September / October 2019 Teen InFluential

Teen WWW.INFLUENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019

Penelope Robin and 99 GoonSquad Celebrate Release of 4 Leaf Clover Single and Video

Sharron Clear’s Fall Denim Roundup Gives Us the Right Kind of Blues

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th It’s our

Anniversary!

Motivate Yourself to Exercise

You’d

Better Recognize!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AKRAM SOLIMAN

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Education

08 | I Was Told There Would

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FASHION EDITORIAL 36 | VELVETY

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be no Math: 3 Ways You Use Math Daily 10 | Is This College Worth the Money?

feature

12 | Internship Tips from an Intern

Who Became an Owner and CEO

30 | Sharron Clear’s Fall Denim

Roundup Gives Us the Right Kind of Blues

Food & Beverage 60 | Penelope Robin and

99 GoonSquad Celebrate Release of 4 Leaf Clover Single and Video

Fashion & Style

18 | The Joyfolie Back to School

Collections is Cool & Casual 22 | Top Must-Have for Back to Campus for College Students and Back to School for Boys 26 | Savvy Suitcase: 5 Versatile Jewelry Styles to Define Your Look and Minimize Packing 2

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46 | Back-to-School Food

Fit for the Family 48 | Going Off to College?

Bring This Cookbook

Health & Wellness

52 | Are You a Mindless Muncher?

Follow These Smart Tips for Healthier Snacking 54 | Motivate Yourself to Exercise 56 | Which is More Important to Recognize, Emojis or Road Signs?

58 | 5 Health Benefits of Our Green Spaces

Teen CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR / CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Round Rock, Texas EDITORIAL TEAM Editor Nicole Glenn Jr. Editor Hayley Pugh Beauty Editor Kelli Ponce Fashion & Style Editor William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Health & Wellness Editor Ingrid Garner Technology Editor James Nelson

Website Administration W. Jackson & Associates, LLC

EDITORIAL CREDITS

SALES & MARKETING Business Development William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree James Nelson, Technology Editor Marketing & Public Relations W. Jackson & Associates, LLC For advertising inquiries please email ads@influential-magazine.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR shall be signed with a full name; please include a daytime phone number, full mailing address, or e-mail address. Letters shall be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Letters may not be edited, added to, or changed by the sender once we receive them.

PHOTOGRAPHY AKRAM SOLIMAN @akramsoliman

For Letters to the Editor please email: Nicole@influential-magazine.com.

For Beauty inquiries please email our Beauty Editor, Kelli Ponce: Kelli@influential-magazine.com.

WRITING TEAM Contributing Writer Kyle Grappone, The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) Guest Contributing Writer Nicole Glenn, Editor of Teen InFluential

ART & PRODUCTION Creative Director

William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Beauty Editor Kelli Ponce Fashion & Style Editor William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Creative Services

What Taller Gráfico Argenis Gudino, José Luis Venegas Quintero Web Design The MOD Studio Contributing Photographer

AKRAM SOLIMAN (@akramsoliman), Photography courtesy of Joyfolie, @rdariomilano

influential-magazine.com

For Fashion & Style inquiries please email our Fashion & Style Editor, William Jackson at William@influential-magazine.com.

For Health & Wellness inquiries please email our Health & Wellness Editor, Ingrid Garner at Ingrid@influential-magazine.com.

For Technology inquiries please email our Technology Editor, James Nelson at James@influential-magazine.com.

Members of W. Jackson & Associates are BMI affiliates

For public relations inquiries please email pr@influential-magazine.com.

American Graphic Design Award Winning Magazine

For general information inquiries please email info@influential-magazine.com.

Recipient of the Lux Life 2018 Entertainment Awards for Best Lifestyle Magazine 2018 – Texas

Our mailing address: Teen InFluential, P.O. Box 1307, Round Rock, Texas 78680

Recipient of the American Graphic Design Award Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Capital of Texas Awards Univision Communication Media Award Finalist

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Founder & Chief Business Officer.

All the rights of the artwork and photography belong to the Founder & Chief Business Officer.

Teen InFluential is Round Rock, Texas owned and operated.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

hen I sat down to write this note, I was amazed by the thought four years have gone by so quickly. It’s clear time does not stand still — especially when it comes to publishing and deadlines.

During one of our lively team meetings in the spring of 2015 Leonardo D’Almagro, our Fashion Editor at the time, suggested we think about introducing magazines focused on teen and Spanish speaking audiences. The full team agreed and Teen InFluential and Spanish InFluential were created and premiered in September 2015.

I must say, though the premiere came quickly, it never could have been sustained through these years without the generous support and well wishes from our readers, communities, advertisers, and supporters. It’s still quite humbling to realize many have been with us from day one. It’s even more humbling to know they confidently demonstrated their support and energy from the beginning and have continued with us for over four years.

We’ve been very fortunate to have talented teams producing our magazines every edition - our contributing writers and editors, artists and photographers, production experts, and marketing and public relations experts. Many are still with us and others have gone on to make their mark in other ventures, and we love and appreciate everyone.

This 4th Anniversary edition’s cover features teen musician and philanthropist Penelope Robin, who continues to make quite a name for herself on the music scene and inspire many through her philanthropic endeavors. Of course, there’s a ton of other good stuff throughout our pages.

Thank you to each of you for four years of support.

We truly love what we do and couldn’t do it as well as we do without your consistent support.

Looking forward to many more years with you,

William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Publisher of Teen InFluential 6

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HAPPY

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ANNIVERSARY

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TO OUR MULTI-AWARD WINNING SISTER PUBLICATIONS SPANISH INFLUENTIAL AND TEEN INFLUENTIAL! WE’RE SO THANKFUL FOR OUR AMAZING INTERNATIONAL TEAMS OF EXPERTS WHO WORK TIRELESSLY TO BRING EACH EDITION TO LIFE! WE’RE EQUALLY GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF THE CONSTANT SUPPORT FROM OUR AMAZING CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS, ADVERTISERS, PARTNERS, AND READERS! WE CERTAINLY CAN’T DO WHAT WE DO WITHOUT YOU AMAZING PEOPLE!

