Amb Mag May Issue

TIPS TO INCREASE AND

BUILD CREDIT SCORES

MAINTAIN HEALTHY LIVING FOR THE SEASON

CONTENT TABLE OF

EDITION 1 | MAY 2018

1 2 3

THE AM MAGAZINE

4

EDITOR’S LETTER

5

FASHION

TABLE OF CONTENTS ADVERTISMENT SILVER SPOON’D COLLECTION

SEASON OF CHANGE

STRIPES & POLKA DOTS ARTICLE-

6-7

HEALTH

8-9

BEAUTY

10

HEALTH

11

ADVERTISMENT

12-14 15

2 | The AM Mag | May 2018

MILLENNIALS TAKE OVER

LOVE TO LIFE THIS LIFESTYLE ARTICLE

FACE OFF ARTICLE BAES WITH BEARDS ARTICLE

ALEX D. ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY

COVER STORY TEAM SUPREME

ADVERTISMENT

DEVA EXPERIENCE FASHION SHOW

16

BEAUTY

17

ADVERTISMENT

18

FINANCE

19

ADVERTISMENT

WAX VS. SUGAR ARTICLE

GRIND TO SHINE CLOTHING LINE

CREDIT CHECK ARTICLE

CREDIT REPAIR

SILVER SPOON’D Collection Silverspoon’d collection was established to create and bring fashion in all things furry to life. We specialize in all things fur, using our one of a kind imported 100% real fur. Please send all inquires for orders to silverspoondcollection@gmail.com. Don’t forget to check us out on IG @silverspoondcollection to keep up with our newest releases and hottest drops for the summer!

The AM Mag | Ma 2018 | 3

C

hange is almost always GOOD. There are many changes people undergo over a matter of time. There are changes in relationships, life, business, and spiritual growth. Spring is definitely the season of change that allows us to recycle or start fresh in our own personal cycle of change.

When making changes, majority of the time, these various changes create an unknown sense of stability.

Keeping up with the latest fads and trends is a fool’s errand. You will literally drain yourself trying to be and keep up with the next. What works for you, won’t always work for the next person. Sometimes you have to understand everything isn’t for everybody. That’s the best part of change, it allows you to realize your inner strength.

I’m still growing, learning and trying to get better every single day. The day I stop changing is the day I’ll become stagnant in all areas; mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Changing means becoming accountable. You have to hold yourself responsible for everything. So instead of blaming others for issues or problems along the way redirect yourself and think of what part you played in things not going s planned and change those things in the future, so next time around becomes better. Just remember change is HARD, but not changing is a lot worse!

As I grow and learn with Amb Mag, I aspire to be apart of the change that fuels greatness for all of my readers and supporters as we grow into something that will be great! Enjoy the season of change and the process of growth change allows!

AMBIRR MOMON

founder/writer of AMB MAG

4 | The AM Mag | May 2018

photo credit: @alexdrogersstudio magazine designed by @21designandpromotions

FASHION looks

&

The biggest stress factor of the summer is figuring out which prints to support and make essentially relevant for the season. But don’t fret, we got you covered, literally!

There are so many ways to play off stripes, and one wrong move could be the end of your life and make you the ultimate laughing stock, and you could even go viral these days with too much of the wrong mixes and wardrobe malfunctions. Stripes are such a tricky thing, that most people are brave to even play with different ones and figure out which prints work and don’t. The verdict is in for this summer, and stripes are in for the win.

Fashion trends are like trial periods, you get that free 14-day trail and decide “hey this isn’t for me”, or “it was cool, now what’s next”, so the next big thing isn’t always hard to predict. It’s somewhat expected that a trend pops up that we weren’t expecting at all to resurface; makes a debut or sequel appearance, and this time it’s the polka dot!

I’ve started noticing black and white polka dots in every mainstream department store, and apart of each and every Instagram feed that has anything to do with fashion. We can certainly say the polka dot phase is here to stay, and blame the recent popularity on the comeback of 1980s fashion, but I think it’s a part of a larger moveLooking into the world of fashion, it’s safe to ment to make fashion fun and carefree again. say stripes are the new black, and those print Everyone seems to be in the season of embractype look stellar in black for the summer! Stripes ing bold prints with vibrant colors again and I’m won’t loose any cool factor ratings anytime soon; here for it! A cheerful polka dotted outfit, could they are cool for work, brunch, dinner, movies, bring happiness into the room this summer or and drinks with friends. Stripes will always be in take a summer fling into a full term love affair, since they have debuted and stayed in the lime- you never know! light as timeless, classic staples on the fashion world.

