Community

Mental Health

<h1><strong>Mom</strong></h1>
<p>The most courageous title there is. You’ve brought life into this world and had the strength to carry it through all the trials and tribulations. Holding your own head high while pushing two daughters along with. Considering your children’s needs above your own needs at all times. Having a child in your 40s and being a boss about it. Your strength is astounding and I thank you for your humility, honesty, and love. </p>

<h1><strong>Rachel</strong></h1>
<p>The epitome of a boss bitch. The way you effortlessly navigated a male-dominated industry while showing up put together as a “lady” really showed everyone up. Working up until the second you give birth is truly inspiring. You are going to be an incredible mother. Thank you for being the guide in my life. The leading example of confidence, intelligence, and grace.</p>

<h1><strong>Tanya</strong></h1>
<p>(Right)</p>
<p>You have managed to raise two wonderful human beings with the fiercest hearts. I know they get it from you. Raising Jake as a single mom juggling work, parenting, friendships, etc. at a young age is inspiring. Your tenacity is truly unmatched. I am honored to have you as my mother in law. </p>
<h1><strong>Alexa</strong></h1>
<p>(Left)</p>
<p>Having you as a younger sister to guide is an honor and a privilege. Thank you for teaching me to live in the moment more. I can’t wait to see the woman you continue to grow into. To have you as a friend in life is a blessing. The most loyal woman I know. </p>

<h1><strong>Katie</strong></h1>
<p>You are fiercely loyal to yourself, and I respect the hell out of that. You have managed to carve the life you lead with grace and patience. You are the epitome of a woman who has come into her own and your laughter and spirit for life is contagious.</p>

<h1><strong>My Bubby</strong></h1>
<p>I could write an entire book on this woman. She has survived the oppression of the Holocaust, moved to Israel and worked, raised my father there while my Zaidy left for Canada, and then came to Canada and managed to lead our entire family as the matriarch. All while having a killer sense of humor. May we all be as brave and giving as you! 
  <h1><strong>Janis</strong></h1>
</p>
<p>Although not pictured above, I have to honor my step-mother in law Janis. Janis is one of the most incredibly kind people you will ever meet. She has a heart of gold and loves her family dearly. She is a strong advocate for mental health, yoga, and kindness. She is such a strong light in my life and those around her.</p>

<h1><strong>My Great Nana</strong></h1>
<p>My great grandmother is currently living alone in London. She served in the British forces during WWI and has much pride in that. She is a spitfire to say the least. She has suffered tremendous losses and continues to find strength within. The most intelligent woman I know. I am honored I was awarded the opportunity to know and learn from her. </p>

<p><strong>Maritza/Nana</strong></p>
<p>This woman has advocated for herself and her own daughters her entire life. She never needed a man to guide her. She is a true example of an independent woman who also chooses to embrace love. A wonderful mix and shining example of a modern woman, grandmother, wife, and daughter. </p>
<p><strong>Auntie Lisa</strong></p>
<p>Like a lotus flower, my aunt has overcome immense struggles and managed to rise and blossom from it. I applaud her strength, independence, and beauty. </p>

<p>Last but not least, my incredible friends. I am inspired by these women daily. We together and apart have managed to support one another with the utmost respect and love. I am so proud of this community of women and so incredibly honored to have them by my side. </p>

<p>Not all are pictured here but hopefully it provides some insight into the vibes we have all cultivated in this world. The women I choose to be a part of my life is definitely deliberate. I give energy to those that share theirs. To lifting each other up!</p>

<p><strong>A Final Note:</strong></p>
<p>I am also proud of myself and the woman I am growing to be. If I could share one message today it’s that you can be both. You can be what you choose and you don’t need to follow any guidelines or rule books for that. In one picture I’m a Master’s level honor student in sweatpants. In the other I’m a model/actress on Instagram. </p>

<p>I can share my body and be intelligent at the same time. I can advocate for mental health while wanting to post pictures on the beach. I can be a mother, daughter, wife, employee, and more, wrapped in one. I have learned a lot about myself this past year and as uncomfortable as it is to highlight myself I think it’s important to share and learn to celebrate yourself as much as you do others. Especially if you’re a woman. </p>

