I’m sure everyone has read a poem or two; if not by choice, then by obligation (curse those boring language classes!). Some may be in love with it, while others may not even understand the obscure metaphors that many poems have. But did you know that there is a form of poetry that requires no reading or writing whatsoever?
Sarah Kay is the founder and co-director of Project V.O.I.C.E., an organization created to encourage the use of spoken word poetry to entertain, educate, and inspire. She writes musicals, makes short films, and teaches literature, but is most known for her spoken word poetry.
For Sarah, spoken word isn’t simply the reading of a poem. It is the expression of words that “doesn’t just want to sit on paper, but something that demands it be heard out loud”.
When Sarah was 14, she became interested in the idea of spoken word poetry. She was fascinated by how poetry was not only read, but performed. After her first performance in high school, she became addicted to spoken word; loving the idea of creating something that could reach everyone in the audience and move them.
Unlike written poetry, the audience need not look for the poem, interpret its meaning, or even read. Spoken word creates the opportunity to tell your story in a way that will speak to people of all ages. To add to that, spoken word poetry often uses language that we use in daily life. So no need to twist your brain trying to think of what that phrase means while simultaneously trying to keep up with the poem.
If you’re interested in Sarah’s work or spoken word in general, you can watch her Ted Talk or visit her website to check out more.
Written by Chiara | Photography by Chloe Larkin | Edited by Dorothea
Vegan food is no longer just about fruit and vegetables. So many realistic new creations have been invented since to mimic the non-vegan foods most people love. So whether you’re a chef, a health nut, or simply a foodie interested in food trends, read on to find out about the top 7 trending vegan foods that you should try.
1. Nice cream
Also called ‘nana ice cream’, nice cream is vegan ice cream made from a base of frozen bananas. Even if you may not love bananas, nice cream can have a variety of flavors, just like regular ice cream, though most simply combine different fruits to get a fresh tropical treat.
2. Fake bacon
This dish may make even the most open-minded foodie wary, but I promise you, good fake bacon totally trumps real bacon. Keep in mind that fake meats or dairy products can be a hit or miss – some succeed in imitating texture, flavor, and even smell, while others just don’t get it at all. So don’t swear off fake bacon if your first try was awful. Chances are you’ll have a great second try.
3. Acai bowls
This treat has been on foodie must-try lists for a while now. So many health bars and juice bars have adopted this tasty bowl for those drooling after the delicious variations on Instagram. Not only is it packed with vitamins and minerals from the fruits, it is full of superfoods that give you extra immunity and energy boosts.
4. Tofu
I guess technically this food’s been around for a while now, but the growth of the vegan community put it back on the map with many experiments and discoveries on tofu making its way to menus and Instagram flatlays. Baked tofu, grilled tofu, steamed tofu, scrambled tofu (an imitation of scrambled eggs), you name it, they got it.
5. Nut cheese
This may sound like another one of those dodgy vegan foods that the skeptics love to bash but keep in mind that even though these inventions are called “cheeses”, they are merely imitations and therefore should not be expected to taste exactly the same. Some nut cheeses may require an acquired taste, but a good cheese (especially a specialized one, like parmesan or mozzarella) should taste similar to the real deal. Of course, these are multitudes healthier than the dairy version, since they are full of proteins and healthy fats that will keep you full for a long time.
6. Zoodles
If you’re a healthy foodie, you should know about this one already. Zoodles, or zucchini noodles, are ‘noodles’ made from spiraled zucchini. They are usually eaten raw with Asian sauces and toppings, though of course there are many other variations. A newer variation of zoodles is coodles, or spiraled carrot noodles. This one definitely does not taste like real noodles, but they’re a fun alternative to plain wheat or egg noodles.
7. Aquafaba
Last but not least, aquafaba is the water from soaking chickpeas or other beans. The water from a can of chickpeas or other beans are also considered such. This bean juice is what some call “miracle water” because it acts as the perfect egg replacer in baking, allowing for the creation of treats like macarons and meringues.
These foods above may not all be your thing, but I bet that every reader will have at least one that they will end up loving. So take a risk and give it a try! Who knows, maybe you’ll end up loving all of them!
Written by Chiara | Photo Source: Radiant Plant Life | Edited By Daniel
Lessons Young Creatives Can Learn from La Nouvelle Vague
La Nouvelle Vague or the French New Wave was a movement that revolutionized French cinema during the late 1950s and 1960s. One may be thinking, what’s so new about it? How does it still speak to the youth of today? You might be surprised to know that its message to the youth back then still resonates with the young creatives today.
Be Innovative
The movement was born out of the frustrations of young filmmakers who longed to create movies but had no financing from established studios. They found the movies of their time redundant and in need of a fresh look. These upcoming filmmakers wanted to create content that evoked the essence of their youth. New wave films are known for their unique filming styles that included jump cuts, which emphasized the ‘show don’t tell’ message to their audiences, and unconventional camera movements that blurred the lines between art and reality. This was achieved by filming with hand held cameras and using natural lighting alone, creating a faux sense of reality and intertwining the real world with the art created in the film. According to these filmmakers, what is the point in saying anything if you don’t have anything new to say? As a result, they sought new methods and techniques to convey their own youthful experiences for they saw that traditional and established techniques were inadequate in capturing the youth of their time.
