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WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| SEPTEMBER 2021 ISSUE
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WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|MAY SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 2021 ISSUE
ARTICLE TITLE | BY AUTHOR MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES
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FROM THE DESK OF Tawana Blassingame Founder & Editor in Chief
Welcome to the September 2021 issue of Queen Size Magazine. We have officially crossed that midpoint of 2021 and 2020 is safely in our rearview. We can now take a deep breath and look ahead with NYC and some other places now preparing to fully reopen. I know I can speak for all of us when I say that it has been a rough year and a half. I am sure most of us didn’t think the day would come when we could walk around freely again. Although we are all still playing it safe; as we should, things are at the very least looking brighter. With all of this positive news, what better way to focus on the future than to say, “there are only a few more months to The Full Figured Industry Awards’ (also known as The FFIAs) first Virtual event”. That was a shameless plug! if you haven’t heard already marked your calendars for November 6, 2021 for 4pm, go ahead and do so. Queen Size Magazine will be producing the 2nd FFIAs event and you all are invited. The FFIAs team is hard at work to make this an unforgettable evening for the Industry. We have begun announcing our Honorees and will begin announcing final category Nominees in the coming days. Make sure you are subscribed to our website www.theffias.com and following us on social; links to all social channels are on our website. Thank you all for continuing to support Queen Size Magazine. We would love to hear your feedback. Email us at queensizemagazine@gmail.com and let us know what you like, don’t like and/or want to see in future issues. We value your opinion. Be blessed and remember to be a blessing as well.
Photo by Philip Drew @pdrewphotography
WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| MAY SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 2021 ISSUE
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MAKING QUEEN SIZE MOVES
MASTHEAD TAWANA BLASSINGAME CEO/Editor In Chief PHILIP DREW Executive Director & Director of Photography MEESHA ANN Executive Director SOCIAL DEPARTMENT SHEENA POSTELL Social Media Correspondant BEAUTY DEPARTMENT LAWANDA SANYANG Beauty Editor / Makeup NATHANIEL JAYE’ Beauty Editor / Hair CRYSTAL D. LEWIS Beauty Editor / Hair FASHION DEPARTMENT ASHLEY WALKER Fashion Editor LIFESTYLE DEPARTMENT Janelle Simmons Lifestyle Editor Nyemade Boiwu Lifestyle Editor
Photographer | Jose Pagan @josepaganphotography Model | Monique Cartwright @iammoniquecartwright
WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|SEPTEMBER 2021 ISSUE
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SEPTEMBER 2021 ISSUE
FEATURED STORY
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MONIQUE CARTWRIGHT | THIS IS MY STORY By QSM
HEALTH AND FITNESS
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HOW PRUNES CAN FEED YOUR HEALTH AT 4 IMPORTANT STAGES OF LIFE By BRANDPOINT
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SMART WAYS TO KEEP TRAVEL SPENDING IN CHECK By FAMILY FEATURES
BEAUTY&FASHION
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5 STYLE IDEAS FOR HEADING BACK TO THE OFFICE By STATEPOINT
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SKIN REFRESH
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LOVE YOUR HAIR, NOT JUST YOUR HAIRSTYLE
MODEL SPOTLIGHT
CONTENTS
By LAWANDA “LALA FACES” SANYANG
By CRYSTAL D. LEWIS
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LOVE BY DESIGN
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TOP 10 SMELL GOOD SUMMER FRAGRANCES FOR HIM AND HER
By ASHLEY WALKER
By QSM
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AFFORDABLE SKIN CARE TIPS TO BATTLE BREAKOUTS AND ACNE By QSM
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THE 2021 JOSE PAGAN PHOTO TOUR RECAP By QSM
BUSINESS
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I DIDN’T WIN THE CROWN.... NOW WHAT? By JANELLE “THE CURVY DOC” SIMMONS
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BACK TO SCHOOL BASICS By FAMILY FEATURES
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WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| SEPTEMBER 2021 ISSUE
HEALTH AND FITNESS
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HOW PRUNES CAN FEED YOUR HEALTH AT 4 IMPORTANT STAGES OF LIFE Seeking more plant-based options for healthy aging? This approach is right on track with the 2020-2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) that advocate for greater fruit and vegetable consumption. One easy way to expand your plant-based options and incorporate the Mediterranean diet as advised by the DGA is by adding in California Prunes. They not only provide plenty of health benefits but can also be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. Registered dietitian and nutritionist, Leslie Bonci, MPH, RDN, CSSD, provides tips for adding prunes to meals, while explaining how these tasty, dried fruits support health and wellness - at all life stages. “California Prunes deliver fiber, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals,” said Bonci, “so they provide the wealth on your shelf for digestive, bone and immune health.” Here are creative ways to use prunes to support your family’s well-being. 1. KIDS AND TEENS It’s never too early to establish healthy eating patterns. Nutrient-dense foods like prunes can not only help maintain healthy weight during growth and development but also help build strong bones as a preventative measure against bone fractures. Bone mass is acquired while kids are still growing. Physical activity helps develop healthy bones, but what kids eat matters, too. California Prunes contain nutrients like boron, potassium and Vitamin K that help support healthy bones and improve bone strength. How can you get your kids to try them? “With kids and teens we have to bring the flavor, the familiar and the fun,” said Bonci. This twist on the classic PB and J is great for lunches or on-the-go snacking: WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|SEPTEMBER 2021 ISSUE
PEANUT BUTTER AND CALIFORNIA PRUNE PINWHEELS Ingredients: 1 whole-grain tortilla or wrap (8 inches) 2 tablespoons California prune puree 1 ½ tablespoons peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) Directions: Lay whole grain tortilla onto cutting board. Use soft spatula to spread peanut butter in thin layer, covering side-toside but leaving one edge uncovered (allowing for spreading while rolling). Repeat with prune puree, spreading in even layer atop peanut butter. Starting at one end, tightly roll tortilla until you reach uncovered edge. Use sharp knife to slice cross-wise into pinwheels. Enjoy immediately or store in airtight container or sealed bag until ready to eat. Makes 1 serving
HOW PRUNES CAN FEED YOUR HEALTH ....| BRANDPOINT PRUNE PUREE
2. YOUNG ADULTS
Ingredients:
Did you know the bone mass you acquired in childhood is still developing throughout young adulthood? Plant-based eating habits can have a ripple effect for a healthier lifestyle no matter what your goals are.