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

Here’s to celebrating women! — @undefined's mag on Magma

Beauty

<h1>My Skin Is...</h1>
<p>Every skin type, color, and texture is different. The products I’m recommending are tried and true by me for my skin-type particularly . </p>
<p>My skin is extremely sensitive and tends to be on the drier side. All products I use are cruelty-free and most are from clean brands.</p>
<p>I have also put energy into my health. I have upped my water intake, corrected my hormone imbalance, and started with collagen nightly. Although I do attribute my skin mostly to my products, beautiful skin is also reliant on good inner health. </p>
<p>Keep that in mind before trying anything yourself and enjoy!</p>

<h1>FACE WIPES</h1>
<p><em>Burt’s Bees </em>micellar face wipes are the only ones I have used that haven’t irritated my skin, and trust me I’ve tried many. I highly recommend!</p>

<h1>CLEANSERS</h1>
<p>The first step in my morning and night routine.</p>

<p>My all time favorite cleanser that is gentle on skin is <em>First Aid Beauty</em>’s “pure skin” cleanser. This formula foams without feeling soapy and is creamy enough to keep moisture in. </p>

<p>The <em>Skin Laundry</em> face wash is a favorite for when my skin feels oily or caked with makeup. Since my skim is dry, it is harder to use this everyday since it can strip your skin a little. But, it seriously removes everything and makes your face feel 100% purified and fresh. </p>
<p>The <em>Cocokind</em> oil to milk cleanser is a new find for me. It’s extremely sensitive on skin and best for morning washes. I wouldn’t recommend this as an all-in-one cleanser since it’s too gentle to take away all your makeup but it’s a beautiful and refreshing way to wake up clean!</p>
<p>The <em>Bogavia </em>nourishing oil is an amazing makeup remover. You dispense a few pumps of the oil into your hand and rub it into your face. It can be used on eyes as well. When water is added it turns into a milk and wipes away all makeup. This is best for dryer skin types. It’s also best suited for sensitive skin as an alternative to face wipes that can often irritate. I use this product before cleansing with a foam wash for a deeper clean. </p>

<h1>TONER</h1>
<p>Toner was also a product that was difficult for me to find. My skin tended to breakout and dry up every time I tried one, but I was desperate for a refresh or deep clean after cleansing or a workout. </p>
<p>The <em>Cocokind</em> toner was a recommendation to me and I quickly fell in love! My skin acclimated so well to this product. It can be sprayed or used with a cotton pad for a deeper application. </p>

<p>This <em>Youth to the People</em> toner is a new one for me. I am slowly introducing it since it is a stronger toner. It’s known to reduce the appearance of pores, which is something I’ve wanted to improve on. I recommend reading the instructions before beginning use. So far I have loved the results and can’t wait to make this a regular part of my routine.</p>

<h1>SERUMS</h1>
<p>This <em>Bogavia </em>gel is one of the single products that has transformed my skin. It has hyaluronic acid and CBD so it locks in moisture and takes down inflammation. I put this under my moisturizer day and night (during the day only when I don’t use vitamin C).</p>

<p>Finding a good Vitamin C was challenging for me. Having sensitive skin made it difficult to find a vitamin C serum that wouldn’t cause irritation and breakouts. I’ve tried Drunk Elephant’s one and many other cult favorites but this one really worked for me. Vitamin C has really helped me with balancing my skin tone. </p>
<p>All <em>Bogavia </em>products can also be found at Erewhon. </p>
<p>Retinol was also a tough find for me. I researched a lot and found that it is difficult to start using a retinol without some irritation. It’s recommended to use one that has a small percentage at first and work up to an every day usage. </p>
<p>The <em>First Aid Beauty </em>retinol serum was one that showed up in my research for sensitive skin and I’m such a fan. I noticed results after about a month of using it and never turned back. I’m unsure if I want to move up to a higher percentage since this one worked so well for me!</p>

<h2>FACE OIL</h2>
<p>I fell in love with this oil a couple years ago. <em>Kora Organi</em>cs is a skincare line started by supermodel Miranda Kerr. This oil has a bit of a cult following, and for a good reason. </p>
<p>It can be used day and night and even mixed in to moisturizers to create a glowy finish on your skin. It works amazing under makeup and can even be mixed into foundation or concealers to make the product more mailable and sheer. </p>

<p>Whenever my skin is feeling dry or in some need of extra loving, this <em>Bogavia</em> midnight repair oil is my go-to. This oil is best used as a sort of nighttime treatment. You will wake up with fully moisturized and repaired skin. </p>

