Who's

the lucky

girl

Buying Vintage a guide by Elizabeth Hamilton .................................................................................................................... 13-20

FAB 25 a collection by Ruba Ayoub ............................................................................................................................................... 38-40

Workplace Issues by Ashlyn Oswalt ................................................................................................................................ 30-31

The Brass Kickers by Kathryn McGranahan ................................................................................................................... 34-37

Femme Forte a new column by Courtney Dimiceli ............................................................................................................ 52-54

5 Apps you should know about by the editor ............................................................................................. 21

Spring Centerpieces by the editor ................................................................................................................................41-49

Modern Outdoor Decor by the editor ..................................................................................................................6-11

Best of Pinterest: Jodi McKee ........................................................................................................................... 32-33

Recreate This! Dream rooms recreated for less! ............................................................................................................. 56-57

Petal Flower Clutch by Sara Napier .............................................................................................................................. 26-29

Reviews by Leslie Traylor ............................................................................................................................................................... 50-51

Summer Movies by Carrie Wolff ........................................................................................................................................ 22-24

BEAUTY & FASHION

SOCIAL ISSUES

DIY

ENTERTAINMENT

TECH & GEEKERY

HOME DECOR

www.etsy.com/shop/thirtyoneharper

Chicago Area Map Cufflinks

Musical bird brooch

I love you sock monkey

card

Home Decor Jewelry Stationary Custom

DOWNLOAD

Urban Balance Sphere Hanging Chair by Outack Company, $950 www.jusmodern.com

modern

decor

Gone are the days where your only options are a rocking chair, a swinging wooden bench, or some wicker armchairs. Get a fresh new patio, porch, or

deck look with these modern finds.

Hacienda Lattice Trellis Outdoor Rug8’ x 10’ - $555, www.rugsusa.com

Brilliance Outdoor Prism Checks Yellow Rug

5’ x 8’ - $220, www.rugsusa.com

Oriental Weavers Sphinx Caspian Out-door 1004X Blue Rug

7’10” x 10’10” - $216, www.rugsusa.com

Quinta Meridian Chevron Outdoor Black Rug

8’3” x 11’ - $616, www.rugsusa.com

Quinta Nawra Trellis Outdoor Blue Rug

7’6” x 9’6” - $502, www.rugsusa.com

Hacienda Askew Chevron Outdoor Navy Rug

5’ x 8’ - $273, www.rugsusa.com

can change the look of a space in an instant. Freshen up with these

favorites.

Hacienda Uzbek Outdoor Aqua Rug5’ x 8’ - $273, www.rugsusa.com

Hacienda Atalla Outdoor Multi Rug8’ x 10’ - $555, www.rugsusa.com

Illuminate your outdoor space with these stylish numbers.

Kichler Outdoor Wall Lantern in Brushed Nickel

$77, www.allmodern.com

Fluorescent Hunnington One Light Out-door Pendant in Weathered Pewter with

Seeded Etched Glass$204, www.seagulllighting.com

Mio Culture Bendant Lamp$75, www.allmodern.com

Sea Gull Lighting Meridian Observer Landscape Area Light$188, www.allmodern.com

Comfortable seating is a MUST for any outdoor space. For entertaining, or just lounging in your own outdoor space, you

want to be comfortable.

K Bench 51$440, www.lolldesigns.com

Picket$949, www.lolldesigns.com

Beulah Rocking Chair$169, www.cb2.com

BEST Egg-Shaped Outdoor Swing Chair

$380, www.amazon.com

Outdoor Wood-Slat Rocker$474, www.yliving.com

The Farmhouse Lounge Chair$495, www.yliving.com

Orange22 Botanist Lines Aluminum Picnic Bench

$1,500, www.allmodern.com

POLYWOOD® Chippendale Bench$499, www.allmodern.com

Compamia La Plaza Lucca Stacking Dining Side Chair

$198, www.allmodern.com

Heller Mario Bellini MB2 Sofa$850, www.allmodern.com

Having a table in your outdoor space, whether it be a coffee table or a dining table, can make eating &

drinking more comfortable.

