I love a quote by Charles Spurgeon that imparts the following wisdom, “It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” The last couple of weeks have been serendipitously abundant with information about how 2016 has been quite the rough year for many. Whether it’d be via social media posts, podcasts, personal conversations or comments from passersby, the general consensus seems to be pessimistically melancholic. And while most things in life flow naturally in both directions of the spectrum, I couldn’t help but wonder what made this year so terrible for most. I’m not quite sure that I’ve figured that out yet, but what I can contribute to the somber tone of 2016’s departure is a list of practices,…
A NOMADIC WOMEN’S MOVEMENT IN PRINT PAGES
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Hello From the Other Side: What It Looks Like to Empower Men
Women are powerful. We’re beings with purpose; sustainers of life. While this has always been true, it hasn’t always been appreciated — let alone celebrated — which is why women around the globe have spent over a century championing change.
Transcending the Mundane: The First Step in Finding Purpose
Courage is not only needed when you’re 14,000 feet in the air rethinking whether or not you should have signed up to skydive, but slowly making your way off the helicopter in hopes that it will be the fastest minute of your life. Bravery is not just necessary in those fleeting moments when, unsure of what to do, you move forward hoping the challenge will end soon.
Behind Monique Baron’s Lense: Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
The world is filled with fascinating neighborhoods and captivating faces. Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn is one of them — a most charming one, home to some of Brooklyn’s inspiring creatives. Staff photographer, Monique Baron tells the story of this quirky neighborhood, and three of its residents, through her lense.
The Goodness Bowl
This antioxidant-packed bowl featuring a blend of acai, berries, and bananas is a sweet, nourishing treat for the body. The bowl foundation can be created with several fruits including a melon or a coconut. Whichever fruit you opt for, have fun making it your own! Ingredients 1 whole medium pineapple [wash, pat dry, slice the pineapple in the middle with stems, scoop out the flesh in the middle and make a hallow] ½ cup of ice cubes 2 small packets of frozen açaí 2 bananas [frozen] 2 oranges [juiced] 2 cups of blueberries [frozen] 2 cups of raspberries [frozen] 3 tablespoons of agave or honey Toppings Blueberries Raspberries Sliced bananas Sliced strawberries Granola Mint Sliced persimmons Chia seeds Preparation In a blender, place in ice cubes, frozen acai, frozen…
Disfunkshion Staff Reveals December Reads
This month we’re taking a peek inside some of our staff’s current reads and cherished insights. We’ll be refueling monthly with featured picks by our unparalleled team of writers. Enjoy!
What’s Right With the World: Uplifting Stories and Hope for the Soul
In a time of political turmoil, it is especially important that we remind ourselves of the extraordinary achievements humans have made. We aim to offer a restoration of faith in humanity with this month’s compilation of uplifting stories, and every month thereafter. We hope they instill in you hope for a brighter future, or at most, bring a smile to your face today.
Quinoa Burrito Bowl With Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette
From the baked and caramelized sweet potatoes and corn to the tangy lime and cilantro vinaigrette, this burrito bowl is a must-have for anyone who enjoys delicious ingredients packed together in one bowl. This meal is packed with tons of fortifying nutrients like vitamin A, fiber and B vitamins! Ingredients Quinoa 1 cup of white quinoa 2 cups of water or vegetable broth 1 tablespoon of oil ½ teaspoon of salt Roasted Vegetables 1 large sweet potato [peeled and cut into ½ inch chunks] 2 ears of corn [husked] ½ teaspoon of chili powder 1 tablespoon of oil 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of black pepper Fresh Produce 2 cups of cherry or baby heirloom tomatoes [washed, patted dried & sliced in half] Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette…
Carpe Librum: Books as Home Decor
A home will always be the place that lures you in with the song of comfort, space and pure presence. Whether a room, loft or a 9-bedroom mansion, there’s a wealth of inspiration that comes from adorning your surroundings with cherished mementos. And this month we’re celebrating one relic that truly never goes out of style: books.
En el Barrio
Tell us about yourself. My name is Cierra Creer. I got into modeling when I was 16, but I’m going to school because education has always been the most important thing. Right now, I’m studying Communications and Spanish, with a minor in PR, at Arizona State University. However, I’m still very passionate about modeling and trying to find a way to integrate the two. What is your passion? There aren’t many things that I’m super passionate about, but if I had to pick one it’d definitely be music. I’ve always grown up listening to so many different artists and my love for finding new music hasn’t stopped. At the moment, I’d say I’m most passionate about my journey of self-discovery. I’m just an 18 year-old…
Re-use Your Muse: 5 ways to Wear the Rossio Roos Military Jacket
If you’re nothing like your polar bear friends and constantly carry around a cardigan, jacket or any other long-sleeved companion, you’re going to love this. Behold… the endless, versatile utilitarian military jacket!