Teen I WAS TOLD THERE WOULD BE NO MATH: PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY You may have thought that after graduating k OF (C) MONKEY BUSINESS from school, you’d never have to think about / STOCK.ADOBE.COM. math again. However, the truth is that math is a central part of everyday life – from baking cakes to drawing up a budget.

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ere are three ways you are already using math, as well as quick solutions for making these tasks a bit easier.

In the Kitchen Working in the kitchen often requires precision and getting measurements and times just-so really does matter.

If you love experimenting with new recipes from around the world, you may often find yourself needing to convert measurements in a pinch. Weighted measurements are much better than volume measurements when it comes to accuracy. For a foolproof, quick method for measuring ingredients, use a digital scale that features both English and metric measurements.

In Your Home or Office Maintaining your household budget or work accounts requires some mathematical attention to detail. A printing calculator can help you track your work and better manage your financial records. The compact options

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from Casio are good for quick budgeting use at home. For example, the HR-170RC features two-color printing at two lines per second, quick correction of misentries, currency exchange calculations and a reprint function.

At the Gym You’ve likely heard that there’s a target heart rate you should be aiming for, depending on your fitness goals. While this does require some mathematical comprehension, it no longer needs to require the quick calculations it once did in the days of taking one’s pulse during a break or cooldown. Use a fitness monitor to get a quicker read on your heart rate, so you will know in real-time whether to ramp up or scale back your effort.

Likewise, this can be an easy way to learn the approximate number of calories burned during any given sweat session.

Math is all around us. Thankfully, there are new digital tools and strategies available to help you manage your daily tasks with ease. (StatePoint) l

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EDUCATION

3WaysYouUse MathDaily

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IsThisCollege WORTH THE

kWRITTEN BY KYLE GRAPPONE

MONEY?

Once you become a teenager, the idea of college begins to creep into your life and, at times, can become the center of your world.

We live in a society that makes us feel as if the only way we are being responsible about our future is if we are going to college.

Then, once we decide to go to college, we are bombarded by several choices, and all of them cost a lot of money.

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’ve spent the last two years speaking to college graduates about their time in school and what they wish they could do differently. The number one answer has to do with the cost of college and the lack of research they conducted.

Overall, many college graduates wish they had spent more time researching their options and choosing a school that wouldn’t not leave them in serious debt.

How do you determine if the college you are looking at is worth the money they’re asking for? First, it’s important to know college does not have to be super expensive. There are plenty of educational institutions that offer great programs at a great value. Second, just because a college says they’re worth a certain amount of money, doesn’t mean it is true. If you are going to spend a considerable amount of money and time at a college, it has to earn it.

Applying to a college is not a one-way street.

It’s mutual agreement where both sides have something to gain. You’ve every right

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EDUCATION to openly ask, what is it about your school that’s worth my time and money?

Why Are You Going to College?

Before you start this process, ask yourself why are you going to college? What are you looking to accomplish here? If the only reason you can come up with is you think you’re supposed to, you need to stop and think harder. Once you determine your motivation for seeking higher education, it’ll help you understand what you’re looking for in a college.

What you’re Interested In? You do not need to know “What do you want to be when you grow up?” before

you enter college. All you need to figure out is “What type of person do you want to become?” and what jobs align with that type of person. Then, make a list of those jobs and reach out to working professionals who are currently in them.

Ask them what they studied, where, and what advice they can give you.

About Kyle

What is This School Offering Me? Determine what this school is offering you. The point of college is to prepare to enter the workforce and build a career.

What specific opportunities does this school offer that others do not? Do they have an impressive career center dedicated to finding you internships and jobs? Do they offer award-winning faculty or state of the art technology to use? Perhaps the school is well known in certain industries or has strong job placement partnerships with companies in the community. Again, you have the right to ask these tough questions and demand answers. If School A is going to charge thousands more than School B, it needs to give a good reason why.

Furthermore, that reason needs to benefit you and your goals. That brand new building may be beautiful, but if you are not going to take classes in there, then it does not count. The school may be well known in nursing but that means nothing if you are pursuing education or business.

Every college has something to boast about but what do they have that will set you up for success in the real world?

What do The Alumni Have to Say? Colleges are always going to present the best version of themselves. Each campus

Kyle Grappone is the founder of To The Next Step, an educational coaching and services company designed to prepare students for the next steps in life including college, entering the workforce and the real world. He offers several student focused services including one on one coaching and ondemand courses. You can learn all about it at www.ToTheNextStep.org or by emailing him directly at Kyle@ToTheNextStep.org.

tour will be filled with impressive facts and top-notch alumni ready to give you several reasons as to why you should attend their alma mater. You should listen to them and ask all of your questions. However, be sure to connect with alumni who you’re at open houses and campus tours. You can find these graduates on LinkedIn. Ask them about their time at the school, what they studied, and if they felt it was worth it.

Conclusion College should earn your time and money. You should have a clear idea of why you’re going to college and what you’re looking to get out of it. When you start to approach this process with that type of mindset it becomes much more manageable. For more information on this topic, please check out my online course, How To Select The Right College For You. l

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InternshipTipsfrom WHO BECAME AN OWNER AND CEO

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manIntern

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FEATURE

Internships can be a valuable opportunity to start your full-time working career and change your life. kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY

OF TIM PANNELL / THE FORBES COLLECTION.

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atih Ozmen went from intern to owner and CEO of multi-billion-dollar aerospace and national security leader, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC).

Starting at SNC as an intern almost 40 years ago when it was a tiny and struggling engineering company, Ozmen and his wife, Eren (now the company’s chairwoman and president), had the chance to acquire the company a few years later. Today, SNC is an agile, cutting-edge disruptor in government contracting with a workforce of 4,000 that supports and protects explorers and heroes. Ozmen has been SNC’s CEO and owner for a quarter century.

Of his journey from intern to CEO and owner, Ozmen said, “I credit a lot of good luck and some good choices, starting with how I approached my internship.”

Here are his three tips to help you get the most from yours: Fatih Ozmen CEO of multi-billion-dollar aerospace and national security leader, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and his wife, Eren (now the company’s chairwoman and president) SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 TEEN

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Teen 1Look for companies

with missions and values that inspire you.