Barcarts are great chicstorage, and can be usedstorage, and can be usedas side tables as well.

Coral Café Table$499, www.yliving.com

POLYWOOD® Euro Rectangle Dining Table

$880, www.allmodern.com

Alfresco 62" Rectangular Table$969, www.yliving.com

Adelta End Table$1,946, www.allmodern.com

Element Coffee Table$399, www.cb2.com

Cargo Table$913, www.yliving.com

Luxembourg Bar Trolley$932, www.yliving.com

worlds away hampton green bar cart$963, www.zincdoor.com

Multifunction Resin Bar Cart$299, www.cozydays.com

www.AuntRuby.net Customize your multipack and Never Run Out.

Period.

TM

TM

Meet Aunt Ruby.

Aunt Ruby sends you your own customized multipackin sync with your cycle. So you Never Run Out. Period.

Don’t you wish you had an aunt like her?

buyingvintage

a guide by Elizabeth Hamilton(clothes featured were found at StyleCycle in Houston, TX, all photos were taken by Elizabeth Hamilton)

Fashion has always been a great recycler. Trends from every decade seem to resurrect themselves as designers discover the celebri-ties of yesteryear and strive to recreate the styles they embodied. For the fashionista with champagne tastes and beer budget, this means that with a little bit of effort, you can find the fads for less. It also has a positive find the fads for less. It also has a positive effect on your soul: mass produced fashion is often created with questionable politics, harmful environmental practices and poor labor conditions. By purchasing reused and recycled clothing, instead of another $10 t-shirt from the mall, you can start making small changes that will impact the world.

There are different places where you can find recycled styles, but the most common are vin-tage boutiques, thrift stores, garage sales and swap meets. Each one of these places offers distinct differences in price and service, and the quality of the clothing will often reflect this. However, don’t disregard them until you actually visit. actually visit.

Vintage boutiques are the most expensive of the group, with curated offerings that are in perfect to near perfect condition. The cloth-ing and accessories will often have all repairs and cleanings done before you purchase them, and can also include consignment items. This is a great option to find high-end fashions and evening wear, as well as purses, scarves and evening wear, as well as purses, scarves and

jewelry in lovely condition. Don’t let the idea of larger price tags scare you away from a visit! Just like a regular store, vintage bou-tiques will also have seasonal sales to make way for new merchandise.

Thrift stores will have a varied inventory, all dependent on the location and population. Here, you will find items from a few months ago to decades past, in various states of repair and wearability. The price will be significant-ly lower than a vintage boutique and most thrift stores offer value days, with clothing at half off or even lower. The crafty shopper can half off or even lower. The crafty shopper can take slightly tattered and stained thrift store finds and turn them into unique fashion state-ments. Don’t forget to take a look in the men’s and children’s areas, for items that can be altered into new clothes.

Garage sales and swap meets are other poten-tial treasure troves, as people clean out clos-ets and attics. You may have to lose some sleep on Saturday morning, but fantastic deals are there for the taking at garage sales. There is also the benefit of being able to speak with the former owner before purchase, both to learn the history of the item and to haggle prices. Swap meets can be a mixed bag, as some meets are strictly regimented and others are very haphazard. The ones with the best clothing tend to charge entrance fees of $20

or more dollars. If you consider how much you would spend at a department store, it really is a great deal for the money. Speaking

personally, I have found most of my current office wardrobe from swap meets.

What should you look for when searching the What should you look for when searching the racks? Condition is the most important con-sideration in vintage clothing. Check each piece thoroughly before purchasing. Are there stains? If there is beading, sequins or patches, how securely are they sewn on? What about rips, tears and pulled seams? Most vintage and thrift stores don’t offer returns, so you and thrift stores don’t offer returns, so you will want to make sure the item is in usable condition before approaching the cash regis-ter.

