By Mandi Pimental

 

Young heartthrob Max Schneider has all the qualities to make a girl swoon.  Good looks, a laid back style, a sense of humor and a killer voice.  His musical talents are highlighted through not only his original music, his The Say Max EP drops this summer, but also through his collaborative efforts with his friends.  And when you keep company with vocal powerhouses like Zendaya and Victoria Justice, music magic is bound to happen.  Also starring in the NBC drama Crisis, this triple threat singer/actor/model shares with us how the love of his art keeps him balanced through it all.

 

You’re a model, actor and a phenomenal musician.  How do you find time to do it all?  How do you keep your career, and self, balanced? 

Thank you so much.  It’s easy to find time to do things you love and, luckily, I love acting and music so much that it’s actually sort of therapeutic to jump from one to the other because they’re such different worlds that blend so well together. 

 

It has been said that you refer to your fans as “Schneider Monkeys”.  Any fun or crazy fan stories? 

I had a great moment a few years ago when I was opening up for my friend, Victoria Justice.  I’m on stage singing this song and out of nowhere, in the front row, this girl hands me this four foot long fake flower with a stuffed monkey hanging off of it.  Well, I had to take the lovely gift mid-song, so I spent the rest of the song singing to that girl with this giant fake flower and monkey in hand.  It was a sweet moment. 

 

Not only a singer/songwriter, I read that you also play keyboard, guitar and ukulele.  How involved are you in the writing and production process of your own album, and what is your greatest source of inspiration? 

I’m very involved.  I’m what most in the writing world would call a “top liner,” which means that my strength is lyrics and melodies.  I mostly play the ukulele and a bit of keyboard, but I definitely work best when I co-write with someone who is a brilliant musician via instruments.  Real life experience is always the greatest source of inspiration for me.  If it’s true, it’s that much easier to write about and much more moving. 

 

You just finished shooting your new music video “Streets of Gold”, can you tell us a little bit about this song and what fans can expect from the new album, “The Say Max EP”, overall? 

The song is really about everlasting love and the afterlife, in a way.  I think fans can definitely expect a taste of something very different, which I’m excited for.  I think a lot of the music I’ve been working on recently has been coming from a very real place and has been hugely influenced by my favorite soul music, like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Prince, and more. 

 

Speaking of shooting on-set, you star in the NBC drama Crisis as Ian who is dealing with some dark subject matter.  Can you tell us a little more about your character? 

Ian is a very misunderstood guy.  It’s funny because in the kidnapping, a lot of people really find themselves or find love, like with the president’s son and Ian’s best friend Beth.  Ian, on the other hand, finds the darkest version of himself.  It was such an adventure getting to explore that part of a character.  The bravery and honesty of his personality really comes out within this poisoned experience.

 

What has been the biggest challenge of this role, and what about it has inspired the most growth in you as an actor?

The biggest challenge was definitely getting to the darkest place possible.  The day I try and shank one of the guards in an episode was one of the hardest for me because I really wanted that to be real.  I wanted to find that truthful moment in being ready to end someone’s life because of what they had done to you.  That’s not something I could ever fathom in my own real life, so to find that in an honest way within Ian was extremely challenging but also very rewarding.  This has definitely been one of the most challenging roles I’ve gotten to play and that in itself has been such a wonderful experience of growth as an actor. 

 

You have modeled alongside the reigning queen of pop, Madonna, for Dolce and Gabbana.  Do you   have a favorite designer that you favor for events?

I wear a lot of clothes from Topman.  They have great looks that fit really well and are definitely very much my style. 

 

What about your casual weekend wear?  And, what is your favorite go-to accessory?  Are you an accessories kind of guy? 

I love Alternative Apparel, and Urban Outfitters has lots of good stuff I wear for casual settings.  I do a lot of thrift shopping, so most of that is my casual wear.  I wear the same watch every day (given to me by one of my best friends) and I love necklaces (either a peace sign I’ve had forever, or this dog tag that has a quote from my grandma who passed away that my girlfriend made me).  I’m a pretty simple guy in the accessory department. 

 

Having been in the entertainment industry since a young age, what was your favorite way to spend summer break?   Did you get a regular summer vacation?

Yeah, I totally got a regular summer vacation.  I worked sometimes, but mostly went to this performing arts camp called Frenchwoods in upstate New York, which is one of my favorite places in the world.  I definitely had some amazing, and life changing, summers at that camp. 

 

Back to music for a moment, your video covers of “Say Something” with Victoria Justice and “All of Me” with Zendaya are beautiful renditions.  Any more collaborative covers in your future?

Thank you so much.  Yeah, we’re always doing new videos.  Always something in the works. 

