Lifestyle

Music

Tattoos

Aledo

Inked and Alarmed: 10 Things You Never Want Your Tattoo Artist to Say
By [Mike Unt]
Getting a tattoo is a bold, often meaningful decision—but no matter how much you’ve researched designs, artists, and studios, there’s one variable that can still send shivers down your spine: your tattoo artist’s mouth. Whether you’re going under the needle for the first time or adding to a well-worn canvas, here are 10 things you absolutely never want to hear from the person holding that buzzing machine.

⸻

1. “Oops.”

The universal sound of regret. Whether it’s a crooked line, a misplaced dot, or something worse—if your artist says “oops,” it’s a full-body panic moment. You’re not getting a haircut; this is permanent.

⸻

2. “I’ve never done this design before, but how hard can it be?”

Confidence is great. Blind optimism? Not so much. Complex designs require experience. You don’t want your skin to be their trial run.

⸻

3. “Hang on, let me watch this YouTube tutorial real quick.”

If your artist is crowdsourcing their technique from the internet mid-session, run. Your body is not a DIY project.

⸻

4. “I was out late last night. My hands are still kinda shaky.”

A needle-wielding artist with the motor skills of a newborn deer is a nightmare scenario. Steady hands are the foundation of good ink.

⸻

5. “Wait…which side were we doing this on again?”

Indecision is not cute when you’re about to get something drilled into your skin forever. Always clarify placement before the needle hits skin—and maybe get it in writing.

⸻

6. “Don’t worry, the infection usually goes away.”

Usually?! A reputable artist should be religious about hygiene. If your artist shrugs off sanitation, it’s time to bounce.

⸻

Tattoos are art so choose carefully

7. “I kinda freestyle as I go. It’s more artistic that way.”

Great if you’re into abstract surprises. Terrifying if you came in with a meaningful design. Creativity is cool—within boundaries.

⸻

8. “You’ll probably want to touch this up in like… a month.”

A quality tattoo should hold its own for years, not weeks. If your artist is already hinting at a do-over, that’s a red flag flapping wildly.

⸻

9. “My ex’s name used to be there—funny story, actually…”

You don’t want a cover-up artist who overshares about their own regrets mid-session. Keep the therapy for the couch, not the chair.

⸻

10. “Wait, are you bleeding more than usual?”

There’s normal bleeding, and then there’s more than usual. Either way, that’s something your artist should know how to handle—not say with alarm while they’re working.

⸻

Final Thoughts:
Tattooing is a mix of trust, technique, and talent. If your artist drops one of these red-flag phrases, don’t be afraid to stop the session and reassess. It’s your skin, your art, and your forever. Choose wisely—and listen closely.

⸻

Got a tattoo horror story or something your artist said that made you pause? Tag us on social with #TattooRedFlags—your skin-saving story might make our next feature.

“Hollapoint: The Heartbeat Beneath the Hype”
By Mz Lil Lexie | Feature – Culture &amp; Sound | WINNER: Best Profile Feature, National Music Journalism Awards

He walked into the room like a storm with swagger—loud, magnetic, unmistakably Hollapoint. Diamond-studded chains caught the light. The scent of Creed cologne hit before his grin did. He wore that signature mix of high fashion and street heritage: Dior on his chest, loyalty in his eyes. I’d interviewed war zone survivors with steadier pulses.

The first thing he said?
“Damn, Lexie. You always this fine when you writing about people?”

I sighed. Here we go.
⸻

The First No

Let’s get one thing clear: I am not easily flustered. I’ve sat across from senators, murderers, moguls. But Hollapoint is a different beast. He didn’t just flirt—he performed affection. Every “no” I gave him, he swatted like a feather: dramatic, amused, undeterred. A wink here. A compliment laced with suggestion there. By minute twelve, I was mentally reviewing HR protocol—even though I was the only woman in this room and this story was mine to write.

He leaned in during a question about his latest album, Mad Science Flow, and said with a crooked smile,
“You sure we talkin’ about music? ’Cause I feel like you feelin’ me.”

“Nope,” I answered flatly.

He laughed. “You the only woman ever told me no with a straight face. That’s… kinda sexy.”

God help me.
⸻

Behind the Chainlink Armor

I could’ve walked. A lesser reporter might’ve. But I’d come for more than soundbites. Hollapoint isn’t just a rapper. He’s an architect of emotion—mixing street survival, deep South gospel harmonies, and unfiltered rage into every verse. His songs hold grief and glory in the same breath. I had to know: what makes someone like that tick?

So I did what I do best—I waited.

Somewhere between his third overconfident compliment and his second serious take on fatherhood, I saw it. The moment he dropped the act. A question about his brother, lost to gun violence, made his voice crack. A pause. A breath. Then:

“I carry him in every verse. Some people write to be rich. I write to stay sane.”
His eyes didn’t flirt then. They searched.⸻
The more he spoke, the more I realized Hollapoint didn’t flirt because he’s disrespectful. He flirts because it’s armor. It’s easier to be the player than to be the poet who cried when his daughter was born. Easier to talk about my lips than the fact that he didn’t speak until age six, traumatized by watching his birth-mother overdose.

<h1>The Sweetness Beneath the Steel</h1>
A heart behind the bricks

He’s spent so long proving he’s untouchable, he forgot he wants to be touched—for real. Not lust. Not fantasy. Connection.

“I keep chasing women who want what I show ’em,” he said softly. “But you ain’t buyin’ it. You see past all this.”

“I do,” I said.

⸻

The Real No—and the Unexpected Yes

I didn’t give Hollapoint my number. I didn’t meet him for drinks. I didn’t melt into his million-dollar gaze.

But I gave him something he hadn’t gotten in years: the truth.

“You’re talented. You’re beautiful. You’re sweet. But that doesn’t mean I owe you anything.”

He didn’t blink. He nodded.

“Fair,” he said. “And that’s why you got me shook. You not just another girl, Lexie. You the one that saw me.”

He shook my hand before leaving. Firm. Respectful. No slick comments. Just a man, unguarded, seen.

The Takeaway

So here’s the secret no one tells you about Hollapoint: beneath the platinum records and prison scars is exactly what every girl says she wants. Honest vulnerability. Earned strength. A heart that hurts out loud.

And the irony?

He found the one woman who wouldn’t fall for him—and in that rejection, maybe he found someone who finally understood him.

I came for the music. I stayed for the story. And I left knowing that even the loudest hearts beat quietly when they’re finally heard.

⸻

End.
© Mz Lil Lexie, The Culture Issue | Vol. 47 | Urban Hip-hop -N- Ink

From Basement to Billboard: How Underground Rap Became the New Mainstream
By [Joseph McCurdy ]

Once the gritty heartbeat of the streets, underground rap was a sound you had to dig for—burned onto CD-Rs, passed around in barber shops, and championed by a small but loyal subculture. Fast forward to today, and the very elements that once defined underground rap—raw lyricism, independent hustle, regional slang, and defiance of industry norms—are now front and center on the charts, in Super Bowl ads, and all over TikTok.

So how did the underdog become the blueprint?

