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Life x Culture Lifestyle

50 Amazing Products With Over 1,000 Five-Star Amazon Reviews

With the amount of shady products for sale on the internet, it can be hard to buy something you can trust. Even the world’s biggest online store has been infiltrated with fakes, knockoffs, and counterfeit products that are at best simply annoying and at worst downright dangerous. Luckily, Amazon’s reviews feature makes it easier to suss out which products are worth your time and which ones are truly deserving of a 1-star review.
We looked through literally hundreds of items on Amazon (you’re welcome) to find 50 amazing products that have at least 1,000 5-star reviews. Note that this doesn’t mean these products’ reviews are all 5 stars on average, but of their many reviews, at least 1,000 of them give the product the highest marks possible. Ready to dive in and see which products are worth ordering?

Beauty

Avoid the counterfeit products: Anything on our list of beloved beauty products is legit.
[sol title=”Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay” subheader=”13,101 5-star reviews out of 18,218 total reviews – 4.4/5 average”]
If you’ve been on a beauty website at any point in, oh, the last five years, you’ve probably at least heard of the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask. Aztec Secret claims it’s the world’s most powerful facial and plenty of reviews—over 13,000 5-star reviews, in fact—seem to agree. It’s made of 100 natural calcium bentonite clay; Aztec Secret says that clays have been used since the time of Cleopatra as a natural beauty treatment. Who wouldn’t want to be like Cleopatra? (Well, minus the snake thing.)

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay / Amazon

The Aztec Secret clay, which comes from Death Valley, California, is meant to be used just five to 10 minutes at a time to cleanse your pores and draw out impurities. At under $10, it’s definitely worth a shot for a head-to-toe treatment.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Aztec-Secret-Cleansing-Original-Bentonite/dp/B0014P8L9W/”]Get it on Amazon for $8.30[/link-button]
[sol title=”Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera” subheader=”8,416 5-star reviews out of 10,645 total reviews – 4.5/5 average”]
We’ve written about Thayers before and we really do love it. It’s a cheap witch hazel toner that works on just about every skin type. In fact, it’s the favorite choice of 8,400 reviewers, who all gave it 5 stars on Amazon.
Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera / Amazon

The best part about Thayers’ witch hazel is that it comes in alcohol-free varieties, so while the witch hazel will act as a natural and gentle astringent you may be looking for in a toner, you won’t have to deal with overly drying alcohol. Plus, the rose petal and aloe vera combination is divine and will definitely make you feel fancy.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M”]Get it on Amazon for $9.29[/link-button]
[sol title=”TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum” subheader=”7,221 5-star reviews out of 9,826 total reviews-4.3/5 average”]
Who doesn’t love a good serum? This vitamin C serum is made with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid that work together to combat signs of aging like dark spots, wrinkles and lines, and general dullness.
TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum / Amazon

There are plenty of $50+ vitamin C serums on the market but the 7,000 5-star reviews on this product don’t lie. It’s a plant-based formula you can feel comfortable wearing, knowing that its active botanical ingredients are safe for all skin types.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/TruSkin-Naturals-Vitamin-Topical-Hyaluronic/dp/B01M4MCUAF/”]Get it on Amazon for $19.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil” subheader=”3,626 5-star reviews out of 3,817 total reviews – 4.1/5 average”]
Skin oils are poppin’ these days, so it’s time for you to hop on the bandwagon. Bio-Oil was originally developed and dermatologist-tested for use on scars and stretch marks, but as oils for skin have become more popular, more and more people are buying it to help other skin issues, like dry skin, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. It’s gotten a lot of love in the industry and on Amazon—3,600 people have given it 5 stars, which shows just how varied its uses (and fans) are.
Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil / Amazon

It’s hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores), plus its many botanical ingredients—calendula, lavender, rosemary, and chamomile oils—are gentle on all skin types.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bio-Oil-200ml-Multiuse-Skincare-6-7oz/dp/B00AREGVUM”]Get it on Amazon for $22.33[/link-button]
[sol title=”Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm” subheader=”3,115 5-star reviews out of 3,817 total reviews – 4.6/5 average”]
Yes, Burt’s Bees is still around, and yes, their stuff is still awesome. Compare this lip balm to the “leading brand,” and you’re sure to see a difference: Burt’s Bees uses 100 naturally derived ingredients, meaning no parabens, phthalates, or sulfates.
Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm / Amazon

These lip balms are made with beeswax—of course!—plus vitamin E and peppermint oil to hydrate dry lips and give a little tingle. At under $8 for a pack of four, we’re not saying no.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Moisturizing-Original-Peppermint/dp/B0054LHI5A”]Get it on Amazon for $7.59[/link-button]
[sol title=”LilyAna Naturals Rosehip & Hibiscus Eye Cream” subheader=”2,442 5-star reviews out of 3,538 total reviews – 4.3/5 average”]
An eye cream for under $20? We’ve gotta be kidding, right? Fortunately for us all, we are not kidding; this eye cream really is a guaranteed (5)star by over 2,000 people. LilyAna Naturals manufactures this (beautifully packaged) rosehip and hibiscus eye cream at their FDA-registered and USDA organic–certified facility; it’s vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and smells incredible. Plus, it’s made with vitamin C, vitamin E, rosehip seed oil, and organic hibiscus flower extract—botanical ingredients that pack a real punch.
LilyAna Naturals Rosehip & Hibiscus Eye Cream / Amazon

Not convinced? They even offer a 30-day money back guarantee; that’s how sure they are that you’re going to love this eye cream. Be sure to check out the before and after pics that customers have shared in the reviews—if those don’t convince you this cream is the real deal, what will?
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Cream-Moisturizer-Natural-Anti-Aging/dp/B00LV6VDG2/”]Get it on Amazon for $17.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen” subheader=”2,320 5-star reviews out of 3,099 total reviews – 4.4/5 average”]
EltaMD is a huge player in the SPF game so when we saw that one of their sunscreens has over 3,000 total reviews—2,300 of which are 5 stars—we had to look into it further. It’s key to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen and this SPF 46 oil-free sunscreen checks all the boxes!
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen / Amazon

This sunscreen is derm-approved because it won’t clog pores or cause any sensitivity issues. On top of being the perfect choice for a daily sunscreen that’ll protect you from the sun’s rays, it also contains niacinamide, a skin-restoring ingredient, and hyaluronic acid that aids in moisture and hydration.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/EltaMD-Clear-Facial-Sunscreen-Broad-Spectrum/dp/B002MSN3QQ/”]Get it on Amazon for $33[/link-button]
[sol title=”BS-Mall Rose Gold Makeup Brush Set” subheader=”2,191 5-star reviews out of 3,029 total reviews – 4.5/5 average”]
There are a lot of makeup brush brands on the market, which seems great—we love having choices! But from high-end choices that run $30+ a brush to more affordable drugstore sets, it can be hard to know which ones blend beautifully…and won’t shed worse than your furbaby. This synthetic brush set, which has nearly 2,200 5-star reviews, is a solid choice when you need a lot of brushes that really don’t suck.
BS-Mall Rose Gold Makeup Brush Set / Amazon

The set comes with five kabuki-style face brushes and nine eye brushes for eyeshadow application and blending, eyeliner, and eyebrow work. Plus they’re rose gold and we’re never not going to love rose gold.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/BS-MALL-Premium-Synthetic-Foundation-Concealers/dp/B01LZ3RLPC”]Get it on Amazon for $10.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Full Face Facial Mask Sheet, 16 Combo Pack” subheader=”2,126 5-star reviews out of 3,108 total reviews – 4.3/5 average”]
Sheet masks can be a little controversial: Some people swear by them and mask five nights a week, while others think they’re a waste of time. If you haven’t made up your mind on the issue yet, this pack of 16 Dermal Korea sheet masks are the best way to test it for yourself—for under $11!
Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Full Face Facial Mask Sheet / Amazon

There are 16 different masks here, all targeted to a different issue, and the set has earned itself over 2,000 5-star reviews. Some of our favorites include the aloe mask, which soothes the skin; the charcoal mask, which sinks deep into your pores; the smail, which uses snail secretion extract (yes, from real snails) to aid skin cell regeneration; and the hyaluronate, which uses hyaluronic acid to seriously hydrate. And that’s only four! Try out these and the other four for yourself today—just don’t forget to let us know what you think.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BAM7F8C”]Get it on Amazon for $10.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”COXRX Acne Pimple Master Patch” subheader=”1,739 5-star reviews out of 3,035 total reviews – 3.9/5 average”]
We’re of the opinion that these COSRX Pimple Patches should have way more than 1,700 5-star reviews. They work a treat on acne that’s come to a head on the surface of the skin and can nearly clear up a breakout overnight.
COSRX Acne Pimpe Master Patch

They won’t work on under-the-skin acne, like cystic acne, and that seems to have been the source of some of the more negative reviews, but when used properly—and with reasonable expectations—these pimple patches just may become your new best friend.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/COSRX-Pimple-Master-Patch-Patches/dp/B00PBX3TN6″]Get it on Amazon for $4.97[/link-button]

Books

Books that almost everyone agrees are amazing really do exist.
[sol title=”Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis” subheader=”3,853 5-star reviews out of 4,201 total reviews – 4.9/5 average”]
Heads up: This is currently the No. 1. Most read book on the Amazon Charts. So yeah, you might want to get on it. With nearly 4,000 5-star reviews, this book (from February 2018) by CEO Rachel Hollis has resonated with thousands of readers in a very short amount of time.

Throughout the book, Hollis talks about 20 different lies we tell ourselves and misconceptions we believe that ultimately hold us back from achieving our goals. It’s not all negative either: She also includes specific, actionable advice that everyone can try to figure out what’s going to make you happy and how to get there.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Wash-Your-Face-Believing/dp/1400201659/”]Get it on Amazon for $13.79[/link-button]
[sol title=”Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover” subheader=”1,486 5-star reviews out of 1,868 total reviews – 4.7/5 average”]
Another winner on the Amazon charts (with 5 stars from almost 1,500 readers), Educated is one book that’s sure to take you out of your comfort zone and make you really examine that opportunities you’ve had in life. Westover was born into a secluded, religious family, was lightly “homeschooled” in topics of herbalism and midwifery, and experienced things no child should.

Though she didn’t step into a classroom until age 17, Westover ended up attaining a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and ended up getting her PhD from the University of Cambridge. Educated is a true story of tenacity, religion, socioeconomic class, access, resources, and feminism—and is an incredibly honest look at a life most of us could never imagine.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Educated-Memoir-Tara-Westover/dp/0399590501″]Get it on Amazon for $16.80[/link-button]
[sol title=”Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan” subheader=”1,076 5-star reviews out of 2,288 total reviews – 4.1/5 average”]
You’ve probably heard of Crazy Rich Asians by now—the movie adaptation of this 2014 book that stars Constance Wu and Henry Golding was released on Aug. 7, 2018. Before you see the movie, why not read the book?

Kevin Kwan’s first novel in this trilogy received plenty of praise from The New York Times and The Boston Globe (and 5 stars from over 1,000 Amazon reviewers). The movie holds a 93 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating and grossed $25.2 million in its opening weekend. Get it while it’s hot.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Rich-Asians-Trilogy/dp/0345803787″]Get it on Amazon for $9.60[/link-button]

Fashion

Yes, you can buy cute things on Amazon. We’ll prove it.
[sol title=”Mancro Laptop Backpack” subheader=”3,129 5-star reviews out of 4,976 total reviews – 4.3/5 average”]
Look, we all love a cute shoulder bag for work: They’re stylish and they can go with you from office to dinner, but, well, they hurt. If you’re just using your bag for some light papers, you may not need anything more sturdy, but if you’re bringing your laptop with you to and from work, a backpack is where it’s at.

Mancro Laptop Backpack / Amazon

Not only is this choice from Mancro solid enough to keep your back and shoulders in-line, it is an organizer’s dream, so say 3,000 5-star reviews. With three main pockets (one of which is a separate, padded space just for your laptop), nine inner pockets, and two sealed outside pockets, you’ll have a space for everything you need day and night. Add in a theft-proof combination lock and we’re completely on board.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Backpack-Computer-Resistant-Business-Mancro/dp/B01LY3QXGP/”]Get it on Amazon for $29.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Everest Signature Waist Pack” subheader=”2,071 5-star reviews out of 2,970 total reviews – 4.4/5 average”]
Bum bags are back—sorry ’90s kids! Whether you call them waist packs or bum bags (skip the “fanny pack” phrasing to seem a bit more au courant), these little bags are perfect for quick trips running errands and for longer events like hiking or festivals.
Everest Signature Waist Pack / Amazon

When you need your hands to be free for bags, leashes, or drinks, there’s nothing better than having a little bum bag by your side. There are 2,000 people on Amazon who loved them enough to fork over those 5 stars.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BHCWEQ”]Get it on Amazon for $7.65[/link-button]
[sol title=”Leopardd Leather Wallet” subheader=”2,052 5-star reviews out of 2,742 total reviews – 4.6/5 average”]
A leather wallet for under $20? Don’t ask; we’re just going by the 2,000+ 5-star reviews.
Leopardd Leather Wallet / Amazon

This small wallet is perfect for minimalists who don’t want to carry a small duffel bag every time they leave the house: It’s big enough for your ID, 10 cards, bills, and coins, but zips up small enough to fit in your back pocket! It comes in 12 different colors and blocks RFID readers from scanning your cards.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Blocking-Leather-Wallet-Womens-Genuine/dp/B00WSAOTZW/r”]Get it on Amazon for $17.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”icyzone Racerback Tank Top” subheader=”1,078 5-star reviews out of 1,712 total reviews – 4.3/5 average”]
We’re the first to admit that we love those bougie workout and athleisure clothing brands…but sometimes paying upwards of $60 for one tank top doesn’t exactly feel financially responsible. That’s why we were excited to find this women’s racerback tank top that has over a thousand 5-star reviews.
icyzone Racerback Tank Top / Amazon

At only $20 for a pack of three (and around $9 for just one), we’re ready to buy one in every color—and there are a lot of choices available.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/icyzone-Activewear-Running-Workouts-Racerback/dp/B0713WY9M2/”]Get it on Amazon for $8.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”COCOSHIP Retro Flounce High Waist Bikini” subheader=”1,047 5-star reviews out of 1,724 total reviews – 4.3/5 average”]
Amazon bikinis are the best. Seriously. If you were to do a poll of women wearing the cutest swimsuits at the beach, we’d bet money that a lot of them are wearing swimsuits they got on Amazon.
COCOSHIP Retro Flounce High Waist Bikini / Amazon

This high-waist bikini in particular is a big fave of ours (and of 1,000 people who rated it 5 stars). It comes in 20 different color ways so at this price, you could buy a few to mix and match!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/COCOSHIP-Antigua-Flounce-Falbala-Swimsuit/dp/B076RHLCKM”]Get it on Amazon for $26.99[/link-button]

Fun + Games

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a fun gift for a friend, or something to entertain yourself, we rounded up the products that get major love.
[sol title=”Cards Against Humanity” subheader=”29,083 5-star reviews out of 32,412 total reviews – 4.8/5 average”]
The “party game for horrible people” has been one of the most popular games of the past seven years. If you haven’t played it yet, brace yourself for one of the most offensive but hilarious games that’s ever been made. With nearly 30,000 5-star reviews, you’re missing out.

