Matteo Magarotto, Lecturer in Musicology (Frost School of Music), explores how music can be said to have (or be) movement, drawing from neuroscience, metaphor theories, and the philosophy of music. DATE AND TIME: Thursday, September 18, 2025 7:30pm ADDRESS: Newman Recital Hall Reserve tickets  here. Set a reminder here. By ML Staff. Courtesy of Frost School of Music

Forté Development  has secured a $60 million construction loan for Forté Luxe , its luxury boutique waterfront community located at 12450 Crystal Cove Place in Jupiter, Florida. The financing, which closed July 29, will support continued vertical construction on the project, with completion anticipated in summer 2026.   The $60 million construction loan was provided by Kriss Capital and arranged by Michael Horowitz, Jordan Horowitz and David Horowitz of Cooper Horowitz on behalf of Forté Development.   “This financing marks an important milestone as Forté Luxe advances into the next phase of construction,” said Marius Fortelni, founder and CEO of Forté Development. “We are building something truly unique on the Intracoastal Waterway, and we are grateful to have the support of our financial partners who understand and believe in the vision.”   "We are pleased to provide $60 million in construction financing for Forté Luxe," said Jody Kriss, founder of Kriss Capital. "The project's exceptional waterfront location, strong pre-sales and experienced development team instill full confidence in its success and its positive contribution to the Jupiter, Florida, community. Kriss Capital is committed to supporting Forté Luxe until its completion."   “Forté Luxe is a great example of what can be achieved through collaboration, vision and seamless execution,” said Michael Horowitz, commercial mortgage broker at Cooper Horowitz. “Set on one of the most extraordinary waterfront sites in the Southeast, this development redefines luxury living in South Florida. It’s been a true pleasure to be part of this transformative project over the past 18 months and to witness its remarkable evolution from concept to reality. Tremendous progress continues on-site today, and we’re incredibly excited to see the final product come to life. Cooper Horowitz is proud to have played a role in financing such a landmark community.”   Forté Luxe features 17 multi-level residences on a private peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Intracoastal Waterway, offering unobstructed panoramic views of cobalt blue water. The residences range from 3,550 to more than 5,074 square feet of living area and are priced from $3.975 million to $8 million. Each home is designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive private terraces, rooftop decks, private garages and direct elevator access. Residences include refined finishes such as European-style cabinetry, Quartz countertops with waterfall islands, engineered hardwood or large-format porcelain flooring, spa-like bathrooms and walk-in closets. Every unit is oriented to capture natural light and water views, blending contemporary architecture with the area’s natural beauty.   Forté Luxe will include 13 private boat slips available for vessels up to 60 feet, which residents may purchase for dockage. Community amenities include a resort-style swimming pool, sun deck and outdoor entertainment areas. The pet-friendly development offers direct water access and no fixed bridges to the Jupiter Inlet.   Architecture is led by Alfonso Jurado. Interiors are by Interiors by Steven G., with KAST Construction serving as general contractor. Douglas Elliman Development Marketing is the exclusive sales and marketing team.   Forté Luxe is located at 12450 Crystal Cove Place, Jupiter, FL 33469. The Forté Luxe Sales Center is open by appointment only at 11911 N US 1 #102, North Palm Beach, FL 33408. For more information, call 561-800-4622. By ML Staff. Content/images courtesy of Forté Development.

