I Finally Turned 21, and I’m Allergic to Wine?

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No, not exactly. Here’s my DAO discovery changed the game.

Becoming an adult happens in stages. It’s gradual, but with each new stage comes a new set of gifts to enjoy as well as obstacles to overcome.

I just spent the past six weeks interning in the capital of young, prime opportunity: New York City. I took a leap of faith to move there by myself and see what I was capable of, even though I could’ve done the job from anywhere.

The chance to immerse myself in a city like the Big Apple as a young adult seemed like the only sensible option, or perhaps the only option that made the most sense for me — a 21-year-old dreamer with wide eyes and a hunger for new success.

With the chance to live in a city like Manhattan at my age, I’m trying to build and make as many professional networks and meaningful connections as I possibly can.

In New York City, one of the easiest — or at least more approachable — ways to do this is a night out.

As I’m in the city for the first time as an adult, this means enjoying a glass of velvety, red wine at dinner or drinks is a luxury I can finally enjoy.

It tastes like thriving in a city full of extraordinary people.

Or it did, until my first two sips of wine in a beautiful, Italian restaurant caused my entire face and neck to become covered in hives.

Surely, I’m not allergic to wine, right?

Not only was it physically uncomfortable, but it was embarrassing. Here I am in my favorite, red dress in a room crowded with chattering people, and it looks like I’m having a life-threatening allergic reaction.

The hives, the flushing and the headache came almost immediately after my first few sips, and I didn’t know why because I was the only one at the table reacting this way.

You’ve probably heard of antihistamines, but histamines naturally occur in many foods, including ones that are good for you, like avocados and tomatoes. The histamine gets broken down in your body by an enzyme called diamine oxidase, or DAO. When your body isn’t producing enough DAO, then it can’t properly break down the histamine, and that’s where the allergy-like symptoms rush in.

Because my body wasn’t prepared with enough DAO when I began to drink that glass of Pinot Noir, the histamine overflowed and caused my skin to react in huge hives and rashes.

While not being able to drink wine isn’t the end of the world, it certainly isn’t the news I was expecting to hear as I entered adulthood.

One of our clients at the PR firm I’m interning at for the summer has a supplement that works to alleviate the symptoms caused by histamine intolerance and DAO deficiency. As it turns out, I’m one of the 5% of the U.S. population that struggles with histamine intolerance. It didn’t occur to me until I was on the phone with my boss the next day that this enzyme supplement may be something I need to try.

So, I did.

I took one Umbrellux DAO supplement about 20 minutes before pouring wine in my glass, and then I cautiously began to sip.
My skin didn’t feel hot and nobody seemed to be staring my way. I took a few more sips and enjoyed the good company I was in. The atmosphere was busy, but in a good way. As the hour passed, I had finished my first glass and my skin, if anything, was radiant.

Simply taking this supplement is all it took to not only curb the inconvenience of dealing with the histamine intolerance but also lead me to the source of my embarrassing issue, which is now flawlessly solved.

I learned about histamine intolerance and DAO deficiency because of my embarrassing wine encounter and thankfully working on this client account during my internship in the city that never sleeps this summer, but you too can learn about the benefits of Umbrellux DAO and the effects of histamine here. I specifically like the self-evaluation kit, which is less than $6, that helps you determine if the flushing after drinking wine or beer is caused by a histamine intolerance that can be alleviated by supplementing with a little DAO.

-C.M.

Stress-Free Study Spots on UF Campus

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For those looking to cultivate productivity while avoiding the campus chaos…

Trying to get a sense of where you are on any large university campus can be difficult, and because the University of Florida has so much to offer to its students, it can feel daunting to find a place to start.

Anyone who’s ever spent a significant period of time on UF campus knows it takes about 30 seconds once classes have let out for the grounds to fill with students scurrying to their next class or rushing to catch the bus.

If you’re looking for a place on campus to get your work done, whether it’s taking a short break before your next class or tending to the eight hours of homework you’ve happened to let pile up, there certainly is no shortage of places to do so on campus. Library West and Marston are two of UF’s most popular libraries, also making them the most crowded.

With that being said, there also happens to be a Library East on UF campus, or Smathers Library, located right beside the one and only West, off University Avenue.

You might even miss it if you weren’t already looking, but Smathers creates the perfect atmosphere to get a bit of work done in the serenity of peace and quiet. The first floor of Smathers is intended for silent, individual study, which makes it one of the only spaces on campus you can step into silence. Sometimes, the noise is good.

