About 360 MAGAZINE

360 MAGAZINE is an award-winning international publishing on popular culture and design. We introduce avant trademarks to efficacious architects. We are a LGBTQIA2S+ friendly publication--officially recognized by the NGLCC. Our core demographic ranges from 19 to 39-year-old college-educated trendsetters within their respective international communities. The pages in this art book satisfy their strong interests including music, art, travel, auto, health, fashion, tech, philanthropy, design, food and entrepreneurship. It's an introspective digital/print/tablet portrait series, which encapsulates artists/brands/entities who embody the true essence of our publication- empowerment, equality, sensuality and most important of all, humanity within a global society.

CHLOE X HALLE

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RELEASE ALTERNATE VERSION “TIPSY” AND COVER OF “SENDING ALL MY LOVE” FOR SPOTIFY SINGLES

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Chloe x Halle has shared two new tracks for the latest installment of Spotify Singles, marking the second-ever Are & Be-branded Spotify Singles release.

Recorded in LA, Chloe x Halle performed a stripped-down version of their hit single “Tipsy” from their recently released album Ungodly Hour as well as a cover of Zhané’s “Sending My Love,” with Chloe x Halle adding their subtly electronic 90s-R&B-inspired twist. Listen to both songs HERE.

“We first fell in love with ‘Sending All My Love’ by Zhané because our parents would blast it all around our house in Atlanta,” says Chloe x Halle. “We fell in love with the fact that they’re a duo as well, and how their voices blended so nicely together. It was very inspiring to us as a duo too!”

Ungodly Hour is available HERE.

www.chloexhalle.com
@chloexhalle

About Spotify Singles

Driving more than four billion streams since the program began in 2017, Spotify Singles was created to give artists an opportunity to record new versions of their own songs, and the songs of the artists they love. The Singles scope includes a unique version of each artist’s own song (Side A) and a cover song of their choosing (Side B). To date, there have been over 300 Singles recorded as part of the program.

How to Buy a Truck You’ll Cherish for Years

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If you’re ready to finally pull the trigger and buy a new truck, it can be difficult to know where to start. On the one hand, buying a new vehicle is always exciting. However, you also need to be conscious of your budget and long-term satisfaction with the vehicle.

Buying a new car is a big investment. Don’t rush your decision and end up making a mistake you’ll regret for years to come. We want to help.

Keep reading for our top tips on how to buy a truck you’ll love now and in the future.

Figure Out Your Finances

One of the most important things to do before making a big investment is to take an objective look at your finances. How much can you afford to make on monthly truck payments?

Your budget needs to include other costs associated with buying a new truck. For example:

Sales tax
Auto insurance
Registration fees
Fuel costs
Regular maintenance and repairs

We also recommend getting pre-approved for an auto loan to make sure you’re eligible for the price range you’re shopping under. If your pre-approval comes up short, you may want to spend a few months improving your credit score.

Save for a Down Payment

One of the best ways to get approved for a larger loan with lower interest rates is by putting money down on your new truck. This is one of the most important steps of learning how to buy a truck the right way. The difference of a single percentile on your interest can account for thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

Determine the Type of Truck You Want

When buying a new truck, you also need to take a little time to figure out what types of trucks are best for your lifestyle. For example, if you’re planning on using the truck as your primary means of transportation to and from work in the city, you’ll want something with excellent fuel efficiency.

Alternatively, if you’re planning on using the truck for outdoor recreation activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping, you’ll want something a little more rugged. You will undoubtedly need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Finally, consider hauling and towing capacities. Will the truck be towing a camper, boat, or trailer?

Decide What Features Are Important to You

Learning how to buy a truck that’s perfect for you means prioritizing your wants and needs. For example, do you want all the bells and whistles of high-end luxury models? These include things like smart entertainment systems, top-notch speakers, heated and cooled seats, advanced driver features, and more.

These models are more expensive but provide much more comfort, luxury, and convenience.

Do Your Homework

Before buying a new truck, it’s vital to do a little digging. Lookup vehicle ratings and reviews.

Look at professional safety ratings from certified organizations. However, you should also see what other drivers have to say about the vehicle. Find customer reviews and testimonials from people who have the same truck you’re considering buying.

For reference, check out this review on the Chevy Silverado.

Decide if You Want to Buy New or Used

Another important step in the truck buying guide is deciding if you want to buy a new or used pickup. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument.

New

Buying a brand new pickup means you’re getting a vehicle with no previous owners. It also comes with manufacturer warranties that will last up to 60,000 miles or five years. However, brand new trucks are much more expensive and can lose as much as 30% of their value in the first year.