Be Limitless & Resourceful
The pioneers of La Nouvelle Vague were far from veterans in the film industry. They often lacked financial support from large studios but this didn’t stop them from creating content. Instead they made good use of what they had, foregoing large expensive sets in favor of real locations (often prohibited), filmed with lightweight cameras along with small crews and casting mostly unknown actors and actresses. Jean-Luc Godard is famously known for filming without a script and favored improvisation during filming.
A great example of this can be seen in his famous work “À bout de souffle" or “Breathless” where it encompassed the sense of ‘being in the moment’. New Wave films became iconic for their simple yet engaging aesthetic when it came to story telling, providing their audiences with a more engaging viewing experience. The New Wave movement was about capturing the essence of youth. Godard himself said that “I don’t think cinema influences youth, we should instead let youth influence cinema to hold on to our desire.” What La Nouvelle Vague teaches us is to not let the idea of being ‘young and inexperienced’ overtake our desire to create and pursue various endeavors, but instead let it be the driving force behind your passions and dreams in order to make it a reality.
Be Passionate
Contrary to popular belief, experience isn’t everything. When it comes to creating content, one must be passionate and think out of the box. Sticking to established rules sometimes impedes personal growth and creative progress. La Nouvelle Vague is a great example of this. Prior to its conception, up and coming filmmakers felt that the French cinema scene was filled with overused themes and was in need of a makeover to appeal to the interests of the younger generation.
In fact, the most famous filmmakers of this movement which included Jean-Luc Godard, Claude Chabrol and François Truffaut all started out as film critics before they gifted their thoughts and ideas onto the big screen. The French New Wave was about movies made by cinephiles themselves, those who had deep interest and passion for the art form. They broke the mold and ended up creating a new movement of their own, something we can still learn from; for those looking at a new possible creative endeavor look beyond established methods and try to think of ways it can be done differently.
In addition, let your inexperience encourage you to test new waters and brave challenges ahead instead of shying away from it. With the prominence of social media and its essence of ‘creating and sharing’ content, it’s easy to feel swept away and one may find it difficult to establish one’s own identity. But as long as your innovative spirit and passion for creativity is alive, you’ll be able to find your own voice in a sea of many.
If you’d like to know more about the La Nouvelle Vague, the following films are highly recommended: À Bout De Souffle, Hiroshima Mon Amour and Les Quatre Cents Coups.
Article by Ysabella | Photo Source: Pop Up | Edited By Daniel
If you’re like me who loves to follow various fashion bloggers around social media, you might have noticed how most of them patronize online clothing stores. And they have good reason to.
Online stores provide extensive and unique collections that cannot be achieved by your local shopping mall at all times. Here’s a list of a few great finds that will win your heart.
1. StyleNanda
This South Korean fashion label giant started in 2004 and has grown ever since. It features multiple fashion houses under its name but its overall style is trendy, fun and youthful. So if you’re looking to upgrade your daily look to a more playful one, then this is the place for you.
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2. Esther
Another 2004 baby, Esther is an Australian brand that showcases simple and feminine styles. Their collections feature a lot of lace and light fabrics which is perfect for everyday looks. I discovered this brand after seeing their dresses on multiple instagrammers around the world, which signifies its growing popularity among the blogging community.
Photo Source: 2
3. Salon De By Me
I was attracted to this brand by its interesting name while looking around Instagram (again!). This brand showcases a very feminine and classic style which I personally love.
If you want to switch things up to achieve a timeless look, then give this South Korean brand a try! Unfortunately, the website is mostly in Korean so it might be difficult to navigate around for some, google translate may help. Regardless, it’s still worth looking at for inspiration!
Photo Source: 3
4. Threadscence
Often worn by fashion blogger/youtuber Jenn Im, this brand has a deep love for the bohemian lifestyle. If your style is more laid back, then you’ll surely fall in love with their collection. Most of their clothes are loose, light and vibrant with patterns, carrying an all year round festival vibe to it.
Photo Source: 4
5. Undo Clothing
This Philippine brand is the brainchild of fashion entrepreneur Kyla Zuniga. When I first saw her collection, it had a strong minimalist appeal as it features plain fabrics and clean lines. If you prefer modern and straightforward, then this is your go to brand. Aside from their clothing line, Undo also has a beautiful line of planners that are locally made in the Philippines itself.
Photo Source: 5
Article by Ysabella | Photography by SimpleIsNewLuxury | Edited By Suzy
Ruso Margishvili is a young New York based architect, designer and illustrator. Her illustrations often interpret scenes of everyday life. She has a narrative style of drawing - capturing magical moments of humdrum routines. Ruso’s illustrations are amusing and at the same time melancholic, simple and chaotic, imaginary and real, crazy and normal. Here’s an inside look of her whimsical artwork.
If watching the illustrations attentively you will definitely notice artist’s cosmic thoughts and amusing irony. Is not it marvelous to see a Queen at a “pizzeria”? Imagine Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom seating next to you enjoying a slice of pizza.
