Your Magazine Vol. 5 Issue 5: March 2016 by Your Magazine

YOUR MAG

VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 5 | MARCH 2016

YOUR MAG VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 5 | MARCH 2016

HALEY SHERIF

P E Y TO N D I X

M AT T M U L L E N

Creative Director

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor

PERI LAPIDUS

PIMPLOY PHONGSIRIVECH

CHRISTIAN LOPEZ

Assist. Creative Director Beauty Director

Assist. Editor Art Director

Assist. Managing Editor

C H E L S E A T R E M B L AY

MADELINE BILIS & KAREN MORALES

C L A I R E TO R R E S

Editor at Large

Head Designer

Digital Editors

YAS M I N A H I L A L & SOPHIE PETERS-WILSON

ESTHER BLANCO

M E G A N C AT H E Y

Living Editor

Style Editor

LINDSEY PARADIS

ALLYSON FLORIDIA

A&E Editor

Romance Editor

SAVA N N A H S T R A N G E & GINA BRAZAO

MIA ZARRELLA

KALA SLADE

S H AW N M C N U L T Y-KOWA L

Head Stylist

Events Coordinator

Talent Manager

ARIELA RUDY ZALTZMAN

JOANNE PAQUIN

ERIK LY

Head Copyeditor

Assist. Digital Editor

Junior Designer

Photo Editors

YMTV Directors

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ADVISOR, SUSANNE ALTHOFF MARKETING: JESSE HUANG, JACKIE EATON, KAYLA SALIBA, EMILY PARK, KIMBERLY R. GONZALEZ, EVAN MCCRORY, SYDNEY HANNIBAL COPY EDITORS: KELSEY PERKINS, JULIA ROBERTO, EMILY PFAFF, ISABEL CRABTREE, IRIS PEÑA, NATALIE GALE, HANNAH MCKENNETT, LINDSAY HOWARD DESIGN TEAM: JADE HEBLING, BELLA BENNETT, BOBBY NICHOLAS III, NATALIE GALE

YMEMERSON.COM | INSTAGRAM: YOUR.MAG | TWITTER: @YOURMAGEMERSON

editor’s letter

ast night I ended up in a strip club on Bour-

would like to say I’m Kim, but I think I’m more like

bon street. Tonight I cried in a grocery store

the diamond earring at the bottom of the ocean at

on the phone with my mom. It’s been a tur-

the moment. Originally the intent of that statement

bulent week to say the least...and it’s only Tuesday.

was to harp on my sad state of mind, but I actu-

Bit by bit I’m beginning to realize that I should be

ally think it’s pretty fun to be down here because

trying harder to understand what being an adult

although I may be at the bottom of the ocean I’m

means. As Ms. Mia Zarella succinctly put in her ar-

still a mother fucking diamond.

ticle last issue, I’m currently traveling on “that long road to adulthood”.

Maybe that’s the part of growing up that we forget about, enjoying being at the bottom. Because

So here I sit, sobbing on a Costco-sized crate

despite how crazy I look with my tear ducts over-

of Arrowhead water bottles, manipulating my

flowing and a carton of milk in one hand and Jose

mother into depositing $20 into my account be-

Cuervo in the other, at least I’m trying! And I think

cause I couldn’t budget in the bottle of Jose. Please

sometimes that’s good enough, as long as we can

don’t at me right now, I’m privileged and annoying

say that we’ve tried.

and I’m not sorry about it right now.

Who knows, maybe the astronaut in the Oops

My whole life is beginning to feel like that

I did it again music video will come find me and

Keeping Up With The Kardashians episode where

bring me to Brittney. Yes, different diamond refer-

Kim loses her diamond earring in the ocean. I

ence but you get the point. -Peyton Dix

YOURMAG | 01

romance 04

Confessions of a Romance Reader

Gyno 101

editorial

living

Blank Canvas

Your Things

Gaps

When Collections Talk Back

Eye Candy

The Impact of Concussions

Petrichor

Confessions of a Pastry Addict

Sip & Spoke

style 08

Fashionable Embroidery

Blank Canvas

Odd Beauty Tricks & Trends

Gaps

Staying Hot in the Cold

CON-

arts & entertainment 48

Saving the World One Poem At A Time

The Art of Binge-Watching

February Horoscopes

Artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Statement

Confessions of a Romance Reader WRITTEN BY ALLYSON FLORIDIA I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y P I M P L O Y P H O N G S I R I V E C H

once took an “Intro to Creative Writing” course. At the beginning of the semester, the class went around and each person shared their favorite authors. Among them were Hemingway, Tolkien, Junot Diaz, and Toni Morrison, all of whom are greats in the literary fiction world, (while Tolkien wrote fantasy, his writing has created new definitions of world-building and

character development, thus placing him in line with the other classic literary giants). When it came to my favorite, I quietly answered, “Catherine Anderson,” and a blush spread to my hairline. No one knew who she was, so I had to expound, “She’s a romance author.” Immediately, shame and embarrassment rolled over me and I needed to force myself not to look down. But I could see from everyone’s expressions that they weren’t impressed. Instead, I imagined their thoughts, “She reads romance?” It was clear they didn’t consider the romance genre to be up to par with literary fiction. Romance and literary fiction are two totally different genres of writing. I realize, as should all other closeted romance readers, that I shouldn’t be ashamed of reading these books. The stigma about the genre has been around for years. It has been written off as “smut” or “porn.” The many covers featuring the all-famous Fabio certainly do nothing to disprove these accusations. To the average reader, the shirtless, hairless, muscle-bound man with long flowing hair can’t possibly be taken seriously. Without even picking up the book and reading it, people have categorized it as either a joke or a piece of writing that isn’t as well-developed or well-written as a Pulitzer Prize winning classic novel. Many of the storylines also end with a happily ever after. Critics claim this,

04 | YOURMAG

“SHE READS ROMANCE?” IT WAS CLEAR THEY DIDN’T CONSIDER THE ROMANCE GENRE TO BE UP TO PAR WITH LITERARY FICTION. as well as the relationships depicted in the story, aren’t realistic and set Nothing Between Us also by Roni Loren. These novels happen to be readers up for false expectations in their own love life. Some assume

well-written and well-developed. Writing stories about such charac-

that sex scenes make up the bulk of the story, with little-to-no characters is reflective of our current culture and what people want to read. ter or plot development. With the success of Fifty Shades of Grey, this idea has only increased. All of these conclusions seem to be made by people who either

Characters with disabilities are also appearing more and more. Catherine Anderson’s Coulter–Harrigan series showcases characters that are blind, deaf, paraplegic, and suffer aphasia. Having these well-

haven’t read the genre or have only read it at its worst. There are many rounded characters makes reading romance enjoyable. These aren’t reasons why romance is just as worthwhile and important as literary the stock perfect protagonists with perfect bodies and no insecurities. fiction. And every person who reads romance should stand up and Instead, many of the characters are relatable and honest. The romance be proud of the genre instead of embarrassed or afraid to share their genre is constantly evolving to fit the needs of its readers. opinion.

Of course, there will always be the typical fall in love and get

First of all, the romance genre is one of the most successful, if married romances. These are light, fun reads. They’re heartwarming, not the most successful, genre of publishing. According to BookStats, feel-good tales that are pleasant to read as a mental getaway. an industry statistics model created by the Association of American

With the Fifty Shades of Grey craze, the erotica subgenre has

Publishers and the Book Industry Study Group, the estimated total taken off. Fifty Shades, however, is an outlier and is simply poor writsales value of the romance genre in 2013 was $1.03 billion. In coming at its best. A clear lack of research additionally discredits the book. parison, in 2009, the estimated revenue was $1.36 billion for romance

Most erotica has a storyline with overall messages about confidence,

and only $462 million for classic literary fiction, according to Simba truth, hope, love, and so on. A “good” erotic novel is just as much Information. It’s clear that romance has been doing very well, even if about the characters as a work of literary fiction. While there are sex the net revenues have decreased over the years. The money brought in scenes, these are used as devices to bring the characters together, have also allows publishers to take on undiscovered or indie authors who

them learn something about themselves, and/or become vulnerable

may be writing literary fiction. Selling x million copies of a best seller

to one another and further propel the plot. Shayla Black, Roni Loren,

brings in enough money to support the smaller authors who may not

and Cherise Sinclair are among many erotic romance authors who

be able to sell as many copies, but whose work is just as noteworthy.

successfully do this. All of this isn’t to discredit the sex scenes. These

In regards to the argument that romance novels create unrealistic are steamy passages that are sure to make you blush…in a good way. expectations of relationships, love, and people, this isn’t necessarily

Despite publishers’ efforts, there will always be “bad” romance,

true. Nowadays, there is more content reflective of the culture. Not with cheesy dialogue, clichés galore, and caricatures instead of charall romance novels end in a “happily ever after”, though this is mostly

acters. At the same time, there is “bad” writing across any genre. Ro-

still the norm. Sometimes, one of the main characters dies at the end,

mance shouldn’t be stigmatized for the well-known outliers of poor

leaving the readers with a message about loss and second chances. romance or assumptions made based on the cover. Although many Sometimes the characters decide that it’s better for them to not be covers still feature a handsome, muscular figure, there are also covers together or that it isn’t good timing. The two main protagonists also with abstract images instead of people. Book jackets are mostly the aren’t the cliché “damsel-in-distress” and the arrogant man come to

result of marketing decisions. Regardless of what one might assume,

save her. Heroines are characterized as strong, confident, sassy women

books with covers of handsome men attract the eye, making it more

of all body types. Elle Kennedy’s Killer Instinct series features a team likely for a potential reader to consider picking up the book. of deadly female assassins who meet their man while on a dangerous

Most of all, though, these stories empower readers, helping them

mission. In this way, some romance novels are encouraging women to

to become more comfortable with their sexuality or prompt them to

take control of their sexuality, body, and lives, and become confident

discover something new about themselves. They teach important les-

in who they are.

sons and nurture optimism for a happy ending. Some are easy reads

The inclusion of LGTBIQ characters is becoming increasingly that are perfect to destress from the pressures of the real world and prevalent in current romance, though more representation is defi- others are tear-jerkers that will take your emotions hostage. These nitely needed. I can name three romance novels about gay or bisexual

novels hold similar weight as literary fiction and no one should be put

characters in monogamous or polyamorous relationships. The Under-

down because of what they read, no matter what it is they’re reading.

statement of the Year by Sarina Bowen. Melt into You by Roni Loren.