“As a student or intern you can feel independent, like you’re holding your future in your hands. A lot of businesspeople will tell you to consider an internship a transaction to meet your needs. I would encourage you to turn that focus outward.

“Ultimately, once your basic needs are met, it’s the deeper rewards that keep us going. Things like the feeling of being part of a team and making a real impact. I’d encourage young people first to identify companies or teams that are addressing challenges that really interest you. Read the bios of the people you’d work with or for.

Do their stories, and the company’s story, inspire you? Are people there working in their individual interest or in the interest of the team, and the overarching mission?

“It’s more rewarding when you see a whole group within the company working toward a larger goal. Let me give you an example. On several occasions, people have come up to Eren and me to tell us how we saved their lives in the battlefield.

There was one time our holiday party was crashed by people who wanted to meet the SNC people who built our technology that jams cell signals and prevents IEDs from exploding, protecting our servicemen and women. These people thanked us and cried, and we cried with them. They shared heartfelt stories about how our technologies enabled loved ones to come home safely. This is priceless.”

2Always look for an

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“

We live in a world where the American dream is in reach for everyone. Don’t take it for granted

”

the core need, to look beyond the “what” and truly understand the “why.”

“As a young engineer, working to enhance jet landing systems so they work in all conditions, including rain, was the biggest privilege for me.

“One of my first experiences early on was being on an aircraft carrier at 2 a.m.

Standing next to F-18s and working among sailors day and night was fascinating and inspiring. I was sleeping right below the deck and hearing the roar of the aircraft engines, and tires skidding upon landing.

They operate 24 hours a day.

“It was invaluable to see firsthand the problems pilots were facing and the environments sailors had to work within.

It was eye-opening to see that while we are often comfortable in our homes and warm beds, servicemen and women are deployed months at a time away from their families working within dangerous conditions with poor visibility. Imagine being an F-18 pilot, finding the ship — a postage stamp-sized object off in the distance — and landing on it. That would be difficult to do in even ideal weather and visibility conditions.

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“Our engineering task was straightforward: fix a strange flaw on the existing landing system that didn’t work as expected when it rained. We made it work and it’s amazing that 30 years later the Navy still uses the technology we created. Importantly, I was able to witness the challenge and solution, to work alongside the sailors and see it from the pilots’ perspective. This helped me to go beyond the what of our mission — a flaw in technology — to really understand the why — to save lives.”

3Embrace newness

and change as a journey, not an obstacle.

“When Eren and I first came to the U.S., we were young, didn’t speak much English and didn’t have money. But we did have goals and an unrelenting passion to chase our dreams. Was it easy? No. And I’d be lying if I said there weren’t days when it seemed impossible or challenges that we faced along the way seemed insurmountable. But this is our American dream. None of it would have been possible if we didn’t look beyond the uncertainty and challenges.

It’s a great country that made it happen. I couldn’t do it anyplace else in the world. ”We live in a world where the American dream is in reach for everyone. Don’t take it for granted.”

With the power of dreams, innovation and inspiration, there is no limit to what you can accomplish once you get your start, Ozmen says. Learn more about internship opportunities at www.sncorp. com/careers/students/. (BPT) l

It’s Our

4

th

Anniversary! of Publication!

Thank you

for taking this journey with us and helping us Celebrate our multi-award winning accomplishments!

Teen THE

JoyfolieBack toSchoolCollections IS COOL & CASUAL

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Joyfolie is a girls’ and women’s label for the modern bohemian created as an ode to the unconditional love and bond between mother and daughter. Its feminine designs speak to the free-spirit in every girl and womancharacterized by vintage textures, unique finishes, and intricate detailing for a look that is both modern and unconventional.

Derived from the French word “folie”, meaning frenzy and madness, “Joyfolie” refers to the joyful, irrational way mothers love their children. Joyfolie is a celebration of love, created for the mother and daughter duos.

Jessica Hernández

For passionate travelers with a hunger for adventure. For the avid dreamers with a fire in their hearts. Taking inspiration from landscapes, architecture, and cultures from all corners of the world, its

designs combine the beauty of Paris and New York with the colors of Lisbon and Marrakesh. From apparel to accessories to footwear in styles that transcends through time, Joyfolie designs are unabashedly romantic, graceful yet bold.

The brand’s Mademoiselle, Jeune Fille, and Ma Petite collections are aimed at women, young girls, and pre-teens respectively with certain pieces effortlessly coordinating as compatible mother and daughter ensembles. Lovingly conceived

by Jessica Hernandez in 2011, Joyfolie is a loving project initially created for Jessica’s then infant daughter. As her daughter grew, so did the brand. Since launching, Joyfolie has garnered fast attention with Hollywood celebrities and young Hollywood stars from Northwest Kardashian to Skai Jackson. l

kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JOYFOLIE. 18

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FASHION & STYLE

This school season aim to leave the house less stressed and best dressed.

The Joyfolie Back to School collections, “Cool & Casual” and “Campus Style”, feature a full range of back-to-school apparel and accessories for both mothers and daughters, head to toe.

From backpacks to shoes and everything in between, Joyfolie is your one-stop shop for all your style needs.

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FASHION & STYLE

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TopMust-Have

FOR BACK TO CAMPUS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS AND BACK TO SCHOOL FOR BOYS

It’s the time of year when most students have returned back-to-school.

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t’s the time of year when most students have returned back-toschool. Everyone is covered for books, pencils and backpacks but what about wardrobe? Brooklyn Cloth offers college kids and boys the top must haves. Color blocking, denim, bomber jackets, graphic tees, and twill and knit jogger pants are on display for this back to school season at Brooklyn Cloth.

They’re taking it back with a 90’s vibe.

Color blocking looks including graphics and verbiage are becoming very popular additions because of their contrasting bright color coordination and on-trend graphics, ranging from embroidered roses to embroidered phrases. Denim is

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a staple that never goes out of style. The look of denim has not changed much but feels more like a jacket you’ve already owned, with a worn-in distressed look.

Twill and knit jogger pants are still the hottest items and in demand.