As the Great Depression gripped the nation, newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched the New Deal—an ambitious series of programs aimed at restoring morale and putting Americans back to work. Hollywood responded with films that echoed the era's hardships, championed reform, or critiqued the expanding federal bureaucracy. Featuring selections from the Wolfsonian collection alongside clips from Our Daily Bread (1934), My Man Godfrey (1936), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), and others, this talk by chief librarian Frank Luca explores how cinema mirrored and shaped public perceptions of economic struggle, political hope, and national recovery. Date: Friday, September 19, 2025 Time: 6:30–8pm Location: The Wolfsonian–FIU @ 1001 Washington Avenue By ML Staff. Courtesy of The Wolfsonian–FIU

Paws Up, Brickell! The W Miami is set to host a "Yappy Hour" event at the TULUM Rooftop Bar & Restaurant to celebrate National Dog Day. The event will take place on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 6 PM to 8 PM. Guests and their beloved canine companions are invited to enjoy sips and skyline views. TULUM Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is located on the 15th Floor of the W Miami Hotel, at 485 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33131. Let's raise a glass (and a paw) to our beloved pups! Get your tickets HERE . By ML Staff. Photos/W Miami

Just under a four-hour drive from Miami, Grande Lakes Orlando invites guests to reset and recharge at its upcoming three-day Holistic Wellness Retreat , taking place August 22–24, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton Spa . Nestled on 500 acres in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, the resort destination—anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando—offers the perfect summer escape for mind, body, and soul. In partnership with the acclaimed spa community Live, Love, Spa , the retreat blends personalized wellness experiences with luxurious treatments, curated dining, inspirational speakers, and energizing fitness sessions. Guests can opt for a full overnight stay or purchase a day-pass experience. “We’ve developed a curated and holistic retreat where guests will not only leave rejuvenated, but with tangible tools they can apply to their everyday lives,” said Tony Angel, Director of Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando. “By fusing Florida’s natural beauty with the healing elements of our spa rituals, this retreat offers a truly transformative experience.” Three Days of Immersive Wellness The retreat kicks off with a welcome lunch at Vitale, Spa Café, followed by spa treatments and Cryotherapy. Evening programming includes a lively dinner reception at Fairways and a floating sound bath meditation. Day two delivers sunrise kayaking, a 5K run/walk, panels with guest speakers, and breakout sessions like yoga, bootcamp, and pickleball. The final day offers a calming wind-down with spa services, Q&A sessions, and a farewell meditation. Featured Speakers and Sponsors Guests will hear from NBA legend Charles “Bo” Outlaw and bestselling author Amanda Thebe ( Menopocalypse ). The event is supported by wellness-driven sponsors like Bathorium, Fountain Life, Essence One, and HX Expeditions. Attendees will receive branded gift packages valued at $300. The Ritz-Carlton Spa Experience The retreat is centered around the resort’s 40,000-square-foot spa, home to 40 treatment rooms, an outdoor lap pool, sauna, and the on-site café Vitale. Signature treatments utilize herbs from the resort’s organic garden, locally sourced citrus, and honey from resident bees. Retreat-only pricing starts at $1,800 per person (plus tax), while inclusive packages with accommodations begin at $2,000 , depending on room category. Reservations and additional details are available at www.grandelakes.com . By ML Staff. Photos/Grande Lakes Orlando

The digital casino industry is constantly evolving, but few would have predicted its most recent success story. Offline and online, casino gaming has been built around real-money play and the concept of trying to beat the house and land a cash win. When we take the financial side out of the equation, all of the games are fun to play. Anyone who has enjoyed free-play card games or roulette will testify to that. Spotting a potential gap in the market, a group of operators has formed the first set of social casinos, and it’s fair to say that their inception has sparked a new craze. Image by fotofabrika / Adobestock The Mechanics So, how do social casinos work? The platforms host all of the traditional casino games, including slots, blackjack, poker, plus other card and table games. Players take them on, but they cannot win real money. Instead, there are virtual currencies up for grabs. Social casino reviews  have largely been positive about the new phenomenon. The operators take away most of the gambling element, although in certain cases, it is