February issue

​Welcome to February—Black History Month. ​ e successfully embraced 2026 in January; now comes the work of fulfilling those resolutions.

W Don't stay out late. Lose weight. Go to therapy. Find your calling. Be on time for work. Drop the kids at school on time. Get a haircut that actually suits you. Stop annoying others. Don't drive too fast—and so on, and so forth. ​ his must be the unique year where dreams finally come true. This magazine means well; it T finds you when you’re bored or when you aren't even looking for it. It is good to be reminded of the truth: you are in charge of your choices. However, consult all your reasoning abilities to make sound decisions. ​Good luck.

Sambulo Kunene Editor

Silence; the internal journey We are overbooked by responsibilities, some visible and tangible, others not so much, but still present in our minds even if not executed. Learning to be silent takes a long time, given the over stimulation that fills our lives. Silence can be the result of a mental challenge placed on oneself or brought on by tragedy. Learning to be silent when the mind will not stop racing after a momentous event in one’s life is not unusual.

Meditation can bring calming imagery and rhythmic breathing. Silence of the mind is tricking yourself into being absent from yourself. To be still. To sit still. To think of nothing because you want to postpone hurt or alleged pain.

At first, the brain becomes aggressive, wanting to be on your side, unsure if you are being invaded. You are always on the go — thinking, planning, laughing, talking, telling. You keep at it, and one day the brain will yield to you and let you experience silence. You won’t care about the mind, brain, or culture, because the brain will ask you not to disturb it.

The ritual of birthdays Parents must decide whether to celebrate birthdays or forgo them entirely. If they choose to celebrate, the effort should align with their budget. When birthdays become a family ritual, they work best as consistent, meaningful touchpoints rather than sporadic events. If you commit to the tradition, you should commit fully.

Younger children often prefer celebrations filled with friends, classmates, and cousins. Older children, however, may choose to celebrate their birthdays with a party or a full-course dinner at a favorite restaurant or a simple home-baked cake, depending on the kind of year they have had.

All teenagers deserve birthday celebrations, even those navigating difficult or self-destructive phases. Children who are ill, whether young or old, deserve them too. Families with limited incomes often save all year for Christmas; that same intentional care can be applied to birthdays. Nothing is as universally joyful as icing and candles, and nothing is as quietly endearing as knowing exactly which cake flavors are loved and which are not.

Adult birthdays carry their own charm. To be truly thoughtful, one might ask a doctor whether a spouse with diabetes can safely enjoy a slice of cake. It is a small but considerate question, even for a tired physician at the end of a long day.

The Art of Home Tending ​ omes do more than simply meet our primitive need for shelter; they keep us healthy. Cleaning H routines, once a seasonal ritual, have become essential in a post-pandemic world. What used to be simple "spring cleaning" has evolved into home tending, and now into "marathon cleaning," with YouTubers showcasing how they keep their spaces spotless and sanitary. Quick hacks, DIY products, and color-coordinated systems have transformed housekeeping into a ritual of practical science. Today, many strive to use the same products for similar results, where color schemes follow the logic of organization in highly technical, highly functional homes. ​ ack in the day, homes were cleaned daily, with a little extra care reserved for Sundays in case B the pastor stopped by after church for a homemade dessert. The "Big Kahuna" of cleaning took place at the beginning of December in anticipation of Christmas. Today, a divide has emerged: some have become even messier, perhaps because they rely on the fact that homes are cleaned almost daily or weekly, while others, who shall remain nameless, still seem content to share their space with dust mites and bedbugs. ​ leaning products have become safer and are available in a vast variety of options, including C many sourced from overseas markets. Ultimately, however, the fundamental truth remains: either one likes to clean, or one doesn’t.

The modern state of furniture ​ he history of furniture may seem less relevant today, as it has evolved alongside the T fast-paced modern world. Accessibility now takes center stage; people with disabilities have access to specialized pieces that meet their unique needs, promoting real independence.

Meanwhile, the rise of outdoor furniture has blurred the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, making our homes more versatile than ever. ​Mass production has brought about an endless variety of options. Today’s designers are mindful of both the environment and consumers’ budgets. However, much like fashion, furniture has become so accessible that it often goes out of style as quickly as last year’s collection. The era of durable, treasured pieces passed down through generations is fading; instead, there’s excitement around garage sales and the thrill of finding "solid" pieces for half the price. ​As homes grow larger and newer, they have become ultimate status symbols, filled with tastefully styled pieces sourced both locally and from abroad. Paradoxically, these sprawling homes often feature "museum" rooms and furniture that are rarely used. This truly reflects the times. ​Modern homeowners, seeking cozy and functional spaces, are gravitating toward beautiful, practical pieces that prioritize comfort and versatility. Some couches are so plush that you can practically sink into the cushions, turning living rooms into sleeping areas. These aren't just "sofa beds"; they are preferred over traditional beds for their sheer comfort. Additionally, the gap between generations in decor has disappeared; it’s no longer taboo for young people to live in homes that resemble those of older adults. With a single click, Amazon can deliver any piece of furniture directly to your door, completing the cycle of instant, effortless style.