J’AIME LA VUE

Life is a Foreign
Country Pg.31
ANXIETY?
-Victor Villaveja -RONALD EMERS

Thrifty Threads!!!
Think Big Pg.11 Pg.26
-Victoria Wagner

Winter Wardrobe
Must Haves Pg.20
- Taylor Parks

T H E N EXT
CH A PTER
ISSUE ONE
J’AIME LA VUE / ISSUE ONE
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TABLE OF
J’AIME LA VUE CONTENTS
STAFF
EDITOR’S LETTER - ACE SYLVESTER 6-7
EDITOR IN CHIEF
A N DR E W( AC E ) S Y LV E ST E R PHOTOGRAPHY TO ME -ADYSON BADEN 8
ANDYSYLVESTER93@GMAIL.COM
THINK BIG- VICTORIA WAGNER 10-11
CREATIVE EDITOR AT DIANA DISHES -CHERYL HUNT 12-13
LARGE
UNREALISTIC STANDARDS IN FASHION 14-15
V I C T O R I A WAG N E R
LA VOIX EN MOI-SFIN 16
CONTENT EDITOR HIDDEN GROUNDS -Chris Verzwyvelt 18
STEPHEN K ARTIM AS
TRANSCENDENTAL CHORDS-CURTIS SEBREN 19
FEATURED
PHOTOGR APHER 5 WARDROBE MUST HAVES -TAYLOR PARK 20

A DYSON BA DEN NEW YEAR/HOLIDAY QUICK RECIPES 22-23

CONTRIBUTORS JUST A THOUGHT 24-25

CHERY L HUNT THRIFTY THREADS!!! 26
SARA BETH WILLIAM
&
QUESTIONS WITH ZAC BARRIENT 27
VICTOR VILLIVEJA
ANXIETY -RONALD EMERS 28-29

LIFE IS A FOREIGN COUNTRY -VICTOR 31

DON’T BLINK -SARA BETH WILLIAMS 32-33

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EDITOR’S
LETTER
We welcome you on this wonderful journey
into the world of J’aime La Vue.
J’aime La Vue aims to showcase various
topics and writings that
appeal to a wide variety of individuals.
There is no specific pattern or focus. It
is dedicated to free thinking and open
discussion with elements of fashion
incorporated. All articles and writings are
created by local individuals, groups, and
businesses who are looking to share their
craft with you. This is a magazine by the
people, for the people. Our goal is simple:
to inspire. To create. To simply look around
and admire the view.

EDITOR IN CHIEF
ACE SYLVESTER

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A
ADDYSON BADEN

lthough I have experience on both sides, I’m normally the girl behind the
camera instead of the one in front of it. The way a photo can tell a story
without saying a word is fascinating to me.

One of my mentors once taught me, “you learn as you do.” That
rings true with photography.

You learn a new thing every time you pick up your camera, but the best things I get
to learn are not the fancy camera tricks, but the moments I’m capturing and the beautiful
stories behind them. “You never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a
memory.” People get to have these moments I capture forever and they may not know just
how important they are until years go by.

I love simplicity; In photos, in outfits, decorations, etc. Beauty and originality can
often get lost when things look complicated. If I think something looks good, I’m going to
roll with it no matter what the rules or styles are because that’s how you stand out; by being
yourself. That’s the best thing you can be.

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THINK BIG.

L
By: Victoria Wagner

ooking good really does help me feel good. However,

looking good, for a plus size woman, can be a challenge
in itself. Luckily, I have a fashion inspiration that helps
me out: Ashley Graham! Graham is a plus sized model who
owns runways and slays in campaigns for companies that cater to
bigger girls; but, more importantly, speaks to young girls about
confidence both inside and out.

Her style is made up of anything that makes her look good
and feel good. She has taught me that style comes from within,
and I’ve carried that same attitude ever since she popped up on
my Instagram feed. Being pictured in mostly swimsuits or
lingerie, she embodies what sexy is simply by exuding
confidence. She is my style icon because even when she isn’t
wearing a bra and panties, she still looks hot in a pair of jeans.

“With a mixture of class and sex appeal, she steps out in

fitted dresses or pansuits that demand both attention and
respect.”
With a mixture of elegance and edginess, Graham often mixes
fabrics and patterns that show off her killer curves while still
keeping her on the best dressed lists.