Established in 2011, Brooklyn Cloth is a leader in on-trend apparel that enables customers to express their individuality.

They pull inspiration from across the globe, and in their backyard of New York City, to develop their bold collections.

Brooklyn Cloth stands out for its unique fabrics, eye-catching graphics, and musthave silhouettes.

Here are a few favorite must-haves.

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FASHION & STYLE

This tee shirt from Brooklyn Cloth will be the power player in every wardrobe.

Once you put it on get ready to walk out of the house in style. Pair this will your favorite jogger pants + a denim jacket. Details include printed savage repeat all over, savage box logo on the front chest, short sleeves, crew neck, and modern fit.

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Secure your valuables when you’re out with the crew with these camo cargo twill jogger pants. Great to wear on the go or at home. Details on this jogger include camo print all over, twill material, diagonal cargo flap pockets, side open pockets, drawstrings, and true fit.

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An iconic layer to rock year-round. Throw this denim jacket on over your favorite top to complete any look. The jacket has a worn in relaxed feel with a full metal button front, sits at the waist two side pockets and modern fit.

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FASHION & STYLE

“Taking something that might go unnoticed or normal to majority of people and putting it on its own pedestal. The sword is something that I have tattooed on my chest and partially on my neck, and that will be there forever. It can have its meaning to everyone, it can be just a sword or a knife, or it could represent something that plays a bigger role in your life. Sometimes things cut deep.� - Goner

Booming with vibrant color and bold vertical red white and blue color blocking all over this pullover hoodie is the perfect chilly-weather option when you hit the streets in style. Pair it will some knit jogger pants and low top kicks for cool laidback comfort. Details include embroidered New York, USA with liberty torch in the center, attached hood with drawstrings, kangaroo pockets and modern fit.

Visit Brooklyn Cloth at www.brooklyncloth.com. l

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Teen SAVVY SUITCASE:

5Versatile JewelryStyles TO DEFINE YOUR LOOK AND MINIMIZE PACKING

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FASHION & STYLE Do you have an upcoming trip planned? Whether you’re going for a relaxed beach look or heading downtown to dazzle in the city lights, you want to plan outfits that make you feel great and fit the occasion. Jewelry is the go-to for defining your look, but you can only bring so many pieces. What’s the best solution?

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hen you travel, it’s great to have versatile pieces of jewelry that minimize your packing, but not your style. From adjustable necklaces to hoops with added charms, the experts at Jewelry Television (JTV) recommend these pieces to provide looks for every trip and travel memory!

Here are some versatile pieces of jewelry and tips for mixing and matching to create distinct looks without overpacking your accessories:

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Adjustable necklaces By taking some adjustable necklaces or magnetic extenders, you can wear the same pieces several times and achieve a different look. Wear it alone or adjust the length and layer it with a multistrand necklace to complement various necklines on different outfits. You can also get an ensemble that enables you to rotate the chains or gemstones to create coordinated looks to match your attire.

kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WWW.JTV.COM

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3

Endless strands or lariat style necklaces

Interchangeable pendants or charms

Endless strands are long-length, no-clasp necklaces that can be worn long and layered, wrapped or even knotted. A lariat necklace has a design of its own; unlike traditional necklaces it has a lariat in place of a clasp, providing a lot of flexibility for styling. Very versatile, an endless strand or lariat style necklace can be worn several different ways to create or complete your look. Wear it long or short, wrap it around to layer, or drape the ends down your back to accent an open or low-back outfit. You can also wear the lariat style necklace as a belt for an alternative vibe.

A versatile set of earrings with interchangeable charms complements multiple outfits and changing out the charms is a breeze. For example, a set of filigree hoops can be worn alone, or you can swap out the charms for four unique looks. The same versatility can be achieved with one chain and multiple pendants to create the look of extra necklaces without the extra baggage.

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5Versatile JewelryStyles

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Stackable bracelets and rings Want a fashion-forward jewelry look for your next trip? Layering and stacking is a trend everyone loves and is perfect for creating different styles with minimal effort. Choosing stackable bracelets enables you to vary your look from minimalist to fully layered — and everything in between. It’s easy to mix and match to create different styles. For rings, layer them on one finger or spread them across multiple fingers to transform your look from daytime to evening or one event to the next.

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Consider alternative jewelry Depending on your trip and what excursions you have planned, you may be tempted to bring your best tennis bracelet or gemstone pendant, but to keep jewelry safe, consider options that create the same high fashion look for less. Also, if you’re headed to the beach, consider leaving your diamond ring secured at home and wear a Bella Luce ring in its place.

As always, the JTV experts recommend transporting your jewelry in a travel-proof jewelry roll for safekeeping. For more tips and to explore versatile jewelry styles, visit www.jtv.com/traveltips. (BPT). l

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SharronClear’s FALL DENIM ROUNDUP GIVES US THE RIGHT KIND OF BLUES

There’s no denying denim is here to stay and won’t go out of style anytime soon.

Denim is essentially the backbone of any closet. Every year, the denim trends take a turn and go from skinny to boyfriend, from wide to straight, and everything in between.

kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY

OF SHARRON CLEAR.

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ut the fact remains that we love them all. So, what kind of denim will be popular this coming fall?

Style, beauty, and lifestyle influencer Sharron Clear known as @arrayoffaces on IG has put together the top 4 denim trends that will be taking over. There’s no doubt you’ll be seeing these styles around. Now is the time to get prepared so you can step out in style!

True Skinny Denim Many of us cringe on the thought of skinny jeans, but skinny isn’t all that bad.

This fall season skinny is back with a twist.

These High Rise True Skinny Jeans from GAP have just the perfect stretch. With a looser fit, this style is more forgiving while still maintaining that streamlined look. You can find denim that has a great stretch for an amazing all-day fit. Style skinny jeans with a denim top and rock that denim on denim or add a blazer with a pair of fly booties to make it more of a fun look.

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FASHION & STYLE About Sharron Clear Sharron Clear is a strong, self-made single mom of three whose story begins with southern roots and California dreams.