Cards Against Humanity / Amazon

If you have played it at a friend’s and don’t have your own copy—what are you waiting for?!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Cards-Against-Humanity-LLC-CAHUS/dp/B004S8F7QM”]Get it on Amazon for $25.00[/link-button]
[sol title=”BalanceForm GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat” subheader=”5,229 5-star reviews out of 7,730 total reviews – 4.3/5 average”]
Time to get your flow on! Step onto the mat with this BalanceForm all-purpose yoga mat. This half-inch thick yoga mat, beloved by 5,000 Amazon reviewers, is perfect for those of us yogis who need a little more cushion for the pushin’, but its double-sided non-slip surface means our bare toes will stick to the mat in any pose.
BalanceForm GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat / Amazon

Choose from seven different colors (or get one for every day of the week—we wouldn’t judge). It even comes with a carrying strap for when you want to to yoga on the go!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/BalanceFrom-BFGY-AP6RD-Anti-Tear-Exercise-Carrying/dp/B00FO9ZRYQ”]Get it on Amazon for $17.95[/link-button]
[sol title=”Fujifilm Instax Mini 9″ subheader=”1,528 5-star reviews out of 2,121 total reviews – 4.6/5 average”]
If you thought the bum bag/waist pack was a throwback, brace yourself for the Instax camera. After years of using grainy point-and-shoot cameras up through the evolution of the iPhone X (which you’re probably using wrong, by the way), film has made a comeback, at least according to 1,500 Amazon reviewers who say the Instax Mini 9 is the ideal photography tool.
Instax Mini 9 / Amazon

But of course, as the humans we’ve become with three-second attention spans à la goldfish, we want it now. Instant film is hot: Take a snap, wait for it to develop, take a picture of that picture on your phone, and put it on Instagram. Then wait for the likes to roll in.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-Instax-Mini-Instant-Camera/dp/B06WWBTB3G”]Get it on Amazon for $56[/link-button]
[sol title=”Strathmore Series Sketch Pad” subheader=”1,232 5-star reviews out of 1,462 total reviews – 4.7/5 average”]
It’s time to get arty and party. Relieve a little stress with some doodling—or some serious pro-level sketching. A sketch pad is a great (and cheap) way to get started on a new hobby.
Strathmore Series Sketch Pad / Amazon

Whether you’re aiming to create realistic portraits, try your hand at, well, hand-lettering, or you just feel the compulsion to create whatever comes to mind, a handy-dandy notebook like this 100-page sketch pad, which has 1,200 5-star ratings, might just be for you.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Strathmore-400-Sketch-Pads-12/dp/B0027A39PY”]Get it on Amazon for $10.43[/link-button]
[sol title=”Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Painting Set” subheader=”1,045 5-star reviews out of 1,407 total reviews – 4.6/5 average”]
Painting more your speed? Try out this watercolor painting set to discover your inner artist.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Color Painting Set

This set comes with 8 tubes of Cotman watercolor paints and one No. 5 brush, complete with a plastic carrying case so you can get your art on wherever you go. Head outdoors and just see what you can create—it might be the beginning of a brand new hobby. And with a thousand 5-star reviews, for only about $30, it’s worth a shot.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Colour-Painting/dp/B000PD3LYY”]Get it on Amazon for $31.24[/link-button]
[sol title=”Knock Knock To-Do List Pad” subheader=”1,017 5-star reviews out of 1,244 total reviews – 4.7/5 average”]
Constantly losing your to-do list? Do you not even have a to-do list? You might want to consider one of these Knock Knock pads that will help even the most unorganized person sort through what they need to do every single day.
Knock Knock To Do List / Amazon

From tasks to errands to correspondence, you can be sure you won’t miss a thing—as long as you don’t forget to write it down.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/1601061528″]Get it on Amazon for $7.08[/link-button]

Home

Make your home the coziest ever with these incredible picks.
[sol title=”Mellanni Bed Sheet Set” subheader=”31,665 5-star reviews out of 42,904 total reviews – 4.4/5 average”]
That’s not a typo: This sheet set really does have over 31,000 5-star reviews. You can get these sheets in any bed size and 39 colors and patterns; each set comes with one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillow cases. Plus they’re fade-, stain-, shrink-, and wrinkle-resistant, making them a perfect choice for daily use, kids, and guests.

Mellanni Bed Sheet Set / Amazon

The reviews are pretty effusive, with some of those 31,000 5-star reviewers saying these are the softest sheets they’ve ever felt and the best sheets they’ve ever slept on. At around $30 and under for all sizes, they’re definitely worth a try.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Mellanni-Bed-Sheet-Set-Hypoallergenic/dp/B00NLLUMOE”]Get it on Amazon for $18.97[/link-button]
[sol title=”URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser and Cool Mist Humidifier” subheader=”21,041 5-star reviews out of 28,340 total reviews – 4.5/5 average”]
Whether you’re looking forward to jumping on the essential oil train or you just need a humidifier to tackle dry skin or stuffy noses, this URPOWER device does it all. Just put the 100 percent pure essential oil of your choice into this diffuser to spread their scent throughout your house—try chamomile or lavender for serious relaxation!
URPOWER Essential Oil Defuser and Cool Mist Humidifier / Amazon

This diffuser/humidifier combo is also safe for babies and children as the humidifier puts out cool mist, instead of the potentially harmful hot mist. Plus with a seven-color LED light built in, you’ll have a cute little night light on top of it! Over 21,000 people have given this 5 stars, and it’s easy to see why.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/URPOWER-Essential-Humidifier-Adjustable-Waterless/dp/B00Y2CQRZY”]Get it on Amazon for $16.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Linenspa White Down Alternative Quilted Comforter” subheader=”4,780 5-star reviews out of 6,736 total reviews – 4.4/5 average”]
In the market for a new comforter or duvet cover? This cheap down alternative comforter is the best choice on Amazon. It’s the No. 1 best seller in their duvets and down comforters category and has nearly 5,000 5-star reviews. Unlike true down comforters, this won’t irritate allergies or poke you with feathers in the middle of the night. Instead, this reversible, microfiber comforter has hypoallergenic down alternative fill that will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.
Linenspa White Down Alternative Quilted Comforter / Amazon

It’s not just a comforter though; it also has eight duvet corner and side loops so you can use it as a duvet with your favorite duvet cover. Ranging in price from $29.99 to $79.99 depending on size (and yes, they’re all available), you won’t find a high quality comforter/duvet insert that’s this affordable anywhere else.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/LINENSPA-All-Season-Alternative-Quilted-Comforter/dp/B00VGR4VW4″]Get it on Amazon for $29.99 – $79.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Safavieh California Shag Rug” subheader=”4,168 5-star reviews out of 5,240 total reviews – 4.6/5 average”]
Sink your toes into this shag rug from Safavieh, one of the most popular rug brands around. No matter what size you’re looking for, they’ve got you: This rug comes in 27 sizes from 2’3″ x 5′ to 8′ x 10′, and in all shapes, too. Plus with 13 colors, you’ll definitely be able to find one that matches your home. This rug is Safavieh’s No. 1 selling shag rug and it’s Amazon’s highest reviewed shag rug as well.
Safavieh California Shag Rug / Amazon

The great thing about shag rugs—besides how they remind you of the ’70s—is how plush and cozy they are. Since thousands of reviews say it’s incredibly soft and never sheds, you’ll be set for years.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Safavieh-California-Premium-Collection-SG151-1313/dp/B0051HEDFK/”]Get it on Amazon for $35.99 – $567.00[/link-button]
[sol title=”Vivere Double Hammock” subheader=”3,795 5-star reviews out of 4,733 total reviews – 4.4/5 average”]
Head outside with this double hammock from Vivere that comes with its own stand. The hammock can comfortably accommodate two adults or four wiggly kids—or any combination thereof up to 450 pounds. It comes in cotton, polyester, and a weather-resistant Sunbrella fabric, so you can rest assured knowing your new fave place to doze off is a high-quality purchase.
Vivere Double Hammock / Amazon

Choose from 15 fabrics, set it up within minutes, and join the 3,800 people who gave it 5-star in reading—and napping—in the great outdoors.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Vivere-Double-Hammock-Space-Saving/dp/B00AXN35WY”]Get it on Amazon for $89.97[/link-button]
[sol title=”Ikee Design Acrylic Storage Set” subheader=”3,613 5-star reviews out of 5,639 total reviews – 4.3/5 average”]
This is the best little drawer set for storing skincare, makeup, or jewelry. Personally, I use it for makeup and I’ve found that the four drawers are perfect for mascara, powder, and eyeshadows while the top tray holds brushes, lipsticks, and more.
Ikee Design Acrylic Storage Set / Amazon

At 9.5″ wide and 5.5″ deep, it fits perfectly on my makeup table while still managing to hold a lot of my stuff. Add my voice to the over 3,000 5-star reviews—this acrylic set is well-worth the money.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Ikee-Design-Acrylic-Jewelry-Cosmetic/dp/B00DUJEWDE/”]Get it on Amazon for $13.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”AmazonBasics Velvet Hangers” subheader=”3,459 5-star reviews out of 4,617 total reviews – 4.5/5 average”]
In the words of Faye Dunaway in Mommie Dearest, “No wire hangers!” (And if you’re still using plastic hangers, it’s time to step it up a notch.) Do yourself—and your closet—a favor and “invest” in these velvet hangers. Not only do they look much better than a mish-mash set of hangers leftover from college, they’ll help maximize space in your closet.
AmazonBasics Velvet Hangers / Amazon

Since switching over, I swear I can fit at least triple the clothes in my closet. Perfect for a maximalist like myself.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-AQ-M0006-Velvet-Suit-Hangers/dp/B0793FBDC8/”]Get it on Amazon for $14.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”TaoTronics LED String Lights With Remote Control” subheader=”3,218 5-star reviews out of 4,499 total reviews – 4.3/5 average”]
How are you going to have a patio or sun porch without twinkly lights? These uber-affordable LED string lights are dimmable, waterproof, and even come with a remote control.
TaoTronics LED String Lights With Remote Control / Amazon

String them up around your garden or patio, around your porch, on a Christmas tree, or around your bedroom for a cozy vibe any guest would love.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-TT-SL036-Dimmable-Waterproof-Decorative/dp/B00NXEB0W2″]Get it on Amazon for $15.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Skip Hop Moby Bath Spout Cover” subheader=”2,121 5-star reviews out of 3,154 total reviews – 4.2/5 average”]
Babies are wriggly. Wet babies are wriggly and slippery. Giving a baby a bath can be a dangerous process if your little one likes to move and groove. Thankfully, most bathtubs have smooth surfaces…everywhere except the bath spout.
Skip Hop Moby Bath Spout Cover / Amazon

Protect your babe’s cranial integrity with this adorable whale bath spout cover. The thick but soft rubber is a much better alternative for an accidental head knock than the hard metal of a bath spout.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Spout-Cover-Universal/dp/B001WAJVZM”]Get it on Amazon for $13.00[/link-button]
[sol title=”Best Friends by Sheri Machine Washable Pet Bed” subheader=”1,851 5-star reviews out of 2,618 total reviews – 4.4/5 average”]
And don’t forget about your furbabies! (Sheri certainly didn’t.) This washable pet bed has garnered nearly 2,000 5-star reviews for the plush comfort it offers kitties and doggos alike. It comes in 14 colors and two sizes to match your pet’s size and personality.
Best Friends by Sheri Machine Washable Pet Bed / Amazon

Plus, it’s self-warming, offering warmth, security, and comfort for aching or anxious pets. And you’ll love the waterproof bottom, since, you know, accidents can happen.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Best-Friends-Sheri-OrthoComfort-20x20x12/dp/B008GQV00E/”]Get it on Amazon for $24.95[/link-button]
[sol title=”Zinus Upholstered Button-Tufted Platform Bed” subheader=”1,395 5-star reviews out of 1,627 total reviews – 4.7/5 average”]
So we’ve talked about sheets and we’ve talked about comforters, but what good do those do if you aren’t also putting your mattress on a really good-looking platform bed? This button-tufted upholstered headboard and bed frame is an ideal choice for someone with simple but high-end taste.
Zinus Upholstered Button-Tufted Platform Bed / Amazon

At less than $300 for any of the four sizes offered, it’s no wonder it’s gotten over 1,600 5-star reviews.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Zinus-Upholstered-Premium-Platform-Support/dp/B01LZQGBWB”]Get it on Amazon for $285[/link-button]

Kitchen

Let’s move into the kitchen, because food is life.
[sol title=”Ozeri Digital Kitchen Scale” subheader=”10,453 5-star reviews out of 13,687 total reviews – 4.6/5 average”]
We’re going to believe the best of you, dear reader, and assume that you’re interested in this product for purely culinary reasons. Over 10,000 5-star reviews show that it’s a great choice for those culinary pursuits! (And probably other less lawful uses as well.)

