mirrors magazine || reflecting us

Subscribe for free to Mirrors Magazine, a an online lifestyle and music magazine! “Mirrors” is in regard to reflection, and how perception of oneself or others can be skewed. We believe in diversity and freedom to explore cultures outside of our own. We expose others to things/lifestyles they may not be familiar with, in order to create a more tolerant, accepting society. Be a part of the movement. We're seeking writers, so visit our official site, mirrorsmagazine.com/join to sign up. Volunteer to be a staff member!

[makeupdramatics]

[makeupdramatics]

[luvthe-hurtaway]

My favorite Janet Jackson’s Appearances

[findvictory]

Done! #art

[bryant-deactivated20241011]

[mirrorsmag]

Visit Original Link

New music from Willow and Jaden Smith - 5

[mirrorsmag]

Mirrors Fashion: Winter!

[mirrorsmag]

Holidays, schmolidays...

by Monique

"New games for the Sega Genesis, new Barbie because I lost the last one's head, a new bike, pink, but other colors are ok..."

Long gone are the days of sleepless nights, checking the window for Santa's arrival, and that excitement when one of the adults FINALLY says it's time to get out of bed and open presents. Those were the glory days. Got a new Barbie? Hell yeah. New clothes? Eh, not so much. Forget those clothes. Barbie's got hella adventures waiting for her. Christmas dinner was cool, but dessert was what it was all about. Sugar galore, new toys and gadgets, and lots of cousins to run around the house with. What could be better?

Well, not everything's changed. We still like toys, but the really expensive kind. $500 iPads, the new iPhone 85... and we have a whole new appreciation for the clothes. Dessert's still very important, but we wonder why we didn't love macaroni and cheese back then as much as we do now. Maybe those cousins you used to love are jerks now. There's no getting out of bed before the sun rises. You're lucky if you open your eyes before noon. Traveling to family's homes is a hassle now, unless they're coming to YOUR place to make a huge mess before they leave with handfuls of gifts and stomachs full of food.

What happened? Christmas (or whatever it is you celebrate) isn't as magical anymore. We're more worried about how much it's all gonna cost, stressing out over gifts and food, decorations and all of the commercial goodness that makes the holidays what they are. For many of us, it's just another day to be annoyed by relatives on what might be your only day off from work, if you're lucky enough to be employed in a company that closes up shop to observe the holiday.

"No, I don't have a boyfriend yet." "But I do have a real job..." "Well you know, college degrees aren't for everyone..."

Yes, it's all very overwhelming and prone to make you want to stay in bed all day, watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" while spiking hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps. 'Tis the season, right?

Our Christmas list now reads more like: "An above minimum wage job, a clue as to what to do with my life, health insurance, a boyfriend, tall, but short is ok too."

However, the holidays don't have to suck. It's up to you to put some effort into improving the experience. Throw on an ugly Christmas sweater. Put on a Santa hat. Stay hopped up on candy canes. Whatever you've gotta do, be active in lowering your stress level. It's inevitable that things change as you get older. We're in different, crucials stages of our lives and nothing's quite as fun, but it could always be worse.

I try to keep in mind all the people who would kill for what I'm able to have each year. There are people eating meals in shelters for the holidays. Some people don't know where they're sleeping each night. I'm with my family in nice, warm homes, and someone else might be huddled up with their loved ones in a vehicle because they have nowhere else to go. Maybe you want to take a hammer to that toy car your little cousin keeps running over your feet with, but there's a kid somewhere who'd love to have that toy.

This is not to trivialize your pain and annoyance, or to make it seem as if they don't matter, but to put things in perspective. Try to find something in common with your family members. Break out the board games. Sing horribly to some holiday songs. There's always the option for the Soul Train Line. Cheer Uncle Earl on when he tries to pop lock. Enjoy the holiday. You never know which holiday will be your last one. So while you can, milk it for all it's worth.

[mirrorsmag]

Recipe: Cristina’s mom’s famous mole de la olla!

Mole is a tricky dish to make, but it can be done, and it can be delicious if you follow all the right steps. I present to you Cristina’s mom’s famous mole de la olla (which translates to mole from the pot)! This is a perfect dish for the holidays because it’s warm, spicy, and leaves you all warm and cozy inside. I have memories of my mom making this for my siblings and me when we were growing up, and it always gave me comfort and a feeling like I was home. I’ve since tried different moles, but none of them compare to Mama’s. Try it yourself and be the judge! Here is how to make it:

First things’s first: boil the chicken. Add 2 tablespoons of salt and two tablespoons of chicken broth; my mom uses Knorr chicken powder.  Add a chunk of onion, or however much you prefer. Boil the chicken for two hours.

After the chicken is done boiling, separate it and leave it in a bowl or a separate pot where it will stay warm. Leave the broth boiling, and add Salsa del Pato to the broth. This is the bit that adds the kick. It’s easy to find in the Hispanic aisle at any supermarket. Here is a picture, for reference. 

3. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of cold water plus 1-2 cups flour and mix well. Use a strainer when mixing in the flour to avoid lumps.

4. Pour the flour mixture into the broth, whisking as you pour. Mix very well and bring it to a boil. The sauce should thicken once it boils. While it is boiling, add the chicken to the pot.

5. Serve and EAT! I suggest serving it with warm corn tortillas and red rice. My mom likes it with a squirt of fresh lemon juice.

IMPORTANT:

Don’t cover the pot until the mole is cold because it will become watery.

[mirrorsmag]

Mirrors Beauty: Holiday Beauty 2013!

[mirrorsmag]

Mirrors Food: Holiday Hazelnut Heaven Trifle!