Born in Tennessee, Clear was the youngest of four athletic girls and a self-professed “girly girl athlete” herself. Losing an older sister at the hands of a drunk driver, Clear became an advocate early on for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and other similar organizations. With a love for fashion and an eye for trends, Clear always loved dressing up. She recalls gaining notoriety for her outside-the-box style ideas: men’s shorts, oversized shirts, vibrant colors, and unique designs. Earning a reputation for being one of the best dressed throughout her school years, friends would often approach Clear for fashion advice. In her free time, she would sketch beautiful gowns and other upscale pieces, even designing her very own prom dress.

In 2017, Clear began documenting her every day #GirlBoss style on Instagram, growing an engaged audience of over 57,000 followers.

Clear resigned in 2018 to focus full time on her personal brand, Array of Faces, and today on Instagram (@arrayoffaces) her followers turn to her everyday upbeat messages to get inspired themselves. Gaining widespread attention for her positive outlook and unique approach to fashion, Clear has since worked with global fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands such as TreSemme, Aerie, Aveeno, Vici Dolls, Walgreens, GoDaddy, ROKU, IHG Hotels and Resorts, and many more.

A fighter and self-made inspiration, Clear creates content, in vibrant color, that uplifts and motivates others to do what makes them happy.

Check out Sharron Clear at @arrayoffaces and arrayoffaces.com for style, beauty, travel, and lifestyle content for the #GirlBoss.

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Teen Favorite Jeggings For the comfort and flexibility of leggings, but the style of jeans, a pair of jeggings is just the ticket.

Jeggings are super fitted and comfortable. These Mid Rise Distressed Favorite Jeggings from GAP are so perfect paired with cute booties or heels for fall. The easiest way to make jeggings look more polished is to throw a chic blazer over a top or t-shirt. This combination of jeans, a simple T-shirt, and accessories is certainly no exception to this rule.

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FASHION & STYLE Wide Leg Crop Jeans If we could marry wideleg pants, we would in a heartbeat. Not going to happen, so lets’ just settle for wearing them every day of the fall season. Wide-leg jeans are nothing new, but they’ve got staying power for a reason. Whether you rock them in full-length or cropped form, they’ll make a major statement with a ‘90s edge. Wear them with heels, sneakers, or whatever you’d like — they’re comfy and versatile all in one. The High Rise Wide-Leg Crop Jeans from GAP are certainly perfect for wearing with heels, booties or over the knee boots. Sure to carry you through the fall and winter seasons.

Vintage Inspired Straight Leg Jeans Vintage-inspired jeans are making a comeback for fall 2019. From high waisted, mommy cut, flared or boyfriend, there are so many vintagestyle jeans, you can’t go wrong with this season.

These are the cheekiest pair of GAP jeans. Cut to hug you in all the right places; with hidden holdyou-in front pockets that help give you a sleek, smooth look all day long. They look like your favorite vintage jeans with the perfect amount of stretch. Chewed hem and ripped, these are great for fall and beyond.

Add a touch of chicness with a denim jacket and statement top. l

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FASHION EDITORIAL

V

Dress @fraileoficial Pamela and flower Mood couture

elvety SS20

kDESIGNS MOOD COUTURE @4mood_couture PHOTOGRAPHY @rdariomilano MODEL @inaleon_ CREATIVE DIRECTION @mariajesus_losater STYLIST @ismaelstylist MAKEUP AND HAIRDRESSING @marietanogueras PRODUCTION @4emestudio @talaalvarezparejaobregon

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Teen Dress @reveligion Crown of flowers and corals Mood couture

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FASHION EDITORIAL

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Teen

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Dress @twins_emedos Pamela, flowers and cage Mood couture

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FASHION EDITORIAL Dress @fraileoficial Touched Mood couture

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Teen Dress @samsalguero Earrings and flowers Mood couture

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FASHION EDITORIAL

Dress @reveligion Crown of flowers and corals Mood couture

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FASHION EDITORIAL

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Dress @samsalguero Visor and flowers Mood couture

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Teen

Back-to-School

FOOD FIT FOR THE FAMILY

As parents and kids navigate back-to-school routines and extracurricular activities, making healthy food choices is essential to keep everyone energized and engaged.

W

hen it comes to selecting snacks and preparing meals, keep it simple and stock up on foods that are easy to prep and can be used in more than one way. One such food: fresh California

46 TEEN

grapes, which are abundant throughout the fall and into January. Crisp, juicy grapes can be eaten nearly anytime and anywhere, including school, the office and during afterschool activities, at home or away.

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Whether eaten fresh or frozen for a cool treat, grapes are a healthy, hydrating alternative to highly processed and calorierich foods. They can also be used as an ingredient in easy weeknight meals like California-Style Pizza, cousin to Hawaiian pizza, where fresh grapes star instead of pineapple and prepared pizza dough gives the cook a head start. Frozen YogurtDipped Grapes are an easy, fun snack or dessert that kids can help prepare.

influential-magazine.com

FOOD & BEVERAGE For more snack and meal inspiration, visit grapesfromcalifornia.com.

California-Style Pizza Servings: 8 1 pound prepared pizza dough 3/4 cup prepared pizza sauce 1 1/2 cups halved California seedless grapes 1 cup diced lean ham 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Heat oven to 450 F. Divide dough into eight equal portions.

Spread into pizza rounds on baking sheets. Spread with pizza sauce; sprinkle with grapes, ham and cheese. Bake until dough is lightly browned and cheese melted, about 12-14 minutes.

Nutritional information per serving: 220 calories; 11 g protein; 32 g carbohydrates; 6.2 g fat (24% calories from fat); 15 mg cholesterol; 573 mg sodium; 121 mg calcium; 1.4 g fiber.

Frozen Yogurt-Dipped Grapes Servings: 6 (10 grapes per serving) 60 California grapes, any color, rinsed and patted dry 3/4 cup 2% vanilla Greek yogurt 1/2 cup graham cracker flour or almond flour Insert toothpick into each grape. Place yogurt in small bowl. Pour graham cracker or almond flour onto plate. Line 9-by-13inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Dip each grape into yogurt, coating twothirds of grape, then dip yogurt-covered grape into desired flour to coat bottom.