<h2>EYE CREAM</h2>
<p><em>Sunday Riley’s </em>auto correct eye cream is the best eye cream I have ever used. It did wonders with my dark circles and fine lines. I also have a history with reactions to eye creams and this one didn’t irritate me at all. </p>

<p><em>Cocokind’s </em>eye cream was recommended to me, mainly for the applicator end. I have just started trying this creamy eye cream and will update with results after a while of using. So far I like the <em>Sunday Riley</em> better but this is a great option for those who prefer more of a cream. I recommend keeping this in the fridge for a cooling application!</p>

<p><em>Weleda’s</em> Skin food is a cult favorite moisturizer. It can be used on the face and the body and is hailed by many of the industry’s top makeup artists. It is a thick cream best used under makeup, at night, or during the winter months. Since my skin is dry I use it all the time but it can also be used as a sort of mask. It creates the glowiest moisturized finish. </p>

<p><em>Youth to the People’s</em> air-whip moisturizer is the yummiest texture. It really does feel whipped. This moisturizer is the lightest one I’ve ever used so it’s great for the summer or when your skin is feeling a little more oily. I love this moisturizer for during the day, especially when it gets hotter. It has a cooling quality to it when put on. </p>
<p><em>Kate Somerville’s</em> goat milk moisturizer is also a new discovery here. It was a sample in my IPSY Glam Bag and I fell in love. It goes on beautifully for sensitive skin and also did not cause breakouts with my fiancé, who is prone to them from moisturizer use. It has a thin and milky texture but a little goes a long way. </p>
<p><em>Eminence </em>is a brand I discovered through my facial technician at the Four Seasons. It is a little more on the pricey side but worth it. There are a few products of there’s that I love that aren’t mentioned in here in depth. The coconut moisturizer is a very rich cream that has age corrective qualities in it. It’s great for one you want a thicker treatment. </p>
<p>The Eminence makeup remover and rhubarb face mask are some of the products I am a super fan of. </p>

<h1>FACE SCRUBS</h1>
<p><em>Bogavia’s</em> face scrub is a gentle introduction into exfoliation. This can be used nightly but I tend to use it only a few times each week to give my face a break. </p>

<p>This! I am in love with <em>Kora Organic’s</em> turmeric face scrub. The best experience for using this mask is to apply it in the shower, keep it on while bathing, and then rinsing off at the end. The steam creates the coolest feeling and such a yummy smell. A very enjoyable exfoliating treat. </p>

<h2>MASKS</h2>
<p><em>Biossance’s</em> detox mask is a great go-to whenever your skin is breaking out or feeling oily. Don’t be alarmed if your skin is tingling or burning a little, that’s just the mask working!</p>

<p>Seriously the best nighttime treatment is the <em>Youth to the People</em> Dream Mask. This mask has the creamiest texture without being too thick. The reason why it is hailed and has the patented Allure award is because you wake up with such an all-around glow! It is a very effective nighttime treatment. Especially if you have to look awake the next day!</p>

A look inside my skincare routine and most coveted products to date. — @undefined's mag on Magma

Books

4 Privet Drive

<h1>“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.”</h1>
<h2>“Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.”</h2>
<h2></h2>
<p>Dumbledore in The Deathly Hallows </p>

<h1>“But you know, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.”</h1>
<h1></h1>
<p>Dumbledore in The Prisoner of Azkaban </p>

<h1>“You’re the weak one. And you’ll never know love. Or friendship. And I feel sorry for you.”</h1>
<h1></h1>
<p>Harry Potter to Lord Voldemort in The Order of the Phoenix. </p>

<h1>“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”</h1>
<p></p>
<p>Dumbledore in The Goblet of Fire</p>

<h1>“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love.”</h1>
<p></p>
<p>Dumbledore in The Deathly Hollows</p>

<h1>“We’ve all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That’s who we really are.”</h1>
<h1></h1>
<p>Sirius Black in The Prisoner of Azkaban</p>

<h1>“It’s a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it.”</h1>
<p></p>
<p>Dumbledore in The Deathly Hallows</p>

<h1>“If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” </h1>
<p></p>
<p>Sirius Black in The Goblet of Fire</p>