I’m proud to say, “I love romance novels.” YM

ROMANCE | 05

gyno 101

WRITTEN BY MADELINE POAGE I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y TAY L O R R O B E R T S

t’s called a speculum,” my sister said. “They use it to split open your vagina.” We were looking at the book my mother had used to explain why the stork didn’t deliver babies. There was a terrifying picture of a long, silver contraption, like medieval torture tongs alongside the

words, “pelvic exam.” It was during these fumbling years of late elementary that I have one of my clearest memories of childhood—laying on the bathroom floor, my back pressed against the cold tiles, a mirror between my legs and me trying to imagine anything going into that unfathomable part of my body. Many women, particularly in their early teenage years, experience a disconnect with their vagina. And that included me, even with my second-wave feminist mother who insisted my sister and I “get to know our vaginas.” As she put it, “How will you know if anything’s wrong if you don’t know how it feels normally?” But in a country consumed with respecting its Puritan roots and a culture that teaches women they don’t have the rights to their own bodies, the discourse surrounding the vagina remains hushed. This includes conversations specifically about female bodies, such as in 2012 when Lisa Brown, a Democratic state representative, was barred from continuing to speak after using the word “vagina” in a debate regarding anti-abortion legislation. In my health classes in school, I was taught more about male anatomy and sexuality than my own. As Erini Katopodis ‘17 affirms, “I knew how to put a condom on a banana before I knew how to put a tampon in.” The general rule is, you go to the gynecologist when you turn eighteen or when you first become sexually active. But with the vagina-taboo culture we breathe in every day, this first appointment is often a source of anxiety and fear. Whether it comes from embarrassment of vaginal odors that don’t resemble tropical fruits or roses, or a feeling that a gynecologist is intruding because of questions regarding sexual history, many women avoid the gynecologist altogether. For me, my mind kept returning to the faded picture of the speculum I’d puzzled over, and I imagined myself shivering in a scratchy paper gown, standing in a dark torture chamber filled with similar devices.

06 | YOURMAG

I was right about one thing—I was shivering in

come my cramps aren’t as bad as my sister’s? Is sex sup-

a paper gown, but it wasn’t dark and there was no Iron

posed to hurt? Should I go on birth control? If my pe-

Maiden waiting for me. Nothing but a regular doctor’s

riod is late, am I the new Virgin Mary? She answered all

office, bright with fluorescents and my bare toes curling

of them, patiently and thoroughly. Then the big question:

on white linoleum. A box of rubber gloves on the table, a

What kind of tests can I expect?

sink, and to my surprise, an ordinary stethoscope hanging on a hook.

This last question was answered by gently guiding my feet into the stirrups at the end of the exam table. While

What to expect once the doctor arrived, I didn’t know.

explaining what she was going to do, my doctor slid on a

I’d witnessed my older sister endure a painful transition

rubber glove, dipped two fingers into some kind of lubri-

from pigtailed girlhood into a kind of adult female hell

cant and held them up so I could see. “Just to make sure

where my mother dragged her, kicking and screaming, to

everything feels normal,” she said, sitting between my legs.

the gynecologist. I’d gone through the whole adolescent

“This might feel cold, but remember,” and here she tapped

ordeal quieter. However, between health classes and a

my knee to ensure I was paying attention. “This isn’t sup-

dramatic older sister I relied on for this kind of informa-

posed to hurt. So tell me if it does.”

tion, the narrative of my vagina was not one of delicate

It didn’t. It was cold, for sure, and it felt strange—but

ph balances, health, appreciation, or even understanding.

that was just me tensing my muscles until my neck ached.

Instead, it was defined by the uterine blood of monthly

There was a few more seconds of probing, her other hand

menstrual cycles, pain, and humiliation.

pressing on my stomach, and then my doctor stood up,

My doctor was a young woman with blonde hair pinned back, and she grinned at me when she entered

peeled off the rubber glove and threw it in the trash. She threw up her arms. “You did it!”

with her clipboard. “Nervous?” she asked when I tried to

I sat up on my elbows. “No speculum?”

smile a hello; instead it seemed to have more of a pan-

Not until I was twenty-one, apparently, for my

icked, don’t-you-go-near-those-rubber-gloves sort of vibe.

first pelvic exam which would include a pap smear—a

She didn’t at first, and I learned that gynecological exams

gross-sounding combination of words that my doctor ex-

don’t even begin down under. They begin with a breast

plained isn’t as bad as it sounds. Once the speculum was

exam, which includes a quick lesson on how to perform a

carefully inserted, she would inspect the vaginal walls and

self-examination. This is there for the same reason every

reproductive system, then swab the inside to take a small

single step of a gynecological exam exists: because it’s im-

sample of cells to test for cervical cancer. Not something

portant. After the breast exam, my doctor sat me up and,

for an eighteen-year-old first timer. Instead, I was handed

with me eyeing her carefully, dragged a stool over and sat

a period calendar, my clothes, and it was over.

down beside me. “So let’s talk about why you’re worried,” she said.

Later I learned that the word “speculum” comes from the Latin word for “mirror,” and I was reminded of myself

If there’s one thing I learned from my first gynecolog-

as a little girl, flat on my back, craning my neck to see the

ical exam, it’s how good it feels to talk about one’s vagina

reflection in the mirror I held between my spread legs. I

with someone. Despite my mother’s pro-vagina stance, I’d

like to think of the speculum this way—just another tool to

never fielded any questions or confided any fears to her.

understand my own vagina, updated from my childhood.

The shame I learned from everywhere but her had over-

Another way of seeing myself, instead of feeling like I had

powered any support she radiated. I opened up to my doc-

the Bermuda Triangle between my legs. Now, instead of a

tor for one basic fact—she’s a doctor. What often gets lost

star-shaped mirror I’d dug out of my sister’s makeup box,

in the shame and the fear is that the gynecologist is just

I had a full-fledged vagina doctor, armed to the teeth with

another doctor. The most important rule with doctors is

health equipment and with an ear always willing to listen.

they cannot help you unless you talk to them.

At my next annual appointment, I greeted my doctor with

So I spilled my guts, asking question after question,

a smile, chatted about the latest movies and my period

like how much discharge is normal and why do I itch

cycle while she snapped on her rubber gloves, laid down

down there sometimes, especially after gym class? How

on the exam table, and relaxed. YM

ROMANCE | 07

Fashionable Embroidery WRITTEN BY CALLIE BISSET PHOTOS BY DELIA CURTIS

mbroidery, thought to date back to 5th-3rd century BC, was usually considered a sign of wealth in Asia, and later in Europe. The needlepoint status symbol of hand embroi-

dery continued far into the modern world as the affluent purchased and used expensive hand embroidered fabrics to symbolize their power. However, in America with the prevalence of cotton, even the poor were able to have access to materials and thus were able to learn the craft of hand embroidery. During 18th century America, most young girls were taught to hand embroider as part of keeping a home. Though it has now been largely replaced by machine-embroidery for mass production, hand embroidery is still considered a fine form of textile art due to its time consuming nature, the often costly materials required, and the complex techniques used. Embroidery is also influential in the high fashion world. It is seen frequently on the runway, recently appearing in Valentino’s 2015 Fall/ Winter and Spring/Summer collections, Dolce and Gabbana’s 2016 Spring/Summer menswear collection, and Alexander McQueen’s 2016 Fall/Winter collection. With the popularity of social media, hand embroidery artists are able to share their detailed work with many. This kind of art that is popular on Instagram often makes use of traditional embroidery techniques with modern content, for instance, the Instagram account topazos_13 features embroidered eye designs on patches as well as sneakers; larkinandlarkin showcases hand embroidered denim jackets; highstitch features hoop art as well as patches. Designs range from donuts to pop culture references such as “you’re my person.” The Instagrammer stitchyouup also showcases pop culture related hoop art. The account has pieces featuring characters such as Beetlejuice and Chewbacca, and the artist also sells their work on an Etsy account of the same name. Etsy, the online-based marketplace specializing in vintage and handmade goods, features a wide variety of embroidery artists. Embroidered fashion pieces as well as hoop art works are sold within a wide price range with high quality pieces selling at around $25–$75. The students of Emerson, however, seem to have taken embroidery art and fashion to a more accessible level. As far as wearable art, embroidery can be seen all over Emerson. Embroidered shirts and baseball caps are frequently seen as must-have wardrobe pieces. Chain stores sell these popular pieces, but Emerson students themselves have also taken up the thread. Frequently sold from student to student, either through in-person interactions or the Emerson community’s Free and For Sale Facebook page, these handmade pieces typically go for lower prices than anywhere else,

08 | YOURMAG

then I would just get a new piece of fabric and start over again.”