If you have fallen in love with something that isn’t in the best condition, there are ways to save it. If an item is stained, a good dry cleaner may be able to get the discoloration out. If the stain is permanent, consider dying the entire piece to cover it. Cotton and other natural fabrics are going to hold the pigment the best. Man-made fibers, like polyester or the best. Man-made fibers, like polyester or acrylic, typically don’t take as well to dying. In this case, you may be better off applying a patch to hide the stain. You can also use these techniques to update items you find. It is strongly recommended to not purchase cloth-ing or accessories that have a noticeable smell. While the “musty” scent of many vin-

tage items will wear off with washing or airing, urine, mold, and strong chemical smells are almost impossible to get rid of.

5 APPSyou should knowaboutby the editor

EVAC HDWe love this game - it’s old and new at the same time,we love the colors, and we LOVE “the pink one”. He’s a badass. It has 36 levels, each one gets more and more challenging - it shouldoccupy you for at least a few hours.

Google DriveWhile not a “fun” app - we love this app. We use it for EVERYTHING from photo storage, to a way to share pages of the magazine to eachother beforeit’s finished. We think google rocks in general, but this app is one of theirfinest.

MY FITNESS PALWhether you are counting calories, want to know how many calories you burn, or just want to know how much fat or carbs you consume in a day - this app has got you covered. Fit and healthy is fabulous - and this app will take you there.

Craigslist Mobile AppAs you are well aware of - we are BIG fans of DIY projects and thrifting. This app is our go-to if we need a dressy to turn shabby chic, a highchair to turn modern-funk or just to grab a few intresting items for an article.

OTAKU CAMERAThis is one of our new favorites - it’s a fun editing app for photos - we love using these as our profile pics!

S um m er M oviesto look forward to

by Carrie W olff

As the weather begins to get warmer we all envision a summer full of adventure and memories. One of the best parts of summer is the cinematic promise of summer blockbusters! This summer the movies are packed with great actors, terror and action and many sequels. Here are some of the highlights of the many summer films opening as early as May!

Iron Man 3- Robert Downey, Jr. is once again honing his Iron Man skills to save the world, but this time with Gwyneth Paltrow on his arm. The newest opponent: the appalling terrorist the Mandarin. Mandarin.

Star Trek Into Darkness- Try to hold on to your pants Trekkers, this may be a bumpy ride. After the crew of the Enterprise discovers a relentless power looming from within their organization, they must seek and destroy the must seek and destroy the enemy, with Captain Kirk leading the manhunt.

The Great Gatsby- Based on the classic book written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Leonardo Dicapro stars as a midwestern war veteran. Through the story he is bewildered by his neighbor’s lavish lifestyle as well as haunted by her past.well as haunted by her past.

Hangover Part III- Same story, plot and setting as we have previously (and hilariously) seen. Except the story, plot and setting are actually not the same at all. No wedding, bachelor party, no reason for mass chaos, right? mass chaos, right? Wrong… the Wolfpack finally is coming to an end but not without a bang.

The Internship- When two salesmen find themselves blinded by the ever fast and changing world of technology, they have two options: sink or swim. After finding their way into an internship with Google, they compete with Google, they compete with younger and more modernized computer geeks for the very awesome chance of employment.

Man of Steel- We’ve seen many superheroes recently in their own climatic battles on screen, but now it’s is Superman’s turn. A young journalist shaped by morals discovers he has a gift beyond his own imagination. He must his own imagination. He must learn to conquer these powers in order to save his world from evil.

World War Z- Three words: Brad Pitt, Zombies. This film adaptation of Max Brooks very popular novel is rumored to be just as riveting and action packed. When the zombie epidemic begins to destroy the very world as we know it, one very world as we know it, one man must sacrifice everything to stop it while impending doom sets in.

Grown Ups 2- Adam Sandler and his all-star cast are at it again with the same goal in mind: one hilarious summer. The setting leads us back to where the guys grew up in a small town. This time the adults take a tip or two from adults take a tip or two from their children.

The Lone Ranger- We’ve seen Johnny Depp play an evil-singing barber, a man with scissors for hands, a greaser, and just about everything in between. For this film he plays a Native American Warrior, yeah, he American Warrior, yeah, he can do that to. Depp stars as Tonto who retells the secret stories that changed a man of the law into a marvel of righteousness.