Some of my favorite Harry Potter quotes ⚡️ — @undefined's mag on Magma

Wellness

<h1>Anxiety</h1>
<p>With everything going on, it’s easy to feel anxious and stressed. These feelings are a physiological response in your body to a supposed threat or distressful stimulus. It is a natural response that can easily become all-consuming. </p>
<p>Luckily, there are some simple tools you can employ to ease your nervous system out of panic ✨</p>

<h1><strong>Meditation</strong></h1>
<p>Meditation is a tool I will most likely include in all volumes of “Resetting the Mind”. Meditation and breath work help to calm your sympathetic nervous system from firing.</p>
<p>I’ve included three breathing exercises you can practice:</p>
<p>1. Place one hand on your heart and one on your stomach. Inhale for 4-5 seconds. Hold your breath at the top for 3 and then exhale it all out for 5. Try this for at least a minute. Ideally, for 5-10 minutes. When getting distracted come back to the counting. Another tool to stay present is keeping aware of how your hands feel on your body, rising and falling with your breath. </p>
<p>2. When you feel anxiety creeping up, picture it as a wave. Feel the slow build, understand there is a peak, but remember there is always the fall. As you feel each step picture yourself as if you are riding that wave, or surfing it, and what it will feel like at the end when the water is calm again. </p>
<p>Knowing these bold feelings will pass is helpful in substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, self-harm, and more. Try it out!</p>
<p>3. If meditation is something you’re familiar with, this exercise may be for you. Sit down comfortably for 5-10 minutes at least and practice mindful meditation. With every inhale state a positive affirmation. For anxiety, I’ll offer “I am safe” or “I am courageous”. With every exhale, let go of some of the negative hold and feel the release. </p>
<p>With every exercise, be as nonjudgmental with your passing thoughts as you can. It’s normal to get distracted! Note your thoughts as they are, just thoughts. Then set them aside and continue with your grounding tools. </p>

<h1><strong>Make Your Own Stress Ball </strong></h1>
<p>If you’re feeling anxious or just want an at home craft to do! Get some tinfoil and roll it into a ball. Have some rubber bands on hand, colorful ones preferred 🌈. Gradually wrap the tinfoil until you reach the desired size and you have your own stress ball. The process can be therapeutic and fun. </p>
<p>You can have some affirmations on hand to speak while making it, make one while watching tv, or speak to someone about how you’re feeling while in the process (this can make speaking about your feelings a little easier). </p>

<h1><strong>Walking</strong></h1>
<p>Another always helpful tool is getting out and walking. Exercising of any kind raises your endorphins, which are your body’s natural opiates. </p>
<p>On top of the chemical reactions to getting up and getting moving, a walk can be a mindful and relaxing process as well. Try walking while taking in your surroundings non judgmentally. Breathe and take note of your present surroundings, the breeze around you, and the feeling of your feet grounded to the sidewalk or grass.  </p>

<h1><strong>You’re Not Alone</strong></h1>
<p>You. Are. Not. Alone. </p>
<p>We are all navigating a new reality that is taking a toll on our mental health. Lean on those who you can trust and have conversations with others. I think you’d be surprised how many people feel similar!</p>
<p></p>

Tools to keep your anxiety at bay. — @undefined's mag on Magma

Calabasas

<h1><strong>My Background</strong></h1>
<p>I am currently a Master’s student of Clinical Psychology and have learned a lot so far. I have also personally suffered from bouts of mild depression so I can relate and understand the difficulties in picking yourself up. </p>
<p>Part of being a human being is experiencing the good, the bad, and the ugly. With everything going on in the world right now it is extra important to clear your mind and do daily check-ins with yourself. With my education and experience thus far, I have gathered a few easy tips to make this whole experience a little bit healthier and happier. </p>
<p>Here’s to always finding the light ✨</p>

<h1><strong>Meditation</strong></h1>
<p>Meditation is a great tool for depression and anxiety. Psychologists have taken techniques from spiritual practices like meditation and worked them into treatment in an attempt to be more mindful.</p>
<p>Benefits of meditation include: stress reduction, acceptance of self and others, improves coping capabilities, cognition, and relationships. Physically it lowers blood pressure and reactivity. </p>
<p>Meditation can also be a way for you to experience your emotions and feelings in a non-judgmental way. Simply noticing them as present and letting them pass through without trying to judge or fix them. </p>
<p>There are also so many resources, for free, that can help you achieve a practice. One of my favorites is shown below. Aliya Daniels can be found on Instagram as @moveandmindful. She is a breath work and yoga instructor whose focus is mindfulness and healing.</p>

