Jordan Nishkian

Sunshine, fresh air, wind whipping through your hair—there’s nothing like a good old-fashioned bike ride to let you soak up the best of summer. Well, unless we’re talking about an electric bike, of course! Whether you’ve been considering an e-bike to make long rides a little speedier or you’re an adventurer who’s always excited to try something new, there’s no better way to grab life by the handlebars and get the wheels turning this summer.

Let’s be honest–the images and feelings associated with starting or adding to your family aren’t typically ones of cold, monochromatic medical offices or being treated like a case number. RISE Fertility agrees with that sentiment entirely.

By all means, Zion Clark could be a real-life superhero. He is the Guinness World Record holder for the fastest man on two hands, is a competitive wrestler and has a theme-song-worthy name that means “highest point.” What’s more, he has the power to motivate and uplift people all around the world.

The coffee shop has long been romanticized, and rightfully so. It’s been the subject of songs and the backgrounds for first dates and daydreams. Anyone who’s had a go-to spot understands that it’s more than a place to get your daily caffeine fix—it’s an experience.

Whether you’re road tripping through the desert or hopping aboard a plane, make sure that Tucson, Arizona is the destination of your next escape. With days full of sunshine and clear nights full of stars, it’s the perfect place to get back in touch with nature and hit the refresh button. Here are 10 things to do in Tucson for the most magical vacay ever.

Whether you’re graduating soon or reliving your college days, spring break is the perfect time to shake off the dust from the daily grind and let loose. But don’t worry if you can’t or don’t feel like jet-setting internationally for spring break this year—Newport Beach has everything you need for a week full of fun, sun and maybe a little revelry to go with it.

Whether you’re taking a trip to Southern California for a well-deserved escape or simply opting for a weekend staycation, one of the best ways to enjoy an area is to get outside and explore it. And while we may be a bit outspoken, we think exploring two cities is better than one! So if you’re in the mood for an outdoor adventure, slip on something cute and comfy, and hop on your Aventon Electric Bike to take a tour around town.

When it first formed in 1999, it was impossible for heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold to foresee the impact they’d create in the music world. From their seven albums and frequent tours, the band has amassed an army of die-hard fans. Now, Avenged Sevenfold is leaving its mark on the industry once again, and this time, it’s digital.

To many, the word “family” means different things. It can mean anything from a full house of extended relatives to an individual with a pack of fur babies. For many couples, though, it means the opportunity to become parents.

Tucked away in the high desert of Joshua Tree, Fox & Feather Cabin offers a “midcentury style-meets-cowboy with a Moroccan flair” escape. It’s the ideal space for a special celebration, a romantic anniversary or for the best kind of occasion: just because.

For Southern food with a Californian influence and a view of the sun setting behind the Lantern District archway, there’s no better place to go than Craft House in Dana Point. Locals have flocked to the eatery for years, particularly for Chef Blake Mellgren’s cooking and the incredible bar experience. Not only is the Craft House team serving delicious, sustainably sourced dishes, but they’ve also added three totally unique old fashioneds to the drink menu.

She may have amassed over 800,000 followers on Instagram, but Dani Elle Speagle is so much more than a fitness influencer. Not only is she a three-time CrossFit Games athlete and a winner of NBC’s “The Titan Games,” but Speegle is also an advocate for body and food positivity, serving as inspiration for women who want to feel as powerful as they are beautiful.

After a long holiday season full of doing things for other people, why not treat yourself to a little TLC? We’re not talking about one-time luxuries like mani-pedis or a shopping spree—we’re talking about putting yourself, your health and your lifestyle first. So let’s leave the pressure-filled New Year’s resolutions or other fad goals behind in 2021 and say hello to growth, glow-ups and all-around healthy transformations in 2022.

From finding her spiritual awakening in 2008 to recently co-founding an inner wellness brand, meditation guide, author and entrepreneur Ambi Kavanagh has always listened to her heart—and the energy around her—to find the path to her higher self.