Used

Alternatively, buying a used truck most likely means forgoing any warranties. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure you’re buying from a credible seller to avoid buying a truck with pre-existing issues. However, buying used may save you thousands of dollars and grant you access to high-end models you may not have been able to afford new.

Certified Pre-Owned

Finally, there’s a happy medium between the two options. CPOs are slightly used vehicles that have been refurbished to like-new condition. They’re more expensive than traditional used vehicles but are given new warranties.

Get the Vehicle History Report

Learning how to buy a truck used means getting your hands on the vehicle history report. This is especially important when buying from a private seller. The vehicle history report records vital information about the truck’s past, such as:

Number of previous owners
Locations of registration
Accident/repair history
Maintenance history
Factory recalls
Commercial history (used in a commercial fleet for rent or lease)

Technology has made tracking a vehicle’s history easier than ever. As such, it’s now virtually risk-free to buy a vehicle with s solid history report.

Take the Truck on a Test Drive

Last but not least, when buying a new truck, make sure you test drive it before you make any final decisions. For all you know, you may not even enjoy driving the model you’ve picked out. Make sure the truck feels intuitive, responsive, and easy to handle.

Depending on the type of truck and what you’ll be using it for, you may want one that produces minimal engine noise and road noise. If the vehicle is used, make sure all the instrument panels, driver features, entertainment equipment, and other electronics work properly.

Regardless of the temperature outside, ensure both the heating and the air conditioning work, as well. Have someone stand outside and check the brake lights, headlights, brights, turn signals, etc.

If you feel it necessary, consider taking the truck to a trusted mechanic for a full inspection.

Looking for More Tips on How to Buy a Truck?

We hope our list helps you find the best pickup truck you’ll cherish for years to come. And remember, if you can’t afford the truck you want now, save up for a few months to make your dream a reality. Patience pays off.

And if you’re looking for more tips on how to buy a truck and other auto-related news, be sure to check out some of our other articles before you go. We have an entire section dedicated to the auto industry for people just like you.

Improving Mobility for Kids with Cerebral Palsy: 5 Steps You Can Take

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It takes a village to improve mobility in a kid diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy, but without a proper battle plan, some efforts may be all for naught while others may simply not yield the best results. In this post we have rounded up a five-step guide for getting you started. But first let’s see how cerebral palsy affects mobility in children.

How Cerebral Palsy Affects Mobility

Mobility limitations experienced by children with cerebral palsy vary from patient to patient as there are no two diagnoses alike. And the diagnosis can be mild, moderate or severe. But all cerebral palsy patients have something in common: Their mobility has been affected and not for the better.

The level of impairment depends on the type of cerebral palsy and the severity of the diagnosis. There are four types of CP and just as many ways the condition manifests itself:

· Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of CP, with 80% of CP patients being diagnosed with it. Patients with spastic CP have an issue with muscle spasticity and muscle stiffness and tightness, which means that they may experience uncontrolled movements, difficulty in walking, and coordination and posture issues. In severe cases, children with spastic CP cannot walk at all.

· Dyskinetic cerebral palsy is the second most common type of CP, but just 5 to 6% of children with a CP diagnosis are affected by it. Patients diagnosed with dyskinetic CP may experience involuntary movements (including twisting), repeat movements, posture and coordination issues, varying muscle tone from too weak to excessively tight.

· Ataxic cerebral palsy is the rarest form of CP. Patients affected by it have problems with coordination and may experience gait issues such as spreading their legs when walking, bad posture, and poor balance.

· Mixed cerebral palsy – the symptoms are a blend of the mobility limitations mentioned above.

5 Steps to Improve Mobility in Your Kid

Depending on the type of CP your child has been diagnosed with, you can take all or just some of the following steps. However, regardless of the severity of the condition, always consult with a professional before trying a new step with your kid. Early intervention is the key here for the best outcome, but uninformed decisions may negatively affect our kid’s prospects.

Step 1: Assessing Your Child’s Mobility

Each CP patient needs a personalized treatment plan for a successful recovery. But for that you will need to properly assess the young patient’s mobility issues. Things like type of CP, location of impairment, the extent of brain damage, severity of symptoms are all factors that need to be taken into consideration.

The following areas will need to be evaluated during the initial assessment:

· Muscle tone

· Reflexes

· Coordination

· Posture

· Muscle control

· Balance

· Fine and gross motor functions

· Ability to perform simple tasks like feeding oneself, getting dressed, using the bathroom, etc.