<p>I have also heard great things about apps like headspace and calm. There are also meditation classes on YouTube, Peloton (if you have an account), and UnPlug (a meditation studio in Los Angeles that has online sessions). Even 10 minutes a day can help re-center your thoughts and emotions. </p>

<h1><strong>Get Moving</strong></h1>
<p>It is so important to get up and get your body moving when you are feeling down. That can be a walk, yoga, spin, whatever works for you. For me I feel best when I move doing yoga. It helps me calm my mind. </p>

<p>Spending time in the outdoors can also be therapeutic. Some cultures actually refer to it as “forest bathing”. Being in nature, breathing fresh air, or hearing birds chirping have a very calming effect. Going to the beach, camping, going for a walk, anything that involves movement and/or the outdoors is so healing. </p>

<h1><strong>Lean on Your People</strong></h1>
<p>Sometimes when you are feeling down talking to others is the last thing you want to do. But, it does help. Whether you are talking about what you’re feeling or not, reaching out to friends and loved ones can help snap you out of that funk. </p>

<p>Allow yourself to be open to others light and love. Either they’ll shed some strength onto you or you may be surprised to know you’re not alone. Opening up to those you trust can sometimes bring clarity. It can help knowing you’re not alone in feeling this way. Especially now when the whole world is going through major change. </p>

<h1><strong>Find Gratitude</strong> </h1>
<p>This journal has helped me so much. Every day you list what made you smile, what you’re grateful for and what you want to remember about that day. It takes around 30 days to form a habit so writing in here every day makes you see the world from a more positive lens. Next thing you know you are smiling more and finding gratitude even in the mundane. </p>

<h1><strong>Take a Day</strong></h1>
<p>And sometimes it’s important to just let yourself heal. That can mean lounging in comfy clothes and watching New Girl, for me at least. </p>
<p>You can absolutely allot yourself a mental health day, whatever that looks like for you. </p>
<p>The important thing is to keep those boundaries with yourself. If you are taking a day to let things out and veg, make sure you don’t fall into the habit of becoming reclusive. Making a plan and letting others know you’re taking a day can help secure those boundaries. Taking a day is simply doing the things that make you smile, let you de-stress and gather your emotions. </p>
<p>If interested, you can find further instructions on how to take a proper mental health day here: <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/when-and-how-to-take-a-mental-health-day-3144754">https://www.verywellmind.com/when-and-how-to-take-a-mental-health-day-3144754</a></p>

<h1><strong>What’s Your Hobby?</strong></h1>

<p>Do what makes you happy. When I’m stressed or feeling down I like doing yoga, getting outside to hike, reading a good book and most of all baking! I find baking incredibly therapeutic for me. </p>
<p>If you have a hobby that has no agenda other than making your soul happy, do that. </p>

<h1><strong>Cuddle With a Dog</strong></h1>
<p>If you’re a dog person, like I am, cuddling with your dog can make a world of a difference. Lean on your pet and let them bring you that joy they bring to you every day!</p>
<p>If you don’t have a pet you can ask a friend to hang out with theirs or go to the shelter and give some love to those that need it like you do. </p>

<h1>If you or someone you know needs help. </h1>
<p>Depression (and anxiety) are on the rise during this time. Here are some resources if you feel you need an extra hand:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists">https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline">https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/education-awareness/shareable-resources-on-depression.shtml">https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/education-awareness/shareable-resources-on-depression.shtml</a></p>
<p><a href="https://nndc.org/resource-links/">https://nndc.org/resource-links/</a></p>

A little guidance during these tough times. You do your best when you feel your best, take care of your mind, body, and soul. — @undefined's mag on Magma

Health

<h1>The Peloton App</h1>
<h2>Free trial for 90 days</h2>
<p>The Peloton app is not just for cycling! I have been so pleasantly surprised by this app/website. Obviously peloton offers classes and schedules for their own equipment, like boot camp classes for their treadmill and cycling classes for their bike. However, majority of the classes have no dependence on their equipment. </p>
<p>The app offers strength training, outdoor running programs, yoga classes and more. They also extended their free trial to 90 days!</p>