Place each dipped grape on baking dish; repeat until all grapes are yogurt-covered and dipped in flour. Freeze at least two hours, or until grapes are frozen solid.

Nutritional information per serving with graham cracker crumbs: 100 calories; 3 g protein; 20 g carbohydrates;

1.5 g fat (14% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 55 mg sodium; 0 g fiber.

Nutritional information per serving with almond flour: 110 calories; 4 g protein; 14 g carbohydrates; 4.5 g fat (37% calories from fat); 0.5 g saturated fat (4% calories from saturated fat); 5 mg cholesterol; 15 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

(Family Features)l

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Teen

GoingOfftoCollege?

BRING THIS COOKBOOK

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?

influential-magazine.com

FOOD & BEVERAGE

The Anti-Cookbook is the perfect gift to give those who will be cooking on their own for the first time. Written by two old college roommates, the book is filled with hilarious stories about them learning to cook, and then teaching their own children how to cook.

T

he Anti-Cookbook shows how cooking doesn’t have to be a daunting task, and instead, reminds us mealtime is a chance to bring the family together.

learning to cook, and then teaching their own children how to cook. l Reminds us food is not only nourishment, but a chance to sit around the table, share stories and create memories.

The Anti-Cookbook: l Breaks down recipes in an easy to follow format. l Shows how cooking doesn’t need to be complex. l Is filled with stories from the two authors (who met in college) about them

Created with the idea cooking should be fun and NOT difficult, The Anti-Cookbook is filled with easy-to-follow recipes that are yummy and healthy.

Learn more about The Anti-Cookbook by visiting www.anti-cookbook.com. l

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Teen

AreYouaMindless Muncher?

FOLLOW THESE SMART TIPS FOR HEALTHIER SNACKING

Eating small snacks throughout the day can be a great way to maintain energy and keep hunger pangs at bay between meals.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

T

he problem is, it’s far too easy to reach for unhealthy foods that satisfy your sweet or salty cravings, but don’t necessarily provide the essential nutrients your body needs.

You can prevent mindless snacking by taking a few proactive steps now, so you have access to delicious foods that are easy to eat at home or on the go. You’ll feel good about snacking by following these simple tips and tricks:

Convenience: Shop with the goal of stocking the fridge with convenient, nutrient-rich snacks. For example, new Fruitlove spoonable smoothies are packed with the goodness of three or more real fruits and vegetables, providing a good source of protein and calcium, and an excellent source of vitamins A, B1 and B3. The unique flavor combinations - like Mango Medley that features banana, pineapple, carrot and mango - seem like a treat, but Fruitlove is really a wholesome snack packed with goodness. With a spoon right in the container, it’s built for on-the-go snacking.

Weekend prep: Some do meal prep on weekends upcoming busy work and week. This can also be a great

people for the school strategy

for snacking. For example, buy fresh vegetables in bulk to save money, then spend some time on Sunday chopping them into veggie straws and packaging them into individual containers. This provides an easy grab-and-go snack.

Keep them in an accessible drawer in the fridge so anyone can get a healthy snack when hunger strikes.

Drink up: Sometimes your body confuses thirst with hunger, so strive to stay hydrated by keeping a water bottle close by and sipping regularly. When you snack, also consider a side of good old H2O to help your body feel its best.

Bored with this zero-calorie beverage?

Add a healthy flavor boost with sliced lemon, strawberries or cucumber.

Portion size: It’s easy to overeat when you have a whole bag or container to snack out of. Whatever the food, be mindful of the portion size on the nutrition label. A smart way to stick to reasonable portions is to take the snack and put the correct portion in a bowl.

That way when it’s gone you are done snacking rather than being tempted to overindulge.

Crunchy alternatives: Looking for a way to satisfy that craving for something crunchy without resorting to unhealthy chips? Whole nuts

have a tasty crunch and are packed with protein, omegas and other nutrients. For example, 1 ounce of almonds contains 6 grams of protein, 3.5 grams of dietary fiber and 75 milligrams of calcium.

Snack slowly: When you’re hungry, you tend to eat faster. However, it’s important to eat slowly to let your body metabolize food efficiently, plus it can trick your mind into feeling like you’re eating more. For example, eat one nut at a time rather than handfuls of three or four. Take breaths between bites and notice the tastes and textures of the food, enjoying every bit.

Whole grains: Whole grain foods provide essential nutrients and fiber, which helps you feel fuller for longer.

An often-forgotten versatile whole grain is popcorn. Consider investing in an air popper and popping your own so you can flavor it with wholesome toppings such as dried herbs or cheese. Separate into individual baggies that can easily be tucked into backpacks or purses.

With these smart tips you not only tempt your taste buds, but you also give your body snacks you can feel good about. From smart shopping to mindful snack prep, these changes are sure to make a big impact in how you snack.

(BPT) l

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Teen

MotivateYourself

TO EXERCISE

In many recent studies, it has been revealed only 22.9 percent of adults in the U.S. are meeting the federal standards for physical activity – at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.

That is less than 1.5% of all the hours in a week. There is no question about the many benefits of physical activity, and yet most of the U.S. population are still not striving for that minimum.

But why not?

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T

he positive effects of being physically active are often outweighed by a negative attitude toward working out. Being too tired, too busy, intimidated by the gym, not sure where to start, or simply unmotivated are all common reasons people avoid taking the time to exercise. One of the first things you can do to overcome this negative outlook toward exercise is by re-evaluating the definition of exercise.

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Webster defines exercise as the regular or repeated use of a faculty or bodily organ, so basically, moving your body for a period. Using this definition, it becomes easier to look at alternative forms of fitness.

You don’t have to go to the gym and lift weights. Find an activity you enjoy that engages physical movement you can think of as more of a hobby.

Some examples are hiking, swimming, dancing, rock climbing, biking, walking

influential-magazine.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS your dog or horseback riding. When you think of these activities, connect them to positive, excited emotions as opposed to “dreading” the gym workout.

Many people might find though a gym is the place they can forget their normal everyday stress and can focus on their health. But going to the gym can be intimidating for many, especially if you are new to working out or it has been a long time since you had last been. Don’t let this stop you. Take a leap of bravery.