 

You are about to embark on the “Say Max Tour” to promote your new EP.  Are you excited for life on the road again?  How does your daily life differ from set life to life on the road?

SO EXCITED!  I love touring and performing live.  It’s one of my favorite things in the world.  Touring is a lot of driving and sleeping—if you can sleep in vans or on buses.  You usually wake up around lunch, get to the venue, load in all of your stuff, sound check, get ready for the show, have the show, then jump in the bus and go to the next city.  Set life is more like wake up at 4AM, go to set and be there for 12-16 hours, try to get some cat naps in-between scenes, and then go home. 

 

You also have a new film coming out soon, Love and Mercy, can you tell us a little bit about that project?

I’m very excited about Love and Mercy.  It’s the story of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys.  It’s such a powerful story and it documents Brian’s life and his brilliance in creating all of the music we all know and love by The Beach Boys.  I got to portray Van Dyke Parks who wrote the Smile record with Brian.  It was my first time playing a real person.  It was really wonderful getting to research this awesome guy, trying to portray his story as truthfully as possible. 

 

Any final words of love for your Schneider Monkeys, and where can new fans check you out?

My Schneider Monkeys: you already know what it is.  You’re awesome and I have so much love and respect for all of you.  New fans: Welcome to the fam. Let’s party. 

 

Twitter- https://twitter.com /Maxgschneider

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/MaxSchneiderOfficial

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/user/MaxSchneider1

Website- http://saymaxohhh.com

Tips for studying effectively  
(and having a little fun too!)

By Mandi Pimental


With high school and college comes added responsibility, strict schedules to keep and seemingly endless hours of studying.  With early mornings and late nights, it seems impossible to keep the energy up and the mind open enough to absorb every single bit of information that you need to know.  So, I am here to help.  Implementing these easy, (and dare I say, fun?), tips into your routine will help you remain calmer and more focused throughout the school year.

Tools of the Trade
Using helpful study aids can help you feel more organized and in control.  Make sure you always have plenty of paper and pencils on hand so you will not miss jotting down vital information.  If your school allows smartphones in class, you can take photos of the board so you do not miss valuable information when watching slides or observing your teacher scribble out quick paced information.  Flash cards are a favorite for the visual learner, as they help greatly with memorization.  If you are a traditionalist, the physical flash card method may suit you.   However, for the techy who likes to have information readily available, you can download a free Flashcard App that will allow you to study on the go.  You can also use your calendar app to record important test dates and study sessions.  Having a dictionary and thesaurus app on your smartphone or tablet is also handy to have, as it is an easy go-to when you are stumped on vocabulary.



You’ve Got a Friend In Me
The tried and true buddy system can work wonders, not only outside of class when studying, but in class as well.  If you collaborate with a friend or classmate who compliments your study style, ask them to grab you a copy of the notes if you miss a class.  You can also ask them for tips on how they balance their workload.  Talking it out with someone else may give you a fresh perspective on the topic or insight on a strategy you have not tried.  When studying outside of class, having someone there to keep you accountable for time spent actually hitting the books, and not posting to Instagram, will help you keep a schedule. This brings me to…

 

Mixing It Up:
This is a technique I implement that works wonders for keeping me productive even when I do not have an accountability partner.  Endless hours of working on the same paper, or studying the same topic, can cause burnout that leads to procrastination and frustration.  Instead, employ the 30/30 rule I use for school, work, and keeping up my dorm.  The idea is to switch your focus every thirty minutes to keep your mind awake and alert and give you something to look forward too. (See, I said I would throw in some fun!)  Set a stopwatch or an alarm and study or work for thirty minutes, uninterrupted.  Once your alarm goes off, switch tasks for another thirty and so forth.  On days where I have a heavy workload, I will study for thirty minutes, and then clean my living space for thirty minutes.  It allows me to get up, move around, and although I am not doing schoolwork continuously, I still feel productive in what I am accomplishing.  The alternative is to work for thirty minutes, then relax or play for thirty if you do not have as much to get done in your day.  Play a game, do yoga, get outside, or any other activity that will switch your focus.  Then, once your time is up, get back to work and continue this cycle until your work is complete.

 

Find Inspiration:
As a writer, inspiration is my fuel. When I lack inspiration, being outside and getting out of my head usually tops off the tank.   Taking a walk, visiting a friend or doing yoga helps me disconnect while allowing my mind to wander towards new stories and new characters that would not have come to life if I had forced it. If you find yourself with a mental block, get out in the fresh air and clear your head.  You will usually find when you come back to what you were working on, that you are refreshed and in a clearer mindset to continue your task.  You can also look for inspiration on your specific topic. Have a research paper on Rome? Get off Wikipedia, put down the textbook and try a different angle.   Find and watch a documentary on your topic, such as Roman history.  Speak to people who have been to Rome and immerse yourself in the task.  It will enhance your appreciation for the topic and your work will reflect your newfound insight.