· Diet, as some CP subtypes may be made worse by nutrient deficiencies even before the child was born.

Medical professionals may use state-of-the-art medical devices to assess all these aspects and issue a customized treatment plan. This plan will include methods to address mobility limitations in both legs and arms to ensure that the patient’s walking and mobility issues affecting the upper body are fully addressed.

A doctor may need to run several tests before he or she can come with a comprehensive assessment of a child’s mobility issues.

Step 2: Set Goals for Therapy

The lack of goals for improving or restoring mobility may lead to wasted resources, frustration, and less-than-ideal outcomes. Your child’s diagnosis is unique so there are various ways of achieving the ultimate goal of a customized care plan, namely achieving the highest degree of independent living and quality of life the diagnosis permits.

Some of the goals you should keep in mind when tailoring a treatment plan with your child’s healthcare provider include improving/ restoring mobility, control the pain, boost current levels of independence, prevent CP-related complications such as post-impairment syndrome that usually appears later in life, optimize muscle tone, encourage self-care, and manage secondary symptoms such as seizures.

Step 3: Create a Personalized Care Plan

After determining your child’s mobility limitations and therapy’s goals, it is time to create a personalized medical care plan. Don’t expect your child’s primary care provider to come with a standard protocol as there isn’t one for cerebral palsy.

The plan should cover all bases when it comes to mobility issues and goals for therapy and must include both conventional and complementary therapies, along with alternative treatment options.

When drafting a plan include:

· Therapy options (physical therapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy)

· Medication (in some cases it might not be required)

· Corrective surgery (if absolutely necessary)

· Mobility aids, including walkers and eating aids

· Home modifications (families affected by cerebral palsy often need to make modifications in their home to accommodate the child’s needs)

· Strength training (this type of training has been proven very affective at improving mobility in CP patients)

· Any other complementary and alternative treatment options that your kid’s doctor says they may work.

As the child grows, you will need to adjust the plan and consult with the kid’s educators and instructors on new ways to improve mobility depending on the educational settings’ limitations.

Step 4: Build a Dream Team of Experts

This step is easier said than done as you’ll likely find the best people to work with your child during your journey towards recovery. Make sure that you have the right primary care physician on board as he or she will be able to refer you to the right specialists for your kid’s needs.

You might have to need to work on several medical conditions stemming from the primary diagnosis at once. So, your medical team might need to include:

· Physical therapist

· Occupational therapist

· Massage therapist

· Developmental pediatrician

· Neurologist

· Orthopedic surgeon

· Rehabilitation medicine specialist

· Nutritionist

· Orthotist

· Counselor

· Trainer

Step 5: Keep a Record

By keeping track of your child’s medical history, therapy sessions, medications, and other interventions, you’ll be able to tell what works and what doesn’t work to improve your little angel’s mobility.

What’s more, in some states, primary care physicians may be able to legally destroy some or all medical records after several years. You’ll also need a copy of medical records and detailed log of all interventions to share with new experts on the team, health insurers, lawyers, and authorities.

Harry Styles × Vogue

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By Cassandra Yany

Harry Styles made history Friday as the first male to grace the cover of US Vogue. Styles defies gender stereotypes in the fashion magazine, which has become a point of controversy on social media in the days following its reveal.

On the cover of the December issue, Styles is photographed in a field wearing a pale blue, lace Gucci dress. He is featured wearing different skirts a number of times throughout the spread.

“Clothes are there to have fun with and experiment with and play with,” Styles says in the cover story. “What’s really exciting is that all of these lines are just kind of crumbling away. When you take away ‘There’s clothes for men and there’s clothes for women,’ once you remove any barriers, obviously you open up the arena in which you can play. I’ll go in shops sometimes, and I just find myself looking at the women’s clothes thinking they’re amazing.”

While most fans took to social media to praise the artist for his redefinition of gender norms in the shoot, some public figures shared their distaste for the photoshoot and Styles’ stereotypically feminine attire.

Coservative author and political activist Candace Owens quote-tweeted Vogue’s post promoting the cover story, saying “There is no society that can survive without strong men. The East knows this. In the west, the steady feminization of our men at the same time that Marxism is being taught to our children is not a coincidence. It is an outright attack. Bring back manly men.”

Styles’ supporters quickly called out Candace, posting TikTok videos of her wearing a pantsuit, citing her hypocrisy. Actress and filmmaker Olivia Wilde responded to Owens’ tweet with a simple, “You’re pathetic.” Styles is set to star in Wilde’s upcoming film Don’t Worry Darling.

Conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro had a similar reaction to that of Owens, saying “Outward indicators of masculinity and femininity exist in nearly every human culture. Boys are taught to be more masculine in nearly every human culture because the role of men is not always the same as the role of women. The Left knows this, of course. The POINT of style doing this photo shoot is to feminize masculinity.”

One of the most recent celebrities to jump to Harry’s defense has been internet personality Logan Paul. On the latest episode of his podcast “Impaulsive,” Paul showed his respect for Styles in his effort to challenge social norms. When his co-hosts questioned his stance on the issue and the “manliness” of the dress, Paul said “What is manly to you? What does it mean? Is manly like being comfortable in your own skin and being comfortable with who you are, regardless of what people think about what you’re wearing?”

On social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok, it is evident that more users praise Styles than criticize him for his bold statement in the cover. Many argue that fashion choices do not define a person’s identity. Despite his detractors, Styles remains one of the biggest names in pop culture and it doesn’t look like his widespread admiration is going anywhere with his first solo single “Sign of the Times” just re-entering the Top 100 US chart on iTunes.

CBD and Coffee: What You Need To Know

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A daily routine for most people is drinking a cup of coffee in the morning. However, it can produce negative side effects like – feeling anxious, jitters, increased heart rate, etc. So, it’s no surprise that people started adding CBD into their cups of coffee. You may be wondering if adding CBD to your coffee will do anything; here is what you need to know about CBD and coffee.

The Stimulating Effects

It’s no secret that coffee has stimulating effects that most of us enjoy; this is the reason why we drink it after all. This can include a sense of being alert and concentration. Although it sounds nice it can quickly escalate into anxiety and other side effects. Therefore, it only makes sense why people decided to start adding CBD into their coffee. When you’re trying to relax you may reach for a CBD Tincture. So, naturally you’ll want to add it to your coffee to give it that boost you’re looking for. Plus, the added terpenes can make your coffee experience slightly better.

The best way to include CBD into your coffee is by adding a couple of drops in your cup. However, you want to make sure the coffee is not scalding hot. Otherwise you run the risk of burning the CBD, causing it to lose its potency. Instead, try adding a couple of drops after you’ve added your milk . Or, you could let your coffee cool down before you decide to add a couple of drops. If the coffee is too hot to drink then it’s too hot to add CBD. Also, try pairing up different Tincture flavors to your coffee to better the taste. This way you’re enjoying your coffee while taking in some CBD at the same time. There are a couple of other popular methods of enjoying CBD with Coffee.

Vaping CBD and Coffee

There are some people who enjoy smoking a cigarette with their coffee. They do this because they feel that it gets their metabolism going. However, you are able to vape some CBD and enjoy a nice cup of coffee at the same time. A good product to try this with is our Active Full Spectrum CBD Pen. This vape pen comes infused with caffeine, full spectrum CBD, and Terpenes. Since coffee already has caffeine, adding more caffeine to the equation can enhance your coffee experience. It might not get you the same effects as smoking a cigarette but it’s a great alternative.

Sublingual

Another option that you have is taking CBD drops sublingually. When you finish your cup of coffee you can put some CBD oil under your tongue. This way you can chill with some CBD after you’ve finished your coffee. You’re able to get CBD into your system without spreading it out in a cup of coffee. You’ll want to stick to this method if you’re the type of person that doesn’t tend to finish your coffee. That way you’re not leaving behind any CBD.

What Kind of Coffee to Use

With many new companies and cafe’s emerging a common question is what kind of coffee to use. Although it’s ideal to use a water soluble CBD instead of oil soluble; CBD oil can work great with coffee. A lot of new products offer CBD infused coffee that just requires warm water to enjoy. However, the type of coffee used depends on your preference.

For ready made-infused coffee a Keurig cup is probably the best option. This is because you know how much CBD you’re getting in every cup. However, other infused brands do offer an estimate but won’t always be an exact amount. Although these are great, we still would recommend taking your CBD sublingually after you’ve enjoyed your cup.

The Right Dosage to Take

You might be wondering what is the right dosage to take. Many people tend to jump right in to taking CBD and that’s ok. CBD might be new to you or you might be a seasoned veteran and have been taking it for years. Whatever the case might be the right dosage depends on several things.

First, start with the recommended dosage on the bottle. You will have to consider the strength of the CBD in questions. Dosages vary depending on the strength. If you have a higher strength form of CBD a little will go a long way. However, it might be higher in price; but it tends to last longer. This is because you will not need as much to get the desired effects.

