EDITOR’S LETTER
Festive Valentine’s Day soiree’s may litter your mid-month calendar. We know attending those mushy lovefest alone can be a major drag. So we’ve got you covered. In this issue of Muve Mag we take a closer look at 3 apps that have carved out a place in the hearts of mobile dating enthusiast. We then inquired about the secret to relationship longevity with a couple that have been an item for more than 35 years. We also snapped a few shots of Amber Z. in downtown OKC for our Apricot Lane February fashions spread. Then enjoyed a taco or two at Iguana’s Mexican Grill’s, Iguana Tuesdays and shared a few laughs with Keyon Bastani.
As always,
Read. Enjoy. Share.
Andre LaMont, Editor
MUVEMAG.COM
EDITOR: ANDRE LAMONT
PRODUCTION MANAGER: POLO CONWAY
STAFF WRITER: BRI HARPER EDNA TOMAL
FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS BOOTH
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: DOUG SCHWARZ
JOSE PAULO
WILLIAM RAINES
AUTOMOBILE ALLEY
WAY OUT WEST MODEL: AMBER Z.
HAIR & MAKE UP: MELISSA “MURQUREE” LOCKHART OF STARLITE SALON
APPAREL: APRICOT LANE
Muve Magazine is published by Muve Media. All material copyright (c). All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of Muve Mag. While every effort is made to ensure the information in this magazine is correct, changes can occur which affect the accuracy of copy, for which Muve Media LLC holds no responsibility. The opinions of the contributers do not necessarily bear a relation to those of Muve Mag or its staff and we disclaim liability for those impressions.
W/ KEYON BASTANI MUSIC ON THE MUVE
Take
Paving his way through the entertainment arena to his own beat. Keyon delivers an infectious soundtrack at some of OKC’s most Desirable Destinations. We caught up with Keyon. Tune into the interview after the jump. of mine started buying dance records. We began blending the records together. I caught on pretty quick. I’ve been DJing ever since.
us to Day One.
Honestly, I used to be into the whole Rock and Roll thing. I played drums and the electric guitar. I learned most of the songs I played by ear. After a while I wanted to move on to a new musical expression. Oddly enough, I stumbled upon a Jamiroquai track. It was super funky and had this disco era sound. The track totally caught my ear and I fell in love with it. My interest in the kind of music I wanted to be involved in drastically changed. I began consuming everything I could get my hands on in regards to dance music. Shortly after that a close friend
I think one of the major things that made DJing and producing more alluring was the fact that I alone could produce music and play gigs. The need for a band no longer appealed to me. I wanted to venture in my own direction. DJing offered an autonomous exploration into a new musical voice for me.
Before I played my first gig out, my friends would let me crash their gigs
from time to time. I’d play a few records here and there, just to get accustomed to being in front of a crowd. I landed my first gig at America’s Pub. I was so nervous. I remember rescheduling with the promoter of the event several times before finally sticking to a solid date. I wanted to make sure I was good enough to play for a crowd alone. I finally DJ’ed the venue and days later I landed a residency at Posh inside of Citywalk. I guess the preparation and what seemed like a community of friend’s support really paid off!
Sinking your teeth into producing?
I believe that there is a ceiling to just being a DJ. I know there are DJ’s out
there that gig all over the nation without producing one track. But it’s rare. I wanted to reach out to more people, play larger venues and make a career out of my passion. So I decided that producing records was the next step for me. I understand that getting to that point takes sacrifices and hard work. I’m ready to endure it all and give it my all to reach my goal. I think you’ve got to really hunger for it to attain it.
It’s a never ending school session with music. I’ve learned so much by teaching myself how to produce. I’m not too computer savvy but when it comes to production software, I feel as though I get more familiar with it each time I sit down in the studio. I guess you
could say I’m an eternal studio in the school of music.
Anything in the works?
Currently, I have a few tracks that are getting mastered and I just released a track with Benjamin Boom. We teamed up to produce a track for a remix contest and took home the gold. Winning the competition was a huge deal for us. It taught us that contrasting ideas work well in the end. We have always worked well together, though. So a collaboration has always been in the works. Although we both have our own respective approaches to production. We were able to focus and infuse both of our approaches in the “Death by Stereo “ remix.
