MARCH/APRIL 2017

MA R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

E S T E L L E volume 1, no. 2

F EMME: FAS HIO N P H OTO G RA P H E R KA M I L B A N A S Z E K LOV E O R C A R E E R ?

T H E A RT O F I D E N T I TY T HE FAS H I O N & B E AU TY R U N D OWN

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B L AC M IN E RA LS.CO M

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T H E

S P R I N G

I S S U E

E D ITOR I N C H I EF Adrina Nelson CO N T R I B UTI N G WRI TERS Princella Talley (twitter: @p_talley101) Tahmara Bonds (instagram: @author_mara_prose) P H OTOGRAP H ERS Kamil Banaszek I N TERN S Asha Bey (instagram: @Asha.b_) Kwynn Riley (instagram: @kwynology) Courtney Barnes (instagram: @courtchante) Derby Chukwudi (instagram: derby_c)

COV ER Shot by Poland-based photographer, Kamil Banaszek O P P OS I TE PAGE Model: Nicodie Mayling (instagram: @nicodiemayling) Makeup: April Antoinette (instagram: @aprilantoinettebeauty)

I N QUI RI ES www.estellemag.com New York, NY all rights reserved copyright © 2017

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E D I T O R ’ S

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N O T E

E D I T O R ’ S

N O T E

THE ART OF BLOOM I N G

The rising temperature, blooming flowers, and chirping birds mark the beginning of a new season-spring! Spring represents a seson of transformation. What we saw die in autumn and winter, are now alive again.

Much like the leaves and climate, we as humans transform as well. We work on our minds, bodies, and souls to become better individuals for others and ourselves. Maybe in this season, you quit a bad habit, started healthier ones, a new baby, marriage, or career. Whatever it is, this issue is transforming with you!

In this issue, we address the meaning of identity, the meaning of love and our readiness for it. We talk about new mantras to follow in this season to prepare for a hot summer. In addition to addressing wellness, we talk new recipes for your spring soiree. And while it’s important to transform internally, our fashion and beauty trends will have you looking brand new this season!

This is the March/April issue!

A DRI N A N ELS ON Editor-in-Chief

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I N

T H I S

H E AV Y

I SS U E

R OTAT I O N

54 A LIST OF HOT ARTISTS TO ADD TO YOUR PLAYLIST!

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F ASHI O N LAY O U T : 10 Eccentric Fresh Color Poppin

TRE N DS: 1 4 Spring 2017 Fashion & Beauty Trends

U N DE R THE I N FL UE N C E

16

Stylist, Geneva breaks down her spring picks

I N THE N U DE

20

Nude makeup trends for spring

F E ATU RE : KAMI L B A N A S ZE K

22

E DI TO RI AL 2 4 Love me or leave me: FEMME

SP RI N G SO I RE E : R E C I P E S

34

Get cooking with this great recipe for your next soiree!

TRAV E L DI ARI E S :

40

Chicago, Illinois

I AM RE ADY F O R L O VE

44

A DI SC U SSI O N O F I D E N T I T Y

50

10 BLU N T MAN T R A S F OR S P R I N G

52

Elevate to your higher self with these mantras.

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1 4

3 2 5 — 10 —

F A S H I O N

&

B E A U T Y

E CC E N TRIC A S H A

FRESH

B EY

Spice up your outfit with a chunky pair of mustard yellow heels this spring!

They’re the perfect way to look fashionable and to be comfortable.

Pair them with a peplum-styled denim jacket and palazzo pants to keep the comfort and style everlasting!

1 Denim Peplum, tessabit.com 2 Palazzo pants, WolfandBadger.com 3 Chunky slip-in heels, bonadrag.com 4 Fedora hat, romwe.com 5 Shades, zaful.com

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2

1 4 5 3

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F A S H I O N

CO LO R

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B E A U T Y

POPPIN’

A S H A

B EY

Pop of color? Why not! Throw in a pop of color to your brunch outfit with a vibrant hand bag and a pair of sparkling emerald earrings to match!