With a growing presence in the fashion world, she continues
to turn heads with flattering colors and shapes that compliment
her figure. She has worked with companies to design clothing and
swimwear so that her fans and other plus size women can take
notes from her style and incorporate designer fashion into their
wardrobe, even with a limited budget. She is my fashion icon
because she inspires women to believe that they are beautiful,
regardless of size, and that style comes from within. Check out
her Instagram for more inspiration! @theashleygraham

J’AIME LA VUE / ISSUE ONE

-Victoria

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Wagner
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DIANA DISHES
R
andom thought that I had about The Great Gatsby today: I have
come to the conclusion that Donald Trump is Tom Buchanan.
Spoiler alert: the book is 92 years old and there have been at least 4
movies based on it. Think about it; Trump, like Tom, was born into
privilege. They both were “athletes” who were not good enough to be
professionals, so they spend their life chasing that elusive ballgame. They
both married the best looking girl: Honestly, all of Trump’s wives have been
as vapid, superficial, and narcissistic as Daisy. Both men cheated on their
wives with multiple women.
Both have been accused of abusing people. Both are bigots and fear
anyone of color becoming too successful. They were both bullies who feel
it’s not enough to beat an opponent, but to also punish the person beyond
rationality. They both claim to be classy, but they are crass, brutish,
sexist, chauvinistic, arrogant jerks who believe that the world should revolve
around what makes them happy. The rest of us are Jay Gatsbys and Nick
Carroways.
The Gatsbys want to be like Trump and Tom, all the while not
realizing that Trumps and Toms have little to no respect for hard-working
people. They are beneath them and should only be used for their benefit,
much like George and Myrtle Wilson. The Gatsbys and Wilsons of America
believe in the Toms and Trumps, which will ultimately lead to their demise.
The rest of us are Nick Carroway unwittingly drawn into this crazy ride;
hoping we can get off with as little damage done as possible. In the end,
Trump and Tom will continue to be a rotten crowd who

“smash up things and creatures and then [retreat]

back into their money or their vast carelessness or
whatever it is that keeps them together, and let other
people clean up the mess they [have] made.”
-Cheryl Hunt

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“ARE THERE UNREALISTIC

BEAUTY STANDARDS IN THE
FASHION INDUSTRY?”
-SARAH BETH WILLIAMS

Women, including young ladies, are constantly trying to meet the expectations
of how models should look and how they should achieve beauty. The fashion world
consists mostly of underweight women. When the women don’t meet the expectations
of what a “real” model should look like, they are often photoshopped until they fit the
standard.

As a result of these unrealistic expectations, women are having low self-esteem about
their “unmet goal” type of body. With that being said, the fashion industry is the one
that should be held accountable for misleading and perpetuating these unrealistic
beauty standards.

Kelly Cutrone, founder of People’s Revolution, once stated, “Clothes look better on
thin people.” Many others have chimed in and agreed with Cutrone. When asked the
question,

“Why are models so thin?”,

Designers respond with “we want our models to resemble a clothes hanger.” Is this re-
ally how the fashion industry wants women to look like; a walking stick? How can we
go about teaching young girls to eat healthy when they are constantly trying to meet
the standards of a model and being skinny? How can we teach them the importance of
staying healthy while they’re only being fed with the lies spoken by these models and
companies?

The “size zero” culture of the fashion industry is not only damaging the general public,
but the models as well. Women who look up to these models have put in a lot of effort
and time to look the way they do. It continues to put copious amounts of pressure on us
in a need to feel “beautiful”, and that’s simply not right.