⸻

1. The Internet Changed the Game

The rise of SoundCloud, Bandcamp, YouTube, and later TikTok gave underground artists a stage that didn’t require radio play or major label backing. Artists like XXXTentacion, Denzel Curry, and Joey Bada$$ built global audiences from bedrooms and basements, proving that viral energy and authentic voices could rival label budgets.

2. Authenticity Became Currency

As mainstream rap became more polished, fans started craving something more real. The vulnerability and storytelling in underground rap—whether it’s Detroit’s gritty street tales or the introspective bars of New York’s boom-bap revivalists—connected with listeners tired of corporate gloss. Now, what once sounded “too raw for the radio” is exactly what fans want.

3. Indie Is the New Major

Today, being independent is a power move. Artists like Tech N9ne, Russ, and Griselda’s Westside Gunn built empires without traditional labels. They proved that with savvy branding, direct-to-fan marketing, and touring hustle, underground rap could be profitable and culturally dominant. Even major labels have taken notice, often scooping up indie talent after they’ve already built loyal fanbases.

4. Regional Sounds Went Global

Underground rap was always a gateway to local culture—think Bay Area hyphy, Memphis horrorcore, or Chicago drill before it exploded. Now, regional styles are being broadcast worldwide, often without compromise. What used to be “too niche” is now the sound of the moment. Artists like Icewear Vezzo, BabyTron, and Ken Carson aren’t bending to the industry—they’re forcing the industry to adapt.

5. The Underground Aesthetic Became a Brand

Grainy music videos, distorted 808s, lo-fi cover art, and minimal promo used to be signs of budget limitations. Now, they’re strategic. Mainstream acts are borrowing the underground aesthetic to appear edgier and more “in touch.” Even Drake and Travis Scott have flirted with underground collaborators and styles to keep their sound fresh and relevant.

6. Gatekeepers Are Losing Grip

Blog era heads remember when tastemakers controlled who got attention. But today, your song can blow up on a meme page or get added to a Spotify playlist by a fan. The people, not the press, decide what’s hot. That’s democratized the game—and allowed true underground talent to rise, unfiltered.

⸻

So… Is Underground Still Underground?

That’s the paradox. When what once lived in the shadows becomes the light, does it still count as underground?

The answer lies in mindset. Underground rap today isn’t about obscurity—it’s about independence, authenticity, and resistance to homogenization. It’s not about where you rap from, but how you rap. It’s about owning your voice, even if a million people are now listening.

In 2025, underground is no longer a hidden corner of hip-hop. It’s the core.

⸻

Sidebar: 5 Artists Who Took Underground to the Top
•	Griselda – Revived grimy, sample-heavy New York rap and took it global.
•	$NOT – Started on SoundCloud, now charting and collaborating with mainstream stars.
•	Armani White – Turned a viral moment into major label buzz without losing his underground roots.
•	Baby Keem – Kendrick’s protégé who blurred the line between experimental underground and chart success.
•	Destroy Lonely – A new wave icon proving underground energy can drive mainstream hype.

⸻

Final Thought:
What was once called “underground rap” is now just rap—unfiltered, undeniable, and impossible to ignore. Welcome to the new mainstream.

Magma makes every moment matter. Create digital, mini-magazines to share your life’s greatest experiences.

@hollapoint's mag on Magma

<h1>
 <blockquote>"Engineering better ghosts"</blockquote>
</h1>

Journey of a daydream  — @undefined's mag on Magma

Breaking News

Food

Health

<h1>❗️CONSUMER ALERT❗️</h1>
<h2>Product List of Companies</h2>
<h2>Manufacturing with </h2>
<h2>Dead Fetal Cells!</h2>
⬅️SWIPE LEFT TO READ MORE⏩️

<h1>PEPSI BEVERAGES</h1>
<h2>(ALL Pepsi soft drinks)</h2>
– Sierra Mist soft drinks
– Mountain Dew soft drinks
– Mug root beer 
– No Fear beverages
– Ocean Spray beverages
– Seattle’s Best Coffee
– Tazo beverages
– AMP Energy beverages
– Aquafina water
– Aquafina flavored beverages
– DoubleShot energy beverages
– Frappuccino beverages
– Lipton tea and other beverages
– Propel beverages
– SoBe beverages
– Gatorade beverages
– Fiesta Miranda beverages
– Tropicana juices and beverages

<h2>NESTLE PRODUCTS:</h2>
<h2>(ALL Coffee Creamers)</h2>

<h2>MAGGIE BRAND:</h2>
-instant soups
-bouillon cubes
-ketchups 
-sauces
-seasoning
-instant noodles

<h2>KRAFT/CADBURY ADAMS:</h2>

– Black Jack chewing gum
– Bubbaloo bubble gum
– Bubblicious bubble gum
– Chiclets
– Clorets
– Dentyne
– Freshen Up Gum
– Sour Cherry Gum (Limited)
– Sour Apple Gum (Limited)
– Stride
– Trident

<h2>CADBURY ADAMS CANDIES:</h2>

– Sour Cherry Blasters
– Fruit Mania
– Bassett’s Liquorice All sorts
– Maynards Wine Gum
– Swedish Fish
– Swedish Berries
– Juicy Squirts
– Original Gummies
– Fuzzy Peach
– Sour Chillers
– Sour Patch Kids
– Mini Fruit Gums
– Certs breath mints
– Halls Cough Drops

<h2>NEOCUTIS BEAUTY PRODUCTS:</h2>

-Bio-Gel Prevedem Journee
-Bio-Serum Lumiere
-Bio Restorative Skin Cream

<h1>MEDICINES &amp; VACCINES</h1>

<h1>MERK</h1>
-MMR II
-ProQuad MMR/Chickenpox
-Varivax Chickenpox 
-Pentacel Polio/DTaP/HiB
<h1>SANOFI PASTUER</h1>
-Imovax Rabies
-Vaqta Hepatitis-A 
-Zostavax
<h1>GLAXO/SMITHKLINE</h1>
-Havrix Hepatitis-A
-Twinrix Hepatitis-A and B combo
<h1>AMGEN</h1>
-Enbrel Rheumatoid Arthritis
<h1>GENETECH</h1>
-Pulmozyme Cystic Fibrosis

❗️Consumer Alert❗️ — @undefined's mag on Magma

“Happiness is like the golden hour” 
What do I mean by that? Well…
Happiness comes and goes. It usually last for an hour or two. Just like the golden hour.

And it’s fun.

Though happiness is good and fun it can be a bit of a mess.
If you think something is so funny so you the stupid things then it’s a bit of a mess to me. I drew on my arm in school and I thought it was funny. Then I was having a laughing fit and I felt I have dying of laughter ( in a fun way) and after that my arm was covered in big “BIG TIME RUSH” texts.

<h1>“COLD BOODED”</h1>
Why “ cold blooded” ? 
Well it sounds cool and I’m talking deep about life in a funny way. So yeah.

Here you have lyrics to a song named “ COLD BLOODED” bc it’s cool so it’s free to use. Make it better and feel free to take some inspiration gahahahah.


Life is so cold
But when I’m not alone 
I get warm and old
More like bold 
Seeking adventures 
More like a treasure 
Buried in the ground 
As I put down the knife
I feel it
(Yeah) 
I feel it
It’s so cold but I’m already used to it
(Yeah) 
I’m cold blooded
(Cold blooded)
I’m co co co cold blo blo blo bood 
As I feel it going down my spines.