“ADDING EMBROIDERY IS A SIMPLE WAY TO ADD TEXTURE AND CHARACTER TO ANY WARDROBE”

Basic embroidery is a fairly simple and fun craft. “It’s just an easy thing to pick up,” says Barber. The main supplies needed for embroidery are: an embroidery hoop, scissors, a needle (be sure to choose the proper weighted needle for the material you are working with), embroidery floss, and fabric. The following are the basic steps of embroidery: 1 . First, you may need to cut the fabric into the appropriate size, typically slightly larger than the embroidery hoop. (If you are embroidering a clothing item this is not applicable.) The fabric then should be secured in the hoop. This is done by opening the hoop and then adjusting the nut and bolt at the top. You may also want to mark out your design on the fabric ahead of time using pencil or fabric chalk. 2 . From there, the needle needs to be threaded. First cut a section of floss long enough to work with, but not so long that it will get caught. A good measurement is from the tip of your fingers to your elbow. Typically most floss consists of six strands, so you then divide the embroidery floss in half into two sections of three threads each. One section of threads is placed to the side while the other is threaded through the needle and knotted on the end. 3 . Now, it is time to begin stitching. Begin with your needle on the wrongside of the fabric and stitch up through the fabric and back down again. Repeat this to begin forming your design. This is a running stitch, different stitching techniques may be used

and as an additional advantage, the money goes to fellow Emerson

once you become more comfortable with the medium. In addi-

students.

tion, some artists choose to keep their stitches close together while

Sara Barber, a freshman, has found success selling her small

others like them farther apart. It is all simply artistic preference.

embroidery hoop pieces on the Free and For Sale page. Barber

However, if stitching lettering it is typically better to keep stitches

began embroidering her senior year of high school. She typically

closer together.

uses five inch hoops to make her designs. While some people use

4. Once you are reaching the end of your floss, cut the thread

doodling to focus in class, Barber now spends her time in classes

from the needle making sure to leave enough room to tie it off.

embroidering.“I think that it’s so hands-on in the fact [sic] that if

Knot it tightly together on the wrong side of the fabric. Begin again

you make a mistake you can undo it, and it’s just really therapeutic,”

with new floss. Continue until you have completed your design.

says Barber. One of her sources of inspiration is the embroidery tag on

As Spring approaches, another great and unique way to incor-

Instagram. Barber says, “I just have all these screenshots of things

porate embroidery into a wardrobe is embroidered shorts. These

that I find really cool, and stuff I might want to incorporate into

shorts on Etsy price at upwards of $50. A trip to the Garment Dis-

my work.” Her favorite design is a floral backed piece with pink

trict in Cambridge, or any other local thrift shop, is bound to turn

stitches that says, “Kill Your Local Rapist.” As far as the popularity

up vintage jeans just ready to be cut into shorts. Then, it is simple

of embroidery as a medium, Barber says, “It’s really cool to like see

to thread some designs through the front or back pockets. This will

something made out of stitches.” The key to successful embroidery

give a unique look, and due to their personalized nature, the shorts

seems to be trial and error, Barber says, “how I developed my style

could be altered to fit a wide range of styles. Adding embroidery

is I would just go at it, and if it looked great: Awesome. If it didn’t,

is a simple way to add texture and character to any wardrobe. YM STYLE | 09

Blank canvas

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odd beauty tricks & trends W R I T T E N B Y M E G A N C AT H E Y PHOTO BY ALLISON NGUYEN

TIPS I DIDN’T TRY BECAUSE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS (AND YOU SHOULDN’T, EITHER). Magic Eraser to fix self-tanning mistakes.

Please, please, for the love of god don’t use household cleaning products on your skin. The abrasive surface of a Magic Eraser is meant for scrubbing grease off

your countertop, not tanner off your legs. Instead, use a body scrub.

14 | YOURMAG

Peanut butter as shaving cream. Because: ew.

Sharpie as eyeliner.

You may recall a few years ago, Taylor Swift tweeting that she’s used black

Sharpie as eyeliner in a pinch. But just because a multi-millionaire popstar uses

a permanent marker to line her eyes, doesn’t mean you should.

ometimes when you can’t sleep, you may find yourself in a dark corner of Youtube watching a teenager use Oreo crumbs and rubbing alcohol as mascara (just me? ok cool). Unless you’re looking to give yourself an eye infection, then you probably know that it’s not the best idea to put cookie crumbs anywhere near your eyeballs. But with so many weird beauty tricks

circulating the web, it’s hard to know which ones actually work, and which you should avoid. But fortunately for you, I’ve tested a handful of trending makeup tricks, to see whether they’re worth adding to your beauty routine.

baking The technique of baking has been around for a while, mainly within the drag community. Baking involves applying a layer of translucent powder over concealer and foundation, but not blending it in. Then, you’re supposed to leave the power on for five to ten minutes, letting your body’s natural heat set your

I think just applying eyeliner as you normally would and then blending it out works better. Plus, you don’t look as ridiculous in the process.

Powder Between Coats of Mascara

foundation and concealer. After your face makeup has “cooked,”

If your mascara just isn’t cutting it, and you’re craving fuller

you wipe off the powder, leaving you with a smooth, long lasting

lashes, then one possible solution is applying a bit of powder to

base. Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist does it, so YOU should

your lashes between coats of mascara. I was also skeptical about

do it, right?

trying this trick, because as a contact-wearer with sensitive eyes,

I have naturally dry skin so I was skeptical about shel-

the last thing I want to do is get chunks of powder in my eyes.

lacking a thick layer of powder on my face. But I was willing to

I first applied a coat of Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara

sacrifice my skin’s comfort for creaseless, flawless under-eyes. I

(Sephora, $23). Then I took some of my Laura Mercier powder,

first applied my trusty, absurdly-named Maybelline Instant Age

and using a Q-tip, gently applied some product on my lashes. To

Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer (CVS, $9) in

seal in the powder, I applied another coat of mascara.

a V-formation under my eyes. Then I applied a layer of Laura

Verdict: Fortunately I didn’t get any powder in my eyes, but

Mercier translucent powder (Sephora, $23 for the travel size).

overall this trick seemed like more effort for little payoff. I didn’t

While I left the powder under my eyes, I finished the rest of my

notice any difference between the eye where I applied powder

eye makeup and filled in my eyebrows.

and the eye where I only applied two coats of mascara.

Verdict: Even though I don’t normally use powder to set my makeup, letting my concealer “bake” actually did leave me with a

Spoon eyeliner

seamless finish. I had an eight hour shift after I did my makeup,

You’ve probably seen, or even tried, the trick of using tape

and my under-eye concealer stayed in place the entire night. So

to create winged liner. But this trend ditches the tape and adds

if you have the time, give baking a try.

silverware to the mix. First, you angle the handle of the spoon

The #Hashtag Smokey Eye

toward the end of your eyebrow. Then, you use the the handle to trace your angled line with your eyeliner of choice (I used

If Cosmopolitan endorses something, then it must good,

L’Oréal’s Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner, available at

right? Right? Apparently not only does the hashtag signify a hip,

CVS for $10). To connect the angled line to the rest of your eye-

ironic web presence, but it will also distribute the right amount

lid, you flip the spoon and using the rounded part as a guide,

of eyeliner for the perfect smokey eye. This trend is pretty self-ex-

fill in the gap.

planatory: draw hashtags on the outer third of your eyelids. Then

Verdict: After years of practice, I can create a cat eye free-

grab a fluffy eye brush, and use circular motions to blend out

handed in a matter of seconds, so using a spoon only compli-

the product. I used the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl

cated the practice. But the results using a spoon looked fine, it

Eyeliner in Brown (CVS, $5) to draw the hashtags, then I used a

just took me longer to do my winged liner. Maybe if you’re new

fluffy eye brush to blend out the product.

at this a spoon will help, but I would still recommend using a

Verdict: Part of me didn’t want to try this trend because it

piece of tape instead (just make sure you stick the piece of tape

seemed so obnoxious. But I powered through and drew stupid

on your hand first, so the tape isn’t as adhesive to your sensitive

hashtags on my eyelids. Even though the end result wasn’t awful,

eye area). YM

STYLE | 15

G A PS C R E AT I V E D I R E C T I O N PERI LAPIDUS PHOTOGRAPHER SOPHIE PETER-WILSON MODELS N AT H A N I E L C H A R L E S PERI LAPIDUS PIMPLOY PHONGSIRIVECH ELLE SANCHEZ RYANNA DUNN

18 | YOURMAG

Society is starting to realize that people don't give a shit about beauty standards. Flaws are perfection and beauty is simply a perspective.