It’s what gives this university color and life, but sometimes the kindest thing you can do for yourself is take a break.

If you need a minute to let your mind think about other things, take a few to explore the artifacts displayed opposite the booths in the hallway, or browse through the first floor’s Map & Imagery Library. You can also make your way up to the third floor for general study areas, where some talking is allowed, to graze through the Latin American and Caribbean Collection. You may even feel inspired once you return to your work.

Besides Library West and the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, one of the most well-known places on UF campus is the Reitz Student Union.

It’s essentially a one-stop shop for UF students, housing the bookstore, plenty of dining options, student government, the career center, and even a full arcade, free to students with a valid Gator One ID. While the inside gets pretty busy during the lunch rush, the grass steps leading up to the south entrance make the perfect study spot on a sunny, fall afternoon.

While the breeze floats through the trees surrounding Green Pond, the mixture of students coming and going makes comfortable background noise as you sprawl out your belongings and start the studying.

It can get stuffy and cold staying locked up in the library for hours upon hours, tending to that history paper you have due at midnight or cramming for your exam next week. It’s also just a pleasant place to hang out when you’ve got some time to spare.

A bit of sunshine is all you really need sometimes.

If you’re in UF’s College of Journalism and Communications, then Weimer Hall is no foreign place, but it’s more than just a meeting place for some of your core classes.

Open to students of all majors, the third floor of Weimer Hall is one of the finest places on campus to get a bit of work done. The famous atrium of Weimer Hall is one of the most highly publicized images of the College of Journalism, making it somewhat known for the beautiful design.

What’s even better than admiring it from the ground floor of the courtyard, though, is getting away to the third floor of the building, where you can take in the view from a different perspective.

The space, although relatively small, also remains relatively quiet, making the desks and couches a divine place to be productive. It’s nearly impossible not to feel inspired when immersed in the workings of Weimer Hall, and it’s certainly a place worth getting to know.

Last but certainly not least, if you make your way east across 13th Street, you’ll come across Norman Hall. Home to the Education Library as well as classrooms and lecture halls, Norman is definitely much quieter than the rest of campus during the day due to its location you may technically consider “off-campus.”

When the weather allows for it, spending your study time outside in the courtyard of Norman is the easiest way to get work done while not feeling overwhelmed by your surroundings.

It’s also a good way to get the feeling of being a little more off campus while still being on UF grounds. It almost feels like the kind of secret you want to keep to yourself, although it’s a wonderful place to study with friends, as well.

Whether you thrive in social environments or prefer a little more quiet in your life, the University of Florida has a place for everyone.

Innovation, creativity and intelligence are constantly in the air when you’re surrounded by your fellow Gators. It’s the feeling you get when you’re doing what you love and knowing you’ve got the best opportunities to succeed in the palm of your hand.

Let these places inspire your drive to be exceptional in not only your work, but in creating a positive mindset and your place in the Gator Nation.

-C.M.

A Guide to Brewing at Home: Maple Bourbon Latte

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Fall in a cup of coffee? Yes please.

The delicious aroma of maple and espresso fill your immediate surroundings with visions of fall skies and falling leaves. There’s almost nothing like the sweet smell of coffee to brighten any sour mood, and with cooler weather slowly approaching, getting cozy with a hot drink can be just what the soul needs.

If venturing out to new grounds in the realm of lattes and espresso-based concoctions seems to spark your interest, the sweet taste of maple mixed with the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon in this latte will have you wrapped of in a blanket of fall-like bliss.

The ingredients you’ll need are:

  • 2 tablespoons of ground espresso beans
  • 1/2 cup of whole milk
  • 3/4 tablespoon of pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 tablespoon of bourbon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

If you don’t eat dairy or wish to substitute any of the other ingredients for something that’s calling your name, the creative direction of your latte is entirely in your hands.

First, you’ll want to start by adding 2 tablespoons of ground espresso to your stovetop espresso maker, as well as 1 cup of water. Put the stove on high heat and bring the espresso to a boil.

If you’re in need of an easy way to brew espresso at home, this is a great affordable option, or if you’d rather invest in an at-home espresso machine, this is a solid choice.