<h1>THE END!! </h1>
I hope you liked it heheh. 
Bye.

A short book about life. But it’s fun and deep written from my perspective. — @undefined's mag on Magma

Wellness

Technology

<h1>Toxic Water</h1>
ALL Bottled, Tap and Filtered water is toxic!

<h2>The Geology &amp; Environmental Sciences department at SUNY Fredonia conducted a study which showed that a number of brands of bottled water are contaminated by microplastic.</h2>
<h2>The researchers tested 11 different brands of water from 27 different lots. Overall, 259 individual bottles were tested.</h2>
<h2>93 percent of the bottles showed a sign of microplastic contamination, the researchers say.</h2>
<h2>The data collected by the researchers suggests that the “contamination is at least partially coming from the packaging and/or the bottling process itself,”</h2>
<h1>YOU CAN’T KILL ANY VIRUS INCLUDING THE CANCER VIRUS, BY PURIFYING WATER ONE TIME, AS THEY AREN’T EASY TO DESTROY!</h1>
<h1>Therefore, You have to RE PURIFY water 100’s OF TIMES PER GALLON with HIGH-INTENSITY UV and HEAT, NOT ONCE!!</h1>
Click link in photo to see timeline of destruction on pathogens

<h1>HOW IT WORKS:</h1>
<h2>One gallon of energized-distilled water in about 2 hours and up to 10 gallons/hour of energized tap water! If you are on a supply that people drink, you can drink energized tap water (or mix the two) with the same results! Unlike any other product (it’s patented world-wide) water is recycled 100’s of times/gallon (not once) with a ultraviolet lamp in the top of the boiler (with a transformer) that destroys anything! Ordinary products don’t recycle water. Organisms can’t be removed in only one cycle through ordinary products!</h2>
<h2>Air cooler with stirrer</h2>
<h2>So that more oxygen can be consumed during the energizing process.</h2>
<h2>Adding just a portion of this water to toxic water will turn the toxic water into healing water!</h2>

<h1>Curing Diseases </h1>
Cancer, Diabetes, Alzheimer’s and more!

CLICK THE PHOTO LINK FOR VIDEO PROOF TESTS!
Excerpts from website:
<h2>Ground-breaking studies conducted by Oxford University scientists in 2009 conclusively concluded that injecting cancerous tumors with oxygen “significantly boosts the chance of recovery.” By restoring oxygen levels to that of a normal cell, the tumors become three times more sensitive to treatment. The study used oxygen to cure multiple forms of cancer. </h2>
<h2>One afternoon, about ten years ago, a man called John Ellis, shocking him when he said: “Your machines cure cancer!” When Ellis asked him how he knew that, the caller said: “I’ve been an oncologist for 30 years. I just retired from <a href="https://www.johnellis.com/sloan-kettering-oncologists/">Sloan Kettering</a> and I don’t have access to your machines anymore!” He identified himself as Dalton Kinsella M.D.</h2>
<h2>If you watch the demonstration video on the John Ellis website, you will see how easy it is for his machine to alter the bond angle of water from 104° to 108° and split bonded hydrogen/oxygen molecule in two molecules, and our body temperature burns up the hydrogen, leaving the oxygen. Since our blood is 94% water, the hydrogen molecule burns off the markers for anything you can name in your bloodstream.</h2>

<h1>Science Data</h1>
Click photo link for data sheet

<h2>York Lab test showing our water is 827x purer than regular water. This fact left scientists at Corning absolutely stunned. Also a Bacteria Destruction Chart that shows how the UV kills off different pathogens and viruses.</h2>
<h2>A dairy farmer called John and told him your water has so many great health benefits. He also told John he was in danger of losing his dairy farm, because his milk production has gone way down. John told him “It has to do with your well water”. The farmer then proceeded to treat his well with John Ellis Water. The bacteria level after treating his well went to “zero”. Luckily, The University of Minnesota monitored his well before and after treating his well with John Ellis Water.</h2>

ABOUT THE ENGINEER -Excerpt
<h2>Including the water distiller he invented years ago, John has also invented some ‘impossible’ things, which seem to be his specialty. While at the Choate School, he was acquainted with George and Igor Sikorsky (the sons on the helicopter inventor) and they peaked his interest in aerospace. Because of these connections, he invented a measuring device that keeps our airplanes safe- even today. He was 17. Because of this success and interest in aerospace design, he later became an engineer at Douglas Aerospace.</h2>

 <h2>To add to his collection of inventions, John Ellis also created a micro switch that operates on-off within .0001 of an inch- about 1/40th of a human hair thickness- for military/industrial use.</h2>


To read the full bio, click on the link in the photo above

<h1>☑️DISCLAIMER:</h1>
<h2>I am not affiliated in any way or get paid to promote this product. </h2>
<h2>I am looking forward to purchasing this machine in the future! At this time I make my own water as I am blessed to have access to a reverse osmosis machine. I do also add nutrients to. See my other Mag on healing and living naturally. </h2>
John Ellis Website disclaimer:
Since I am an Engineer not a Doctor, this information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food &amp; Drug Administration. As in all health situations, as was done in this report, qualified professionals should be consulted.

Water That Cures Disease! Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@johnnyb803?utm_source=magma&utm_medium=referral">Johnny Brown</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=magma&utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a> — @undefined's mag on Magma

Parenting

Travel

<h1>Happy Birthday Asher!</h1>
<h2>Nothing like a 6:45am Birthday cake wake-up. </h2>
<h2>Don’t get used to it Asher!</h2>
<h2>I’ve always said when my first child turns 2, we are going to Disneyland! We had the best time and Asher was so great!</h2>
We already can’t wait to go again!
 ⏭️

<h1>Let the adventures begin!</h1>
We arrived at Disneyland at 10am. Asher took a nice nap the whole way there so he can be juiced for the day! We brought my Nana, Asher’s great grandma with us! Was a very special day. 
We went on Jungle cruise, winnie the pooh, Buzz Lightyear, Tea Cups, Cars and more. Lots of walking and lots of eating. 
Highly recommend taking your kid when he or she reaches 2. So much to do and so much to see. Disneyland is so stimulating for them, was so awesome to see his excitement!

