First hurricane Harvey, then Irma. While this hurricane season has been particularly devastating, there are brave humans who have made life easier for the rest of us. When natural disasters strike, they provide opportunities for individuals to give what they have, whether that be money, time or even breast milk. Here are some fascinating ways humanity continues to grace us with its kindness in times of dire need.
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Whats Right With the World? Uplifting Stories and Hope for the Soul
Each time we tune into the news, we are bombarded with devastating stories that only make us question our humanity. Although it’s important, and quite necessary, to be aware of the adversity that plagues society, it may leave us thinking there is no good in this world… when in reality, there’s lots of good, just not much coverage of it. With these new stories and motivational videos, we hope to uplift and inspire you to ask yourself how you, too, can contribute to magnifying the beauty of our world.
What No One Tells You About Motherhood
Motherhood is a role that comes with innumerable intricacies. While many women feel it’s their divine purpose to nourish and give life, others abstain from having children altogether. There is no wrong choice, and only one certainty: motherhood looks different to all of us. While there’s an overabundance of shared sentiments on the ways in which having a child will enrich a woman’s life, not so much light is given to the more challenging parts of motherhood, the part mothers themselves often feel reluctant to speak about. Oftentimes, descriptions of motherhood are not unlike an Instagram feed where users only share their picture-perfect moments but rarely discuss the difficult parts.
The Miami Makers You Need to Know for Summer
For those of us sweating off pounds in Miami heat, it’s a fight for survival out here. Not only have we given up on wearing makeup altogether, but we’re finding the urge to leave our sweet, sweet A/C increasingly more difficult. Something that does inspire us to leave the house, no matter the outside degree, is checking out our favorite makers and goods that are entirely 305. Check out some beautiful local items we think would get anyone out of the house and help you survive the season.
Trendy Tucson Behind Ellyse Nichole’s Lense
Tucson, Arizona has long been a destination connected to the University of Arizona. The small-town atmosphere, where summer parties and Greek life abound, make it a city with loads of friendly faces and good cheer. Over the years, I have witnessed this historic city go from a predominantly college area to a destination rich in culture, food and memorable experiences. Among Tucson’s many charms are its local gems tussled throughout this colorful backdrop.
When in Doubt, Paddle It out – How Professional Surfer Tia Blanco Rides Life’s Waves
We don’t usually juxtapose the words vegan and athlete — unless we’re talking about professional surfer, Tia Blanco. First place International Surfing Association Gold medalist are also impressive titles that fall under her belt. Nearing her twentieth year of life, Blanco is riding waves seamlessly, in and out of the ocean.
Jam Crush: Femina
There’s always music playing in our office, something to get us through the workdays and keep us inspired as things get crazy. What we really love, among the bustle, are artists who sing our spirits and speak to what we want this world to be filled with: color, passion, and soul. Which is why when the unparalleled level of eclectic rhythms of Femina burst into our speakers, we were instantly impressed. They’re a sister trio hailing from the Patagonian hills of Argentina, packing a punch with every lyric. Their sound infuses everything from quick-fire rap, to Latin folk, and anything quirky in between. What speaks to any listener is their loud messaging of self-empowerment and female power. And their style? Just as absolutely awesome. It,…
Arizona Behind Ellyse Nichole’s Lense
Take a trip to Arizona with contributing photographer, Ellyse Nichole. She captured a few of her favorite locations, some under-the-radar and others well-known. Here’s a glimpse of Arizona, behind her lense.
What’s Right With the World: Uplifting Stories and Hope for the Soul
Our world is precious and so are the people – and other living things – residing in it. Below are two life-changing stories and one video to raise awareness on how we can save our wildlife simply by expanding our options. Press play for more.
Sri Lanka: A Photo Diary
The coast of Sri Lanka is picture-perfect with its lush emerald green jungle that rolls down to the palm tree-lined ocean. Locals gather along the roads with coconut and fruit stalls as their massive smiles and friendly demeanor spread to travelers passing by, reminding them of the pleasures of simple living and human connection. It is a natural paradise beautifully captured by staff photographer, Renae Saxby during her stay at Sunshine Stories Surf and Yoga Retreat.