possible to exchange those coins for cash, gift cards, or other rewards. Customers can buy packages of coins, or they can earn them in other ways. Daily login promotions and other offers can also lead to additional coins. Players can also win coins when playing casino games. If, for example, they land a winning spin at the slots, a prize is awarded, and their balance is boosted. In short, while there are ways in which to win cash, the emphasis at social casinos is on fun play, and that’s a factor that has resonated with millions of players across the US. Studies show that up to 85 million people access a social casino platform every day, so it’s clear that it’s finding more than a niche. Benefits of Free Play There is a degree of entertainment with casino games, but many players can’t enjoy them when there is money at stake. When that pressure is taken away, that demographic group can play purely for fun. To an extent, there has always been a source of free play games. Since the development of smartphones and apps, free-to-play poker has become one of the most popular gaming options. Roulette and slots are also available, along with a host of card games that aren’t traditionally found at casinos, such as cribbage, bridge and hearts. The developers of these games make money through ads and optional in-app purchases. They’ve been a big hit, and social casinos have simply tapped into the concept, while taking matters a step further. Image by Who Is Danny / Adobestock The Social Side The majority of online casinos have already recognized the benefits of setting up a social platform. Many of the real money operators now feature chat rooms, and these open up when games are loaded. Players can get involved in the discussion if they wish, or they can just continue their game in solitude. This type of chat facility also exists in a social casino setting, and that makes perfect sense. Those rooms fit the ethos of fun gaming, and they’ve been embraced by a significant proportion of players. With a moderator on hand to keep things running smoothly, contributors can talk about gameplay, or any aspect of their day. It may seem a strange concept to some, but there are proven benefits to social gaming. Research has shown  that gaming as a whole can provide advantages to mental health, while the social element can help those suffering from isolation. While anyone affected by mental health issues should also seek professional assistance, gaming can play a part in recovery for some. Facing the Future The success of social casinos suggests that the market should have a bright future. The absence of traditional gambling means that they are available in more US states than real-money platforms, and there is definite potential to expand. Social operators have, however, been subject to levels of scrutiny. While the small potential to gain cash prizes remains, there are some authorities that feel they provide a loophole in those states where online gambling is currently banned. Despite that potential concern, most projections are largely positive. At the end of 2024, one report suggested that this side of the industry would grow at an annual rate of 23%, making it worth around $36 million by 2027. Part of the reason for that optimism lies in the fact that social casinos remain in their infancy. They have yet to really break beyond the United States, and if they are accepted globally, those positive projections may come in low. The scrutiny will remain in certain areas, and it is possible that social casinos could yet be outlawed in states where online gambling is currently illegal. That would be a blow for players in those regions, but on a wider basis, social casino platforms are a growing phenomenon with a potentially limitless future. Image by Studio Romantic / Adobestock Learn more at www.casinoreviews.net X: @_casinoreviews  By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Adobestock

Memorial Hospital Pembroke  celebrated its 30 th  anniversary with a summertime barbecue that included recognition of nine employees that have been with the facility since Memorial Healthcare System began operating the former Pembroke Pines General Hospital in 1995.   30-year employees (seated) Odel Grant , Indra Jagen-Jones , Patricia Lyn , Laurel Maas , Patrice Maycock , Louise McLune , Ana Marie Navarrete , Fanny Polo , and Sheela Varghese received gift bags honoring their three decades at the hospital. Maas, a clinical manager in the Intensive Care Unit, has worked at the facility since 1975, representing 50 of the 56 years she has been a nurse.   Sheela Varghese, Patrice Maycock, Fanny Polo, Enriqueta Navarrete, Felicia Turnley, Laurel Maas, Louise McLune, Indra Jagen-Jones, Odel Grant (L to R) “These employees have embraced the vision, mission, and values of our healthcare system,” said Felicia Turnley , CEO of Memorial Hospital Pembroke. “They continue to be actively involved and committed to who we are as an organization and how we serve patients, families, and the local community.” CEO Felicia Turnley # # # Memorial Hospital Pembroke is a 301-bed facility that provides world-class care in a neighborhood hospital. Located in Pembroke Pines, it offers a wide range of clinical expertise that includes specializations in bariatrics , endocrinology and diabetes , emergency care , stroke treatment , surgery , and wound care .   Part of the Memorial Healthcare System , Memorial Hospital Pembroke is online at  www.mhs.net/locations/memorial-pembroke . Connect to the hospital’s centralized scheduling department at 954.276.5500. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Memorial Hospital Pembroke