I was nervous about lines before getting there. Not sure how to keep a 2 year old standing in one place for 20 + minutes. Asher surprised us with his patience 🙏😂. He was so great every step of the way. 
Tip - bring some yummy snacks for the lines ;)

Disneyland For Asher’s Birthday  — @undefined's mag on Magma

Home

<h1>INTRO </h1>
My Research on natural solutions began in 1990. 
I was a vegetarian at the time and as I was looking for ways to supplement my diet, I started finding truths and facts about food and the industry. 
Over the years, I’ve gained much knowledge and information. Through self experimentation I can attest to my truth. 
This guide provides natural solutions. There are many subjects on natural solutions. I haven’t listed anything on food, because there are so many different categories. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. 
🔅Not A sales pitch or affiliate! 
Click links on photos for redirect to product or website if included.
I’ll be posting more info in the future!
💟I am Ü are Me

<h2>NATURAL MULTI-USE SOAP</h2>
<h2>SOAPBERRY/NUT</h2>
This is a recent find for me. I have tried these and they work great! Leaves laundry perfume free of scent and soft as well so no need for fabric softener. 
Seeds are collected from a tree. It’s easier to buy already shelled. You can use as is or boil down and use for other cleaning needs such as shampoo, bodywash and household. 
SEE USAGE/RECIPE BELOW
For those of you who like a little scent, add a touch of essential oil. 
⛔️Most essential oils are toxic to pets!(especially cats). 
ALL MINT family scents are highly TOXIC 
🌿Rosemary, Cedar and Candula are the few main essential oils that aren’t toxic for most cats &amp; dogs

<h2>USE &amp; RECIPE</h2>
<h2>For Laundry Use:</h2>
Put 6 seeds in a muslin bag &amp; double knot. Place in washing machine. 
Can use in dryer as well, although not necessary as laundry comes out soft after wash. There’s a slight to zero scent but it has a light flowery frangrance
Re-Use up to 6 times
———————————————
LIQUID SOAP/HOUSEHOLD CLEANER
<h2>•	30 soap nuts</h2>
<h2>•	Water</h2>
<h2>•	1 TBS vinegar ( preservative)</h2>
<h2>•	Citrus Rinds (optional)</h2>
<h2>•	144 drops Geoguard ECT or 1/2 teaspoon Leucidal SF (optional preservative)</h2>
<h2>TOOLS:</h2>
<h2>•	Small pan</h2>
<h2>STEPS:</h2>
<h2>1.	Place soap nuts and water in a small pan. Heat on high until boiling.</h2>
<h2>2.	Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 20 minutes. Cover the pan so water doesn't evaporate.</h2>
<h2>3.	Add the final cup of water and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.</h2>
<h2>4.	Remove from heat and let cool completely.</h2>
<h2>5.	Remove the soap nuts. Add a preservative and any essential oils that you want to use. Store in a mason jar with a lid.</h2>

<h1> WATER</h1>
<h2>All About The Base</h2>
All tap &amp; bottled water is toxic. At the moment, I make my own drinking water with a reverse osmosis machine. My joints feel so much better after ditching bottled water!!. After watching many documentaries and seeing tests and then testing the theory, I’m positive this is a core point of health!
⬇️3 OPTIONS FOR MAKING DRINKING WATER:
🔹1) Distill &amp; Remineralize at home
This takes a long time. But will save money and plastic usage
🔹2) Reverse Osmosis Machine
Some towns have co-op machines available. 
To Remineralize:
🧂ADD: PINK HIMALAYAN SALT 
• 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water
• A few drops of lemon juice to keep ph level balance &amp; help flavor
(Remineralization- Pink Himalayan Salt Contains 82 trace element minerals, including iodine)
💎3) John Ellis Machine - Countertop Distiller made by a scientist 
Expensive but best option. See video for this amazing miracle water endorsed by doctors at Sloan Kettering. 
Consider a co-op style share to alleviate purchase

Blood is changed from drinking John Ellis Water after just 15 minutes

BIOGEOMETRY
A scientist has found a way to use electromagnetic frequencies as healing frequencies by using geometry. 
Click photo link for his website. He also has a YouTube channel.

SHUNGITE STONE
This can be used for blocking electromagnetic frequencies as well as purify water. 
Photo link goes to Amazon but you can search the web as well.

🌿Live Natural•Save$ •Feel Great!
🔅3 Basic Essentials to LiveOn…
🔹Tried, Tested & True — @undefined's mag on Magma

Beauty

Fashion

Events

David Lam Hall, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver

<h1>Jamal Abdourahman</h1>

 <h1>A Global Mission</h1>


Jamal has conceived and orchestrated every season of Vancouver Fashion Week and has now expanded into Kid’s Fashion Week held during the Friday and Saturday daytime giving some of Vancouver’s young up and coming models a chance to walk the runway and support Vancouver.

His passion for fashion and providing a showcase for talent in all aspects of the fashion experience, including sustainability and inclusive of abilities from designers, models, make up artists, hair stylists, photographers, stagehands, teachers, students, bloggers, media, department stores, boutiques and pop ups, and buyers.

<h1>Brief History of VFW</h1>
Since its conception in 2001, Vancouver Fashion Week has been dedicated to cultivating the success of both established designers and award-winning emerging designers with its global perspective and highly multicultural approach. Championing diversity in designers, styles, age, experience, special needs and recognizing up and coming bright future stars as well as honouring industry veterans in every aspect of the fashion industry, is at its core, 
Vancouver Fashion Week has grown to be the second-largest fashion week in North America – and continues to grow today as the fastest growing fashion week in the world.
Founded by entrepreneur Jamal Abdourahman, Vancouver Fashion Week was initially branded ‘International Fashion Week’ for its first season. Fiercely passionate about the fashion industry and his home city, Jamal made it his ongoing mission to travel to fashion capitals to connect with industry leaders and to keep Vancouver on the top of the fashion radar. Since its first season, Vancouver Fashion Week has been built from the ground up by the fashion industry and has become a celebrated occasion in the Canadian fashion community.
As part of its commitment to up and coming talent, Vancouver Fashion Week presented its first annual Nancy Mak Award in 2014. The Nancy Mak Award is given to a talented and promising emerging BC-based designer with the intention of providing tools needed to bring their brand to the next step.
In 2016, Vancouver Fashion Week expanded into children’s fashion with the incorporation of Vancouver Kids Fashion Week, which has become a media hub for Canadian children’s boutiques and international children’s fashion designers alike. Since then, Vancouver Fashion Week has launched two magazines both in print and digital: Vancouver Kids Fashion Week Magazine (bi-annual), and Micro Macro Magazine.
In 2017, Vancouver Fashion Week launched Global Fashion Collective (GFC) to further propel the global exposure of its most promising designers. Producing shows at New York Fashion Week, Tokyo Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion Week through Global Fashion Collective, The team at Vancouver Fashion Week continues to provide its designers not only with a platform for their craft but also with ongoing opportunities for commerce and growth.
The City of Vancouver proclaims Vancouver Fashion Week every year. 
Many Local designers have gotten their first public runway experience under the hashtag of #vanfashionweek and many more to come, starting at #vfwfw22. So come as you are, dress to impress and welcome back to Vancouver Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2022.