This Is The End- The setting: James Franco’s house. The purpose: a party. As I’m sure they lost my invite in the mail (yours too), a slew of celebrities are faced with their doom as the apocalypse comes. Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, comes. Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Jason Segal, Michael Cera are just a few in this celebrity packed comedy.

Monsters University- This story takes us into the past to see Mike and Sulley in their prime as college students. Before the two were roommates and best friends as depicted in the original, they kind of sort of hated each kind of sort of hated each other.

a new feature!

We will be picking one lucky girl each month to recieve a free makover (including a new outfit!), as well as a professional photoshoot and a chance to

be on our cover!

What is includedProfessional makeup application & tips

Professional Hairstyling, Cutting, & Possibly Color!

A free outfit from a local boutique

A free professional photoshoot (that may be used as our cover)A free professional photoshoot (that may be used as our cover)

You must be 18 or older, be a citizen of the united states, & be able to travel to or be located in illinois.

The WHITE mag presents:

<>a new feature!

Download the entry form by scanning this qr codeor download it at thewhitemag.com/refreshed.pdf

diy

Flower PetalClutch

by Sara Napier

thingsyou need

Make sure to select a fabric that will hold up on a purse and can be cut easily. Other than that, the fabric is completely up to you! I love roses and my favorite color is red so I decide to go for a silkier fabric in red. The project should take less than a yard depending on the size of the bag (but it never hurts to get a full yard or even it never hurts to get a full yard or even two!)

Finding a clutch bag will probably take some effort. The clutches you find in stores usually already have some sort of embel-lishment on them. I suggest trying to find one with the simplest design possible or a decoration that can be removed. I always find good, plain ones at thrift stores and consignment shops. You might also try an consignment shops. You might also try an antique store.

Cut your fabric into two sides. Measure them to be at least an inch longer and wider than each side of the bag. Take your hot glue gun and glue them to each side, folding the ends under so the fabric will not fray.

Get another piece of fabric and use it to Get another piece of fabric and use it to cut out circles. They should be between 2-4 inches. It’s okay if they’re not perfectly symmetrical, you can fix the edges later.

Lay the circle out, fold it in half and use a dab of glue at the center to hold it together. Fold it in half once more to create a point at the top and add another dab of glue to hold it together. Create as many of these as you need to cover the bag. You can use this time to even the edges if you feel the need to.

Trim the edges further so the petals lay neatly. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect, the bag will resemble real flowers even more if they’re a little uneven.

Enjoy your new clutch bag! When people ask where you got it, you’ll have the satis-faction of saying that you made it!

Workplace Issues

by ashlyn oswalt

ollyy/Shutterstock.com

Take time to think about what you really enjoy doing. Research to find out what jobs fit those hob-bies, and what jobs require for education, experi-ence, etc. Also evaluate whether you can support yourself on this new job.

Go to the local library and look up books on what you want to do. See if this is something you can teach yourself, or will require schooling and/or cer-tification to do. Even if a job says it “requires” a degree, it may not. Things such as graphic design-ers don’t HAVE to have a degree to work in the field.

This may be the hardest part of starting a new career - starting at the bottom all over again. But,taking an internship or an entry-level job in a field you want to work in is a great way to “try out” your new field. Working hands on in it is great ex-perience, and helps you see what it will be like.

Finding a job period is hard. Finding a job you love and that is your dream job can be even harder. But don’t give up! That job does exist somewhere - you just need to work hard to get there.

Jodi McKee

Best of

Top Row: Sequins Peter Pan Collar Velvet Dress, www.chicwish.com | Alphabet Wall Mirrow, www.jossandmain.com | Navy Bora Oxfords By LeBunny Bleu, www.trinitypl.com Middle Row: Silk Printed Dress by Parker, www.otteny.com | Navy Kim Satchel by Shiraleah, www.zulily.com | Statement of the Art Necklace in Peacock, www.keep.com

Bottom Row: Cielo Women's Turquoise by Lambretta, www.fab.com | Wave Pillow, www.jossandmain.com | Faceted Pushpins, www.anthropologie.com

The BrassKickers

by Kathryn McGranahan

Image Copyright Burlingham, 2013 - Used under license from Shutterstock.com

On January 24, 2013, Defense Sec-retary Leon E. Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, announced the re-vocation of the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule and other gender-based restrictions for women.