Hublot , the first luxury watch brand in the world of football, is playing a prominent role as the tournament’s Official Timekeeper. Sixteen teams are competing at eight venues as the Swiss watchmaker times every minute of the competition.   Hublot is omnipresent on the pitch, from giant screens to LED screens and the iconic Big Bang Fourth Official’s Board to announce substitutions and added time. What’s more, match-day officials are wearing the Big Bang Gen3, created exclusively to monitor yellow cards and added time. Players, coaches and pundits will also be seen sporting watches from the Hublot Big Bang collection, including innovative new timepieces introduced to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic watch last April.  To embody its engagement, Hublot welcomes Ada Hegerberg, the first winner of the Ballon d’Or Féminin – recognizing  the world’s best female footballer – and Aitana Bonmatí, winner of the Ballon d’Or and the Golden Ball at the 2023 World Cup. Both these Hublot Friends of the Brand will be wearing the Big Bang One Click Joyful Steel Pink and Steel Orange, symbols of boldness and creativity.   ML Staff. Content/image(s) courtesy of LVMH

Image by Lance Asper / Unsplash The summer experience in Miami ? Luxury is not only a lifestyle. It’s a language. It’s a mantra. It’s a devotion . So, if you want to offer incredible summer elegance for those visiting this place as you launch your hotels and luxurious accommodations, it is essential to be aware of the right designs for pools, patios, and outdoor tiles. It’s all about the chance. At the center of this change is OUTERclé, a brand redefining what tile means in high-end outdoor design. With a commitment to artistry, heritage materials, and architectural integrity, Outerclé’s collections are becoming a go-to choice for Miami’s luxury designers, architects, and homeowners seeking surfaces that stand up to the elements while still making a statement. Here, you will explore Miami’s most coveted outdoor trends for Summer 2025 and how OUTERclé tiles are elevating everything from pool decks to patio lounges. The Rise of Cool Outdoor Living Designs “A powerful landscape unfolds like a story. Your land is your home, and within your home is the house.” - Edmund Hollander, landscape architect While Miami heat is a trademark of the season, the newest trend is all about visual coolness—creating spaces that feel fresh, breezy, and grounded even during 90-degree days. This trend isn’t just about shade and airflow; it’s about surface selection. Materials like ceramic, porcelain, and cement tile naturally reflect more sunlight than composite decking or concrete, helping to keep patios and walkways cooler underfoot. OUTERclé’s expansive outdoor-rated collections offer a palette of soft whites, pale blues, ash grays, and breezy neutrals—perfectly aligned with this light-on-light aesthetic that defines Miami modern. Poolside Relaxation That Will Remind You of the Mediterranean Image by Alexander Wark Feeney / Unsplash Design Tip: Use white or pearl-toned zellige to amplify the shimmer of pool water. Their uneven surface catches light in mesmerizing ways, creating a ripple effect both in and out of the water. Summer has always been acquainted with destinations like the Mediterranean. But, what if you’re in Miami or Vancouver, but want to exude the vibes of this region?  Miami has long embraced Mediterranean architecture, and in 2025, this classic influence is making a splash—literally—by the pool. Forget overly slick, high-gloss finishes. Today’s luxe pools incorporate handmade zellige tiles, encaustic cement patterns, and textural terracotta that feel grounded and organic. OUTERclé’s artisan-crafted options bring a one-of-a-kind surface character to pool edges, waterlines, and even submerged steps—introducing dimension and reflection that machine-made tile simply can’t replicate. Don’t forget seamless transitions, too! Spa-Like Showers and Outdoor Wellness Nooks “Wellness, in general, is more effectively achieved with a close connection to natural light, garden, and ventilation.” - Grant Kirkpatrick, architect When it comes to summer, you can’t stand being away from water and water features, as it’s just too hot. So, whenever your guests use your showers, maximize their experience by introducing some spa vibes. As wellness continues to influence home design, outdoor showers, saunas, and rinse stations are trending. Whether near a beach-entry pool or nestled into a courtyard garden, these spaces allow homeowners to embrace indoor-outdoor living with ritualistic charm. OUTERclé’s selections for these micro-retreats often lean toward tactile, matte finishes—like lava stone, textured cement, and unglazed terracotta. These surfaces are naturally non-slip, age beautifully with moisture exposure, and bring a sense of sensory grounding to any outdoor rinse ritual.  