Conscious Culture With WomanShopsWorld
Travel has been a force behind Carter Seibels Singh’s life for as long as she can remember. Growing up in a home where her mom spoke French to her and her father travelled the world for work, the desire to learn about and experience different cultures came naturally for Singh.
What’s Right with the World: Uplifting Stories and Hope for the Soul
In wake of incessant bad news and unconscious human behavior, the Editorial Team at Disfunkshion has gathered inspiring stories, and words of wisdom, with the effort to showcase a higher human consciousness that is ever-present in the world, but not often allotted media exposure. Every month we will be featuring some of the most compelling stories circulating around the internet with the hope of stirring a reinvigorated sense of hope in humanity.
Married in Magnolia: When Mexico Calls
Here’s the story of how I designed the wedding of my dreams. We call my parents’ house “Magnolia” and my wedding took place in their gorgeous backyard.
Building Community With Soulpick
You can’t spell “community” without “unity.” We confirmed this when we sat down with Nilsa Salgado (Nilly), founder of Soulpick, an online community unifying those with similar interests in the arts and spiritual realms.
Get Rid of Sunspots with These Pantry Items
While summertime is slowly coming to an end, many of us are still experiencing sunspots on our skin. Although these spots are harmless, they can become aesthetically unpleasing. Don’t worry, it happens to all of us. Luckily, our DIY beauty editor, Nichole Dawkins has the solution.
Newsflash: Life is Messy
We’re probably mature enough to realize that life doesn’t always move in a straight line. Despite our best intentions and well laid-out plans, there are bumps, hardships — things we wouldn’t have chosen if we could help it.
A Green Dream: Spinach & Walnut Pesto Pasta
This zesty spinach and walnut pesto sauce is by far the quickest and most budget-friendly way to make a flavorful meal. It’s spicy, creamy and cheesy—what’s not to love?
Roots Run Deep: Getting to Know Melissa Carcache
We are all aware of the unyielding pressures to fit a certain mold in the entertainment business, but actress Melissa Carcache debunks these superficial myths and proves that rising above with confidence and self-acceptance is something to adhere to.
The ‘Mmmm’ Word: Should We Feel Bad About Feeling Good?
Why am I so compelled to masturbate?… Should I feel guilty?… Does it make me perverted or weird? These are the most common questions I’ve heard over the past 20 years of speaking and writing on the topic of healthy sexuality, so I was delighted when Disfunkshion asked me to write this article.
Yes, No or Maybe So? How to Stop Leading on Empty
There are three crucial factors to keep in mind when nourishing our core values: keeping balance is harder than finding it, saying yes is easier (and oftentimes more dangerous) than saying no and dodging becoming burnt out is the key to preserving your sanity. Understanding the complexities of each of these scenarios, and connecting to core values, will create space for introspection and allow us to recharge.
Relationships Are Necessary, Especially in Business
As an artist who has lived in L.A. for over five years, I’ve worked in film, television and stage. While most of the work I’ve received has been thanks to the relationships I make while hustling on my own, a huge part is the powerful team behind me.
6 Essential Home Embellishments for August
Wandering spirits seek to be constantly inspired by the vastness of the world and the cultural teachings that the globe has to offer. While we must find a stable nest to call our own, our space can be braided and intertwined with treasures from a far away place. This month, we bring you a diverse set of home essentials, each with a story to tell.
The Urgency of Playfulness
“But if you observe children who are two or three years old, if you see how they behave, they are playing all the time. You see them laughing all the time. Their imagination is so powerful, and the way dream is an adventure of exploration. When something is wrong they react and defend themselves, but then they just let go and turn their attention to the moment again, to play again, to explore and have fun again. They are living in the moment. They are not ashamed of the past; they are not worried about the future…
An Intimate Conversation With South African Artist Lira
Music, like a spectrum of color, is universal. From the first sound of a mother’s heartbeat that sets the rhythm of our lives, to a curated soundtrack to suit our moods, we all are affected by music no matter our culture or roots.
Rewriting Happily Ever After
There are women that have dreamt about their weddings since little girls. Wearing their mother’s old gowns and tucking flowers in their hair as they walk down an imaginary aisle toward their imaginary prince.
