ISSUE: FALL 2011

DEPT: CULTURAL COLLAGE

PHOTOS: CHRISTINA SONG

Nature and the outdoors greatly inspire me in my art. I find it a chance to share some of the visceral moments seen and experienced during a hike or a walk through a scenic route. Thinking of fall fills my mind with free-spirited and youthful imagery, like leaves freely falling whilst changing colors. I kept these thoughts in mind and it led me to depict the wonderful season in a bold, playful manner.

— Christina Song

Check out more stories here. Purchase the Fall issue of Audrey Magazine here.

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Beyonce said, "All the single LADIES," okay?

I don’t dread Valentine’s Day because it’s the only reason keeping Hallmark in business.

I don’t dread it because it’s another excuse for couples to parade their PDA around.

I don’t dread it because much like New Year’s Eve, this over-hyped holiday is downright boring. Spent either waiting in line for hours for a 9 o’ clock dinner reservation at an overpriced restaurant deemed “romantic” because they’ve dimmed the lights so low you can’t even see what you’re eating or exchanging the same ol’ gifts of chocolate, flowers and baubles. *Yawn.

And I am definitely not dreading it because I will be single on Valentine’s Day this year.

In fact, this is actually the first year where I cherish being single. I’ll admit, in the past, I’ve wanted to shake being single off me like it’s an angry bee but this year, I’ve learned to embrace the freedom that flying solo will entail.

Hence, I’ve concocted a bunch of great stuff for us single gals to do as we celebrate Singles Awareness Day or rather, Galentines!

Watch Obscure Foreign Films

Boys never seem to be good checking out truly great cinema- they always fall asleep or groan about it or what to make out with you through it. I’d check out these sexy South Korean films: Poetry by Lee Chang-dong or  The Housemaid by Im Sang-soo by myself.

Journal

If you think about it, the person you will have the longest relationship with is…yourself. Why not make time for some self-reflection, journaling goals, ways to improve, memories?

Volunteer

Spend the season of love giving love to those who might not necessarily receive a lot. Volunteer at an elderly home, homeless shelter, non-profit organization. Do it by yourself because when you’re doing it alone, you’re not trying to impress anyone or prove how holy you are. You’re just doing it out of the goodness of your heart.

Bake

It’s time to bust out the pans and oven mitts and whip up some delicious sweets. You won’t have to worry about any sneaky muffin thieves who’ll creep into you kitchen while you’re not looking.  I’d bake for ALL my loved ones, my mom, dad, sister and friends. Check out Sarah J. Gim’s mouthwatering site Tastespotting for more recipe ideas.

Work Out

I hate jogging with other people, no offense. I either run too slow and have to overwork my body to catch up (or let down my ego and beg them to slow down) or run slower as I wait for my lagging partner. Jogging by myself gives me time to think and meditate.

Throw a Game Night

Nothing says the more the merrier like game night where people of all types, singles and non-singles, are invited to show off their board game prowess.  Just don’t be lame and make it a couples’ night or anything. My favorite games to dominate at–err, I mean, play–include Cranium and Taboo.

Day spas, tea parties, salsa dancing, there’s plenty of ways to celebrate your singledom.  Most of us will only be single for a limited time in our lives. Make the most of it!

KidViskous "Heart" pin.

I am not a fan of Valentine’s Day. In fact, you may consider me a bit of a Valentine grinch. Maybe it’s the years of over-hyped expectations and the inevitable resulting disappointment. I mean, seriously, who can live up to the Hallmark-Godiva-De Beers hype ingrained into our young Cinderella-saturated brains?

Which is why I take not a small amount of pleasure in the slightly dark,self-deprecatingly humorous side of the holiday.

I like to think of these Valentine’s-themed accessories as the equivalent of crooning Kelly Clarkson’s “My Life Would Suck Without You” to your loved one.

Like Tiffany Lee‘s graphic nod to Valentine’s for her accessories line KidViskous. The bleeding heart would look really cool pinned on a cardigan and boyfriend jeans. Continue Reading »