Ozeri Digital Kitchen Scale / Amazon

This little scale weighs items with precise graduations of 0.05 ounces or 1 gram, and converts between grams, pounds, pounds to ounces, ounces, and milliliters. Using recipes from other countries will never be a problem again with this super-precise scale.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Ozeri-Digital-Multifunction-Kitchen-Elegant/dp/B01LAVADW2/”]Get it on Amazon for $14.06[/link-button]
[sol title=”Rubbermaid 42-Piece Food Storage Container Set” subheader=”7,788 5-star reviews out of 10,400 total reviews – 4.5/5 average”]
If your food container storage system is a bit messy (aka, just thrown into a cabinet with zero rhyme or reason), this is the food storage set for you. This 42-piece set from Rubbermaid has earned nearly 8,000 5-star reviews, mostly thanks to its Easy Find Lid feature.
Rubbermaid 42-Piece Food Storage Container Set / Amazon

The lids all snap together and the containers all nest perfectly, so you can take out one at a time. Plus, they’re dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe, in addition to being BPA-free. Meal prep will never be a problem again.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Storage-Containers-42-Piece-1880801/dp/B00COK3FD8/”]Get it on Amazon for $19.97[/link-button]
[sol title=”Spiralizer Vegetable Spiralizer and Slicer” subheader=”7,415 5-star reviews out of 9,467 total reviews – 4.6/5 average”]
This spiralizer is made by Spiralizer, a spiralizer company that loves their spiralizers so much that they named their company Spiralizer. And their love for their spiralizer is not unfounded: 7,400 people love the Spiralizer spiralizer so much they gave it 5 stars on Amazon.
Spiralizer Vegetable Spiralizer and Slicer / Amazon

Want to make some zoodles? This will spiralize that zucchini in a pinch. Trying out the keto or paleo diets? You can cut, spiralize, and slice plenty of foods with the five blade attachments. Getting bored of your food? They’ll also send you a recipe e-book. Buy a spiralizer from Spiralizer and get to spiralizin’.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Spiralizer-Vegetable-Strongest-Heaviest-Gluten-Free/dp/B00GRIR87M”]Get it on Amazon for $24.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Lodge 10.25-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet” subheader=”7,365 5-star reviews out of 9,619 total reviews – 4.4/5 average”]
How to know if someone knows what they’re doing in the kitchen: They cook on cast iron. You, too, can look like you know what you’re doing in the kitchen: Cook on cast iron. Luckily for you, there’s no need to spend a pretty penny on a cast iron skillet when this beloved, 7,000-great-review-strong skillet from Lodge does the trick.
Lodge 10.25-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet / Amazon

It comes pre-seasoned (you have to season cast iron skillets in order to use them, FYI), ready for you to start sautéing, frying, searing, and even baking. You can use this skillet for literally decades—as long as you take care of it.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L8SK3-4-Inch-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet/dp/B00006JSUA/”]Get it on Amazon for $14.88[/link-button]
[sol title=”Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife” subheader=”5,176 5-star reviews out of 6,159 total reviews – 4.7/5 average”]
Another sign of a solid cook? A great chef’s knife. Skip the knife blocks with 20+ knives you don’t really need. As long as you get your knife skills up to par, a chef’s knife might just be all you need.
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife / Amazon

Victorinox are the makers of the original Swiss army knife and are well-known in the culinary circuit as well, meaning this stainless steel blade is definitely high quality. Over 5,000 people think this blade is ideal for chopping, slicing, mincing, and dicing, and we have to say, we completely agree. Don’t forget to wash it by hand!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Fibrox-45520-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B008M5U1C2″]Get it on Amazon for $43.95[/link-button]
[sol title=”Dash Rapid Egg Cooker” subheader=”4,855 5-star reviews out of 6,713 total reviews – 4.4/5 average”]
An egg cooker just sounds like one of those things you don’t really need, right? After all, you’ve probably got a stove. But once you try this egg cooker from Dash, you’ll see that you were wrong—oh, so wrong. An egg cooker may seem like a ridiculous purchase, but it is 100 percent worth all of the money in the world—we and 6,700 5-star reviewers say so.
Dash Rapid Egg Cooker / Amazon

You can hard boil, poach, or scramble up to six eggs at a time, and because Dash apparently loves us, you can also make omelets. All within minutes. And it has an auto shut-off feature. We especially like it in this cute aqua color!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Dash-Rapid-Egg-Cooker-Scrambled/dp/B072JBFR58/”]Get it on Amazon for $19.98[/link-button]
[sol title=”Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Food Processor” subheader=”2,963 5-star reviews out of 4,454 total reviews – 4.2/5 average”]
First of all, you need to accept that for $40, you’re not getting a Vitamix. You’re just not. But for $40, you can still get a really great food processor. You can use food processors for things like chopping fruits and veggies, mixing sauces, grating cheese, and making soups and dips.
Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Food Processor / Amazon

This processor comes with a stainless steel blade, two different speeds (plus a pulse setting), and the bowl and blades are dishwasher-safe. Forty dollars well spent, we say (and so do 3,000 people who rated it 5 stars).
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-70740-8-Cup-Processor/dp/B00755KNCS”]Get it on Amazon for $39.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”RXBAR Whole Food Protein Bar, Pack of 12″ subheader=”2,199 5-star reviews out of 3,653 total reviews – 4.1/5 average”]
If you listen to the incredible Who? Weekly podcast, you’ve probably heard the advertisement from host Lindsey Weber’s mom quoting RXBAR’s packaging: “They’re no bulls***!” Guess what: She’s right. These whole food protein bars come in 16 flavors and are definitely no B.S.
RXBAR Whole Food Protein Bar, Pack of 12 / Amazon

They’re made with simple, straightforward ingredients: What’s on the front of the package is what’s in the bar—plus, you (and 2,200 5-star reviewers) can rest easy knowing there are no (added) sugars, no gluten, no dairy, no preservatives, and no fillers.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/RXBAR-Whole-Protein-Chocolate-Ounce/dp/B0143NQVQ6″]Get it on Amazon for $20.39[/link-button]
[sol title=”Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker with Bluetooth” subheader=”2,044 5-star reviews out of 2,870 total reviews – 4.3/5 average”]
Okay, fancy pants, we see you eyeing this sous vide cooker. If you’ve ever had meat cooked sous vide, you’ll know it’s seriously gourmet-quality cooking. Over 2,000 customers loved this particular cooker so much they rated it 5 stars.
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker with Bluetooth / Amazon

Snap this precision cooker onto any pot to get your meats, cheeses, fruits, and veggies to the perfect temperature every single time. Plus with Bluetooth and an app to control it with, you can head to the living room while your dinner cooks—to the perfect temp—in the kitchen.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Anova-Culinary-Precision-Cooker-Bluetooth/dp/B07G4TQ2F4/”]Get it on Amazon for $89.99[/link-button]

Tech

Talk nerdy to me, baby.
[sol title=”Amazon Fire TV Stick” subheader=”138,651 5-star reviews out of 191,296 total reviews – 4.4/5 average”]
If you don’t have a smart TV, you need the Amazon Fire TV Stick. If you do have a smart TV, you still need the Amazon Fire TV Stick. Smart TVs have come a long way (you know, since from not existing at all), but they still can’t do everything the Fire Stick can.

Amazon Fire TV Stick / Amazon

With the Fire Stick, you can access the old standards: Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Spotify, and more, but you can also get access to over 500,000 movies and shows through Prime Video and individual channels’ apps.
I have a smart TV. Going forward, I will only buy smart TVs. But I’ll also make sure I always have a Fire Stick plugged into every TV I own. With over 138,000 5-star reviews, I don’t think I’m alone.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZV9RDKK”]Get it on Amazon for $39.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Amazon Echo Dot” subheader=”76,068 5-star reviews out of 114,880 total reviews – 4.3/5 average”]
If you’re thinking of making your home a smart home, the Echo Dot is the most obvious choice for in-home assistant, at least for the 114,000 customers who say the Dot has earned a 5-star rating. These little voice-controlled speakers use Amazon’s Alexa to answer questions, control your smart devices, play music, set alarms, and even make calls. Connect Bluetooth devices for speakers, jam out with internet services like Spotify and Pandora, and use Amazon’s ever-expanding list of skills to have Alexa play games, tell jokes, and order you a Lyft.
Amazon Echo Dot / Amazon

At only $40, they’re inexpensive enough to have in every room of the house—and yes, you can now use them as inter-room intercoms.
[link-button href=”www.amazon.com/Amazon-Echo-Dot-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker-with-Alexa-Black/dp/B01DFKC2SO”]Get it on Amazon for $39.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Anker PowerCore+ mini Portable Charger” subheader=”18,559 5-star reviews out of 26,514 total reviews – 4.3/5 average”]
Unfortunately, our iPhones and Android phones don’t have the battery life of the Nokia bricks of the ’90s. (RIP, Snake.) We have to charge these puppies a lot. Thankfully, though, there are some seriously reliable portable chargers on the market, and it seems that Anker makes the best ones.
Anker PowerCore+ mini Portable Charger / Amazon

This little lipstick-sized one can fit in any bag or pocket and can charge most phones fully once after only charging itself for three to four hours. Anker does have larger, more powerful chargers, but we—and 18,000 5-star reviewers—like this one for its size, since how often are you out of the house long enough to need to charge your phone fully four times, anyway?
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Lipstick-Sized-Generation-Batteries/dp/B005X1Y7I2″]Get it on Amazon for $18.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Mpow Bluetooth Headphones” subheader=”11,722 5-star reviews out of 15,786 total reviews – 4.5/5 average”]
Whether you have an iPhone that got rid of the headphone jack (sigh) or you’ve just yanked your headphones out of your laptop when jamming a bit too hard, it’s time to look into Bluetooth headphones. Mpow says that “impressive sound quality is the ultimate goal” and reviews seem to agree that they’ve achieved that goal. Additionally, you can get 13 hours of listening time on these and they charge fairly quickly.
Mpow Bluetooth Headphones / Amazon

Sure, intense audiophiles might need something a bit more fancy, but for us regular folk who are content listening to the new Ariana Grande album at normal quality (run, don’t walk, to iTunes to download Sweetener, by the way), these headphones more than suffice. People on Amazon can be pretty intense about headphone reviews but these have garnered over 15,000 5-star reviews, proving that even though they’re affordable, they’re also quality.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XW4MCSQ”]Get it on Amazon for $39.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”iOttie Dashboard and Windshield Phone Mount” subheader=”9,264 5-star reviews out of 14,669 total reviews – 4.0/5 average”]
I love this little dashboard mount. I’ve made it a goal in the past few years to just never use my phone while I’m driving, but hey, sometimes you need to change a song or glance at Google Maps.
iOttie Dashboard and Windshield Phone Mount

With the iOttie phone mount, you can keep your phone in your line of sight without it being a distraction. Safety first!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/iOttie-Universal-Holder-iPhone-Samsung/dp/B00JRGOKQ8/”]Get it on Amazon for $16.95[/link-button]
[sol title=”Tile Mate” subheader=”5,981 5-star reviews out of 8,965 total reviews – 3.8/5 average”]
This is Amazon’s Choice for “key finder” and seeing as Tile has sold over 5 million Tile Mates, that certainly makes sense. If you can’t find your phone, you can just tap on your Tile to make your phone ring. Plus the Tile app will remember where you left your phone or keys.
Tile Mate / Amazon

While the average rating is sitting just below 4 out of 5 stars (still pretty darn good), we’re on the side of the nearly 6,000 5-star reviews who say this little square has changed their lives.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Tile-Mate-Finder-Anything-Packaging/dp/B01L3VEC94/”]Get it on Amazon for $19.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”VicTsing Waterproof Bluetooth Shower Speaker” subheader=”4,360 5-star reviews out of 6,644 total reviews – 4.3/5 average”]
Love to sing in the shower? Get yourself a Bluetooth shower speaker that actually sounds good.
VicTsing Waterproof Bluetooth Shower Speaker / Amazon

Unlike some other waterproof speakers that sound buzzy and tinny, this speaker puts out some serious, crystal-clear sound. With six hours of playing time, it’s perfect for everyday use…or just one really long shower.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/VicTsing-Wireless-Waterproof-Hands-Free-Speakerphone/dp/B00NHDPLM4″]Get it on Amazon for $19.99[/link-button]

Categories
Gym x Studio Sweat

I Tried A Cold Workout At The Brrrn…And I Still Worked Up A Sweat

You know those people who love to sweat and exercise in humid, heated rooms? Yeah, I’m not one of them. Even just sweating during regular exercise grosses me out—don’t even get me started on hot yoga. So when the Brrrn started offering cold workouts at its boutique studio in New York City, I knew I had to try it.
Yes, cold workouts—not just in an air-conditioned room, but in a space that’s chilled down almost as low as a refrigerator. The novel concept seemed like the perfect alternative to those 100+ degree classes that seem to be everywhere.

cold workouts brrrn nyc
Cedric Terrell

The Brrrn offers three types of cold workout classes: 1st° (a yoga-inspired mobility and strength class in 60 degree temps), 2nd° (a core and cardio slide board series at 55 degrees), and 3rd° (high-intensity interval training with battle ropes at 45 degrees). The varying degree of classes provides plenty of options for exercise novices and athletes alike.
Would cold workouts be the answer to my hot exercise woes during New York’s steamy summers? I put the concept to the test during a 2nd° class at the Brrrn. Here’s what happened.

Trying a Cold Workout at the Brrrn

One step into the Brrrn’s lodge-inspired lobby (complete with firewood and retro lighting) and I was glad I packed the recommended gloves and hat in my gym bag. This place takes cold workouts so seriously, they decided to build a cabin in the middle of Manhattan!
When you pass through the insulated freezer doors to the studio, the experience goes from rustic-chic to nightclub. Think: A spacious, dark room with blue spotlights, wall-length mirrors, and, of course, bass-pumping music. Oh, and it was cold.

cold workouts brrrn fitness
Kedric Terrell

As soon as the cold workout started, though, it was easy to forget you were in a low-temperature environment. Most of us were stripping down to our sports bras shortly after the warm up, which included stretches and basic cardiovascular exercises.
We took a quick break to pop on our special booties (provided by the studio) over our sneakers, and that’s when the real fun began. A huge component of the 2nd° class involves gliding back and forth on a slippery board that’s roughly 5 feet long. I felt like a speed skater, whipping from side to side—the perfect fantasy for anyone in a cold workout.
But this was no glide in the park. We started adding on intense intervals—like lifting 10-pound sandbags above our heads, dolphin push-ups that burned deep into the core, and weighted lunges—between heart-pumping sliding sessions. Every movement got progressively harder throughout the 45-minute cold workout class, and I relished the challenge.
Did I freeze? Absolutely not. In fact, the pleasantly wintry space and fun movements made my body feel invigorated. Whereas the heat and humidity might have worn me out in other fitness classes, the cold workout pushed me even harder, and somehow prevented me from getting out of breath as quickly. I felt alive immediately after class, and my legs turned to jello for two days straight. It was the best.
Ever need the promise of a reward to keep you motivated? The Brrrn’s got you covered with its communal infrared sauna, available for use after class. Warming up in such a relaxing setting was the icing on the ice-cream cake of the cold workout. Talk about temperate bliss.