<h1>Melissa Wood Health</h1>
<h2>7 Day Free Trial</h2>

<p>I have always been a sucker for yoga and Pilates classes. Melissa Wood is a health and wellness influencer who creates her own kick ass workouts that also happen to be super chill. She specializes in hybrid workouts that consists of yoga, Pilates, and meditation. They are super gentle on your body while also extremely difficult, since all of them center around your core. I definitely feel sore after these!</p>
<p>I have linked both her instagram and her website. She posts on her Instagram but the website would be best to use for working out. You can create an account and try it out for 7 days for free!</p>

<h1>The Workout LA</h1>
<h2>Instagram and YouTube Classes for Free</h2>

<p>These two girls are so cute and offer free home workouts. They give adjustments as well if you don’t have certain equipment like weights lying around. They do mat Pilates type classes that specialize in toning. They also offer cardio toning classes and dance cardio. Each week they feature a new schedule for their instagram live classes, which helps keep you accountable. </p>
<p>Don’t be fooled by their demeanor, these classes are tough!</p>

<h1>At Home HIIT Classes</h1>
<h2>Instagram Live for free</h2>
<p>Ally is a fitness/wellness influencer and model. She has teamed up with world class trainer Kevin Mejia to offer free instagram live classes during quarantine. Each week it changes and is usually offered on Thursday’s and Sundays. These workouts are not for the faint of heart. They are heavy on cardio and usually include equipment like weights and bands but they are so worth it! Definitely recommend if you feel like changing it up and releasing some pent up energy. </p>

<h1>Ted Mcdonald </h1>
<h2>Free through Instagram lives </h2>
<p>Ted is the small business owner of 5 Point Yoga in Malibu. I worked for Ted and this studio for a couple years and think it’s so important to help those small business owners that are hurting during this time. Ted is offering free yoga classes on his Instagram every morning at 9am. Ted owns a yoga studio, teaches there, and also does videos for Beach Body Fitness. His flows are difficult yet humbling and relaxing. 5 Point Yoga is also offering online schedules on a donation basis if you feel so inclined! </p>

<p>At home workouts are how I’ve managed to stay fit, healthy and sane during this time. Otherwise my body would have to learn to function off of chocolate chip cookies and tequila alone, so thank god for these!</p>
<p>Tag me <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brookewex/?hl=en">Www.instagram.com/brookewex/?hl=en</a> if you try any!</p>

Free at home workouts! — @undefined's mag on Magma

Personal

<h1>A new Favorite Tradition</h1>
<h2>The Reason Why</h2>
<p>I know, every girl gets a disposable camera and thinks they’re a photographer all of the sudden. Everyone jokes when I whip it out. But, at the end of the day they ask how it turned out and which shots I took. I’m not doing this for any photography type status. I’m doing this simply because I love memories, and can’t keep a journal if my life depended on it. </p>
<p>So, I am trying a new tradition, that so far I love. I’m going to create albums for each year solely filled with the images that have been captured on my disposable cameras. To me, they show the spontaneous moments in life that I didn’t want captured necessarily for Instagram or likes or anything like that. They show me the moments that I can smile at. </p>
<p>Here are a few that I captured that you haven’t seen in my other mags. Since I only started mid summer of 2019 there’s not that many. Already looking forward to my 2020 mag!</p>

<h1><a href="magma://users/UFfD1IJjmYcbltTuIf1i7dcjaqx1">@TheBergerQueen </a>Comes to LA</h1>
<p>The Person Behind the Project</p>
<p>Lexi has been a friend of mine for my whole life. Literally, our moms were friends when they were pregnant. This past summer she cane to LA and she showed me her ways of capturing moments. All of the shots that were taken bring me back to the moments of that weekend. They showed me exactly why I want to do this!</p>

<p>How do you not capture someone’s first time eating in n out?? Yes, we went back for seconds a few hours later. Also, these were the cute ones. The ones I’ll definitely cherish are the ones taken while we were out. Those still make me laugh,  #behumble Lexi. </p>

<h1><a href="magma://users/MYNjueuMuCP4aFiKlxYBmLtGGYP2">@alexa </a> Graduation</h1>

<p>It was a beyond hot day and a long ceremony but we were all so proud!</p>

<p>Some of the best memories from that summer was going to Kauai with friends. Some other trips have already been documented so I’ll just let this one shine!</p>

<p>From going to my grandpas cottage to visiting my great nana in England. Love that I got to collect so many family memories. </p>