1 Blouse, dailylook.com 2 Tapered pants, dailylook.com 3 Oversized handbag, bagborroworsteal.com 4 Emerald earrings, overstock.com 5 Ankle wrapped pumps, shoedazzle.com

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T HE

ACTIVIST

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BI G & BO L D E AR R IN G S ARE BAC K S PR IN G SEASON!!!

FO R

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T HI S

F A S H I O N

S P R I N G

2 0 1 7

&

F A S H I O N

B E A U T Y

T R E N D

R E P O R T

U NDER THE I N FLU E N CE W ITH G E N E VA

F

ashion influencers are coming from more places than runways and design studios. They are our co-workers, vloggers, and even on the infamous Instagram. In this spring’s trend report, Estelle invited stylist, Geneva to give us the rundown of her picks and trend for this spring. But who is she?

As a visual architect; specializing in editorial styling, creative development, storefront and visual design, Geneva has a passion for style and art that’s been apart with her since youth. Branching out to explore her talents through fashion, she actively worked and produced fashion shows in high school. With an interest to develop her skills she underwent training at Philadelphia University to develop her technical design skills. Leading her to opportunities to participate in Philadelphia & New York Fashion Weeks,working with publications and more.

In the past year she launched her blog Cozy Closet. Cozy Closet focuses on the creativity and innovation in both fashion, art, and technology. Geneva is working to build a platform to diversify creativity.It seems to often everything art has become standardized. When fashion, art, and technology are meant to be whatever you want it to be. Cozy Closet was created to platform the ideas, creations, and methods of true creatives.

www.czycloset.tumblr.com | IG: @czycloset | Facebook: CozyCloset | Twitter: @cozycloset

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F A S H I O N

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B E A U T Y

A new year means a new lineup for your spring wardrobe. This season we’ve seen some trends breakout early like the corset and lingerie trends. A lot of inspirations derived from the 80’s pop culture scene and 60’s glam.

You see a lot of times that fashion trends will repeat and modernize themselves.

From the runway to Instagram’s biggest influencers, I’ve pulled together a pile of what is most likely going to be highlight trends of Spring 17’. One of my favorites is the corset lingerie and how it could intensify and elevate a look. I’m also obsessed with the blouses and the added feminine aesthetic with the split sleeves, and creating a modern classic affair with off the shoulder tops.

I can’t forget how Rose Gold is being added to spring color palette boards, I feel like it’s the new camel. Lastly, stripes made a peak last winter, but is really pushing thru full force this Spring. Especially being layered as sets, which is becoming big hit amongst the minimal trendsetters.

I’ve always been big on lingerie crossing over to ready to wear; and I’m an even bigger fan of the corset mash up. It’s the perfect item to elevate your look to edge and sex appeal. Reminding me of the times, when I used to play in my moms girdles. Let’s not deny the perfect shape they add to your outfit. Seen so far on a lot of street style influencers, and has been growing amongst the masses. A guarantee strong staple piece for the spring wardrobe.

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F A S H I O N

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B E A U T Y

Rose Gold is a perfect neutral color, to implement in any wardrobe. It’s now taking on a form as the new Camel.

From Kylie Jenner, Dior, and everyone industry lead plays with this color. It’s adding this palette to their must haves this season. It’s a very versatile color that can go from romantic to edge. I think I love this color so much because of the versatility and it’s something new. A major plus, is the elegance the color adds to the garments.

Rose Gold is a perfect neutral color, to implement in any wardrobe. It’s now taking on a form as the new Camel.

From Kylie Jenner, Dior, and everyone industry lead plays with this color. It’s adding this palette to their must haves this season. It’s a very versatile color that can go from romantic to edge. I think I love this color so much because of the versatility and it’s something new. A major plus, is the elegance the color adds to the garments.

I don’t think stripes have ever been off trend. Although this spring designers have become a bit daring with the way in which stripes are constructed together. This year Spring is really embracing feminism and the sexiness of a woman. Stripes played a hand as a staple piece in classic women’s wardrobe since forever, and it keeps transforming into beautiful complexities. It’s a great trend to merge edge and modern aesthetics together. A great tip is to pair stripes as two piece sets; let it be matched or mismatched, this could pull together a strong look.