For instance, take a look at OUTERclé’s artisan pool tiles for high-end patios  that perfectly match the serene beauty and calmness of showers that will bring you to your favorite spa and wellness paradise. Color Story: Cool Neutrals Meet Tropical Accents OUTERclé offers full customization and mixing options, allowing designers and homeowners to build layered palettes that echo the coastal surroundings while keeping spaces visually grounded. The Miami summer season is the perfect opportunity and time to practice contrast, contrast, and contrast. In other words, don’t hesitate to introduce cool neutrals to tropical accents. Miami’s bold color legacy—think Miami Vice pastels and tropical florals—isn’t going away, but in 2025, it’s getting a new kind of balance. Outdoor tile designs now favor: Cool base tones (pearl, sand, dove gray) Subtle contrast (charcoal or sage borders) Natural accents (palm green, rust, ocean blue) Just breathtaking. To conclude, remember that your designs being summer-ready does not mean they won’t be aesthetically pleasing. As a matter of fact, this summer, Miami’s most beautiful outdoor spaces will be the ones that cool the senses, anchor the eye, and reflect intention in every detail. Whether it’s a shimmering zellige waterline, a textured patio that soothes bare feet, or a tiled façade that stops traffic, the right surfaces do more than decorate—they define lifestyle. With OUTERclé’s globally inspired, design-forward tile offerings, Miami homes can embody the perfect summer trifecta: elevated, enduring, and effortlessly cool.  By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Unsplash

Caitlin Collins is redefining what it means to live boldly and beautifully with purpose. A luxury fashion enthusiast, author, licensed attorney, and Lupus advocate, Caitlin’s multifaceted journey reflects both personal reinvention and unwavering advocacy. From practicing law in New York City to sitting front row at Fashion Week in Paris and Milan, her path has been anything but conventional. After a life-altering Lupus diagnosis, Caitlin stepped away from the corporate grind and embraced storytelling, creative expression, and wellness as a form of empowerment. Now based in Miami, she is on a mission to inspire others living with chronic illness to own their narratives – flaws, strength, style, and all. Miami Living (ML): Your journey spans high-powered law firms, front-row seats at Fashion Week, and now, heartfelt storytelling through your creative writing projects. How has each chapter of your life helped you reclaim and redefine your identity on your own terms? Caitlin: I’ve been lucky to have a diverse range of experiences, but everything is connected. My legal background continues to be very useful. Every industry has contracts and deal terms. Even now, as I’m figuring out the comic book industry, I’m thinking of the potential long-term legal and financial consequences of every option and decision. I love knowing how things work, and I bring that curiosity to everything I do. Learning about the fashion industry has been fascinating. A big difference between fashion and law is the value placed on individual expression. There’s not really a place for that as a practicing attorney, but it’s the mainstay of the fashion world. Of course, practicing law requires a lot of writing, but the creative writing I’m doing now is a true celebration of individuality. It is important to me to carry what I’ve learned into each new chapter; I always want to be the best version of myself I can be. And rather than be defined by external labels, I focus on internal development. All forms of knowledge are power.   ML: As someone who openly shares the raw realities of chronic illness, has it been difficult to be so open in a public way?  Caitlin: It’s super important to me now to foster genuine connections and to raise awareness for the realities of living with a chronic illness. I can only do that if I’m willing to share private, personal information. I’m not only willing to do that, I’m happy  to do it. You can’t raise awareness for something without speaking honestly and openly. After years of therapy and inner work, I have a new and healthier perspective. I’m done hiding. I no longer value secrecy; I value transparency. I don’t care what anyone thinks of me. If you don’t like me, that’s fine. I like me.    