<p>These are also a great way for a child, like my little brother Leo, to get involved and feel creative. He helped take some of the shots and loved it!</p>

<p>Everyone knows from looking at my Yosemite mag that I’m a big fan. It’s one of the most magical places that I could go back to again and again. Jake and I went in September for our 8 year anniversary and had the most amazing time. </p>

<p>Always love my stay at <a href="https://autocamp.com/guides/location/yosemite/?utm_medium=paid-search&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=discovery_all_locations_sales&gclid=CjwKCAiA1rPyBRAREiwA1UIy8Os-rezmDTKFmbQEcGhYo0WAG6YqkY5JfsoHrcUNuwToFul4Y383dxoCmokQAvD_BwE">Autocamp</a> too. If anyone is planning on going, check it out! </p>

<h1>The Holidays</h1>
<h2>A Night Celebrating Rachel and Andrew</h2>

<p>My sister Rachel got engaged during the holiday season. For one unique night we all got together to celebrate, just family. It was so much fun!</p>

<p>It was so amazing for me to have everyone in the same room ♥️</p>

<p>We went to Laguna to spend New Years. Jake has been going to Laguna forever and introduced it to me 8 years back. I’ve loved it ever since. Coming from East Coast Canada this place was the stereotypical beach town of my dreams. A magical spot to ring in 2020. </p>

<p>Ready for 2020 and happy I have some tangible memories of 2019. I hope you enjoyed seeing some snapshots of my life. I’m so blessed to have had such an adventurous past year and excited to see all the memories I’ll make this year! And yes, I’m fully content being the girl who breaks out her disposable camera. </p>

Some snapshots from 2019. — @undefined's mag on Magma

Travel

St Barthélemy

<h1>Getting There</h1>
<h2>Sketchy Plane Chronicles</h2>

<p>For starters let me say I am not a scared flier by any means BUT this was a sketchy experience for me. I was already laughing before this picture because of the “airport” and the small plane but playing it cool. After this photo it started pouring and that’s when it all settled in. </p>

<p>The plane was rattling, the pilot had loose papers on his deck like a car, the windows were open and rain was leaking in. I was unwell but it also turned out to be such a funny experience!</p>

<h1>Landing</h1>
<h2>The Shortest Runway in the world</h2>
<p>St. Barts is known for many things but one of the islands most prolific traits is having the shortest runway in the world. Believe it or not but this part didn’t scare me much. Flying to the island was actually beautiful and landing was a very cool experience. </p>

<h1>St. Barts by Day</h1>
<h2>Beautiful Beaches and Aperol Spritzes</h2>
<p>St. Barts has many beach clubs and places that are easily deemed as “scenes”. When it comes to lounging during the day though I am always one for the most scenic setting. I fell in love with Shellona beach club. The restaurant was delicious and definitely offered some of the St. Barts party vibes but the beach was what caught my heart. </p>
<p>The sand was replaced with little shells and the water was warm, shallow and clear. The day was spent frolicking in the ocean, sun bathing, and drinking Aperol Spritzes. Needless to say I could’ve stayed on this beach forever!</p>
<p>The following are shots from Shellona. </p>

Shellona

<p>Another activity you can do during the day is chartering a boat out. Although it was raining for most of the afternoon it was nice to get out on the water and explore the island. </p>

<p>The captain told us that the house on the hill pictured above actually used to belong to the Rockefeller’s. It’s a stunning mid-century modern bungalow. Although decrepit now you can see the extravagance that once existed on these shores. There’s a long walkway up to the home and a stone deck for boats to tie up too. The deck pictured above was also infamous for a Marilyn Monroe photo. Apparently she used to visit the house and attend the parties held there. </p>

<h1>St. Barts by Night</h1>
<p>For anyone that loves to party but also loves island vibes, this is the place for you. St. Barts is most known for this. I find it closely resembles Mykonos in that sense but it is much cleaner and more high end ($$$, be prepared). We went to the island during the off time so it wasn’t as party heavy as it normally is. </p>
<p>However, the night we went out to experience this side of the island we went to Bagatelles and had a blast. Bagatelles is probably the most notorious restaurant/club there. Pretty sure I was the only one dancing at our table but clearly I didn’t mind. </p>

