers to employment. According to Lauren Lawson, the Director of Public Relations for Goodwill, a whopping 83% of the revenue of the sale of donated goods goes back to job training. And the impressive statistics of what happens after we give don’t end there. Every 27 seconds Goodwill helps someone find a job; so, by the time you

Bush Talks About the ‘Give It Away’ Message in His Single “Trailer Hitch” to Encourage Others to Continue to Donate Throughout the Holiday Season Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kristian Bush


Kristian Bush Strikes a Pose with Goodwill Program Participants and Donors Attending the Concert Event Sponsored by KKBQ “The New 93Q” Radio Station (Houston, TX) Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kristian Bush

hear Bush’s song Trailer Hitch fade out on the radio, at least five people will have found a job through one of the 165 Goodwill headquarters across the US and Canada. For all the good that they do, it’s no surprise that Forbes has named Goodwill one of North America’s most inspiring companies for the past three years. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make campaigns like #GiveItAway come together, but the Bush-Goodwill collaboration has been more of a story about charitable alignment. “It’s almost like breathing,” Bush says. Though Bush didn’t write Trailer Hitch specifically for his work with Goodwill, it ended up being a perfect fit for an organization that turns small donations into big change. “The hope and dream of every recording artist and songwriter is to create something that connects people,” he says. “It feels amazing to see people truly moved by a song. They aren’t reacting to the virtuosity of the singing or playing—they’re reacting to the message.” When you hear stories of the people who have had their lives changed by the efforts of Goodwill and Bush’s #GiveItAway campaign, it’s hard to deny the power of generosity. Goodwill

chronicles the stories of people who have benefitted from their services in a spot published on their website called “My Story.” Goodwill works with veterans transitioning back to civilian life, people who have had difficulty transitioning from one industry to another and others who experience barriers to work. “Our job,” says Lawson “is to believe in someone when they don’t believe in themselves.” One story that has struck both Bush and Goodwill’s Lawson is that of Janie Marsh

who began working with Goodwill when she was in prison. Marsh was a homeless meth addict before her arrest and conviction; through her work with Goodwill she learned how to apply for and hold a job. Marsh is currently in graduate school studying to be a landscape architect. When you consider that more than 3000 stories like Janie Marsh’s are written every day thanks to Goodwill, perhaps it’s best to say that Goodwill’s mission is to connect people with opportunity. It’s a mission that they’ve been committed to for more than a century and one that they hope to continue delivering on through their partnership with Bush and the #GiveItAway campaign. You can support the #GiveItAway campaign by donating your unwanted goods to a local Goodwill or by partnering with them to help people find local jobs. For more information on the closest Goodwill store and partnership opportunities, check out Goodwill online: www.goodwill.org. “Trailer Hitch” is the lead single from his forthcoming debut solo album, SOUTHERN GRAVITY (Streamsound Records), executive produced by Byron Gallimore.

Kristian Bush is a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who is best known as part of the country duo Sugarland. He has sold over 22 million albums worldwide, garnering five No. 1 singles and numerous awards, including GRAMMYs, AMAs, ACMs, CMT Music Awards, and CMAs. For more information, visit www.kristianbush.com. Photo Credit: David McClister

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Chef it up by: jon shouldis You need: 1 small red potato 1 small yellow potato 2 carrots 2 tablespoons butter 10 oz steak (ribeye or strip) Salt and pepper Grain Mustard Finishing salt

BOURBON BARREL STAVE

seared steak & potatoes served over bourbon stave POTATOES AND CARROTS Cut “coins” of yellow and red potatoes – roughly the size of half-dollars. Cut chunks of carrot on the diagonal at the same thickness as the potatoes. In the same pan used to sear the steak, over medium heat add the potatoes and the carrots and brown until fork tender – 4-6 minutes per side. Salt and pepper to taste. Remove from pan and set aside CONSTRUCTION Cut thin slices of the seared steak and place along the stave. Insert coins of potatoes and carrots throughout. Garnish with herbs and grain mustard. Give it a final touch of finishing salt such as a smoked salt This can easily be shared with the table and enjoyed with Chopsticks 30

Preheat oven to a low setting of 200 degrees. Place charred bourbon barrel stave in the oven to warm through – 8-10 minutes or until fragrant and heated through. Remove from oven at the time of “plating” STEAK Try to find a nice marbled, thick piece of steak (Strip or Ribeye) and bring to room temperate for roughly 30 minutes. Salt and pepper liberally while it rests. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan and sear the meat until medium rare – roughly 6-7 minutes per side. Remove steak from pan and set aside. Cover with foil and let rest to absorb the juices. Reserve butter in pan


LOOK OF THE WEEK every Wednesday at www.mourmagazine.com

Clothing: Street Scene Vintage Photograpy: Les Mann Modeled by: Kasey Blackford & Jamie Hagood