It is with the greatest of pleasure that I am able to share this Vancouver Fashion Week Fall Winter 2022 “MAG” with you. What makes it so special, is the fact that we are actually going to be gathering together in person with global designers. I am thrilled to be seeing the people who make Vancouver Fashion Week so special, year after year, including the designers, models, makeup artists, photographers, international and local bloggers, instructors, buyers and the fashion-forward people who thrive on being able to get out and show the world just what they’ve got. It is not easy to produce the 2nd largest fashion week in North America. something of this magnitude on a semi-annual basis that has the potential to have a huge impact on the showcased designers.
None of this of course would be possible without the vision of Jamal Abdourahman. His dedication to support new designers here in Vancouver including Kid’s Fashion Week and his Global Fashion Collective in some of fashion’s most revered events offers us an opportunity to expand our fashion horizon.
This MAG would not be possible without the dedication and contribution of Marilyn R. Wilson, who cajoles pre-VFW interviews from people all over the world to entice an and excite us, but she also ensures that every designer family and foreign journalists is taken under her wing, introduced to the right people and made to feel welcome and special. I look forward to more of Andrew Jackson’s contributions in his J Andrew Speaks column called Dress the Part.. I know that many of my other blogging colleagues and social media posting friends will have so much to contribute as always. I admire and appreciate the professional photographers and the work that they do as well.
Most of all I appreciate the people who come out to take part in the Vancouver Fashion Week experience. I always look forward to seeing old and new friends, be inspired by new trends, and once again feel the thrill of a live event. One good thing that has come out of the pandemic, is the ability to be able to share in this experience even if you can’t be there physically. I hope that if you have not yet bought tickets and can make it please click on the links in the photos the show times as well as the link for tickets. Don’t forget about Vancouver Kid’s Fashion Week over the weekend supporting Vancouver Children’s Hospital. Regardless of where you watch the shows, you’ll be able to see what this season’s designers have to offer on <a href="https://www.vanfashionweek.com">www.vanfashionweek.com</a> website, in social media and magazines around the world.

PASSION and PURPOSE motivate me to seek opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives. Experiential, transformational, experiential travel was my main focus, until the pandemic destroyed our ability to travel for the better part of 2 years. I have always been involved in writing and health and wellness for myself and others. 
Recently, I brought BeautyBCause to Canada. Zoom helped Nails and Lashes replace Handbags and Shoes. Finding a way to have professional quality, long wearing, reusable, handmade 100% gel nails and band-less, segmented, hand- tied lashes 25% lighter than your own, that can be applied in minutes is a revelation. Their charity program inspires me. This month use the code CHW20 at checkout and you will be scoring a deal on everything, and helping others. If you belong to an organization, charity, fundraiser or have a beauty focus, let’s talk. Lots of opportunity and free training await.

<h1>Marilyn R. Wilson</h1>
The Grand Dame of VFW
Marilyn R. Wilson is a freelance writer, published author, speaker and editor with a passion for interviewing. Her current career began at the age of 50 when she threw caution to the wind and answered a Craigslist ad from a New York fashion magazine, even though she had no experience. When they surprisingly accepted two of her story ideas, the doors opened on a whole new career - proof positive it is never to late to embrace a new passion.
Whether through a random encounter on the New York subway or via a “one-on-one” with an internationally recognized artist, her goal is the same – to share the unique journeys of inspiring individuals. In 2007, this led her to co-launch a successful, innovative magazine focused on professionals working in the local fashion industry, paired with photography and illustrations by local artists. Her articles have been featured in publications such as Raine Magazine (NYC) and Schon Magazine (London). 
Wilson took her passion to a new audience with the release of her first book titled Life Outside The Box featuring mini-bios of ten of her favourite interviews. This was followed by The Wisdom of Listening where she shares her decade long journey of interviewing through the many life-changing pieces of gold (wisdom) she received in those interviews. The most important? We are all exactly who we are meant to be. It's time for each of us to embrace and walk our own unique path – without apology!
Marilyn is also fondly known as the godmother, grand dame, Mother Theresa and anchor Vancouver fashion week blogger, doing personal interviews with every designer who will take the time to respond to her interview requests, always front row and centre, graciously taking writers, photographers, designers, models and their families under her well-heeled wings to ensure everyone is properly welcomed, introduced, photographed and connected. Backstage, and with all the volunteers needed to put on a show of this magnitude, she is equally revered and welcomed backstage by the makeup artists, dressers, and her thoughtful crew snacks to express her appreciation for the hours of dedication it takes to put on such a complex event. 
More info at <a href="https://www.marilynrwilson.com">www.marilynrwilson.com</a>

VFW loves to bring back some of the crowd pleasers, and so we are reprising some interviews but adding their new showtime for this 2022 season and a ticket link embedded at the top. Enjoy!
1. Faun Studio (Canada) - <a href="https://www.oliobymarilyn.com/2020/10/vancouver-fashion-week-ss-21-interview_19.html">www.oliobymarilyn.com/2020/10/vancouver-fashion-week-ss-21-interview_19.html</a> 
2. Isxnot (Japan) - <a href="https://www.oliobymarilyn.com/2021/04/vancouver-fashion-week-fw-21-interview_095687668.html">www.oliobymarilyn.com/2021/04/vancouver-fashion-week-fw-21-interview_095687668.html</a> 
3. Ay Lelum BC (Vancouver Island, Canada) - <a href="https://www.oliobymarilyn.com/2021/04/vancouver-fashion-week-fw-21-interview_5.html">www.oliobymarilyn.com/2021/04/vancouver-fashion-week-fw-21-interview_5.html</a> 
4. Alex S. Yu -(London | Vancouver | Taipei) <a href="https://www.oliobymarilyn.com/2019/04/vancouver-fashion-week-fw19-interview.html">www.oliobymarilyn.com/2019/04/vancouver-fashion-week-fw19-interview.html</a> 
5. Ank by Amrit Kaur (India) - <a href="https://www.oliobymarilyn.com/2021/10/vancouver-fashion-week-ss22-interview_20.html">www.oliobymarilyn.com/2021/10/vancouver-fashion-week-ss22-interview_20.html</a>

<h1>J Andrew Speaks…</h1>
<h1>And Fashionistas Listen</h1>

J. Andrew Jackson is a lover of fashion, a fashion blogger and journalist. He has over 40 years of experience in the fields of costume and fashion design, having learned to see at an early age from his mom, a seamstress. . He now writes the blog the Dress The Part/ J. Andrew Speaks , and freelances. 
From a very young age he loved to design create and explore the world of fashion and costume, graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts, in Costume Design and Art History. After working as a theatrical costume designer , teacher and artist, his latest outlet of creativity is his blog, Dress the Part, spanning contemporary, vintage, luxury, street wear and ultra glam, as long as the craftsmanship and style fits the function. 

<a href="https://www.jandrewspeaks.com">https://www.jandrewspeaks.com</a>

Dress The Part started with an idea to spread his love of fashion and sharing his expertise and knowledge, especially in person at Vancouver Fashion Week.

Click <a href="https://www.myzonetickets.com/e/230269/vancouver-fashion-week-fall-winter-2022-1">Here</a> We’ve Got Just the Ticket
VIP Experience Tickets <a href="https://vanfashionweek.com/vip-experience">Here</a>

Click <a href="http://www.vanfashionweek.com/schedule">Here</a> to check out the schedule.

Inside Vancouver Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2022 — @undefined's mag on Magma

Holidays

Magma

Blogging

<h1>• • • January 1, 2021 • • •</h1>

To kick off the new year, I got to spend quality time with my wife and baby Asher. Since we were still in the middle of the pandemic and had a 2 month old son, we decided to hang low and have a nice dinner just us. It was perfect 🥂

It was my first cooked meal of 2021 and my last. Sorry babe, you know I can but you are just way better at it! Plus, I hate the mess I make when I cook…soddyy.