Staying Hot in the Cold WRITTEN BY L AURA TORMOS PHOTOS BY TOM MCL AUGHLIN

ADVICE ON CROP TOPS, PLUNGING NECKLINES, AND HOW TO WEAR THEM IN THE WINTER WITHOUT FREEZING.

espite all my best efforts, I am not thin. I’ve got quite the

acceptable way to love my body and instead decided to show it off in

tummy, my thighs are too big, and my arms are definitely

pretty clothes. In the midst of my new-found confidence, I learned

on the flabbier side. For a long time, I let this limit my ward-

something surprising about myself: I love dressing slutty. Now, I’m

robe. I ignored my interest in fashion because, according to set beauty

not saying I walk around in fish-nets, six-inch-heels, and nipple cov-

standards, I didn’t fit in with the demographic. Dressing up and ex-

er-ups (though if that’s your style, all the more power to you), but I

perimenting with “looks” just wasn’t for me in middle school, and

do like something more form fitting and, ideally, with some major

although I was upset about it, I was mostly comfortable in my too big,

cleavage action.

formless graphic tees and straight-leg jeans. My hair was frizzy, I wore

Another surprise to my wardrobe came with the Boston winter.

gross, wire-framed glasses, had chapped, cut-up lips from my braces,

Being from Puerto Rico, all I knew how to dress for was the eternal,

and didn’t dream of wearing something even as innocuous as shorts.

eighteen-year-long summer that was my life up until my move to the

After a long, secret love affair with countless fashion and

East Coast. Coats and fleece-lined anything were not in my wardrobe

beauty videos on YouTube, I finally decided to say “screw it.” Slowly

vocabulary. I had turned four years strong embracing my curves and

but surely, I began not to care so much about what was deemed an

showing skin—most of my clothes consisted of short skirts, tight

“DEFINE WHAT “SLUTTY” MEANS TO YOU. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BARE YOUR FIGURE IN ORDER TO HIGHLIGHT ITS FOXDACIOUSNESS.”

20 | YOURMAG

jeans, crop tops, and shirts that were super low cut (though my thighs are still not my absolute favorite thing about myself, I’ve got great boobs, and yes, I like people to know). So I reassessed, and after surviving one of the coldest and snowiest winters Boston has had to date, I can confidently say that there are plenty of ways to wear provocative clothing without freezing your well-displayed tail off. If you’re as much a fan of showing off what the good lord gave you as I am, I’ve got some tips: First, define what “slutty” means to you. You don’t have to bare your figure in order to highlight its foxdaciousness. Instead of wearing hot pants in these cold, unforgiving tundras (which, sure, you could still do—just get yourself some fleece-lined tights, at least), encase your regions in bodycon styles. These illustrate how shapely you are just as effectively as skimpy clothing, minus the threat of frostbite. It’s easy to find bodycon pieces with sleeves, longer lengths, and backs. The internet is a veritable trove of these—just search “bodycon long sleeves” on almost any clothing website for an abundance of options that’ll keep you feeling hot in more ways than one. Because I am a devout champion of the crop top lifestyle yearround, I choose ones with elongated sleeves and other cozy-ass details for winter, like turtlenecks, which are thankfully “in” again. There are tons of turtleneck crop tops out there for all styles—both form fitting and boxy (which can be slutty if it’s short enough, I promise). I also look for heavier knits instead of plain old T-shirt weight. I suggest checking out American Apparel, which is pretty much a gold mine for all things sweaters and slutty warmth, including a particularly nice, fuzzy, cropped sweater that I have in two colors and wear at least once a week. If you insist on exposing yourself to the frigid elements, as I so often do, pick one warm-ish skank-perfection piece and layer over it. I’ve been living in American Apparel’s Cotton Spandex Julliard Top, which is an all-but-frontless long sleeved wrap top that gives me great cleavage. I pair it with lined, high-waisted skirts, the aforementioned fleece tights, and a thick, fuzzy sweater. If you’re looking to perv out on more formal occasions, I’ve seen a velvet bodycon dress or two at Nasty Gal featuring a plunging necklines, and sweater dresses with cut-out backs and low-cut fronts that demand breathless/braless abandon. Thigh-high boots also definitely help in the event you want to add a healthy (and warm) dose of badass to with your look. Sure, these clothes are all napkins if you compare them to chunky knits and down jackets, but they’re really warm napkins if you choose the right styles and materials. I’m almost 100% certain that this is the reason matching sets and lace-up tops were created. And, luckily for you, my budding arctic eroticians, they’re en vogue, which makes finding any and all of these pieces ridiculously easy. Combine all of these principals and seek out pieces that work for you and fit your comfort level; whether they’re high-waisted skinny jeans, warm tights and a lined skirt, plunging necklines, form-fitting bodysuits, or tight turtlenecks. Whatever you choose, stay warm, you royal hotnesses. YM STYLE | 21

PHOTOGRAPHER ALLISON NGUYEN MODELS JULIANNA SY, ALICE YUAN, BRANDON MURPHY

Your Things W ITH HALEY SHERIF

THIS MONTH I’M FEATURING YOUR MAG STYLE EDITOR MEGAN CATHEY’S FAVORITE THINGS I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y P I M P L O Y P H O N G S I R I V E C H

Fresh Cannabis Santal Eau de Parfum Despite the name, it

Sneakers Sneakers are one of those holy grail items that are

it’s warm and spicy with notes of patchouli, plum, and vanilla

unfashionable tomorrow, I will continue to wear them for

does not smell like the Common during Hempfest. Instead, musk (yes, I had to look that up). Fresh says this is a men’s cologne, which I only recently found out. But I think gendering scents is antiquated anyway.

Passion Planner I’m a Virgo through and through, which

means if I’m not meticulous and organized, I think my life is falling apart (a tad dramatic, I know). A planner definitely

helps, and when my roommate turned me on to Passion Planner, I felt like I met my planner soulmate. Not only are its days

both comfortable and cool looking. Even if they’re deemed comfort’s sake. My Adidas Stan Smiths, New Balance 574s, and Brooks running shoes all hold a special place in my heart. Cactus tattoo I’m from Scottsdale, Arizona, so the cactus tat-

too on my ankle is a small memento of home. I love Boston, but I definitely miss Arizona—especially when my dad texts

me saying it’s 75 degrees and sunny, while I’m hauling ass through a snowstorm.

marked off by 30 minute increments, it also includes space

Grandmother’s ring My grandma Dorothy was a fun, vodka

happened each week.

and a half years ago, I inherited her middle school class ring

to write down monthly reflections, and positive things that

Glossier the Balm dot Com Life is infinitely better when your

lips aren’t chapped, and this is the best lip balm I’ve ever used. Plus you can use it on your cuticles, or on your cheek-

bones to create a natural looking glow. Also, Glossier sends you stickers to decorate their products, which is brilliant marketing, if you ask me.

30 | YOURMAG

martini drinking badass. When she passed away about two from 1929, and I’ve worn it every day since. It’s kind of surreal wearing something that’s 87 years old.

What’s on your wish list? Pretty much everything from Everlane, especially their slouchy trousers and silk dresses.

Do you collect anything? Can I say emotional baggage? YM

LIVING | 31

/ pet â&#x20AC;˘ ri â&#x20AC;˘ chor / noun: a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather

WHEN

COLL E C TIONS TA L K BACK WRITTEN BY LAURA CAFASSO PHOTOS BY EBRIMA MANJANG

36 | YOURMAG

barely cook. I may think I know how important seasoning is

The motion of seeking out a special shark tooth and buying it in

(cough, Bobby Flay, cough), but I’ve never made my own spice

its padded box is part of the thrill for Curran. She labels each tooth

rub or even know where to begin to make a steak flavorful. De-

based on where she bought it. Her collection includes shark teeth

spite these delusions, I collect salt and pepper shakers. The first pair I got at the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. They’re two flowery, antiqued looking porcelain cats. These were

from Cape Cod, Newport, Rhode Island, and New York. She muses, “It’s strange to hold them and think that once they were in a shark’s mouth.”

followed by a black cat and yarn ball, and then a pair of distinguished

Her collection currently totals at about eight shark teeth, with

gnomes. I tell myself that it will all make sense when I get my own

plans to someday acquire an enormous Megalodon tooth. Her favor-

place after college, where I will have a kitchen to store these ridiculous

ite one was bought on Long Beach Island because it is a “sandy brown

salt and pepper shakers.

color and it’s about two inches long, like most of them. It looks like

All of us are collectors in some way or another. It mostly manifests in physical assortments, but varies from person to person. Chris-

a perfect isosceles triangle which is pretty cool.” Curran’s collection screams a deep love of animals and illustrates her kind nature.

tian Jarrett, a psychologist, told The Guardian that the urge to collect

Collections also preserve memories. Mercedes Lamb, a writing

stems from “unloved children learn[ing] to seek comfort in accumu-

for stage and screen student, collects ticket stubs and letters: “I still

lating belongings; another is that collecting is motivated by existential

collect, I love going out to movies, especially with friends, and I hang

anxieties—the collection, an extension of our identity, lives on, even

the notes I get up on my wall as a reminder of friends and family

though we do not.” Jarrett also theorizes that collecting is a matter of

as well as a pick me up.” Recently, Lamb saved her ticket from The

accumulating resources to attract a mate or an “endowment effect,”

Revenant screening. This assortment of tickets and personal letters

which is the extreme valuing of objects once we own them.

shows not only her passion for films, but is also a testament to her

Collecting became a staple about 12,000 years ago. Today, I don’t collect salt and pepper shakers to impress potential mates, resolve any

friendships. It is a way of keeping memories alive and of reliving all the joys and sorrows of the films she’s seen.

familial issues, or ease an identity crisis. It’s just something fun to do.