-Sara Beth Williams

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LA VOIX EN MOI (THE VOICE IN ME)
GENERATION
I’M GRIEVING THE LOSS OF THE ONE
THAT’S STILL LIVING
OUT OF SIGHT, STILL IN MIND
STAY OUT OF MY DREAMS
YOU’RE NOT FORGIVEN
SEE THAT I’M BUSY SINNING IGNORING
MY PEACE
TELLING MY SUBCONSCIOUS CEASE
I’M TRYING TO BREAK FREE
BUT FIRST I GOTTA INCREASE
ALL OF MY CURRENCY
PLEASE, F&CK HAVING A DREAM
I LIVE IN THE MOMENT
TOO BAD IT’S NOTHING
BUT BLACKNESS FILLED IN WITH
HOPELESSNESS
I GUESS I’LL NEED TO REST ONE DAY
BUT I PRAY HE TAKES ME NEXT
STOP GLORIFYING DRUGS AND BEING
NUMB YOU F%CKIN BUMS
I GET WHAT YOU MEAN
BUT THESE KIDS, THE YOUNG
CAN’T UNDERSTAND
OR COMPREHEND THE MESSAGES
THEY JUST STRUGGLE TO FIT IN
SO THEY POP AND POUR
WHILE BLANK FACES CHANT AN ENCORE
“COME ON YOU LITTLE P%SSY.
DOWN SOME MORE!”
TIL THEY BLACK OUT ON THE COLD,
HARD FLOOR
TEARS RAINING DOWN ON A LIFELESS
CORPSE
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17
YOU GET ONE LIFE
ONE CHANCE
SO PULL YOURSELF UP
AND TAKE A STAND
GRAB A HAND
F&CK IT, I’LL REACH OUT
VENT AND CRY
AND SCREAM AND SHOUT
LIST ALL YOUR PROBLEMS
WHAT’D YOU ACCOMPLISH?
MADE IT THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL
NOW A SENIOR IN COLLEGE
WHAT’S REALLY STOPPING YOU
FROM PAYING HOMAGE
TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY
THAT GAVE YOU THE KNOWLEDGE
TO POLISH YOUR SKILLS
AND HONE IN ON THEM
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR
AND MAKE YOU A PROMISE
TO ALWAYS TRY YOUR HARDEST
TO ALWAYS GO THE FARTHEST
TO ALWAYS KEEP YOUR MIND OPEN
YOU CAN BE YOUR OWN ARTIST
AND NOT JUST AN EMPTY CARCASS
FILLED WITH THE TARNISHED
THOUGHTS...
THAT LEAVE YOU BROKEN
AND HEARTLESS
-SFIN J’AIME LA VUE / ISSUE ONE

Hidden TRANSCENDENTAL
Grounds
S
ometimes presence itself is the
only need to be on your road to
success. My story consists of just
that. I was actively present for work,
friends, family, and my significant other.
Being present lead me to consistency at
my job and the opportunity to go further.
January 2016 I was working hard as a
barista and I was dedicated to my job
and my new found passion. My boss
decided that she did not want to run the
coffee shop anymore. At the time I did
not feel like I was equipped to take this
position and this significant gamble.
However, presence granted me
opportunity to take the leap.
Months of hardships and hurdles went
by that year because I was still in
college. Everyone tried to convince me
to either drop out or get rid of the
business, but I had too much passion to
give up on the little coffee shop that had
been such a big part of my life. I
gathered my friends and family to help
me in all the ways I was lacking and we
fought for success.
During the first year, we re-branded the
coffee shop completely with a new name
and worked with Samantha Borges to
of success.”
create a new logo. After that, coffee was
the number one thing to concentrate on.
After trying many different roasters,
we found one that my team and I fell in
love with called Mojos Coffee Roasters
based in New Orleans. In the summer of
2017, we also partnered with designer
18
David Craine to redesign the inside of
the shop. That’s when Hidden Grounds
became the local home that we all know
and love.
“We can
Here I am about to celebrate the 2 year
share a anniversary of what is now known as
Hidden Grounds. I am thankful for the
cup of friends and family that helped
Hidden Grounds get to where it is
coffee and today. I’m asked all of the time how this
story happened, and although there is an
talk about
abundance of answers I could provide,
I can tell you all this: Presence presents
our views
opportunity.
If you would like to hear more of my
stories then stop by our local shop lo-
cated at
1313 Military Hwy
Pineville, Louisiana.
-Chris Verzwyvelt
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19
CHORDS
N ature is vital to life. It loves, nurtures and,
most importantly, appreciates us. This was
the idea that Henry David Thoreau based his
life around, and for good reason. Thoreau realized that in
order to truly become one with yourself, you must seclude
yourself from the societal chains that clasp around your
mind. In his book, Walden, a very famous and moving line
appears which reads, “I went to the woods because I wished
to live deliberately” (85). It’s a terrifying idea to leave all
of the comforts and routines that life has consisted of for so
long. The idea of the mainstream is suffocating. Compared
to the period of romanticism, artists today are stuck on a
revolving pedestal of narcissistic thought. There seems to
be no originality in the popular music world anymore.
Luckily, the transcendental mindset is not entirely lost
among the influences of this generation of sound. Justin
Vernon, the lead vocalist for the band Bon Iver, felt the
same as Thoreau. He needed to venture out of his
entrapping surroundings to find himself. So, like Thoreau
had done almost 150 years prior, Vernon took to the woods.
He lived in a cabin in Northwestern, Wisconsin during
the dark of winter only to find the inspiration to record his
band’s debut album tilted “For Emma, Forever Ago.” In an
interview, he talks about the effect that the isolation had on
him mentally and emotionally. He goes on to explain how
he found new parts of himself just from the silence alone.
He said that a person unlocks a certain part of their brain
when they are forced not to open their mouth for three days.
Now he is known worldwide for his beautiful sound and
poetic lyrics that can inspire even the most derisive hearts.
There is nothing wrong with expression through music
in any way. How people find their sanctuary is only in
their hands. Music is a conduit through which people gain
knowledge and inspiration. However, it does not have to
suit everybody. That is a pressure that Vernon has lifted
from his shoulders throughout his distancing. As he so
cunningly puts it,
“forget the fashion
of it, dear.”
-Curtis Sebren
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BY: TAYLOR PARKS