Your inspiration?
I wish that I had an original answer for that. I feel as though the music itself has been a huge inspiration for me. I get chills in my spine when I hear well constructed music. I think
MUSIC
that’s the determining factor in forgettable or unforgettable music. If it can change a mood or bring about a change in it’s listeners, it’s definitely rememberable.
Speaking of that, mood changing experiences due to great tunes. As a kid I had a major chip on my shoulder after my brother passed. I felt like I had to take on this role as a hard-boiled tough guy just to get through the day. I fought often and carried a lot of anger around. I honestly believe that discovering music as an outlet dramatically improved my demeanor. Overtime I began to surround myself
with other music enthusiast and fans of it’s culture, eventually that tough-guy ideology began to wane. I became cultured, well-rounded and….well, patient.
Also, One of the most important things to me is that I remain humble, no matter what I accomplish. I think at times many artist feel as though their popularity in a region or state sets them above the bar. Overtime their hunger to succeed becomes a bit watered down, because they feel as though they have, well succeeded. I don’t agree with that approach. I think for an artist to reach beyond his state or even his country for that matter and acquire new listeners they have to stay humbled and never settle. They have to continually think that nothing is good enough and they can always do better. I guess in a way I’m saying that they have to constantly challenge themselves. While never forgetting where they came from, who helped them along the way and why they started creating music.
WAY OUT WEST FASHIONS FROM APRICOT LANE
DESIRABLE DESTINATIONS
Rooted in tradition , Iguana Mexican Grill, delivers a dining experience that is truelly authentic. Hailed as “The little taco stand by the railroad tracks”....that packed a punch. Iguana has warmed the hearts of Oklahomans for over 6 years.
Every Tuesday night, Iguana serves up the most AMAZING street tacos to a completely packed house. What’s the occassion? One of the most festive dining events in OKC, fittingly titled Iguna Tuesdays.
You can enjoy Iguana’s eclectic and flavorful menu 7 days week.
With their variety of lunch, brunch and dinner dishes that are quite wallet friendly we are sure you’ll become as enamored with Iguana as we are. Passion, quality and authenticity has made “the taco stand by railroad tracks”, Muve Mag’s February Desirable Destination.
FIT FROM HOME
GETTING FIT FROM AT HOME W/ BRI HARPER
For this workout, we will be focusing on high intensity interval training. So what is high-intensity interval training, or HIIT? It is exactly like it sounds, intense! HIIT training has been shown to burn high calories, while toning and shaping the body. It is “killing two birds with one stone” so to speak, and the best of the best trainers swear by it. Each muscletargetting exercise will be done in intervals of 60 seconds, paired with 30 seconds of “High Knees” to increase heart-rate. You will need to push
yourself here! But it WILL be worth it. Beginners, you may have to decrease the interval times, but try to work up to the full 60 second/30 second pattern.
We will use the High Knees exercise in between the muscle-targetting exercises. To perform High Knees, keep your feet hip-width apart. Raise one knee above your hip, then alternate by raising the other knee. Similar to jogging in place, but get those knees up! If you have trouble with this exercise,
you can replace the High Knees with Jumping Jacks or Jump Rope.
First, start with a warm-up. Warming up will ensure that blood is pumping to your muscles, and your body will be ready to work!
Warm-Up Options: 5 minutes of jump rope, jogging, or walking. Get your blood pumping!
Push-ups (60 seconds) Beginners:
You can bend knees to create an easier modification of push-ups, but work up to being on your toes. Hands should be placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. From the top of your head to your heels should form a straight line. Do not stick your butt in the air! Hold your abs and glutes tight. Lower until your arms are forming a 90 degree angle, then raise up until your arms are straight.
Squat Jumps (60 Seconds):
Feet should remain shoulder-width apart. Lower into a squatting position. Go as low as your can, keeping your knees behind your toes. The key here is to push through your heels, not the front of your feet. Jump straight up as high as you can, then lower back into the squat position as soon as your land. Bring your booty towards the ground! You can place your arms straight in front of you or on your hips for balance. Keep your chest up.