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O

ne chilly Monday morning I sat down with Jessica Ladipo, owner of Swept Away Proposals and Events for what seemed like a typical business meeting for us. This time it was not to plan, but to enunciate the birth of our new business. Although Ladipo is the real mother of this company (and two young boys), she has graciously allowed three of us to have part ownership of Swept Away. Along with Ladipo, there is Trish Allen, makeup artist with Image Insight, Becky Flannery, photographer with Love and Lenses Photography, and me, the stylist, to complete our team of widely focused worker bees. “Work” is a harsh word, though, because we all are doing this for the love of our trades and love in general. In Ladipo’s words, “I have always been a hopeless romantic.” Although I can’t speak for the rest of the group I, personally, could not agree more. So, what is Swept Away? We plan the wedding engagement proposals that women, typically, only dream about. “Her dream proposal will unfold without them lifting a finger” as Ladipo explains our goal for the business. Ladipo’s other business, Trips to Cherish, plans many destination proposals and honeymoons, but she wanted to start working more locally to show people how great Kentucky can really be. “I want the proposals we do here to be Kentucky centric,” because what’s not to love about Kentucky traditions? Opening in mid-January the business will plan proposals, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and themed parties. Swept Away will offer styling, makeup artistry, photography, videography, catering and anything else a client could possibly conceive or desire for their event. We will be able to plan anything from romantic picnics that turn out to be formal dinners, to flash mobs with all of their friends and family members. The best part about it is that the person doing the proposing just has to call us and set an idea, and we will do all of the hard work, pulling strings and contacting resources.

By: Lauren Allen Photos by: Love & Lenses Photography

There are pre-set packages to be personalized, or the proposer can come in with ideas of his own and we will bring them to life. Does it involve basketball, horses or bourbon? We can make it happen! “If you can dream it, we can build it.” Just like over the top proposals, extravagant themed parties are also possible. In April we plan to throw a Great Gatsby themed party that will make you feel like you stepped back in time to the roaring 20s. Pearls, glitter and great music will fill the night leaving attendees with stories to tell for the rest of their lives. Find out more about us on sweptaway.com and facebook.com/sweptawayproposals!

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I

Music now By: Edd MacKey

n the glow of the stage lights at Willies Locally Known are two kids that could be stage hands setting up instruments but as I look again one has an acoustic bass guitar strapped on while the other a mandolin... these are no stage hands and they are about to prove that they are no kids when it comes to music! The audience knows this duo Tanner & Riley; these guys are a regular act here and so there is a restless eagerness in anticipation of their performance. During the sound-check Riley asked that the treble be turned down, as Tanner jokes about a lost part for one of the instruments, someone from the audience shouts its “over yonder” to which everyone laughs... its a pun, referenced to the name of the band that these two are members – 'Over Yonder.' The spirit of the place is so relaxed it’s as if were all sitting in a huge living room for a family gathering. This is the way it is at Willies. Riley follows up with a remark that “we young folks enjoy making things complicated” which brings more laughter and chatter, as the search for the missing part continues. At this point not even a note of music has been played, but who cares. The atmosphere is one of complete relaxation, everyone is enjoying the standup comedic moment. The duo kicks it off with a racing punctuated rift. Riley’s voice is a solid sound of rock undertones, a raspy resonance, a distinct edgy rock style of bluegrass. Tanner’s delivery on the bass cements the sound and pulls it all together. “Holy crap this is a real band!” Riley just 14-years-old started music when he was 8-years-old. “He just had an ear for it,” and plays by ear, which propelled him to successfully perform in the Festival of the bluegrass. How serious is he about his music? His custom built mandolin is named Missy, he’s serious! Tanner also 14-years-old had his first guitar when he was 10-years-old and polished his skill with training from an instructor at Henry Clay High School where he meet a drummer who encouraged him to participate as a percussionist. When his mom was invited to a practice session she recalls the experience was overwhelming, “holy crap this is a real band!” she exclaimed. Then came the introduction to bluegrass by Riley and the two have been inseparable. As a duo the two are also part of a few bands, 'Over Yonder' and 'The Hollow Bodies' They are influenced by musicians like Chris Thile, Queens of the Stone Age, Metallica and AC/DC which explains their creative restyling of bluegrass. Riley and Tanner are well on the way to greater things with their music, having been featured on KET Kentucky Life and recently as openers for the Broke Spoke Orchestra. One look at them and first you see a couple kids with instruments but catch one of their shows, as the curtain goes up and the lights shine brightly, get on your feet and relish the music of a distinct edgy rock style of bluegrass like you’ve never heard it before. Listen well because despite appearances there is no kid stuff here! Connect with the artist at www.mourmagazine.com


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