FEBRUARY 2021 MAGAZINE
$CASH $$
GIVEAWAY
TWEETS & MEMES Valentine’s Day SELF LOVE
99
Dates to SOLITUDE
Becca
EDITOR AND SCREEN WRITER
BACK ON TREND Fashion Favs
SCHUSTER
ISSUE 13
TALKS DATING AFTER DIVORCE, LAW OF ATTRACTION AND GRATITIDE
THE
CONTENT CREATORS
MAGAZINE
FEATURING
BLOGGERS | VLOGGERS YOUTUBERS PODCASTERS AUTHORS|MUSCIANS
ACTORS|ACTRESSES
PRODUCERS
AND MORE...
Contents FEBRUARY 2021
SOCIAL & TECH 44 50
Social Media Self Love on Valentine’s Day Banned Instagram Hashtags
BEAUTY 66
Beauty Scope - Debbie Savage
FASHION 84
Style & Sass - Tiffany Giannato
92 94 97 102 105 108
Galentine’s Day Must Reads Valentine’s Chocolate Favs Valentine’s Pandemic Date Ideas Valentine’s Day Meaning - Naza Holliman 99 Dates to Solitude Law Of Attraction - Rebecca Schuster
LIFESTYLE
NO FILTER NEEDED 114
Tweets and Memes - Andrea Rappaport
FOOD & DRINK 124
Simple Delicious Recipes - Chrystin Nevarez
EXTRAS 8 10 12 14 16 18 71 82 130 139
Note from the Managing and Lifestyle Editor Note from the Social Media & Art Editor Note from the Beauty Editor Note from the Fashion Editor Note from the No Filter Needed Editor Letter from the Editor Laboratorio Nido Jewelry - 15% discount Vegan Wristlets - 20% discount Horoscopes & Astrology - Kyle Thomas Crossword Competition Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
Page22
OUR COVER STAR Screen Writer & Managing Editor
Becca Schuster Talks Dating After Divorce, Law of Attraction and Gratitude
Page 52
Sahag Gureghian
The Art of Writing a Love Poem
Page 60
Christine Kong Self-Care and Self-Love Tips
Page 74
Diana Coletta Petite in Paris
UPLOADER
MAGAZINE
ON THE COVER: BECCA SCHUSTER @lovebecca26 photography: @cherryblossomphoto EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: CHERYL DE MARCO @cheryldemarcoofficial MANAGING & LIFESYLE EDITOR Becca Schuster @lovebecca26 SOCIAL MEDIA & ART EDITOR Annie Morcos @anniesartstudio BEAUTY EDITOR Debbie Savage @debbiessavage FASHION EDITOR Tiffany Giannato @tiffyg77 NO FILTER NEEDED EDITOR Andrea Rappaport @theandrearappaport CONTRIBUTORS, FEATURES & MENTIONS @alexandrafisherr @annadoesntwant2 @askatewouldhaveit @bigtimeadulting @bonjourbitchesblog Christopher LaVoie @chris_lavoie_official Christine Kong @dailykongfidence Chrystin Nevarez @chrystincooks Diana Coletta @petiteinparis @fakeadultmom Kyle Thomas @mrkylethomas @mom_ontherocks @mommymemejeans @mommysinsidevoice @momoflanddone Naza Holliman @sweet.p.and.sky @nottheworstmom @redyellowgreendance Sahag Gureghian @sahagagram @shepensblog @spicydisastermom @thedadbriefs @thenewstepford @torturedbytoddlers @whineandcheezits PHOTOGRAPHY Aaron Marz @donqhannahphotography Frank J. Gallio @cherryblossomphoto Gabby Baglieri Hannah Bodsworth Katrina Wittkamp Kristina Wilde Merissa Conley @timelesspresent @vincentelejorde GET IN TOUCH hello@uploadermagazine.com www.uploadermagazine.com @uploadermagazine Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
Publisher Uploader Media Limited
MANAGING & LIFESTYLE
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NOTE FROM BECCA
Happy Galentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day has never been a day I look forward to as I have only had one great Valentine’s Day that I can remember. I see it as a holiday that can cause strain on relationships as expectations are usually high. It so happens to be my sisters birthday too so I tend to celebrate it that way. So I find it ironic and at the same time fabulous that I am able to grace the cover of this months Valentine’s issue. A dream come true? Absolutely! 2021 has started off the unbeaten path for so many of us but that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. While we cannot change the past, we can learn from the lessons and start a new chapter. What will your new chapter look like? I enjoyed talking to Uploader to share a little bit of myself with all of you and hope you gain some insight from where my passion for living a happy and well balanced life lies. This year though the world will be celebrating Valentine’s while still in a pandemic so it will look different than past years. Some might think that’s a bad thing but I don’t. In fact, in this months lifestyle section you will find 12 pandemic date ideas to celebrate this love holiday without all the stress. You will aslo find articles on How to Find Real Meaning in Valentine’s Day, Eight Books to read on Galentine’sDay, delicious Valentine’s chocolates, and my Law of Attraction column. New this month is a dating column, 99 Dates to Solitude. Whether your single or taken, you will fall in love with these two women who find themselves back in the dating field after divorce. Remember you can always send questions for the LOA/Manifesting column to becca@uploadermagazine.com and find me at @lovebecca26.
Becca Schuster 8 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
! s d n e i r F o l Hel
I’m Becca, a single mom to a teenage girl, doing my best living in La La Land. I believe when your mind, body, and soul are balanced you can create change. Amazing and transformational things happen when you are in vibrational alignment. There is nothing more powerful than watching someone take control of their destiny. My background as a Professional Organizer and Certified Feng Shui Consultant allows me to help people learn to let go what no longer serves them and obtain the lifestyle they want to achieve. I love being the managing and lifestyle editor of Uploader because it allows me to share with you ideas on all the things I love most in health & fitness, leisure, decorating, travel, books, organizing, and even dating. Life’s about balance and Uploader Magazine gives you a little bit of everything. Get comfy, grab a cup of tea or a glass of wine, and enjoy some ideas to create a happier you! UPLOADER MAGAZINE 9
SOCIAL MEDIA & ART
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NOTE FROM ANNIE
The Second Month of 2021 is Already Here!
I hope everyone is feeling the love this year. In this months Social Media and Arts section you will meet a new writer, Sahag Gureghian, who will be giving you his insights on The Art Of Writing. For this month his is focusing on Love Poems! Our social media accounts need a little love too, and so this month I am sharing some tips for you to doll up and beautify your accounts. Everything grows with a little tender care and love! Your social platforms included! Sending you all so much love. Stay safe and healthy my friends.
XO Annie Morcos 10 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
Photography: Annie Morcos
! e r e h T i H
Annie here; I’m the Creative Director & Founder of Annie’s Art Studio! I am a multimedia artist living in Los Angeles. Over the past six years, my art world took a drastic change. I created marketing campaigns accompanied by my graphic design creatives for world- wide comic cons and integrated my social media skills into their brands. It was one of the most thrilling jobs I’ve ever had. Working with high- end celebrities for their marketing material and some of the most genius businessmen and women. Having a background in animation and all kinds of digital effects made this job a dream for me. I loved what I did for many years. Slowly I transitioned into the online world of YouTube and teaching art with satisfying videos! I am now a full running art company known by millions across the globe for my art videos. I’ve developed what I call an Art Tribe. A community of artists who support one another, create together and share the art love. I now have a following of 1.8M on TikTok, 153K + on Instagram, and 44K on Youtube and growing. Living my best artist life in sunny California has been a dream. I can now add Editor for Social Media and Arts for Uploader magazine under my belt as well. I can’t wait to see what the creative world has to offer in the next couple of years. UPLOADER MAGAZINE 11
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BEAUTY NOTE FROM DEBBIE
This month it is all about love.
I am not referring to that “head-over-heels,” “love at first sight,” or “crazy about someone” feeling. What I am talking about is love for oneself. You see, to really love someone, you need to first love yourself. One of my favorite ways to do this is through practical and easy self-care habits and having fun with makeup! If there is ever a day to wear red lipstick, Valentine’s is it. Take note of my helpful tips for achieving the perfect red lip. A makeup trend to try for this season is the goth look. And using the right kind of black eyeliner will help you create a subtle or dramatic goth vibe that’s sure to turn heads. This Valentine’s Day, or heck, why not all month, let’s celebrate by exercising the best kind of self-love. Also, not forgetting this month’s Beauty Content Creator Spotlight, which is from the wonderful Christine Kong of DailyKongFidence.com, who inspires us with her everyday tips. She challenges us to practice those for an entire month to live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life. I am sure you will find her article energizing and calming all at the same time. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Debbie Savage 12 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
! s r e d a e R Hello
I’m Debbie Savage, a Cambodian-American entrepreneur and blogger. You can find my blog To Thine Own Style Be True, which was established in 2016. I have an undergraduate degree in family science and a graduate degree in health education. I worked for the American Cancer Society in Los Angeles, California, and afterward became a fulltime mother in 2003. As a young mom, I reconnected with my love of health and wellness and taught fitness classes as a certified aerobics instructor. Besides being a fitness enthusiast, I am a business woman too. I created an online baby jewelry business called Baby Emi Jewelry that was featured in ABC’s The View, People Magazine, OK Magazine, and other major media outlets and was loved by Hollywood celebrity families. Currently, I reside with my husband and three kids in Orange County, California, and enjoy sharing inspirational and helpful info on fashion and beauty on my lifestyle blog. As the beauty editor for Uploader Magazine I have worked with clients such as Exuviance, COVERGIRL, Pantene, L’OREAL, Ulta, Rite-Aid, Olay, Dove, Clean & Clear, and other major beauty, health, and wellness brands. Active on social media such as my blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube allows me to connect with my audience. I am so excited and honored to be a part of the Uploader team and look forward to sharing helpful tips and tricks on all things beauty. UPLOADER MAGAZINE 13
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FASHION NOTE FROM TIFFANY
Hello Fashionista Friends!
Well, in many parts of the world, the weather is cold, and winter has arrived. I like to call it the season of comfy and cozy clothes. However, just because you must layer up to keep warm doesn’t mean that you can’t look chic and remain on-trend. February brings us some flair to your outfits. If you haven’t noticed wide-leg denim, flares, and bell-bottoms returning to stores lately in the jean section, then you can read about the latest trend in the jeans world in this month’s style column. I believe women of all shapes and sizes should be confident enough to rock the latest style trends. Hence, I am beyond excited to showcase an article written by Diane Coletta, also known as “Petite in Paris.” I am a huge proponent of women embracing their bodies and highlighting their best features instead of focusing on changing themselves. A famous winter quote states, “We are like a snowflake, all different in our own beautiful way.” So stay cozy. Sit beside a fire with your loved ones. Don’t count the long, cold days, but instead make the days count. I always welcome comments and questions via email at tiffyg77@yahoo.com, as well as Instagram @tiffyg77.
Tiffany Giannato 14 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
! s r e d a e R Hello
My name is Tiffany Giannato, and I hail from Boston, Massachusetts, in the United States of America for those who do not know me yet. I am a 40 something-year-old petite mom of a 12-year-old son who loves to shop for myself and others. I believe that women of all ages can be just as trendy as they were at 21 years old. However, I view shopping as a hunting mission‌.hunt for the best bargain to keep you stylish and make you feel like the prettiest “youâ€? that you can be. Besides being a blogger, fashion editor, magazine columnist, petite model, and stylist, I am also a special education teacher for students with Language-Based Learning disabilities. Being able to read is the bridge to hope and prosperity in life. Literacy creates opportunities for all humans, so teaching children to become literate, and being a writer myself is extremely rewarding for me. Grab a copy of Uploader magazine, relax, and take a break from the world reading this fabulous lifestyle magazine. UPLOADER MAGAZINE 15
NO FILTER NEEDED
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NOTE FROM ANDREA
Hello Lovers!
This month’s Tweets and Memes section will make you think, make you laugh, and hopefully reflect. We have all survived a year that was unimaginably challenging, and this year is getting off to a rocky start. When times are dicey, the funny people rise to help ease the tension, bring much needed levity, and offer an escape. Escape with me this month as we dive into the tops of raising children, food issues, and body image. As a recently divorced mom of two, I can say with sincerity that I can relate to all of the above topics. As alwasys, I’m honored to be a part of your laughs and smiles. With gabs and giggles,
Andrea Rappaport 16 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
Photography: Katrina Wittkamp
Hello!