Personally, arms & shoulders can be the least flattering thing on a woman’s body. I know a lot of women (myself included) rather hide our upper body than flaunt it. Which is why I love the sleeve splits and off the shoulder blouses that are on trend now. contemporary meets romance, with the bows,splits, and frills. Bringing fun to dressing again, and exploring new ways to spice up the Spring wardrobe. Not only is this fun, but it definitely is attractive on any body type.

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F A S H I O N

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B E A U T Y

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F A S H I O N

B Y

IN

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B E A U T Y

K W Y N N

T HE

R I L E Y

N U D E

The “no makeup” makeup look is a spring 2017 look. Subtle highlights, nudes, mattes, and glossy lips are in this season! Try your bare and “au naturale” look this season to stay on trend.

Step up your eye game with a nude or pink shadow. Let your eyes do the talking!

A nude and flesh tone gloss will make the perfect lip this spring!

You can get the look with Shea Moisture!

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F A S H I O N

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B E A U T Y

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F A S H I O N

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B E A U T Y

S P O T L I G H T

KAMIL

BANASZ EK

Born in Żyrardów, Poland, Kamil Banaszek is a 27 year-old photographer capturing the raw essence of beauty, fashion, food, and beyond.

When did you start photography?

My adventure with photography started about 10 years ago. My first camera was a small, old Canon. I was in love with this thing!

What do you want viewers to get or feel from your work when they view it?

This is a good question. I show women who have real emotions in my work. Real life people!

What’s your inspiration?

I’m inspired by many things. A few inspirations are drawn from Hollywood glam. Watching this genre of beauty gives me visions of new photos.

What is the role of photographers in the world?

The role of photographers in the world is to show another world...something more magical like Disney or a beautiful landscape, and to show emotions in portraits. A photographer is like a painter using the camera as our brush. We can design and a create a new world, vision, a place with no gravity...whatever we want.

How do you want your work to be remembered?

I have over 34 published photos on Italian VOGUE.it, 35 shots in digital magazines, 7 exhibitions and a few photos in print magazines including Harper Bazaar and ELLE. I have my own Zenza Bronica ETRS and very happy about it. I want my work seen in the U.S. and Canada.

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F A S H I O N

&

B E A U T Y

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F A S H I O N

LOVE

&

B E A U T Y

M E

OR

N OT

FEMME E D I T O R I A L

T H E

T E A M :

P H O T O G R A P H E R : M O D E L

:

M A K E U P

PAT R Y C J A :

L O C AT I O N D O R O TA

PAT R Y K

S T Y L I S T :

B A N A S Z E K

M I C H E R A

PAT R Y C J A

H A I R S T Y L I S T : W A R D R O B E

K A M I L

M I C H E R A K U R P I Ń S K I

A N N A

K O W A L S K A

S E A R C H E R / D E S I G N E R :

S Z Y M A Ń C Z U K - L E W A N D O W S K A W A R D R O B E

B Y :

Z A R A M A N G O H & M

L O C AT I O N :

C E N T R U M

K U LT U R Y

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W

Ż Y R A R D O W I E

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“...she loves it, she wants it...”

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F O O D

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T R A V E L

E N T R E E

ROASTED V E G E TA BL E DETOX BOW L Ingredients 1/2 avocado 1 cup cauliflower florets 1 small zucchini, sliced a few slices of beets 1/4 fresh purple cabbage, sliced 2 cups spinach, washed and dried 1/4 cup fresh blackberries 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced thinly 1 teaspoon pepita (pumpkin seeds)

1 tablespoon almonds 1/2 teaspoon black sesame seeds 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1 tablespoon coconut oil sea salt and cracked black pepper, to taste 1/4 lime

Directions Preheat the oven to 425F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spread the cauliflower florets and zucchini slices in a single layer. If you like to roast your beets, add those as well.

Drizzle with coconut oil, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Roast the vegetables for 30 minutes (longer if you like them extra roasted and crispy).

While the veggies are roasted, prepare the remaining ingredients.

Add the spinach and top with avocado, cabbage, blackberries, and green onions. Sprinkle with pepita, almonds, and sesame seeds.