The rule banned women from assign-ments to units below brigade level when the primary mission is direct ground combat, special operations and almost 240,000 jobs throughout the military.

The ban lift has met vocal criticism, primarily over its effects on combat effectiveness. Sam Smith, a former Marine and an Iraq veteran, says in his Washington Post op-ed piece, “Societal norms are a reality, and their maintenance is important to most members of a society.” The exmost members of a society.” The ex-treme lack of privacy and hygiene in battle will put both sexes in potential-ly traumatizing positions, he writes.

However, women are on the front lines as gunners, drivers, medics and more. They lose their legs flying heli-copters, like Representative Tammy

Duckworth (D-Illinois). They search Iraqi women at checkpoints, which puts them at the same risk service men face. They even battle the risk of sexual assault--but not from the enemy. The military has recently come under fire for high sexual as-sault rates and its response to claims. sault rates and its response to claims.

Many argue that the nature of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts have put non-infantry in the front lines, where women have proven gender does not a warrior make.

“I think this is a gesture more than anything,” says Kimberly Wilson, a former E-4 SPC. “There is no front line unless you’re on a specific mis-sion.”

"The reality on the ground in a 360 battlefield is that women have been serving in combat," said Rep. Tammy Duckworth in NCEN. "I didn't lose my legs in a bar fight.”

The Defense Department estimates The Defense Department estimates active-duty female personnel make up approximately 15 percent of the armed forces. Over 280,000 women have been deployed throughout the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, with

Sources:

www.nytimes.comwww.ksl.comwww.politico.comwww.current.comwww.npr.orgwww.defense.govwww.defense.govwww.huffingtonpost.comwww.army.milwww.jacksonfreepress.comwww.wsj.comwww.bigstory.ap.org

over 150 killed in the fighting. 6,600 service members have died overall.

However, since women were techni-cally banned from combat, their ser-vices went unrecognized. They strug-gled to attain the same honors and positions as service men.

Brig. Gen. Heidi Brown was the first service woman to command a combat arms brigade in Iraq. Early in her career, however, she was denied an operations officer position because it involved direct combat.

“We don’t have the opportunity to “We don’t have the opportunity to get the awards superiors look for,” says Wilson. While the men in her unit received training and missions, the women were filling out reports. She adds, “The worst offenders are the superiors with daughters.”

Wilson firmly believes women will be Wilson firmly believes women will be able to meet the same standards. “They have had to improve some physical tests because women beat them. If there’s a unit cohesion prob-lem, it’s because the men are pissed the women are showing them up.”

“I’ve relieved males from command,” Col. Burt K. Thompson told the New

York Times. “I’ve never relieved a female commander in two and a half years as commander.”

25fabulousa collection by Ruba Ayoub

Lulu Organics Travel Size Hair Powder, $10, www.woodleyandbunny.com - “I love the ease of using this hair powder to bring back volume after a few days of not washing my hair. Typically this only happens when Im traveling or during a really busy week, thats why these travel sizes are perfect!”

STEAMCREAM Freedom & Discipline, $18, www.beautyhabit.com - “I've gifted many STEAMCREAM's to clients and friends. Consensus from all; it is a miracle product - and I agree!! Super moisturizing and vegan. True feel good product.”

Sugar Paper 'Dear' Note Set, $20, www.sugarpaper.com - “I love the design of these note cards; they have an almost Old Hollywood glamour”

Luxe City Guide, $9.99, www.luxecityguides.com - “Have set my sites towards Amsterdam, but you can't go wrong with any of these city guide's, they Luxe City Guide, $9.99, www.luxecityguides.com - “Have set my sites towards Amsterdam, but you can't go wrong with any of these city guide's, they are all pretty fantastic.”

Black/White Stripe Throw, $19.99, www.ikea.com - “Stripes; classic, simple, yet always modern... enough said!”