“5 WARDROBE
MUST HAVES “WINTER IS
TO SURVIVE
THE CHILL” COMING”
I n the words of the honorable
Lord Ned Stark (HBO’s
Game of Thrones), “winter is
coming”. I am one of those people
who loves the Fall/Winter season
so much that I set aside a capsule
wardrobe that carries me though
both seasons. No matter your style
or figure, there are 5 essential
winter basics men/women must
have. Plus, a majority of these
pieces are under $100.

1.Tees/Sweaters: Most stores like

H&M, Gap, or even Target run
promotional deals where you can
purchase tees by the 2s for really
good prices. I usually purchase at
least two short sleeve tees and two
sweaters in the basic colors black
and white. Also, I may pick up
additional colors like blue or grey.
Tees and sweaters are probably my
most important essential.

2. Jeans: Pick a pair that is durable
and versatile to fit your lifestyle.
I usually gravitate to a non-dis-
tressed dark blue or black denim.
My favorite brands are: Levi, Gap,
Good American, Paige, Joe’s, and
7 for All Mankind.
3. Jacket/Cardigan: Pick something
that you can throw on to switch up
your style to dress it up or down.
My usuals has been a tan utility
I have two go-to hats; a cranberry red
wide brim fedora and a black beret.
One is an attention getter while the
other is my everyday out-the-door hat
for warmth.
“Hats are 5. Boots/Booties: Ankle boots have
been quite the trend on and off the
attention runway for the past two years. Make
sure these are boots that go with your
getters personal style. My favorite boot is a
suede pair from Zara.

and
parka from Gap, an H&M white
cardigan and a goosed down parka With these options alone, the out t
from Nordstrom. choices are endless. Be sure to stay

4. Hats: Hats are attention deflectors” warm friends. You can find more tips
like this and more at
getters and deflectors. Personally, CompanyofTaylor.com
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QUICK & CHIC HOLIDAY LASAGNA

PREP TIME
ITALIAN COOKIES

NEWYEARS RECIPES 30 MINS

COOK TIME
PREP TIME
1 HOUR 15 MINS COOK TIME
1 HOUR 10 MINS
TOTAL TIME
1 HOUR 30 MINS TOTAL TIME
1 HOUR 25 MINS
AUTHOR: JUDITH HANNEMANN AUTHOR: CAKESCOTTAGE RECIPE TYPE: COOKIES
SERVES: 9 CUISINE: ITALIAN
INGREDIENTS SERVES: 24
* 12 OVEN-READY LASAGNA
NOODLES* * 1 TUB (15 OZ) RICOTTA INGREDIENTS
CHEESE * COOKIES
* 1 TBS PARSLEY * 4 EGGS
* 1⁄4 TSP OREGANO * 1 CUP SUGAR
* 1⁄4 CUP GRATED PARMESAN OR * 1⁄2 CUP BUTTER
ROMANO CHEESE
* 16 OZ SLICED MOZZARELLA CHEESE * 2 TSP. VANILLA
OR 4 CUPS SHREDDED * 8 OZ ITALIAN * 31⁄2 CUP FLOUR
SAUSAGE * 4 TSP.BAKING POWDER * ICING
* 8 OZ LEAN GROUND BEEF * 2 CUP SIFTED CONFECTIONER’S SUGAR * 2 TSP.
* 1 JAR (26 OZ) PASTA SAUCE VANILLA
* 1 CUP WATER
* 6 TSP. WATER