The AM Mag | Ma 2018 | 5

LOVE to live this

Lifestyle

W

By: Asha Mone’ Johnson

ith the enhancements in technology, surgeries, and filters in photos and magazine catalogs for today’s models becoming more prevalent and high in demand, you can bet your last dollar that the appearance of the modern day woman has changed drastically; but the route to look like and be the ‘It Girl’ hasn’t become so healthy.

How is it that the term ‘health is wealth’ is said daily, but women are going broke just to have a figure like the video girls and are unhealthy all while risking their lives for ‘the look’.

The average cost for lipo starts at $3,000. Butt augmentations start at $4,000 and the most popular procedure, the brazilian butt lift (body lipo sculpting of the abdomen, waist, hips and thighs), starts merely at $8,000.

Isn’t it funny that the women who complain about personal trainers, workout classes, the cost to change eating habits, and gym passes being ‘too expensive’ are the same women who spend tens of thousands of dollars to fly across the county and be placed on bed rest, 6 | The AM Mag | May 2018

all while risking their lives to pay for deadly procedures to buy a body they could easily get if they put in the work.

The issue is that not many are willing to put in the work and wait for the results.

What is hard won’t come easy, but will last and add longevity to life. To those who are willing; here are the simple steps to doing so.

Because our bodies are up to 80% water, we must drink lots and lots of it. Moving along, step 1, the MOST important step, is to drink half your body weight in water.

For example, if you weigh 150 lbs. you are to drink 75 oz. of water daily. The more you weigh, the more water you drink.

Step 2 is to prepare your mind and your pockets for this life change. Yes, it may cost a little more, but always remember that the most valuable things in life aren’t cheap. Invest in yourself and in your body; if you don’t, then who will? Tell yourself daily that you CAN do this and you will stick to eating better. Leave sticky notes with inspiring quotes on the refrigerator. (i.e- “If you want that summer body, act like it. No seconds and thirds; unless its fruits and veggies!”) Going through a self-hypnosis is

totally fine. Convince yourself to lose weight and maintain the lifestyle- forever.

To lose and maintain this lifestyle, you will have to make a change in the foods you eat and the grocery stores that you go to. Instead of McDonalds, try Chipotle or Tropical Smoothie. Instead of Save-a-Lot and Aldi, try Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Joe Randazzo’s or Kroger. Instead of pop, slushies and sugar filled juices, try 100% juices and fruit smoothies.

Here comes the hardest step for most. Let go of the meat! No beef and pork. If not forever, try to eat it only once or twice a week. After this is mastered, move on to only eating turkey and chicken. If you’d like to take it a step further and become more health conscience; research how to become a pescatarian, a vegetarian or a vegan. Studies have shown that these three groups are more energized, lose the most weight, and detox more successfully.

Speaking of detoxing, this step is just as important as drinking water. Detoxing flushes your organs, gives them a rest so they can have a better flow, and flushes the toxins out of the body.

My favorite detoxes are: Complete Fasting (nothing but water or juice for 3 full days), The Master Cleanse, The 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse, The Lemon Cucumber Detox Water, and The Apple Cider Vinegar and Grapefruit Fat Flush. If you’d like to take it a step further, schedule a colonic. Before dieting, it is best to detox to shock the body by removing the toxins all together.

The last and final step is to simply work out. Whether you do it once a week or seven days a week, just do it! Depending on what part of the body you wish to work on, doing zumba classes, swimming, and personal trainers have been known to be more effective for those just starting. Lifting weights burn fat and help you to tone as well. While working out, you can also use waist trainers, sweatbands, fat burning gels, and all natural metabolism boosters.

By applying all of these steps to your everyday life as well as having the right mindset, you will save thousands of dollars, be healthier, live longer, look and feel better, and most importantly, you’ll never have to worry about any leaks or sagging, falling and dropping in any specific areas of the body; if you know what I mean.

Be healthy. Be happy. Be whole.

The AM Mag | Ma 2018 | 7

Face

OFF When it comes to keeping your face clear of ache, summer is truly the season where skin care matters! Those hot, sweaty days and long dry nights definitely take a toll on your skin and will increase the need to take special care of your most prized possession.

Here are a few face soaps they we have tested and approved to get you through those hot summer days and vacation nights, regardless of your skin type.