Goodebox , $16 / month, www.goodebox.com - “If you are going to opt into any of the numerous monthly sample box programs, go with Goodebox. By far the most impressive with its emphasis on 'delivering healthy beauty & natural wellness'. Plus each box is quite literally heavy with full size prod-ucts!”

no.406 Brushed Brass Bangle, $11, www.etsy.com - “If I wear any accessories at all its usually something simple and stand alone. This bangle would work great by itself or thrown into the mix with other arm candy.”

Paris Print Bicycle Notre Dame , Paris Print Shop, $24, www.etsy.com - “I love just about everything up for sale at any given time at this wonderful Etsy boutique, but this particular print is my obsession of the moment.”

Hello Pillow, $25, www.pbteen.com - “These pillow cases are adorable, and utterly chic in any language.”

Paulita Eye Mask, $8, www.zarahome.com - “Zara Home has always been my European obsession, so I was beyond thrilled when they added delivery to the U.S. This sleep mask is on the cheap and has such a cool design”

Pure Matters Vitamin-d3, $12.95, www.purematters.com - “Because after a Pure Matters Vitamin-d3, $12.95, www.purematters.com - “Because after a long winter and too many sunless days, I know I must be lacking some seri-ous Vitamin D!”

Lessons From Madame Chic by J.L Scott , $10.99 (eBook), www.barnesandnoble.com - “I could speak endlessly on what high regard I hold this book, it has quite literally had me change my ways. Jennifer L. Scott has taught me many things; primarily to ditch the guilt that comes with using the best that I own on a daily basis. And to treat every day as a special one!”

Nuxe 'Reve de Miel Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm', $19, www.us.nuxe.com - Nuxe 'Reve de Miel Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm', $19, www.us.nuxe.com - “Perfect for men and women, this balm is super rich and hydrating but without that intense shine you get with most lip balm's.”

Springcenterpieces

Buy the items featured in this article in our new etsy shop!

Basket Green Vase Candlebra

Photography & Styling by Sara Young

Justin Timberlake

20/20 Experience

RCA Records 2013

After a handful of films, gut-busting ditties with The Lonely Island crew on Saturday Night

Live, and surprise performances here and there, Justin Timberlake finally released The 20/20

Experience. And while I thought I would be a little more elated as the days for its release ap-

proached, I found myself just rather ho-hum. Even to the point of questioning if I would rush to

pick it up on the day of its release like I do for most of my favorite artists. Sadly, the day

came and went. I even walked past the display during two trips to Target. I just could not

bring myself to do it.

Finally listening to the album, I realized my attitude leading up to its release was precisely

how I should have felt. Yes, ‘Suit and Tie’ does grow on you and is a monster to dance, and

‘Pusher Lover Girl’ is a song you replay until you scratch the CD. However, for me, that was

about it. As always the songwriting is on point and the harmonies are air tight but if it wasn’t

for ‘Spaceship Coupe’, I would have totally just given up. In short, The 20/20 Experience is a

good album-just don't give in to peer pressure and pick it up whenever the mood strikes you.

reviews by leslie traylor

Solange Knowles

True.

Terrible Records 2012

Some may say that Solange Knowles will forever bear the Beyonce’s-little-sister brand. Some

say that the career she has been working on since she was a pre-teen will never materialize

for that same brand. However on True. Knowles displays, yet again (refer to Sol-Angle and the

Hadley St. Dreams) that she not only is her own artist, but executes her artistry flawlessly. To

top it off she embraces the uniqueness of her voice and by doing so, she shows that there are

still some who have genuine fun making music.

The single ‘Losing You’ is the musical equivalent of fresh air. In an almost infectious way, the The single ‘Losing You’ is the musical equivalent of fresh air. In an almost infectious way, the

song forces you to take notice and by the end of it, you forget is a sad tale of love gone awry

and bounce along in glee. However, ‘Lovers in the Parking Lot’ shows the totality in the com-

plete album-great production, great storytelling, and an artful, vocal approach. She may be

Beyonce’s little sister, but in my opinion, she is leaps and bounds ahead of her older sibling in

finding the simple artistry in the music she makes.

reviews by leslie traylor

“The strength of a woman is not measured by the impact that

all her hardships in life have had on her; but the strength of

a woman is measured by the extent of her refusal to allow

those hardships to dictate her and who she becomes.”