Next, you’ll want to whisk ½ a cup of whole milk in a bowl. A hand whisk will do, but an electric whisk gives the milk a frothier texture. Feel free to substitute this step with whatever nut milk alternative you prefer. Whisk the milk until you’re satisfied with the level of froth.

Once the espresso is done brewing, pour that into a glass. Then add 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup and a dash to the espresso and stir until thoroughly mixed. This part is really up for interpretation, so follow what your heart desires, and add as little or as much as you desire. Top the drink with the foamed milk and sprinkle with cinnamon until your heart’s content.

Et voila.

The taste of fall is yours to indulge in.

-C.M.

Say Hello to Nitro Cold Brew

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What is it, how does it work, and do you need it in your life?

If you already consider yourself a coffee connoisseur, then cold brew coffee is no foreign friend. The rich, sweet flavor that happens naturally in cold brew coffee is already a treat as is, so infused with nitrogen, it’s almost something of a dream. The combination of the rich, dark flavors of espresso mixed with the cold, creamy texture that infusing it with nitrogen gives the coffee, feelings of invincibly and euphoria are sure to follow.

Nitro cold brew is essentially just coffee on tap, like the way you’d serve a cold beer. It’s infused with nitrogen, a chemical element with coolant properties, before being served through a pressurized tap system. The process of creating the most extraordinary tasting nitrogen-infused cold brew is one that needs great attention to every step, from choosing the right type of coffee and cold brew recipe at the very beginning to creating a luxurious, rich experience for each individual coffee drinker.

The process starts with the cold brew, in deciding what cold brew recipe to follow and what type of coffee to use in the recipe. Every decision made up until the moment the coffee is served is strategically chosen to better the espresso experience in the end. It takes time – approximately 20 hours per one keg of cold brew – but brewed fresh every day, it’s available within seconds to be served straight from tap to glass. It’s served without ice, as the array of cascading colors from the mix of sweet and silky textures complete the taste all on its own.

Once the coffee is brewed to perfection, it is then infused with nitrogen – and even that is a process in deciding whether to use pure nitrogen or a gas mix.Infusing nitrogen into the cold brew gives it an added layer of texture, as well as a smooth, almost crème-like foam at the top of the drink once it’s served from the tap. One way to think of it in relation to alcohol is that espresso is like a shot because it’s meant to be consumed within a short amount of time, classic pour-over coffee is like a tall glass of wine, one you’re meant to enjoy slowly and with ease, and nitro cold brew is like a cool glass of beer, poured straight from the tap into the goodness of your soul.

Because of the way nitro cold brew is so carefully crafted, the end result is a smooth, creamy cold brew with the cool, airy texture from the nitrogen, topped with a swirling foam top. The nature of the drink itself gives the coffee the effect of milk without actually having to put milk in it.

It’s perfect for black coffee lovers, as the intense flavor of the nitro cold brew will resonate effortlessly with those accustomed to the taste of coffee in its purest form. For those who like a little sweetness in their life, the drink can also be made with almost any array of flavors, like caramel or hazelnut.

The production process of nitro cold brew is also better for the environment, at least comparatively, as it eliminates the need for big trucks to bring in piles upon piles of cold brew in bottles contained in carts, creating a lot of unnecessary waste in the grand scheme of things.

The only potential con to nitro cold brew lies in the amount of time and hard work goes into creating a final product that tastes exceptional, but when coffee is what you love to do, it’s hardly a con at all. From the beginning stages of evening starting to pursue nitro cold brew to everything that goes into serving the final, hand-crafted product, the amount of commitment, drive, and admiration that goes into this coffee is something worth trying out for yourself.

-C.M.

GRWM: My 19th Birthday

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A step by step for the look I wore out on my 19th birthday.

A close-up shot of the minimalist’s go-to glam makeup look.

Prior to getting in to the steps of the look I created for my birthday evening, I must claim to the world that I am not now nor will I ever claim to be a makeup guru.

I know quite a bit about makeup, a la the hundreds of thousands of YouTube videos I immerse myself in to procrastinate other, more important activities.

I love makeup, and I think it is an incredible art form, but when it comes to my own face, I like to keep things simple.

Just in the past year or two, I’ve drastically cut down on the amount and combinations of makeup I prefer on my face – less is more, really. So here is what I decided to go for on my birthday last Thursday, July 20th.

1. THE BASE

Primer seems to be a pretty personal thing; some people swear by it and some don’t see the difference.

I don’t understand the latter.