ML: Your Lupus diagnosis dramatically changed your trajectory. What did it teach you about resilience, and what does resilience look like for you today? Not in grand gestures, but in quiet, daily choices? Caitlin: Living with Lupus and the constraints that it puts on my body means I spend a lot of time alone. So, I’ve also had to become my own best friend. Learning to befriend myself has been another unexpected gift of my illness, one that no one can ever take away from me. When I went on medical leave after my diagnosis, the freedom to put my health first felt strange. Even after a month, I still found myself hurrying as I made lunch, rushing so I could get back to . . . Oh wait, there is nothing to get back to. The Real Housewives aren’t going anywhere . I had to force myself to slow down. I didn’t know it at the time and didn’t have the language for it, but my nervous system was chronically activated, even when there was no reason for it to be. This state is called sympathetic dominance. I was stuck in a chronic stress response because of the stressful life I’d been living. Switching over into my parasympathetic nervous system and finding my calm, took a lot of inner work. I had to reexamine my values. Instead of prioritizing productivity and perfection above all else, I had to find a way to appreciate calm and nurture my mental health. With the help of extensive therapy, I shifted my responses and learned to understand the value of taking things slowly.  I take my sleep seriously, too. I no longer feel any shame about the hours I sleep, when I go to bed, or when I wake up. I feel lucky to be able to sleep however long my body needs to. The outside world places a lot of value on early risers and hyper-productivity. I mean, our society really loves morning people, you know? But why is it inherently better to wake up in the earliest hours of the day? To get as much done as possible? Is that the goal? What’s actually getting done and being accomplished, though? Sometimes it’s just being busy for the sake of being busy, which is actually the opposite of productive. I never lose sight of what an honor and a privilege it is to be able to care for myself and my body, and if I need to spend the day on the couch resting, I do it. ML: Fashion can be viewed as armor, expression, rebellion, or escape. What does luxury fashion mean to you, and how has your style evolved as a form of self-expression through your health journey? Caitlin: Fashion is all of those things for me, so it’s “and” not “or.” I’ve always been into clothes. And shoes. And purses. And costumes. I’ve always been into taking pictures of my outfits and creating complementary backgrounds—I still have the proof, too, a lot of Polaroids from back in the day! At this point in my life, I surround myself with people who understand and share my deep appreciation for fashion, people who know it’s not shallow or silly. It’s like when Miranda Priestly tells off Andy for laughing at the seriousness with which they debate two belts:  “This… ‘stuff’? Oh, okay. I see. You think this has nothing to do with you.” You know the rest. On the one hand, I understand why Andy laughs. It’s a belt. On the other hand, it’s art. Either you appreciate the art or you think it’s stupid because it’s not “curing cancer,” as Andy complains to her boyfriend Nate (who is the true villain of the movie, by the way). The fashion community values individuality and uniqueness, which is a reversal of the conformist value systems of the legal industry. If you think self-expression is valueless, the fashion community is not for you. I am not for you. This is very much a rebellion against the system that made me sick. Rebellion usually involves some kind of armor. For me, it’s my sunglasses. I have severe light sensitivity, which means bright runway lights and flashing cameras can be a major problem for my health. That’s why I wear sunglasses at every event. One of the best things about the fashion community? No one ever asks me about my glasses. In fact, it’s considered normal. That’s in stark contrast to my experience in other arenas, where I am often made to feel like a diva or a freak. You can’t show up for work in a courtroom wearing rhinestone sunglasses, that’s for sure. Even when I’m minding my own business, running errands or at the airport, for example, some man will inevitably come up to me and make some comment like, “Super bright in here, huh?” Hilarious, sir. So funny. So original.  I’ve always styled myself, but I’ve also started designing some of my outfits. Bringing an image from your mind to life is very satisfying. “Fun” and “play” are important components of mental health. When everything has to be serious and have a measurable ROI, there’s no room for fun. That’s what gets you stuck in sympathetic dominance. I’m not going back there. ML: You're currently working on some creative writing projects and developing a comic book. What inspired you, and how do you hope readers will feel after encountering your work?   