Cetaphil: Works best for dry and sensitive skin. This soap is really good for clearing excessive oil and bacteria, but doesn’t dry your skin out to much. It’s a family favorite because it’s gentle enough for you to use on baby skin, but strong enough to be an aftershave for men as well.

Pros: • It’s fragrance free, but has a decent smell.

• Gives your skin a refreshing sensation after rinsing off.

• Reduces itching and irritation.

• It a great anti acne eliminator.

• Drawbacks: 8 | The AM Mag | May 2018

• Is not good for make up removal.

• Pretty thick.

Biore: This soap is best for oily skin, but can also be used for other skin types as needed.

This is known to estheticians as a facial in a bottle because it cleanses, moisturizes, and exfoliates all in one. This soap takes the expensive bill of getting facials off the to do list, and this is a soap that is great for breakouts and those annoying pimples that drop out the sky and appear out of nowhere.

Pros: • Smell is nice.

• Clears your skin of all pore clogging residues and excessive oils.

• Cleanses effectively and it can easily remove your makeup.

• Doesn’t dry out much, but can be over-drying if used along with other treatments.

Drawbacks: • Size is small as compared to others.

• Makes skin extremely dry, you have to be cautious of that!

Neutrogena Bar: This soap is the best for dry skin. This is such a go to for people who just want an everyday skin care regimen to practice on their face. It’s not too harsh, but not too subtle, and definitely gets the job done. This is a deep cleansing soap, so it can be left on or washed right off depending on what mood your in.

Pros: • Extremely cost effective.

• You see results quickly, long term utilization not required.

Drawbacks: • Is usually a starter product, or used with other things to maximize results.

• Known to dry out face, so be sure to moisturize right after use!

Keep in mind even if you don’t use any of these facial skin cleansing soaps, you should still consider and practice some type of facial skin care regimen. Understand that your glands under the skin produce oil known as sebum and you must maintain and keep the pores clear of buildup to ensure those glands are functioning properly in order to do their jobs. Excessive dirt builds up on the surface of your skin, can lead to irritation, breakouts, itchiness and dryness; and no one wants to deal with that! So try any of these tips or make up your own, but either way keep the skin clear and cute!

The AM Mag | Ma 2018 | 9

Baes with

BEARDS

Let’s face it, beards are in and yes, they are becoming the new “it” factor for the perfect guy women paint the picture of in their wild imaginations! So yes, we need attention to be paid, and grooming to be laid upon the beard gods of the summer.

Now for those who ultimately care for the furry feature in the summer, there are ways to spice it and trim it in a way that is still going to get you the most play all summer long.

When deciding to keep a full mane of hair on your face, do it right or cut it out. Make sure you invest in some beard oil; they sell it at your local Walmart and Meijer stores, and probably and local drugstores in between.

These oils allow a glisten and shine that makes you look like you actually care about not only your facial hair but more importantly your facial hygiene, which is a plus if you’re on the market looking for your next relationship or fling.

First you have to decide what look you are aiming for with the beard. Of course, for a neater look, focus on getting a straight line on your cheeks and neck. This particular trim not only looks clean cut, but it gives you a polished clean look as well.

Then you also want to make sure you’re properly cleaning your beard. Just like every area with hair, it needs to be washed and well maintains or it could develop a odor, and we don’t want that at all! Taking a comb or pick through it once or twice a day allow it to not look shabby and tangled, which results in a better appearance for you and the facial hair!

A good rule of thumb, when deciding to carry the full beard on through the hot summer months would be to stay mindful of the beard length on your chin; The longer your face is, the shorter your chin hair should be, ideally. However, if you are just starting to grown out your beard, please be patient as your hair grows, and don’t try to force a style that doesn’t work for your hair texture or length, because it usually results in failure and will have you wondering why you even decided to begin your beard growth journey.

Just keep in mind, there’s nothing wrong with a little or a lot of peach fuzz; just either way you decide to grow make sure it’s neat and well groomed!