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. You will need a deep 11 x 7-inch or 13 x 9-inch pan.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef, breaking up large clumps. Drain and set aside.
3. Place Italian sausage in a saucepan with 1⁄2 cup water. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer 10
minutes. Drain and cool slightly. Slice in 1/4-inch slices. Set aside.
4. Mix ricotta, parsley, oregano and parmesan cheese in a small bowl.5. Mix pasta sauce, water and ground
beef in a large bowl.
6. Place 11⁄2 cups of sauce mixture on the bottom of the pan. Lay 3 lasagna noodles across the bottom.
7. Spread the ricotta mixture over noodles. Spread the mozzarella slices or shredded mozzarella over the
ricotta mixture. Distribute the sausage slices over the top of the cheeses. Drizzle
with the sauce mixture. Repeat 2 more times. Top with the last 3 lasagna noodles, spreading remaining sauce
over the noodles. Sprinkle with additional shredded
mozzarella if desired.
8. Cover with greased aluminum foil and place the baking dish on a baking tray
and bake at 375 degrees for 55-60 minutes.
9. Remove foil and test noodle doneness with a knife. If noodles are soft, replace the foil cover and let stand
for 10 minutes. If noodles are still “al dente” then return to oven for an additional 10 minutes.
10. Makes 9 servings.
DIRECTIONS
1. COOKIES
2. IN A BOWL SIFT TOGETHER THE FLOUR AND BAKING POWDER , SET ASIDE.
3. IN A LARGE MIXING BOWL, CREAM TOGETHER THE BUTTER AND SUGAR.
4. ADD THE EGGS, ONE AT A TIME, MIXING WELL. MIX IN THE VANILLA. ADD IN THE FLOUR
MIXTURE.
5. KNEAD UNTIL DOUGH IS FIRM AND NOT STICKY, ADDING MORE FLOUR IF NECESSARY.
6. REFRIGERATE 1 HOUR.
7. CUT OFF SMALL AMOUNT OF DOUGH AND ROLL ON FLOURED SURFACE INTO 6 INCH
STRIPS. 8. TWIRL INTO SHAPE AND PLACE ON GREASED COOKIE SHEETS.
9. BAKE AT 375 DEGREES FOR 8-10 MINUTES (THE BOTTOM SHOULD BE LIGHTLY BROWNED
BUT
THE TOPS SHOULD REMAIN LIGHT).
10. REMOVE COOKIES TO WIRE RACK AND COOL COMPLETELY BEFORE GLAZING.
11. ICING
12. COMBINE THE ICING INGREDIENTS IN A BOWL UNTIL JUST SMOOTH. YOU WANT IT MORE
THICK THAN THIN, BUT STILL RUNNY.
13. DIP THE TOPS OF THE COOLED COOKIES INTO THE GLAZE, THEN RETURN TO THE WIRE
RACK,
ALLOWING THE GLAZE TO DRIP DOWN THE SIDES OF THE COOKIE. 14. TOP WITH SPRINKLES,
WHILE GLAZE IS STILL WET.

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YOU HAVE TO PRETEND THE QUESTIONS “WHAT?”,

TO BE ASLEEP FOR A “WHEN”, AND “WHEN”
WHILE BEFORE YOU CAN BE ANSWERED BY
ACTUALLY ARE ASLEEP. CHANGING THE “W” IN
EACH QUESTION TO A “T”

THIS YEARS OSCAR’S

SHOULD BE HOSTED BY RUDOPLH THE RED NOSED
CHRIS HANSEN FROM THE REINDEER IS A SONG
ABOUT HOW FICKLE AND
SHOW “TO CATCH A TEACHERS SHOULD SHALLOW SOCIETY IS.
PREDATOR”
BE ASKING
STUDENTS TO WRITE
NEW YEAR’S EVE 2017 SHORT 1 PAGE
WILL BE THE ONLY DAY CALLING SOMEONE “SICK”
WHEN EVERY ADULT WAS ESSAYS AND DOCK COULD EITHER BE AN
BORN IN THE 1990’S, AND INSULT, A COMPLIMENT,
EVERY MINOR WAS BORN THEM POINTS FOR OR A DESCRIPTION
IN THE 2000’S. DEPENDING ON YOUR
NOT BEING CONCISE TONE.
INSTEAD OF
SOCIETY HAS BECOME SO REQUIRING LONG 4
FAKE, THAT THE TRUTH
ACTUALLY BOTHERS PAGE DO YOU EVER WONDER
PEOPLE. WHAT YOUR DOG NAMED
ESSAYS. IN YOU?
EVERYDAY LIFE, NO
WE ARE TOLD AS ADULTS ONE LIKES TO READ
THAT WORK -LIFE ADN
HOME-LIFE SHOULD BE A WALL OF TEXT.
SEPERATED.
HOWEVER, ALL BLACK FRIDAY IS WHEN
THROUGHTOUT OUR SHOPPERS FIND OUT THAT