Caitlin: Writing has always been an ambition of mine. I wrote a lot of poetry growing up, but I was told that I should feel embarrassed about that, so I was. Still, the dream of writing a book never left me. My current creative projects are still in progress, so there aren’t any release dates to share at this point. But there will be! Reading the stories of others is a great way to build empathy. I hope that when people read my writing, they will begin to understand what it’s like to live with a chronic illness. The Lupus community needs visibility. I’ve always been into cartoons. Sailor Moon is a favorite. And I love Disney, even though I was taught it was embarrassing to be a so-called Disney adult. The new me isn’t bothered by that anymore. I can’t wait to see the world I’ve created in my head come to life. I see my characters in such vivid detail. I see purple and glitter. But I also see a deeply impactful storyline with high emotional intelligence. There’s room for both. Women can love dancing and glitter just as much as they love debate and philosophy. I want to show people what it looks like to embrace complexity. ML: Living with Lupus means navigating unpredictability – pain, fatigue, light sensitivity. How do you strike a balance between honoring your body's limits and nurturing your ambitions, especially in such visually and socially demanding spaces like fashion and publishing? Caitlin: I use the word “no” a lot. There’s always something more I could be doing, some event I could be attending. But if I run myself into the ground, then I’m no good to anyone. I can’t say “yes” to things out of politeness. A lot of people burn the candle at both ends, and that’s great if that works for them. I can’t live that way. I have to prioritize. I know I want to do the fall fashion weeks, so that means I’m saying no to other trips that time of year. I know I want to work on my creative projects during the day, so I say no to lunch and shopping invitations. I don’t book day-time and evening events on the same day. I have to choose.  It might feel like I’m missing out sometimes, but I remind myself that what I have is better for me. I have to think through consequences in a way that most people don’t. If I go to lunch, I’ll be tired and I won’t want to write afterwards. So, if I want to write today, I’m not going to lunch. You’ll never catch me going to a dinner one hour after my plane lands. And that’s okay! I don’t need to be at every event to have a meaningful life. It’s easy to get caught up in the FOMO cycle when you live in a place like Miami, but that’s a false God to worship.  I listen to my body. If I don’t feel well, I’m not coming. I am only close to people who understand that. If someone makes me feel bad about my health needs or tries to pressure me, they are not for me.  You can’t write a whole book if you’re out all day and night. Writing comes from a quiet, introspective place. It’s because of my choice to honor my body that I have the mental space necessary to write and create. My body forces me to stay home, but I need to be home to write anyways. I get a lot of inspiration in those quiet moments as well as when I’m reading or watching TV. It works for  me, not against me. ML: You’ve spoken about wanting others with chronic illness to feel seen and heard. What do you think is still misunderstood about invisible illnesses like Lupus, and how can we as a society show up better, for ourselves and for others? Caitlin: Chronic illness isn’t linear. Recovery isn’t linear. Progress isn’t linear. It’s tempting to try to make little rules for other people and get upset when they violate the rules you made for them. If I say that I can’t spend much time in the sun, but I post a picture outside in the sun, does that make me a hypocrite? No. It means I was lucky enough to experience some Vitamin D that day, even if for only five minutes, because I was feeling well enough to do so. There will be weeks that I cannot go outside at all. There will be good weeks where I can tolerate it.  People love to ask, “Are you better now?” I’m better now, sometimes . Other times, I’m not. My health is an erratic line on a graph with no clear trend. Please believe your friends who suffer from any kind of chronic illness.  Another thing that needs to be more widely understood is that sensory overload is real. Everyone knows what sensory overload feels like to some extent. Let’s say you’re at a concert, standing right next to the speaker, with microphone feedback blaring, and the stage lights are shining in your eyes. People are bumping into you, spilling their drinks on you. You aren’t on drugs, and you aren’t drunk—you’re dead sober. Now imagine that you’re simultaneously trying to work or hold a conversation with someone. How would you  feel? That’s what it’s like when you have Lupus. Only the severity of the stimuli required to incite that kind of reaction in your body is much, much less. It can be as little as being in front of a bright light while someone is talking. It’s like I’m trapped at that concert all the time. Sometimes I just have to leave and go home, but that doesn’t mean I don’t value you or your time. If I leave an event, that doesn’t mean I have something better to do. It’s not a value judgement on the person throwing the event. I wish society would give people more grace when they’re making decisions for themselves. That extends beyond people with chronic illness, by the way. You never know what someone else is going through, and they aren’t obligated to explain it to you. In a perfect world, I wouldn’t have to tell anyone that I have Lupus, because they would just be understanding by default.  