I’m Andrea Rappaport, a comedian, actor, social media personality, beauty guru, writer, and mom of two small (chicken nugget eating) monsters. Known for my candor, I speak openly about my roller coaster ride with anxiety, super fun divorce, and finding love after years of living in an emotionally abusive relationship. I stress the importance of comedy in my life and my deep love for Marshall’s/ TJ Maxx/Home Goods. My wit has been featured on TODAY Parents and The Tamron Hall Show. I star in “Moms Like Us,” a bi-weekly show sponsored by MOMSQUAD Clothing. I am also the creator of the “Zoom from my Tub” musical parody and the upcoming Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody” parody. My latest projects are The Divorce Makeover and the How Not to Suck at Divorce podcast. (I sense a theme here). UPLOADER MAGAZINE 17
Photography: Hannah Bodsworth
letter
FROM THE
EDITOR A
other month, another issue.. but not just any issue!! February’s publication is number 13, which means we hit and passed the first milestone that I set myself when I started Uploader Magazine. Creativity is certainly a huge part of who I am, and it has taken me down the most incredible paths over the years, and with stay-at-home orders still in place, creativity has truly taken the spotlight across the globe. Many of our incredible features and columnists have taken the time to pick out their outfits, do their own makeup and create magazine worthy photos; and every time I receive new images and articles, my heart warms and my face fills with a smile. Knowing that even under the cloud of uncertainty, creativity still shines brighter. I decided 1 year ago, that if I reached issue 13, I would bring on editors to help grow this publication into something incredible, and that is just what I did. This month I would like to introduce you to 5 new editors who have been with me from day one as contributors, helping me get through the tough moments and last-minute challenges that are faced when pulling a publication together. This month we open the magazine with the new editors taking the spotlight, to introduce themselves. Plus, our fabulous managing editor Becca Schuster also graces our cover - there is so much to learn from this incredible lady, and I can’t wait for you to read her story, as she takes you on a journey filled with love, and gratitude. We are always looking for new ideas, and I truly do want to hear from you all. I hope you find the work as fulfilling and fun to read as we did whilst creating and editing it. “Through creative thought and vision, magic is constantly gracing our everyday life”.
o c r a M e D l Chery UPLOADER MAGAZINE 19
ON THE COVER
e h T n O er oC v Becca
Schuster
22 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
ON THE COVER - BECCA SCHUSTER
DATING AFTER DIVORCE & LOA @lovebecca26 Edited by Cheryl De Marco
M
ost of you know Becca as the monthly LOA columnist and now our Lifestyle Editor. But did you know she’s also a Professional Organizer and Certified Feng Shui consultant? Our Lifestyle Editor sits down to talk with us about dating after divorce, the power of The Law of Attraction, and how gratitude changed her life instantly. We think everyone can use some manifesting guidance this New Year! When Cheryl De Marco, Editor-in-Chief, asked me to be the Lifestyle Editor, I did a happy dance. As a writer and content creator, my dream job came true, and I am excited about this new journey. But when I thought things could not get any better, and as a conscious creator, I know better than this, Cheryl tells me she wants to feature me on the February cover of Uploader Magazine. Now I never dreamt of being on a magazine cover because I always thought that’s for models and celebrities, but the universe has a way of surprising and giving us more than we ask. Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
UPLOADER MAGAZINE 25
26 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
ORGANIZATION AND FENG SHUI
ON THE COVER - BECCA SCHUSTER
C. I know you have a background as a Professional Organizer. How did you get started with that? B. An actress was looking for a personal assistant to get organized, and a friend of mine recommended me. At the time, I didn’t do organizing professionally, but it was something that I was good at and came naturally to me. In fact, it’s the only way I can function. My brain stops working when surrounded by clutter. It gives me anxiety and makes it hard to breathe. I know it sounds crazy. It’s just clutter, but people do not realize how chaos is stuck energy, and I can feel it as soon as I walk into a room. It suffocates me, and I have to walk out! So granted, I was a little nervous meeting with her. C. Can you tell me who this actress is? B. Yes, I can. It’s hard for me, though, because she passed away, and every time I hear her name or think about her, it still hurts. It was Brittany Murphy. I was the first personal assistant she ever hired, but I considered her a friend as in all the years I knew her, that’s how she treated me. We bonded over being raised by single moms, eating healthy, and our love of movies and music. She had an infectious laugh and always greeted me with the biggest bear hug and kiss. She greeted everyone that way. She made everyone around her feel special. Brittany was everything that Hollywood wasn’t and taken away too soon. She was brilliant, kind, funny, and the light when she walked into a room. I have never met anyone else like her. The only downside was that she was so busy with work that she wasn’t the best organized. But I hit it off with her and her mother (whom she lived with) and set up a system for them that worked. I also managed the move and renovations into her first home. That’s how I started. Brittany was my first client, and I worked for her for a few years. C. You have your blog www.lovebecca.com, you are writing a book, are a single mom to a teenage daughter, and now an editor for Uploader. Do you still organize for people? B. I do from time to time because I enjoy it, but I only take on specific clients. I have a lawyer that I have had as a client for the past seven years, and I keep him organized in his office and home. I work with clients that recognize that de-cluttering clears their mindset, makes them more productive, and saves them time, which in the end saves them money. C. Besides being an organizer, you are also a Feng Shui Consultant. I know feng shui is all about energy. Can you tell us how you got interested in it and if you apply it to your own home? B. I got interested in feng shui in 2006 when I was house hunting for a new home. It was back when I was married. We had found a house that we both fell in love with, but seven other people were bidding on the same place. To get the house, we weren’t able to add any contingencies (like selling our home) in the offer. We took a gamble, and in the end, they accepted our bid. But that meant having to sell our house quickly; otherwise, we would have been stuck with two mortgages. My broker mentioned to me that I should feng shui my home for a quick sell. I had no idea what that was but was open to try anything to sell the house quickly. That same day I went to the store and bought a book on it. I did everything the book suggested. We listed the house, got multiple offers, and were in escrow in less than a week. You can say I was a believer after that! I started practicing in my family and friend’s homes and eventually studied and took courses on Feng Shui Interior Design and got certified. I use feng shui in my home and will not buy a house if it doesn’t have the right layout or energy. I know there are skeptics out there, but I always say the power in feng shui lies in your intention. Just like anything else in life, if you don’t believe it’s going to work, it isn’t. So it’s not for everyone. Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
UPLOADER MAGAZINE 27
ON THE COVER - BECCA SCHUSTER
“When you feel SEPARATED & FRAGMENTED you have to look at YOURSELF. There is nowhere else to look. - Becca -
C. You mentioned the words ‘intention’ and ‘believe,’ two words that I know go with The Law of Attraction. Did practicing feng shui get you into LOA?
B. Actually, no. I started learning about The Law of Attraction back in 2001 when I went to a Tony Robbins Unleash the Power Within seminar where I walked over hot burning coals. That experience changed my life because many people burned their feet that night, but I didn’t. Tony explained how it was a mind over matter thing, and if you walked over them thinking and knowing the coals were hot, then you were going to burn your feet. But if you went into it with the mindset that you would be walking over “cool moss” instead of “hot coals,” you could not burn your feet because your mind doesn’t know the difference between real and not real. Your mind only knows what you tell it. It was the most fantastic experience of my life and got me started on changing my mindset. I started reading the LOA gurus such as Napoleon Hill, Abraham Hicks, Neville Goddard, Wayne Dyer, and Louise Hay, and then, later on, I discovered Gabrielle Bernstein and Marianne Williamson. C. I know how the Law of Attraction works, and I believe in it, but why do you think so many don’t practice it? B. You said it right there! You know it works because you believe it does. Belief is the hardest thing for people to understand. They want to see the results, and then they will trust it works, but the universe doesn’t work that way. The universe says, “believe, and it will happen,” not, “it will happen so you can believe.” My biggest question for people who don’t think the Law of Attraction is real is that it isn’t a new idea. LOA has been around since biblical times. And you don’t have to be religious to understand how it works; even our greatest philosophers believed in it. 28 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
If you read any successful person’s biography, you will most likely read about how mindset, setting intentions, faith, visioning, or letting go of what they could not control has helped them succeed. Most successful people have shared stories when they lost everything and had to start over. Their success didn’t happen because they started over. It happened because they never stopped believing it was possible. What I love most about the Law of Attraction is that it allows every one of us the opportunity to create the life we want no matter where we are in life. Every day is a new day filled with endless possibilities, so why not take advantage of it. C. You’ve mentioned to me how gratitude has changed your life. Can you tell us how? B. I think most people are grateful, but
but there’s a difference between being thankful and practicing gratitude. When you practice gratitude, it is daily, from the moment you wake until the moment you go to bed. I know that sounds like a lot, but it isn’t. It is merely taking seconds throughout the day to say thank you to the universe. And not just for the things we have but also the things we do not have yet. I learned that lesson, and it changed everything during a time when I was a divorced single mom and had suffered a significant financial loss. Up until then, I didn’t realize that simply writing down or saying out loud every single thing that I was grateful for every day would change my life. Instead of focusing on what I had lost and didn’t have, I started writing down all the things I was grateful for that I had and didn’t have yet. At the time, I was in the middle of owning two homes I had not planned for. (cont. on page xx)
Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
ON THE COVER - BECCA SCHUSTER I had not anticipated my house taking six months to sell after buying my historical bungalow. All of this happened while also trying to overcome a financial loss and a break-up. I found myself drowning, not seeing the light at the end of the road. I had hit rock bottom and knew I had two choices. I could stay down there or figure out a way to climb out of it. Knowing that my daughter was watching my every move, in my mind, I had no choice but to figure things out and quickly. Even conscious creators, like myself, have times when we forget how mindset works and get out of vibrational alignment. I re-read some of my LOA books to guide me and remind me that the only one who could get me out of my situation was me. I began being grateful for every single thing. From waking up in the morning, having a roof over my head, legs that could walk, nutritious food to eat, eyes that could see, finding the perfect parking space, even finding loose change around the house brought me gratitude. . I practiced every day, and I started to notice things change. Suddenly, I started getting new buyers wanting to see my house. I found money and unused gift cards around my home. New opportunities began to show up, and I noticed all these things start to happen as soon as I stopped worrying. I was in a state of
gratitude, and I just knew everything was going to work out. I had no idea how or when, but I knew. I ended up getting an all-cash offer on my house with a short escrow. Shortly after that, money started coming my way from unexpected places. And during this time, I just kept saying thank you and holding my vibration in a state of gratitude. I believe an appreciation for all the little things helped me then and continues to help me today. When you learn the lesson, gratitude helps keeps you aligned with how you want to feel. Change how you feel, and the universe has no choice but to help you get there. Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
C. I want to turn the conversation to dating since you mentioned earlier about a break-up you had gone through awhile back. You’ve been divorced now for eight years and have a sixteen-year-old daughter. How has dating been for you after being with the same person for 15 years? B. If I said it’s been easy, I would be lying. I was 45 when I got separated and realized I was going to have to start over. My ex has never liked being alone, so it was easy for him to jump into a relationship after the divorce. On the other hand, I have always been independent and love being alone, so I’m not looking to have just anybody in my life. I’ve tried online dating. In fact, I think I’ve tried every one of them! It’s not for me because it’s frustrating when you go on a date knowing you look like your pictures, and you end up meeting someone who looks ten years older than their pics or like a completely different person. I just don’t get it. Why lie and create false advertising when you know you’re going to meet the person eventually. If men think they will win me over with their personality, they are wrong because all I am thinking is, if you lied about this, what else have you lied about? It’s a horrible way to start a relationship, so while I have not given up on dating, I have given up on online dating, at least for now. Another thing is it’s hard dating at my age, especially in Los Angeles. Men my age or older (I’m 53 now) want women younger than me, and young guys in their 20’s and 30’s like to date me, but I don’t want to date young guys. I have a teenage daughter who looks at me as a role model, so I have that to consider. I sometimes joke around with my girlfriends that I might have to venture out of California to find my person! But all seriousness, there was a time when I wanted to be in a relationship, and I just kept getting crappy men sent my way (I now realize it was me ‘wanting’ that was sending me the wrong men). Now I am so happy in my life that I’m nervous about bringing a man into it. Things are going so well that I don’t need a guy. Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
UPLOADER MAGAZINE 31
ON THE COVER - BECCA SCHUSTER
“When we place the weight of our happiness, not on a scale or in a mirror, but instead on how we feel, we create perfection.” - Becca But, I have discovered that when I meet my person, he’ll be the icing on the cake. Not a want or a need, just some extra sweetness to my life! C. You’ve been practicing mindset control for some time now. Any tips for our readers on how they can quickly learn how to navigate those negative thoughts that like to creep into our brains? B. Yes! I recently created “The Becca Method,” which is precisely for those moments when the ego-mind tries to take over. Those times usually happen under two circumstances. The first is when our mind is quiet. This is the perfect opportunity for the subconscious to try to interfere with putting doubts into our minds. The second is when a person’s mood shifts based on the insignificant actions of someone else. Both of these circumstances create fear, anxiety, self-doubt, anger, hate, and all the other feelings we don’t like. I see it happen so many times as it happens to everyone. The difference between conscious creatives, like myself, and those who do not practice mindset is that we know how to quickly get ourselves back into alignment with how we want to feel. It takes practice, but everyone can do it. “The Becca Method” uses acronyms to remember the steps quickly. It’s a mental toolkit for you to use whenever you need it. 32 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
IN HER 50’s, BECCA TALKS 36 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
ON THE COVER - BECCA SCHUSTER
REDEFINING
y t u a Be ndards a t S And Proving Sexy
P
Comes At Any Age!