This hydrating primerby Smashbox is one of my all-time favourites. I tend to have more dry skin, so this allows everything I’m applying on top of it to glide seamlessly onto my skin.

Another staple I literally never skip is applying a cream highlight under my foundation.

I don’t necessarily think this is the order these products were intended to be applied in, but makeup is about throwing the rules out the window… right?

I like to apply the highlighter to the high points of my face, just as you would regularly atop of your foundation, and blend with my fingers.

This highlighter stick is from Tarte, in the shade pearl, and works really beautifully with a lighter skin tone (calling all my pale people – I feel you).

This gives the most flawless glow under any foundation without ruining the blending on top or creating too harsh of a look. I’m really not even kidding when I say this technique has changed my life forever.

2. THE FACE

I whole-heartedly will always and forever believe that the foundation of any look is the most important part.

I hold a very special place in my heart for beautiful, glowing skin, and I believe it can literally make or break any look. It might even be a fetish, who knows.

Glowing skin is all the rage right now, and I can’t get enough.

Again, sticking with the “less is more” concept, I like to apply a thin layer of the one and only YSL Touche´Eclat foundation, in the shade B20, with a damp beauty sponge.

This foundation provides a medium, buildable coverage with Ruscus Extract to counteract dullness in the skin, providing a radiant, luminous glow.

This pairs perfectly with Urban Decay’s Naked Skin concealer. I like to use a small bit in the shade Fair Neutral to brighten my under eyes, and a touch of the shade Light Neutral over any blemishes I might have.

After letting that set onto my skin for a minute or so – I like to do a little dance in the process – I take my damp beauty sponge and apply the smallest amount of Neutrogena’s Shine Control powder under my eyes, around my eyes and around my mouth.

I then take whatever excess is left on the sponge and dab that over the rest of my face, just for good measure.

Next, onto my most-loved step of any makeup look: contour, highlight, and blush. The difference that these three steps can have on a face of makeup is so subtle, yet so wonderful.

I’ve gotten into a habit of using Too Faced’s Cocoa Contour palette in the shade Light to Medium. The contour shade has the perfect undertones of gray to where it doesn’t look to orange on my pale skin.

I also like to run the bronzer in this palette all over the borders of my face to warm up the overall look.

The only two components I need in my perfect makeup look are bronze and glow, and I will be one happy girl.

The blush I used in this look is the Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush by Tarte in the shade Peachy Nude. I find that these sort of nude-peach tones work best on my skin tone.

Now, if you were to for some reason go out and buy any one product from this entire look, I would 100% recommend it be the NARS Highlighting Blush in Albatross.

This shade it to die for. It almost looks white in the packaging, but provides the most beautiful golden sheen I’ve ever seen in my life.

This product also accents the Tarte cream highlight I’ve applied previously under my foundation, bringing the whole look together.

3. THE EYES

In moving on from the face, I always go straight to the brows – a close second to a flawless complexion.

I’m a huge fan of the more natural, almost crazy brow, and Benefit’s Gimme Brow tinted brow gel is the perfect way to achieve that.

It adds just a little bit of color (I use the shade 03 – Medium) to the sparser areas where you might need some help, while the fibers in this product amp up your natural brow hairs to get the perfectly undone brow.

Once my brows are as close to how I want them, I (big surprise) keep going with the “less is more” trend.

There was a time in my life where I attempted to get a full eyeshadow look every day I was wearing makeup. Sometimes, that’s the look I’m going for, but I’ve also learned to LOVE the one-color trend.

My favourite trick to do is swipe a bit of this YSL Full Metal Shadow in the shade Pink Cascade for the most beautiful sheen over my eyelids.

It still creates a bit of depth to your eyes as it naturally sits heavier in the crease, while still providing a glossy, highlighted look to the eyes with a touch of pink – a very loved trend of mine at the moment.

On a regular day, I’d throw on a bit of Dior Addict It-Lash mascara and call it a day.

For my birthday, though, I wanted to add a little something extra, so I took my Loreal Infallible Super Slim liquid eyeliner and created a little wing on the outer corner of my eyes.

I personally don’t think a larger wing suits my face shape because I do have relatively smaller features, so I like to create a tiny wing extending from the outer corner of my eyes, almost acting as an elongated lash on the end.

When utilising winged eyeliner, I think it’s important to remember that everyone has a different face and eye shape, so what works for someone else may not be what works perfectly for you. It’s all about finding what fits for you.