Once the roasted vegetables are done roasting, add them to the bowl.

Drizzle with lime juice and adjust salt and pepper.

Enjoy!

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F O O D

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T R A V E L

C O C K TA I L S

F IG T HY ME CO CKTA I L

Ingredients 1 1/2 oz pisco 1/4 oz Cointreau 1/2 oz thyme simple syrup 1/2 oz lime juice 1 fig (quartered) sprig of thyme and 1/2 fig for garnish6 ounces blood orange juice 1 1/2 ounces bourbon

Directions Make the thyme simple syrup. Add sugar and water to a small saucepan and stir on medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

Once dissolved, add thyme and let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove thyme and pour into a heat-safe glass jar. Let cool before using in your cocktail.

Label your jar with the date and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Thyme Simple Syrup: 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup water 5 sprigs of thyme

your mixing glass with ice, and add the remaining few ingredients.

Snap your shaking tin on top of your mixing glass and seal it into place with a firm whack with the palm of your hand. Give it a good shake for a full 10 seconds.

Crack open your shaker and double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and half of a fig.

To make the cocktail, add fig (quartered) and thyme simple syrup to the bottom of your mixing glass.

Break up the pieces of fig by muddling lightly. If your fig is nice and ripe you probably won’t even need a muddler.

Once muddled, you’ll immediately notice the vibrant colors of the fig bleeding into your glass. Next, fill

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O DE

TO

BRU N C H

772

BABEL |

DE AN

S HOWCAS ES

|

LIVE

MUS IC

|

STREET

BROOKLY N ,

NY

1 1 2 3 8

718. 484. 384 7

WWW. OD E TOBABEL.COM

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G O O D

VIB E S

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F O O D

B Y

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T R A V E L

C O U R T N E Y

B A R N E S

TRAV EL DIARIES: C HICAGO

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F O O D

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T R A V E L

Hyde Park is a neighborhood on the Southside of Chicago. The neighborhood of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, this neighborhood has experienced some tremendous growth over the last few years.

Many of its restaurants and shops are blackowned and include various types of cuisine.

Chicago, the United States 3rd most populous city, has so much to offer when you step foot in this city. Known as the ‘windy city, Chicago has so many attractions worth visiting. With spring rolling in and temperatures slowly rising, you just HAVE to take a trip to this beautiful city. Here are some of the sights worth visiting during your stay.

Millennium Park is popular for concerts held in Chicago. During the summer, it holds various festivals and concerts throughout the year including the popular 3-day concert Lollapalooza. The park also hosts movie nights, in which it invites guests to bring blankets, lawn chairs, food, and whatever else you’ll need to make it the best movie night. Just relax under the stars and enjoy the show.

Walk across the Michigan Avenue Bridge and take in the beautiful Chicago River. There are steps that lead down to the river and while you’re there, you could choose to take tour along the river through many of the charters the city has. Michigan Avenue continues on as the as ‘The Magnificent Mile’ because of its many fancy shops and restaurants that run along the street, make sure you visit some of the most popular restaurants which include, The Grand Lux Café and The Cheesecake Factory.

Also located directly next to Millennium Park is ‘The Bean’. If you want to take cool pictures of your reflection on a mirrored bean shaped statue this would be the perfect place for it.

Make sure you visit Navy Pier while you’re in Chicago. It’s a must! Whether you visit Chicago during the winter or summer, or any season for that matter, Navy Pier has much to offer.

During the winter it holds its annual Winter Wonderland Festival filled with different amusement activities and ice-skating. Yearround the pier has brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises along the coast. There are also many restaurants and attractions for children as well as a movie theater located inside Navy Pier and a newly renovated Ferris wheel that operates year-round. If you enjoy fishing, there are fisherman friendly areas along the pier and within a few feet just right behind the pier you’ll be standing on a nice small beach.

Lincoln Park is located on Chicago’s north side.

Resembling a much smaller central park, this park offers beautiful views of downtown, small ponds for fishing, trails for walking and biking, and the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free to the public.

Home of the 2016 World Series Champs, Wrigley Field is home of the Chicago Cubs.