<h1>• • • February • • •</h1>

At the start of February, we took off to Tulum for <a href="magma://users/BaGix6Uj7sSFaFE1XS8EwsPuL9f2">@NateWeiz</a> ￼ Bachelor party. It was such an awesome trip despite the Covid regulations and curfew that was enforced. It only put a dent on the night activities but during the day we were free!
<a href="https://magmanow.com/@Joey/boys-trip-to-tulum-r1nu16ktvra">Tulum Mag</a>

<h1>Then Super Bowl Sunday at Casa Chowaiki! </h1>
Beer, wings, hotdogs, burgers and babies!

<h1>• • • March • • • </h1>

First trip with Asher to San Diego to visit our cousins! Had a blast.

<li>
 <h1>• • • April • • • </h1>
</li>

If you know Clara, her favorite place to eat is <a href="https://www.handrollbar.com">Kazu Noir</a>. The fact we were able to bring our little dude for his first sushi outing made it that much better!

Trap Legend, Flosstradamus dropped the first Smokable NFT and utilized Magma to tell his story and help build a guide for his audience to use before the mint. 
Here are the Mags <a href="magma://users/gKoQg60DLtZ67CCC2dw35ZKJwoO2">@flosstradamus</a> published. 
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://magmanow.com/@flosstradamus/flosstradamus-presents-the-first-smokable-nft-revolutionizing-the-digital-crypto-space-&-the-way-we-see-art-as-a-medium-t1npc3ifego">Story</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://magmanow.com/@flosstradamus/flosstradamus-ntf-guide-a-step-by-step-to-purchasing-and-collecting-nfts-s1ncl9voh4m">Guide</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://magmanow.com/@flosstradamus/flosstradamus-genesis-smokable-nft-experience-the-high-youve-been-waiting-for-j1nj8g426eq">Drop</a></li>
</ul>

May &amp; June were jammed pack with events and weddings. It was such an incredible time but rough on the body. 
Here is my Cabo <a href="https://magmanow.com/@Joey/nate-&-dani-wedding-chileno-bay-cabo-san-lucas-52321-41nuiy77ym4">Mag</a> from Nate &amp; Danis wedding!

Kicked off July at Clara’s families Malibu Beach house, had a few more events, got into a tennis grind with the boys and special guest <a href="https://instagram.com/christianwalk1r?utm_medium=copy_link">Christian Walker</a>, while eagerly awaiting our departure to Israel on the 31st of July.

<h1>• • • August • • • </h1>

Due to the pandemic, we hadn’t seen Clara’s family in a year and a half. Landing in Israel after so long was the most incredible feeling. 
We￼ spent the whole Month of August there so there is way too much to write other than the fact that it was and always is the BEST time. 
Here are some Mags I made while over there: 
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://magmanow.com/@Joey/exploring-the-golan-heights-c1nusmx6zij">Mag 1 </a> </li>
 <li><a href="https://magmanow.com/@Joey/upsherin-wine-in-the-holy-land-u1n3d2fg66x">Mag 2</a></li>
</ul>

<h1>• • • September • • • </h1>

<h1>• • • October • • • </h1>

<h1>10/28/21 </h1>
Our amazing amazing Nana’s 80th birthday. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. You are the true definition of happiness! To another 80 birthdays!!
Keep looking young and beautiful!
Oh and because of Asher, she is a great grandma now!

<h1>• • • November • • • </h1>

<h1>• • • December • • • </h1>

Great way to end the year! Sons 1st birthday, Dayans 30th in Vegas where we rallied 30 of us from LA to fly down for the night….￼off-roading in Glamis, <a href="https://magmanow.com/@Joey/glamis-sand-dunes-thanksgiving-weeken-n1mqvv36155">Mag here</a>, the holiday season which always comes with so many activities, including our partners MBA’s holiday event! 
<li>Here are photos of the event: </li>
<ul><a href="https://magmanow.com/@madebyall/2021-mba-holiday-party-51m9vgkj5tc">Mag 1</a> </ul>
<ul><a href="https://magmanow.com/@madebyall/2021-mba-holiday-party-x1lzsfk5c18">Mag 2</a> </ul>

<h1>Happy New Year!</h1>
<h1>Bring it on 22!</h1>

A Quick glimpse of 2021! Happy New Year everyone!  — @undefined's mag on Magma

Muscle Lab

<h1><a href="https://musclelab.la/pages/infrared-sauna-in-los-angeles">Muscle Lab</a> </h1>
Muscle Lab is a muscle recovery and wellness lounge located in Pasadena, California. Your perfect post workout destination! Not only can you give your body the opportunity to rest and recover, you can also connect with like-minded individuals who hit the gym just as hard as you.
Growing up as an athlete I did not give myself enough time to rest. I was addicted what can I say. After sustaining several injuries, as an adult making sure I give my mind, body and soul the opportunity to recover is crucial. We only get one body and it’s important we make ourselves a priority.

<h1><a href="https://musclelab.la/pages/normatec-compression-in-los-angeles">Compression Therapy </a> </h1>
Muscle Lab has so many amazing services. For my first visit I tried compression therapy for the first time and I ended my session in their Infrared Sauna. I cannot recommend Muscle Lab enough.
Compression Therapy is known to increase mobility, reduce swelling and inflammation, prevent soreness, and increase blood circulation. Circulation is something I struggle with immensely. Due to my poor circulation I often struggle with muscle recovery, cold hands &amp; feet, and frequent numbness &amp; tingling. I tend to travel a lot during the holiday session. For some reason flying always leaves my legs feeling a bit tense. After one brief session, I feel amazing. I have been reluctant to intensely work out lately but now I can’t wait for my next training session.

<h1><a href="https://musclelab.la/pages/infrared-sauna-in-los-angeles">Infrared Sauna</a> </h1>
Infrared Saunas are known to promote weight loss, relieve sore muscles, reduce stress, fatigue and help with muscle aches. If you’re looking for a full body detox you’ve come to the right place. Infrared sauna therapy is able to heat your tissues directly and at a deeper level through the use of various wavelengths. Unlike standard sauna’s you can find in your local gym. By flushing out unwanted toxins you will notice an increase in your circulation, metabolism, sleep and so much more. The list of benefits you will receive during your session are endless.

<h2>When is the last time you made your recovery a priority?</h2>
<a href="https://musclelab.la/pages/infrared-sauna-in-los-angeles">Click Here</a> to learn more about <a href="https://instagram.com/musclelab?utm_medium=copy_link">@musclelab</a>

Muscle Lab — @undefined's mag on Magma

Social Media

Graphic Design

Dallas

HOLIDAYS: Gift Guides for Him, Her & the kids! I’d love
to hear what you think. Comment on this post or come hang out with me on instagram @brayleafisher 

Comment: Who is the hardest person to shop for in your family? You’re looking at mine 🤓 — @undefined's mag on Magma

Connor and I share on a Men’s page called @<a href="https://www.shopltk.com/explore/ltkmens">ltkmens</a> on the LTK platform! We’ve linked this whole outfit there.

Flannel under $30 <a href="https://rstyle.me/cz-n/fw6gbbccdcx">tap here </a> 
Cash Cow Hat<a href="https://rstyle.me/cz-n/fwvnzeccdcx"> tap here</a> 
Do you know what cash cow means in business?