Artist Maria Calderon Talks Lupus, Art and Natural Healing
“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny,” said novelist C.S Lewis. And for Maria Calderon, that was finding balance in body, mind and soul in the midst of her art.
Ten Amazing Things We Can Learn From Our Favorite Women in History
Women’s History Month is celebrated in the beautiful month that holds the first day of Spring, March. We gathered 10 women who have broken boundaries in their fields, opening many doors for us to follow; from voting, to running for POTUS, to protecting our bodies, every curve, every dimple, and becoming exceptional citizens. Let’s carry the torch and continue to celebrate the power of being a woman!
IG Steals: A Compilation of Home Decor We Love Right Now
Our homes are our sanctuaries and this month we’ve worked to compile some home decor inspiration. Below are some of our favorite home designs from Instagram. Open the windows, hang up your favorite plants and welcome soon-to-be spring with these boho-chic vibes we’ve absolutely fallen for!
What’s Right With the World? Uplifting Stories and Hope for the Soul
When we are disenchanted by the folly of the humanity, we must not lose faith in the restorative power of love that lies within each and every one of us. Let us always choose a loving path and set an example of light, beauty, and honesty. “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” – Mahatma Ghandi
The Archeological Sprout of Stela 9
Socially conscious online market selling goods from Guatemala that reflect the Mayan culture with a trendy twist… sound familiar? That’s what the established brand Stela 9 is devoted to.
A Perpetual Guiding Light: The Mission and Method of Dale Noelle
At the top of a massive modeling agency, TRUE Model Management, you’ll find founder and former model, Dale Noelle tirelessly leading and educating a host of talent, fashion industry professionals, clients, and the community at large.
Intentional Living With Rachel Brathen, Yoga Girl
Aruba is a small island, home to blossoming flowers. Carnations, lillies, and roses abound—and show their grace when least expected—as if to say “here I am, all of earth’s beauty within me.” A most fascinating and enchanting flower sprouted from the island is Rachel Brathen. The yoga girl. Or, the woman who captivates.
Lessons We’ve Learned: Prism Creative Group Biz Tips
Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy, but having a vision you’re passionate about is enough to keep you going through the tough times and the wins. We don’t all have someone to help us through it, especially the times we’re totally unprepared for, but as a means to help anyone out there looking to turn a dream into an impactful reality, here are some lessons we’ve learned after almost a decade of going solo:
The Practice of Dynamism With Maryam Montague
A truly multi-faceted woman and an inspiration to many, Maryam Montague is a visionary and an entrepreneur who is limitless in her creative expression. Through her vast capabilities and her successful businesses, Montague is both a force and a foundation. She is a catalyst for the creativity and empowerment of others.
What’s Right With the World? Uplifting Stories and Hope for the Soul
We are thrilled to showcase yet again another compilation of inspiring stories from people just like YOU in the world. Grab a coffee, tea, or simply sit down and have a listen.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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?
Fighting Human Trafficking – One Climb at a Time
For two hours, Lindsay Mitchell’s hand has been numb with frostbite. The porters traveling up the mountain with her have been hitting her arm for 20 minutes just to bring back the blood circulation. She’s already climbed 13,000 feet, she’s short of breath, and the feeling of delirium is starting to set in.
It Could Have Been Me: Kuoth Wiel Shares Journey From Sudan to the US
A young Sudanese girl named Kuoth Wiel came to the United States with her family at eight years old. She had to overcome many obstacles when she first arrived to the US, the biggest being the language barrier — she translated for her family while learning to adjust in many different situations.
Creative Living with Anahata Katkin
Every once in a while we come across a piece of artwork that moves us, shakes us up a bit and shows us how imperfectly beautiful life can be. Perhaps what is even more magical than the art piece itself is the story behind it, or in this case, the person. Which brings us to the subject of Anahata Katkin and her breathtaking designs, each carefully develop with adept skill and tact to tell an enchanted story. As the owner of retail stores PAPAYA! Living and Jupiter Row, the self-taught creative teaches us a thing or two about life as an artist.
5 Favorite Earthbound Trading Co. Items for Your Nest
The immense desire to explore may motivate you to travel but it may also cause an inner struggle to find balance. While the nomadic spirit drives the need for cultural exploration, obligations and financial responsibilities may prevent such actions. Luckily, Earthbound Trading Company brings beautiful foreign treasures to you through their website and local store offerings.