Health Benefits of Cold Workouts

The cold workout was certainly a fun experience, especially for someone who loves novelty fitness concepts as much as I do. But according to the team at the Brrrn, exercising in cold temperatures benefits our health and fitness—making this class more than something you only try once.

cold workouts brrrn gym
Cedric Terrell

“With cold workouts, you are curbing one of the main stressors on the body that happens when you exercise: heat production,” says Johnny Adamic, co-founder of the Brrrn. “When you drop the temperature, your body can dump heat faster via sweat into the air, you lessen the competing cardiovascular demands on the body, and you can support more metabolic activity.”
In other words, cold workouts help optimize the way your body regulates temperature and burns calories. Sounds good to me. And there’s evidence to support the founders’ claims: One study found that cold climates force people to use more energy to maintain their core body temperature.
Furthermore, there’s some evidence that cool temperatures actually help athletes perform better. When French researchers analyzed the race times of nearly 1.8 million marathon finishers, they found that the optimal temperature for the fastest women runners was about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A similar study found that peak marathon performance tended to happen around 53 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you dread winter, doing cold workouts throughout the warmer months might also help your body better tolerate frigid outdoor temperatures, adds the Brrrn cofounder Jimmy Martin. He only expects the popularity of his studio to increase come winter.
“What happens to hot yoga in the summertime? You go from 90 degrees to even hotter. But in the winter, you’ll go from 32 degrees outside to about 40 to 60 degrees in the cold workout studio. It will feel amazing, and people won’t feel as cold as they did before the workout,” he says.
The Brrrn has published a whole slew of science-backed info about the benefits of exercise in cold temperatures on its website. But the real proof might just be in the regular feedback from participants in the studio’s cold workouts, says Adamic.
“Our Brrrn community has been saying, ‘Oh my god, that was awesome. I worked out harder, and I could’ve kept going. I felt like my performance was better,’” he says.
My sentiments exactly.

Potential Dangers of Cold Workouts

As with most things in life, cold workouts are probably most effective in moderation.
Personal trainer, weight loss and wellness coach, and champion power lifter Robert Herbst, who has trained in the shadow of Mount Everest, warns that working out in extremely low temperatures could be dangerous for the body.
“It takes longer [for the body] to warm up, and muscles are less efficient. Tendons and ligaments are stiffer. There is more stress on the heart because cold air must be warmed and moistened before it can be used in the lungs,” says Herbst.
He believes that the only reason to make cold workouts part of your regular exercise routine is if you’re training to perform in extreme temperatures, not just improve your regular fitness.

cold workouts brrrn review
Cedric Terrell

That said, the temperatures at the Brrrn are relatively moderate compared with the climate around the world’s tallest mountains. Ample stretching before and after class can help your body cope with any potential stiffness, and if you’re having trouble tolerating a cold workout, it’s totally fine to step back into the cozy lobby and take a break.

Where You Can Try a Cold Workout

Now that you’ve heard about this fitness class, you might be eager to break a sweat at a refrigerated studio. But where can you try a cold workout?
Right now, the founders of the Brrrn say they’re the first to market with the cold workout concept in a boutique studio space, meaning you’ll have to book a trip to New York City to give it a try.
Adamic says he wouldn’t be surprised if other cold workout studios started popping up around the country in the future—and he’s ready for the competition.
“Competition is necessary for growth. Our protagonist is cold, and we’re using it as a way to encourage people to move better. If other brands are attempting cold workouts, it shows that we’re onto something,” he explains.
And even if you can’t make it to Manhattan right away, don’t worry—winter is coming. And you can create your own cold workout right in your backyard—no slippery booties necessary.

Categories
Favorite Finds Motherhood

38 Must-Haves For Every Baby Registry—That You’ll Actually Use

At some point during your prep for your newest addition, you’ve probably stepped back and asked yourself how someone so small could possibly require so much stuff.
We feel you, mamas. Creating a baby registry can be confusing, overwhelming and certainly one of the more daunting parts of your pregnancy journey. But, once you learn what you really need—and, more importantly, what really works—it can actually turn out to be pretty fun.
We’re here to break it down for all you mamas-to-be who are drowning in decision fatigue. From burp cloths to bottles and strollers to swaddles, here are the best of the best, the most loved, the top-rated essentials: the 38 must-have items that no baby registry would be complete without.
To keep it simple, we’re breaking it down for you both by category and by needs versus wants. Think of it as the absolute, most-loved essentials versus the items that fall into the “wouldn’t it be so nice of my friends and family to chip in and get me a [insert awesome baby registry gift item here.]”
Now let’s get shopping, moms!

Nursery Needs

1. A smart baby monitor

The baby monitor: a first-time parents’ BFF if there ever was one. For most of us, a baby monitor offers unparalleled peace of mind during that first year of baby’s life and beyond. That’s why we were so excited to discover Nanit—by far the smartest baby monitor we’ve ever used.

HealthyWay
Amazon

This high-tech monitor, chock full of awesome features like a crystal clear HD camera, background audio, sleep tracking, night vision, motion sensors, easy wall mount, and so much more, is everything we could ever want in a baby monitor. It syncs right to your phone, and despite its multitude of features, is super easy to use. And while we realize it’s a bit of a splurge, we can’t count the number of more inexpensive monitors that have pooped out on us over the years. We couldn’t love this one more and believe it’s worth every penny.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Nanit-Smart-Baby-Monitor-Support/dp/B077SVZZ5Y/”]Get it on Amazon for $270.99[/link-button]

2. A mess saver

You haven’t officially joined the motherhood club until you’ve fumbled around changing wet crib sheets in the dark at 3 a.m. While we can’t promise you less mess, we can promise you less cleanup time with this organic cotton waterproof crib mattress.

HealthyWay
Amazon

This breathable, organic cotton cover will protect your crib mattress from overnight leaks, drooly babies, and the always dreadful middle-of-the-night throw-up. We love that it’s made from super soft materials so it won’t crinkle when baby moves around. We also love that it’s easy to throw in the washer (and dryer) after an accident.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KZH69C”]Get it on Amazon for $20.49[/link-button]

3. A jack of all trades

If you’re going to stock up on one baby item for your nursery and beyond (other than diapers, of course!) make it muslin swaddle blankets. These breathable, ultra-soft blankets are truly the jack of all trades when it comes to baby gear. They’re great for keeping your little one warm, of course, but also as a swaddle, a place for tummy time or a diaper change, a sunshade, a nursing cover, and so much more.

HealthyWay
Amazon

These Aden + Anais classics are some of our all-time favorites. We love all the adorable patterns, the ridiculously soft 100 percent cotton muslin fabric, and how they hold up after what seems like hundreds of runs through the washing machine.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/aden-anais-Classic-Swaddle-Elephant/dp/B002SW3B0O”]Get it on Amazon for $39.91[/link-button]

4. An easy-to-clean changer

As you’re soon to find out, diaper changes can be messy. There’s not only a dirty baby to deal with, but there’s the other (even less-pleasant) matter of where all of that “mess” ends up.

HealthyWay
Amazon

Enter the Keekaroo Peanut Changer: an innovative baby product if there ever was one. This soft, cushy material is impenetrable to fluids, making it super easy to clean and stopping mold and bacteria from latching on. Unlike other more traditional changing pads, this one doesn’t require any covers, pads or extra fabric, which means less clean-up for you. And it sticks to any hard surfaces (like a dresser), eliminating the need for a changing table. Love!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Keekaroo-Peanut-Changer-Grey-Size/dp/B017UJ5MYM”]Get it on Amazon for $121.30[/link-button]

5. A high-tech sleep solution

Although some baby tech can feel needlessly confusing and overwhelming, there are a few rare instances where infant product innovators seem to get it just right. That’s definitely the case with the Hatch Baby Rest.

HealthyWay
Amazon

A nightlight, sound machine, and okay-to-wake clock all rolled into one, the Rest is proven to promote healthy sleep habits and to provide light colors that encourage natural circadian rhythms. (Translation: This little gem is going to get your baby to sleep better and longer. Yes, please.) It’s fully customizable and programmable and can be controlled from your smartphone. It’s smart tech that actually works, and we are so on board.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Hatch-Baby-Night-Light-Machine/dp/B06XMRCC94″]Get it on Amazon for $59.99[/link-button]

Nursery Wants

6. A comfy spot for snuggles

A glider is by no means a must-have in a baby’s nursery, but if you do have the space, we strongly encourage you to register for one. Gliders are the perfect place for bedtime stories, those middle of the night feeds, and skin-to-skin cuddles.

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This sleek, modern upholstered glider and ottoman from DaVinci is neutral enough to fit seamlessly into any nursery decor and comfortable enough for any parent. It features forward and backward gliding as well as a 360-degree swivel feature, and has a high back for added support.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/DaVinci-Upholstered-Swivel-Glider-Ottoman/dp/B019I6A5P6″]Get it on Amazon for $279[/link-button]

7. An organic, breathable crib mattress

If an organic crib mattress is important to you, look no further than the Nook Pebble Pure. This 100 percent organic sleep system is also 100 percent sleek, modern and, most importantly, completely breathable. Made from materials like eucalyptus, cotton, coconut, and wood, it’s about as natural as you’re going to get when it comes to your baby’s crib.

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The Nook comes with a waterproof and stainproof washable cover, so you won’t need to buy any extra crib sheets or mattress protectors.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Nook-Pebble-Pure-Mattress-Cloud/dp/B005SHV0MW?th=1″]Get it on Amazon for $395[/link-button]

8. A stink-stopping diaper pail

Having a dedicated place for dirty diapers certainly isn’t a nursery must-have, but if you designate one, you want to make sure that whatever you’re using does a great job of containing all of those less-than-pleasant aromas that babies can manage to produce.

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The Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail is an odor-containing champ. Because it’s made from steel, not porous plastic like many other pails, and it locks odors in within its walls. It also features a rubber seal around the rim, further helping to keep the sink inside. But best of all? It uses regular tall kitchen trash bags, not special (and expensive) custom liners, so you’ll definitely be saving money in the long run.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Ubbi-Saving-Special-Required-Locking/dp/B00821FLSU”]Get it on Amazon for $69.99[/link-button]

Apparel Needs

9. A wear-anywhere organic footie

It’s so easy to be fooled into thinking babies need a ton of clothes (we know, we get it—teeny tiny clothes are the absolutely cutest), but the reality is little ones really don’t need much at all, especially during those first few months.

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The simple footie is a baby basic worth investing in. We love this organic cotton option from L’ovedbaby, both for its muted, gender-neutral design and its functionality. Fold-over mitten cuffs, attached feet, super-soft, certified-organic fabric, and an easy-snap front make this one of our newborn outfit go-tos.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Lovedbaby-Organic-Cotton-Footed-Sleeper/dp/B01HYOD8QM”]Get it on Amazon for $18.75[/link-button]

10. A versatile baby basic

There are certain baby basics that you just can’t ever have enough of, and the Gerber Unisex Onesie is one of them.

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These versatile white snap-bottom onesies are perfect for the first year and beyond. They’re great for adding an extra layer on cold days or for wearing on their own. We love the expandable neckline for easy dressing, and of course the amazingly affordable price point. And with this multi-sized pack, you’ll be covered for baby’s entire first year.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Unisex-Baby-Newborn-Onesies-Assorted/dp/B010XJ8KNG”]Get it on Amazon for $27.99[/link-button]

Apparel Wants

11. Soft, warm booties—that actually stay on

While baby booties are certainly not a need, if you live in a colder climate, you’re going to have to keep baby’s toes warm when you venture outdoors. One of the biggest problems with lots of booties, though? They fall off constantly.

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If you don’t want to spend your day picking teeny, tiny socks up off the floor, you need to add the Zutano Booties to your registry sooner rather than later. Not only are these fleece booties super warm and cozy, but the shape and two-snap closure helps them stay put on baby’s feet. Style and function for the win!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Zutano-Cozie-Bootie-Heather-Gray/dp/B01JZQV4X6″]Get it on Amazon for $8.14[/link-button]

12. A swaddle for self-soothing

There are few things cuter than a tiny baby burrito. While it’s totally doable to swaddle with muslin blankets, some parents—and some babies—prefer the ease of a more straightforward swaddling method.

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The Love to Dream Swaddle UP is a swaddle hybrid that gives babies all the benefits of feeling safe and secure while also allowing them to move their arms up to self-soothe. It’s super easy to use (legs and hands in, zip up, and go), and zips from the top and the bottom for easy nighttime diaper changes. And not to state the obvious here, but man, do babies look ridiculously cute in this thing!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Love-Dream-Swaddle-Original-Small/dp/B0081GJ038″]Get it on Amazon for $29.95[/link-button]

Feeding Needs

13. A bottle that mimics the breast

Whether you decide to give your little one breastmilk or formula, most moms decide to bottle feed their babes at some point during their feeding journey. There are so many bottles on the market, and choosing the right one for you is often a matter of trial and error, but we think the Comotomo Natural Feel Bottle is a great place to start.

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This soft, wide-necked bottle most naturally mimics the breast in both shape and feel. Made from silicone, it’s microwave and dishwasher safe and features dual anti-colic vents to keep milk in and air out. It’s also one of the easiest-to-clean bottles we’ve ever used.
(Pro tip: we don’t recommend putting a huge collection of bottles on your registry. Choose one or two to start, then see what baby likes and go from there.)
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Comotomo-Natural-Bottle-Green-Ounces/dp/B004C053AQ”]Get it on Amazon for $13.37[/link-button]

14. A thoughtfully designed bottle brush

Now that your baby is taking a bottle, you’re going to need a way to clean them. Even wide neck bottles, though easier than their narrow counterparts, tend to easily trap sticky milk and formula.

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The OXO Tot Bottle Brush is our go-to for all of our bottle cleaning needs. We love its modern and functional design and its flexible neck. The silicone nipple cleaner is ideal for tiny spaces, and the included stand will keep your counters dry. It’s also dishwasher safe for when it starts smelling a bit funky.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Bottle-Brush-Nipple-Cleaner/dp/B0771RG4VH”]Get it on Amazon for $6.99[/link-button]

15. An all-natural soother

The jury’s out on when to introduce a pacifier to your little one, but when you do, we think choosing one made of natural rubber is the way to go.

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Although there’s a bit of trial and error involved when it comes to figuring out which pacifier fits your baby best, we think the Hevea is a good place to start. We love the simple design and the retro feel (can anyone say Insta-worthy photo opp?), as well as the cute patterned cut-outs.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GVFRM0″]Get it on Amazon for $9[/link-button]

16. A burp cloth and bib all in one

Fun fact: Babies spit up. A lot. And if you don’t want to ruin every shirt you own, you’ll want to add some burp cloths to your registry ASAP.

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We love the look and the versatile functionality of these Aden + Anais Burpy Bibs. Made from 100 percent cotton muslin, they’re insanely absorbent and do a fantastic job soaking up all that drool and spit up. They not only fit perfectly over your shoulder, but they also feature a unique shape and back snap that allows them to drape over baby’s shoulders and be transformed into a full-coverage bib.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYKYMJV/”]Get it on Amazon for $22[/link-button]

Feeding Wants

17. A modern drying rack must-have

A dedicated spot on your counter for drying all things baby definitely isn’t a need, but it sure is nice if you have the counter space for it. This insanely functional modern drying rack is by far our favorite choice for so many great reasons.