eople always ask me what I do to stay looking young as if I’ve found the fountain of youth. The reality is that if you start taking care of your skin at a young age, you won’t need so much make-up to cover your healthy, beautiful skin when you get older. Not to mention it will help you grow confident, because in the end, we are all going to age, so it’s not about youthful skin but more about healthy skin. I find it ironic that the beauty industry pushes make-up on the young and skincare on the aging. Hmmm...good marketing ploy? Have the younger generation worry about covering their skin with make-up instead of taking care of it at a young age. Then create all these anti-aging products that promise more youthful glowing skin and market them to older women. Men started the beauty industry, so it’s no wonder it’s all about beauty on the outside. As Carrie Fisher once said, “Men don’t age better than women; they’re just allowed to age.” We have turned life into a numbers game, wanting to be older when we are young and then wishing to be younger as we get older. But what we forget is that as women mature, they become wiser, stronger, kinder, courageous, and realize all the potential in
them. They say 50 is the new 40, but I say it’s anything you want it to be! I refuse to believe that men age better than we do. The truth is that men do not hold their value and worth in their looks, while most women do, and that is the difference. Recently there has been a growing appreciation for women of all ages and sizes and not limiting beauty by age. I applaud the change as it is way overdue. Women can be sexy at any age! At 53, I have never had more confidence, wisdom and felt sexier than I do today. Why can I say that? Because when we are younger, we don’t know who we are. So if you don’t know who you are, you tend to hide the real you. Sometimes by not speaking up, by following a trend that isn’t you, or covering your youthful face with so much make-up, you begin to believe that you’re not beautiful without it. There’s nothing wrong with loving make-up and wanting to look your best as long as you are doing it for yourself and not for society or someone else. Make sure it’s something you want because the pressure to be beautiful is a heavy burden to carry. The beauty industry was created to make women feel less than they are. Don’t forget that you are smarter than that, and that age is a mindset. UPLOADER MAGAZINE 37
Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
ON THE COVER - BECCA SCHUSTER
7 Fun
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s n o i t s e Qu
What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done? I would say packing up my Volkswagen Jetta and driving cross-country to California, and leaving my family behind when I was 22. I’m Puerto Rican, and we are known for having tight-knit families, and rarely do we move far away from each other. But I was born in California, and when we left, I swore I would come back. My family may be in Florida, but Cali is my home. What would your perfect vacation entail? So something about me you may not know is that I am a hopeless romantic or, as I like to say, “a hopeful romantic.” Some of my girlfriends and I are big Jane Austen fans, and I have always wanted to see England’s countryside. I would love to have a girls’ trip and take a Jane Austen tour. I know that sounds corny, but I think it would be fun. After our stay in the country, we would venture into London and stay in Knightsbridge, my favorite city, and do all the tourist things. Who knows, maybe I could meet my Mr. Darcy! What’s a great book you’ve read recently? Right now, on my nightstand, you will find “A Woman Makes a Plan” by Maye Musk. It’s full of humor, wisdom, and some excellent advice for women. I’m genuinely enjoying it, and as a single mom, I find myself relating to parts of her life. Cake or Pie? Definitely cake! The idea of cooked fruit just isn’t appealing to me. My favorite cakes are lemon, olive oil, and plain cheesecake. Hmmm…I’m noticing a theme here. I guess I like my cakes simple. Now, if only I liked my men simple. Ha! As the only human left on earth, what would you do? Okay, this might sound like a boring answer, but I would live inside a Barnes and Noble (most of them have a Starbucks inside), find myself a cozy spot in a corner and read a new book every day. I figure as long as I have stories to read, I will never feel alone. What TV catchphrase do you most enjoy using? I am a huge Grey’s Anatomy fan, so you will find me saying, “seriously” and “she’s my person” a lot. But what I love most about the show is there are so many great lines. My favorite line is from Christina Yang when she tells Meredith Grey, “Don’t let what he wants eclipse what you need. He’s very dreamy, but he’s not the sun. You are.” That line reminds me of a relationship I was in and rings true for many women and dating. Sometimes we lose ourselves in the men we date and forget that we are the sun no matter how wonderful they are. If your life were a movie, what songs would be on the soundtrack? “Browned Eyed Girl” Van Morrison, “I Will Survive” Gloria Gaynor, “She’s Always a Woman” Billy Joel, “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” Nancy Sinatra, “Fight Song” Rachel Platten, “Shake It Off ” Taylor Swift, “Stronger” Kelly Clarkson, “Brave” Sara Bareilles, and “Lose You To Love Me” Selena Gomez. UPLOADER MAGAZINE
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LET’S TALK VALENTINE’S
ON THE COVER - BECCA SCHUSTER
What is your perfect Valentine date? This question is so hard for me to answer because I have only had one Valentine’s date that I remember, which was around twenty-five years ago. I don’t know if I should laugh or if I should cry. The date was simple, but it was so perfect and unexpected that it has stuck in my mind all these years. The guy I was dating at the time cooked dinner, which that alone is a win because you got to love a guy who can cook. He gave me a present, but honestly, I don’t remember what it was. What I do remember is when he opened the door, the entire living room floor was covered in balloons. I mean, literally, every inch of floor space was filled that it was hard to walk around the entire evening, which just made us laugh. But the sweetest part of the balloons is that he blew up all those balloons himself, one by one. I don’t know if I would ever blow up that many balloons for a guy! But then again, I have asthma, so the outcome would not be good. Anyway, it’s been so long since I’ve had a Valentine’s date. My ex-husband hated that holiday, so the closest thing to a perfect Valentine’s date would probably have to involve lots and lots of balloons. What is your aphrodisiac? I know many people claim certain foods, like oysters, are an aphrodisiac for them, but it’s something entirely different for me. I have a thing for facial hair. I find it so damn sexy. I love touching it so much that I created a beard oil called Timber. The scent alone drives me crazy but put it on a man’s beard, and I’m done! It makes me like Meg Ryan’s character in Top Gun when she says to Goose, “Take me to bed or lose me forever!” Date night in or out? That’s hard to say because it would depend on where we would be going. The idea of staying in for a date definitely sounds less stressful, but if I had to choose, I would pick a date night out. This way, I can enjoy everything from going out and then go back home and enjoy a Valentine’s nightcap. What does Valentine’s Day mean to you? That’s a hard question to answer. I have mixed feelings about this holiday. I guess you can say I have a love-hate relationship with it. Being a hopeless romantic, I love the idea of how magical the day can be. But, seeing my track record of never having a date on Valentine’s reminds me that I’m still single. So Valentine’s Day for me has mostly meant spending the day with my daughter, who just so happens to be the love of my life. And it’s my sister’s birthday too. So I guess after saying all that, Valentine’s day is about family to me and spending quality time with those you love. Flowers - cheesy or sweet? Definitely sweet. I absolutely love flowers as they bring great energy into your home. I try to buy fresh flowers every week. I especially love it when tulips are in season as they are my favorite flower. I know roses are the standard for Valentine’s Day, but I would much rather receive tulips or an arrangement of various types of flowers than a bouquet of red roses. If love was a color, what color would it be? Most people would probably say red, but red to me is more of a power color. It may sound weird, but I would have to say black. There’s something sexy and mysterious about the color. It’s the color I would use if I were in love with someone: a little black dress, black heels, black lingerie. You get the idea. Maybe add some red lipstick to seal the deal. What was the most romantic thing that anyone did for you? A guy who liked me wrote me a poem. But it wasn’t just any poem; he definitely put effort into writing it. It was beautiful. For me, romance doesn’t have to be this grand gesture. I think anyone can do that. Romance to me is putting the effort to get to know someone and then doing something special to show that person how they feel about you. Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
UPLOADER MAGAZINE 41
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SOCIAL MEDIA & ART Edited by Annie Morcos
THE ART OF LOVE Photography: Annie Morcos
UPLOADER MAGAZINE 101
Photography: Annie Morcos
SOCIAL MEDIA & ART
SOCIAL MEDIA SELF-LOVE ON VALENTINE’S DAY
UPLOADER MAGAZINE
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SOCIAL MEDIA & ART
Valentine’s Day. This day marks the end of the holiday season for me. It’s always a day I don’t look forward to. Don’t get me wrong. I love the holidays just like everybody else. But it can be very overwhelming. Over the past couple of years, I feel as though this holiday has become more of a self-care and self-love day as opposed to only celebrating relationships. I am all for self-love. After the year 2020, I think we all could use a little extra love and care. Now, seeing that almost all of 2020 was spent online on social media, I believe it’s fair to say that we have quite the relationship with our phone and our social media platforms. And I would even dare to say that this relationship might be even more complicated than one with a significant other. It quietly affects your entire life. Depending on the kinds of accounts you follow, you can be bombarded with happy, sad, encouraging, or even heavy content daily, almost like having a toxic boyfriend. Sometimes they’re great to you, but mostly they bring you down. We made it through 2020! No more dealing with toxic boyfriends or social media relationships; this includes your relationship with your social platforms. Something I advise all my clients about all the time. Actually, with the new maker community I’m a part of, @TheMakerMeetup, we consistently talk about how important it is to have your social media page be a safe haven for you. Whenever you open your phone or tablet, don’t you want to feel a sense of tranquility and happiness? Well, your answer should be yes. I’m guilty of following pages or posts just because I’m curious and need to know all the updates. But hey, it’s time to cleanse! In this article, I want to talk to you about showing self-love to your social media. It needs it too! The same way you would show yourself self-love, give yourself a cleanse, detox, and set a plan, we will talk about doing this for your social platforms. Cleansing the energy you see every time you open your phone and giving your pages a digital facelift. Before we get into our pages and give them a vamp up and facelift, let’s get into decluttering the amount of toxic information we view and take in all day long. Now don’t lie to yourself ! We are all guilty of it, and you don’t have to be ashamed. But it’s time to change this habit. We are all guilty of following people and companies just because we don’t want to miss something they do. Even though they may make us 46 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
feel horrible and bring down our spirits and self-esteem. You know that saying, out of sight, out of mind? Now that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Something to remember as well, just because a company is a big corporation doesn’t mean they don’t have a toxic effect on you. A brand can represent an idea that can make you self doubt yourself. It’s time to unfollow and cleanse the amount of people we follow in 2021. We are ready to live our best lives and break up with the negativity! Go to that following list on your account and make sure you uncheck any page that ever makes you feel uncomfortable, low, or puts self-doubt on yourself for even just a second. Remember that old boyfriend? The friends you met through him and never talked to again after you broke up? That old girlfriend you’ve known forever but had an argument with and don’t talk to anymore? Yes, unfollow all of them. Do you follow beauty pages that have beauty standards that don’t fit all kinds of people? Do you ever look at their posts and feel sad, unwanted, or don’t belong? Get rid of all of them! Now that our newsfeed is nice and clean, positive and uplifting, it’s time to give a little tender care and love to our platforms and accounts so that other people are intrigued and uplifted by them. Before we get into the aesthetics and branding of your page, let’s talk about you and the role you play in your accounts. I want you to think of yourself as the magazine’s chief editor, which is your social media account. That’s precisely the vision you need to have when thinking about your page’s brand and posting. Now, what do I mean by that? When advising other people on how to grow and maintain their accounts, I always encourage them to look at their page as a magazine. Imagine flipping through a fashion catalog and seeing an article about dog food. It does not fit the brand, and you would never expect to see that there. As the editor of your page, you have to clearly understand your brand and make sure that you’re content stays within that brand. As the editor of your page, you need to decide what gets posted and what does not. You are in charge of maintaining the theme and making sure your audience stays intrigued and wants to continue to follow you. Unless your account involves your audience knowing you as a person, they don’t want to see what you eat, and they don’t want to know about your breakup or girlfriend drama. So stay focused and keep that feed clean.