Conclusion

Pairing the right CBD with your morning cup of coffee is a great way to start the day. You will enjoy the stimulating effects of how CBD interacts with coffee. How you take your CBD is as equally important as what type of coffee you choose. Pairing the right cup of coffee with the perfect amount of CBD makes for a great experience. We encourage you to be bold, and try something new – you might fall in love with the combination.

Know the Five Factors for Selecting a Forex Broker

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When you get down to the business of choosing a forex broker, there’s a lot to think about. In fact, of the dozens of factors to consider, five stand out. They can make or break an informed person’s decision about what platform to choose for daily trading. Here are more details about each of the five criteria.

Reliability and Reputation

It’s true when you choose any product or service provider that the company’s reputation means a lot. So does its reliability, but reputation should come first on your research list. How do you learn about a forex brokerage’s reputation? Check out several of the top review sites and see what current and former customers think. You have to be a bit careful here because some of the sites are bogus. If you’re like most people, you already know of a few trusted places you can go for honest reviews. While reading through people’s comments, see what they have to say about reliability, namely the broker’s ability to execute trades on time and for the correct amount. Try to see what customers say about overall reliability and about specific topics like response to customer inquiries, resolution of problems that come up, and the amount of website downtime that occurs, if any.

Trading Conditions

The list of trading conditions that forex enthusiasts should look for include low or no minimum balances, comfortable trading leverage, low fees on transactions, and a lack of add-on charges and expenses. Why do you want and need these conditions? Because they allow you to do what you do without having to fork over a substantial sum of money. For instance, if transaction commissions are large, you’ll find yourself constantly struggling to make highly profitable trades just to eke out a minuscule profit. Unless you’re wildly successful, commissions can eat up your bottom line rather quickly. Minimum balances are not as bad, but who wants to sign on with a brokerage firm that requires a $1,000 account balance before you can begin buying and selling currency pairs? The answer is no one.

Likewise, the best forex platforms will offer you a significant amount of leverage. That means your $50 investment might be able to control 20 or more times that amount on a given trade. Leverage is the most potent tool you have for making large profits on small investments. Before you sign on with a broker, make certain that you clearly understand how much leverage you’ll have from day one. And if the website isn’t upfront about the issue, email or call to find out.

Selection of Instruments

The term instruments in the world of investing refers to things like stocks, bonds, foreign exchange currency pairs, precious metals, options, futures, and more. Our focus is forex, so what we’ll be looking for is someone who allows us to choose from as many pairs as possible. At a minimum, you’ll want access to the majors, namely the following pairs: EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, AUD/USD, USD/CHF, NZD/USD, and USD/CAD. The vast majority of daily volume takes place in the majors. Plus, from an individual’s point of view, these pairs are ideal instruments because they’re very easy to research, are often in the news, and have the highest liquidity of all.

Trading Platforms

Find out what platforms will be available to you. Some of the newer forex brokers only offer one, and that’s an in-house version that might not be suitable for your style of doing business. The good news is that many have versatile offerings that include the classic, best-known platforms. This is a key consideration because without an adaptable, versatile way to buy and sell, you might find yourself stuck in a rut. It’s usually simple enough to investigate this point just by visiting the main website.

Resources for Traders

Look for a provider who has extensive research, charting, news, and other resources. This point is especially vital for newcomers. Earning a profit in the markets is all about being informed and having the freshest information possible. Foreign exchange, more than any other trading instrument, is highly dependent on world news and current economic trends. If your information source is delayed even by an hour, your chance for profiting on a deal will decrease considerably.

Other resources include things like simulators, on which you can practice with fictitious money as you learn all the ins and outs of the order-placement systems. It’s also wise to check into whether you’ll have access to educational webinars and tutorials on important topics. Some providers offer extensive training for newcomers in addition to use of a simulator.

Tips For Supporting Ethical Fashion

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There is no time like right now to make the switch to ethical fashion, with the report Future of Consumer Demand showing that the vast majority of Americans place a high importance on buying goods that are ethically produced. When it comes to fashion, the exact definition of ‘ethics’ is difficult to provide, since it extends to a wide array of issues – including fair working conditions, sustainability, support for upcoming creators, animal welfare, and fair trade. A recent Futerra survey showed that around 90% of consumers in the U.S. and the U.K. want to make a positive difference with each purchase they make. They feel that their actions can be part of a big wave that reduces pressing problems such as global warming. If you are ready to start supporting companies that are ‘giving back’, what qualities should you look for in your chosen brands?