The stadium has many of bars and pubs surrounding it so it doesn’t matter if the Cubs aren’t playing, stop by and have a drink or a bite to eat at one of the bars.

Gino’s East is one of the most popular restaurants in Chicago to enjoy a deep-dish pizza. It doesn’t matter whether or not you like pizza. You just can’t leave Chicago without enjoying some tasty deep-dish pizza. It’s the only way! The Chicago way!

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L E V S A E R I T AR I D

L I F E

B Y

I

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W E L L N E S S

TA H M A R A

P R O S E

RENEWAL: AM READY FOR LOVE

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L I F E

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W E L L N E S S

The dust has settled I’m feeling brand new I’ve dropped all my baggage I’m ready to be true

I know what I want I won’t let it fall apart I will hold on for dear life And becoming his loving wife Because I’m ready for love

It’s time for a new beginning It’s time, cause I’m winning He’s out there waiting I’m no longer debating See I had to work on myself Before I could open thyself To a whole new relationship To something more than ownership I had to learn who I am And stopping running a scam I had to stop projecting a fantasy I had to start sharing my reality I had to deal with my truths I had to outgrow my youth I was a fool the first time around But this time, I will be more sound This time will last Because I’ve stopped living in the past I know where I am going I can’t wait to start glowing I’m ready for love, a mature one please I’m ready for love, I need to be appeased I’m ready for love, come take me I’m yours I’m ready for love, come find me amour

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L I F E

B Y

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W E L L N E S S

M A L I N D A

J A N A Y

LOV E & CAREER: ARE MILLENIALS TOO B USY FOR BOTH?

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L I F E

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W E L L N E S S

One thing I absolutely love about being a millennial is our work ethic. Some may say it’s the opulence of this generation, while others may argue that it’s this generation’s downfall.

Either way, I believe it’s admirable. Everyday, I find myself inspired by those who are creating their own lanes in different industries. In studying others perfecting their craft, I’m influenced to go that much harder for what I want and to do what I have to do to get where I want to be. However, it’s not hard to also notice the toll that being “workaholics” can have on your love life.

last couple relationships I have been in ended surrounding one common theme: time. The saying goes that “people make time for the things that they want,” but if I want a partner and a career, how do I balance both?

There was always the underlying issue of me not making enough time for them. In my mind, it wasn’t that they weren’t a priority, but if they’re my partner, they should understand and support my dreams. My selfishness seemed justified because I was working towards something greater. Looking back on it, my selfishness was simply a product of a lack of time management, and perhaps, I needed to be selfish at that point in my life.

According to the Pew Research Center, 25 percent of millennials will never get married; which is the highest share in modern history.

On the same wave, a Gallup survey reports that only about nine percent of Americans age 18 to 34 have neither been married nor want to ever get married. Even though the social construct of love equatting to marriage has changed, the aspiration for marriage still seems to be there.

However, those situations created my desire for something different. A companion without the responsibilities of a relationship. More than just “friends with benefits,” but the same type of concept. I want someone around, but I don’t really want the obligations and the responsibility of a relationship. Partially because I’m so busy, and I don’t want to have to owe another person time or explanations. In the same way, I want to connect, communicate, and be with someone. But is that even realistic?

Is our work ethic creating a “situationship” culture?

While I know that many people in loving relationships simply choose to opt out of marriage all together, I can’t help but wonder does our work ethic paralyze us from even having a loving relationship at all. Are we so busy that we want a relationship without the obligations? Is it possible to have love and a booming career?

It all comes back to the same issue. We want someone around; it’s human nature. Even if it’s just a pet, companionship is a beautiful thing.

But how do you find the time to balance

This question comes from the fact that the

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L I F E

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another person’s feelings, emotions, and needs while taking care of your own. Especially in a career driven society. Back in the day, gender roles and power structures were very defined.

Fitting someone into your schedule wasn’t as big of an issue. We have seemed to move from less nine to five jobs where your hours were set, and you scheduled life around that to a structure of working unlimited hours and fitting life in where we can. Adding a social life and sleep to the mix makes it even harder.