That was basically an internal facelift. Now let’s talk about a physical facelift to beautify our accounts. Have you ever looked at an account page and thought, oh my God, what a beautiful page. You know those posts are so well thought out, themed, and well calculated. That’s the feeling you want to have when people view your branded page. A theme for aesthetics is significant. After all, we are looking at a screen online with our eyes. Visually stimulating content will always be more intriguing. It’s just like swiping left or right on a dating app. Well, almost like that. You are more inclined to swipe right on a handsome person with better quality pictures that are well taken. It’s just human nature to like visually more beautiful imagery. Now whether your page is super colorful, black-and-white, simple aesthetics, or more complicated imagery, it does not matter. Just pick one and stick with it. It doesn’t matter what your brand or content is about as long as your page is organized and all posts seem to work together. When you walk into a Starbucks, everything in the shop makes you think of their brand. It’s essential to spend time and understand what you want to represent as a page, especially as a business online. As delicious and visually appealing as the hamburger you just ate was, it has no business being an actual post on your makeup brand social media page. Just like it’s not your business to be dating that toxic person. We are leaving all that nonsense behind and focusing on what our brand is about and deserves. In 2021 we are swiping right on things that will make our foundation stronger. We now know we are the spokesperson who makes decisions for our brand, and we know visually the theme that we have chosen and will maintain. However, is that enough self-love for our page? Is that enough uplifting for our page to grow, enough nurturing and love? We’ve all experienced this. We meet this gorgeous person that we think we’re going to be crazy about and then you spend just a little bit of time with them! You wish that they would stop talking, and you can just stare at them forever. We all know that this kind of relationship never goes anywhere. A beautiful face is never enough; we need depth and emotion. So besides our beautiful imagery for a brand, we need to bring in our audience with captivating captions. My second most advised rule to clients trying to grow their account is don’t just post to post—only post when you have something deep to say or meaningful about your brand. Your empty posts will lose the attention of your followers. What do I mean by that? The same way you were putting thoughts into your page’s imagery, you want to put even more thought into your captions. Remember that your audience is behind a screen, and reading a caption full of emotion, explanation, and even captions requiring engagement is best. People have a need to feel involved and needed. Intricate captions detailing your work, emotions you might be going through, background stories of the product you’re selling, and even failing moments make people feel like you are a real person behind that screen. The more people think they know you, the more involved they will be with your brand. That is precisely what you want. Make sure that your followers don’t feel like they are on a first date with the most beautiful person they have ever seen with a completely empty conversation. That is the worst kind of relationship. Photography: Annie Morcos UPLOADER MAGAZINE 103
SOCIAL MEDIA & ART So you’re on a dating app swiping left and right. In my opinion, the worst profiles are the ones that don’t have basic information. Besides your pictures, who are you? If you’ve ever been on any dating app, you know that the basics are asked of you when creating a profile. You’re asked to plug in your name, age, education, and basic job description besides hobbies and other questions. Profiles with beautiful pictures and no information to me is basically a very lazy person. Unless you look like a Greek God, I am swiping left on you because you didn’t even put in the effort to give me your basic information. If you’re a small business owner, you already know what I am going to talk about next. Whether it’s the daily phone calls to your shop, the comments on your posts, or the DM‘s daily. The simple question of what time do you open? What time do you close? Hey, do you have a shop? These are the basic questions that all businesses get and ones you should have already provided on your page. Don’t be like that lazy boy or girl on the dating apps who already right off the bat give zero effort. The attention span of people is very, very short. So let’s not lose a follower or potential sale by not having the vital information on our profile already. Also, let’s be honest, we don’t want to spend our day answering simple questions over and over again. So let’s clean up our profile bio! First of all, make sure your handle is as clean as possible. Now sometimes we can’t help it, and specific handle names are taken. Try to make your handle name as close to your business name as you can. Besides your business name, some company owners are the face of the brand. In cases like these, I always suggest having your full name in your profile as well. Depending on your brand, make sure you have necessary information like your email, opening and closing hours, phone number, address if applicable, and any essential basic information in your bio. Make your life a little bit easier, make it easy for others to get information about you and your business, and it looks very professional. Let’s have a good relationship with the people who follow us from the start and make sure our communication with them is easy and available. Now, if you’ve been single and are in the dating pool, you know how difficult that could be. But the good news is making 48 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
sure your social media profile is beautiful, well put together, and well thought out is not as hard. As important as it is to make sure you are healthy and give yourself tons of self-love, it’s vital for your social media relationship. I know from experience when my social media is booming, my engagement is great, and my post performs well, I am incredibly happy. The reason behind the happiness is that my hard work paid off. So this Valentine’s Day, buy yourself some flowers, a box of chocolates, and sit down with yourself and create a plan to give more self-love to your brand and social media accounts. Sending you guys tons of love from Los Angeles! XO Annie - @AnniesArtStudio Photography: Annie Morcos
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SOCIAL
BANNED
INSTAGRAM’S LIST OF BANNED #HASHTAGS If you know Instagram well, then you’ll know that there is in fact, a list of banned hashtags. Any post that has a banned hashtag, will be hidden from your audience, and that causes havoc with your account, not to mention all your hard work in posting goes out the window. They don’t show the list, so we searched the net and did the hard work so you don’t have to. Instagram updates the banned hashtags often, so if we have missed anything, please do let us know so we can add/remove them.
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abdl, addmysc, adulting, alone, always, armparty, asiangirl, ass, assday beautyblogger, besties, bikinibody, boho, brain costumes, curvygirls date, dating, desk, direct, dm, drugs edm, eggplant, elevator fuck girlsonly, gloves, graffitiigers
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happythanksgiving, hardworkpaysoff, hotweather, hawks, humpday, hustler
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ice, instababy, instasport, iphonegraphy, italiano
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killingit, kansas, kissing, kickoff leaves, loseweight, lulu master, mileycyrus, milf, mirrorphoto, models, mustfollow nasty, newyearsday, nudity overnight
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parties, petite, pornfood, prettygirl, pushups
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rate, ravens
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saltwater, samelove, selfharm, shit, shower, single, singlelife, skateboarding, skype, snap, snapchat, snowstorm, sopretty, stranger, streetphoto, sunbathing, swole tag4like, tagsforlikes, tanlines, teen, teens, thought, todayimwearing undies valentinesday
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workflow
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youngmodel
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SOCIAL
UPLOADER MAGAZINE 51
ART FEATURE
THE ART OF WRITING A LOVE POEM Words by @sahagagram
Love poems. When I hear that term, I often cringe. It takes me back to high school, before the days of social media, when we’d clumsily scribble our deepest emotions and desires onto a piece of paper. Sometimes, these poems were supposed to stay private. Sometimes they were meant to be shared with the person they were written for. Very rarely did a scene play out like a high school movie where the mean girl or bully finds the poem and reads it aloud in class, the hallway, or the school cafeteria in a ploy to embarrass the writer in front of their crush. One thing stayed the same: the poems were terrible, often a messy scramble of scattered thoughts and ideas. UPLOADER MAGAZINE 53
ART FEATURE
“
Poetry seems to have found a resurgence thanks to tweets’ word limit and the brief space to share writing and thoughts on Instagram. @sahagagram
As Valentine’s Day approaches, and my daughter obsesses over poetry books written by female “instapoets,” detailing their pain and angst in short paragraphs and hand-drawn illustrations, the idea of love poems started to intrigue me again. I’ve never been the recipient of such a poem, and neither have any of the female friends I asked. But I can still imagine how much thought goes into writing one and what a special gift it can be. Valentine’s Day is an especially great time to visit the idea of writing a poem for someone special. As Covid restrictions continue in many states, and the idea of a romantic night out doesn’t have the same appeal as in years past, a poem can be a creative and sincere way to convey what’s in your heart. While the idea of writing and sharing one can seem scary, it’s time to put that fear aside and try a new way to tell someone what they mean to you during these crazy times. When people think of poems, often the image that comes to mind isoverwhelming: complex, flowery language, overlong passages, words we don’t even use in the English language anymore. This is not always the case, especially when it comes to modern poetry. Poetry seems to have found a resurgence thanks to tweets’ word limit and the brief space to share writing and thoughts on Instagram. Modern poems are simple, personal, and pretty short. Sometimes, too much effort, too many metaphors, and overdone romantic cliches’ can make a poem seem insincere and shallow. You want your poem to seem intimate and heartfelt, so it’s crucial to keep things simple and uncluttered. 54 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
“
Sahag Gureghian
Keep in mind, poems aren’t exclusive to a spouse or partner; there’s plenty of love to go around! You can write a Valentine’s Day poem for parents, relatives, close friends, and even your children. Use this opportunity to express appreciation for the special people around you. Since the goal of any love poem is to express our emotions’ sincerity, it’s important to take the time to write out ideas, compose a draft, and leave room for revising, which is the absolute key to good writing. It’s crucial for the recipient to feel the amount of love and effort put into words. I prefer saying more with less. It’s what I teach my students and any friends or colleagues trying to write for the first time and asking for advice. Keeping it simple can also help stifle any fears that come with writing for the first time. Be yourself and write from the heart, and the words should flow naturally. If they don’t, go ahead and read a few romantic poems for inspiration. They are readily viewable with a simple online search. Before the writing starts, consider what you want to say. How does your loved one make you feel? What is special about them? Perhaps think about a happy memory or a time you felt most at peace or in love. Once you know what you want the poem to be about, jot down a quick rough draft or list. Keep your draft or list handy to help stay focused and organized; it will also prevent you from writing an overly complicated poem and spend less time on revisions. An essential step in creating a fabulous, modern love poem is to be yourself !
Photography: Annie Morcos
UNIQUE VALENTINE’S GIFT
ART FEATURE
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ART FEATURE “I remember the summer breeze caressing my cheek as we sat on the sands of the ocean devouring watermelon Your hair flowing in the wind, the sunglasses hanging from the tip of your nose, as the juice from the melon drizzled down your chin. You leaned into me and sealed a kiss on my already wet lips You said you loved me with your eyes, and I knew then we were meant to be together”
There’s no reason to worry about sounding like other poets because nobody in this world has the same story, and the way your poem is written will make it uniquely personal no matter what. If you’re funny, use humor. If this is a grand gesture of love, let your heart bleed the words onto the page. Rhyme if you want to, although it’s sometimes a common misconception that poems must rhyme. Please, stay away from the “Roses are Red…Violets are Blue” cliché. Think about who you are writing the poem for and keep in mind your relationship to them to get things started. Once you’ve composed a draft of your poem, it’s necessary to proofread and revise. Most writers, the greatest among them, rarely deliver excellent work with a rough draft. Once your draft is written, read your poem aloud and listen for any inconsistencies and awkward transitions. You’ll be surprised how often words look great on paper but sound wrong when read aloud. Another revising method I typically share is to ask a trusted friend or colleague to read your poem to you. This allows you to listen to your words as an outsider and get a better sense of how they sound. Have a hard copy of the poem ready and follow it, making notes and edits as you listen. Like the decadent dessert, you’d have eaten off the overpriced pre-fixed Valentine’s Day dinner you’d have planned pre-Covid, how your poem looks can make it extra special. Once you’ve composed a draft of your poem, it’s necessary to proofread and revise. Most writers, the greatest among them, rarely deliver excellent work with a rough draft. Once your draft is written, read your poem aloud and listen for any inconsistencies and awkward transitions. You’ll be surprised how often words look great on paper but sound wrong when read aloud. Another revising method I typically share is to ask a trusted friend or colleague to read your poem to you. This allows you to listen to your words as an outsider and get a better sense of how they sound. Have a hard copy of the poem ready and follow it, making notes and edits as you listen. Like the decadent dessert, you’d have eaten off the overpriced pre-fixed Valentine’s Day dinner you’d have planned pre-Covid, how your poem looks can make it extra special. If you need a little more inspiration, I leave you with the opening paragraph of what is believed to be the oldest surviving love poem. It was written on a clay tablet around 3500 BD and translated by leading Assyriologist Samuel Noah Kramer in 1951. Archaeologists named it Istanbul #2461. “Bridegroom, dear to my heart, Goodly is your beauty, honeysweet, Lion, dear to my heart, Goodly is your beauty, honeysweet.” Writing poetry takes time and effort, but that makes gifting it to someone such a memorable gesture. With a little creativity, and some time and effort, you can give a loved one a unique gift they will treasure forever. Write on! UPLOADER MAGAZINE 57
BEAUTY
Edited by Debbie Savage
THE SECRET TO THE PERFECT LIPSTICK THIS VALENTINE’S DAY
Christine Kong Photography: Vincent Elejorde
BEAUTY FEATURE
MY SELF - CARE AND SELF - LOVE TIPS @dailykongfidence Web: www.dailykongfidence.com
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ith everything that has happened in the past year, I want to focus on MYSELF this Vale tine’s Day. We just came off a stressful season between Covid-19 and the holidays, so now it’s time for some self-care and self-love. For me, self-care and self-love go hand in hand. Practicing self-care is how we take care of ourselves mentally and physically, and self-love is about accepting ourselves physically and emotionally. They’re similar but different, and we need both. UPLOADER MAGAZINE 61
BEAUTY FEATURE Here are some ways to practice self care and self-love that you should try to incorporate into your lives if you don’t already. Take this as a challenge to practice these tips every day for an entire month, and I promise you will be happier, healthier, and more fulfilled overall.
& e r a C f l Se Self-Love PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Start each day by saying at least three things you are grateful for. It can be as simple as the sun shining or that cup of coffee waiting for you. Practicing gratitude trains your brain to always look for the positive.
COMPLIMENT YOURSELF
We always gravitate towards our flaws, but self-love means acceptance of yourself and all the reasons why you love yourself. You are worthy of your affection as much as anyone else.
HYDRATE
I am guilty of never drinking enough water, but there are so many benefits to keep yourself hydrating. It cleanses your body, your skin glows, and it helps you focus and concentrate better.
Photography: Vincent Elejorde
BEAUTY FEATURE EXERCISE
It doesn’t have to be an hour running on the treadmill but do something physical each day. As much as I dread starting it, I always feel better about myself after a work out.
UNPLUG
For me, my phone is my work, but putting it down for a few hours a day allows me to be present with my kids, which makes them happier and, in turn, makes me happier. A bonus, I don’t have to hear my kids saying, “mommy is always on the phone!”
DON’T COMPARE
This one is difficult, but it’s important to appreciate other people’s successes and admire the journey that took them there as inspiration, not competition. Focus on your path and nourish that!
SAY NO
Saying no may not be in your comfort zone, but it’s for your mental state. No one can do everything, and your time is valuable. Saying no doesn’t make you a bad person. It helps prioritize what is important and helps reduces stress levels.