 

We all have the drive to be successful.  With that being said, that drive can turn to frustration when you are stuck.  By implementing these techniques, you can enhance your productivity while keeping your mind sharp and your nerves calm. 

RUNWAY TEENS GOSSIP CORNER: Fresh Faces & Hot Places
By Mandi Pimental

Gossip Corner brings you up to date on the Hollywood scene and the stars that play in it. This issue we are talking hot places and fresh faces.   In January, after the holiday season of shopping and high-end gift exchange, (another Prada bag perhaps or a new winter white Bentley?) stars will leave tinsel town to visit the beautiful city of Park City, Utah for this nation’s biggest film festival, Sundance. We are loving some of the sneak peeks of what will be shown, as some of our squeaky clean favorites are getting a little dirty in gritty new roles. Kate Bosworth will be returning to the shore in Big Sur, a film based on the 1962 novel by literary icon Jack Kerouac. It is a deep, inspiring film that seems promising and with Bosworth being a fashion favorite, Runway Teen is anxious to see the 60’s styling of the film. Even darker is the role that heartthrob Shia Lebouf takes on, starring in Charlie Countryman. The film finds two lost souls on a dangerous adventure through Eastern Europe evoking suspense at every turn, and of course there is romance interlaced throughout. When the stars are not taking in a film, they will be hitting the slopes and we look forward to bringing you an update on the hot hookups and even hotter fashions of Sundance.


The glitterati will also soon be flocking to Las Vegas as Britney Spears begins her residency.  With her new album, simply titled Britney Jean, set to hit shelves on her birthday, December 3rd, she promises the long-awaited eighth studio release will be the most personal and heartfelt album to date. Only time will tell if this is the true comeback the world has expected from Ms. Spears, though we know no matter what happens (another husband, another baby, dare I say another crazy makeover?) she will put on a sizzling hot show in Sin City.


In other pop star news, Miley Cyrus (we know, we know, the Miley Cyrus thing has been done to death lately since the VMAs appearance and the slew of headlines that followed, it’s just one more we promise), has redesigned her website, and we just had to comment on it because it is like a train wreck you can’t not look at.  If you haven’t yet paid it a visit I must first warn you, it’s like taking a glimpse into her mixed up little mind, but for entertainment purposes it’s worth a visit. A few features: she makes out with herself in a mirror, tour dates are outlined in marijuana leaves, animated photos show her grabbing herself,  and other disturbing images abound… it’s all enough to make you go hmmm and it makes you really wonder, is this what girls today are inspired by? For the future of womankind, and for fashion, we really hope not.


Luckily, some fresh faces are showing young women how to be poised, sophisticated and classically beautiful. The Sherri Hill Spring 2014 fashion show showcased beautiful dresses for the upcoming prom season and two starlets shined among the crowd. Kendal Jenner, who walked alongside sister Kylie during part of the show, and Sadie Robertson, whose family recently hit it big as the stars of Duck Dynasty, are two ladies that we think deserve the spotlight they are currently basking in the glow of. New York Daily News recently reported that Ms. Jenner is mixed up in a sex tape scandal, though her camp has squashed the rumors, and with the bright future ahead of her, we hope to see her continue on the path of fashion and philanthropy that she is doing so well with. As for Ms. Robertson, she stands firm in her faith and expresses the appreciation she has for the success of their television show and that her family has a platform where they can speak about their values. As for the teen demographic, Sadie started her own foundation that is broadcast on YouTube through a series of videos titled “We Are Different” that inspires teens to stand firm in their faith.

It is inspiring to see teens making a difference in Hollywood.

And though it is not groundbreaking news we had to add this tip, all budding fashionistas take note; Khloe Kardashian recently gave her expert advice on taking the perfect selfie. “Keep the camera above you, below gives you a double chin.”

Thanks K, we will remember that.

Until next time! 

Sydney Park Interview for Runway Teen Summer 2014
By Mandi Pimental


Holding the title as the “youngest comedian to ever perform at the Hollywood Improv”, actress Sydney Park came out of the gates swinging.  Making her television debut on That’s So Raven, Park has found her niche in an industry that others take years to master.  With credits that include appearances in Entourage, Hannah Montana, and Gary Unmarried, Park is now starring as Gabby in Nick At Nite’s Instant Mom alongside Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Michael Boatman.  This young star talks to us about beauty products, playing a teenage big sister and why she loves being a California girl.