Remember, the gym is full of people just like you, people trying to improve their health and fitness. Not sure where to start? Find a friend to be your partner or hire a personal trainer. Not only will you have someone to help you figure out all the tricks of the gym, they’ll

help keep you accountable to maintain your new lifestyle.

kWRITTEN BY NICOLE GLENN,

EDITOR OF TEEN INFLUENTIAL

Getting started is the hardest part, but once you get moving it will become hard to stop. When you first get started, set up a schedule and stick to it. Give yourself small, attainable goals you can reach daily and weekly, as well as a longterm goal to work towards. Challenging yourself with these goals will give you a strong sense of personal accomplishment and will also help you build patience and a strong, consistent work ethic. Don’t rush your progress, go at the pace your body needs. Not only will you feel accomplished, but you will also reap the rewards of burning off stress and calories at the same time, allowing you to feel and look stronger. l

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Teen WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE,

EmojisorRoadSigns?

A

ccording to the results from a recent survey by Mercury Insurance, 1,890 respondents did not do so well. The meaning of the “yawning” emoji was correctly identified by 85% of the respondents, but only 31% of quiz-takers correctly identified the meaning of the “lane reduction” road sign.

Additionally, 71% knew the “in love” emoji, but the “keep right” road sign was correctly identified by only 51% of quiz-takers.

If you were to take a quiz to test your ability to identify common emojis and road signs, how do you think you’d fare?

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Emojis are continually being added to our texting and messaging vocabulary, and for the most part, we’re able to keep up with this ever-changing landscape.

Fortunately for the more than 200 million licensed U.S. drivers, road signs are highly regulated and consistent, and are designed to help keep drivers safe and easily guide them to their destinations.

The bad news, however, is that far more people are able to identify emojis than road signs. And what’s worse is that many times they’re looking at these cute little icons while they’re driving.

“Sure, emojis are a fun, modern-day form of shorthand, and may be more intuitive,

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

but there’s a time and place to use them, and behind the wheel of a car isn’t one of them,” said Kevin Quinn, vice president of claims and customer experience at Mercury Insurance. “A picture may be worth a thousand words in some cases, but it certainly isn’t worth getting into a collision and risking someone’s life. Most collisions are avoidable if drivers focus on their main task of safely operating a vehicle.”

Distracted driving — anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, including texting and talking on a phone — accounted for

3,166 fatalities in 2017, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Texting while driving is extremely dangerous, as it takes your eyes off the road for five seconds on average — whether you’re reading or sending the message.

The results of the quiz also highlight the importance of knowing what each road sign means, so you and those around you are safe. “These signs are instantly communicating to drivers what actions to take, much like emojis instantly communicate what friends or family

members might be trying to convey in a text,” said Quinn.

“It’s OK to only somewhat understand an emoji, but it’s imperative to know exactly what a road sign is telling you; otherwise it could lead to disastrous results on the road where no one can afford a misunderstanding. And being an attentive driver who knows the rules of the road and safely gets where they’re going might earn you a smiley face from your auto insurance company, just don’t read it while you’re operating a vehicle.” (BPT) l

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Teen

5HealthBenefits

OF OUR GREEN SPACES

kCOURTESY OF THE OUTDOOR POWER

EQUIPMENT INSTITUTE (OPEI).

Studies show that green space and landscaping contribute to health, happiness, and intellect.

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I

t’s natural to long for spring when it’s cold outside. But did you know, there’s a good reason why you may pine for green? Living landscapes are an important part of the outdoor lifestyle that Americans enjoy, but the benefits go beyond the barbeque and backyard baseball. Green spaces are necessary for your health.

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“The advantages of grass and landscaping surpass the usual physical benefits that result from outdoor activity,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Numerous studies have found people who spend more time outside or are exposed to living landscapes are happier, healthier and smarter.”

influential-magazine.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS Researchers have studied the impact of nature on human well-being for years, but recent studies have found a more direct correlation between human health, particularly related to stress, and the importance of people’s access to nature and managed landscapes.

1

Getting dirty is good for you.

Soil is the new Prozac, according to Dr. Christopher Lowry, a neuroscientist at the University of Bristol in England.

Mycobacterium vaccae in soil mirrors the effect on neurons that Prozac provides. The bacterium stimulates serotonin production, which explains why people who spend time gardening and have direct contact with soil feel more relaxed and happier.

Children who are raised on farms in a “dirtier” environment than an urban setting not only have a stronger immune system but are also better able to manage social stress, according to the National Academy of Sciences.

2

Living near living landscapes can improve your mental health.

Researchers in England found that people moving to greener areas experienced an immediate improvement in mental health that was sustained for at least three years after they moved. The study also showed that people relocating to a more developed area suffered a drop in mental health.

Greening of vacant urban areas in Philadelphia reduced feelings of depres-

sion by 41.5% and reduced poor mental health by 62.8% for those living near the vacant lots, according to a study by a research team.

3

Green spaces can make you healthier too.

People who live within a half mile of green space (such parks, public gardens, and greenways) were found to have a lower incidence of fifteen diseases by Dutch researchers — including depression, anxiety, heart disease, diabetes, asthma and migraines.

A 2015 study found that people living on streets with more trees had a boost in heart and metabolic health. Studies show tasks conducted under the calming influence of nature are performed better and with greater accuracy, yielding a higher quality result. Spending time in gardens, for instance, can improve memory performance and attention span by 20%.

4

Living landscapes make you smarter.

Children gain attention and working memory benefits when they are exposed to greenery, says a study led by Payam Dadvand of the Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona.

In addition, exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children.

This applies to adults as well. Research has also shown that being around plants helps you concentrate better at home

and at work. Charlie Hall, Ellison Chair in International Floriculture believes that spending time in gardens can improve attention span and memory performance by as much as 20 percent.

A National Institute of Health study found that adults demonstrate significant cognitive gains after going on a nature walk. In addition, a Stanford University study found that walking in nature, rather than a concrete-oriented, urban environment, resulted in decreased anxiety, rumination, and negative affect, and produced cognitive benefits, such as increased working memory performance.

5

Living landscapes help you heal faster.