Collections obviously write their own stories, but some items

There’s something exciting about having something no one else does.

create dialogues. Amanda Lester, a writing, literature, and publishing

The same goes for Sammi Curran, a writing, literature, and

sophomore, has an array of containers in all shapes, styles, and sizes.

publishing sophomore, who prides herself on her shark teeth collec-

She began collecting containers by frequenting Goodwill and finding

tion.“I love animals, and sharks have always been one of my favorite

treasures in the home section. Now, she scouts for unique containers

animals since I saw Jaws when I was about seven or eight,” Curran

from different parts of the country or the world whenever she goes to

says. “They’re terrifying yet I think they’re gorgeous and such amaz-

a thrift store.

ing creatures. So, I started researching them and found out that you

“My collection currently consists of jars, mugs, bowls, baskets,

could buy prehistoric shark teeth from millions of years ago. I tend to

crates, vases, small chests, and boxes,” Lester says. “My biggest con-

go on vacation to places near water, and so I decided to collect them

tainer is a bushel basket that I got from apple picking, and my smallest

whenever I see them in little shops wherever I go.”

is a jewelry dish painted to look like a cow… I am really fond of my

lemon-shaped woven basket and the small beaded box that my friend got for me from India.”

Cara Casier, visual media arts sophomore, has taken collections to a whole other level—bizarre celebrity screenshots. While most

Lester intends for this container collection to be a lifelong en-

people think of collections as tangible items or memorabilia, Casier

deavor. This emphasizes the versatility of collections; they give the

shows that digital collections are possible, too. All Casier has to be do

collectors the ability to remember, reinvent, and reinvigorate their

is hit command – shift – 4 to save these wacky celeb facial expressions.

lives. Lester could display her plethora of containers all around her

She says, “I liked the idea that men I found attractive could make

home as a testament to precious life figments. She notes: “The great

stupid faces and still a) be attractive to me and b) make me feel like

thing about having a container collection is that I find uses for all of

hey, these are people too. Collecting them came from me wanting to

them. The smaller boxes can hold earrings or coins, and I have a chest

keep them on my computer so that I could show them to my friends.

the size of a loaf of bread where I keep my pens and scissors. I’m ex-

I think as long as famous men I find attractive can contort their faces

cited to move off campus and be able to add bigger containers to my

to be something other than a smolder, I’ll have a folder for them on

collection… many people have told me that my decorations are not

my laptop.”

things that they would’ve thought to put together or even to buy at all, and I love the amalgamation of all of my quirky containers.”

Most notable in Casier’s collection is an entire folder dedicated to One Direction members’ faces paused during music videos (Harry

If you’re really passionate, collections can start during your

Styles takes the cake). More of her gems include a star struck Taron

childhood and continue on through adulthood. Lauren Lopez, an-

Egerton meeting Mark Ruffalo and Zayn Malik with his eyes bugging

other writing, literature, and publishing sophomore, started collecting

out.“It’s definitely comforting even if it’s at the slight expense of their

key chains in elementary school. Keychains are multifaceted. They

self esteem,” Casier says. “But hey, it’s not like they know anyways.

can dangle from a backpack, snuggle your keys, or even decorate a

Unless of course they read this article… oh god.”

bedroom. Similar to Curran, Lopez has found her precious key chains on vacations as souvenirs. Lopez remembers, “My favorite is one I have from an amusement park in Virginia called Busch Gardens. The theme park is European themed so the keychain has a turning 3D hexagon in the middle that has all the flags of the countries represented in the park.” For Lopez, her collection as a whole is “like a cool little scrapbook for [her] to look back on.”

No shame here. For all we know, Harry Styles could be collecting his fiftieth Saint Laurent shirt or Mark Ruffalo could have dozens of Hulk action figures. Collections are what you make them: fiercely intimate, strange, or even practical. They start a conversation and give people the ability to say, “Here I am!” Now, on to the next (salt and pepper shaker, that is). YM

“COLLECTIONS ARE WHAT YOU MAKE THEM; FIERCELY INTIMATE, STRANGE, OR EVEN PRACTICAL. THEY START A CONVERSATION AND GIVE PEOPLE THE ABILITY TO SAY, “HERE I AM!””

THE IMPACt OF WRITTEN BY MIA ZARRELLA I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y TAY L O R R O B E R T S

aste becomes a habit. Busy bodies

long, I had a tendency for rushing. The hus-

to how I appreciate peo-

and college students tend to do that:

tle of the city matches the bustling that exists

ple. My relationships

rushing to meet deadlines, racing to

within me. Bouncing from meeting to meet-

have changed. My attitude

class, hurrying to meetings, casting calls, and

ing, class to class, filling my downtime by

about life has changed. For

shoots. Then one day, it catches up with us.

catching up with as many friends as possible,

me, it was like a reset button,”

We get sick from all the nights we stayed up

my mind never ceases and my pace is always

says Audate.

editing, writing, rehearsing, or partying. We

in fifth gear. Music constantly blasts into my

grow tired and we start to slip up. Or if you

ears and it is not until nighttime when I am

tings are reprogrammed, bringing in new

were me on Friday, Feb. 11, you just slip.

alone with my thoughts, that silence finally

experiences but also ideas and knowledge.

shrouds me. Then I turn on music to mute

Yet, often a concussed person loses pieces of

the obnoxious silence and block my racing

themselves, too.

Concussion: the rattling or violent shock to the brain caused by a heavy blow. I didn’t know I was concussed nor did I

thoughts.

After the lights go off, our set-

“I feel like a concussion robs something

ever think I would concuss myself. Running

“Our whole lives are centered around

out of you, it kind of robs you of you. It’s a

with wet feet on wet tile, how stupid was that,

chaos and America does a great job of am-

temporary period, but for that period it’s a big

Mia?

plifying that,” says marketing communica-

deal. Specifically, my concussion has made

Cue the spinning room and nausea, fol-

tion major Hantzley Audate ‘17. “Everything

me reevaluate life, in a lot of ways, it made

lowed by tunnel vision, which graduated into

in this country is explosive: our culture, our

me reevaluate how I see things,” says Audate.

complete darkness. The noise distortion faded

military, our politics, our people.”

“I’ve adopted an attitude of gratitude.”

into silence to be concluded with an incessant

It has been eight years since Audate re-

We are grateful for those that help us.

ringing in my ears. It was a cinematically or-

covered from a concussion-induced coma

The people who help keep your head on

chestrated brain trauma.

that lasted over 20 hours. The subdural he-

straight when it’s spinning and the people

Some people pass out, others have sei-

matoma he received while playing football

who help with the work you can’t do or the

zures and altered motor skills, reflexes, or

required two life-threatening brain surgeries

messages you can’t send are the ones we keep

memory. Everybody has a different experi-

followed by physical therapy to relearn how

in our lives.

ence, but those are the quintessential concus-

to walk and speak. Since then, Audate’s per-

sion signs.

spective has changed.

Like the speeding cars we daringly dart

“There’s not one thing that hasn’t

in front of when the walking sign takes too

changed in my life, from the way I view things

40 | YOURMAG

When a person gets a concussion, the world stops for them. They lose time in their unconscious state and time loses importance when they are confined to a dark room.

Journalism

major

His concussions present him with chal-

and unusual sleeping patterns, as well. My

Daniel Johnson ‘17 consid-

lenges, but as a competitive person and athlete

emotional instability manifested itself in the

ers himself the poster child

for Emerson’s baseball team, Johnson rejects

grocery store aisle when I couldn’t find the

for concussions, having had

losing. “Everything’s a challenge and I refuse

peanut butter.

over seven concussions and

to let things beat me. Only I can beat me,” says

being “essentially brain dead for five months,” he says.

Johnson.

For the busy bodies, concussions are a lesson in perseverance and pace. Slowing

The encompassing difficulty with con-

down and keeping a careful pace and learn-

His football career dates back to when he

cussions and post-concussion syndrome is

ing how to keep ourselves from being over-

was nine years old—his first concussion was

that overcoming the challenges and side ef-

worked. People are not superheroes, and our

in middle school.

fects requires brain power, yet the challenge

mortality implies the possibility of weakness

is our brain.

while also testing our fortitude.

“There wasn’t a lot about concussions, it was just ‘getting your bell rung,’ that’s what

“I think I’m a stronger person because of

“I’ve always been taught to be self-reli-

my dad would say,” says Johnson who is now

it and there’s a lot of good from that—a much

ant,” says Johnson. “There are certain times

impacted daily by post-concussion syndrome.

stronger person, mentally and emotionally,”

where I need to lean on people, and there are

It has been four years since Johnson was

says Johnson. “It’s just how you handle what-

certain people that I’ll allow.” And these are

denied clearance to continue playing football

ever it is that causes you some sort of anxiety

the people who understand. They are the ones

for St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers,

or harm. It’s how you handle that and how you

who will fill in the blanks, who will say the

Massachusetts. Today, he cannot regulate his

come out of that, that defines you as a person

right things or know not to say anything at all.

body temperature—feeling cold when it’s

and your character.”