Zen and the Art of Vinyl Maintenance
Vinyl records were once the only way to enjoy music and now they’ve once again soared in popularity despite the availability of digital content. Unlike some other forms of music players, records must be stored following specific rules as well as be regularly cleaned to achieve longevity. Here’s everything you need to know, from storage and cleaning to choosing the right turntable, to extend the life of your vinyl collection.
How Humans of New York Inspired an Artistic Movement
Who has influenced you the most in your life? A few months ago, I learned about a story in a popular photo blog called Humans of New York. HONY won my heart a little over a year ago just by the simple yet compelling portraits of people and the hearty fragments of their story. The honest questions and raw answers magnetized me. I’d scroll through and read story after story, each one bringing me a little bit closer to my own humanity.
Alma de la Selva
“Blogger? I’ve been struggling with the label…” says Jana Rose Carrero from the style blog, OJ and Cigs. As a multifaceted woman, visual experimenter, music and art enthusiast, Jana feels most at home in her contemplative state, creating visual art. An ease is felt in her presence as she opens up about her drive and passions, exuding a wealth of serenity that can inspire even the most impartial onlooker. Her work features soft, subtle images intertwined with edge and elegance — a testament to the woman herself. As a visionary, Jana creates poetry with her aesthetic, painting a story with her images. Her imaginative visuals have garnered a widespread audience of others who also view life as art, and clothing as a form of extracting and showcasing life’s beauty. To her, the act of blogging…
Stewed Lentil Vegetable Soup
This stewed lentil vegetable soup is convenient, budget friendly and full of flavor! Pair this delicious soup with a glass of wine, rustic bread, or a simple side salad and you’ve got yourself a full course meal.
Banana and Cinnamon Almond Shake
Enjoy a healthy, invigorating, low-calorie shake any day of the week. This recipe is an upgraded version using bananas, almond milk and cinnamon. Can you guess the trick for getting the thick consistency? I’ll give you a hint: it’s frozen.
Musical Personalities: Prism’s Favorites
Being a music editor or self-made aficionado in the platform doesn’t simple mean you like music or that you go to a few shows and festivals. Music lovers are constantly on the search for a new sound, a new feeling that’s incited, an old memory that needs reminding. We delve into the depths of music’s past, searching for trends that showcase its future. Over at Prism, music is our life-line, the air we breathe that keeps us alive. That’s why it’s in our name. You can tell a lot about someone based on their musical tastes. Open-minded souls tend to find a variety of tones and rhythms interesting, casting aside genres and musical eras. Focused minds know exactly what they like and live happily knowing they’ve…
Vegan Cocoa Mousse
A two-step creamy mock mousse is the perfect way to satisfy those chocolate cravings. This power food dessert boasts healthy oils from the avocado and antioxidants from the cocoa powder. What’s not to love?!
How to Spend Less and Earn More
What do your spending habits say about you? If you were to look at the last five items you purchased on your bank statement, what would they be? A car payment, an expensive dress, an airplane ticket, a donation to your favorite charity, membership fees to a yoga studio, new shoes, or a night out?
3 DIY Moisturizers for Different Skin Types
Most skin products sold in stores today are filled with artificial preservatives and other chemicals that are not good for skin — moisturizers are no exception. In this industry inundated with toxin skin products, it can be challenging to find something natural for you skin, especially for your specific skin type. But sometimes, all you have to do is look around your kitchen.
Mediterranean Couscous Cakes
This Mediterranean inspired dish is the perfect blend of citrus, smoke and crisp. You can have this as a vegetarian entrée or as a side dish. My favorite way to have them is by setting up a platter of several Lebanese spreads and dips, soft warm pitas and a variety of artisan cheeses and olives. Pair this with your favorite wine and you’ve got yourself a Mediterranean feast!
What I Learned From a 30-Day Yoga Challenge
When it comes to fitness you can rest assured that I’m no Ronda Rousey. I’m the kind of person that likes to think that I am athletic; I was a cheerleader, ran track in high school, and taught power tumbling and gymnastics for a few years. But sometime after college I fell off the fitness bandwagon and I haven’t been able to get back on since.