Getting Down with Wild Belle
The world of music is a magical place. Like a warp in time, it’s a portal to the soul of those who create it, expressing every last syllable that couldn’t otherwise have found a comfortable outlet. The connection between expresser and receiver is unparalleled when music is involved, shooting through the personal and into the plane of the cosmic. It’s sonic fate.
Just Being Avril Lavigne
Since she first entered the musical scene in 2002, people have tried to define Canadian musician Avril Lavigne. Is she punk? Is she pop? Is she an actress? What is she? And while everyone else is scratching their heads looking for an answer, Avril is just being Avril.
Nesting with Ally
Ally Sands, the designer behind Aquarian Soul on Etsy, shows us a quick and exciting glimpse of her incredible home. Her work varies from making jewelry to crafting dream catchers, to creating embroidery designs. There is much love instilled in her space, which warms the soul, and creates a space of sacredness. Ally is an inspiration to the dreamers, lovers and gypsy souls.
Carmen Electra: New Found Glory
It’s seven a.m., the sun is rising and fresh pineapple in a bowl fills the air. She pauses to take a deep breath and sits in the hair and makeup station set up for her. “I can’t believe we’re working in Tahiti,” says the refreshingly warm and soft-spoken Carmen Electra as we prep her for our cover shoot.
Spellbound: Kat Graham
On the brink of megastardom, the mesmerizing and oh-so-talented, singer, actress, dancer and fashion maven, Kat Graham gushes about her charmed life, lessons learned, love for her craft, and the lyrics behind it all. Her infamous role as the Vampire Diaries’ bewitching witch isn’t the only thing leaving us spellbound.
Taryn is the New Black
A peek at our exclusive editorial shoot with the fearless Taryn Manning, who stars in the hit show “Orange is the New Black.”
Wild About Whitney Port
Somewhere away from it all in Topanga Canyon, a glorious breeze blows through the doors of a spacious modern home. The refreshingly cool air blows past me as the actress who got her start on The Hills introduces herself with a “Hi, I’m Whitney.”
Kendra Like Never Before
Check out the lovely Kendra Wilkinson in an exclusive online editorial with images that we didn’t use in the print issue. We gave the images a bit of DISfunkshionality. After all the images indulge in the behind the scenes video here. Enjoy this hippie-trippy version of our shoot and share with your friends…
Alana Blanchard Lives Simply and Works Passionately
Professional surfer Alana Blanchard lives by the simple phrase, “be happy.” So what makes this Kauai native happiest? Friends and family, the beach, healthy food, and fitness are at the top of her list.
All About Rebecca Ronald
From serving as Billabong’s brand ambassador and lifestyle model at the budding age of 17 to where she is today, it seems bizarre that Rebecca Ronald is merely in her early 20s. The last five years for Rebecca have been packed with highs, lows, and a whole lot of soul searching. Let’s just say this woman can handle just about anything, all with an open heart and a smile upon her face.
Sirena + the Sea
Hailing from the East Coast, Laurie DiBiagio had big dreams of a small chain of islands. Just two short years ago, Laurie picked herself up and relocated to Oahu to find her true destiny. “When the islands want you, it’s magnetic. I know I was brought here to heal and thrive,” she said. It was there on the North Shore where her vision for her company Sirena + the Sea blossomed. Laurie teamed up with close friend Nikole Nelson to create their debut collection Blkcoral. The line consists of handmade, woven wearable art that can go from street to sea seamlessly. Laurie and Niki’s love for the Hawaiian Islands and the ocean emanates from their neckwear and bodywear made from recycled and reclaimed sari silks. These…
Raquel Sofia Challenging the Sexy Latina Stereotype
Raquel Sofía charmed us with her confident demeanor and gorgeous smile as we sat down with her for her first interview ever! We sipped on coffee with the Puerto Rican native and chatted about her love for yoga, blogging and most importantly, her music.
Leah Hoffman’s Inspiring Space
“I wouldn’t call myself an interior decorator, but I do love inspiring spaces. When I moved into my downtown Nashville loft two years ago, it was beautiful as it was. Huge industrial windows, exposed white brick walls, rough old hardwood floors, and tall open floor plan…”