Beauty

<h1><strong>Step 1: Wash face</strong></h1>
<p>It’s important to wash your face in the morning to rinse off any oils that may have built up over night. In the morning I like to use a gentle wash. My favorite ones are the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser and The Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser. I find that these are perfectly gentle and not drying to use in the morning! </p>

<h1><strong>Step 2: Toner </strong></h1>
<p>After cleansing your skin, I like to use a toner to make sure you really get any excess oils off. There are two toners that I love, the NaturaBissē Tolerance Toner which is a more gentle toner and the SkinCeuticals LHA Toner which has an exfoliant affect to it. </p>

<h1><strong>Step 4: Serums + Ice Roller</strong></h1>
<p>Dark circles under the eyes are part of the look of a college student. I have tried so many serums and creams to get rid of them. The serum that I find to be the most effective (and not too pricey) is The Ordinary Caffeine Solution. I think this needs to be in the welcome package that colleges send to their students once admitted because it is a life saver!</p>

<p>The other serum that I swear by to brighten my skin is the Skin Ceuticals C E Ferulic. Other Vitamin C serums that I love and are bit more budget friendly are by Clinique, Glow Recipe, Olehenriksen, and Summer Fridays. </p>
<p>Another step I have recently incorporated into my skin care routine is ice rolling (totally influenced by Tinx). As someone who loves sushi and chips and all things salty, I typically wake up with a puffy face in the morning. After applying my serums, I use my ice roller to de-puff my skin. The ice roller also increases blood flow and brightens my complexion! </p>

<h1><strong>Step 5: moisturize + SPF</strong></h1>

<p>I have been using this moisturizer from Epionce for so many years. It is the perfect weight and keeps my skin dewy and moist without getting oily! It also smells great too! </p>

<p>Another product that has been in my skincare routine for many years is Elta MD’s tinted SPF. I hate wearing makeup during the day and this product is the perfect solution. It protects my skin from the sun and the tint evens out my skin so flawlessly! </p>

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

Just like you need your coffee in the morning, your skin needs some attention as well! Wake up your skin with this morning skincare routine! — @undefined's mag on Magma

News

<h1><strong>What’s going on in Texas?￼</strong></h1>
<p>No, this is a VERY big problem. Last week, Texas residents were informed that the statewide mask mandate was going to be lifted (and it was lifted yesterday). Gov. Greg Abbot announced that he was opening up Texas 100%. Gov. Abbott said the reason for this is so “businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to to determine their own destiny.”</p>

<h1><strong>How this is going South</strong></h1>
<p>No pun intended￼</p>

<p>Health officials are continuing to emphasize the importance of wearing masks. But, in state where many citizens believe that masks are unnecessary, will they continue to wear them if it is not mandatory? No. Last Thursday (before the mandate was lifted), a girl posted a Tik Tok about how her pharmacist told her to take off her mask as she would not be assisted or served anywhere in Texas if she wore a mask. </p>

<p>The girl also mentioned how the pharmacist was not wearing a mask and the safety Plexiglas was taken down. After she explained how she was wearing one by choice to not only protect herself but also those around here and how the mandate was not lifted yet, he continued by forcefully removing her mask from her face.</p>

<h1><strong>Let’s make all dangerous things legal</strong></h1>
<p>This is the problem. People believe that if you are not comfortable living in a world without masks, then simply do not leave your house. Here is another scenario to think of this: Let’s make drunk driving legal, and if you are nervous about getting into an accident caused by a drunk driver, then simply stay home.</p>

<p>Tik Toker Victoria Hammett put it perfectly. Masks are to protect OTHERS. </p>

<h1><strong>Don’t be selfish</strong></h1>
<p>And wear. the damn. masks. </p>

<p>Now do you see how wrong this is? We wear masks not only to protect ourselves but also the lives of those surrounding us. Yes, the mandate may be lifted, but Texans, please wear your masks whenever you can. It’s like the seatbelt sign on an airplane, only take it off when needed.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Stay safe! </p>

How opening up Texas and lifting the mask mandate is a problem for all. — @undefined's mag on Magma

Lifestyle

<h1>Sim•plic•i•t’y</h1>
<p><em>noun</em></p>
<p>The quality or condition of being easy to understand or do￼. </p>
<p>The quality or condition of being plain or natural￼. </p>
<p>I think that is plain, natural, or easy to understand￼. </p>