4. THE FINISHING TOUCHES

The only thing left to do now is add something fabulous to the lips.

Most of the time, I’d be happy with just adding a bit of chapstick to accent the natural color of my own lips.

For this look, though, I added one of my favourite nude shades by Clinique in a shade I can’t even share with you because I’ve had it for so long that the name has rubbed off the bottom.

A good alternative, though, is one of the Clinique Chubby Sticks – I love the shade Heaping Hazelnut. My favourite nude is one with a brown undertone and a semi-sheer finish.

A glossy lip gives off the illusion of a bigger lip, and since I’m working with what I’ve got, that’s what I love to do.

The actual last step in this, or any, makeup look of mine is to spritz this Cover FX Illuminating Setting Spray all over my face.

This is the only step where I might unintentionally throw “less is more” out the window…

I find that this product counteracts any of the excess shine control from the Neutrogena powder that I didn’t intend for, while adding a layer of protection to lock in my makeup all day.

Once this product sets, it finishes any look with an added luminosity to the skin, also great for the décolletage area.

And that’s it.

Thanks for reading.

Here’s to 19.

-C.M.

3 in 1 Lookbook: The 4th of July

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3 festive looks to throw together for the 4th of July with one easy-to-wear bodysuit.

This distressed denim and black belt combo compliment the bodysuit to create the perfect look for a casual day with friends or family.

There’s really no shortage of places to find outfit inspiration for a festivity such as the 4th of July.

From Pinterest and Tumblr to lookbooks on YouTube to even the social media outlets of the clothing brands themselves, the potential in wardrobe is near endless.

As a university student on a budget though, the reality is I can’t always afford to go out and purchase a new look for every event that comes around the corner.

My goal in this lookbook is to showcase the versatility of one basic piece, as this is a concept I utilise in my everyday style.

The bodysuit featured throughout this lookbook is from Express and can be found here. It’s one of my most-worn pieces of the season, without a doubt.

These Steven Madden booties not only add an extra pop of festivity with the blue velvet, but they add a great bit of height for an elongated leg and something a little unexpected – perfect for taking a day look to night.

One of my favourite things to do with fashion revolves all around the shoe; there isn’t a single look in my wardrobe that can’t be amped up with an unexpected accent of a cool shoe.

The full look shown above balances the laid-back look with a touch of sex appeal perfectly. Pairing a heel with a denim short is one of my favourite fashion tricks.

The black belt I’ve paired with this look is still available for purchase on Brandy Melville, along with the Steve Madden velvet booties, which are on sale at the moment.

Unfortunately, I bought my shorts from Pacsun about 4 or so years ago, but I’ve found some similar patchwork denim shorts on their site.

A simple tank with a pair of classic high-waisted denim shorts is such an classic look to throw on, though, that you could just as easily grab a pair from your own wardrobe to complete the look.

This look is a little more laid-back with a touch of my current favourite fashion trend: embroidery.

The next look is probably my favourite of the three.

Something about embroidery draws me in every time, and while the patchwork-virgin might do well with choosing one piece to focus on, I love the slides with the floral jean.

I think a ripped boyfriend jean is the perfect way to make denim jeans work in the summer – especially in Florida.

Paired with the plain tank and the floral pattern, it still has a touch of individuality while also including a low-key display of red, white and blue; it’s festivity without screaming it in your face.

The floral embroidery adds a bit of visual excitement to what would normally be a universally textured look.

My favourite pair of embroidered mom jeans featured in this look are from Topshop, which also happens to be my favourite place to buy denim (shout out to all my tall girls who can’t find a fitting pair of jeans to save their life).

The denim embroidered slides I’ve paired with this outfit are actually from a local shop in Santorini, Greece. I did some scouting around for a similar pair, though, and I found a few reasonable contenders.

These frayed denim slide sandalsfrom Forever 21 provide a good alternative to those who may want to dip their toes in the water instead of diving in head-first.

The brand also sells a pair of black embroidered slide sandals, if that’s the aspect you’re looking for, or a different version of embroidered denim slides, if you’re looking to stay closest to what I’ve shown.

Pro tip: posing with one leg in front of the other, versus standing straight up, will give the illusion of more height, adding length and angles to your body.

The last look strays away from the denim trend and steps into my next favourite look: the mini skirt.