- C. Joybell C.

a new column by Courtney DiMiceli

FemmeForte

White is the color most often associated with innocence, perfection and purity. I associate it with new beginnings, honesty, resilience, and weakness. I celebrate those 4 qualities and to me they culmi-nate into a word that the readers here at WHITE can identify with- STRENGTH. You just went, “Wait that’s an oxymoron! How can it be BOTH a strength and a weakness?” Easy, life is balance. We strength and a weakness?” Easy, life is balance. We strive to achieve it.

I couldn’t think of better themes to celebrate the readers and the re-launch of WHITE.

With that being said The White Mag is allowing me the opportunity to write a candid forthcoming and open column for our readers. I invite you the readers to share, to ask, to give your opinions about life as a woman, in whatever capacity you want to share. It’s not all party hats and confetti, but it definitely is what you make you it. Choose to make it a good one that starts with a smile every morning, well almost that starts with a smile every morning, well almost every morning.

White is a magazine for women 18-45. Being a woman and knowing your path and who you are re-quires being able to accept the challenge of change and new beginnings. I came across a posting on Ins-tagram and the quote has stuck with me. “When I look back on my life, I see pain, mistakes, and heartache. When I look in the mirror, I see strength, lessons learned and pride IN MYSELF. No matter what life brings you good or bad, it is what you choose to do when faced with life that matters. You’re circumstances do not define who you are.

Your rite of passage into adulthood starts your journey through life. You grow and evolve with each decade. It’s strength that helps you to adapt, to accept, and embrace those changes. Having strength, as a woman, comes in all colors, shapes, sizes, and personalities. Finding who you are, be-lieving in yourself, accepting your weaknesses and

having the courage to adapt and grow-THAT IS TRUE STRENGTH.

I had my column all laid out for this issue and then I had my column all laid out for this issue and then BAM something happened 2 days ago and I was going to talk about relationships. Then I got a call from a girlfriend who let me know she had cervical cancer and that there was more testing being done. That news made me sit down and rewrite AGAIN. That’s life though, it’s about balance and being able to live your life and do you, no matter what hapto live your life and do you, no matter what hap-pens.

Life altering circumstances or the possibility of them can change things on a dime. They can rock the very foundation of your life to the core, and open you up to questioning everything you hold true. It also is plain and simply a gut check. One small thing can do the same thing for others.

When you change habits, attitudes and actions that When you change habits, attitudes and actions that people rely on because it no longer makes you happy; it’s an inconvenience to them. I will say this. Hold your ground, it’s not easy and you may lose friends. Someone told me this and posed a very pro-found question to me “Self-love first because if you can’t love yourself, how do you expect to truly love someone or for that matter, someone to love you.” someone or for that matter, someone to love you.” That was the day I changed it was a few years later in my 30s, but I had. I now wake up believing the following. If you don’t grow or change in ANY way –physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, finan-cially, even sexually how are you really living life????

My 20s I was so worried what my family would think of me leaving to move out west to California but packed up my boxes and made the decision to move out west, not knowing anyone but my employ-er. It was the best decision ever, I built a life. I got married, had a family, and even owned a business. Then 6 years ago I woke up at 30, and I was miser-

able. I was 200 lbs. I had lost who I was in EVERY sense of the word. I had stopped taking care of me. I was a taking care of everyone and everything else. The things I had THOUGHT made me happy didn’t. Realizations I was too scared to face in my 20s had come back to haunt me. I always wanted to please everybody and not hurt feelings. I was doing things for the wrong reason. You want to believe that for the wrong reason. You want to believe that there’s growth in any relationship you have, espe-cially with the person you love. Only problem is both of you have to be willing to grow together and accept the changes. That wasn’t happening and I was coming to that realization fast. I thought strength lay in taking on everything and shouldering it all regardless of the pressure. I was wrong.