Ethical Working Conditions

If you are drafting a list of fashion and accessory companies you would like to start supporting, spend time getting to know their policy on working conditions. For instance, if you are buying luxury gems such as diamonds, ensuring they are conflict-free and ethically sourced is key. More than 99% of accessible diamonds meet Kimberley certificate standards. However, this certificate is a logistic document that states a rough diamond was exported from a specific country under the stipulations of the Kimberley process. It does not tell you if the mine a specific diamond was obtained from provides local jobs or funds opportunities for diverse groups such as women. Therefore, inquiring about these matters can help you make a decision when considering various brands or jewelry houses.

A Passion For Sustainability
It is very easy to see which brands are 100% committed to lowering their carbon footprint. Truly green brands such as Stella McCartney have been raising the bar in terms of the use of organic, recycled and upcycled materials practically since their launch. Brands should do more than release the odd sustainable collection. They should have published policies regarding energy use, water saving, ethical sourcing of materials (i.e. materials should not hail from endangered forests), and the establishment of strict quality and sustainability standards. They should also commit to reducing oil-based synthetics during the manufacturing process.

Supporting Innovation

Check out the efforts made by each brand to support the Planet. Some have come up with innovative ways to put an end to problems such as plastics. Pangaia, famed for its über-chic tracksuits, use material obtained from recycled bottles. The fabric obtained is then colored with natural botanical dyes, and ‘freshened up’ with natural peppermint, which battles bacteria. Reformation (which manufactures swimwear) also creates items made with recycled plastic, while Isbjörn of Sweden uses fish trap to create resilient items that are also 100% PFC-free and bluesign certified.

Design For Life

Ethical fashion should also aim to be used by several owners so as to prolong the life cycle of every item and reduce the amount of waste that is overburdening landfills. Essén is one such label; it produces all collections in small batches, moving away from the idea of short-term trends and seasonality. The aim is for every single item to be used throughout the year, with minimalist looks holding sway in the summer and layering being embraced to stay warm and cosy during the winter. Another interesting minimalist brand is Working Title. In order to reduce its carbon footprint, this company only sells made-to-order items, meaning that every single outfit they make is fully desired and cherished. When purchasing items for a new season, go with items you think will stand the test of time. Ensure you have wardrobe essentials such as a ‘little black dress’, a white tailored top, black trousers, and a good coat you can dress up or down. You can still stay in trend, buying a couple of ‘in’ clothing items and accessories but mainly sticking to items you know will look good just as good next year as they do this year.

Choosing Durable Items

Genuinely sustainable items should be able to withstand plenty of wear and tear if it is to stand the test of time and be worn a lifetime or passed down to various users before being thrown away. Isbjörn, mentioned above owing to its innovative spirit, also has a big focus on durability. All items are made with materials built to last, and have sewn-in labels with space for three kids’ names (the aim being that every piece should be used by at least three people). The company goes a step further, offering to replace any items that are broken. Why buy a new coat when your favorite comfy coat can be repaired and look as good as new? Companies should ideally offer customers tips to increase the lifespan of clothing. These can include information on how to repair and wash items. They can also include suggestions on where to donate clothes once customers are done with them. The brand Vaude, for instance, has a free online platform called iFixit, which provides instructions on how to fix various products.

Embracing Diversity

Sustainable companies that truly desire to make a difference should take other ethical considerations into account, one of which involves embracing diversity. The 21st century is arguably the first to embrace different races, body types, and ages in advertising and fashion. Brands should do more than simply market themselves as ethical; they should also put their money where their mouth is, releasing collections in sizes that reflect the diversity of their customer base. Just a few brands that have already done so include Adidas, Apiece Apart, and Diane von Furstenberg. The latter’s iconic wrap dresses are now available in sizes 14 to 24, thanks to its recent partnership with Honoré.

If you are ready to make more eco-conscious fashion choices, a good place to start is by checking out the sustainability policies of your favorite brands. Those that do value ethical working conditions, the environment, and other issues such as animal welfare, will usually share their values with you via their website and social media channels. Be vigilant about shopping for jewelry as well, since truly ethically sourced diamonds have more to them than simply complying with the Kimberley certificate standards. When choosing a brand to support, also think about the extent to which they are truly making an effort to effect change. Efforts can range from choosing innovative materials right through to improving durability and educating customers on how to increase a product’s lifespan. Finally, this millennium is one that is firmly focused on diversity. Ethical companies should support the idea that all human beings have a right to look and feel like their best selves through the clothes they wear. Companies can show their commitment to diversity by employing models with varying ages, races, and body types. They can also make collections in various sizes so that their garments can be worn by a truly representative group of people. One of the best ways to find out more about fashion brands is to check out their websites. If they are truly serious about sustainability and ethics, they will most likely have a sustainability section in which they list the many steps they are taking to change the superficial reputation that fashion can sometimes have.