Grilled Banana Foster
This recipe offers one of the easiest and healthiest ways to splurge on the original bananas foster without missing the flavor. The hint of spice with the smokiness from the grill pan makes this by far my favorite version of a mock bananas foster. Top it with your favorite goodies and serve! Ingredients Serves 2 1 large semi-ripe banana [slice lengthwise with skin on & tips removed] 1 tablespoon of coconut oil [pour in a small bowl] 1/8 teaspoon of ground clove 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or turbinado sugar ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon powder Optional Toppings Freeze dried strawberry slices [as seen on picture] Goji berries Fresh berries Ice cream or yogurt [to liking] Tools Grill pan or medium sauté pan Pastry brush…
Mystic Moon: Magic on the Marsh
Editorial Credits Collaboration: Lunarsea & Le Photogenic for the latest campaign for Lunarsea – Mystic Moon. Photography: Michelle Troop of Le Photogenic // @_michelle__troop_ Location: The Marsh, Broome, WA, Australia Model: Kathe Dewaele // @petitekathe Hair/Makeup: Kathe Dewaele Styling: Celeste Boyd (owner/designer of Lunarsea) Assistant Stylist & location scout: Lisa Terry Jewelry: Lunarsea // www.lunarseadesigns.com // @lunarseadesigns Clothing: The Havana crotchet dress by Spell Designs // www.spelldesigns.com // @spell_byronbay Summer Greens Sugar Maxi dress by Arnhem // www.arnhem.co // @arnhem_clothing Vintage crotchet top, embroidered jacket & suede shorts from Celeste’s extensive vintage collection. Vintage boots: Kathe’s own.
Frozen Strawberry & Kiwi Yogurt Bars
Looking for a delicious, chilled and refreshing snack? These creamy, sweet frozen treats are a perfect way to satisfy those sweet cravings while adding fruit to your diet. Enjoy!
5 Home Decor Pieces for A Spiritual Nest
For souls consumed by wanderlust and a yearning to be inspired, the home becomes a space that should be laced with intricacy and cultural flair. Victory Jewelry and Earthbound Trading Co. bring us the harmony between exploration and home decor with a sense of comfort. In this brief list of transatlantic treasures, find inspiration to transform a static space into one that encompasses the essence of the wandering, bohemian lifestyle.
5 Morning Picker-Uppers That Are Not Coffee
Welcoming a new day with a positive attitude is a challenge if the mornings are full of lethargy. Sleep deprivation, a lengthy to-do list and an overall lack of energy cause many people to become reliant on coffee. However, while coffee provides an immediate burst of energy, it does not have longstanding benefits.
Shame Resilience: A Vulnerability Hangover Cure
“I love being horribly straightforward. I love sending reckless text messages (because how reckless can a form of digitized communication be?) and telling people I love them and telling people they are absolutely magical humans and I cannot believe they really exist. I love saying, “Kiss me harder,” and “You’re a good person,” and, “You brighten my day.”
Time Management Tips & Techniques
How organized are you? Do you ever get really caught up in something you enjoy, only to end up postponing what you should really have been working on until the last minute? What about time management — did you ever get mixed up and missed an important deadline, just because you ended up spending all of your resources on another task, thinking you would make it on time?
Stacy Barthe: Citizen of the World
Citizen of the world, Stacy Barthe accomplishes many things that people would only dream of in their young lives, including traveling around the world, joining Alicia Keys at a dinner party and, of course, working with Britney Spears. Yet she remains one of the most humble singers and songwriters in the industry.
Vegan Chocolate Cacao Truffles
These little balls of joy are the perfect snack, dessert or party gift. Completely gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, these truffles are delicious and nutritious.
Aiming True With Kathryn Budig
There’s a rare glow that permeates a woman who is deeply aligned with her purpose, an incomparable energy that remains present even in the woman’s absence. Have you ever wondered what it was about that woman you met on the bus, your college dance instructor, the old lady with the unconventional humor, that you so strongly admired?
An Open Letter From a Wife Who Married Young-Ish
Twenty-four is an interesting age. Depending on the age of whom you ask, 24 year-olds are either just starting to get their lives together, or just starting to figure out all they lack. Truthfully, that could be said for any 20-something age, but I think twenty-four in particular holds a certain sophomoric gumption that slowly wanes as one approaches 30.
Grilled Caprese Crostini
These Italian inspired crostini’s are the perfect bite of salty, sweet and grilled crunch. Fully and deliciously vegetarian, this dish works perfectly as a weekday meal or snack.
Coping With an Eating Disorder From Someone Whose Been There
Here is how the conversation usually goes: “You had an eating disorder? But, you look so… normal! I would have never known!” To this, I simply smile and nod. This is usually my go-to response when I can’t find my voice to match the words I want to say.