On the Cover: Acrylicana
By Stephanie Lynn, age 24, Massachusetts
SDM Editor-in-Chief
On the cover this month I have chosen to spotlight the vibrant, colorful art of Mary Winkler. Inspired by the bright bold colors of late '60s artists like Peter Max, Mary's Etsy business Acrylicana features visually edible items, from cupcake cell phone charms to doughnuts and sushi. In our Fun Stuff feature, I interview Mary and showcase some of her free-spirited, youthful, and delicious looking art.
41 articles and features await you this month, including some very well-written fiction. "Ish (part 3)" continues the intriguing story of Alicia, a recent grad uncomfortably entering the workplace, and her ... let's just say "interesting" relationship with her mother Annie. "Ish" is the first part of an introspective examination of a modern family of anxiety-ridden individuals.
You may notice a little something new this month - Pink Stars. Gold Stars are awarded to our featured writers who have had 10 or more of their articles published, and we add 2 new stars this month: Mariah, and Jasmin. Pink Stars will be used to designate our staff interns, college students and recent grads hard at work for Sweet Designs Magazine.
In a project started in last month's issue, interns Ashley, Kristen, Kristyn, and Sam, all current college students, have put together a helpful and entertaining orientation to your college experience. From time management to must-haves for your dorm, they have the 411 on cafeteria food, cutting classes, your college Facebook page, and pulling all-nighters.
Meet a once-fallen and now-rising star. Married at 15, in an abusive relationship, divorced at 16, and pregnant. She was called "trailer trash" by former friends who turned their backs. But the truth is, Mia was a smart and accomplished teen who made a mistake, and is now returning to life in a major way. If you ever wondered what it would be like to be married at 15, see your dreams unravel, and start your comeback, read her well written story.
Three more articles to note: Emily reflects on what it was like as a child to be told she was ugly and fat, Sam continues the magical saga of Henry (you'll enjoy this!), and Dhvani must choose between her same old friends and a chance at some cool new ones. She may be only 14, but this girl can write!
All this, plus Fall Fashions, Buffalo Plaid, a boy with a chocolate bar, Kristyn's real life American Idol experience, Forbidden Love, summer movie reviews, books to inspire you as a writer, a hott line of makeup products that'll outlast your day, a touching story about a lost little pup on campus, how YOU can travel the world as a high school student, and some of our best poetry yet.
Sweet!