30 Seconds High Knees
30 Seconds High Knees
Spiderman Planks (60 Seconds):
Begin on your elbows and toes, forming a straight line in the standard plank position. Raise your left knee outwards towards your left elbow and back again, alternating from left to right. Keep your booty squeezed and core tight! Bring your knees as close to your elbows as possible.
30 Seconds High Knees
Chair Dips (60 Seconds):
Grab a stable chair or bench. Sit straight up with your hands flat on the edge of the chair, and fingers pointing towards the ground gripping the edge. Your legs should be extended with your feet flat on the ground. Keeping your hands in place, steadily lower yourself off the chair until your elbows form a 90 degree angle, then push yourself up to starting position. 30 Seconds
Jumping Lunge (60 seconds):
We saved the best for last. This is a booty and leg killer. Begin in a normal lunge position. Your front leg should be bent at 90 degress, with your back leg extended behind you. Make sure your front knee does not extend forward past your toes. Squat down, then jump upwards switching the positions of your legs in the air. You should land in the lunging position with the opposite leg in front. Keep your chest and torso upright and tight throughout the entire movement. For balance you can place your hands on your hips.
30 Seconds High Knees
Repeat Workout 3-5 Times. You set the limit here! Push yourself, focus, sweat, and build your body! Determination and discipline is the key.
HEALTHY EATS
AFRICAN PEANUT STEW
PREP TIME: 1 hour
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups brown basmati rice
1 tbsp high-heat cooking oil (such as sunflower, safflower, peanut or grape seed oil)
2 yellow onions, cut into 1/2-inch dice
6 cloves garlic, minced
3 jalapeño chile peppers, seeded and finely chopped
2 tbsp curry powder
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 cups boxed or jarred chopped tomatoes, with juices
1/3 cup smooth or chunky all-natural unsalted peanut butter
1 3/4 lb sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch dice
4 cups shredded green or red Swiss chard
Sea salt, to taste
1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cook rice according to package directions; cover and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a 5- to 6-qt saucepan or stockpot, heat oil on medium. Add onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic, jalapeños, curry powder and ginger and sauté for 1 more minute.
3. Stir in broth, tomatoes and peanut butter. Add potatoes and chard and increase heat to medium-high. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until potatoes and chard are tender, uncovered, 12 to 14 minutes. Season with salt.
4. Divide rice among serving bowls. Top with stew and cilantro.
Nutrients per serving (1/2 cup rice, 1 cup stew, 1/2 tbsp cilantro): Calories: 321
LET’S GO STEADY
A CLOSER LOOK AT 3 POPULAR DATING APPS
Digital dating has witnessed some enormous progress. High-traffic dating sites have spawned their own ventures into the mobile dating app arena, along with trendy start ups. Few have lassoed the dating pools unwavering attention. But for those you have, it has been a golden era of bliss. We cover just a few of those in this editorial jaunt.
Tinder
If speed dating had a pictorial representation, Tinder would be just that. “Like” or “pass” photos of Tinder users. Then connect with users that share the same appreciation for your gorgeous looks. The app enables an inapp only chat session where you and the favored Tinderitte can engage in witty banter. If the conversation goes south you can always bail with your integrity intact and continue the hunt through their colorful assortment of eager online daters.
If load, launch and play is your forte, this may be the app for you. With it’s growing user base that has spawn 50 million connections, coupled with
it’s “hot or not” styled navigation it simplifies the meeting process down to it’s framework. Will you stumble upon your ideal dating match? We can’t be sure. One thing that we are sure about is that, Tinder removes the grimacing teeth of rejection. By tossing it at bay, dialing in a connection could prove to be a piece of cake.
POF
It’s Facebook…but for dating. With a pool of over 55 million users, Plenty of Fish lives up to it’s meaning. Creating a profile can be daunting. It’s certainly more enjoyable than preparing your own taxes. Although you should prep your texting thumbs for a lengthy engagement. From the creation of your bio to pinpointing those favorable traits in your ideal mate, accessing
CULTURE
the POF rolodex is by far one of the lengthiest endeavors in the app dating haven.