Strength, like I said, is in accepting your weakness-es and being able to ask for help. My wakeup call was the fact that I loved my boys so much I didn’t EVER want to wake up hating them or the fact I was a mother. I was on the verge of not WANTING to get up and take care of myself or them. So I made changes. I lost 60 lbs in over 14 months and I began to change as a woman. 30 was a wakeup call in a to change as a woman. 30 was a wakeup call in a lot of ways. It also was a year of self discovery. That being said I made mistakes, did my part to wreck both a marriage and business. It took a while for me to accept my part. I’ve apologized to myself, my ex and my kids. I started a new beginning, and though it has not been easy, it was the best decision I made for myself. One of honesty about the things I I made for myself. One of honesty about the things I want and don’t want in a partner, in my friends, even relationships within my family. I accepted my weakness and my faults, and I still do my best to make changes that make me happy. It’s been a very difficult and winding road for me, but I wake up knowing I love me. My boys know I love them. I am happy, healthy and strong. am happy, healthy and strong.

It’s amazing how no one talks about anything till after they go through it. I found the more I talk with other women that we all face these challenges, re-gardless of our different backgrounds and what it is

we are going through. We hid and veil our and weaknesses. We really don’t think about how there is strength in numbers. I want you to know that standing there and facing those realities; this is what make you smarter, stronger, more confident/resilient and beautiful. Maybe it’s the most exhilarating and liberating thing ever or maybe it’s harsh and terrify-ing, and you don’t feel your friends are being honest ing, and you don’t feel your friends are being honest or you can really open yourself up to them. Let the WHITE community be your support. Better yet share with WHITE, share with me, and share with our readers your journey so that they can feel your strength. . Share anything humor, heartbreak, fash-ion, food, vacations, music, your strength, your battles, your illness, your loss and the smiles that are so wide they make your face hurt. Ask questions and I’ll be candid, open and real in every aspect. I do it every morning in the mirror with myself. Somedays it’s tough, others I smile and laugh know-ing how far I have come. Send and share with me at cdimiceli@thewhitemag.com

WHITE is all of that, you are all of that! So I invite you, the readers of WHITE, to share your journey of weakness, strength, honesty, resilience, and new be-ginnings. Be happy, be healthy and be strong!

Share your story!Email me:

cdimiceli@thewhitemag.com

SHORTHAND studios

recording demos mixing mastering

visit our website for rates & more info

RECREATETHIS!A feature by the Editor

This room was designed originally

by Greg Natal. The photo on this page

is from his website.

SPANISH COLONIAL DRUM TABLE ANTIQUE BRASS

$49, www.restorationhardware.com

VICTOR CHAIR, PERFORMANCE VELVET, INK BLUE

$509, www.westelm.com

EURO STYLE SANDOR SIDE TABLE$127, www.overstock.com

MODERN CONTEMPORARY CHARCOAL GREY VELVET SOFA$500, www.papayafurniture.com

HANDMADE GEOMETRIC FLAT WEAVE BLACK / WHITE WOOL RUG$167, www.overstock.com

JULIA PLEAT 20” TOSS PILLOW - BLUE$20, www.bedbathandbeyond.com

ARTCRAFT LIGHTING MILK GLASS 6 LIGHT CHANDELIER$490, www.sears.com

PARSONS WALL MIRROR, BONE INLAY$250, www.westelm.com

WESTCOTT NAVY 1624 www.benjaminmoore.com

BLUE AND CREAM PILLOWSby PillowThrowDecor on www.etsy.com

SAARINEN COFFEE TABLE - WHITE LAMINATE$602, www.hivemodern.com

ADA TABLE LAMP$60, www.cb2.com

Get our magazine in print!

WHITE mag is available in printed form on HP MagCloud. Use the QR code or url belowto find out more info on purchasing a copy

of this and future issues.

hpmagcloud.com/users/thewhitemag

facebook.com/thewhitemagtwitter @thewhitemagissuu.com/thewhitemagazineinstagram @whitemaggirl