From the time he was in seventh grade, rapper Hugh Augustine has created music. It was a craft that took him from his home in the Crenshaw District to college in New Orleans, where he performed local gigs with G-Eazy and then eventually on tour around the world with Isaiah Rashad.

With its adventurous landscape, scattering of local shops and eateries along the highway and a brilliant showcase of the cosmos illuminating the night sky, Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms have attracted serenity-seekers and sun-chasers alike for years. But don’t worry if you’re not much of a camper, you don’t need a tent or an RV to get the full high-desert experience!

This year, skip the shopping carts, the wrapping paper and the nail-biting delivery delays and opt for treating that special someone to a getaway they’ll never forget! There’s no place like the present, especially when that present is a trip to one of Omni’s fabulous hotels and resorts. Omni Hotels & Resorts are the perfect places to unwind and recover from all the hectic holiday happenings. With their Holiday (Oh What Fun It Is To) Stay and Save offer, now is the best time to plan a trip. Here are three of our favorite Omni locations that everyone on your gift list will love—after all, the thought counts, but the memories are priceless.

If you’re shopping for someone who knows that the best gifts always come in small packages, look no further than Hyde Park Jewelers. A staple name in Southern California’s jewelry scene, you’ll be able to find a trendsetting piece of jewelry that’s going to make their whole year—and start the next one off brilliantly. Not sure where to start looking? We got the inside scoop from Hyde Park Jewelers themselves on what items are sure to make the best gifts ever.

Time for a desert escape? Head to Greater Palm Springs for warmer weather, stunning landscapes and some true R&R. From body scrubs and premier facials to manicures and massages, these Greater Palm Springs spas are just what you and your self-care buddy have been needing. Consider them your new relaxation destination!

‘Tis the season to be jolly…and to prep for some fun and festive holiday happenings in Orange County! While last year saw some silent nights, OC is pulling out all the stops this year to make up for lost time. So snuggle up in your coziest sweater and get ready for ice skating, a boat parade and other safe and merry winter holiday events that the whole family can enjoy. Happy Holidays!

It’s an image we’ve all seen a million times: the silhouette of a warty-nosed witch saddled on a broomstick, flying across a full, pale amber moon. There’s something iconic about the flying broomstick, and we’ve seen it recreated in tons of shows and movies like “Bewitched,” Hocus Pocus and even Harry Potter. So while that image itself isn’t new to us — it’s practically a Halloween staple — if you think about it, it really does turn into quite the head-scratcher. Who thought of this wild idea?

As most of us know, the human race has been using psychedelics for centuries, and those original uses were rooted in spirituality, ritual, and medicine. The Babongo tribe of Gabon in Central Africa utilizes the bark of the iboga plant in Bwiti for rites of passage, communal events, and personal spiritual growth. Ayahuasca is used for emotional and physical purging in the Andes and Amazon regions of South America. In Aztec and Central Native American cultures, peyote was used in communal events for emotional enlightenment, in the pacific islands, kava is practiced for both sacred and social situations, and in Mazatec practice, psilocybin is consumed for healing rituals. So how did psychedelics go from spiritual and communal events guided by shamans to becoming a cog in the Western corporate machine?

For centuries, people have turned to botany for medicine, spiritual enlightenment, and communal bonding. Across the world, people in the Middle and Medieval Ages have used plants, fungi, and even mold for rituals, healing, and exploration. Despite being used in rituals or in the presence of a healer or shaman, dealing with psychedelics in the Middle Ages was often a double-edged sword.

In many aspects of our lives, manual efforts are being replaced with a more time- and cost-effective option: artificial intelligence. Now, researchers are using AI to help uncover new organically-based substances and properties at a molecular level.

There are a million reasons to occasionally not feel in the mood. This can include everything from work stress to feeling tired, and everything in between. 2020 was the literal definition of a dumpster fire, and 2021 hasn’t shown much improvement. Life has been a lot lately, and it’s understandable if the thought of getting it on, is kind of turning you off. While those feelings are normal, a complete lack of libido or absence of sexual fantasy might be caused by Hypoactive Sexual Disorder (HSD).