FRIENDS & FAMILY
There’s a saying out there about surrounding yourself with people who speak your name in a room full of opportunities. These are your people and who you should be spending the most time with.
FORGIVE YOURSELF
We have so much compassion for others, but when it comes to ourselves and the mistakes we make, we are too critical and unforgiving. When things don’t go the way you expected, choose to be compassionate with yourself also.
POSTPONE WORRY
I always say why worry until you need to worry. If there’s nothing you can do about it, don’t worry about it. I know these tips aren’t anything new or groundbreaking, but hopefully, they serve as a reminder to take care of yourself this month. We all need a moment to unwind, refocus, and reenergize to be the person we want to be. And if anything else, here’s something I read recently which sums it up perfectly… loving yourself isn’t vanity. It’s sanity. Show up for yourself, sis!
Photography: Vincent Elejorde
Photography: Vincent Elejorde
BEAUTY FEATURE
“
I always say why worry until you need to worry. If there’s nothing you can do about it, don’t worry about it.
“
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Beauty scope By Debbie Savage @debbiessavage tothineownstylebetrue.com
About the Author...
ACHIEVING THE PERFECT RED LIP FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
Debbie Savage is a Cambodian-American who resides in Orange County, CA. She is an editor for her own lifestyle blog To Thine Own Style Be True. Her passions are her family and helping women honor their inner beauty by sharing tips and tricks from the trade.
I love a good red lip all year round, but Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to wear the luxe ones that I keep for special occasions or try something a bit different, like a shiny or glittery lip. But not all red lipsticks are created equal!
How To Find The Right Red Lipstick
If this is the first time you are considering trying this shade, you will first need to find one that works for your skin tone. A blue-based red lipstick will be perfect on fairer skin tones with cooler undertones and brighten the white of your teeth, while an orange-red will look amazing on warmer skin tones and can really play up your tan. This is a general rule only, and you can, of course, experiment and try different looks to see what you like best!
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BEAUTY
It’s All In Then
o i t a r a p Pre
The first step to achieving that straight-off-the-runway red lip is to prep your lips. You will want to use a lip scrub to remove any dead skin and, ideally, moisturize with a good lip balm in the few days leading up to Valentine’s Day.
To help prevent bleeding, especially if you plan to wear a red lip to dinner, you can use a lip liner in a matching colour to your lipstick or an invisible one for a more natural look. When it comes to lipstick application, the technique you should use depends on the look you are going for. For a more natural, understated effect, you can tap on or use your fingertips to dab lipstick across your lips. If you are going for a full dramatic red lip (and why shouldn’t you), simply swipe it on until you have achieved the colour you want.
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BEAUTY
1
THE shopping LIST
2 3 5 6 4 Tatcha’s Kyoto Red Silk Lipstick ($55) is probably the
exact shade that comes to mind when envisioning the classic shade of red and replicates the vermillion lip worn by geishas in Japan. It surprisingly looks good on various skin tones and has a matte finish with just the right amount of shine.
If you like that deep red but prefer a lip gloss style applicator, then you will like Stila’s Stay All Day
Liquid Lipstick ($22)
For a very matte, dramatic lip that would look amazing with bold eye makeup,
MAC’s Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($22)
should be your pick. While its applicator is reminiscent of a tube of lip gloss, it acts more like a lip stain and will stay on for hours, which is perfect if you have someone to kiss this Valentine’s Day.
I love Fenty Beauty’s Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick ($19)
in colour Dragon Miami - Tropical Papaya; it has a pink tint that looks soft on fair skin but pops on a darker skin tone. It’s simply beautiful. It is easy to wear and, due to its creamy texture, is foolproof to apply.
in Fiery. This one has strong staying power and is enriched with vitamin E and avocado oil to keep lips moisturized.
Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution ($34) in Red Carpet
Red is the only accessory that you will need on Valentine’s Day; the deep red shade reminds me of a bouquet of roses, and the colour is so vibrant that you will likely want to keep the rest of your makeup to a minimum.
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For a sexy, more muted look, try NARS Matte Lipstick
($26) in Pigalle.
This warm-toned matte red veers on brown, making it the perfect everyday lipstick for olive-skinned beauties and the ideal way to introduce a bolder lip into your routine.
BEAUTY
Creating a Complete Look
If you are going for a sultry evening look, try a soft smokey eye or bronze eyeshadow with a few coats of black mascara; your date won’t be able to take their eyes off of you.
If you want to wear a red lip in the workplace (or, you know, look good on Zoom calls), keep the rest of your makeup simple. Use your favorite foundation and a good concealer to hide any redness, swipe some natural blush on your cheekbones and do one coat of mascara; the focus will be on your lips.
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BEAUTY
How To Remove Red Lipstick
Whether you were too generous in your application or still have some lipstick on at the end of the night, you will want to be careful when removing it, or you might end up with red streaks all over your face. My top tip is to use an oil-based makeup remover like the one you would use to remove waterproof mascara; this is essential to dissolve long-wear lipstick. You can then swipe a cotton pad or makeup remover wipe across your lips to ensure no trace is left. 70 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
And remember, the best way to ensure that your lipstick stays on but also comes off when you want it to is to keep your lips moisturized. I hope you dare a red lip this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re happily single, married, or just dating, you deserve to feel fabulous. Sending you lots of love! XO
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FASHION Edited by Tiffany Giannato
FASHION TRENDS THAT ARE BACK IN SEASON
Diana Coletta Photography: Aaron Marz
FASHION FEATURE
PETITE IN PARIS @petiteinparis www.petiteinparis.com
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Photography: Aaron Marz
FASHION FEATURE
w e i v r e t InT ell me a little about yourself and how you got into being a blogger.
My name is Diane Coletta; I’m a petite fashion blogger who lives in Paris, France. 5 Years ago, I pursued my dream of working abroad. While working, I decided to combine my love for fashion, beauty, and travel into a blog called Petite in Paris. Standing 4’11 hasn’t stopped me from entering one of the world’s most competitive industries: Fashion. • How did you end up being an American living in Paris?
The funny thing is I never planned on moving to Paris. My husband and I had a job opportunity to move abroad, and we thought, why not. Now that we are here, I absolutely love Paris, and it’s hard to imagine myself living anywhere else. Ironically the story of how we arrived is very similar to the show: Emily in Paris. • What do you like best about being a blogger? There are so many incredible things about being a blogger it’s hard to choose just one. However, if I had to pick one, it would be getting to meet like-minded people and creating a network of friends. When I moved to Paris, I didn’t know anyone living here. Like everyone, I started my blog with no followers. Within a couple of months of blogging, I received an email from another petite blogger living in Paris who was going to the US and wanted to grab a coffee and talk fashion. We instantly became friends and have been friends ever since. • Who is your favorite style icon, and why? My favorite fashion icon is hands down, is Jackie O! She is the epitome of classy. Jackie O understood the power of the basic timeless pieces. I adore her style and find many of the pieces she wore still relevant today! UPLOADER MAGAZINE 77
Photography: Aaron Marz
FASHION FEATURE • Describe your personal style. If I had to describe my style, it would be timeless. I love investing in timeless pieces that will last for years. Yes, upfront, they are more expensive, but they last longer than my fast fashion pieces and are made with high-quality material. • Do you ever get hit by writer’s block, and if you do, how do you get past it? I get hit with writer’s block all the time. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve stared at a blank screen and had no idea what to write about. When that typically happens, I take a break, have some coffee, and read a book. This technique usually clears my writer’s block. • What are your top styling tips for petite women? There are three styling tips that I think every petite woman should incorporate into her style: Utilize a belt around your waist when possible to create a natural silhouette. Roll the bottom of your jeans. This helps make your legs appear longer. To make your arms appear longer, scrunch up your sleeves. To keep the sleeves in place, add a hair tie around the sleeves (this keeps the sleeves secure) before folding them up. • Name 5 trends you love for winter 2021. This winter, five trends I love for winter 2021 are comfy cozy sweats, teddy coats, chunky knit sweaters, leather pants (although I’m not sure these ever go out of trend), and finally, bold, fun colors! • How have you been dealing with the pandemic overseas in Paris? Dealing with the pandemic is hard. Coping with the pandemic living in Paris while your family is in the USA is even more difficult. It’s a scary thought, knowing that my family can’t come to Paris with the borders closed if something terrible happens to me. I often find myself face timing with my family to help deal with the long-distance. • Are you finding it challenging to stay on trends since COVID has hit? I love drawing inspiration from walking around the city. Parisians definitely know how to dress chic. With lockdown and being in quarantine, it’s impossible to walk around and get new street style fashion ideas. With that being said, I love shopping online, and seeing recent trends come to the market. • What is the one trend you would never wear and why? One fashion trend I’d never wear is patterned leggings! • What would be your ultimate fashion publication? My ultimate fashion publication would be Vogue! Vogue, if you are reading, I’d love to be featured! Photography: Aaron Marz
Photography: Kristina Wilde
FASHION FEATURE
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING THAT OUR READERS DON’TKNOW ABOUT YOU. ay find interesting
m s r e d a e r y m k n i h t ndo e t n i N y r One thing I e v e n w o I , act f In . o d n e t n i N e v o l is that I ! d e t s i x e r e v e s a h t a console th UPLOADER MAGAZINE 81
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STYLE AND SASS
STYLE & SASS
d n e r T n o k c a B WHY WE SHOULD
ALL WEAR WIDE-LEG DENIM? B ell Bottoms, wide-leg jeans, and flared denim are all “back on-trend.” Decades ago, Katherine Hepburn sported a pair of wide-leg pants, and they seemed to take off in the fashion world ever since. High-waisted, wide-leg pants are flattering on all sizes and shapes. In fact, they are extremely slimming on many women.
Many petite-sized women feel they cannot wear wide-leg jeans because they think they will overwhelm their frame, but this is false information, ladies! The opposite is true because wide-leg pants lengthen your legs, making you appear taller, not wider. If you are petite, I suggest tucking in your top or wearing a cropped top. Have your hem almost touch the ground and wear a higher heel. Wide leg denim is also flattering on plus-size and curvy women. The high waist covers a “muffin top” and cinches the waist, which draws the eye upwards towards the slimmer portion of a woman’s body. You can also go for a monochromatic look and wear black wide-leg jeans with a black top for an even more slimming effect.
Many pairs of wide-leg jeans are made in such soft material that they are comfortable traveling if you do not want to wear leggings or sweat pants on a long flight. Think of a pair of soft, bell-bottom jeans and a chunky sweater as loungewear that is put together. If you want a business casual look or a look that is “day to drinks,” then I suggest wearing a blazer with your wide-leg denim jeans. It will ooze polish and class. The good news is that sites like Amazon have so many pairs of wide-leg denim that are less than $100. You can try them on in the convenience of your home with a variety of shoes and tops to see which pair is the most suitable for you and return what does not fit correctly in an effortless manner. Make sure you check out my Amazon storefront for links to some of my favorite pairs of wide-leg denim jeans. https://www.amazon.com/shop/tiffyg77 Happy Shopping, everyone!!!