JUST A THOUGHT... CHILD-HOOD WE ARE THEIR DIGNITY IS WORTH

REQUIRED TO DO ABOUT $100 OFF A TV.
“a few clever words to ponder over”

B Y :ANONYMOUS

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THRIFTY
B QUESTIONS WITH
eing broke is hard. Being broke with a desire
to buy endless outfits is even harder, and
that’s why it has become a hobby of mine
to dive deep into the world of bargain hunting.
THREADS ZAC BARRIENT
I began my journey at Target, a place where I
have been able to find affordable clothes, but not AGE: 21
usually super cute or that even fit me. This time, MANDIVILLE, LA
I went into Target with a mission to find at least What are you known for?
one cute and affordable outfit that I would actually
wear and not just let hang in my closet waiting Zach: Let’s see, I probably known for my shoes.
for that “perfect” event that I will never actually How many pair do you have?
attend. I was pleasantly surprised with the options Zach: around 60 pair or more.
that the superstore had that looked good and were Describe the color yellow to a person who is blind?
inexpensive this time around. Zach: “The color yellow is the feeling you get
while you rub your hand on a warm fluffy kitten on
The first place that I searched was the shoes. I
found multiple pairs of shoes that I loved and could a hot summers day. While drinking an Arnold
easily incorporate into my everyday wardrobe. The Palmer.”
prices for the shoes ranged from $14.99 all the way If you could get rid of one state which one would it be
to $59.99- which included boots and special event and why?
shoes rather than flats or sneakers. Zach: South Dakota.
After a look around the shoes, I found my way into Why get rid of South Dakota?
the women’s section of clothes, which was such a Zach: because you only need one.
small area compared to the rest of the sections in What is our favorite movie?
Target. This is disappointing because I truly believe Zach: Stepbrothers
that bigger women deserve the chance to mix and What is a book that you plan on reading?
match outfits. There is one brand in the
women’s section called Ava and Viv which has to- Zach: Relentless Memoir by: Julian Edeman
tally adorable picks, but most of them did not look On a scale of one to ten how excited are you about life What is your favorite thing about yourself?
great on my particular body type. I finally settled right now? Zach: Ride or die kind of guy
on a pair of distressed skinny jeans that looked Who is the last person that you talked to on the
Zach: 10 phone?
amazing and were only $34.99. Next, I found two Iphone or Android?
sweatshirt-style tops; one green with a crewneck Zach: Drake Battaglia

and one grey with a front pocked that were both Zach: Iphone Who would you want to get pregnant?
only $24.99!!!! In my opinion, they were very well Twitter or Instagram Zach: Jennifer Anniston
priced for a velvet material that could be dressed up Zach: Instagram You’ve been given a elephant what would you
or dressed down. Who should everyone be following on Instagram right do with it?
now? Zach: Ride it.
Overall, I do think I accomplished my goal of What city in America shouldn’t be on the map?
creating an affordable outfit, but it was rather Zach: Tom Brady
What’s your favorite food? Zach: Livonia, LA
difficult because of the small section that I was
limited to. I give the shoe selection a 9 out of Zach: Mom’s homemade lasagna If you could add anyone to Mt.Rushmore

10: They truly had every basic shoe a girl would What’s your favorite band? Zach: Tom Brady.
need. Unfortunately, I give the women’s clothes Zach: Aerosmith If you could swim in any liquid, would it be.
section a 5 out of 10 because of the small selec- Favorite Solo Artist? Zach: Ramos Jin Fizz
tion and the fit of many of the pieces that were in Zach: George Strait OK, So your son is going to college, what kind of
the collection. If you’re looking for a basic and Favorite Song?
casual outfit, think about visiting Target. However, advice would you give him?
Zach: Paint Me a Birmingham Zach: First, Ill give him my Gold Airmax
if you’re like me, a plus size woman, you may have
to take a large chunk of time to curate the outfit of If you had a tattoo, where would it be? ones, and tell him “She never remembers
your dreams! Zach: Right Shoulder the guy who sits in the corner and gives
Best way to de-stress? her pencils. She only remembers the guy,
Zach: Put on a good pair of shoes.
-Victoria Wagner What is your least favorite thing about yourself?
who shoots his shot and has the flyest
shoes”
Zach: to easy to trust others
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 28 29

I
decided to transfer to Louisiana College in the summer of
LIFE IS A FOREIGN 2016, and eventually made it in the Fall. I imagined that
it would be complicated at first, but I did not know how
challenging this new experience was going to be for my spirit.
COUNTRY A new school, new faces, a new country, and a whole new
culture that I still do not understand. I did not belong here, and
it wasn’t long until I felt like a stranger among strangers.