Whether you’re 5’2″ or 6’1″, a mini skirt is the perfect accessory for a longer leg, and the longer, the better. It can flawlessly transition a good daytime to look to an even better night out.

The combination of the short skirt and a bit of a heel makes for the accessibility of showing some skin while still keeping it casual enough for a summer holiday.

The scalloped mini skirt adds a bit of flare to the look while balancing out the concept of red, white and blue in a visually cohesive way.

Colour coordination can be your best friend when working with plain pieces; it adds a bit of colour blocking to make the look more interesting to the eye.

The white scalloped mini skirt in this look is one of my favourite pieces. From Topshop, the possibilities of ways to wear it are virtually infinite.

This look would also do well with a white denim skirt, though. One of my highest priorities in my own fashion is to find new ways to wear the things I already own.

It’s like going “shopping” in your own closet; all you need is a bit of inspiration and a root around your wardrobe.

The leather mules I paired with this look are from Zara. On sale, they also sell a few other colours, if blue isn’t for you.

Keeping it simple: placing the focus on one sole aspect of the face makes for a more balanced look.

While a red lip certainly isn’t the most far-out choice on a holiday like the 4th of July, there can be something said for keeping it classic.

I’m usually more of a nude lip kind of person – a good lip balm is sometimes all you need.

I love pairing a bold lip with the illusion of a “naked” eye. For this look, I simply threw on a gold shimmer and my favourite Dior Addict It-Lash mascara.

The red lip in the photo is the Maybelline Colour Sensational Creamy Matte lipstick in the shade 685 Craving Coral. My favourite silver hoop earrings are from Express. It’s the easiest way to take a look to the next level.

If anybody knows the first thing about me, it’s that I love a good bit of luxury. I’d rather have a few really nice things than a ton of lesser items, but sometimes a good drugstore product is all you need.

Overall, I think the fun in fashion is putting your own twist on things. Finding multiple ways to wear one piece is the best way to utilise what you already have.

For more suggestions on what kind of cookbook to do next or information on any of the pieces featured, feel free to shoot me a message in the “Contact Me” section of my about page.

-C.M.

The Selfies of Saatchi Gallery

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The temporary art gallery features a range of pieces centred around the “selfie.”

The entrance to Saatchi Gallery is located in the heart of Sloane Square.

In today’s modern society, selfies are becoming an art form of their own.

The word “selfie” is probably even in the dictionary by now, whereas 10 years or so ago, no one would’ve known what that was.

With that said, though, that doesn’t mean the “selfie” didn’t exist.

A modern selfie in one of the exhibits of Saatchi Gallery features celebrities and models like Behati Prinsloo (middle with tongue out) and Jourdan Dunn (far left).

This temporary exhibition focuses on exploring the history of the selfie and celebrating its creative potential.

While Saatchi Gallery has been open for 25 years now, this specific exhibit, known as “From Selfie to Self-Expression,” has been featured since March 31st and will be there until May 28th of this year.

The gallery features more than 10 exhibits showcasing different aspects of the selfie.

A series of self-portraits photographed in the style of old Hollywood films is featured above. The series, by Cindy Sherman, is meant to display the way that Hollywood cinema has contributed to the stereotypes about women.

The first exhibit upon entry features a range of classical painting, such as those by Van Gogh, but mutilated to look as if displayed on Instagram.

It creates a paradox by combining such classic and modern concepts into one art form.

Visitors can even walk by and “like” their favorite ones, just as you would like someone’s photo on Instagram.

Another exhibit features some of the most iconic celebrity selfies in our modern generation, including the Pope and Harry Styles.

They show the modern evolution of the selfie through famous figures of today and date all the way back to the first selfie ever taken.

Some of the most classical pieces of art are shown mimicking today’s social media above.

A selection of selfies from famous figures today features Harry Styles, the Pope and Kim Kardashian (from left to right).

The first “selfie” to ever be taken was allegedly by a group of men in 1939.

“From Selfie to Self-Expression” also features an exhibit with interactive art.

Visitors can pass by what looks to be the frame of a painting, but once in front of it, the screen makes whomever it sees appears as a painting. It’ll follow you as you move, creating a cool effect that defies the possibilities of still art.

Right next to that is another interactive piece that casts your shadow as you move by it through video technology. As a blank canvas, it looks like a wall of tan-toned fur, but as soon as a moving person walks in front of it, the technology senses the movement and rotates to black fur where the shadow would be.