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11

TEAM SUPREME with Joshua Leonard

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S

I can’t do that, most people can’t do that, so o, we have our first superhero to come in that’s like a super power and I just got to thinkthe form of an innovative Artistpreneur. Now, ing like it would be cool to create a superhero Joshua Leonard, is by far one of the most multi that was autistic, then I thought about the oth–talented animators to ever cross the path of er special needs where people have to stronger animation as we know it. Humble beginnings, other skills most people don’t have like blind for the New Orleans native and Katrina survipeople; who can hear and feel way better than vor. Joshua, has always been an artist at heart; the average person to make up for the loss of for as long as he could remember. He began not being able to hear, that’s why I also creatwith sketches of Garfield, and advanced and ed a blind character. I based characters off of self-taught himself how to master different different special needs, characters and develop so that the cartoon can shapes and bring them to FUN FACTS teach, inform, and edulife through digital animaLoves people, but loves space as well cate people about the tion. special needs; and look at Workout junkie them as people beyond Cartoons impact the next Trained for Olympics in 2008, before Katrina their disabilities. generation in more ways Has been featured in Vibe magazine than one; In some houseAs an Animator, Leonard holds, cartoons raise Was an actor in movie “Let’s Be Cops” has truly dominated the children. We all rememWon’t leave home without: Chapstick innovative approach on ber Recess, Hey Arnold, things. His resume, which The Wild Thornberries, is a collection of all skills, displaying animaand The Powerpuff Girls; all of those cartoons tions, and a professional photo in a three-piece taught us lessons on friendship, social skills, tailored suit is so far advanced, that Leonard and doing the “right thing” even when we says he has been unable to successfully land a didn’t want to. But, none of those cartoons has job with it. So many people have questioned, the kick that Joshua Leonard brings with his why he has placed a photo and graphics on the unique one-of-a-kind Team Supreme cartoon, resume; and his humble but accurately powerwhich is a team full of super heroes that all ful answer is “Because I represent the less one have a special need. This cartoon will be the percent of the animation world that is African new wave of positive humanity that our kids American, and I’m proud of that! “So he chose will grow up watching and learn how to effecto literally own all of his skills and display them tively co-exist with people with special needs on a resume, after all this is what resumes are in a positive way. for to highlight and sell yourself and his resume does just that to say the least.

With this cartoon, we can look towards future where the generations to come are alert, open, Most of the characters stem from people I’ve and understanding to people with special known or interacted with over the years. My needs through this detailed explanation and exploration of people with special needs on the best friend, Brent was robbed in murdered back in 2008, and that really gave me the extra push television screen. to add Dr. Jackson to the cartoon, in order to Where did this idea for “Team Supreme” provide kids with a positive black role model to look up too; he’s educated and he’s using his spark from, all fans and supporters of knowledge to help the kids of team supreme “Team Supreme” are dying to know. accomplish their goals. If nothing else, kids can Working at Home Depot I had a coworker with take those real-life lessons and use them in an autistic child, and they would tell me all of everyday life. the unique things they did; I thought to myself The AM Mag | Ma 2018 | 13

Can you tell me more about the Team Supreme cartoon and characters?

Well we can start with the design, where the Star in the Team Supreme logo is crooked, which symbolizes nobody’s perfect. The cartoon will have several characters. We can begin with the main characters, which include the father for the kids, Dr. Jackson, along with their teacher Mr. Tiggs who wears a Hampton hoodie, representing he is an alumnus and provides the depiction of a successful black male figure; both of these characters will have the voice over of Big Tigger and Ginuwine, hopefully; these characters just give positive role models in the form of a cartoon for African American kids to look up to and aspire to be. The setting for the cartoon will be a X-men theme, where they live in a mansion with Dr. Jackson who is a scientist and helps them cope with their special needs, or in other words “super powers”, while Mr. Tiggs helps them channel all positive energy as superheroes, being the teacher of discipline and control for their powers.

Then we have the kids, who make up Team Supreme. There are several diverse types of special needs each character focuses on one, they include; deafness, an amputee, cancer survivor, autism, albinism, and a wheelchair ridden hero. All characters are inspired by actual people; along with lots of research and interviews with teachers, specialist, and doctors to get everything politically correct and represent all special needs with the most respect.

Where do you see Team Supreme going next?

Animation takes a lot of time. There is so much you have to put into it honestly.

Making sure everything matches up well, and perfecting backgrounds and character shaping is time consuming. I’m hoping in the next two years to get the Team Supreme into the visual development stages,

14 | The AM Mag | May 2018

where there is a pilot episode that could be used to pitch. As far as getting the cartoon on television, Roc Nation and Nickelodeon have showed interested but would like additional actual footage to continue negotiations. Ideally, Leonard would love to be considered for production through Lebron James production company. Once Leonard graduates, from The Art Institute of Atlanta in June, he plans to dedicate more time to developing the characters and storylines more extensively.