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The Boon Lawn not only looks cool on your counter, but its flexible “grass” design does a stellar job of holding all of your freshly washed baby gear in place, meaning bottles, nipples, sippy cups, pump parts, and more will have their own spot. It also comes with the most fun accessories like twigs and stems to hold all of those itty bitty pieces that might otherwise never be seen again.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Boon-Lawn-Countertop-Drying-Green/dp/B004OR1DTC”]Get it on Amazon for $21.99[/link-button]

18. A high chair that will last for years

Adding a high chair to your registry may not be top on your list, but before you know it, your little one will be diving into the world of solids—and you’ll want to be prepared.

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The OXO Tot Sprout High Chair has a simple, clean design that won’t create an eyesore in your kitchen. It’s pretty great when it comes to functionality, too. Suitable for kids 6 months to 5 years, it’s fully adjustable and easily converts from a traditional high chair to a regular seat that can be pulled right up to the table, giving your little one a safe place to sit for years. It’s easy to wipe down, and the recessed tray can hold over 7 ounces of spilled liquids. (Trust us, this fact will be very important to you sometime soon.)
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01644PVUO/”]Get it on Amazon for $249.99[/link-button]

Gear Needs

19. A baby whisperer

One of the most beloved baby products of all time, the Fisher-Price Rock ’n Play is a registry item that you’ll be thankful for every single day during the first few months of your babe’s life  Sleeper, lounger, and rocker all in one, the Rock ’n Play is an absolute lifesaver for fussy babies. We’ve never met a little one who didn’t love to rock, chill, or sleep in this magical contraption that seems to be positioned at just the right angle to soothe even the crankiest of infants.

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The sleeper is light enough to easily transport from room to room, so you’ll always have a safe place to put baby no matter where you are in your house or apartment. There are mesh sides for added breathability, and there’s even an auto rock feature (complete with sounds and music) to help soothe baby to sleep when your arms need a break.
Trust us on this one—it’s a true must-have!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Auto-Rock-Sleeper-Stone/dp/B00NEO5UTU”]Get it on Amazon for $54.99[/link-button]

20. An easy way to travel light

When you’re hitting the road with your little one, a safe, secure infant car seat is an absolute necessity. And if you’re a suburban mama who’s going to be in and out of the car a lot, you’ll also want to keep in mind the seat’s weight, as you’ll be lifting it quite a bit.

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The Graco SnugRide is one of our favorite infant car seats for its combination of safety, affordability, and weight. Clocking in at only 7.5 pounds, this rear-facing seat is suitable for little ones from 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32”. It’s simple to install using the LATCH system and features one-click technology that attaches it easily to any other products within the Graco travel family.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Graco-SnugRide-Connect-Infant-Gotham/dp/B00H8MQ4US”]Get it on Amazon for $149.98[/link-button]

21. A hands-free way to keep baby close

There’s nothing quite like newborn snuggles. Especially during those first few months, little ones love to be held super close, especially when they’re tired or cranky. But as you’ll soon learn, carrying around 8+ pounds of baby day in and day out can quickly start feeling like a neverending Pilates class.

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Give yourself a break and free up your hands by adding the comfortable, breathable Ergobaby Cool Air 360 to your registry. Constructed from lightweight mesh, this carrier will keep your little one—and you—cool all year long. The wide waistband and padded shoulder straps provide excellent support and it doesn’t take a PhD to figure out how to get it on and off. Best of all? It features four carry positions (forward in, forward out, hip, and back), so your little one will be comfy on your next adventure.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Ergobaby-Positions-Award-Winning-Ergonomic-Carrier/dp/B010C4IS34″]Get it on Amazon for $159.99[/link-button]

22. The ultimate ride

A stroller that fits your needs and your lifestyle is probably one of the biggest and most important decisions you’re going to make as you build your registry. Although we definitely recommend that you think long and hard about how you’ll be using this important piece of baby gear (are you a city mom or a suburban family, will you be in and out of the car a lot, etc.) we think the best, most functional stroller for most families is the UPPABaby Cruz.

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There are so many things we love about this (beautiful) stroller, it’s tough to pick just one. Its compact design means that it’s easy to fold and carry—but that definitely doesn’t take away from any other amazing features. It’s comfy for baby and has a great canopy and adjustable handlebar, features a roomy basket underneath, fully reclines, and can be forward or rear facing. (It’s also compatible with a bassinet and car seats from lots of different manufacturers.)
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/UPPAbaby-Stroller-Gregory-Melange-Leather/dp/B01MT11067″]Get it on Amazon for $549.99[/link-button]

23. A safe place for baby to play

Once your little one starts sitting up—and especially once she starts crawling—you’re going to need somewhere to contain her when you get tired of chasing her around the house. Play yards are a safe, secure spot for baby to play and rest, and a must-have on your registry.

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We’re huge fans of the Joovy Room2 Playard for a few key reasons. We love how roomy it is—almost 50 percent larger than most traditional play yards—meaning your little one won’t grow out of it anytime soon. We also love the insanely easy setup, the and the two wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It even comes with a cotton mattress sheet, so you won’t have to worry about buying one separately.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Joovy-Room2-Portable-Playard-Black/dp/B01BMAW2UM”]Get it on Amazon for $119.99[/link-button]

Gear Wants

24. A carrier with the perfect fit

Some mamas (and babes) will take to babywearing right away, so if you think you and your little one will fit the bill, it’s wise to add a wrap-style carrier to your registry. Unlike more structured carriers, wraps are just what they sound like—a long piece of soft, stretchy fabric that wraps around you and baby, keeping her close and comfortable.

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Though some wraps can be confusing and frustrating to put on, the Boba Baby Wrap is one of the simpler ones we’ve tried and can be mastered after just a few attempts. It supports up to 35 pounds and is made from a cotton/spandex blend, giving it just the right amount of stretch and support.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Boba-Wrap-Grey-0-36-Months/dp/B005SP2LWW”]Get it on Amazon for $39.95[/link-button]

25. A newborn docking station

The DockATot has taken the baby world by storm over the past few years. Some mamas don’t buy into the hype, but lots of others swear up and down by this baby lounger and can’t imagine momlife without one.

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The DockATot is perfect for lounging, play, tummy time, and supervised sleep. Babies love the high, soft walls that surround the dock, giving them the snug feeling of being back in the womb while still enabling them to move freely without any straps or buckles. And mamas love the ease of portability, the washable materials, and the swoon-worthy designs.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/DockATot-Deluxe-Dock-Pristine-White/dp/B06XGYJ9NL”]Get it on Amazon for $175[/link-button]

26. An ergonomic bouncer

Adding a bouncer to your registry isn’t a necessity, but we definitely love the convenience (and fun) it provides, so it may be something you want to think about as you build your wish list.

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The BabyBjorn Bouncer is simple, thoughtfully designed, and beautiful. The ergonomic design gently supports baby from day one, with no batteries, motors, or bells and whistles required—it’s baby’s own movements that power this chair! There are three different reclining positions, and the bouncer folds completely flat for easy travel. (It’s one of our favorite on-the-go baby items since it’s so simple to fold down and pop in a trunk or even a suitcase.) It even transitions into a toddler seat once baby gets a bit older.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/BABYBJORN-Bouncer-Balance-Soft-Cotton/dp/B00BQYVOKY”]Get it on Amazon for $199.99[/link-button]

27. A soft (and stylish) place to play

If you’re looking to cut down on the amount of baby gear you’re going to fill your house with, then using a swaddle or a blanket as a play mat for baby will certainly get the job done. But if you think you’d like a more cushioned, dedicated space for baby to play, you may want to consider adding a play mat to your registry.

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The best part about SkipHop’s DoublePlay Reversible Playmat is that it will actually look good in your living room, unlike so many other play mats we’ve come across. With one side featuring a modern print and one with a more kid-friendly pattern, it won’t stick out like a sore thumb in any part of your house. The PVC-free foam is perfect for playtime, and the mat is fully waterproof and wipes clean easily. It even rolls up for simple storage.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Vibrant-Reversible-Waterproof/dp/B079927NN2″]Get it on Amazon for $99.99[/link-button]

Bathtime, Health, and Safety Needs

28. An alternative (and adorable) baby bath

Before we took on this adventure of motherhood, we had no idea this baby product even existed—but we are so happy we learned about it!

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Bathing a teeny, tiny, squirmy, and very slippery newborn is not for the faint of heart. But the Blooming Bath Lotus changes all that! Now, instead of having to fumble with a slippery plastic infant tub, simply slip this soft, cushy liner into almost any sink and get scrubbin’. Baby will stay safe and secure, and you won’t have to worry about bending over at awkward angles while trying to get baby clean. Genius!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Blooming-Bath-Lotus-Light-Yellow/dp/B01N42JV9H”]Get it on Amazon for $39.99[/link-button]

29. A registry must-have

A few of the items in this health and grooming collection probably would have made us cringe pre-baby. But now, we couldn’t love them more and realize that they are non-negotiable registry must-haves for any mama-to-be!

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The Fridababy Bitty Bundle of Joy is the perfect starter set for taking care of baby—and you. It features two of our most loved baby products, the Nose Frida, the ultimate booger buster, and the Windi, an all-natural gas-passer. (I know, I know, but don’t knock ’em till you’ve tried ’em, mamas!) It’s also got a pair of baby-friendly nail clippers and a postpartum peri bottle for your likely sore nether regions. What more could you ask for, really?
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Fridababy-Bitty-Bundle-Healthcare-Grooming/dp/B01J8C1VVC”]Get it on Amazon for $49.99[/link-button]

30. A smarter way to take baby’s temperature

Although it’s not fun to think about, the reality of having a baby or a toddler is that they get sick. A lot. And the last thing you want to do when your newest addition is fighting off her most recent round of germs, making her even more uncomfortable by poking her over and over with a thermometer.

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Enter the Kinsa: the smarter, better way to take and track your little one’s temperature. Kinsa is a Bluetooth-enabled smart thermometer that wirelessly connects to your smartphone, allowing you to record and track your little one’s temp. It takes under 8 seconds and works orally and rectally. It also works alongside a free app that offers personalized medical advice based on your child’s temperature and symptoms, which will give every new mama the peace of mind she deserves.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kinsa-QuickCare-Smart-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B0795ZW85G”]Get it on Amazon for $19.99[/link-button]

Bathtime, Health, and Safety Wants

31. The softest towel there ever was

If you’re short on space in your linen closet and can’t imagine stuffing yet another towel in, then this next registry item probably isn’t for you. But if you have a little extra room, this super soft, super absorbent towel from Burt’s Bees is a great choice.

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Made from organic knit terry, these hooded towels are about as soft and snuggly as they come. They’re large enough to easily cover baby after a bath, and we love the hood feature for extra warmth and dryness.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Baby-Organic-Heather/dp/B01ER4XL0U”]Get it on Amazon for $12.99[/link-button]

Play Needs

32. A modern teether for sore gums

Even though you probably can’t imagine it now, before you know it your little one will be gnawing on everything in sight. To make sure their gum relief doesn’t come in the form of chewing on your finger, you’ll want to add a simple teether to your registry.

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We heart the Comotomo Silicone Teether for its straightforward design and of course its effectiveness in soothing tiny gums. It’s perfectly sized for little hands, making it easy for baby to maneuver it to wherever she needs the most gum relief. And since it’s made from 100 percent silicone, it’s easy to toss into the dishwasher to keep clean when it’s covered in baby drool!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Comotomo-Silicone-Baby-Teether-Orange/dp/B00913DY3W”]Get it on Amazon for $6.99[/link-button]

33. A better, safer rattle

Babies are drawn to bright, primary colors—but they’re also drawn to putting anything and everything in their mouths. Once your baby starts to grasp and play, you’ll want to make sure that whatever she’s chewing on is natural and safe.

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HABA’s Kringelring Wooden Rattle is one of our favorite first toys for little ones. Developing eyes love to look at the colorful beads around this pliable ring, and tiny hands love to grab and shake it. The ring is handcrafted from natural beechwood, so it’s totally fine to let your little one gnaw away.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/HABA-Kringelring-Wooden-Clutching-Germany/dp/B0002HYCMI”]Get it on Amazon for $13.49[/link-button]

Play Wants

34. A smarter play gym that will go the distance

Though not an absolute necessity, you’ll probably want to add a play gym to your registry not only to help entertain your baby, but to help him develop those early sensory, motor, and tracking skills.

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The Play Gym by Lovevery is pretty much everything you’d ever want or need in a baby play gym—and more. Extensively researched and designed specifically to help foster each of your baby’s learning stages, this gym will take you through an entire year of play and beyond. The five development “zones” foster baby’s visual focus, auditory awareness, sense of touch, awareness of colors, and ability to seek and find. It even converts into a play fort for when your little one gets older!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Lovevery-Developmental-Sensory-Development-Grounded/dp/B075R8BXXC”]Get it on Amazon for $140[/link-button]

And don’t forget a few things for you, too, mama.

35. The best way to treat yourself

I mean, does this one even really need an explanation?

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You’re going to have a brand new baby. You’re going to be insanely happy and in love, but you’re also going to be insanely TIRED. The last thing you need—or want—to worry about is cleaning your house. Let someone else wield the vacuum for a while you rest, recover, and enjoy your newest addition.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/House-Cleaning-Hours-Standard-Products/dp/B00SPNQ0EE”]Get it on Amazon, Prices Vary[/link-button]

36. A diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag

If you’re not thrilled about the idea of trading in your current purse for a clunky diaper bag, don’t worry, mamas—this adorable backpack-style diaper bag is the perfect blend of (affordable) style and function.

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The HaloVa Land doesn’t scream “diaper bag,” but has all the functionality that you need for a day out with your little. Made from water-resistant fabric, it’s easy to wipe clean, a feature you’ll definitely appreciate in the coming months. There are also a ton of pockets for storing everything from bottles and snacks to your keys and wallet. And since it’s a backpack style, you’ll always have your hands free for ultimate moming.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/HaloVa-Multi-Function-Waterproof-Backpack-Capacity/dp/B06XPDDJX3″]Get it on Amazon for $35.99[/link-button]

37. A soothing way to relieve soreness

If you’re going to be a breastfeeding or pumping mama, one of the most common issues you may face, especially during the first few weeks of your baby’s life, is sore nipples. There are lots of creams available to soothe this painful problem, but we’ve found that most of them are super sticky and tough to apply. Not the case with Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter.