You have an impressive resume for being such a young actress and it has been said you were the youngest person to perform stand-up at the Hollywood Improv.  Have you just always known this is what you wanted? 
In preschool, I took ballet and every night I would dress up in my tutu and make my parents sit down in the living room to watch me perform.  I would say, “I have a performance, you gotta take me seriously!”  I’ve just always been an entertainer and I knew that someday I would do it professionally.
 

You have worked primarily in the comedy genre, having roles in Hannah Montana, That’s So Raven and now starring in your new project, Instant Mom.  You have also played in a recurring role as Ellie on the popular TV crime drama CSI: NY.  Do you prefer comedic projects to dramatic roles?  How do you decide what projects you will take?
I started out as a stand-up comedian at the age of six, so comedy is where it all began.  Even though I’m mostly known for doing comedy, I really love drama!  I can see myself doing gritty roles in the future, yet still doing comedy. I love it all!


On Instant Mom, you play Gabby Phillips, one of three children whose dad meets and marries a 25-year old party girl.  That sounds like a fun concept for a show, what has been your favorite part of playing this role? 
Gabby Phillips is very similar to who I am in real life!  I love the fact that I get to incorporate different parts of my personality into the role of Gabby.  It also doesn’t hurt that I get to work with Tia Mowry-Hardrict who is my childhood idol!  Every day on set is just loads of laughter and fun!


On the show, Gabby has two little brothers.  Do they act like true little brothers on set?  Any fun pranks or stories?
I love my little boys!  Damarr, Tylen, and I have our “brother-sister” moments but I love them and we always have so much fun together.  There are many stories to share from set and I will tell you that a majority of them have something to do with farts.   We’re gassy siblings, what can I say?


On Twitter you proclaim “LA is everything”, so, what is your favorite part of being a California girl?  What do you do on your down time?  And any fun plans for summer?
In my life, Los Angeles is everything because this is where it all began for me.  The opportunities are out here and c’mon, you just can’t beat the weather.  When I have free time I always make an effort to hang out with my friends, read, exercise, and even draw if I’m feeling it!  This summer I’ll be working on another season of Instant Mom and I’m super excited.  Gotta make time for the beach on the weekends of course!


Your skin is flawless!  What three summer beauty products can you not live without?
Well thank you for the compliment!  I always make sure to use my Smith’s Rosebud Salve lip balm for the dry weather.  Also, NARS Lip Pencils are the bomb because you can get your favorite colors in matte, velvet, or satin and it lasts!  Last but not least is my Proactiv Renewing Cleanser that I wash my face with twice a day.  It has benzoyl peroxide crystals that target breakouts while keeping your skin clean and radiant


Fashion is a huge part of the culture of LA, who is your favorite designer to wear on the red carpet?
I am such a fan of Ted Baker!  The designs are always classy, yet fun and flirty!  I love how he always incorporates beautiful, bold colors and I think the clothes are timeless.


As a fashion icon to young girls around the world, do you have any advice for dressing for the summer season?
My main advice is to try and be as comfortable as possible!  You want to avoid the high-heels in the heat and wear something funky like sneakers, strappy sandals, or espadrilles.  Also, step out of your comfort zone and rock some floral and bright colors!

 

We agree with the brights and florals!  What is up next for you?  Do you have any other projects in the works that you can talk about?  And where can fans keep up with what you are doing?
I’ve been working on Nickelodeon’s Awesomeness TV, Nickelodeon’s new Nick App where I’m in a number of sketches, and I’ll be on an upcoming episode of The Thunderman’s.  I’m always doing sketches, so look out for more videos coming soon.  Also, I’ll be filming the second season of Instant Mom all summer!  Keep up with my daily life on Instagram: @heysydneypark and Twitter: @iamsydneypark 

GOSSIP CORNER – Summer 2014
by Mandi Pimental

Runway Teen is back with another round of juicy gossip and this issue is all about love, marriage and baby carriages.  Summer love is in the air and romances are blooming.  Some new and some not so new, we are seeing many relationships being rekindled this season. 

During Coachella weekend, it seems that The Beibs and Selena Gomez may have been getting cozy once again.  An eyewitness stated that prior to Bieber's surprise performance the two were seen holding hands and walking together.  The question of “are they or aren’t they?” has been asked as often as the question, “can Beiber make a strong comeback after his recent indiscretions?”  We are hoping so, for his sake, and his millions of Beliebers worldwide that are rooting for him.