All in all, it’s amazing to see what Leonard has up next. He has Team supreme gear that gives a portion of the proceeds to The Children’s Hospital.

Leonard is the magic behind the movement for Team Supreme, but every dream need supporters. www.leonardstudios.com is a one stop shop for all team supreme information, apparel, and updates on this amazing animation project underway. As always, follow @joshua_leonard on Instagram to stay updated on the progress and release of this new and innovative cartoon coming to a television screen near you!

15

WAX Sugar VS

THE HAIR DOWN THERE

H

air removal in the pubic area is such a big thing and no one ever really talks about it. Removing public hair is the new black in the sexually social world. Let’s be real, it’s never the right time to talk about and discuss what’s best for the hair down there, and how different strokes work for different folks when it comes to the removal of hair.

But hey, it’s better to discuss it now, rather than later and get it figured out to maximize those beach dates and nude sessions.

There are several different hair removal tactics, but we will focus on the most popular, which include the regular waxing and sugaring methods.

Waxing: Waxing is the best alternative for you if you have hair you’re uncomfortable with and that grows back faster than you would prefer it too.

• Waxing removes hair from the root, which is best as it makes the growing back of hair slower and finer.

• Over time, with continued wax services; less and less grows back and it exfoliates the skin as well.

• You should wax every 4-6 weeks depending on hair growth, the thicker the hair the quicker you should return for a follow up.

• Waxing is uncomfortable since the hair 16 | The AM Mag | May 2018

is being pulled out, discomfort is only during the service there is no after pain.

• Bikini waxes usually cover all areas that can be seen in the swimsuit.

• Brazilian wax gets everything and leaves the entire area bare of hair.

Sugaring: Sugaring is a great alternative if you want a more natural hair removal and don’t have an excessive amount of hair.

• Sugaring pulls the hair from the root, and since it’s water based, it’s a natural moisturizer and is less likely to cause ingrown hairs or irritation.

• With time, sugaring becomes virtually painless, since it tugs the hair out, which allows over time, the hair to grow much slower.

• Sugaring can be done every 6 -8 weeks depending on hair growth, it’s a more, long term hair removal solution; but as usual the thicker the hair the quicker you should follow – up.

• Even with sugaring, you will be uncomfortable, since the genital area is super sensitive; but there is no after pain • Sugar waxes allow both bikini and Brazilian options; but it is highly recommended to do full sugaring for best results.

GRIND TO SHINE Clothing Line Grind To Shine Clothing Brand was established February 2018. The brand provides quality clothing from streetwear, everyday fashion and sports apparel. The GTS Clothing Brand is suited for woman, men and youth who are striving for success, as our purpose is to lead and inspire others. Grind To Shine is more than just a saying, it’s a lifestyle. The brand was founded by Nola Anderson and Michael Wynn Jr. , both who are formal NCAA athletes now teaming together in the business world.

Website: Www.GrindToShineClothing.com Email: GrindToShineClothing18@gmail.com Twitter: @GrindToShine__ Instagram: @GrindToShine_Clothing Facebook: Grind To Shine The AM Mag | Ma 2018 | 17

Credit CHECK

The best investment you could ever make is becoming financially literate, and ensuring that you add particular things to your credit profile that allow you to do anything you aspire to do. Credit is so vital in society; and when you positively build your credit profile, it opens doors and essentially can allow you to get anything you desire.

• A good rule of thumb, when repairing or building credit would be to make sure you don’t utilize more than 30% of your total card balance; and if you have to carry a balance left it not exceed 30%.

Some quick fixes to build or restore your credit include, but aren’t limited to these few tips and tricks.

• Don’t be desperate for credit! Make sure when applying or opening lines of credit, you don’t open more than one loan or credit line a year, as several attempts to open lines of credit or a loan look desperate and could result in denial.

• Secured credit cards: These cards are where you pay money to get credit lines, then after 6-12 months of good payment history they could potentially offer you increases along with refunds of deposit amounts.

• Make sure you keep all accounts open at least seven years. If you must eliminate cards, get rid of the ones with annual fees first; then drop the ones that offer the least rewards and cash back benefits.

• Credit builder loans are also good because they report to the three credit bureaus as on time payments, and add to the age of your credit profile when they have fixed terms such as six, twelve, or twenty-four month installment payoff timeframes.

• If you fall on hard times, call and check to see what the credit reporting date is for your credit card or loan, and if push comes to shove and you have to miss the payment; just ensure you get it in before it reports to the credit bureaus!

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19

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