Head trauma forces us to take off our

sweltering hot outside, and feeling hot when

Concussions, like most injuries and

capes and acknowledge our vulnerability. It

it’s bitter cold. He cannot recount all of his

traumatic experiences, take something away,

teaches lessons. I learned the importance of

memories, words sometimes escape him, and

but also leave a takeaway. We lose our minds,

shower mats and the dangers of wet tile. I

he still experiences mood swings and tunnel

and seeing as our minds are the control cen-

mastered the craft of midday naps and experi-

vision, among other effects.

ters for our body, it seems we lose control of

enced the pain of being unable to respond to

everything.

the messages glowing on my phone. I realized

“I loved what I was doing and I wasn’t going to let anybody take that away from me,”

ImPACT cites that people with concus-

the hazards of not only sports, but everyday

says Johnson. “What’s the point of living if

sions will experience not only physical and

life. And I learned that silence can be deafen-

you’re not doing what you love?”

cognitive effects, but emotional instability

ing and darkness can be illuminating. YM LIVING | 41

Confessions of a pastry addict

WRITTEN BY ESTHER BLANCO PHOTOS BY HANA ANTRIM PA S T R I E S F R O M TAT T E B A K E R Y & C A F E

42 | YOURMAG

veryone has a vice. Whether it be smok-

pastries, but I can say that the quantity of people

ing, watching television, or enjoying a

that stop by for some Mike’s is insane. But, I’m

nice glass of wine at night, it is something

biased. In my opinion, Modern Pastry takes the

we look forward to every day. My addiction is pas-

trophy. It’s more gourmet, but still as traditional.

tries: cookies, pies, doughnuts, cakes, croissants,

However, my go-to in the North End is actually

breads, scones, cupcakes, and especially muffins.

Lulu’s Sweet Shoppe on Salem street. It’s a small

There’s something almost orgasmic about coming

pastry boutique that makes some of the best cup-

home from class or work and making a quick stop

cakes in the city, not to mention homemade ice

at my favorite coffee shop to grab a pastry and

cream! If you happen to be a chocolate lover like

a coffee—or at least, it is for me. Back home in

myself, make sure to order the Chocolate Explo-

Puerto Rico, pastries are usually way richer and

sion (three layers of chocolate, ‘nuff said).

higher in calories than they are here, so you don’t

Lucky for me (and unlucky for my fig-

really eat them unless it’s a special occasion. How-

ure), Somerville is overflowing with small cafés.

ever, Boston is a pastry gold mine. I didn’t know

Some of the most popular include Bloc 11 (best

how much I loved and needed pastries in my life

chocolate chip cookies ever), Diesel Cafe, and

until I moved here. After that, it was all downhill.

Forge Baking Company. They are all owned by

As hard as I try to fight the temptation, I can’t help

the same person, and feature similar pastries,

but think about the muffin and coffee I’m going to

great coffee, and a buzzing atmosphere. Among

have when I get home. It’s no longer about indulg-

their many pastry options (most are vegan, glu-

ing—it’s a lifestyle.

ten-free, and aesthetically mouth-watering) are

While Boston might be a pastry addict’s par-

blueberry streusel muffins, orange walnut rose-

adise, that’s not to say that every café has good

mary muffins, chocolate croissants, maple toasted

pastries. During my time here in Boston, I’ve lived

oat scones, and a variety of cookies, breads, and

in three different apartments scattered around the

cakes. Another small, but just as tasty café is 3

area—the North End, East Somerville, and Davis

Little Figs near Davis Square. All their pastries

Square. So, I have had the opportunity to discover

are made from scratch and they truly get creative

some of the best pastry shops in the Boston area.

with their baked goods. Some of my favorites in-

The North End is known for its excellent Ital-

clude the lavender biscuit, the dirty chai muffin,

ian restaurants and exciting nightlife, but if you

the french toast muffin (orgasmic), and the apple

happen to be there in the middle of the summer

cider donut muffin. My mouth is watering just

you’ll witness how tourists wait in ridiculously

thinking about it!

long lines for cannoli and other traditional Ital-

For those who might have a difficult time

ian pastries. The two competing pastry shops in

going to the North End or to Somerville, there

the North End are the famous Mike’s Pastry and

are always the more conventional options—Tatte

Modern Pastry. Now, I’m not much of a cannoli

Bakery & Cafe and Flour Bakery & Café both

girl myself, so I can’t speak to the quality of their

have multiple locations and to die for baked

LIVING | 43

goods! Tatte Bakery & Cafe has one of the largest selection

it’s like a glorified cinnamon roll with nuts and a very sticky

of pastries I’ve seen. The first time I walked into their Charles

syrup. However, if you’re not too big on the overly sweet pas-

Street location, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. They

tries, make sure to try the blueberry muffin. The blueberries

have various types of croissants (almond, pistachio, chocolate,

taste like they’ve just been picked and the dough is moist but

plain, etc.), dozens of what they call “rose rolls,” a poached

somehow crunchy too.

pear and almond muffin, the best selection of fruit or nut tarts

Being a pastry addict is more of a burden than anything

(the pecan tart is my favorite), and an endless amount of cakes,

else. I can’t walk past a coffee shop without peeking inside to

pies, and other desserts.

see if they’ve got any good-looking pastries. It also means I

Last but not least is Flour Bakery & Cafe. The moment

have to workout twice as much if I want to look like I’m ad-

you walk in, the smell of sugar and flour is intoxicating. Then

dicted to veggies rather than pure carbohydrates and sugar.

you see the display of pastries and you know there’s no way

It’s definitely a love–hate relationship (ok, maybe more love

you’re going to only go in there for some coffee. Nope. They go

than hate). I definitely have to find a way to satisfy my cravings

all out—pies, muffins, breads, tarts, cakes, croissants, cookies,

without becoming a muffin myself. But, in the mean time, I’ll

scones, and more. It is definitely an overwhelming experience.

be nibbling on a lemon ginger scone (from Flour Bakery &

The house favorite (or at least my favorite) is the sticky bun;

Cafe) I have in the kitchen. YM

44 | YOURMAG

Sip sip & Spoke spoke

A New Retail Space for Bicyclists and Coffee Lovers WRITTEN BY KAREN MORALES PHOTO BY BENJAMIN FROHMAN ICON BY SCOTT LEWIS

oston's biking community may get a new hub—pun

finding solutions to these issues is paramount. When open,

cept intended to serve Dorchester's Uphams Cor-

by providing affordable new and refurbished bicycles, parts,

intended. Sip & Spoke Bike Kitchen is a dual con-

ner neighborhood. Part coffee shop and part full-service bicycle shop, the venture is still in its planning phase, but

has already garnered plenty of interest for its creativity and

the bike and coffee shop will support the local biking culture

accessories, maintenance, and repair services to those who rely on biking as an economical way to get around.

Hicks was born and raised in Boston’s Bowdoin-Geneva

mission-driven spirit.

neighborhood and loved to bike as a child. What used to be

proud of. For one, we were the first state in the country to

difficult economic times as an adult. He became actively in-

There are plenty of things Boston residents have to be

legalize same-sex marriage. And what about our number one

rank as the most unequal city in America according to the Brookings Institution’s 2014 report? Yeah, not so much.

Alan Berube, co-author of the Brookings report pub-

lished in January of this year, spoke to WBUR, Boston’s NPR

a hobby turned into his sole means of transportation during volved in the biking community and joined the Executive

Board of the Boston Cyclists Union. In 2013, he founded

Bowdoin Bike School, a nonprofit repair and teaching center for local youth.

In partnership with Historic Boston Incorporated, the Sip

news station, to offer further context. According to Berube,

& Spoke Bike Kitchen will preserve and co-opt an abandoned

disparity. However, the report does reflects an alarming

part of the old trolley car system.

Boston's large student population can partially explain the trend: over the last couple of years, Boston's poor got poorer

Uphams Corner Comfort Station that was built in 1912, as From December 15, 2015 to February 16, 2016, Sip &

and the rich got richer.

Spoke’s indiegogo campaign raised $18,732 from 238 do-

lar mode of transit, had the greatest number of breakdowns

development is well underway and there are no signs of

To add insult to injury, the MBTA, the city's most popu-

out of every transit system in the U.S. in 2014 (National Transit Database).

So for people like Noah Hicks, creator of Sip & Spoke,

nors. Although their original goal was $50,000, the project’s stopping.

We caught up with Hicks to learn more about the bike

kitchen, which is expected to open in Spring 2017.

LIVING | 45

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO WITH A DUAL CONCEPT OF A BIKE SHOP/CAFE AND NOT JUST A BIKE SHOP? I wanted Sip & Spoke to engage the community—to be a place where you could hang out without a sense of urgency because there aren’t a lot of those types of places in the area now.

I envision the space to be a place where people can

gather for an art showing, a musical act. I think the in-

of cyclists. As a community organizer and someone’s

who’s been pushing this for so many years, I think open-

ing a bike shop is a good first step to advocate for this infrastructure. An actual separated bike line with a buffer

or a barrier where it would be impossible for cars to go into, for example.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF HUBWAY, BOSTON’S BIKE SHARING PROGRAM?

tegration of the local art community with the local bike

Hubway is not 12 months a year which negates the idea

be in a relatively small building—not large enough for a

the message that it’s an impractical way to get around

community is a very natural direction. Also, it’s going to restaurant with a full kitchen, so a coffee shop works best. I envision it being a classy retail joint in a space that’s cutting edge.

of cycling being sustainable for everyday living. It sends when it’s cold or snowing.