<p>Simplicity is the state of something being simple. It’s as simple as that! Labeling something as “simplicity” can infer to its beauty, purity or clarity. </p>

<h1>Hap•pi•ness</h1>
<p><em>nou</em>n</p>
<p>The state of being happy. </p>

<p>Happiness is an state of well-being characterized by by feelings of contentment and joy. It is a feeling you get when you know life is good. When people do well in life, or feel safe or lucky, they feel happiness. </p>

<p>People can reach the state of “happiness” by doing all sorts of things. Hanging out with family and friends, cooking, traveling, paining and so many more things can lead to happiness. Is an emotional state that looks different to everyone. </p>

<h1>Happiness in a pandemic?</h1>
<p>These days you really learn not to take anything for granted, that includes your happiness. ￼When stuck in Groundhog Day, you may notice that happiness can be hard to find.￼ You are constantly feeling like time is getting ahead of you and you are stuck running in place￼. But when you feel that glimpse of happiness, hold onto it, for you may not know when the next moment is coming. ￼</p>

<h1>Finding happiness in simple things￼</h1>

<p>Today after riding, I went to go grab a snack at the market and saw these oranges that were the most perfect in every way possible￼. Their orange ￼color was so vibrant is screamed out my name as I walked past it. I grabbed a box of them and I was right, this was THE most perfect orange, it literally made my day. ￼￼</p>
<p>Biting into the juicy slice, I was immediately￼ brought to a place of happiness. Citrus and tropical fruits remind me of the Bahamas, one of my favorite places￼￼. And this is exactly where this orange brought me. I could hear the waves gently crashing on the shore and feel the tropical breeze on my skin while I eat this orange. Somethings so simple brought me so much happiness, and I’m going to come hold onto that happiness until I can be back on that beach￼￼￼. </p>
<p>I hope you find happiness every day, whether it’s in some thing as big as a vacation to your favorite place, or some thing a small is an orange. ￼￼</p>

Don’t over look things and you will find happiness everywhere, even in the most simple things. — @undefined's mag on Magma

Animals

<li>
  <h1><strong>My furry friend</strong></h1>
</li>
<li>This is Louie! A 5 pound teacup Maltese who loves his cookies! But sometimes he can be picky! Today while making a plate of apples and peanut butter for myself, I looked down and saw Louie salivating. I always let him lick the spoon of peanut butter before putting it in the dishwasher; he loves peanut butter so much he was pushing the spoon all around the kitchen trying to get all of the excess peanut butter off of it.</li>
<p>I make cookies all the time for my family and friends and after watching Louie lick the spoon clean, I decided to make cookies for him this time! As Louie is now 13 and has had many of his teeth pulled, I wanted to make sure they would be soft but he would also like them, so I made chewy peanut butter and banana cookies (two of his favorite things). </p>

<h1><strong>The prep</strong></h1>
<p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p>

<p>For these cookies you will need: </p>
<ul>
  <li>2 bananas</li>
  <li>1 cup of peanut butter</li>
  <li>1 teaspooon of baking powder</li>
  <li>1 1/2 cups of flour</li>
  <li>1/2 cup of water</li>
</ul>
<p>Note: Make sure the peanut butter does NOT contain the ingredient <strong>xylitol</strong> (an artificial sweetener used in some peanut butter that is deadly to dogs). </p>

<h1><strong>The Making</strong></h1>
<p><strong>Step 1: Mash Bananas</strong></p>

<p>In a bowl (I used a large one), mash both bananas together. I did not fully get the lumps out as I wanted to add some texture to the cookies. </p>

<h2><strong>Step 2: Add peanut butter</strong></h2>
<p>Add 1 cup of peanut butter to the mashed bananas and mix until well combined. </p>

<p><strong>Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients</strong></p>
<p>Add the teaspoon of baking powder and 1 1/2 cups of flour to the peanut butter banana mixture. Mix until almost combined. </p>

<p><strong>Step 4: Add Water</strong></p>
<p>Once almost combined, add 1/2 a cup of water. This should fully combined the dry ingredients with the bananas and peanut butter. </p>

<h2><strong>Step 5: Roll and cut</strong></h2>
<p>Roll the cookie dough out on the counter, cut and place onto baking sheet. I wanted to cut them into little bones and paws. The bones turned out okay but the paws were not looking to got so I rolled them again and made it look like normal peanut butter cookies. </p>