Free Ways to Have Fun in Montreal This Summer

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You don’t have to break the bank to have an amazing time in Montreal. The city is filled to the brim with stunning museums, gorgeous nature parks, and frequent cultural festivals. The best part? Most of the best things to see in Montreal are actually completely free.

Travelling on a budget may be tricky but in a city like Montreal, it’s easy to have an unforgettable trip without spending a fortune.

#1. Explore the natural beauty of Mount Royal Park

The namesake of Montreal is also one of its main attractions, the beautiful Mount Royal. This peaked hill stands tall in the centre of the city, surrounded by a nature park designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the renowned architect who made New York’s Central Park a reality.

Mount Royal Park is especially beautiful in the summer for picnics, relaxing by Beaver Lake, or hiking to the top for some spectacular views. You can spend a whole day here and all without spending a bit.

#2. Create your own bike tour of the city and surrounds

A great way to spend a day without breaking the bank is by seeing the city on a bicycle. Montreal is crisscrossed with bike paths that total a length of over 500km and all are open to the public for free.

Cycle along the Lachine Canal into Old Montreal, pass the Olympic Village, and enjoy the sights of Parc La Fontaine along the way. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can even make your way off of the island to explore the north and south shores.

#3. Get your culture fix at one of the city’s amazing museums

The Musee des Beaux Arts

For lovers of art and photography, there is no better way to spend an afternoon for free than at The Musee des Beaux-Arts. Along with a permanent exhibition, the museum features artwork from Canadian and European artists like drawings, engravings, silverware, and works of art from ancient Asia, Egypt, Greece, and South America.

Modern art aficionados can also see Andy Warhol’s advertising on display too! Museum admission is free for all on the first Sunday of the month and every day for those 20 and under while seniors (65+) are admitted free on Thursdays.

The Redpath Museum

The Redpath Museum is named after a 19th-century sugar baron who financially supported the museum on the campus of McGill University.

History and science geeks will get a kick out of the wide range of fossils (including dinosaurs), skeletons of rare and extinct animals, rocks and minerals, and a fine collection of Egyptian antiquities that the Redpath has to offer. And best of all, admission is free.

#4. Partake in the summer festivals

Montreal is known as a festival town and it’s no wonder with locals that love to eat, drink, and celebrate life every day of the year.

The city is abuzz with music festivals throughout the year like the International Jazz Festival, Les Francofolies, Les Nuits D’Afrique, and the indie music festival Pop Montreal. Music lovers, rejoice! From shows and live entertainment, the summer is ablaze with music — and all of it is completely free.

#5. Enjoy the spectacle of the International Fireworks Competition

Summer visitors to Montreal will likely be familiar with the International Fireworks Competition there that takes place twice a week throughout June and July. This epic (and free) attraction draws locals and tourists alike to the waterfront of the Old Port, the Jacques Cartier Bridge, or the amusement park, La Ronde, for the best views.

#6. Stay in and relax

Whether you’re a Montreal local or on a summer holiday, some days you may just feel like staying in and snuggling up with a glass of wine and a good movie.

For a fun and free good time, put on your comfiest outfit and try your luck at one of Canada’s great online casinos with free spins that require no obligation and are easy to activate. Who knows? Your free spins might end up paying off!

MONTREALIVE

The vibrance of the city is undeniable, as is the accessibility for all types of travellers on any budget. There are delicious cheap food choices, it’s easy to walk or cycle around, and there are plentiful free activities to do and things to see – especially in the summer when nearly every week hosts some kind of festival, street fair, parade, or cultural show.

Montreal has been called many things throughout the years. From “The City of Steeples” to “Festival City”, “The City of Saints”, nothing captures the essence of the city as well as its most recent nickname: “Montrealive”.

Premiere: Summer Watson Inspires People To Take Their Masks Off And Show Their Core On New Single “Unveiled”

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The wonderful Classical crossover icon, singer-songwriter Summer Watson, is releasing a much anticipated new single, “Unveiled,” following-up on her previously released song “Break The Silence.” Both singles are off her upcoming album, also titled Unveiled. Summer Watson has graduated from the Royal College of Music, and throughout her education, she has received numerous individual awards and grants. Blending her classical textures with pop sonic constructions, Summer is the first-ever classical artist to sign a £1mln deal with Sony Music, which comes as no extraordinary fact once we listen to her hypnotic and incredibly beautiful voice. This time, Summer Watson is releasing her own music, after singing other artists’ music for years. What radically changed her approach in life is a series of difficulties to face, among which being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. It is noteworthy to mention that she has overcome cancer with natural treatments only, as she refused to undergo chemotherapy. Her warrior spirit and skills to adapt to new situations have helped her become a stronger version of herschel;f than she ever was before.