HOW DO YOU THINK THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY WILL BENEFIT FROM MORE ACCESS

THE PROJECT’S WEBSITE SAYS BOWDOIN BIKE

TO BIKES?

SCHOOL WILL BE LOCATED AT THE UPHAMS CORNER COMFORT STATION WITH SIP & SPOKE. ARE THEY GOING TO MERGE TOGETHER OR STILL BE SEPERATE FROM ONE ANOTHER? Bowdon Bike School will maintain its status as a

nonprofit but they will work together and support the

work and community outreach of this project. And Sip & Spoke will anchor Bowdoin Bike School to a sustainable funding source, as well as reach a wider audience.

WHY DO YOU THINK BOSTON RESIDENTS ARE GETTING AROUND ON BIKES AS OPPOSED TO

In working class communities in Dorchester, people rely

on their bikes in a different way than people in Milton do. They are more likely able to afford other transportation options and have more choices. The easiest way for

people to cut costs in transportation is to invest in a bike. ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WAY OF MAKING THIS HAPPEN BESIDES FUNDING? There’s no way in hell this project is not happening. This

is something the community is leaning towards and it’s something the community wants. The more people hear

OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION?

about it, the more they want to help out.

Boston is a walkable city and being a walkable city also

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO MAINTAIN THE AUTHEN-

means a bikeable city.

Our public transit system hasn’t been invested in as

much as it should be, and so a lot of people are taking the

TICITY AND HISTORY OF THE OLD COMFORT STATION?

next best option in terms of affordability and easy access.

We’re planning on staying very true to the exterior and

WHEN IT COMES TO BIKING IN THE CITY, HOW DO

which I think is the only structure in Boston with that type

YOU FEEL ABOUT THE RULES OF THE ROAD (IE. RED LIGHTS) AND WHETHER THEY SHOULD APPLY TO BIKERS? The system that we have now is not working. If you want

people to bike safely you need specific and separate infrastructure for people to do that. In Boston, cars don’t

know how to behave with people on bikes, so there

should be a system that more fully integrates the needs 46 | YOURMAG

interior of the building. The station has a red tile roof, of historic style.

Another interesting aspect of the project is that the

Comfort Station is next to a historic burial ground in

Dorchester. It’s been around since the 1600s. We’re not in

charge of preserving it but I think it brings an extra layer of relevance and people will be able to access it more

freely when they come to the bike shop. Our project is all about reactivating the space and making it relevant and accessible. YM

LIVING | 47

Saving the World One Poem at a Time WRITTEN BY SARA BARBER PHOTO BY OSCAR KEYS, COURTESY OF UNSPLASH

t is in my bones to save the world,” Michael Lee states in his poem, Shelters. This spoken word performance piece narrates the experience of having to turn homeless youth away when every bed is full in the shelter. Lee started working as a counselor in these settings when he was twenty-two and still living in Minnesota. Prior to being a youth counselor, Lee was on the brink of homelessness himself, due to an addiction to

alcohol and other substances. He developed these substance abuse problems at a very young age, and Lee notes his privilege, his mother, and art, “specifically writing,” as the main factors that kept him off the streets. Lee is an educated straight white male who recognizes his privilege and how it affects the way he is perceived, which he attributes to his success story. His mom always tried to keep him in line and always supported him, and his writing gave him a platform to share his story His own experiences have made him empathetic to the youth that he works with. When Lee was growing up and enduring traumatic experiences, he just wanted a counselor to listen and help him sort out his issues, instead of imposing and questioning him. In his experience as a youth counselor, he strives to be “a part of creating space and better access for arts.” Often, he encourages youth to work through their feelings through art, whether it’s a poem, a drawing, a photograph, or any medium that they want to delve into. He considers it a coping mechanism. Lee has performed his own pieces all around the United States, at poetry slam competitions and at schools and shelters everywhere. He depicts his own addictive adversities in his poem, The Addict, A Magician, “We weren't drug addicts, we said / we were scientists. We experimented each day. / Sent the smoke down into the deep mine of the chest / as though it were a rope with a hook at the end of it / to pull the emptiness back out.” His stark, charismatic presence and precise articulation typically captivates a crowd, leaving the audience feeling very moved and personally impacted by his words and experiences that he shares.

48 | YOURMAG

Lee now lives in Brighton, Massachusetts, attending the Har-

sleep over Stephen and seeing him in her dreams, feeling him haunt

vard Graduate School of Education. This 28-year-old edgy, stylish

her. She told Lee that Stephen wasn’t resting yet, that “he wasn’t

man with elaborate tattoos coating his arms and chest spends much

okay because we weren’t okay.”

of his time performing poetry and giving presentations all around

Lee was inspired to write another poem that was a “vehicle for

the Boston area. He very recently gave a presentation at the 2016

celebrating [Stephen’s life].” Pass On became the next piece on Ste-

Alumni of Color Conference, themed “Educators as Architects:

phen, which was a substantially quicker poem to write, with better

Building a Mosaic for Democracy Now.” He has been established

sleep. When Lee spoke to the mother again a few weeks after the

as a well-recognized figure of slam poetry, with his performances

performance of Pass On at the semi-finals for the College Unions

reaching over 400,000 views on YouTube.

Poetry Slam Invitational, she told him, “Since you did that poem, I

Over the years, he’s won the Rustbelt Regional Poetry Slam,

haven’t felt Stephen around the house… I think he’s finally resting.”

been ranked ninth at the 2011 Individual World Slam Champion-

Following hearing that from her, he noted with a laugh, “I should

ship, been voted Best Poet at the College Union Poetry Slam Invita-

just quit poetry, I don’t think it’s going to get any better from here-

tional, among many more recognitions. When he’s not performing

-that was the most transcendent, spiritual experience.”

on stage, he is getting a great bulk of his written work published in

Lee is unafraid of being vulnerable in his writing, as seen with

journals such as the Indiana Review and the Carolina Quarterly.

the way he discussed Stephen’s death, addiction, and homelessness.

He published his first chapbook in 2015 through Organic Weapon

He notes his fearless openness as “part of that [being] poetry and

Arts. Titled Secondly, Finally, the collection of poems was selected

part of that is years spent meetings in recovery for alcoholism and

by Natalie Diaz for the 2014 David Blair Memorial Prize. It is de-

addiction,” where he “told the stories time and time again.” He does

scribed by the publisher as “a room full of keys to enter memory

his best to “share [his] story with people who genuinely need it and

and imagination.”

would like to hear it,” because he “doesn’t know what [his] story can

Lee first began writing poetry in seventh grade and has turned

do to help someone else.”

it into a reputable career in the time since. He was exposed to the

Because Lee is so exposed during his performance, people feel

craft of language during a poetry unit in his seventh grade English

a connection and trust towards him. Often times, people from the

class. Three weeks into this unit, Lee’s best friend, Stephen was

audience will approach him and unload all of their own grief onto

stabbed to death, and Lee took to the power of words he had been

him. Lee will be meeting someone for the first time, “they already

exposed to in order to cope.

feel like they have this intense connection to [him]” because of

Stephen’s mother was schizophrenic; she thought Al Qaeda

how vulnerable and open he is during his performance, but he’s

and the government were after them. She believed she was saving

just meeting them for the first time. Lee says, “I’m ready to speak

her twelve-year-old son from harm when she killed him.

about the weather, and they’re like ‘my father just died in a terrible

When twelve-year-old Lee strolled into homeroom on a Feb-

house fire.’”

ruary’s Monday morning and found all of his classmates sobbing,

This carries over into his inbox, when he gets emails and mes-

he immediately knew someone had died. The impact was infinite,

sages from strangers begging him to deal with problems he has not

and resulted in Lee struggling with his best friend’s murder for

experienced. He ends up very overwhelmed, which results in very

years.

minimal responses from him; he usually opens one email as he can.

Ten years later, in 2010, Lee spent three months slaving over

Instead of putting all of his energy into email responses, Lee

the poem We’re Golden. This piece became an exclamation of and

puts most of his effort into homeless shelters for youth and sharing

removal from the traumatic experience that had been haunting

his lessons and talent with as many people as possible. Lee hopes

him, it was “cleaning [his] spirit...by way of fighting.” For the three

that when people leave after seeing him perform his poetry, they

months it took to get this poem out, he hardly slept and nearly

go home and write. He hopes that they feel as though they have

relapsed into the addictions he had been working to recover from

permission and a drive to share their own story. Not so much as

in the past years.

in “I allow you to write this story,” more so that “we needed to

When he performed We’re Golden, he received tremendous

see something in a way we didn’t know that thing could be done.”

gratitude from his peers who were also affected by Stephen’s mur-

He hopes that everyone can collectively heal through his words.

der. The mother of the girl Stephen was dating when he died called

Lee’s bones have grown heavy with traumatic experiences, carrying

Lee after seeing the performance to tell him how grateful she was

more weight than one person should have to in a lifetime. Despite,

for the poem. She said Stephen would have loved the poem, too, but

or maybe in spite of the grief, he embraces this trauma in his writ-

“would have wanted something happier.” She had still been losing

ing, as a means of understanding and healing. YM

LIVING | 49

f o b inge t r a e -

wa tc

WRITTEN BY LINDSEY PARADIS PHOTO BY EBRIMA MANJANG

n empty wrapper slides off the bed as you shift, just one of the

spent whole weekends binge-watching.

many nestled in the folds of your comforter. You’re adjusting

In an even more extreme exhibition on binge-watching, Samlin

the location of your laptop, the battery is hot and has started to

Miller ‘17 finished all nine seasons of the 30-minute comedy Scrubs

sear your legs. Its screen covers your face in an artificial glow. You touch

in a week and a half during summer 2014. By the end of that August,

your face, it’s greasy. Your nose scrunches in distaste, you think when

Miller had finished a total of 15 television series, often averaging a

was the last time I took a shower? It’s 2:37 a.m. You’re twelve episodes

season a day.

deep into Starz’s Outlander. Your eyes sting. But as the credits roll, your pointer finger glides over the laptop’s trackpad. Click. Next episode.