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This botanical-rich cream goes on smoothly and easily without any thick, sticky residue. It’s rich in naturally soothing organic ingredients like calendula, cocoa and shea butters, and olive oil, so you won’t have to worry when your baby gets some in her mouth. And it really works; a little goes a long way to providing incredible relief.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Earth-Mama-Angel-Baby-Ear-2645/dp/B00JVUC012/”]Get it on Amazon for $17.99[/link-button]

38. A soft, stylish, multi-function scarf

If you think a nursing scarf can’t double as a cute fashion accessory, think again.

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This floral watercolor multi-use nursing cover is gorgeous; it adds a pop of color to even the simplest of outfits. But it’s so much more! This scarf can double as a nursing or pumping cover and a car seat or shopping cart cover. It’s the perfect accessory to toss in your diaper bag for whatever the day may bring.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Stretchy-Spacious-Multi-Use-Stroller-Shopping/dp/B06XKFH212″]Get it on Amazon for $24.95[/link-button]

Categories
Lifestyle Well-Traveled

Get Away, Together: 19 Couples Vacations For You And Your Boo

Sometimes the ultimate test of a relationship is how well you travel together. More often than not, the best way to really connect with someone is when you’re both out of your element.
“Taking a break from the daily routine, the hustle, and the kids is healthy to reconnect. Sleep in and take time to enjoy pure and simple activities with each other,” says Lillian Aviles, director of business development for luxury travel company Journey Mexico. “Sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day that romance gets pushed to the side. Turn off your phone and take a look at the beauty that surrounds you.”
From international trips for couples to romantic vacations on a budget, these are 19 top romantic vacations for reconnecting with your partner and discovering new things about the world and each other.

Top Vacation Destinations for Storybook Romance

1. Vienna

Storybook charm permeates Vienna from Schönbrunn Palace (the private residence of the imperial family) to the Spanish Riding School, where Lipizzan horses have been trained for more than 450 years. Walk the routes Mozart walked and marvel at the twinkling lights that bedeck the plazas around the holidays.
winter vacation in vienna

Stay at: Hotel Bristol (from $219/night)

“Hotel Bristol has stately, ornate rooms and a beautiful view of the opera house that makes you feel like you’re on a grand tour in the 19th century,” says Alexandra R. “The city is filled with old-world charm, and staying in a hotel that similarly reflects this helps keep you in the fairytale moment even after a long day (or night) of roaming the streets.”

2. Paris

Paris is called the City of Love for a reason. You won’t find a more romantic or iconic city for couples anywhere else in the world. Elegant architecture, romantic side streets, and sidewalk cafes barely scratch the surface of what Paris has to offer couples. Cap it all off with a kiss under the glittering Eiffel Tower by night, and you’ll soon see why Paris is always a good idea.

Lobby of Le Roch Hotel & Spa in Paris, France
Le Roch Hotel & Spa

Stay at: Le Roch Hotel & Spa (from $385/night)

The boutique city hotel boasts a swanky address in Paris, in the 1st Arrondissement, between Place Vendôme and Place de l’Opéra. Its 37 rooms overlook Rue Saint-Roch, a charming side street dotted with iconic wrought-iron balconies.

3. Positano, Italy

“The romance in Positano is inherent,” says Alexia G. “It actually seems like a form of currency that keeps this bustling, coastal beach town alive with energy.”

Balcony of Le Sirenuse Hotel in Positano, Italy
Le Sirenuse

Explore Italy’s idyllic summer coast for a new kind of storybook romance. Sunbathe and sip Peronis, or explore the local vendors that pop up through the town’s narrow corridors. Hire a private car service to drive down the Amalfi Coast for a day, and spend the entire time stopping in at restaurants and landmarks, such as Ravello, the highest point in Amalfi.

Stay at: Le Sirenuse (from $868/night)

Top Vacation Destinations for Couples Seeking Adventure

4. Iceland

Iceland is an adventure-lovers’ paradise, full of white-water rafting, hiking, scenic drives, kayaking, snowmobiling on a glacier, and so much more. Each moment can be filled with adrenaline-pumping activities, but it would be a shame to miss the relaxing, meditative moments in Iceland’s many hot springs—which are often the perfect end to a day spent chasing thrills.
ponies in iceland

Stay at: Lambhús (from $87/night)

“Lambhús offers quaint little cabins in the countryside of southeast Iceland. It’s like you have your own tiny house, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and Icelandic horses,” says Joni S. “And you can get up early, whip up your own breakfast, and watch the sunrise before taking a kayaking adventure on a glacial lake filled with icebergs.”

5. Phuket, Thailand

“Thailand encompasses so many different categories and bottles them into one country. Once you’re on those incredibly turquoise-blue islands, surround by massive mountain rocks, it’s complete romance and adventure,” says Cessie C.
secluded pool in thailand
From elephant riding to hiking to the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi to exploring Maya Bay (the famous spot where Leonardo DiCaprio filmed The Beach), the opportunities for adventure in Phuket are seemingly endless.

Stay at: Mandarava Resort (from $102/night)

Top Vacation Destinations for Foodie Couples

6. Napa Valley, California

Napa is an absolute must for foodie couples—especially those who appreciate good wine. The happy marriage between the two (food and wine, not you two lovebirds) is prevalent all throughout this region. Hire a private car or hop Ubers to check out some of the best off-the-radar wineries, including Artesa, Sterling, and Tank Garage. If you’re considering Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry—one of the country’s best restaurants—just do it. You only live once.

Front entrance of Napa River Inn in Napa, California
Napa River Inn

Stay at: Napa River Inn (from $168/night)

“Staying near the Napa Riverwalk means you can enjoy some of the city’s best dining, including La Toque and Morimoto,” says Alexia. “Make sure to stop by the Oxbow Public Market for some of the best casual dining in the region as well.”

7. New Orleans, Louisiana

NOLA has an intoxicating atmosphere that just makes you want to live life, bite by bite. Start with a sinfully good breakfast at the Cake Cafe. Stop in at Coop’s Place for an ice cold beverage and marinated crab claws. A visit to Erin Rose for a frozen Irish coffee and a poboy from Killer Poboys helps to round out this food tour on foot. For dinner, Pêche is a seafood favorite; you can’t go wrong with anything from the raw bar, and the whole grilled fish is an Instagram-worthy entree. Other classic recommendations (that don’t swing too touristy) include Cochon Butcher, Herbsaint, the Carousel Bar, Coquette, Commander’s Palace, and Bacchanal.

vacation in new orleans french quarter
@maggietyson_

Stay at: Hilton New Orleans, St. Charles Avenue (from $114/night)

“We love staying here as it’s within walking distance to the French Quarter, but not so close that you’re on top of all the noise and chaos,” says Becca D. “It’s so centrally located, so you can walk off all the calories you’re bound to inhale.”

8. Mérida, Mexico

When people think of authentic Mexican cuisine, Yucatán is often overlooked. But the state, with Mérida as its capital, is teeming with a wide and unique offering of delights. Local specialties include pan de cazón (layers of tortilla with a tomato, onion, and Serrano chili sauce filled with local white fish), poc chuc (grilled pork marinated in sour orange), and sopa de lima (shredded chicken and strips of tortilla with a sweet and tangy lime broth).

Pool and courtyard at Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + Spa in Merida, Mexico
Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + Spa

Stay at: Rosas & Xocolate (from $238/night)

“Its rich colors, outdoor showers, and chic rooftop terrace—great for a cocktail—make for a wonderful choice for a younger, sexy, and trendier experience,” says Lillian A.

Top Vacation Destinations for Beach and Chill Couples

9. St. Lucia

St. Lucia is fairly small in comparison to other Caribbean islands, but it has something for everyone. Its beaches are stunning for lounging, offering views of the iconic Pitons. Sample fresh cocoa beans at a plantation, sip local rum, or simply sit back and relax. If couples should want a little action, the botanical gardens have hot springs and waterfalls as well as top sites for snorkeling.

st lucia pitons
@_tbrumm

Stay at: Anse Chastanet Resort (from $300/night)

“This resort, the sister property to world-famous Jade Mountain, is overall a bit quieter, with more dramatic cliffside rooms. I love this property for the views, and the staff’s attention to detail,” says Daniela H.

10. The Maldives

Couples know that they will spend a bit more on a splurge trip like the Maldives, but the memories are simply priceless. There is a world-class coral reef, so be sure to grab snorkel gear and spend time exploring the reef. Simply stunning ways to spend the day with your boo include stand-up paddleboarding or a sunset cruise on a dhoni, a traditional boat used in the Maldives to see the dolphins making their daily migrations.

Water villa with pool at Six Senses Laamu Resort in the Maldives
Six Senses Laamu

Stay at: Six Senses Laamu (from $800/night)

“This is the perfect resort because you can spend all day doing nothing but luxuriating on their picture-perfect beaches or by their gorgeous pools, or just relax at your own luxury villa,” says Becca.

11. Rosemary Beach, Florida

The beach towns, restaurants, and laid-back living will make you feel as though you’ve stopped into a Ralph Lauren summer collection ad—and you don’t need a passport or a mega time commitment to do so. Pro tip: The best way to explore Rosemary Beach and the surrounding beaches is by bike.

Beach chairs and umbrellas on the beach at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach, Florida
St. Joe Club & Resorts

Stay at: The Pearl Hotel (from $510/night)

“Surrounded by Spanish architecture and thriving locally driven restaurants, you can rent a bicycle and bike along 30A highway, where you’ll stop along various picturesque beach towns,” says Alexia.

Top Vacation Destinations for Nature-Loving Couples

12. Belize

Belize is a visually stunning country that’s packed with nature activities. It is covered in sinkholes and boasts the world’s second largest barrier reef—as well as the famous Blue Hole diving paradise.

Pools at Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, Belize
Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort

Stay at: Hamanasi (from $170/night)

“This resort is an amazing way to experience unique activities in the jungle and on the water,” says Elena O. “They offer a wide variety of nature adventures—from cave tubing and waterfall rappelling to diving the Blue Hole—that will please any nature lover.”

13. Lost Coast, California

The 25-mile trek that is the Lost Coast is perfect for nature lovers, as this is as close to roughing it as it gets. The entire trail is a stretch of California coastline nearly 300 miles north of San Francisco; it’s so rugged, roads have not yet been able to conquer it. If it can be done in nature, you can do it on the Lost Coast, from hiking to backpacking, fly-fishing, biking, walking, or even just sitting outside together sipping a California craft brew.

lost coast california vacation
@briforthespirit

Stay at: Various Campsites

“There are no designated campsites, mostly lightly suggested areas in which to pitch a tent,” says Mary Kate B. “The trail is astonishingly beautiful. You will pass through meadows, tide zones, and forests. If you’re looking for a challenging and secluded getaway for even the most experienced backpackers, this is it.”

14. Alaska

In Alaska, nature is all around you, no matter where you go. Rent a car and drive the state, but be sure to take your time and research before you go so you can see the things that are important to you as a couple. Hiking is number one for nature lovers, especially those hikes that are surrounded by water and waterfalls.
alaska vacation rental for couples

Stay at: The Ma Johnson’s Hotel (from $110/night)

“One of our favorite memories was in a small town called McCarthy. We drove 60 miles of dirt road to get there. The only hotel in town is called Ma Johnson’s. You are in the middle of nowhere with beautiful mountains surrounding you,” says Steph M.

Top Vacation Resorts for Couples to Get Busy

True, you can get down with your partner anywhere—we don’t need to tell you that. But if you’re looking for something a bit more on-the-nose, try one of these resorts specifically meant for sexy time. Get it, girl.

15. Hedonism II, Negril, Jamaica (from $352/night)

With a name like Hedonism, this resort leaves little to the imagination. The experience in person is no different. Hedonism is a nudist resort designed for couples who live “The Lifestyle”—a not-so-secret code for people who enjoy swinging. But don’t let that scare you off. It’s actually an incredibly curated, fun, provocative, safe, and clean experience—at a luxury all-inclusive resort in Jamaica, to boot.

Pool at Hedonism II Resort in Negril, Jamaica
Hedonism II

Hedonism II hosts sexy theme nights, erotic-inspired shows, pool parties, and more. But the culmination of any visit to Hedonism is a trip to the Romping Shop Playroom, where couples (and singles) are invited to explore whatever comes naturally to them. From voyeurism and monogamous fun to swapping and sharing, anything goes in the Playroom— provided you ask permission first.
But rest assured, if you don’t feel comfortable going quite that far, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy. Only one half of the resort is nudist, and clothing is required in all dining areas and the gym. And sex is not a requirement; it’s simply easily accessible for those who want to explore.

16. Breathless Riviera Cancun (from $303/night)

“Breathless is a high-end all-inclusive resort with a sexy twist, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint, nor does it cross the line for those who might not be so comfortable with some of the clothing-optional hotels out there,” says Elena. “Everything from the room design to colors and music to the topless pools and late night parties makes you feel excited and open to possibilities.”
Breathless puts on nightly themed shows that get your mind racing about possibilities. One of the pools is always topless optional and holds foam parties with dancers every afternoon. And should you need time away from the resort, Riviera Maya is packed with activities, including snorkeling cenotes, visiting local parks, zip lining, and exploring local markets.

Top Vacation Destinations for Couples on a Budget

17. Montenegro

“Montenegro is an absolutely breathtakingly beautiful country that has gone largely undiscovered,” says Elena. “Food entrees run about 3 to 4 euros, beer is 2 euros, and an average, no-frills hotels price is 40 euros a night. Still, you’re experiencing the same type of beauty as you would in Italy but for half the price.”
vacation views montenegro
Some wonderful ways to experience Montenegro on a budget are to taste the local food, hike (which is always free), or raft down the Tara River.

Stay at: Hotel Conte (from $115/night)

18. Hawaii

Hawaii might not have the reputation of being a destination for romantic vacations on a budget, but through a few hacks, couples can experience the magic of the islands without breaking the bank. Snorkeling and hiking are two Hawaii musts that are always free. Visit Two Steps on the Big Island, or Kee Beach on Kauai, which has a beautiful, free hiking trail that is about two hours each way. The Road to Hana on Maui is also packed with hidden pools and waterfalls.

woman swimming in hawaii
Vincent Printy

Stay at: An Airbnb!

“Even cheap hotels in Hawaii are not cheap, so why not get an experience out of your stay?” asks Noa H. “One Airbnb was almost like a treehouse in the middle of the jungle. Another was a converted garage. The family that lived in the main house caught a 28-pound fish one day and invited us and the entire neighborhood for a cookout. That doesn’t happen in hotels.”