“Her Majesty likes to stop for a slice of pizza after a night out”
“I'm not a good listener”
“Marina Abramovich Making Eggs”
“My Melancholic Self”
Illustrations of thoughts, watercolors, black vs white, minimalism and humor, together form neat aesthetics. The details are exquisite, the form of expression is unique and the contents are catchy, collectively creating an imaginary world inspired by the little joys of daily life.
For more of Ruso’s works please visit http://www.rusoissleeping.com/
Article by Gabi | Artwork by Ruso Margishvili | Edited By Ysabella
With weeks of vacation ahead, you like many other people may have neglected to take care of your body. Have you ever found yourself snacking mindlessly on unhealthy foods while taking a TV show marathon? Or simply, forgotten about your regular workout routine in the midst of all your traveling? Ever made a vague promise not to do it again and have failed? Don’t worry we’ve got your back! Here are tips to help you get fit – stay fit – be fit and healthy during your vacation.
1. If you’re planning on traveling, make sure you familiarize your place and where you may exercise while you’re there. Whether it’s the hotel gym or swimming pool, running around the neighborhood, or simply working out or having a yoga session in your room, knowing where you will be able to work out will help you prepare for exercise. This includes gathering the necessary gear and appropriate clothing for exercise, as well as to remove any excuses of not bringing the proper outfit or not knowing where the gym is.
2. Stay hydrated. The best way to make sure you drink enough water is to always carry a big water bottle with you, which you can refill after you finish it. This will also help you stay healthy and energetic.
3. Don’t make food the main focus. During Christmas or any other holidays, food tends to be your superstar. Instead of focusing on the food, focus on other things – like catching up with family and friends, exchanging presents, and decorating the tree.
4. Resist treating yourself to snacks. People often overestimate the amount of calories they burn during shopping. To better resist the many tasty temptations in the mall, bring a small container of healthy snacks (nuts, dried or fresh fruits, or even juice will do) to munch (and sip) on when you feel peckish.
5. Don’t overexhaust yourself. Stay in after you;ve had a tiring day, and rest up to restore on energy. Remember to eat healthy, restorative home-cooked meals.
6. To prevent overeating, chew gum 15 minutes before you have your meal. This is especially effective during family meals with numerous dishes. You can also pop a mint between servings to gauge whether you’re full.
7. Eat before you’re hungry, stop before you’re full. Easier said than done.
8. Arrange physical activities or you to do on your travels. Outdoor activities like ice-skating or rafting or trying new kinds of exercises can be a fun way for you to keep active during the holidays.
With many temptations and much more time to pass, vacations are certainly hard on your body. Restraining yourself from treats and keeping active will help you overcome the usual vacation weight gain. Your body will thank you
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Written by Chiara / Edited by Suzy / Photography by anotherfeather
It’s time to explore new trends, revisit old favourites and yes, even splash in a little ‘normcore’ fashion into your wardrobe! Mustard turtleneck sweaters, button up beige skirts, denim, more knits, woolly socks and sneakers are only the beginning of this “aesthetically-pleasing” trend. At first, such frumpy-but-cute outfits leave you feeling wrinkly and weird, but if mastered right with a too-cool attitude and cheeky smile, you’ll become ‘Queen Bee’!
The Turtleneck
These cute, snuggly throat-warmers are becoming increasingly popular. Despite previously being shunned for its thick and frumpiness, which we now have learnt to love, they are completely undeniably adorable! These can be matched with beige or denim skirts, flared jeans, ‘mom jeans’ and flowy dresses.
“I am so thrilled to see the development of the turtleneck into something that more closely resembles a sock for your whole head.” - Megan Cahn and Danielle Prescod from Elle Magazine. Love it.
Sneaky Business
Let’s go back to Chanel Spring 2014, when sporty-chic sneakers bedazzled the runway along with knee pads and fanny packs. More than a year later, sneakers are still walking the runways (minus the glitter and sparkle). There’s proof that sneakers and dresses can look très chic! Furthermore, they are certainly more comfortable than a pair of heels that cause aches and pains. Personally, my favourites are the Classic Adidas Superstars and the amazing Nike Air Force Ones.
Denim Blues
Boyfriend jeans, flared jeans and now mom jeans?! While a good old pair of skinny jeans will never fail to make your legs and your outfit look amazing, these new denim trends are certainly much more interesting and exciting! Boyfriend jeans look effortlessly stylish. Pair them with long sleeved tops and sweaters (try a turtleneck!). Flared jeans or flared pants in general can be a challenge for some to pull off, but don’t give up! Steal some inspo from the 60-90s era of fashion, crop tops, denim vests, et cetera - just don’t be afraid to experiment with different bits and bobs.
Mom jeans are a crazy new trend that rose to power with the help of SNL and Ali Michael. What’s so special about them you ask? Do they enhance your figure or wear comfortably? Mom jeans posses the unique ability to make you look adorably, stylishly cute and quirky. Or something like that, but I love them anyway, and you have to admire how hard they try to look cool.
Written by Katy | Edited by Suzy | Photography by figtny