People have been taking acid since the 19th century, but we didn’t know its potential for flashbacks until the 1950s — shortly after Albert Hoffman synthesized LSD. And while research has shed some light on how psychedelics affect the brain, there’s still a lot more to learn when it comes to LSD flashbacks, their causes, and how we can treat them. There are, however, a small percentage of people who have strange — and often debilitating — side effects that last for days or weeks after a halluci

We’ve all heard it before: “I’ll have kids once I get my life together” or “when I’m ready to settle down.” And, there’s no shortage of research that suggests psychedelic properties — particularly magic mushrooms — have the power to help parents create stronger bonds, have a greater sense of empathy, and overcome or manage psychological issues.

Most people know that love can be compared to a drug — and there’s a reason for that. All those hormones and oxytocin can really make that special someone feel totally addicting. But, like all highs, you usually have to come down at some point, and that’s where couples therapy comes in. So why not try to bring back that exhilarating feeling with the help of therapist-guided psychedelic use?

It’s an unofficial fact that foraging adds an extra something special to your experience. It could be growing an herb garden on your window sill, heading to an apple farm to pick your own or even heading into a forest for delicious finds like berries or culinary mushrooms. There’s something about the search that makes the discovery so much sweeter. So if you want to try out foraging your own magic mushrooms, here’s a quick look at the top 25 counties in the US for Psilocybe foraging.

Halloween season invites an eerie chill in the air, and pumpkins are finding their way into a variety of beverages as the superstar ingredient. No shade to the classic pumpkin spice latte or smoothie, but we’re thirsty for something a little more magical this year.

You’ve definitely heard about getting into an altered state by using substances like shrooms and acid, but getting high just by breathing regular ol’ oxygen might be some new information (or not). Developed in the 1970s by Psychiatrist Stanislov Grof, Holotropic Breathwork presents a drug-free way to experience altered states of consciousness through a unique breathing technique.

Is America finally backing away from the war on drugs? Recent movements to legalize and decriminalize certain substances — mainly cannabis — would suggest so. Let’s take a look at this list of which states have legalized and decriminalized cannabis and psychedelics. Here’s an update on drug policy across the U.S.

Let’s be honest, no matter how experienced someone is, there’s always a risk when it comes to recreational drug use. Since this October marks the 10th anniversary of National Substance Abuse Month, we wanted to offer up the best tips to keep yourself, and your friends, or anyone around you as safe as possible.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced psychonaut, it’s never a bad idea to look into psychedelic literature to help expand your mind before you start to explore it. Here are recommended books that everyone should have with them to help plan their next trip. These books are great for those who are new to psychedelics and want to learn more about the subject. Even if you’re completely green, these reads are still friendly and easy to follow.

One of the best parts of a trip is reflecting on the experience. Sometimes it’s enlightening, sometimes it’s terrifying and other times it’s just straight-up hilarious. But one thing that is certain — it’s almost always an entertaining story afterward. Here are some personal trip stories from fellow psychonauts that are worth a read.

Over the last three months from the time of writing this article, MindMed (Nasdaq: MNMD, NEO:MMED) plummeted 31%, atai Life Sciences (Nasdaq: ATAI) fell 32% and Compass Pathways (Nasdaq: CMPS) has dropped 19%. And it’s hit more than the Big Three too — the entire Horizons Psychedelic Stock Index ETF (NEO: PSYK) portfolio is down about 18%. So, if the entire psychedelics business has dropped 15% to 40% in just three months, there must have been some massive negative triggers sucking the life out of these psychedelic stocks, right?

While we see the value and light-heartedness in the partaking of psychedelics, we also recognize that there is a difference between recreational use and harmful substance abuse. If you or someone you love are struggling with substance abuse, we list some important resources for you to use at the end of this article.

Psychedelic art typically refers to art that’s been inspired by the use of hallucinogens, and first came onto the art scene in the 60’s as a part of a counter-culture movement. Usually, these pieces feature a bright, strong color palette, kaleidoscopic swirls, intricate lettering and clear Art Nouveau inspirations. LSD was the common drug used to explore this art movement, but others were used as well.