However, it’s been done before, and people still do it, but where are they finding the balance.

The issue with wanting someone around without the responsibility is the same issue that comes about in a friends with benefits situationship. Someone, if not both people, will begin to develop a desire for more than what they are being given.

I always notice, when you take pieces of a relationship without giving the whole thing, it seems to evolve into a relationship without the title. Some may say that a bond is better than a title, but somehow a title is still desired whether consciously or subconsciously. It’s the same reason that so many millennials still desire marriage even if many of us aren’t getting married at all.

W E L L N E S S

on their grind and leveling up, it seems like the room for confusion is cut down. I look to my parents who will celebrate 30 years of marriage this year. Of course, they’re from a different generation, but both of them had their own careers when they met. Despite that, they were able to balance a relationship and a family while both continuing their own work.

Growing up in a household where I saw the balance of love and work, I know that it exists.

My parents were also in their 30s when they got married. Perhaps my uncertainty of a love and career duo comes from my lack of patience. I feel like I deserve to get everything that I want right now when I want it, but maybe that’s not always the right answer. Because my parents worked and were established when I was born, I’ve had a great and fortunate life.

Everyone’s path is different, and the biggest thing is not to put a time limit on life. So often we have an idea of what the perfect relationship looks like, and we unknowingly limit ourselves based on our typical ideals. Millennials seem to want it all. Some may say we are too busy to have love and a career, but maybe it’s not impossible once we learn the formula.

Which brings us full circle to the question what does a healthy balance of love and career look like? I believe it’s definitely possible to have a successful career and a successful love life, but I haven’t found the perfect formula that works for me yet. Of course, Beyonce and Jay Z weren’t built overnight. It takes time and patience to learn how to work with someone else and create a chemistry for your schedule.

The important thing is to find someone who works as hard as you do. When two people are

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L I F E

NEW

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W E L L N E S S

B O O K

R E L E A S E

STRONGA NDE L IT E .CO M

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L I F E

B Y

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W E L L N E S S

P R I N C E L L A

TA L L E Y

AN IN SPIRATIONAL DISCUSSION OF IDENTITY

What is identity? By definition, it is “the condition or character as to who a person or what a thing is; the qualities, beliefs, etc., that distinguish or identify a person or thing.” In an ideal world, we could easily say that the distinguishing qualities of a person is consistent, unwavering in any given situation. But we all know life is much more complex. Our goals change.

New ways of thinking begin to misalign with past values. We declare what we want and we stand by it… until we want something else. The confusion of the self seems inescapable at times, but it’s all part of the human experience.

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L I F E

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W E L L N E S S

“Who are you?!” The caterpillar hastily asked of Alice as she explored Wonderland, but answering his question wasn’t easy at all. Now, imagine walking into a job interview. You sit down across from your interviewer who leans slightly forward to ask one of the most common questions; “Can you tell me about yourself?”

Like Alice, you may stumble in your reply, or you might sit up straight in your chair and proceed to explain your educational background, skills and where you’ve lived in your lifetime. Yet, your identity goes far beyond these obvious descriptions. The hopes and dreams that keep you awake in the middle of the night, work that fires you up instead of tiring you out, the people you love and the things that make you love them – these are all pieces of your true identity.

long been debated, but instead of assuming only one answer is correct, perhaps the truth lies in the middle. Much like our inimitable fingerprints, maybe we were born with our own unique character. But as we went through life, our negative experiences didn’t completely alter our personalities. It subdued our identities instead.

We were confident until someone told us we weren’t good enough. We felt attractive before someone said we had an odd facial feature. We loved with wild abandon until someone broke our hearts. As strong as one’s identity may be, the instinct to protect oneself both physically and emotionally is especially powerful.

This type of emotional preservation manifests itself in various ways. For example, countless people base their behaviors and appearance on social acceptance and take to social media to be noticed. With more than half of the adult population on Facebook alone, the competitive urge to be seen (and admired) becomes a priority and identity gives way to the power and efforts of positive perception.