<h1>For the Foodies</h1>
<h2>A Substitute for Partying</h2>
<p>If clubbing isn’t really your thing there are also just beautiful dining experiences on the island as well. These are some snapshots of those nights. </p>

<p>And yes we basically adopted a cat while being there. We dubbed her Le Cat and brought her leftovers after dinner. </p>

<h1>Our Hotel</h1>
<h2>Le Toiny</h2>
<p>Finally, we stayed at a beautiful boutique hotel called Le Toiny. I would highly recommend staying here but be warned it’s not in the main town. We rented a car but you can also get around by car services. </p>
<p>There is also surfing down by the beachfront. Jake went out one day but if you’re a surfer try and check it out to see when is best to visit! </p>

Hotel Le Toiny

<p>Au Revoir this beautiful French island. Á Bientôt!</p>

My Time in St. Barts  — @undefined's mag on Magma

Anguilla

<h1>Belmond Cap Juluca</h1>
<h2>Our Anguilla Haven</h2>
<p>The Cap Juluca is like an oasis. Unfortunately the island is pretty desolate. Hurricane Irma destroyed this beautiful island not long ago so there hasn’t been much time or funding to repair everything. It’s actually quite sad to see if you drive around. This unfortunate circumstance for the island has in turn made the residents extremely grateful for tourists, creating a beautiful energy during your stay.</p>
<p>The hotel spans across an ocean side bay. Nothing is above two stories. There are golf carts and bikes to get around the resort. The Cap Juluca is easily the nicest resort I have ever stayed in so I definitely recommend!</p>

Belmond Cap Juluca

<p>The first picture and seen here in the satellite imagining shows the bay I describe. The little white houses are the hotel rooms ranging from single bedroom to entire villas. </p>

<p>We were blessed enough to be staying in one of the hotels villa suites. We were so comfortable with the stay and amenities that we truly made this space our home during our stay. </p>

<p>Wish I had videos or pictures from inside. Who’s moving in with me?</p>

<h1>The Record Room</h1>
<h2>The Cherry on top</h2>
<p>What set this hotel a part from the rest for me was the vibe. Nestled in the lobby was a record room where guests could go sample records and browse the book shelves. </p>

My short trip to Anguilla this summer.  — @undefined's mag on Magma

Yosemite National Park

Every turn in this scenic part of California is breathtaking. We didn’t even make it to the entrance of the park before we had to stop and watch the mesmerizing rapids.

After convincing my father it wasn’t the best idea to climb on the rocks in the middle of the rapids we decided to continue with our drive. It did make for a great video/photo though! But please be safe...&nbsp;

As if transported to some tropical island we arrived at bridalview falls. Leo, having been stuck in a car for hours, was like taking a dog off leash. We ran around and explored, climbed rocks, and splashed around through the water. Pro tip: wear waterproof shoes!

Bridalveil Fall

    <h1>Yosemite Valley</h1>
    <p>The heart of Yosemite National Park is in the valley. The Yosemite falls are in Yosemite village. We were completely surrounded by mountains, trees, waterfalls, and my most favorite, deer! We stopped to have a picnic to truly sit and enjoy the view.&nbsp;</p>

Yosemite Falls

I would definitely recommend walking around to explore the area. I wish we had more time at each of the locations but getting out of the car and exploring is vital!

    <h1>Tunnel View</h1>
    <h2>A must do</h2>
    <p>As I’ve mentioned before, everything surrounding you in Yosemite is beautiful, but the tunnel view vista point was by far the most spectacular. We were on our way to go see Glacier point when we decided to pull over because we saw multiple cars. Wow how glad we were. For a few moments we just stood there awestruck.&nbsp;</p>

Yosemite, Tunnel View

    <h1>Glacier Point Vista</h1>
    <p>Nothing could compare to Tunnel view but this was a close second. Glacier point was the most impressive in size. Everything surrounding you was massive in scale. The drive is about an hour up the mountain from &nbsp;tunnel view. There are more areas to sit, grab a snack, and hike. I would recommend stopping here for some extra time to enjoy all that is offered.&nbsp;</p>

Glacier Point

I can’t compare visiting with any other season but springtime seemed perfect to me. Stopping for a snowball fight in a tank top definitely was a fun highlight.&nbsp;

If you are there for a shorter time like we were it gets difficult being in the car for so many hours. Still find time to stop, explore, and laugh! Those memories were equally as beautiful to me ✨

Brooke Wexler