An entire room in the gallery has been devoted solely to moving selfies.

As far as modern art goes, some of the content featured in this exhibition is ahead of its time, showcasing all the opportunity within the future of the art world.

Not only is Saatchi Gallery currently featuring an art which some still dare to call it that – the selfie – but they are also giving regular people the opportunity to submit their own work.

One of the exhibits as you walk through features a collection of unique selfies submitted by people from all over the world. This gives a chance for the individuality of today’s creative minds to stand out without necessarily declaring themselves an “artist.”

A visitor observes the work of a young man’s progression of selfies with various people and celebrities throughout his years of aging.


The selfie is an art that anyone can take up and master, and Saatchi Gallery has shown that off perfectly.

It is located in Sloane Square off of Kings Road in Chelsea, London.

You can find the world’s number one museum on their website or on their Instagram page.

-C.M.

Elphick an Elphick in England's Bath

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The husband and wife duo bring their exhibition to Bath for the weekend.

44AD Artspace features Elphick and Elphick’s exhibition for the weekend.

The iconic spot that everyone wants to see in Bath, England is more often than not the Roman Baths.

With great history and artistic interest behind the ancient structure, it’s no secret as to why it’s on everyone’s list of English things to see. The historical site is definitely worth a visit, but what you not necessarily be on the lookout for is a locally run art gallery.

Elphick and Elphick is an exhibition of painting, sculpture and drawing featured momentarily in a small studio right across from the Roman Baths.

The exhibition is currently being presented only for a weekend in the 44D Artspace, a gallery and studio space available for rent by different artists and their work.

Located on Abbey Street, the nook space across from the Roman Baths is almost hidden away, if you aren’t looking for it. It’d hard to tell upon initial arrival if you’re even in the right location, but take a peek inside.

The drift over will be well worth it.

A broad scope look inside the Elphick’s exhibition showcases both the pair’s work.

Sculptor Martin Elphick runs the exhibition with his wife Deirdre Elphick, an painter and filmmaker.

The two travel hand in hand with their exhibition all over England, usually stopping in different studio spaces for a weekend or two to show off their work.

Martin Elphick, who usually runs the exhibition while his wife works on her artistry, will be more than happy to discuss the work featured with visitors.

He has a knack for claiming his wife is the real talent of the two, but each of their collections of work speak vibrantly for themselves.

Some of the detail in these hand-painted works is shown above, utilizing a technique of mixed brushstrokes to create intricate texture.

Martin Elphick had an intimate range of his sculptures present, ranging from everything from abstracts and animals to people and templates of the brain.

The inspiration behind a lot of what comes to his wraps itself around the idea that interpretation is up to the eye of whomever will give his work the time.

He’d rather someone take it and appreciate it for their own, versus push one single definition of whatever he’s sculpting as the only way to see it.

One of Martin Elphick’s sculptures is featured above, with the background showcasing a series of work done by his wife.

His wife, Deirdre Elphick, focuses most of her artistic nature into painting, a passion that Martin Elphick explained she’s practiced since she was just a young girl.

Her newest series of work showcases a style of painting that incorporates not lifting the brush. This way, the strokes all combine with one another fluidly while still creating a visibly identifiable image.

Deirdre Elphick watched a group of dancers perform every day for a week in order to complete her latest paintings.

The technique of one continuous brush stroke with the movement of dance was used to create a unique set of images, showcasing the complex feelings the dancers convey on a still piece of canvas.

Deirdre Elphick’s latest series of paintings features the movement of contemporary dance, using a technique of one fluid brush stroke.

The duo’s next exhibition will take place on Woolley Street in Bradford on Avon from Sunday, June 25th until Sunday, July 2nd.

Tickets can be purchased for £3 at the gate or online, with the option of a £6 ticket opening night for live music and a glass of wine included.

Martin Elphick can also be reached by email at martin.elphick@btinternet.com. To contact 44AD Artspace for inquiry or upcoming exhibitions, you can reach the gallery by email at studio44ad@gmail.com or on their website.

-C.M.

Santorini's Atlantis: One for the Books

carlymccullough

The island’s only bookstore sits pretty with plenty to showcase.

The welcome vision of Atlantis Books invites visitors in to its cave-like home.

“Book shop” may not be the first thing you think of when you think Greek islands.