19. Medellín, Colombia

Medellín is doing a wonderful job showcasing its transformation from cartel stronghold to travelers’ paradise. Though it doesn’t shy away from shedding light on its once treacherous past, the city is focusing on its urban socialism, art, and growing culinary scene.
“In a city that is now just getting used to being in the travel spotlight and experiencing a sudden rush of tourism, Medellín still proves to be extremely affordable,” says Prin B. “The local fare is cheap, with stands offering delicious arepas, empanadas, and other goods at every corner.”
vacation views medellín colombia
Take the Inside Medellín Tour of Comuna 13. The free tour is conducted by locals who grew up in Comuna 13—one of the most violent neighborhoods in the ’90s and early 2000s. Today it is filled with street art and the famed Escaleras Electricas. Then take a cable car for just $1 to take in panoramic views from Santo Domingo and Parque Arví.

Stay at: The Charlee Hotel (from $156/night)

Trendy luxury and boutique style come together at The Charlee Hotel, which sits across from Medellín’s Lleras Park. The hotel has its own rooftop swimming pool and a retro style that is whimsical and fun. A full tropical breakfast is served each morning, and at night couples can dine on homemade Italian cuisine.

Categories
Lifestyle Well-Traveled

13 Cheap Wellness Retreats That Will Change Your Life

Think about your perfect wellness retreat. Maybe you envision beach yoga at sunrise, rehydrating with fruit smoothies in every color of the rainbow, wandering down cobblestone streets (arm-in-arm with your new travel friends), and relaxing on a massage table as a caring therapist kneads your body from head to toe. Ahhh—how dreamy.
But one look at the price of some of these luxe vacations, and those dreams come crashing down, fast. Are there any affordable retreats where you can soothe your mind, body, and soul without stretching your travel budget beyond capacity?
Once upon a time, you had to shell out big bucks to bliss out on a rejuvenating retreat. Nowadays, there are tons of affordable retreats around the world, complete with invigorating activities, inspiring workshops, cozy accommodations, and plenty of opportunities to bond with fellow travelers. So say sayonara to sticker shock, and check out these 13 cheap retreats. This is bliss on a budget.

Affordable Fitness & Yoga Retreats

In the mood for a getaway to reconnect with your mat and work up a sweat? Check out these affordable yoga and fitness retreats with totally zen prices.

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health (Stockbridge, Massachusetts)

When: Anytime!
What: Known worldwide for its deeply moving yoga instruction, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health invites guests for flexible, affordable retreats in the Berkshires. You can drop in on yoga classes, outdoor activities, and mindfulness workshops that will prove to be equal parts introspective and expansive. The beautiful mountain scenery will inspire you to disconnect from your screens and reconnect with yourself.

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Massachusetts offers a cheap wellness retreat with stunning scenery.
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

It’s not all woo-woo, though. Kripalu stays grounded with its weekly whole foods cooking demonstration, where executive chef Jeremy Rock Smith will have you giggling about all the activities you’re taking so seriously during the day (and fueling your retreat with some seriously tasty meals). It brings everything back down to earth.
Price: Starts at $177 per night for rest & relaxation retreats, including accommodations

Giardino Ascona Pop-Up Yoga Retreat (Ascona, Switzerland)

When: October 14 to 17, 2018
What: How can a yoga retreat at a five-star hotel in Switzerland actually be affordable? We’re not sure, but somehow Giardino Ascona is offering just that. This yoga retreat includes four full days of pampering, complete with revitalizing vinyasas, Ayurvedic cooking classes, and optional spa treatments.

This five-star hotel in Switzerland offers an affordable wellness retreat option for any yoga lover.
Giardino Ascona Pop-Up Yoga Retreat

During your downtime, take one of the hotel’s complimentary bikes out for a spin. It’s just a short ride among beautiful scenery and fragrant flora down to serene Lake Maggiore. Talk about bliss!
Price: Starts at $950 for three nights, four days

Prana del Mar Yoga Retreat & Wellness Center (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico)

When: Various dates throughout the year; see the upcoming retreat schedule.
What: Between strolling miles of pristine beaches and taking yoga classes with internationally-acclaimed instructors, you might never need to slip on a pair of shoes when on a retreat at Prana del Mar. However, these inexpensive yoga retreats aren’t just about spending time on your mat.

Prana del Mar Yoga Retreat & Wellness Center in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico offers an affordable wellness retreat with gorgeous beach views.
Prana del Mar Yoga Retreat & Wellness Center

You can also add on a range of other fun activities, like watching sea turtles hatch, surfing, whale-watching cruises, horseback riding trips, cooking classes, and ATV tours. With so many natural treasures around the area, Prana del Mar does its part to preserve its surroundings by adhering to eco-friendly practices (like using solar power to heat the lap pool and recycling all wastewater) throughout the property. Unplug, and let the sound of the ocean waves soothe you throughout your time on one of these yoga retreats.
Price: Starts at $280 per night

Chicks on Waves Surfing & Yoga Retreats (Algarve, Portugal)

When: Various dates throughout the year; see the retreat calendar.
What: Dream of learning how to surf? There’s no better place to give the sport a try than the surf breaks in the Atlantic, especially with a group of likeminded women on a retreat with Chicks on Waves. These cheap retreats include surf lessons every day, along with body-strengthening yoga classes that will give you the balance and control you’ll need to hang 10 when you’re getting started on the board.
From transportation to the beach and surf gear to yoga mats and towels, everything’s included—the only things you’ll need to bring are some bravery, a bathing suit, and a willingness to bond with other women.
Price: Starts around $930 for a six-night surf and yoga retreat

Essential Zion Adventure at Red Mountain Resort (Ivins, Utah)

When: Anytime!
What: With its wild red cliffs, epic hikes, and breathtaking vistas, Zion National Park is a bucket list-worthy destination in and of itself for nature lovers. But Red Mountain Resort formalizes the retreat experience at this popular park with a package deal that includes healthy cooking demonstrations and fitness classes.

With its wild red cliffs, epic hikes, and breathtaking vistas, Zion National Park is a great cheap wellness retreat destination.
Red Mountain Resort

The real appeal of this natural park retreat, though, is hikes throughout Zion with one of the resort’s highly trained guides. They’ll even pack a to-go lunch to keep you fueled while you tackle Angels Landing (or one of the easier trails, if that’s more your fancy). And after all that trekking, you’ll love a soak in the resort’s indoor and outdoor seasonal pools. No need to compromise your creature comforts to have an adventurous outdoor retreat.
Price: Starts at $340 per night

eXtreme Hotel Circus Retreat (Cabarete, Dominican Republic)

When: Anytime!
What: If you’ve ever thought about running away and joining the circus, now’s your chance to give it a try at eXtreme Hotel. The eco-friendly retreat center will have you up in the flying trapeze, learning how to juggle, defying gravity on the aerial silks, and trying acrobatics in up to eight circus classes per day.
The quirky, inexpensive retreats also include tours of eXtreme Hotel’s organic farm, river tubing, and farm-to-table breakfasts and dinners. And if the circus retreat inspires you to quit your job and become a tightrope walker, don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Price: Starts at $1,200 for seven nights, eight days

Cheap Spa Retreats

Perhaps your ideal retreat consists of massages, body scrubs, facials, and all-around pampering. What could be better than that? These spa retreats will soothe your body without stressing your finances.

Jaya House River Park (Siem Reap, Cambodia)

When: Anytime!
What: Every culture takes its own approach to pampering. At Jaya House River Park, you can experience the distinctive art of Khmer healing on an affordable spa retreat. The expert staff will apply gentle finger pressure to ease tension throughout your body and re-energize tired muscles (a welcome relief after a long-haul flight to Cambodia!).

At Jaya House River Park, you can experience the distinctive art of Khmer healing on a cheap wellness retreat.
Jaya House River Park

Guests at the stunning hotel and spa—which makes its own shampoo, lotion, and body scrub—get a complimentary treatment every day of their retreat. No need to feel guilty about self-indulgence here; Jaya House River Park supports local organizations in artistic endeavors and landmine removal, among other socially responsible efforts.
Price: Starts around $206 per night

Museflower Retreat & Spa (Chiang Rai, Thailand)

When: Anytime!
What: Want a wellness retreat on the cheap? You can’t do better than at Museflower Retreat & Spa. Its affordable six-day retreats include a signature 90-minute massage, body scrub, foot massage, Thai massage, and a bunch of other spa treatments you’ll definitely enjoy.

Museflower offers affordable six-day retreats include a signature 90-minute massage, body scrub, foot massage, Thai massage, and a bunch of other spa treatments you’ll definitely enjoy.
Museflower Retreat & Spa

When you’re not getting pampered, take a dip in the Himalayan saltwater pool, drop in on a yoga class, indulge in an herbal steam, or bike around the local town. Then, snuggle into your cozy cottage for some rest and relaxation. This is a retreat, after all.
Price: Starts at around $765 for five nights, six days

Lasko Thermal Spa Resort (Lasko, Slovenia)

When: Anytime!
What: Everything centers around the thermal water at this Slovenian destination spa. The mineral water supposedly has therapeutic properties, which you can soak up on a spa retreat at the resort’s various pools and water-based treatments.
True to its Eastern European roots, Lasko Thermal Spa Resort also uses another type of liquid therapy as the basis for some spa treatments: Beer! It’s used in special beer baths and massages, which pamper the skin with natural vitamins, according to the spa. (Did Homer Simpson dream this up?)
Price: Around $96 per night for the Wellbeing Package

Cheap Retreats For Creativity & Mindfulness

We all need some headspace from time to time. These creativity and mindfulness retreats will give you just that, plus a whole lot of inspiration to take home with you.

Art Ovation Creative Retreats (Sarasota, Florida)

When: Anytime!
What: Art and music are at the heart of Art Ovation, a recently opened boutique hotel in Florida. Rooms come with their own musical instruments, like ukuleles, cellos, and guitars, along with sketching materials to help you get back in touch with your creative side.

Art Ovation in Florida offers a creative take on cheap wellness retreats.
Rich Schineller

But the art doesn’t stop once you leave your room—Art Ovation’s events calendar is chock-full of music lessons, art and wine tours, recitals, drop-in improv comedy classes, origami workshops, painting classes, and tons of other activities. Da Vinci, eat your heart out.
Price: Starts at $179 per night

Spirit Vine Ayahuasca Retreat Center (Bahia, Brazil)

When: October 20-28, 2018; November 17-25, 2018; December 15-23, 2018
What: Indigenous tribes of the Amazon have used ayahuasca, a tea made from psychoactive plants, for healing and spiritual purposes for thousands of years. You can experience the powerful effects of this psychedelic substance for yourself on an ayahuasca retreat, guided by experts who have studied with shamans around South America. The music and setting have been carefully designed to give you a safe, comfortable, and supportive experience throughout your inner journey.

Peaceful beaches at Spirit Vine Ayahuasca Retreat Center make it an excellent destination for a cheap wellness retreat.
Spirit Vine Ayahuasca Retreat Center

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the jungle with a local guide, visit a waterfall, take yoga classes, and go on “visionary art explorations.” Your body will need to go all the way to Brazil for this retreat, but your mind will go much, much further.
Price: Starts at $1,650 for eight-day retreats

Talalla Wellness Retreats (Talalla, Sri Lanka)

When: Various dates throughout the year; see retreat inquiry form.
What: There’s no one path to wellness—that’s why Talalla offers a diverse selection of activities on its wellness retreats to help you achieve health, serenity, and happiness. Your body will get some TLC on the twice daily yoga, Pilates, and “Boxilates” classes, along with the surf lessons and spa treatments. Your mind gets its own workout through guided meditation and writing exercises.

Talalla Wellness Retreat in Sri Lanka is a great destination for adventurous travelers looking for cheap wellness retreats.
Talalla Wellness Retreats

And unique experiences, like Sri Lankan cooking classes, visits with elephants, and bike rides in local villages, will create memories that will inspire you for years to come. Who said the benefits of a retreat end on the last day?
Price: Starts around $1,015 for seven days

Le Monastère des Augustines (Québec, Canada)

When: Anytime!
What: Perhaps you’re looking for a retreat for your spirit. If so, you’ll find it at Le Monastère des Augustines, where you’ll stay in a restored cloister and choose a retreat theme that will feed your individual soul. Some of the monastery’s wellness retreats promise to renew your body through holistic health consultations, private spa treatments, and healthy meals, while others immerse you in local culture though guided tours of the property and contemplative museum visits.
But the most spiritual practice of all might be the vitality breakfasts—held in complete silence, so you can sip your coffee and be at peace with your earliest thoughts of the day, sans interruptions. That’s an affordable retreat ritual you can take home with you.
Price: Starts at $74 per night

Categories
Healthy Relationships Wellbeing

Are You Dating A Narcissist? Here's How To Tell And What To Do

Have you ever found yourself wondering if your partner is a narcissist? The truth is, if you have to ask yourself that question, the answer might be yes.
Narcissistic traits are often difficult to spot at first and can even seem magnetic and charming in the beginning; attraction to narcissists is often instantaneous, mysterious, and almost addictive. Unfortunately, you might not know you’re dating a narcissist until you’re already deep into the relationship.
We all might act a little selfish sometimes, and that’s just human. But being a little bit selfish is different from having a narcissistic personality disorder. “We’re all on the spectrum, and we all have narcissistic traits, but most of us don’t live in a narcissistic space,” says Shirani M. Pathak, relationship counselor, couples therapist, and founder of Center for Soulful Relationships of Silicon Valley. “Narcissists are very charismatic at first, and we are drawn to them. On the other hand, once you start to get more comfortable and familiar, you start to see the orange and yellow flags, and then it becomes time to reevaluate.”
Being in a relationship with a person with narcissistic personality traits or even full-blown narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can have a toxic effect on the relationship and on your own mental health. Ultimately, dating a narcissist can lead you to feel like you are inadequate in some way; narcissists have a grandiose sense of self, and that can project itself negatively on you, making you feel as if your partner does not think you are good enough to match up to their exaggerated sense of greatness.
[pullquote]The first step to healing is to form a deep, empathetic understanding of what causes narcissism.[/pullquote]
But rest assured, there are ways to make the situation better. It is important to keep in mind that dating a narcissist is nothing to be ashamed of or to feel guilty over, nor is having narcissistic personality disorder. Of course, you likely did not plan to love someone with narcissistic personality disorder, just as your partner did not plan to have the disorder. But there is hope, and you can have a healthy and fulfilling relationship—it may just take a little extra work.
And if you ultimately decide that this is not the right relationship for you, that is nothing to be ashamed of either. Leaving a person with narcissistic characteristics is not always easy, but it is often the right move for women who feel like they are stuck.