While we are pretty sure the topic of Jelena being on-again, off-again is getting tired, one hot couple who we’d like to see sizzle this summer is Kendall Jenner and Harry Styles.  Also reported to have re-sparked their flame during the music fest, after going months without connecting, the One Direction star and reality starlette were spotted holding hands while enjoying a musical performance.  Nothing like young love in the desert.

One relationship that may have cooled, while others were heating up, was the friendship between Selena and the Jenner sisters.  Photographed together through the music fests entirety, Gomez returned home only to unfollow all of her friends and connections on Instagram, claiming that people she had been connecting with lately haven’t been the best influences and that she wants to just focus on “good things, like music and church.”  We are all about positive vibes, and good influence on young stars, so if she is taking a stand on doing what is right for her then we say “Go Selena!” 

In wedding news, it is all about the Kardashian/West wedding plans.  While they reportedly privately got married stateside in May, their lavish affair with friends and family is set to take place in France this summer.  Inviting a modest number of just one-hundred guests, the wedding is sure to be a beautiful spectacle if we can expect it to be anything like her last televised nuptials.  Reportedly having put three dresses on hold for the occasion, we cannot wait to see what the fashion star will debut her walk down the aisle in.  This wedding is a first for West while it will be a third for the reality star.  We are hoping third times a charm and that she is finally found her happily ever after.

And of course, who doesn’t adore babies?  Especially celebrity babies, with their off-the-wall monikers and their trendy baby gear.  Expecting a bouncing baby girl soon is American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson.   Photographed recently in Nashville, her adorable baby bump is growing by the day. 

While this baby is a first for the What Doesn’t Kill You singer, Britney Spears ex, Kevin Federline recently welcomed his sixth little one.  Father to Kori, 13, and Kaleb, 10, with ex-girlfriend Shar Jackson, Sean, 8, and Jayden, 7, with Spears and Jordan, 2, with current wife Victoria Prince, their new daughter Peyton rounds out the clan nicely.  Maybe he is trying to put together his own back-up dance team.

Christina Aguilera has been trying to keep a low profile lately.  Keeping her baby bump private, she stepped out in Manhattan recently with fiancé Matt Rutler and posted to a photo to her Instagram with a caption that read “Baby loves N.Y.C”.  We can only assume that little baby girl Aguilera is going to have the most fashionable wardrobe, and we’d be lying if we said we aren’t slightly jealous of her soon-to-be lullaby serenades by her songstress mama.

Last but not least, the adorableness that is Mila Kunis cannot go unmentioned.  Expecting her first child with Two and a Half Men star Ashton Kutcher, Kunis is absolutely radiant. Also expecting a girl, Hollywood is about to see an influx of mini-starlet’s in the making. 

Anyone taking any bets on who will give their offspring the most outlandish names?  We are hoping, for all children involved, it doesn’t get too out of hand.  They do have to go through life with the name, after all. 

By Mandi Pimental
Serves 8-10

Summer brings to mind vacations, extra hours of sunlight and the delicious ripe, juicy strawberries that are in season this time of year.  By incorporating the star of the berry family into your desserts, get a nutritious dose of potassium, vitamin K and magnesium.  Strawberries also pack biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. A dessert that can make us even more beautiful?  Maybe we’ll go back for seconds.

Ingredients:

For the pastry
1 ½ cups plain flour
¼ cup organic sugar
½ c. + 1 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cubed
pinch of sea salt
1 egg yolk
2 tbsp. cold water

For the strawberry filling

4 cups strawberries
1 cup organic sugar
3 tbsp. tapioca flour
2 tbsp. cornstarch
pinch of sea salt

For the crumble topping
1 ½ cups plain flour
½ c. + 1 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cubed

3 tbsp. brown sugar
pinch of sea salt

 

Directions:

To prepare the dough, start by adding the flour, sugar, butter and sea salt into a food processor or an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.  Mix on low speed until it resembles a coarse crumble mixture.

Next, add the egg yolk and cold water. Continue to mix on low until a dough forms. Gather the dough together and form it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set.  While the dough chills, prepare the filling.

Remove the strawberries stems and, depending on their size, cut them into two or three pieces. In a large bowl, mix the strawberries with the sugar, tapioca flour, cornstarch and sea salt. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a cast iron frying pan with butter.

Remove your dough from the fridge and roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper, until it is large enough to line your frying pan. Gently edge the pastry into the frying pan. Press it into the corners, trim the edges and return to the fridge.

Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix the flour, butter, sugar and salt together on a low speed. Mix for 4-5 minutes, until a butter crumble forms.

Spoon the strawberry mixture into the pastry shell.  Pinching the crumble with your fingers, sprinkle it over the strawberries. Bake for about an hour, until the crumble is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbling. Allow to cool for 2-3 hours, cut, serve and enjoy!