Day dreams of crystal clear water, mountains and sunny weather is probably what comes to mind first, and that’s how the island of Santorini was for a number of years.

It wasn’t until two guys, Will Brady and Craig Walzer, came to the island and decided to do something about it.

Upon entering Atlantis, the walls and ceilings feature a hand-painted timeline of the shop’s history.

It was May of 2002 when the duo set to make their mark on the island of Santorini.

As the story goes, they went on holiday to Greece straight out of university and found something entirely different than what they expected. Brady and Walzer signed the lease to an empty building facing the sunset, opened a bank account, applied for a business license, and started to fill the place with books.

One of the many segments of novels Atlantis has to offer features the Philosophy section above.

Shelves upon shelves of books are featured inside Atlantis, once you make your way down the staircase to an underground heaven of novels.

The inside is ethereal, set up in a way that makes any visitor want to have a look around for hours, or even days.

Jelle, one of the shop’s more renowned employees, even mentioned a bed up on the second story, as if spending the night really was a viable option.

The atmosphere is very cozy, creating the feeling of almost wanting to be wrapped up in a blanket of all the pages inside.

The first-edition novels that Atlantis has collected over time start to become pretty pricey.

If you’re looking for the bookworm experience of a lifetime, Atlantis is surely a place that can do no wrong, but the shop also features a few friendly house guests.

The owners have both a cat and a dog who live at the shop; the eagerness to please is certainly present from both furry friends.

Now, whether this is a nice addition to the warm atmosphere of the shop or simply a ploy to encourage more customers in, the animals make a nice, homely addition to Atlantis Books.

A large selection of their books come with handwritten notes pertinent to each novel.

Any of the shops employees, including Will Brady and Craig Walzer, will be more than happy to chat upon arrival, whether it be informational about the shop or just continuous conversation about books.

You can find Atlantis books in Oîa, a town at the end of Santorini, near the famously-known sunset spot. It shouldn’t be hard to miss, considering it is the only bookstore on the island.

You may also find the shop online at atlantisbooks.org or on their Instagram page.

The opportunity to find something magnificent is bursting from Atlantis Books, and it is surely an experience to be had.

-C.M.

Hand-Crafted Wonders of Santorini

carlymccullough

A father and daughter duo take on the art world of the competitive Greek island.

A first view of Kalipso Art Gallery in Fira, Santorini.

It’s no shock to anyone who’s been to Santorini, or the town of any Greek island, for that matter, that the rows of souvenir shops and art galleries could stretch for miles.

Visitors are at no shortage for a place to find “Santorini” painted on an island-themed gift. With the bountiful nature of the lookalike goodies, it might seem hard to find anything truly authentic to the Greek culture and art of Santorini.

That is where Kalipso Art Gallery comes into play as possibly the number one game changer.

The outside welcome as a preview for what’s to come in the gallery.

The gallery is names after Calypso, a nymph in Greek mythology and daughter of Titan Atlas. She allegedly lived on the island of Ogygia, where she detained Ithica’s Greek kind, Odysseus.

The gallery was founded nearly 40 years ago by the current owner’s father, who makes all of the red clay and schamotte ceramics himself. The pottery is glazed with enamel and hand brown glass, a signature style of Kalispo Art Gallery.

The daughter has taken over running the gallery, offering a variety of beautiful Santorini gifts for sale and a warm welcome, free of charge.

A signature piece from the artist behind Kalipso.

Not only is the art itself a sight to see, but the way its displayed throughout the gallery is what might initially draw in prospective visitors.

From the outside, you can get just a hint of what’s to come upon entry, featuring paintings and pottery alike. The gallery favors a style of hanging the handmade ceramics from the ceiling, which makes for a bit of a twist as opposed to enjoying regular pottery.

Each piece compliments the other beautifully, which is what makes the content of the art gallery cohesive and visually appealing.

A common trend of shades of blue may also be noted, as the owner will tell you that’s how her father got his start.

Shades of blue cover the handmade ceramics throughout the Art Gallery.

With his signature artistry now expanded to an array of glass souvenirs and clay pottery, Kalipso Art Gallery is definitely worth checking off on any tourist’s top spots to visit while in Santorini.

A wider look at the seemingly endless range of Earth-toned ceramics lining the entirety of the gallery.

The gallery can be reached on their Facebook page or by phone number, 2286 023993.

-C.M.