Instead, I often feel like I’m required to explain myself and apologize for my Lupus-related adjustments all the time. When I break the social contract, people want an explanation. But if we all came from a place of empathy, it would make a huge difference in our collective quality of life.    ML: You’ve built a life of grace and grit alongside your feline companion, Winter Moon. In the quieter moments – away from the catwalks and the writing desk – what brings you peace, joy, or a sense of home? Caitlin: There’s nothing like the feeling of a cat choosing to sit on your lap! It’s better than any drug.  Because I spend so much time at home with my cat, I’ve worked really hard to turn my house into a place I want to be, one that’s comfortable for both me and Winter Moon. I’ve been renovating for years, but I can see the finish line. Be it fashion or interior design, it is important to me that my external world is an authentic reflection of my internal world. My house is my own creation, a fantasy land, filled with all shades of purple, butterflies, soft velvet, and flowers. I can’t wait to show off the finished product. It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s okay, of course. I ended up designing a lot of it myself, because I couldn’t find things that felt like “me.” It’s my home, my sacred space, and now, at last, the interior reflects that truth. Follow Caitlin on: Instagram @misscaitlincollins TikTok @ misscaitlincollins By ML Staff

Dále Zine is proud to present SLEEVE NOTES, an exhibition showcasing select inner record sleeve artworks featured in the upcoming book by Dominique Russell. These fan-made masterpieces—crafted in crayon, paint, and collage—celebrate five decades of music obsession and DIY design, spanning from 1950 to 2000. Opening night will feature a special appearance by @dominiquerussellprojects. DATE: Saturday, August 9, 2025 TIME: 4PM - 8PM ADDRESS: Dalé Zine Shop, 50 NE 40th St., Miami Florida, 33137 By ML Staff. Content/image courtesy of MDD

Witness the past reimagined as AyşeDeniz’s virtuosity juxtaposes original scores by Chopin and Vivaldi with AI re-compositions. The experience invites audiences to interact with AI-trained avatars of the composers, engaging in real-time conversations about their lives, musical ideas, and context.   “I want to bring crazy performers and composers, from two different centuries together, through the power of the piano.” - AyseDeniz ABOUT AYŞEDENIZ   In an emotional message to her fans, AyseDeniz writes,    When I was growing up, people told me that I couldn't be good in academics and in music; that I couldn't play classical AND rock; that I couldn't touch jazz or pop, and definitely cannot wear sneakers to concerts!     When I got older, industry members said I should only focus on one genre because they think YOU only listen to one genre and live in a box! Guess what - they were wrong, and I am so glad I didn't listen to any of them!   AyseDeniz is a classically trained virtuoso pianist and composer, holding a Bachelor's from Eastman School and a Master's from the Royal Academy of Music. She performed in over 29 countries as a soloist, ranging from classical concert halls to rock/jazz festivals. BBC Music Magazine named her a rising star, and she appeared on Classic FM, BBC News, The Herald, as well as in Le Figaro.    With her mission to unite audiences of all genres, ages, and backgrounds, she has amassed over 600K global fans.   In 2022, she was listed as one of the 20 under 40 Young Shapers of the Future of Music by Encyclopaedia Britannica, alongside notable artists such as Adele, Lil Nas, and Lorde.    In 2023, she released her 10th album titled "Patterns," marking her first collaboration with Audio Network UK, specifically for Film, TV and Advertising.  She made her Los Angeles debut at Walt Disney Concert Hall performing her original compositions, and won the Best Contemporary Classical Composition in Hollywood Independent Music Awards.   In 2024 her compositions were featured on Amazon Prime “Dance Life” Series and National Geographic’s “A Real Bug’s Life” on Disney +.    She is an official Kawai Artist, and is a GRAMMY® Voting Member. DATE AND TIME: Friday, September 19, 2025 7:30pm ADDRESS: Newman Recital Hall COST: $35  $30  $15 Purchase tickets here. Set a YouTube reminder here. By ML Staff. Courtesy of University of Miami