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FLARED DENIM
STYLE & SASS
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BELL BOTTOMS
STYLE & SASS
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LIFESTYLE Edited by Becca Schuster
VALENTINE’S DURING A PANDEMIC SEASON Frank J. GallioFrank @ Cherry J. Gallio Blossom @ Cherry Photo Blossom Photo
Edited by Becca Schuster
LIFESTYLE
EIGHT books FOR
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’s e n i t Valen ay D FINDING
THE REAL MEANING Words by Naza Holliman @sweet.p.and.sky
In many countries around the world, gifts, flowers, cards, and candy are exchanged between lovers in the name of Valentine’s Day every February 14th. While some take it as an opportunity to celebrate love, others feel forced to celebrate a “Hallmark Holiday.” Crowded restaurants nationwide play host to couples who begrudgingly share an overpriced,
very likely preset course meal, surrounded by other couples. Perish the thought of skipping this holiday of love, and you’ll never live it down. When I was 18 years old, I could hardly wait to celebrate my first Valentine’s Day with my then-boyfriend. The announcement was made, I wanted the quintessential classic Valentine’s Day date. Give me all the flowers, the heart-shaped chocolate box, that heartfelt Hallmark card, and of course, this all has to be accompanied by a romantic dinner for two. That was my first and last Valentine’s Day. I distinctly remember feeling like sheep. Sheep following other sheep into an extremely crowded restaurant, being forced into romance. There was no depth to this romance. No sincerity. Instead, I felt like every single couple in the place was there because they had to be, forcing fake romance because they have been told to do so their entire lives. It was disappointing, and for many years, I carried this aversion. It was not until the birth of our first-born son that my husband and I celebrated our very first Valentine’s Day. I was desperate to get out of the house. A first-time mom, two months into motherhood, I could not wait for the excuse of Valentine’s Day to get dressed up and hit the town. My excitement honestly had nothing to do with Valentine’s Day. It was all about feeling normal again as a couple and wanting to spend some quality time with my man. I did not want to be “mom and dad.” I wanted to be “us” again. Cirque Du Soleil was in town, but of course, Valentine’s Day tickets were sold out. So, we celebrated UnValentine’s Day at Cirque Du Soleil the following day. It was perfect! My husband and I decided to celebrate a version of Valentine’s Day from that day forward. Not only did this give us something to look forward to as a couple, but for the sake of our boys, it
In all honesty, we wanted them to grow up knowing what to do when a girl wanted to spend Valentine’s Day with them. After all, things would be required of them. Year by year, we have grown to love our version of the holiday of love for the past seven years. The first 14 days of every February, our boys get heart-shaped love notes, affirmations, of our love for them. We tell them exactly what is beautiful and unique about them. We do fun and silly Valentine’s themed activities and foster a real love for this holiday. With that, my husband and I take a day or a weekend in February to get away from it all and just be “us.” I believe that we have successfully weeded the fake out of the Hallmark Holiday. UPLOADER MAGAZINE 103
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LAW OF ATTRACTION
LIFESTYLE - LOA
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LIFESTYLE - LOA
Ask Becca
By Becca Schuster lovebecca.com @lovebecca26
Your Questions Answered
I’ve been trying to practice the law of attraction daily but get overwhelmed with it at times. Is there an easier way to do it? By L. Clarke
A. Absolutely! Learning the ins and outs of the law of attraction isn’t something you know how to do in a couple of weeks or months because the universe is continually testing you. The key to manifesting is not how many times a day you’re visualizing, saying affirmations, journaling, meditating, or in vibrational alignment with what you want. Instead, it’s about taking small habits and building on them over time. Just like when you start anything new, whether it’s exercising, diet, or even a new job or relationship, you don’t dive into the deep end because otherwise, you’ll drown. Too much, too soon, isn’t healthy and can cause overwhelm or the desire to give up. When it comes to manifesting, it’s easy to want to go full force because you figure the more you do, the quicker it will come, but the universe doesn’t work that way. First, let me say that creative consciousness is not easy, as it requires a daily commitment to it, but it is so worth it. And the best part is you can start with something small. I always recommend people start with a small goal so that they can see how manifestation works. When you break it down into little new habits, all those small changes you made add up over time, and the new practices will feel more familiar.
Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
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“ - Abraham Hicks-
“
Like the air you breathe, abundance in all things is available to you. Your life will simply be as good as you allow it to be.
LIFESTYLE - LOA
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LIFESTYLE - LOA To start, what I want you to do is take one small habit and implement it in your daily life until it feels a part of your lifestyle. The following are some examples that you can start with: • Say three things you are grateful for every morning before you get out of bed or every evening when you get in bed. • Before you take that first sip of coffee or tea in the morning, say thank you. • Look in the mirror and say one thing you love about yourself. • Start saying “no” more often. • Instead of looking at your whole to-do-list, break it up into sections of quick, will take some time, and will take much time. Then do one item from the easy area each day until that section is done and move onto the next.
“
“
Those are just some ideas to start with since I do not know your manifesting goals. But the whole point of taking these baby steps isn’t just to avoid the overwhelming feeling you’re experiencing but for you to take notice of how you feel afterward. The more you do it consistently, the more small miracles you will start to experience. And once you start experiencing that, you will not want to stop. It will propel you into wanting to do more, so be careful not to fall into that trap again. Less is more when it comes to manifesting. It’s not about quantity; it’s about consistency. Keep at it, and those small miracles will start to turn into big blessings, creating the life you want.
It’s not about quantity; it’s about consistency. About the Author...
Becca has many years experience as a certified Feng Shui consultant. Throughout her career, and being a single parent, she discovered the importance of living a happy and well-balanced life. “I believe you have to treat your mind, body, and soul with love to obtain true happiness. I love helping people discover the magic of manifesting through the Law of Attraction. If you have a question, in any area of your life, you can send it to hello@uploadermagazine.com, and I will respond in an upcoming issue.
Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo
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NO FILTER NEEDED Edited by Andrea Rappaport
TWEETS AND MEMES Frank J.Wittkamp Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo Photography: Katrina
TWEETS & MEMES
HAVE KIDS, THEY SAID
Like Whitney said, “I believe the children are our future…” Credit: @thedadbriefs Guys, have you seen Friends?!?! It’s HYSTERICAL!! Credit: @askatewouldhaveit Mommy’s Horrible Shows Reviews Credit: @theandrearappaport 114 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
TWEETS & MEMES
HAVE KIDS, THEY SAID
Yes, mom I� listening… Credit: @AlexandraFisherr Frankincense and Myrrh are fine, but Thieves oil is really best for diaper rash… Credit: @torturedbytoddlers This is my “I � listening” finger. How can I help you, offspring? Credit: @mommysinsidevoice UPLOADER MAGAZINE 115
TWEETS & MEMES
FEED ME
I bet it gets paid way more for #ads, too. Credit: @thenewstepford I� just gonna stand here until ya�l go all Walt Disney up in there, start singing and whipping up something delicious. Credit: @no�heworstmom I don� know about you, but I totally raged through a bag of dried seaweed last night. Felt good. Credit: @momof1anddone 116 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
TWEETS & MEMES
FEED ME
FLEX Credit: @annadoesntwant2
I� pre�y sure you get a parade… Credit: @redyellowgreendance
�nd no, those “Cheesecake drops” do not work … Credit: @fakeadultmom UPLOADER MAGAZINE 117
TWEETS & MEMES
LOVE YOURSELFIE
Here’s looking at you, chins @theandrearappaport
Transforming like a freaking bu�erfly Credit: @bigtimeadulting
You�e got wrinkles. Credit: @fakeadultmom 118 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
TWEETS & MEMES
LOVE YOURSELFIE
I live for the applause, applause, applause… Credit: @whineandcheezits My free self care master class will held at the time that’s most convenient for you Credit: @mom_ontherocks UPLOADER MAGAZINE 119
TWEETS & MEMES
2021 BETTER BEHAVE
It works for my kids. Credit: @momof1anddone It’s chakras are all out of line Credit: @itsPKav (Twi�er) @bonjourbitchesblog (IG)
Move over, skinny jeans. We here to stay. Credit: @mommymemejeans 120 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
TWEETS & MEMES
2021 BETTER BEHAVE
Lost some water weight from night sweats, so all in all... pre�y good. Credit: @spicydisastermom
Just keep swimming. Credit: @shepensblog
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FOOD & DRINK Edited by Cheryl De Marco
SIMPLE YET DELICIOUS RECIPES
By Chrystin Nevarez
FOOD & DRINK SIMPLE RECIPES
Mini Cocotte Sourdough Dinner Rolls Sourdough bread baking was the project of so many when the pandemic first hit us (myself included). Building the starter from scratch was so rewarding at the time, and now I can make bread and other goods with it whenever I want! What is a sourdough starter? It is wild yeast made from flour and lukewarm water – that’s it!* Once the starter is mature, it is ready to act as the leavening agent (allows the dough to rise) and it gives the bread that yummy sour flavor we all know and love (fermentation). I love these rolls because they are not super intimidating (a half-batch of dough, perfect for any intimate gathering), and you can even substitute active dry yeast if you don’t want to build a starter (yet!) INGREDIENTS • • • • • •
192 grams all-purpose flour (approximately 1½ cups) ½ teaspoon sea salt (I like Le Guerandais Coarse Sea Salt Gros Sel De Guerande) 32 g active, bubbly sourdough starter* (approximately ¼ cup) OR ½ teaspoon active dry yeast 96 grams warm water (approximately ¾ cup) Extra flour for dusting ¼ teaspoon garlic powder + ¼ teaspoon Herbes de Provence (optional)
*How to make a sourdough starter: You will need room to build! Grab a bowl or jar of at least 32 ounces. (I use a glass jar with the lid loosely closed. If using a bowl, you will want a lid of some sort.) Mix ½ cup lukewarm and ½ cup all-purpose flour on day 1. (“Lukewarm” should feel like bathwater when you dip your finger in it.) Adjust these measurements more or less, to get a pancake batter-like consistency. Repeat these same steps for 6 more days. The starter should be bubbly and active, ready to bake bread on day 7! If a small amount floats in a bowl of lukewarm water (the “float test”) it’s ready to go. There are so many books and recipes to explore, now that you have this “creature” on your kitchen counter. I encourage you to research further, and if you have questions for me, I can be reach via email: chrystincooks@gmail.com – enjoy!
HOW-TO: In a small bowl, add lukewarm water. Mix in bubbly, active starter* (or dry yeast). In a separate bowl, add flour, salt, and optional dry seasonings. Pour water mixture over flour. Mix by hand or using a wooden spoon until well combined. On a clean surface or cutting board, add a little flour. Knead until just soft and elastic (the dough will feel a little sticky). Transfer the dough ball into a floured bowl, and cover with a damp towel, free from drafts, to rise overnight. The next day, the dough will have doubled in size. Divide dough into 4 equal parts, shaping them into small dough balls. Place them on a floured board, also covered with a damp towel, and allow to rise for 2-3 hours more. Place Mini Cocottes (with lids) on a baking sheet. Set oven to 450°F and place the baking sheet into the oven, allowing the Cocottes to preheat for 30 minutes (these dishes are not required – the rolls can also bake directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.) Score each roll in an “X” on the top with a sharp knife and transfer rolls to Cocottes once preheated (carefully line with small squares of parchment just before, so the rolls do not stick.) Bake with the lids ON for 10 minutes, then carefully remove lids and bake for an additional 10 minutes (if just using the baking sheet, bake for a full 20-25 minutes or until golden brown). Wearing oven mitts, turn the rolls out of the dishes and allow to cool on a rack. Serve warm with butter. 124 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
FOOD & DRINK
FOOD & DRINK SIMPLE RECIPES
Linguine with Creamy Vodka Sauce INGREDIENTS •
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
6 medium size tomatoes (such as tomatoes on the vine or Roma. If using cherry tomatoes, 1 pint to 1 and 1 halfpints equals one jar. The equivalent to 3 large beef steak or hot house also works here. Use what looks good/ what you like. I do recommend organic as well!), washed 2 cloves of garlic, cracked and peeled 5-6 fresh basil leaves, washed (or sub 1 tablespoon dried basil) 1 white or yellow onion (or 2 shallots), peeled and rough cut (optional, but adds more flavor) 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (and additional salt to taste) 1/2 tablespoon black pepper (and additional to taste) 2-3 tablespoons (a heavy drizzle) Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano or Italian blend 1/2 cup vodka of choice 1/2 cup heavy cream Cooked pasta of choice (about 1 lb.) Grilled protein of choice (such as shrimp) 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (optional) Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Homemade Roasted Tomato Sauce was one of the first recipes I shared to chrystincooks.com. From there, you have a staple for so many other sauces, creamy vodka sauce being my absolute favorite. The rich flavor is impressive enough for entertaining but easy enough of a recipe to have it any night of the week. If prepping in advance, this sauce makes one 16-oz jar*. Enjoy!
HOW-TO: Preheat oven to 425-degrees. Line the pan with parchment paper (for easy transfer to the saucepot, and clean up too!) Add washed tomatoes, cracked/peeled garlic, onion (or shallot), to the lined pan. Sprinkle the top of the veggies with coarse sea salt and black pepper. Roast in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tomatoes are slightly blistered and bursting. The aroma of the garlic and onions is HEAVENLY. Let them cool slightly (still wear oven mitts - just be careful, k), then fold in the corners of the parchment, and dump it all in a saucepot. Toss the parchment (easy cleanup). Add fresh basil leaves and turn the stove on medium heat. Break down the tomatoes with a wooden spoon, and bring the pot to boil, stirring occasionally. Add the dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Literally, taste to see if you’re good on salt here. Add 1/2 cup vodka, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add 1/2 cup heavy cream, bring back to a boil, then cover once more and simmer for an additional 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. If you have an immersion blender (hand blender - this is my best friend), blend directly in the saucepot, on medium speed. If you are blending in a regular blender, be sure to let it cool enough to make a manageable transfer. This temperature is also ideal for jarring, too*. Toss with cooked pasta, fresh spinach, and grilled shrimp. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese. *If jarring, I recommend refrigerating for no more than 2 days. Sauce can be frozen in an airtight resealable bag for up to a week. 126 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
FOOD & DRINK
FOOD & DRINK COCKTAILS
Apple Cider Mimosas
Growing up, I loved drinking sparkling apple cider. It was such a treat during the holiday season! Mix your favorite old-fashioned apple cider + champagne and you instantly have the adult version. Here’s how to make this crisp, refreshing cocktail: Ingredients: Old-Fashioned Apple Cider of choice Champagne (my favorite is KorbelŽ) 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Apple slices How-to: Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small dish or bowl. In another small dish or bowl, add a small amount of water; dip the rim of each champagne flute to get slightly wet. Dip each rim in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Fill flutes halfway with apple cider, then top off with champagne. Garnish with apple slices. Drink responsibly and enjoy! 128 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
FOOD & DRINK COCKTAILS
Cran-Rosemary Gimlets
You cannot go wrong with a tart, slightly sweet, refreshing Gimlet. It also couldn’t get easier to make being a 3-part combination of gin, simple syrup, and lime juice—that’s it! For a flavorful twist on this classic, I infused my simple syrup with a sprig of fresh rosemary and topped the final drink off with a splash of Razz-Cranberry La Croix® for more vibrant, holiday flavor (and some bubbles!) This recipe yields two cocktails, and about a cup of simple syrup to have around in your refrigerator*. Drink responsibly and enjoy, friends! Ingredients: · 1 cup gin · 1 cup fresh lime juice · 1 can Razz-Cranberry La Croix or sparkling water of choice · 1/4 cup fresh rosemary-infused simple syrup: Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup granulated sugar + a fresh sprig of rosemary in a small saucepot. Bring it to a boil and heat until the liquid is clear, and the sugar has dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool before making drinks. Store the remaining syrup in a jar or glass bottle and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
ASTROLOGY
Kyle Thomas
Kyle Thomas is a globally recognized pop culture astrologer who has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, Bustle, Elite Daily, House Beautiful, Marie Claire, YahooNews, MSN, and more. He is also one of the official astrologers for both Astrology.com and Horoscope.com. He is known for his cosmic guidance for celebrities, business executives, and prominent influencers. His work harnesses the power of the stars in regards to entertainment lifestyle and trends affecting people worldwide. His writing and horoscopes have been translated into multiple languages. Kyle has been astrologically gifted naturally from a very young age and teaches how to use the Universe to manifest the life you’ve always dreamt of. With over a decade of professional experience and clients all over the world, he currently resides in Los Angeles where he works as a professional astrologer, celebrity life coach, and author. Currently, he is the official astrologer for @Horoscopes + @Horo.ScopesDaily (4.5 million followers). Kyle received two Bachelor of Arts for Psychology and English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and integrates these degrees into his growing research of psychology, personality, and the human condition.