8 ounces pitted California prunes 1/4 cup hot water Directions: Add prunes and hot water to blender or food processor. Pulse to combine, then blend until paste consistency forms. Use soft spatula to scrape sides of blender.
3. EXPECTANT MOTHERS A healthy mom-to-be nurtures a healthy baby, and consuming plenty of protein and produce supports the health of both. The fiber content found in California Prunes promotes overall digestive health as well, a welcome bonus for expectant mothers. Here’s a quick, easy way to get necessary nutrients in a delicious, healthy smoothie that’s super simple to make: PURPLE POWER SMOOTHIE Ingredients: 1/4 cup diced California Prunes 1 cup baby spinach leaves 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt 3/4 cup pomegranate juice 1/2 cup frozen berries 1 teaspoon honey 1 cup ice Directions: Add all ingredients into blender except ice. Puree until smooth. Add ice until you reach the desired consistency. 4. FORTIES AND BEYOND As adults age, they need to focus more on their overall health and well-being, especially women nearing menopause. Fiber, calcium, potassium and Vitamin D Source: American Pecan Council
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“During our 20s and 30s, we’ve got busy lifestyles,” said Bonci. “We want to bring the quick and the delish to whatever we eat.” She recommends finding creative ways to add more nutrients, like Turkey Prune Lettuce Wraps - combining ground turkey and prunes in an Asian-inspired lettuce wrap that takes only 15 minutes to prep. are under-consumed by most Americans, and not getting enough of these nutrients can cause health issues. Eating more fruits - like California Prunes - and vegetables helps increase fiber and nutrient intake. Each serving of prunes contains 3 grams of fiber to support good gut health, powerful antioxidants to prevent cellular damage, plus vitamin B6 and copper - both needed for proper immune health. California Prunes have been shown to also help slow bone loss, an especially important factor at this stage of life. For an easy, healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth, try California Prune and Almond Truffles, which are naturally vegan and gluten-free. “For 40s and beyond, we have to think about preservation and maintenance of our supporting bone structure,” noted Bonci. “California Prunes are great for this because of the Vitamin K, boron and polyphenols.” California Prunes naturally contain polyphenols - antioxidants that protect against DNA damage and inflammation. New research suggests polyphenols may also help grow the amount of good bacteria in your gut. Bottom line: There’s more to California Prunes than meets the eye. Check out these recipes and more at CaliforniaPrunes.org.
WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM| SEPTEMBER 2021 ISSUE
BEAUTY AND FASHION
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Professional Photography Services PORTRAIT HEADSHOT FASHION EDITORIAL SPORTS BOUDOIR MATERNITY + AND MORE
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Queen Size Magazine is an award-winning print and digital publication Founded in 2011, we are(QSM) a magazine dedicated to monthly Queen Size women. Queen Size is notdedicated only about to servicing the full-figured industry. We are a voice for today’s women and men; simply sending the the physical size, but also the mental. We are dedicated to highlighting women of all walks life. Ifon message that we exist, and we will be heard. Queen Size Magazine publishes articles thatof focus you are a fashion, woman and making Queen Size Our moves, then thisatis QSM, whereis you belong. We do not ourselves lifestyle, beauty topics. focus here to bring our readers thelimit latest news toand just women; this was the basis of why we created the magazine. We are to highlight and trends surrounding the fashion industry. From eye-catching images tolooking controversial articles; we capture all every month without missing aboth beat.men Additionally, we pride ourselves on providing promote smallitbusinesses owners/entrepreneurs, and women. Queen Size Magazine puts a platform for every both established up &articles coming professionals in our industry. At Queen Size we out a new issue month withand realistic written by real life people. We have writers that believe and promote that women and men of all shape, size, height, and color are equal. cover health and fitness, true life situations and experiences, fashion, recipes and more.
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