From college dorm parties with crushed White Claw cans and beer bongs to brunch with bottomless mimosas, alcohol and young adults is a part of everyday life for many. This has been illustrated in pop culture time and time again, as well as in real-life experiences — if there’s a social event among 20 and 30-somethings, it’s common to see everyone with a drink in hand.

Just like a cinematic mist, the spooky season has rolled in and saturated our lives. It’s the season for going to haunted houses, donning fake blood, and listening to ghost stories. We actively go fear-seeking because there’s something about it that feels so good. So, if you ever get a craving for a good scary movie, there might be a reason for that: science proves that getting a good scare has some beneficial health benefits.

As any foodie could tell you, California is blessed with a vast array of incredible gourmet eateries. In one day, you could theoretically enjoy mimosas for brunch, authentic Spanish tapas for a midday snack, then indulge on unsurpassed surf and turf for dinner. But somewhere between all the fine wining and dining, it’s nice to switch it up with a no-fuss burger and beer kind of meal.

We’re pretty lucky in Orange County; no matter what kind of food you’re in the mood for, whether it’s English pub food or a Lebanese gyro, finding your fix is only a “near me” search away. But during the Orange International Street Fair, you get to experience the flavors of many different regions and cultures while enjoying a variety of music and entertainment, all within walking distance.

East meets West in Chef Ryan Adams and Chef James Nunn’s upcoming restaurant, Parallel Pizzeria. Set to open just in time for Memorial Day weekend in Dana Point’s The Row, Parallel Pizzeria takes East Coast-style favorites and gives them a West-Coast twist.

After 12 successful years, the LAWineFest is proud to announce the inaugural premier of its sister festival in Orange County. The OCWineFest, partnering with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,  will be hosted at San Juan Capistrano’s  A Stone’s Throw Winery on March 10th and 11th.

Enjoy Drinks, Food and Good Company at this Asian-Fusion Gastropub

When a close friend told me that she would be moving out of state soon, we immediately started planning her Orange County bucket list.

We tend to have a love-hate relationship with carbs, but like any good relationship, it takes compromise!

It’s been your go-to for affordable apparel, and now H&M is making its way into your kitchen.

Sometimes it’s ok to be cheesy!

Whether you eat them as a snack or a part of a meal, nuts are an easy way to pack a healthy punch to what you're eating at any time of day!

All days of observance come from the same beginnings: commemoration. It could be a person, hobby, organization, or object. It could even be food!

No matter the occasion, if you're looking for a gift for your favorite foodie, this list has you covered!

They’re known for their smoothies and acai bowls, but there are some new exciting flavors coming to Juice It Up!

When you think of lavender the first thought that jumps to mind is probably fragrance.

I'm one of the lucky ones. I’ve lived near the coast of Orange County for nearly my entire life, and I thought that I had experienced everything that would be on the OC Bucket List. But I had no idea that there was still a little mystery left: the Secret Pools in Laguna Beach.

We all know Orange County as a tourist magnet, but there is so much more to the OC than mouse ears and sandy feet. So when you’re in the mood for something that’s not such a main attraction, these Orange County museums are the way to go.

Adding texture to your décor can change the look of an entire room. See how with Cisco Homes!

After taking a small break, La Casa Pacifica returns to real estate listings. The former home of Richard Nixon appears on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with a price of $63.5 million.

Orange County is famous for its sunshine and beaches, but we all know it’s so much more than that.

There are five main piers in Orange County; one in Seal Beach, one in Huntington Beach, two in Newport Beach, and one in San Clemente, but each brings their own experiences, styles, activities, and flavors.

Finding the perfect spot for an OC wedding isn’t too hard to do. All of the OC wedding venues have everything to make the big day a spectacular one. It’s the choosing that’s difficult!

There is something truly magical about a collection of books. It’s timeless, inviting, and creates a conversation for company.