<p>Definitely want to order these dog bone cookie cutters for the next time I make these! This set I found on amazon has different sizes of bones, paws and a little puppy! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Magigift-Dog-Cookie-Cutter-Set/dp/B08577SWTR/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=dog+cookie+cutters+for+treats&qid=1596840849&sprefix=dog+cookie+&sr=8-3">www.amazon.com/Magigift-Dog-Cookie-Cutter-Set/dp/B08577SWTR/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&amp;keywords=dog+cookie+cutters+for+treats&amp;qid=1596840849&amp;sprefix=dog+cookie+&amp;sr=8-3</a> </p>

<h1><strong>Bake, Cool, and Enjoy!</strong></h1>

<p>Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 20 minutes. Let them cool completely and then let your puppy enjoy!</p>

<p>Louie was so excited he devoured this entire bone! </p>

Chewy peanut butter and bananas dog cookies for my best friend!  — @undefined's mag on Magma

<p>While transitioning from a busy lifestyle at college to being isolated in my home everyday, I started to go a bit insane. I was so used to my routine and constantly having so many people around me all the time. Though I wish it was under better circumstances, I am grateful for this down time; I finally have time to do all of those little projects I’ve been wanting to do. One of my favorite activities that has been keeping me busy is creating Pinterest boards! It has been so calming for me! </p>

<p>To keep a positive mindset, I have been making a summer Pinterest board! Who knows what this summer will look like, but I’m trying to be optimistic! Swipe to see some of my summer aesthtic as well as my summer playlist! </p>
<p>Link to full Pinterest board:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/alexalkramer/endless-summer/">https://www.pinterest.com/alexalkramer/endless-summer/</a></p>

<h1>Spotify Playlist</h1>
<p>Something that has also kept my mood up is music! Making playlists is another thing that I have been doing to pass the time and the most recent one I’ve created is a summer playlist! It features all kinds of artists including Drake, Galantis, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Calvin Harris, Surfaces, and more! All you have to do is click the link below and hit shuffle! </p>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6V661hgt4rjJyh8wBd8SpQ?si=_VhaDESKTPGOi-xXQZGwgg">Open.spotify.com/playlist/6V661hgt4rjJyh8wBd8SpQ?si=_VhaDESKTPGOi-xXQZGwgg</a></p>

Looking for something to pass the time quarantine? Make Pinterest Boards! Swipe to see some of my summer inspiration and to get my summer inspired Spotify playlist!  — @undefined's mag on Magma

Food

Dallas

<h1>SMU</h1>
<p>I moved to Dallas last August to start my new life at SMU. Now that I have really settled in and can call SMU my second home, here are some of my favorite places in Dallas to study!</p>
<p><strong>SMU Libraries</strong></p>
<p>Obviously, being an SMU student means having full access to all of the schools libraries. Most of the time I go to Fondren Library for when I just need to get work done and when I have mid-terms and finals I try to get a study room in the Business Library. There is also a Starbucks located in Fondren and and Einstein’s Bagels located in the Business Library for when you need a quick pick-me-up. </p>

<h1>Royal Blue Grocery</h1>
<p><strong>Highland Park Village</strong></p>

<p>I discovered Royal Blue when I first visited SMU! Before even committing I visioned myself having a latte while studying in the loft above the market. It’s a perfect place to get work done or grab lunch with a friend! I especially like to take advantage of their outdoor seating when it’s nice out! </p>

<h1>Bird Bakery</h1>
<p><strong>Highland Park Village</strong></p>
<p>I LOVE Bird Bakery! It is so adorable inside! I find myself being very productive here! And their lattes are great as well as their salads and sandwiches! Get there before the lunch rush and you can even get a half booth (which is nice when you need to spread out with your books). </p>

<h1>Foxtrot Market</h1>
<p><strong>Snider plaza</strong></p>
<p>Foxtrot’s newest location is just off of campus in Snider Plaza! I can’t event count the amount of times I’ve been here this semester! Since I don’t have my car at school, I’ve been using Uber a lot, but I have definitely been taking advantage of this 5 minute walk! </p>
<p>I work so well here! Especially at the high top counters! Their cappuccinos are great and their avocado toast is AMAZING! You can find me here on most Sundays. </p>

<p>These are only 4 of my favorite spots to study in Dallas. As this is only my first year at SMU, I’m sure this list will expand and change. but I hope you find this helpful when searching for a new spot to study! </p>

I have almost completed my first year at Southern Methodist University and these are my favorite spots to study at in Dallas so far!  — @undefined's mag on Magma

Alexa Kramer