[februaryystars]

[mirrorsmag]

Visit Original Link

Song of the Day: Banks - Warm Water

[mirrorsmag]

Interview: Illustrator/Designer XPayne

Maybe you've seen some of his artwork, especially on Tumblr. If you've ever come across drawings depicting people, films, television shows, and performers in bold colors and distinctive style, you've probably experienced what Xavier Payne has to offer. A talented young man from the Southern United States, XPayne conjures up illustrations and creations that are more than meets the eye. Behind each and every piece is a story, a purpose of some kind. Many of us enjoy his art with a sense of nostalgic recognition. He recreates much of things a fair amount of us grew up seeing and hearing. "Martin", "Living Single", Spike Lee's classic "Do The Right Thing"; however, he ventures outside the realms of urban pop culture, showing versatility with the inclusion of figures such as Andy Warhol and Takashi Murakami. In a nutshell, he's got something for everyone. Meet XPayne.

Monique: Introduce yourself to the people. XPayne: Xavier Payne. 26. Nashville, Tennessee. Monique: Has your hometown or environment had any influence on the things you create, as far as subject matter? XPayne: I'm from southern America and my work appeals to urban communities, but I think the slower, simple lifestyle that the south tends to carry is influential to my work. Over time, I have stripped down and simplified my work; sometimes it can be as simple as a few carefully placed shapes or symbols (i.e. For Trayvon). I went to an exhibition at the First Museum in Nashville featuring African American artists a few weeks ago and it helped me understand the simplicity of my work in a different, southern perspective because much of the work there was very dense and reflected the large concentrated populations in places farther north. Monique: Being from the South myself, I understand how the pace of life here could influence you. When did you discover your talents? XPayne: I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be an artist! I would say maybe 3 or 4. It wasn't until I was in high school that I learned what kind of artist I wanted to be, and decided to start down the path of design and illustration, and then that became a journey itself. I didn't settle into a style or "voice" until 2012. Monique: That's inspiring, for those of us who might feel like it's too late to do the things we want to do. Where does most of your support come from? XPayne: It comes from people like you! Everyone, really. It's very inspiring and humbling to see all the people that show love from all over the world. The web was pivotal for that. Monique: Are there any past or current visual artists who have inspired you? XPayne: That list is endless...Al Hirschfeld, Frank Frazetta, and Kara Walker have probably been the most influential to me. Hirschfeld was funny and intelligent and simple. Frazetta was dramatic and sexy. Walker was/is awkward and freaky. I remember being influenced by the album and CD artwork for OutKast when I was in high school, especially Aquemini. I would add that I when I was in the 4th grade, I wrote a report on Vincent Van Gogh. His contribution to color is the first source of inspiration I remember. Monique: Is creating a hobby for you, or have you already developed it into a career? XPayne: Creating has become my career. I'm a freelance illustrator and designer at the moment who attends Watkins College of Art Design and Film.

Monique: Any advice for other creative individuals? XPayne: Do a lot of work! People don't tell young artists that you don't have to knock it out of the park all the time, its more about creating a large mass of work, and having faith in yourself. Its almost the opposite of "quality over quantity" philosophy, which is what most go by as a general rule in life. In art though, you have to do enough work to develop your own language, and those masterpieces will come in time. Monique: Great advice! I think that'll be helpful coming from someone as talented as you. What are your favorites among the things you've created? XPayne: Sasha's New Move has a lot of meaning to me. I really enjoy the Samurai Girls too. I'm excited to see where they go. Monique: I really like the Samurai Girls series. Outside of visual art, what are your other interests? XPayne: Music, music, music, and movies. Monique: What would you say to people who dismiss the need in our world for creative professionals? XPayne: Would you rather work for the Matrix? Creativity is apart of all professions, artists just concentrate on it. We push the envelope so that others can open it.

Monique: That's an interesting and accurate perspective. Do you ever feel blocked creatively? How do you deal with it? XPayne: I have my moments but in the end, art is something that nourishes me more than harms me so realizing that helps me push forward when I'm feeling stuck. I do force myself to get away though and just live life. Art should be inspired by life more than anything else. Monique: What emotions would you like for people to feel when experiencing your work? XPayne: That is up to the viewer. I do think my work represents a range of emotions and traits, like sensitivity, empathy, nostalgia, joy, gratitude, violence, and despair. Monique: What kind of mark on the world do you hope to leave, through your art? XPayne: I'm an ambitious person. I want my work to represent a leap of faith.

Thanks for taking some time to let us into your world, Xavier. I wish you all the luck and success in the world! Check XPayne out on Tumblr and Instagram. Purchase something and support working artists! Until next time...

[mirrorsmag]

Watch: Eminem - Rap God

[mirrorsmag]

Generate ideas for monthly features, subject to approval from editor-in-chief. Basically, you don't have a specific niche. Your interests may expand beyond one category, and that's a good thing. Your options are endless. However, articles including any form of racism, discrimination, hatred, etc. will be rejected. Your articles should be fresh and interesting. Before choosing a topic, ask yourself: Would I want to read this? Or would it put me to sleep? Don't be afraid to think outside the box. You're not limited. If you want to write a music review one week, and then an article on relationships the next week, you're free to do so. Visit here to apply for this position.

[mirrorsmag]

Generate ideas for monthly features, subject to approval from editor-in-chief. Fashion writers are expected to keep up with the latest fashion news and trends, as well as be fashion savvy her or himself. This is a time to let your creativity shine. You must have a keen eye for style. You're also encouraged to create or share DIY looks, high fashion looks for less money, what the hottest colors or patterns are for the season, etc. We'd also love for you to use your very own style and fashion sense in your work. If you have great outfits of your own, feel free to photograph them and share where you acquired each item. In your articles, you must include all body types and preferably both genders, if applicable. (However, don't worry if you know nothing about the opposite sex's fashion!) Visit here to apply for this position.