<blockquote>
 <h2>"a business, investment, or product that provides a steady income or profit.”</h2>
</blockquote>

More than just a cow hat lol

OOTD: MEN’S FALL ESSENTIALS 

All easy to shop content straight from our LTK Mens page. Right now we’re also sharing mens gift guides🎁🎄 — @undefined's mag on Magma

Culture

<h1>Rediscovering the Multi-Passionate You During a Global Pandemic</h1>
By: Molly O’Toole
Self-assuredness has been something that has always ebbed and flowed for me. When I was a little girl, I was sure that I was going to be the next Indiana Jones, going off on amazing adventures until I was told very pointedly in my fourth-grade class that obsessing over King Tut in my spare time was “so not cool.”
So, I changed my tune and took up sports like every other girl my age, until I was told I didn’t have what it takes to be an amazing player by the girls in my class that wanted to my starting spot. So, even though I felt confident playing ball, I changed again and found love in the theater community.
Can you guess what happened there? Yep. You guessed it — I had a difficult time forming into the collegiate theater community because I wasn’t a true theater kid. So I found myself once again finding a way to change my path. During all of these encounters, I found that I loved what I was doing, but let the opinion of others and what others thought of me change my choices.
Society tells us that we need to pick one thing when we are 18 years old (with really no life experience behind us), focus on it, and be the very best at that one thing alone. Well, what if I say screw that? I found that after college, I was having to change my path once again because I wasn’t fitting society’s norms of what others thought of me. It was only during the pandemic that I actually took the time to self-reflect on what it was that I wanted in life. What I saw myself doing. Ultimately, what would make me happy. Because guess what? Everyone is going to have an opinion on what you should do with your life, but ultimately you are the one living those choices. So you mine as well make them your own.
This is something that I am still struggling with, but find that I’m starting to build my own path in life. I love culture, history, media, people, art, helping others, and always having variety in my day. When I look at that list — I see some really amazing things that can make up a wonderful and fulfilled life. So, why does it still feel like society is saying I can’t have them all?
I’ve decided to walk to my own beat — someone who is pursuing multiple passions at once and luckily there are parts of society today that are embracing these types of individuals. I love seeing “girlbosses” out there rocking multiple hats and trying to reinvent themselves over and over. These women are brave. They are confident. They are inspiring. These are the women I am choosing to be like.
I am still in my rediscovery phase — I am focusing on going back to school, finding a new job, and creating side hustles that inspire me every day. I am learning to love the new (well, maybe that’s the wrong word), the true me. If you are struggling with what life has thrown at you or are pivoting in life — know I believe in you and you are not alone. Listen to your desires, you got this.

It’s time to rediscover the true you that’s inside. Embrace that multi-passionate you - here’s how — @undefined's mag on Magma

Mental Health

<h1>Letter to My Younger Self: The Over Anxious 16 Year Old</h1>
By: Molly O’Toole
Dear 16-year old me,
On the cusp of my/your 26th birthday, I find myself thinking back on the last 10 years with equal parts awe and pride. Thinking of where I thought I would be in life as an anxious 16-year-old girl and where I am are a world away from each other. So let me tell you, girl, you need to start learning to relax.
Here’s the sitch on the last 10 years:
The friends you have now may seem wonderful, but soon you will learn that heartbreak doesn’t only come from romantic relationships but friendships as well. It will hurt but will teach you that it’s okay to start over with relationships and you will meet your people

You go to an amazing university (one you’ve never even heard of yet!), meet an amazing guy you are still with after almost 8 years (I know, I can’t believe it either), make an amazing group of friends, and live abroad in your dream city- London, baby!
You move to the city of angels after graduation to follow your dreams and hate it. The pressure of making it, the toxic culture, and the overall reality bubble of college getting popped gets to you and all you want is what you know. You leave to start your own business, struggling to make it work for two years before a global pandemic puts you and everyone in this world on hold for an entire year.
Oh, and you get the most wonderful puppy that makes your every day just that much brighter.

So, here we are; ten years later, trying to figure out what you want life to look like in a world that is alien to what you know. You still struggle with anxiety on a daily basis, but during this time of uncertainty, you have found some clarity about yourself.
I won’t claim to know everything — in fact, I really feel like I am having to relearn all I know, but this is what I’ve figured out so far.

1.	Make decisions with your life in mind: no one has ever forced you into any decision, but your need to please everyone has forced you to upset the one person that matters, yourself. You have dreams and they will ebb and flow as you experience more things in life and guess what? That’s okay. The people that love you only want you to be happy — they may have their own ideas of what that is — but you are the one living those choices. Make them your own.
2.	Life is short:I know this is a cliche but it has never rung more true than after this year. It has forced everyone to quarantine, fear for the lives of their loved ones, learn what an “essential job” truly is, and at the end of the day, re-evaluate what we all thought we knew about life. You’ve found a new purpose and it gives you an immense amount of relief and anxiety in equal measure, but ultimately it brings you peace. Peace in that you are starting to listen to yourself.
3.	The key to start finding happiness: Stop caring about the opinions of others. Stop comparing yourself to those Instagram photos that have yet to take off, stop thinking you’re unsuccessful because you aren’t a millionaire by the age of 26. Just live what you love. Focus on the small things — what makes you laugh, brings you peace, what calms that constant storm living inside of you.

Now, these are lessons you are still grappling with and trying to impart in your everyday life, but you are taking minor steps every day to learn more about yourself and follow these steps for a more authentic you.
At (almost) 26 you are starting over. Listening to yourself. Learning to re-love yourself. And you are okay.
So relax, study hard, and listen to your mom. She’s right most of the time (That’s always supposed to be the best advice right? Well, in this case, it’s true).

Life is weird and wonderful. Start learning to go with the flow, because life is going to throw you on a path you never would expect.
Peace out girl,
the older and maybe wiser you

Wisdame Letters | Letter to My Younger Self: The Over Anxious 16 Year Old — @undefined's mag on Magma

<h1>I Got an IUD | Here’s How My Body Changed</h1>
By: Molly O’Toole
Alright, ladies. Let’s talk birth control. Whether you are sexually active, have problems with your period, looking to clear up your skin, or any other reason, odds are you have decided to start birth control. While looking for birth control, you know you are faced with many options when it comes to deciding what form of birth control is right for you.
For years I was on the pill and it worked wonders for me (I received mine to help with my many period problems). While the pill did not stop my period altogether, it did help clear up my skin, help my mood, and made my period as tolerable as a period can be. That is until my body decided that it needed a change.
I noticed that my body was starting to have heavier periods and my mood swings were getting worse as I was entering into my twenties — I know, prime time to have all this sh*t start back up again. So I talked to my OBGYN about what my options were and we landed on the Kyleena IUD. My doctor felt that Kyleena was a better fit for my body type over Mirena, but talk to your doctor and see which option is best for you.

If you are thinking of starting or changing your birth control, talk to your OBGYN about the different birth control options and find which ones right for you.I chose to try the IUD for three reasons:
1. To make my periods become tolerable and maybe have them disappear altogether.
2. To not have to worry about taking a pill simultaneously every day — my period was so bad that if I didn’t take it at the exact time I needed to, then BAM, my period would start.
3. Because my doctor felt I needed to try a different type of hormone as I was becoming older.
Now, with any birth control you take, there is always a risk of side effects and I had heard that the side effects with an IUD can be pretty bad for the first six months or so. Well, I’m coming up on six months with this sucker, which is how my body was affected.