@MrKyleThomas Photography: @DonQHannahPhotography Styling: @JRScalzitti Make-Up: @Lizzy_Lawless Hair: @HairByAlexTan Fitness: Body by @FitnessDust Custom Luxury Design: @FadedIntoTheLight @MimiRanft
HOROSCOPES FEBRUARY 2021
F
HOROSCOPES
ebruary will be a slower chapter in your 2021 story. While so many of our planets are embracing new horizons, our comic messenger will be in the midst of one of his typical retrograde periods. Despite this, there will be plenty of opportunities for fun and advancement, as a stellium in Aquarius will draw significant attention to this area of the sky. A stellium is when many planets team up, so to speak, in the same zodiac sign. In recent years, we had a strong stellium in Capricorn taking place, but now the stellium has moved to Aquarius! Prepare for immense Aquarian vibrations to be noticeable in the collective! Mercury Retrograde began right at the very end of January and will officially last until February 20. This will create a sluggish pace to life and is not the best time to launch new things. Instead, you can return to projects or plans from the past and revise them. Reflection is great. If you’d like to reconnect with someone, now would certainly be a good time to say hello—although if you’re looking for a moment to rekindle something with an ex, that time won’t come until the end of the year during Venus Retrograde. Mercury Retrogrades are an optical illusion, whereby our planet of communication has gotten too far ahead of the Sun and appears to be moving backward in the sky from our perspective here on Earth. This causes everything that Mercury rules to fly out of whack! As always, do your best not to sign contracts, don’t start anything officially, and try not to make expensive purchases. This particular retrograde in Aquarius will cause our minds to be confused as well as plenty of miscommunication with those who we know. We may have some shocking mishaps around technology, too. In general, this transit could bring back old friends to many people. As a hold over from last month, powerhouse Mars will continue to dash through the fields of Taurus. It will remain here until March 3, 2021. We will feel more cautious in our approach to decisions. During this time, we will collectively feel more determined, stubborn, and focused on longevity and long-lasting results. This will be an excellent time for money matters, especially when we harness this fiery strength to get our finances in order. Not only can you make more income with this fuel, but you could also find that you are spending more on desired possessions, as well. Now is an excellent period to make plans we want to tackle over time and to patiently lay down the groundwork to get there. As we enter into this newfound month, Venus will dash on into Aquarius as well beginning on the 1st to remain until the 25th. During this time, we will crave more freedom in our relationships and desire to express our love in unique and eccentric ways. We tend to be quite optimistic about love and be open to sharing it in a more universal and platonic fashion, as opposed to just with one person. Singles—no matter their zodiac sign—could suddenly become attracted to people outside of their normal “type” who will be exotic, eccentric, or highly independent. In general, we should
feel more social and eager to connect with our fellow humans.
A New Moon in Aquarius will appear on February 11. This mighty luminary should open a doorway in your life. You will feel one area of your life especially lit up at this time, and as the New Moon arrives, there will be a new opportunity or message that comes your way. Take it slowly, though, as Mercury will still be retrograde. This New Moon will encourage you to embrace your independent nature and to rebel against the status quo. You will not want to be caged in a box and you will crave more authenticity in your expression. You will once again face how you connect to other people at this time—particularly your friendships, social circle, and communities. Pisces Season begins when the Sun dives into this watery abyss beginning on February 18. This is the final sign of the zodiac year and brings great attention to our spiritual nature. You could feel quite reflective at this time and may be drawn to your spiritual, religious, or emotional sides. Get in touch with your heart in the month ahead and begin to brainstorm what you’d like to build once the Spring Equinox arrives. Our goddess of pleasure, Venus, will move on February 25, submerging herself in these same seas of Pisces. This will bring tremendous blessings from Heaven above. Venus is known to be exalted in this Water Sign, which means that she can bring her greatest blessings to us when she is here. Our creative, romantic, and emotional natures will be heightened. We will become especially compassionate to those who we care for and will be more inclined to help others in need. This is a truly magnificent time for singles or those who are committed—so make romance, sensuality, and pleasure a priority. Magic could happen when you open your heart. To end the month, a Full Moon in Virgo will arrive on February 27. The energy will peak at this time, but will be felt for 2-3 days before and after. Expect now to be a time when the actions and plans you were building in the days following September 17, 2020 to be reaching culmination. If they are not, shift direction in a more fruitful and prosperous way. This Full Moon helps us focus on the details in our lives and relationships, as well as what we are putting consistent effort toward. Find ways to improve the rhythm and health in your routine and connections. Build a harvest that you are proud of and share it with the world. Important dates to remember in February 2021 for love are the 11, 13, 19, and 24. Significant moments to plan for success are the 8, 11, 13, 14, 24, and 25. However, days that could be a bit more challenging are the 1, 6, 10, 17, 19, 20, and 21. Please note that all dates listed on my website are in Pacific Time (Los Angeles, United States), so please adjust to your appropriate time zone depending on where you are located on Earth. May the stars ever be in your favor. Now read below to find out how the month will affect you specifically! UPLOADER MAGAZINE 131
HOROSCOPES FEBRUARY 2021 hear from people from the past this month, especially prior to the 20th, because Mercury will be moving backward in this sphere. If you’d like to reconnect with an old pal, shoot them a message! Mid-month, the Sun and later Venus will spin into your solar sector of rest, so you’ll be feeling the urge to lie low and contemplate your plans for the year ahead during that time. Yet, the month ends with a Full Moon in your solar sector of productivity on the 27th. This luminary could bring your attention to an employment matter, such as leaving a job to start another, or to get hired if you’ve been out of work and looking. You could be quite busy in the days near that luminary. If you’d like to fix your physical health through a diet or fitness regimen, this is one of the most fortunate times of the year to do so.
TAURUS APRIL 20TH - MAY 20TH
HOROSCOPES CONTINUED ARIES
MARCH 21ST - APRIL 19TH
Get ready for a rather exciting and festive month, Aries. This will take place because so many happy planets will be spinning within your solar sector of fulfillment. Oftentimes, this means you can expect an especially active social life - which you likely will - but also may give you the opportunity to expand both your personal and professional network. Sometimes we find that someone steps in to open a door that you have long wished to enter, allowing you to finally achieve a lifelong hope or dream. This could certainly happen - especially after the New Moon in this same sector arrives on the 11th. Reach out to those who you know to ask for aid at that time. You’ll also likely attend an important event around that time, even if it is simply through a digital platform. Venus will dance through this sphere throughout most of the month, too, aiding single Aries in finding sweet romantic options through their friends or dating online or through apps. If you’ve had your eyes on an acquaintance, tell them now. However, you’re also likely to 132 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
You’re on fire, Taurus! As mighty Mars powers through your zodiac sign this month yet again, nothing and no one can stop you. You are sure to make tremendous progress in the month ahead, and it’s likely you already started to smash some of your goals in January, too. This is one of the most significant periods within two years for you to launch plans, take the lead, and go after whatever you most desire. Of course there will be a Mercury Retrograde until the 20th, so if you can wait to officially launch things after that, you’ll be happier that you did. Because of our cosmic messenger’s nap, be prepared for some delays or confusion around professional matters, but they will soon sort themselves out. You’ll still maintain Mars’s energy until March 3. Your professional life is top priority this month—and likely all year—with so much planetary activity putting your name in lights. Lucky Jupiter and taskmaster Saturn are grooming you for major new heights in your career. Work toward your ambitions now because you could likely score mega professional milestones now and in the years to come. Your ruler, Venus, will bring you applause, beauty, and recognition from this sphere until the 25th. It’s likely bosses and superiors will smile on you. Tauruses who are public figures will have the world lifting you up and celebrating you. The New Moon in your career appears on the 11th, so plan important meetings and initiatives in the week that follows. Fresh opportunities could also come your way, but try to sign after the 20th. The Sun and Venus will enter your solar sector of fulfillment in the later part of the month, further intensifying the feelings of support you are getting from the Universe. You may see a very busy social life pick up or realize that a large community believes in you. Find some time to socialize if you can. Love will also sparkle for you this month. If you’d like to date “up” in the world, perhaps someone with power or popularity, go after them prior to the 25th. If you’d like to date through your social network or online dating, it is favored after that date. The most important Full Moon of the year regarding matters of the heart appears on the 27th. This may help single Tauruses to fall in love or find a wonderful romantic connection. Those looking to conceive may have a lucky break. No matter if you are single or attached, plan a spectacular date with someone and you will feel as if the entire Universe is smiling on you.
HOROSCOPES FEBRUARY 2021
GEMINI MAY 21ST - JUNE 20TH
In many ways you may feel the need to rest and lie low this month as Mars simmers in your solar sector of privacy, Gemini. This will likely cause you to either require more time alone to brainstorm or heal or else may indicate that you are working on an important project behind-the-scenes. You may be ready to launch once March arrives, so do your best to get all your ducks in a row. Another major focus this month will be that your ruler, Mercury, will be fast asleep in a retrograde phase throughout most of the month. He will officially awaken on the 20th, but still be quite slow for the remainder of February. Do your best not to launch anything of important now. A New Moon in your solar sector of expansion arrives on the 11th, and with the Sun, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn all bringing attention to this area of the sky, it is clear you’re ready to soar. Sometimes this indicates that you may become invested in academic matters, such as presenting a thesis or returning to a graduate program. Teaching or being taught certainly appear when this zone is activated. Another possibility would be working with publicity, media, or television if you are in any way involved in these arenas. Last, if you are prone to travel or are seeking to emigrate, these may also be moving forward at this time. If you’re able to venture for pleasure, this would be quite enjoyable but be sure to take your time and double-check flight details with Mercury out of cycle. On the 18th, the Sun will sizzle into your achievements sector and bring a spotlight on your ambitions for the month ahead. Venus, too, will bring applause and recognition to you beginning on the 25th, so bask in this glow. The month will end with a Full Moon in your domestic zone, though, likely pushing you to move or renovate or deal with another home-based situation. If for some reason a family matter arises instead, be sure to handle it now.
CANCER JUNE 21ST - JULY 22ND
With mighty Mars powering up your social life this month, you’re likely feeling hot, festive, and ready for fun! Your friendships will feel quite lively now, so if you are able to, be sure to attend as many events or parties that you can. This is also an excellent chance to expand your network online or else to devote time and energy to online dating. If these intrigue you, use the time now. You may find that someone in your network also opens a door to one of your most heartfelt hopes or dreams, so be aggressive and upfront about what you’re looking for. Yet, be aware that the month could still feel quite slow considering Mercury will be in a sleepy cycle throughout February. You are better able to sign contracts and launch initiatives after the 20th, though the sluggish pace will linger until early March. A lot of planetary energy will be located within your solar sector of
intimacy now, Cancer, so it would be wise to turn your attention toward your closest relationships. A New Moon on the 11th could help you grow closer with someone at your side or else address the give and the take between you. If for some reason you aren’t in alignment any longer, you may instead decide to separate. However, with so much planetary pleasure in your favor—especially the fact that Venus is ensuring harmony and sensuality—it appears that no matter what you decide, you’ll be happy and the transition should be easy. The Sun will blaze into your expansion sector beginning the 18th, with Venus joining a week later. This ensures that you’ll see a lot of progress toward your goals in the month ahead, especially if you’re eager to travel, expand your mind, or pursue new paths of growth. To end the month, a Full Moon on the 27th will light up your communications sector. This often indicates that you’ll be launching an important writing, speaking, advertising, or branding initiative. Instead, you could find a meaningful contract or proposal cross your desk.