Being yourself is a form of living art. A canvas painted with bold and unexpected colors, you’re beautiful and flawed. But it’s those very flaws that add to your intrigue. All you have to do is take the time to appreciate each fiber of your being. Acknowledging what you are and also what you are not is to accept your identity.

Flaws that conflict with your happiness can be transformed into motivation to set goals. For the qualities you possess and don’t want to change, embrace your perspective. It’s more than okay to accept your views, even when they go against the majority.

As our state of emotional innocence was corrupted, we began to speak to ourselves as jaded and bitter individuals. Now is the time to change our internal conversations because what you have to say has more impact than what you may realize. Visualize the best version of yourself. What are you doing? Where do you live? What are you wearing? Compare your answers to yourself at this very moment. When did you decide to compromise your identity and your happiness, or did you not even realize you were doing it?

A strong identity coincides with leadership, and it’s those who lead that inspire positive change in the world. As often as it may go unnoticed, someone looks to you for motivation.

Displaying humility and a strong sense of self is what you owe to those around you.

Were we born with our unique identity or did it develop over time based on our environment and circumstances? The source of identity has

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S TA F F

1 0

W R I T E R

MANTRAS: B LU NT AFFIRMATIONS FO R SPRING

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L I F E

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W E L L N E S S

A mantra is a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation. We came up with 10 blunt but effective mantras to recite during your next meditation session: 1. I will give no fucks about negative people and their drama. Actually, I will remove them from my life.

2. I will block all negative energy for the sake of my peace of mind and to exist peacefully.

3. I will keep my mind open to new opportunities that will renew my soul, and close it to bullshit that will disturb it.

4. I will change one bad habit.

5. I am confident, beautiful, and all around the shit. I will not let insecure people change that.

6. I will compliment others and build positive energy within them.

7. I will love all of my imperfections and proudly own them.

8. I will treat my body like the temple that it is.

9. I exist for a reason, and I will find purpose in my life and pursue my passions.

10. I will treat this new season like a new opportunity. I will treat it like a “reset button” and move forward with a clear mind and body.

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M U S I C :

H E A V Y

R O TA T I O N

YU N A Yunalis Mat Zara’ai, professionally known as Yuna, is a Malaysian singer-songwriter.

Her latest album, Chapters was selected by Billboard in 7th place of its 2016 Critics’ Picks for Best R&B Album. www.yunamusic.com

GA L L A NT Christopher Gallant, better known as Gallant, is a singer and songwriter signed to Mind of a Genius Records. He self-released his debut EP, Zebra. On April 6, 2016, his debut studio album Ology (album) was released worldwide and received critical acclaim for his songwriting and vocal prowess.

Gallant performed both weekends of Coachella in 2016. On May 12, 2016, he made his national television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Gallant performed “Weight in Gold”, which ended with a standing ovation from the audience. www.gallant.space

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M U S I C :

M AR I A N

H E A V Y

R O TA T I O N

HI LL

Marian Hill is an American songwriting duo from Philadelphia consisting of production artist Jeremy Lloyd and vocalist Samantha Gongol.[1] Their name comes from two characters, Marian Paroo and Harold Hill, from the musical The Music Man. The group released their debut EP, Play, in 2013, which featured improvisational jazz musician Steve Davit. Two years later, they announced the availability of another EP, Sway. marianhillmusic.com

A P R I L

+

V I STA

April George and Matthew Thompson make up the genre-bending duo April + Vista. From the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia area), they pull from eclectic ranges with trip-hop, R&B, jazz and indie rock influences.

Their latest EP, Note to Self, debuted to much acclaim this summer. Afropunk, the 9:30 Club’s Half Past, and WAMU’s Bandwidth all gave the duo much needed props. The EP also landed the duo a spot on Ptchfork Radio and NPR’s Capital Soundtrack project. aprilandvista.com

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VIVRANT

BEAUTY

220 SAINT NIC HO L A S AV E .

N E W YORK, NEW YO R K 10027 V I V R A N T B E AU TY. CO M

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M OVE

W I T H M E D I TAT I O N

G RAC E &

Y O G A

SUN STUDIO | 431 MYRTLE AVE. BROOKLYN, NY 11205 movewithgrace.com

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