The Procedure: Make sure to bring someone with you to drive you home after because let me tell you — getting one of these suckers in is not an easy feat. Now it is completely tolerable ladies, but you will have some cramps for the following hours and you may get lightheaded while it’s being put in. I had to stay and drink Sprite to make sure that I wouldn’t pass out.
First Three Months:&nbsp;My doctor felt it would be best for my body to transition to the IUD rather than switching right off the bat, so she had me stay on my birth control pills for the first three months. During those months, I really didn’t notice any difference in my body or mood other than my period went from being unbearable to pretty much non-existent in a matter of two months! WHOOHOO!
Okay here’s the good part:&nbsp;After I finished my birth control pills and was only on the IUD, I noticed my body started to change (essentially it feels like my body is going through a second puberty).
I noticed that I started seeing acne, not much, but enough to notice a difference when it was close to my time of the month and in random places on my body (my shoulders, chest, top of legs).
My body has gone from being stick-thin with very little curves, to a curvier woman in about the span of two months. Now, don’t get me wrong — having a bigger butt and a little bit of bigger boobs is nice — but in the span of two months, I gained about twenty pounds while also eating better and working out more. I know doesn’t really make much sense.

Here’s what didn’t change:&nbsp;My mood overall has remained the same and guess what ladies — NO PERIOD! Now, I can tell when I’m having my period because I still feel the cramps and still need to wear panty liners for discharge and things (sorry, I know it’s gross but I’m just being honest).
As any OBGYN will tell you, they can not definitively say that weight gain is a symptom of birth control, but I wanted to share what my reaction is for those out there who are also scouring the internet looking to see if anyone has had similar issues that you are experiencing. I’ve talked to quite a few ladies about birth control symptoms, and all are different — some lost weight on ones that others gained. Maybe if we are more open to talking about our birth control problems, we can help find a solution. If you have had any experiences with any form of birth control and would like to share — comment below! Good luck ladies, it’s a rough world out there. PERIOD.

Let's talk birth control | here’s how my body changed with an IUD — @undefined's mag on Magma

Boston

<h1>THE EXPLORER: 24 HRS IN BOSTON, MA</h1>
By: Molly O’Toole

Who doesn't love cobblestone streets, charming coffee shops, and fun celebrations? So when passing through Boston, MA, I knew I had to make sure I made time to spend a day in this charming city, and Boston, you did not disappoint! I have always been a pretty extensive history nerd and was beyond excited to see many of the historical landmarks this city has preserved. With only 24 hours in the city – here is our guide on everything you can not miss while visiting Boston, MA!

The Freedom Trail: Boston is full of history, so much so that you can walk the freedom trail and learn more about the events that helped shape our nation. Because we only had 24 hours in the city, we did not have time to make a stop-off at every location, so here are a few of our favorite stops!

•	USS Constitution – the oldest commissioned warship. Start the Freedom Trail here at the USS Constitution before entering the central part of the city. This is also a great spot to see Boston's amazing city line.
	•	Old North Church – "The British are coming! The British are coming!" Make sure to stop off at the place that started the American Revolution and is best known for the midnight ride of Paul Revere and "One if by land, two if by sea."
	•	Faneuil Hall: Faneuil Hall hosted the first town meeting in America, also known as the home of free speech. Located in the heart of Boston, it is located near many restaurants and shops! It can be hectic, so make sure to keep your party together!

Brattle Book Shop: one of the coolest outdoor bookstores I have ever visited. Great place to pick up a classic at a reasonable price and take some fantastic photos! Located right off of Boston's public park.

Tatte Bakery: I love a good bakery, and Tatte Bakery definitely took the cake (pun intended). With an incredible atmosphere, great food, and reasonable prices, Tatte is a definite when visiting the Boston area.

Public Park: I never realized Boston had its own Central Park. Boston's Public Park is a great place to walk around and take in Boston's greenery and cobblestone streets. It is located in a great neighborhood, very clean, and near a lot of the action, Boston has to offer.

Quincy Market: Located next to Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market is a great place to grab a bite. And listen up Cheers! Fans – you can live out your fandom at the Cheers! Restaurant located at Quincy Market! It gets jam-packed, so maybe try going at an off-hour for food to avoid the big crowds!
All in all, Boston has some fantastic landmarks and is a definite must if you are stopping through!

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@reddalec?utm_source=magma&utm_medium=referral">Redd</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=magma&utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a> — @undefined's mag on Magma

<h1>Welcome Wisdame Women</h1>
By: Molly O’Toole
This is Wisdame, a lifestyle editorial about women sharing their wisdom on culture, travel, love, + life. We have created a safe space for women to share their thoughts on culture, travel, love, and everything in between.
It can feel isolating to see that everyone on Instagram seems to have their life figured out. I know we have been in that boat before, and we always think, what could I be learning from them? What are they doing that I’m not doing? Can we please talk about how I’m feeling, the stresses that I’m facing in my day-to-day life? If you have had any of these thoughts, you have come to the right place.

We want to start conversations around all things happening in life and see what we can learn from one another, highlight the fantastic accomplishments all of you are achieving, and get real about the struggle we all face in our day-to-day lives.

So, come along for the ride! We hope reading along and seeing that you are not alone can help brighten your day just a little bit. And hey, if you have something you would like to share, reach out and say hey! We would love to hear from you! 
Let’s start the conversation and share what wisdom we have in life.
Welcome to the Wisdame community!

Welcome to Wisdame, a lifestyle editorial about women sharing their wisdom on culture, travel, love + life. — @undefined's mag on Magma

Cocktails

Botanist

DALLAS TRAVEL GUIDE: Botanist Cocktail Bar — @undefined's mag on Magma

<h1>Styling a Shacket | Over activewear </h1>

All outfit details on my profile can easily be shopped on the LTK app <a href="https://www.shopltk.com/explore/brayleafisher">@brayleafisher</a> . Everything is linked except for the cute pup! I hope that you’ll comment at the end of this post and let me know which look is your favorite.

<h1>Styling a Shacket | Over a dress</h1>

This dress is from amazon! Under $25 linked <a href="https://ltk.app.link/GdSbsGiEVkb">here</a>

<h1>Styling a Shacket | With a bodysuit + Jeans </h1>

Which way was your favorite? Please comment on this post! 

All outfit details linked: <a href="https://ltk.app.link/GdSbsGiEVkb">https://ltk.app.link/GdSbsGiEVkb</a>

OOTD: Styling a Shirt Jacket 3 ways

 You can easily shop any of my outfits, home decor, etc on the LTK app! — @undefined's mag on Magma

Dining

Shinsei Restaurant

<h1>Shinsei </h1>
Pan-Asian Cuisine

Address |
7713 Inwood Rd
Dallas, TX 75209
United States

Social Media | 
<a href="https://instagram.com/shinseirestaurant?utm_medium=copy_link">@shinseiresturant </a> 
<a href="https://instagram.com/brayleafisher?utm_medium=copy_link">@brayleafisher</a>

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