LEO JULY 23RD - AUGUST 22ND
While relationships will be your top priority and learning curve in 2021 and the years ahead, an important turning point will arrive here in February. So many of the planets will stand across the sky from you right now, Leo-a stellium. This means that right now your partners have more power than you do and that it is most crucial that you work as a team rather than forging on ahead independently. For single Leos, you have a tremendous opportunity to find someone of substance who hits many of your partnership “boxes.” Yet, with a Mercury Retrograde taking place in your solar sector of partnership until the 20th-and lingering until early March-it appears you could feel that you and a business or romantic partner are not on the same page. While this could just be simple miscommunication taking place, it could be illuminating a more far-reaching disconnect beneath the surface. Yet, with Venus also happily dancing through this sphere until the 25th and then on into your intimacy sector thereafter, you will likely see pleasure and harmony overall. Single Leos must absolutely be searching for partners who hold long-term potential. A New Moon in this sector could bring forth discussions of long-term planning together, a decision to move in, or else even an engagement or marriage. However, as I mentioned before, hold out on any announcements or agreements until after the 20th. Your desire to be in the truest and healthiest relationships will continue to be major priorities for you as the planets shift later in the month. However, a Full Moon in your solar sector of finances will appear on the 27th. This means that at this time a significant money matter will reach your attention, likely a raise, new job, or lucrative client. While there could also be an expense, be sure to hustle for more prosperity. Last to note this month, mighty Mars will be powering up your career, which may be giving you the energy to tackle several very significant professional goals. It appears you’re hitting milestones, so be sure to aim high, set important meetings, and go for the gold. This is the most important string of weeks you’ll have in your career for nearly two years. UPLOADER MAGAZINE 133
HOROSCOPES FEBRUARY 2021
VIRGO AUGUST 23RD - SEPTEMBER 22ND February will be quite peculiar for you, Virgo. This is because many of the planets will be charging forward, encouraging progress and productivity. Yet, your ruler, Mercury, will be fast asleep in this same sector showing that some things in your routine and at your employer are delayed and spinning off the tracks! The best thing to do this month is to try to laugh off any hiccups that occur and keep your eyes on the prize. First to note is that mighty Mars will be powering up your expansion sector all month, which may be focusing you on an academics, mentorship, or travelling matter. Instead, you could be invested in a situation internationally, such as in business or work. Media and publishing matters could also pop up at this time if you are involved in these arenas. Last, notable legalities and contracts could also be on the table and you’re fired up to get them signed! Yet, as mentioned previously, be cautious with Mercury asleep until the 20th. The other planets are heating up your sector of employment, likely bringing attention to your current projects or else your desire to take on more. The New Moon on the 11th will likely help clear the air and bring you opportunities to attract a better worklife balance. However, as the Sun turns its attention to your partnerships in business or love beginning the 18th, you’ll soon realize that it’s better for you to work with someone as a team rather than charging ahead on your own. Venus, too, will bring pleasure and harmony to all of your relationships beginning on the 25th, ensuring lots of laughter and sweetness in the weeks ahead. To end February, a Full Moon in your zodiac sign will rise within the night on the 27th. This means you will be center stage and see a great deal of power at this time. This is one of the most important turning points in the entire year for you, so don’t sit back and hide in the shadows. It is likely an important goal you’ve been building toward for some time will finally be within reach.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23RD - OCTOBER 22ND Matters of the heart, including love, romance, creativity, and fertility, are especially favored for you throughout all of 2021 and for the decades to come, Libra. However, you have a rare jewel of a month here in February that could truly align you with a soulmate if single or help bring the spark to your soul with a partner once again. First to note is that mighty Mars will be powering up your solar sector of intimacy all month, bringing you an intense urge to merge. You could feel 134 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
a deep hunger for sexuality and sensuality, greater than you have in quite some time! Mercury, however, will be spinning backward within your solar sector of love until the 20th and yet remain slow for the rest of the month, so you could feel confused with a romantic partner or uncertain about what you truly want deep down. Yet, with Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, the Sun, and New Moon all marching through here, progress and momentum is guaranteed. While you may hear from an old fling this month, it appears new options or opportunities to grow your love with a current partner may manifest in the days following the 11th. This luminary will also bring you an extra edge if you’re looking to conceive. For Libras who are creative, grab your medium of choice and watch as the muse trickles in! The Sun and Venus will soon march into your productivity zone later in the month, causing the pace of life to quicken and more projects at work to cross your desk. Be sure to use the pleasurable and sweet vibration of the early weeks to welcome in as much happiness as you can. To end the month, a Full Moon in your sector of rest will arrive on the 27th, encouraging to you lie low, recharge, and enjoy a spa day. Indulge in you.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23RD - NOVEMBER 21ST As mighty Mars sizzles across the sky from you, it is clear that you are focusing your attention on your one-andonly, Scorpio. This is a time when you will make much more progress on all initiatives with another party working as a team rather than trying to go it alone. For instance, if you can work with a collaborator, business partner, writing partner, fitness trainer, or beyond, you could be quite happy with the results as you hit major milestones. Single Scorpios could use this fuel to find a hot and sexy partner with long-term potential, while committed ones would be able to use this energy to bring the spice into their rapport with your significant other. However, if for some reason there have been conflicts bubbling beneath the surface, Mars might create tension and an explosion between you which feels suddenly like an all out war! Besides this, February comes packed with other astrological news. Mercury will be retrograde officially until the 20th, so it would be wise not to sign contracts or launch anything until after this time. Our cosmic messenger will be asleep in your solar house of domesticity, which rules confusion around family, home, or real estate matters. Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, the Sun, and New Moon will be happily soaring through this same sector—so while there could be some hiccups around these areas of life, you’ll also likely see progress, too. The New Moon on the 11th will certainly help you to improve these specifics, perhaps even allowing some Scorpios to move or fix up their living space. Yet, the sweetest news awaits when the Sun sizzles into your solar sector of love, creativity, and fertility beginning the 18th! Get ready for passion in the month ahead. Once our goddess of pleasure, Venus, spins into here beginning the 25th, too, you’re favored even more in matters of the heart. Single
HOROSCOPES FEBRUARY 2021 Scorpios must absolutely use now and the weeks to come to find someone who makes them wild! February ends with a Full Moon on the 27th in your solar social sector, likely bringing you to a vibrant event. This may manifest instead as a near and dear friend stepping in to help you in a time of need and perhaps even opening a doorway to one of your heartfelt hopes and dreams.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 21ST
Watch your words in February, Sagittarius! With our cosmic messenger, Mercury, spinning a web of confusion in your communication sector, it is clear your mind is all over the place. Worse yet, what you write or say could cause further problems if you charge ahead too impulsively. Mercury will awaken on the 20th, but will still be foggy until early March, so take a step back and breathe during this time. However, despite this, it is clear you also have other good fortune in your corner around writing, speaking, advertising, and marketing initiatives. These may be in the form of an important proposal or else a website roll out! Venus will ensure that you are exceedingly charming with what you say, especially when you speak from the heart, throughout the early weeks of February. The New Moon will arrive in this same sphere on the 11th and may be encouraging you to blast an important message or sign a contract—but beware, if you do so now, it will be flawed with Mercury out of sync. Yet, your attention turns to domestic and family affairs once the Sun speeds on into this zone beginning the 18th. Some Sagittarians could move in the month ahead or spend more time with their kindred. However, the big shift this month will be when the Full Moon on the 27th lights up your achievements sector like a beacon. You could welcome in a new promotion, greater responsibility, or another major victory. This will all be tied to how hard you have worked in recent months—especially the last two since Mars has skyrocketed through your employment sector and likely made you very busy!
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22ND - JANUARY 19TH February has arrived and with it, a shot of adrenaline straight to your heart! Mighty Mars has been touring your solar sector of passion, romance, creativity, and art, likely bringing you a zest for life. This is truly one of the best months out of two years for single Capricorns to put themselves out
there and find new potential options. If you do so, you might feel like you’re in the midst of a whirlwind love affair and falling quickly in love! Committed Capricorns can use this sexy vibe to turn up the heat. Still, there are other ways this may manifest, as a greater focus on your children if you’re a parent or a great opportunity to focus on conception, as you may be more fertile. Last, if you’re a creative, you could be cranking out phenomenal masterpieces one right after the other. However, if you do start seeing someone new, do not “go official” as Mercury will be retrograde until the 20th. Beyond all this excitement, money will be on your mind! With so much planetary activity in your financial sector, you could be seeing more flowing your way whether that is in the form of a raise or more clients if you’re freelance. The New Moon on the 11th could be the trigger you’ve been waiting for to bring in more prosperity, but again, don’t sign on the dotted line until after the 20th. With our cosmic messenger out of whack, it is likely you could see some confusion about money, too, or else delayed payments or checks. Don’t forget to watch your bank statements so there isn’t anything amiss! If you want to search for a new job, certainly do so after the 11th, too. Beginning the 18th, the Sun will soar into your communications sector, bringing a flurry of daily activity. Yet, when the Full Moon on the 27th arrives in your solar expansion zone, you’re eager to leave your roost and soar into new directions. This could see an approval of a visa or green card if you are seeking to travel or emigrate. If you are in the media, a milestone project or publishing opportunity could appear. Last, if you’re involved with academics or seeking to, this will likely bring you further toward your goals.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20TH - FEBRUARY 18TH
2021 will be important for you across the board, but February could turn up to be one of your favorite months of the year. Not only is it birthday season in the first weeks of the month, but you’ll be harboring so much cosmic support in your favor that aids your goals and wishes. However, don’t rush too fast as you will also have a Mercury Retrograde taking place in your zodiac sign. This guarantees that you could be quite confused and miscommunicate if you aren’t watching everything you write or say. Instead, it may be best to focus less on work this month and more on fun and relaxing! Retrogrades often bring back projects and people from the past, so this would be a great moment to reminisce or reach out to someone from before. Venus will enter your sign on the 1st to remain until the 25th. This is the best time of the year to update your beauty, buy new clothes, or work on a glow up. Don’t do anything too drastic, though—Mercury is retrograde. Instead, just follow your tried and true approaches. This is definitely not a good moment for cosmetic surgery! The New Moon in your zodiac sign takes place on the 11th, opening a doorway to your most heartfelt hopes and dreams. Make a list of everything you’d like to build and take (cont. on page xxx) UPLOADER MAGAZINE 135
HOROSCOPES FEBRUARY 2021 action toward them now. You’ll have more luck on your side. The Sun will leave your zodiac sign on the 18th, so use the firepower while you have it. A Full Moon on the 27th later in the month will highlight your intimacy sector, which could see you growing closer or distancing from a relationship. It may also trigger a large payout, such as a commission check, bonus, or divorce settlement. Last to note this month is that Mars will be firing up your domestic sector, likely causing ruckus at home, triggering a renovation matter, or else helping you to move.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 19TH - MARCH 20TH February could be the slowest month of the year for you, Pisces, if not the decade! This is because there will be so much planetary weight in your solar sector of privacy, solitude, stillness, and rest. Your intuition will be extremely heightened, so take advantage of all this fuel to brainstorm, dream, and be creative. A Mercury Retrograde will be taking place until the 20th, too, but truth be told, the entire month will feel lethargic. With it taking place in this same sector of rest, it is highly likely situations from your past that you thought were “closed” are not and could come back up for resolution. These may be karmic in nature and could be connected to things you are proud of—or regret. Secrets are likely to emerge now, providing you more information, as well as impacting your mental health. The New Moon this month appears on the 11th and will give you an opportunity to brainstorm what you’d like your year to bring, as well as focus on healing any physical or mental ailment. However, when the Sun lights up your zodiac sign from the 18th onward, you’ll feel a burst of energy! Birthday season has arrived and you’ll be ready to party! Use the month ahead to take action toward your most important heartfelt goals. To end February, a Full Moon in your solar sector of partnerships will arrive on the 27th. This will bring light to your relationships and could be an important turning point in a relationship. Some Pisceans may choose to unite closer, move in, get engaged, or even be wed. If instead you feel the union is not as productive as you’d like, you could finally walk away. The last thing to note here is that mighty Mars will be blazing through your solar communications sector all month and could see you very busy regarding a writing, speaking, advertising, or marketing endeavor. Work hard toward that while the rest of the Universe seems to tell you to breathe.
Kyle Thomas Astrology www.kylethomasastrology.com @mrkylethomas 136 UPLOADER MAGAZINE
@MrKyleThomas Photography: @TimelessPresent Styling: @JRScalzitti Make-Up: @Lizzy_Lawless Hair: @HairByAlexTan Fitness: Body by @FitnessDust
Christopher LaVoie
COMPETITION
CROSSWORD COMPETITION - Issue 10
$250 CASH PRIZE TO BE WON!
Enter to win by completing the crossword puzzle above; all answers can be found within our current and previous magazine publications. Make sure to send us your completed crossword to hello@uploadermagazine.com we will be announcing the winner at the end of day on 31st March 2021 Must be 18 years or older to enter. Open worldwide UPLOADER MAGAZINE 139
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