Once set up you are greeted with what seems like countless like minded individuals in your area. You can cruise the rolodex a page at a time or narrow your options down to specifics. Stumble upon POF’er boasting your desired traits? Then, shoot over a message and well, wait for a reply. Continue this process in a bait and switch fashion and your probability of reeling in a meaningful relationship increases.
2Life
2life is the dating app for those that are already dating. The app is a conduit for two. Specifically design to be utilized by only two people. The app
delivers a dedicated space for you to share, chat, document, date, study and remind each other of all the small things that make your connection spark. 2life states that it’s purpose is to foster strong personal relationships while building meaningful connections through open communication.
The app reminds us of a stripped down version of a Customer Relationship Management tool. It lacks an excel spreadsheet creator alongside a PDF reader. However, we are sure that may be included in thier next app update.
We were gnawing at the bits to review this app. Oddly enough because of it’s business management influenced approach to relationship sustainability. Dating apps may lead to new found friendships but can they sustain them? 2life offers an awkwardly innovative approach to relationship building. But it unfortunately lacks one of the essential ingredients in the stew of relationship sustainability. Face to face candid communication. Part of the allure of mobile app dating is meeting in person. Without it, the endeavor loses it’s luster.
FIT TO BE TIED
RONNIE & TAMMY SHARES THIER 35 YEAR JOURNEY
Tammy: August 9th, 1980 was our wedding day. I was 22 when we finally jumped the broom. He was 13 years my senior so all my life I’ve been dating an older man. And loving it.
Tammy: When we were married we made a commitment. I told him “If he were to ever do anything to mess it up, I’d totally square up his family jewels and shoot them off” no I’m totally joking.
Ronnie: No, you were a bit nicer than that. But, honestly we both discovered quite quickly that we have our differences. But instead of pushing them out of our relationship because they are foreign to us, we embraced them. I accepted her and she did the same for me. Our relationship has always been a 50/50 endeavor. I feel as though in order to be in a successful relationship and marriage you have to make concessions. Over time we both have learned that making those …..can be tough. But we enjoy it.
Ronnie: You may have heard that communication is the key to success, that’s a rule that can be applied to just about everything especially marriage. When Tammy and I have deep discussions
about anything we always tend to speak with an open mind and at least attempt to see each others perspective. Through that level of open and accepting conversations we have grown to accept that we don’t have the same view points and honestly we
don’t enjoy occupying our time with the same things, and that’s okay. For example, she loves chicks flicks. As you can imagine I’m not a fan. If we talk about one that she really wants to see and it appears to offer something outside of the normal realm for most chick flicks, I’ll gladly join her.
Tammy: Our I’ll go to see movies like ‘The Hunger Games’ with him and he’ll owe me 5 chicks flicks in a row directly after.
Ronnie: After a number of years together we began to really enjoy one another outside of making everything an olympic event. Dates took place often, facetime was a normal occurrences but the over all meaning behind why we spent time together changed. We no longer needed to attend events with main attractions. We created them and were each others focal point.
Ronnie: We allowed ample room in our commitment so that we could grow together. It wasn’t something that we did intentionally. I believe that it matured out of our mutual trust for each
other. Most people view marriage as THE EVENT, not as the journey. When the event is over glamourized, the reality of the lifelong commitment that has been made, often creates a huge disconnect with people. When the reality sets in, I think it’s natural to want to tuck your tail and run for the hills. Because your idea of how matrimony should be doesn’t quite align with the way it actual is.
Ronnie: I believe that in 35 years my marraige will be 35 stronger than it is
now. Tammy and I tend to grow personally, emotionally, spiritually and professionally together. We share in our successes and work together to leap over any hurdles. It’s ultimately the winning formula for our bond.
Ronnie: I can honestly say that we aren’t entirely sure why we have worked for so long. Anything worth having takes a bit of work. It’s a day to day, week to week, month to month and year to year endeavor in giving, growing and loving without cessation.