Multiple studies have discovered that plants in hospital recovery rooms or views of aesthetically pleasing gardens help patients heal up to one day faster than those who are in more sterile or austere environments. Physicians are now prescribing time outdoors for some patients, according to recent reports. Park Rx America is a nonprofit with a mission to encourage physicians to prescribe doses of nature.

All these benefits reinforce the importance of maintaining our yards, parks and other community green spaces. Trees, shrubs, grass, and flowering plants are integral to human health. Not only do they provide a place for kids and pets to play, they directly contribute to our mental and physical well-being.

More information can be found at www.SaveLivingLandscapes.com l

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FEATURE

PenelopeRobin and99GoonSquad CELEBRATE RELEASE OF 4 LEAF CLOVER SINGLE AND VIDEO

Young Social Media Influencers/Pop Stars Announce Collaboration with Fun Frolicky New Single and Intriguing Video with Stunning Visual Imagery.

A

rtists, performers, and Social media mavens Penelope Robin & 99 GoonSquad are proud to announce the release of the new single and video for their new offering, 4 Leaf Cover which is available now via YouTube and on all the major streaming / download services.

You may watch 4 Leaf Clover on YouTube at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=OlkXQz7szIQ. 4 Leaf Clover is a collaboration between a duo of twins called Julian and Jovani Jara, known as 99 GoonSquad and Penelope Robin who has a growing fanbase on her social media.

Penelope Robin is an 11-year-old singersongwriter from Miami, Florida. She began acting as well as developing her musical calling at the age of five. Her professional journey began to blossom after writing her first song Little Bitty Heart which appealed to young audiences, and in turn, opened many doors in her career.

The young artist has a loyal and growing fanbase that she has penned as her ‘Little Robins’ and is known on her social media as @thepennyrobin. This young talent has already shared the stage with music icons such as Phil Collins, Karol G, Yandel, Fat Joe, amongst others. Currently, she is working on new music she will be releasing this year for her fans to enjoy.

kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF

WWW.PENELOPEROBIN.COM.

Penelope Robin is also actively involved with various Foundations such as Crystal Academy, 100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida, and Celebration of the Sea; engaging, educating, and inspiring others about autism awareness, animal cruelty, and protecting our environment.

Her philanthropic efforts have already been making a BIG impact on not only the music world, but animal activism through her #AdoptYourBestie initiative, and now the world of Environmental Conservation. Teaming up with EcoPod - the new alternative to single-use plastics for home and personal care products - the company is launching

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Teen a new initiative with Robin as youth ambassador along with her new song World Full of Love. She also attended the Beverly Hills EMA Impact Summit last month alongside Jaden Smith, Wendie Malick, Callum Worthy, and Malin Akerman (Billions) with EcoPod Founders and Father-Daughter team Henry and Gabriela Pino speaking on the company’s goals and aspirations.

Learn more about this busy young artist by visiting her official website at www.PenelopeRobin.com.

InFluential Magazine: Penelope Robin, speak to us about your love of music.

Penelope Robin: Thank you guys so much for taking the time to interview me :) I love music so much because it allows me to express my feelings, and when I sing, I can let it all out without any judgement because I feel like I’m on top of the world. When I sing, I’m not thinking of anything. There’s no drama, no worries, I’m just happy.

InFluential: We know songwriters who’ve a certain time of day or special location where they’re inspired to write music. Are you inspired in any special ways to write your music?

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Penelope Robin: I think most of the time it just comes to me because there’s inspiration everywhere, but usually I end up in my living room with my guitar or in my room with my dog and my guitar rocking it out...lol InFluential: Why is it important to you to maintain your pursuit of education?

Penelope Robin: Because I find knowledge is power and the more we know, the more we can achieve.

InFluential: What are your favorite subjects to study, and why?

Penelope Robin: English and science.

English is probably my favorite because it’s the greatest tool. Science is super fun as well, especially when I get to do experiments.

InFluential: You’re accomplishing so many great things at such a young age which is so inspiring. How did you cultivate your interest in “giving back”?

Penelope Robin: As an artist you can get caught up easily in the trivial things and forget how lucky you really are. Every day I really try to take a minute and give thanks to my fans, my family, my friends, and just everyone who has been there for me so far. I’ve a long road ahead of

FLUENTIAL SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019

me, so I know I must keep giving in order to keep receiving.

InFluential: Tell us how the new song and video with 99 GoonSquad happened?

Penelope Robin: We met on TikTok. I used to follow them and one day during one of their lives I mentioned we should collaborate, they responded, and we started talking. They’re so talented and great guys.

InFluential: Talk to us about how the partnership with EcoPod developed?

Penelope Robin: I had written a song for Earth Day and when I was performing it, the founder of EcoPod came up to me and said he would love to work with me and include the song in their commercials. It was so exciting to be able to join forces with an environmentally conscious company that loves our oceans as much as I do.

InFluential: How do you hope communities are benefitted from the great things to be accomplished through your partnership with EcoPod? Penelope Robin: I believe EcoPod will eventually become the norm.

People must realize at some point that

instead of throwing away plastics they can reuse and in doing so, save our environment. In so many communities, plastic is already frowned upon, so I believe we just have to educate other kids like myself, so we start changing the way things are done.

InFluential: What advice do you have for young people about using social media wisely?

Penelope Robin: As kids I believe it’s extremely important to have open communication with our parents about what we’re doing online. My mom is always supervising but she can’t be online on my social media every second, so there must be trust and I always tell her everything to keep it that way. Social media can be a great thing if you’re careful with what you’re doing. If it feels the slightest bit shady, just block the person.

InFluential: What exciting things are next for you?

Penelope Robin: I’ve several shows lined up and some new singles coming out with some pretty cool video treatments so I can’t wait. I’m really hoping to get back on tour and meet up with my fans again. l

“

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FEATURE

As kids I believe it’s extremely important to have open communication with our parents about what we’re doing online.

My mom is always supervising but she can’t be online on my social media every second, so there must be trust and I always tell her everything to keep it that way. Social media can be a great thing if you’re careful with what you’re doing. If it feels the slightest bit shady, just block the person.

”

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