And it doesn’t help that some streaming services, such as Netflix and Amazon Video, drop whole seasons on one day.

Binge-watching has become the new normal. A 2015 study done

This allows viewers some serious instant gratification and is like no

by TiVo found that nine out of ten people participate in this form of

other experience the American public has ever had television wise, as

television gluttony, which is defined as watching more than three epi-

cable’s traditional method is airing new episodes once a week.

sodes of a single show in one day.

“When something new gets uploaded, I want to watch the whole

And as the vast majority of Americans have decided to continu-

thing in one sitting,” says Miller. “When the second season of Bojack

ously click the next episode button, the activity of staring zombie-eyed

Horseman got released, I made sure everything I needed to do got done

at a screen for five hours straight has gotten significantly less shameful.

the day before it was released, so I could spend the whole day watching.”

Only 30 percent of the study’s respondents reported a negative view of

Get comfy. If you’re going to be glued to your laptop for hours

binge-watching, in comparison to two years ago when more than half of

you might as well be comfy. Food and your favorite sweats are a must.

respondents found the term “bingeing” to have a negative connotation.

Chips are a classic television snack, but really anything that you can

Netflix reigned supreme in the study, with 66 percent of respon-

continually pick at works.

dents using the streaming service to watch copious episodes of their

Meals are a little more difficult, because who wants to make or go

original series—House of Cards and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

out for dinner in between How to Get Away With Murder episodes? The

topped the list.

suspense is too killer.

Viewers click with caution.

This being said, anything that can be popped in the microwave and

Netflix analysts have crunched the numbers and are now able to

ready in two minutes is a godsend. Either that, or stuff junk food into

estimate how many episodes you need to watch in order to fall into

your mouth until you forget all about food groups and three meals a day.

a binge-watching blackhole. Two episodes of Breaking Bad and you’re

Binge-watching is a solitary activity. The proof is in the

hooked, three episodes for Orange is the New Black, and a whopping

numbers, Americans are loners; at least when it comes to binge-watch-

eight for How I Met Your Mother.

ing their favorite shows. The Arris Group, a U.S. company that manu-

And get ready for 600 hours of new Netflix original content this

factures equipment for cable companies, polled 19,000 people last year

year, including over 30 original series—new shows like Judd Apatow’s

about their viewing habits. The results state that 69 percent of Ameri-

Love, Marvel’s Luke Cage, Flaked starring Will Arnett, and historical

cans solo binge.

drama The Crown.

For Simpson, solo binge-watching is simply more convenient. “My

It would take a total of 25 days to binge-watch all of this new foot-

roommate and I started watching Mad Men together,” she says. “And if

age straight through. Plus, content is available on other streaming sites

I was watching it alone I'd be at least halfway through by now, but be-

such as Amazon Video and Hulu. Even Youtube is getting in on the

cause we have to work with both our schedules we're just about to finish

game. This past February, the video site launched its first original series,

season one. It's kind of pathetic.”

Scare PewDiePie, on its new subscription service Red. With so many hours of television out there and only a click away, the question becomes: how do I binge-watch to the best of my ability?

Warning, binge-watching may cause loss of sleep. You’re seven episodes into Transparent, it doesn’t matter if it's 2:00 a.m. you just have to finish the first season.

Make sure you have lots of free time. Binge-watching,

While it’s something she tries to avoid, Simpson has lost sleep due

according to TiVo, means watching a minimum of three episodes. For

to late night binges. She says, “I can't fall asleep when I'm too invested

traditional hour long programing this can take between two and half to

in a show or episode.”

three hours. But let’s be honest, there’s a big chance that you’re going to watch more than just three episodes.

This isn’t uncommon. TiVo’s study found that 31 percent of respondents had lost sleep from this habit that’s oh so hard to break.

Lindsey Simpson ‘17 sites her most severe case of binge-watching

“It kind of seems silly, but it’s worth it to turn off the TV [every

as viewing the first two seasons, 19 episodes, of The Walking Dead in just

once in awhile, instead of] keep[ing] yourself up all night,” says

three days. This isn’t uncommon; 37 percent of TiVo’s respondents have

Simpson. “Know your limit.” YM ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | 51

March Horoscopes

JA N 20 — F E B 18

F E B 19 — M A R C H 20

M A R C H 21 — A P R I L 19

A rare cosmic arrangement prom-

You may be unsettled by strange,

Your artistic side will suddenly

advisable to immediately pay back

To combat this, make self-care

not actively creating, consider

ises money troubles this month. It’s any debts you owe to friends or

family members, and avoid large purchases of any kind.

A P R I L 20 — M AY 20

vivid dreams this month, Pisces. each morning a priority. A healthy breakfast is a good place to start.

flare up—put it to good use! When

attending a lecture, film screening, or gallery opening to keep the creative momentum going.

M AY 21 — J U N E 20

J U N E 21 — J U L Y 22

Children will be of particular sig-

The planets warn of interpersonal

Now is not a good time for major

encounter one, listen to what he

problem may be the best way to

your mental and physical energy

nificance this month. Should you

or she has to say—even if it sounds

nonsensical. Coded in their lan-

guage are valuable instructions for self-actualization.

52 | YOURMAG

drama. For once, ignoring a

solve it. Remain optimistic—others will appreciate you for it.

career decisions. Instead, conserve for next month, when a major opportunity will be presented to you.

W R I T T E N B Y M AT T M U L L E N ART BY SARA BARBER P H O T O S B Y S O P H I E P E T E R S - W I L S O N

Our managing editor trains his gimlet eye on the future ahead.

J U L Y 23 — AU G 22

AU G 23 — S E P T 22

SEPT 23 — OCT 22

Several major revelations—some

It’s advisable not to form new

You may be troubled by a persistent,

enting this month. Reconnect with

focus on a friend from whom you

Libra. This is your growing mind

good, some bad—will be disoriMother Nature to regain your equilibrium. Yoga is a good idea.

friendships at this time. Instead, have drifted apart. Before going to bed each night, repeat this friend’s

name aloud three times. They will hear your message.

low-level sense of claustrophobia, pushing

against

its

confines.

Consider cleaning out your closet— the act will be soothing.

OCT 23 — NOV 21

NOV 22 — DEC 21

D E C 22 — JA N 19

The telephone will be of grave

A lover from your past will attempt

The stars in your constellation will

receive a call or calls from an

Remain aloof to their confrontations

Capricorn, with peak brightness

significance this month. You may

unknown number. Do not—for any reason—answer.

to dredge up old arguments. and tautology—they are simply

desperate to right old wrongs. Focus on new relationships.

be particularly bright this month, occurring early in the second week. You will be blessed with clarity and insight. How will you put it to use?

HOROSCOPES | 53

artist’s statement DORCAS THETE B.A. ACTING ‘18 How do you start the first collage? When do you decide to clip the first image? I find myself collaging things that have to do with my identity as a black woman.

I first start collaging by finding images that catch my eye from various magazines (a lot from Vogue and EBONY). I look at images from Vogue because of the bold and bright colors, not for the people. Most of the people represented in Vogue are white women and I want my art to

After writing in journals since the age of nine, I needed another

reflect who I am as a person. I do not put any images of white people in

outlet to express my ever-changing emotions. I started to draw. One day

my collages because they don’t reflect who I am. I always have a visceral

I drew a face with a mouth on it (I know it sounds stupid, I was emo-

feeling where to place every image. It’s actually quite beautiful. I feel

tional/in the midst of puberty/discovered Drake). This soon became the

like I have no control of how my artwork is going to end up because

first step to the rendition of my first college. It was a visual diary of my

it is bigger than my two brown hands. When I make collages I fully

emotional state, from the deaths of family members, to learning to love

project my emotions onto the artwork. I become unapologetic. There

myself, to having the realization that I wanted to make art. After making

is no doubt in my head that I am right. I have control. My artwork is

my first collage, I stopped for a very long time because my performing

a total juxtaposition of my identity that at times feels stuck due to the

arts boarding school took over my life. [Now] I get my inspiration for

social construct that my skin color isn’t enough, that I am not enough,

my collages when I look at images from Ebony and Essence magazines.

but with my collages I am finally enough.

FRONT & BACK COVER CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHER: YASMINA HIL AL MAKE-UP: PERI LAPIDUS MODELS: ELISHA DUMONT, BEN CHER, MORGAN TURNER