Both “Break The Silence” and “Unveiled” are aligned in their purpose and mission; to heal and be true to oneself. She is a lyrical healer, and uses music as a powerful tool of expression to help others overcome and understand what she herself has painfully learned along the way. The LA-based classical crossover star is rapidly and exponentially expanding her fan base this year, with her wisdom, beauty, and charisma simply being mind blowing, and after listening to the first two parts of her upcoming album, we are highly anticipating its release.

Listen HERE.

Everything We Know About Managing Pain With Cannabis

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Though studies have found that CBD is invaluable in helping manage certain seizure disorders and that THC is a near-miracle treatment for those suffering from nausea and loss of appetite, there is one issue that cannabis users always come back to: pain management.

Chronic pain is one of the worst diagnoses imaginable. Often, the source of chronic pain is difficult for medical professionals to identify, which makes it almost impossible to treat effectively. Current pain management solutions include opioids and NSAIDs, both of which can have devastating impacts on health and well-being in the short and long term. Thus, it makes sense that natural, safe cannabis is rapidly becoming a popular pain management solution for those suffering from chronic pain.

Yet, the jury is still out with regards to whether cannabis does actually positively affect the experience of pain. Here’s a rundown of current research regarding pain relief and cannabis, so you can make an informed decision for your health.

Pain Reception and the Endocannabinoid System

You might believe that pain reception is solely the realm of the nervous system. Nerves throughout your body help you sense and experience the world around you, so why wouldn’t nerves be responsible for detecting and communicating pain? It seems that it is slightly more complicated than that.

Closely associated with the nervous system — and several other systems within the body — is the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS has many responsibilities essential for maintaining life, chief among them being the management of homeostasis, or internal balance despite external change. To accomplish this, the ECS can shift core temperature, moderate metabolism, elicit stress responses and, most germanely, signal pain.

Since discovering that the endocannabinoid system is affiliated with the experience of pain, many studies have sought to better understand its role. Though knowledge surrounding this issue continues to evolve, at present researchers believe that the ECS has control over blocking or permitting the sensation of pain. It does this by creating a compound called palmitoylethanolamide, or PEA, which binds to receptors in the nervous system to send messages about pain to the brain. PEA has analgesic properties, meaning it essentially blocks the experience of nociceptive pain, or pain that develops as the result of physical stimuli, like a hot pan or a strained muscle.

There is another type of pain, called neurological pain, that results from a malfunctioning nervous system possibly caused by damaged nerves. Though less is understood about the ECS’s role in moderating neurological pain, there is some evidence that endocannabinoids can impact this pain experience as well.

Analgesia Through THC and CBD

Through history, marijuana has been used as a tool for managing pain, and many sufferers of chronic pain vociferously argue that weed is one of the only truly effective treatments for their condition. As a result, research has sought to better understand what compounds within cannabis function as analgesics and how.

Unfortunately, science has not yet revealed all of these secrets. Currently, the two most-studied compounds unique to cannabis are the cannabinoids delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol / delta-8 THC, and cannabidiol, or CBD.

THC is the dominant compound responsible for getting marijuana users high. It binds directly to the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptors, which are located primarily in the brain and digestive system. In contrast, researchers aren’t certain how CBD interacts with the human body; it seems to encourage either the ECS or the nervous system to release endocannabinoids or neurotransmitters.

Both THC and CBD can be valuable in mitigating the experience of pain. THC has an almost identical structure to the neurotransmitter anandamide, also known as the bliss molecule. Thus, those suffering from chronic pain can use THC as a distraction for their brains, a way to feel good. Further, there is evidence that the endocannabinoids and/or neurotransmitters released by CBD help eliminate inflammation and block pain temporarily, which can be an immense relief.

Conclusion

Science will continue to reveal more about how the ECS interacts with pain expression and how compounds with cannabis can be applied to make chronic pain more manageable. If you suffer from chronic pain, you might want to take advantage of free resources like Weedmaps, which not only has information on the best medicinal marijuana strains but also compiles maps of nearby dispensaries as well as updates on cannabis research.

Pain remains a frustratingly difficult subject to study, but the discovery of the ECS, endocannabinoids and cannabinoids have rocketed research forward. Chronic pain could have a solution in your lifetime, and the solution could be based on weed.