Back in Spain, my life was a carousel that never had that one
last lap. The bell never sounded, and I didn’t have to stop
spinning around the same axis of irrelevance. I didn’t want to
either. Every week was a gentle race to the weekend, which
started every Thursday. I spent as much time as I could in the
streets, with my friends and in taverns and bars while aban-
doning my soul to the will of my instinct. My life was coiling
around a clock without hours in its face; a clock without hands.
I took more than a simple walk on the wild side. I liked my “Where EVERY Experience BEGINS and ENDS Positively”
life, as long as I didn’t have time to think.

Then, I came here, and all I had was time. I blamed the
distance for my suffering, and I blamed the Atlantic Ocean for
being too big. Then, when I couldn’t see my family, I wished I
had been there for them more often. How selfish I had been! I
was alone and sad. I did not know why I couldn’t be
myself. Now I know that I didn’t know who I was. I was trying
so tenaciously to hold onto my past life that I did not realize I
was missing the ease of my new present. I spent my two first
months at Louisiana College in my room. I read a lot, and I
also cried.

I have come to understand that a man is not only defined by his
conscience and his ideals, but also by his appearance, the opin-
ion that his equals hold of him, and by his attempt to become
the man he desires to be. A piper once confessed to me that we
all deceive ourselves, but only a few of us look back to find
truth. I was being the picture that others had of me, and I rarely
looked in the mirror. Then, I moved to Pineville and nobody
knew who I was. The pictures got lost in the move and I was
S Hours of Operation LO
just the new kid.
E C
I C E YO AL B
I found a way to silence the laughs. I learned to cherish the
quaint rumor of the moment. I bought a ladder to stay above
P R G Tuesday-Thursday U C US
the appearance and above the judgment and jealousy. I found
AT KA AN INE
Writer
my way to happiness sometime after those two months in
R E AC !! 10am-4pm
TR SS
G D P LS!
Pineville, Louisiana. I haven’t arrived at my destination yet,
but I see life in every twist of the winding path. Now I know US
Victor Villaveja T
AN DEA
that peace and felicity are in the journey itself. Sparkles in the
dark. A white smile in the night sky. Friday-Saturday
“Lifeis a new country. If you don’t leave 10am-6pm
the house, you sure won’t get lost. But if (318-625-7424)
you never get lost, you will never be able Located at
3335 Jackson St. Alexandria,
to find yourself.” LA 71301.

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 30 31
ANXIETY?
I ’ve had anxiety for as long as I can remember. I
didn’t know until recently that there was a name for
the heart-pounding, oxygen-stealing sensation I would
get in normal situations. For example, I remember in
kindergarten, I didn’t hear the bell ring for us to come inside
from the playground. So when my friend and I realized we “We are all broken. That”s
were late, she went into class and apologized like a normal how the light gets in.”
human while I instead retreated to the girls’ room. When a
-Ernest Hemingway
teacher came to look for me, I actually crawled under the
stalls to avoid having to talk...
“I returned to class and cried
uncontrollably until 3:00.”
I can remember instances like that all throughout my life. I “Worrying does not empty
am now twenty-one years old, and I still suffer with
tomorrow of its troubles.
awful anxiety. I hate drive-thru’s, phone calls, and asking for
help... I’m getting better, but I’ve sought out serious help. It empties today of its
Like, medication-level help. And guess what? That’s okay. strength.”
I’m happier and calmer than I have been in a very long time. -Corrie Boom
Anxiety causes the mind to race a million miles a minute...
This means overthinking on an entirely new level.

What happens when you combine the negative thoughts of

depression with the thought process of anxiety and the pres-
sures of college? It’s a cocktail for bad decisions. It feels “We generate fears while we
good to write and talk about it now that I have it somewhat sit. We overcome them by
under control. For once, I have the mental clarity to identify action. Fear is nature’s way
it and describe it. I haven’t been able to do this until recent- of warning us to get busy.”
ly, so I thought I’d sent out a message to anyone
-Dr. Henry Link
suffering with terrible anxiety. If medical attention isn’t
within your reach, I beg of you to find a creative outlet. Put
the racing thoughts on paper or a screen or sheet music or
into lyrics. It could help keep them away from your stream
of consciousness.

I
know it doesn’t always feel like it, but you will be
okay. As long as you remember that, your mind is in “Life will give you what-
your control. They are your thoughts--not anyone else’s. ever experience is most
"Everyone does not hate you. Everyone is not looking at helpful for the evolution
you. Everyone has flaws and feels pressure.”
of your
If you’re reading this and relating, there are so many people consciousness.”
who need someone like you to tell them everything will be -Eckhart Tolle
okay.
-Ronald Emers

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DON’T
BLINK
B efore you know it, you will be in college sitting on a bed
that’s too small to even eat your bowl of ramen noodles;
all while wearing the same shirt that’s been worn for the
past three days.

Don’t blink. Seriously. The expression “time flies” is cliche for a

reason. Don’t take the last few months of being a high school student

BY: SARAH BETH

for granted. Otherwise, you’ll regret it.

Enjoy all of your “lasts”. Your last game to watch: whether it’s foot-
WILLIAMS ball, baseball, basketball, etc. Your last high school dance. This may
be the last night you will be able to spend with that entire group of
people. Your last test. Yes, this might sound crazy, but this may be
the last time you take a test without studying while still being able to
pass. College exams are no joke.

Thank your teachers. They’re the ones who actually care about you
and your education. These teachers take the time out of their busy
schedule just for you. In college, some professors will barely know
your name.

Mend brokenness. Drama tends to happen; it’s high school. Grudges

form, but don’t take the ones from the past with you into the future.
Forgive those who have hurt you. Life is too short to go through life
with the guilt of an unforgiven friendship.

Lastly, make memories. Go to the game, the play, or any event your
school puts on. Support your friends in all of their endeavors and
passions. Cheer for them, the teams, and your people. This is your
school. Be proud of it. Make the most out of everything.

“You will regret not

participating...I
promise”
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H
i there! I am Sallie Stout and I should
be the poster child for Mississippi

Dazzling
Hippies. I was fated and educated
in Mississippi and at 23 years old, I
officially moved to the West Coast to start my
career in design. I am your basic jack-of-all-
trades and a master of none, but I refused to

In a Different
let that stop me from putting my creativity to
a test. From my work in graphics, my previous
career in interior design and my passion for
vogue, I am excited to share how all of these
things play a huge part in my everyday style.
Warning! My style should come with a “Do

Direction
Not Try This at Home” label because scissors
became my best friend at a very young
ageJI’m not afraid to cut out or add things I
see fit and neither should you.

When it comes to my style, “doing the most”

is an understatement. The more color the
merrier.. because boring has never gotten

-Sallie
anyone anywhere, right!? Growing up, my
choice of apparel was usually questioned and
it certainly did not bother me. I guess hard
work (and lots of pattern mixing) paid off,

Stout
because here I am, giving you advice on how
to stand out with your wardrobe choices It’s a
difficult question to answer when asked who I
idealize as a fashion icon or what brands do I
tend to shop the most. I can honestly say I do
not think my style has one overall influence,
but a combination of all. I have a new favored
retail store every month and I think that’s
because my vision and unique flair is
consistently changing.
As an artist, I view apparel the same way as I
view art, by studying its essential elements. I
look at the value of clothing by studying the
color and patterns within, not giving any mind
to labels or brand names. I find myself
critiquing clothing more than acquiring it. I
may see a color I really like on one sweater,
but a choppy fringe that is desperately miss-
ing. Rarely do I find a piece that is perfect,
but that doesn’t mean it there is no potential!
Before making a retail investment, I make sure
to check two things off the mental
checklist.
First off, what preexisting items do I own that can allow me to wear
this item more than once? You should never be afraid to re-wear
that top; instead, rewire it! Secondly, and most importantly, how am
I going to make my purchase different than the other
costumers buying the same product? What about this top do I really
love, and how would I wear it differently than the way it is being
marketed. With social media and daily dose of fashion dos and
don’ts, we are repetitively pushed to believe that one look is the
ONLY look. It is time to take back your closet and start shopping
outside of the box. Don’t be discouraged if you feel differently than
the professional modeling it- own that! No one wears that hidden
gem in the back of your closet- quite like you. Being different is
your advantage. Next time you’re out shopping I encourage you to
pick up the one thing (within your budget) that you would normally
never wear. Confront your creative side and find a way to make that
piece yours and no one else’s!JDazzle in an exciting and oh so very
different, direction! Mwah!

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J’AIME LA VUE / ISSUE ONE J’AIME LA VUE / ISSUE ONE

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Coming Soon...February Issue

J’AIME LA VUE / ISSUE ONE J’AIME LA VUE / ISSUE ONE