Signs of a Narcissistic Personality

It’s not always easy to spot the symptoms of narcissism. The condition is deeply associated with egocentrism, meaning you may notice your partner considers their opinions or desires more important than yours. To take it one step further, the National Library of Medicine defines a person with NPD as someone with excessive self-importance, an intense preoccupation with themselves, and a lack of empathy for others.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are some telltale signs of a narcissist. He or she will have an exaggerated sense of self-importance as well as a sense of entitlement, and they require constant, excessive admiration. He or she will also expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it.
“Narcissists present themselves to the world as ‘I am larger than life,'” says Pathak. “One thing to pay attention to is how your partner treats waitstaff. If you’re on a date, watch how they respond to the waiters. This will tell you a lot about how this person really is. Narcissists think the world needs to cater to their needs or that the world revolves around them.”
A narcissistic person will talk a lot about themselves and tend to dominate the conversation. Favorite topics are their accomplishments or achievements, and they often focus on looks and putting others down to elevate their own sense of self.
In the beginning of relationships, narcissists are quick to fall hard and fast, and they may be overly flattering to make you feel special. Of course meeting someone who’s charming and totally into you feels good, but a person with narcissistic personality disorder will often treat you this way only to get what they want out of you.
Narcissists are apt to become impatient or angry when they aren’t treated uniquely, and they frequently have significant interpersonal problems. They will often react with rage or try to put the other person down in an attempt to make themselves seem superior. They tend to react poorly to stress and adapting to change. Depression and moodiness are common when they fall short of perfection.
People with narcissistic personality disorder also tend to make their partners feel constantly in the wrong or like they are “crazy.” If you have pointed out issues you see within the relationship, and your partner is consistent in telling you that you are wrong and often has you questioning your own motives in scenarios where you know yourself to be level-headed, that is one of the best ways to know they’re a narcissist. “This is a denial of your reality or your version of the truth,” says Pathak.

Causes of Narcissism

While it can be incredibly frustrating, painful, and confusing to be in a relationship with a narcissist, the first step to healing is to form a deep, empathetic understanding of what causes narcissism.
It is important to recognize that narcissists may be dealing with emotional wounds from their past, says Pathak. “Because they have this grandiose way of being, and because of the way they present themselves to the world, with an over-inflated ego, it is difficult to forget that what they are covering up is a very fragile, wounded self-esteem deep down inside.”
It’s not entirely clear what causes narcissism, but it is often the result of psychological or physical trauma that can stem from childhood, resulting from intense coddling to neglect or abuse. If a child experienced manipulative parents growing up, this could also be a cause.
“Narcissism can sometimes be the result of physical neglect or abuse,” says Pathak. “It is associated with emotional wounds that are too painful to look at, and if you ask them about it, they will deny any difficult upbringing or difficult experiences because the defense mechanism is that strong. It will not let them acknowledge there is pain that they are covering up.”

Changing a Narcissist

So, can narcissists change? Well, the answer is both good and bad. The good news is yes, absolutely, people with narcissistic personality disorder can experience successful treatment. The bad news is that their partners can’t often convince them to seek help.
“Narcissists are absolutely capable of change, but it is not something you as the partner can tell them they need to do.” says Pathak. Narcissists have to come to this conclusion on their own, which is true of most humans and their issues. Nobody wants to hear from someone else that they have to change. The desire to change always has to come from within.

How Dating a Narcissist Affects You

Often narcissism can have a negative impact on a partner in a romantic relationship. According to a study conducted by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, narcissism was found to be negatively related to commitment. The study shows that this was a result of the narcissists’ perception of alternatives to their current relationship. Narcissists often report less commitment to their ongoing relationships, always with the notion that there might be someone “better” out there waiting for them.
[pullquote align=”center”]“Women can make relationships with narcissists work with a lot of gentle love and care for themselves.”
—Shirani M. Pathak, relationship counselor and couples therapist[/pullquote]
“Dating a narcissist can make things for yourself, as the partner, worse. It can lower your self-esteem, and, again, make you feel as if you’re crazy for questioning anything,” says Pathak.
On the other hand, she says, it can help to bring about change. “There comes a point sometimes when people realize that the pain no longer works for them. As long as you do what [you need] to take care of yourself, and recognize that the status quo does not work for you, that’s when you can get the support to make the catalyst for great change.”

Having a Healthy Relationship With a Narcissist

Yes, it’s possible. Just because you are in a relationship with a narcissist does not mean that you need to end it. There are ways for you to handle yourself in situations so that your mental health is not compromised and your needs are met. But this relationship model will not work for everyone, so it is important to recognize yourself and to listen to your inner voice to determine whether it is right for you—and to honor yourself if you realize that it ultimately is not.
“Women can make relationships with narcissists work with a lot of gentle love and care for themselves,” says Pathak. “The perfect attraction for a narcissist is to someone with a wound that is complementary to their wound. We all have our own emotional baggage, but there are some personalities that end up being the perfect puzzle piece that fits so well in this beautifully orchestrated relationship dance with a narcissist.”
Often people who are attracted to narcissists tend to have low self-esteem or struggle with issues of depression or anxiety. They meet this charismatic, charming person who is drawn to them, and they start feeling incredibly special—until they then find themselves too far in.  
“The best way to be in relationship with someone with those tendencies is to make sure that you are doing your own work and getting the support you need to nurture and grow your self-esteem. When you have low self-esteem, that is likely how you got into the relationship in the first place, and when you’re always the one feeling ‘crazy,’ it will make you feel worse.”
Boosting your own self-esteem is the first way to start to change. Sometimes the narcissist in the relationship will notice and recognize that they need to change as well, in order to not lose you.
“It’s about trusting that if the relationship is meant for you, then it will do its thing. We all want to be loved unconditionally, but that does not mean we accept unacceptable behavior or violate our own boundaries and further perpetual abuse,” says Pathak.

How to Break Up With a Narcissist

Unfortunately, people with narcissistic personality disorder aren’t always going to be willing to do the work to change. And it’s unlikely that being in a relationship is what will push them to do the necessary work. As the partner, you do not shoulder the burden of having to change, fix, or save someone. Your priority should always, first and foremost, be to yourself and your own well-being.
So if you decide that this relationship is not benefiting you or making you feel good, that is entirely okay, and there is no reason to feel any sense of guilt or abandonment, even though you might feel that way knowing the emotional damage that underlies your partner’s narcissism.
“Leaving a narcissist should always be done with love and kindness, as should any breakup,” says Pathak. “Always take ownership for your part, and never make it about the other person.” She stresses that this does not mean being dishonest, but instead to say that the relationship does not work for you, and that it’s time to end it. “Keep it short and sweet. At this point, [narcissists] will be triggered and defensive, and there’s no sense in having a conversation with a wounded person who is getting more activated. Have the kind conversation with as much simplicity as possible.”
If you want to speak to someone regarding your situation, or if your partner’s narcissism is negatively affecting you, professional help is always available. Psychology Today has a directory that can help place you with a licensed, certified therapist in your area, and there are many types of therapy you may benefit from.

Categories
Nosh Nutrition x Advice

5 Nutritional Yeast Benefits Your Body Will Love

Have you ever tasted a dairy-free “cheese” and wondered how it gets its addictively tangy flavor? It’s a secret ingredient that the vegan community’s known about for years called nutritional yeast. Yep, it’s similar to the stuff that’s used to make bread rise! But nutritional yeast benefits go far beyond boosting the taste of plant-based foods. These flavorful flakes (which are gluten-free!) are packed with nutrients our bodies crave and offer positive effects for our health.
Still not convinced about nutritional yeast (or just want to know how you can actually incorporate it into your diet)? Sarah Skovran, a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in plant-based diets, sat down with HealthyWay to talk about the benefits of nutritional yeast and offer some tips on cooking with it. (Hint: It’s not just for vegan cuisine!)

What is nutritional yeast?

Let’s be honest: You probably didn’t start salivating when you first heard of nutritional yeast. The name does it no favors, but it’s actually some pretty good stuff.
“Nutritional yeast is an actual yeast grown on another substance—often molasses—then harvested, dried, and deactivated,” explains Skovran.
Is there a difference between conventional yeast and nutritional yeast? Certainly—and don’t expect nutritional yeast to give you fluffy loaves of bread. Unlike baker’s yeast (which is used in breads and pastries) and brewer’s yeast (used to brew beer), nutritional yeast is no longer living, so it won’t offer certain culinary effects.
“It won’t make liquids frothy or baked goods rise,” adds Skovran.
[pullquote align=”center”]“Try just a couple tablespoons at a time to see if you like it without committing to a large amount.”[/pullquote]
Typically, nutritional yeast (also known as nooch) comes in two forms: flakes and powders. It’s available at health food stores and some grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s (look for it in the baking aisle or specialty diet sections).
“When people first hear about this ingredient, which I tend to think of as a flavoring, they’re reluctant to try it. If you can get it in the bulk section, you can try just a couple tablespoons at a time to see if you like it without committing to a large amount,” Skovran says.
As for the flavor, it’s tough to describe. People generally say it’s a little bit cheesy and nutty. Nutritional yeast can also introduce that umami flavor (a savory taste, usually from broth and meat) that plant-based cuisine sometimes lacks, says Skovran.
“When people switch over to a plant-based diet, they sometimes pull all the meat and dairy out of their meals and just eat what’s left, but they don’t notice that they’re missing that umami,” she says. “For me, that flavor is key to maintaining a plant-based diet.”
This is why nutritional yeast has been a staple in most vegan kitchens for years! But once you understand the full spectrum of nutritional yeast benefits, you’ll want to stock some in your pantry—even if you don’t adhere to a plant-based diet.

What are the benefits of nutritional yeast?

On its own, nutritional yeast is a healthy, low-calorie ingredient that does the body good. But the benefits of nutritional yeast get taken to new heights when you consider the fact that almost all brands of nutritional yeast are fortified with vitamins and minerals. Here are are a few of the most compelling benefits of nutritional yeast:

1. It’s a complete protein.

It’s no surprise that protein is a critical component of a healthy diet. But not all sources of protein are created equal. The proteins in the body are made of a combination of up to 20 amino acids. Nine of those amino acids are considered “essential.” A complete protein contains all nine of those essential amino acids. While it’s tough to find a complete protein outside of animal products, one of the biggest benefits of nutritional yeast is the fact that it contains the nine essential amino acids the body needs—all from a vegan source.
“Two tablespoons of nutritional yeast contain 5 to 10 grams of protein, depending on the brand, which is a significant amount,” says Skovran.

2. It’s loaded with fiber.

The benefits of nutritional yeast also include a boost to our digestion and gut health, says Skovran. Why? It has a remarkably high fiber content, usually somewhere between two and five grams of fiber per two-tablespoon serving. According to the Mayo Clinic, fiber helps keep bowel movements regular, may reduce your risk of hemorrhoids, lowers cholesterol, and keeps your blood sugar levels in check. That’s some serious motivation to incorporate nutritional yeast into your diet.

3. It’s a vegan- and vegetarian-friendly source of B12.

For vegans and vegetarians, finding a plant-based source of B12 is the equivalent of spotting a unicorn in the wild. Fortunately, one of the benefits of nutritional yeast is that a two-tablespoon serving from many brands of the product contains a full day’s supply of this important vitamin, along with ample amounts of vitamin B6 and vitamin B2 (also called riboflavin).
“B vitamins play a big role converting food into energy. B12 is also important to the central nervous system, and if you don’t consume enough, you risk developing neurological issues that can become irreversible,” says Skovran.

4. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals.

Not into taking daily supplements? Try eating nutritional yeast. It’s fortified with tons of vitamins and minerals that will help keep you healthy. Depending on exactly which brand you choose, nutritional yeast may contain ample amounts of folate (which may help prevent certain birth defects) and zinc (an important mineral for immune function and healing), among other vitamins and minerals.

5. It adds that umami flavor to foods.

The benefits of nutritional yeast don’t stop at its nutritional composition—they also include that rich umami flavor. Making sure your food has that component can make it easier to stick with a diet that’s low in animal products, says Skovran.
But here’s another fascinating fact about umami: It may actually help you self-regulate your eating habits during meals, whether you’re eating a plant-based diet or not, according to a recent study from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Do you struggle with overeating when presented with your favorite meal? (Who doesn’t?) Toss on a little nutritional yeast and see if it helps you with portion control.

It’s clear that nutritional yeast benefits make it a valuable ingredient, but is there anyone who shouldn’t eat it?

“It’s possible to be allergic to nutritional yeast, but I’ve never personally seen it,” says Skovran.
Overall, there really aren’t any nutritional yeast dangers for most people. However, if you have a sensitivity to active yeast, your body may not tolerate nutritional yeast well. Your best bet? Check with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Using Nutritional Yeast in Your Kitchen

So you’ve bought a container of savory yeast flakes and you’re ready to add them to your diet. What’s the best way to use nutritional yeast in food?
Try substituting this savory yeast for Parmesan cheese on pastas, says Skovran. It will give you that familiar flavor and texture, but with no fat or dairy. It can also make a pleasant addition atop veggie stir-fry and leafy green salads.
“You can also include nutritional yeast as part of a spice rub if you’re grilling meat, or add it to homemade breads to give it a cheesy aftertaste,” she adds.
[pullquote align=”center”]Umami flavors may actually help you self-regulate your eating habits during meals, whether you’re eating a plant-based diet or not.[/pullquote]
But that’s not all: Nutritional yeast can also be used in vegan “cheese” sauces.
“A cheese sauce that I love is just a drained can of hearts of palm mixed with three to four tablespoons of nutritional yeast in a food processor,” Skovran says.
And if you’re looking to make your movie night snacks a bit healthier, sprinkle some nutritional yeast atop your popcorn. You can thank us later.
From a tasty flavor to ample vitamins and minerals, the benefits of nutritional yeast make it a worthy addition to your regular diet. Experiment by putting nutritional yeast on things you’re already eating—soon enough, you might find yourself sprinkling it on all your meals.

Categories
Conscious Beauty Lifestyle

Common Skincare Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Skin

Here’s the deal: You only have one bag of skin to carry you throughout this mortal plane. And you’re probably treating it like dirt! What are you doing?!
Skincare is definitely having a moment right now (which I love), but in some circles it’s still considered high maintenance to do, well, any maintenance on it whatsoever. In the same way that we need to eat well and exercise to take care of our bodies, it’s also crucial that we take care of our skin—after all, it’s our largest organ.
But maybe you’re reading this and thinking Hey, I do wash my face! Well, that’s great! Really. But it’s still highly likely you’re making these common skincare mistakes. It’s time to up your skincare game and learn how to truly take care of your skin.

You’re soaking up the rays in all the wrong ways.

You probably remember your mom getting after you to put on sunscreen. And you probably begrudgingly dashed it on, failed to rub it in properly, and never reapplied, right? Well hopefully now you know better than that, but even the most serious SPF devotees can make some big sunscreen mistakes. And unlike a small error that might lead to just a breakout, failing to protect yourself from the sun the right way can increase your risk for skin cancer. Let’s go through some basic sunscreen rules:
You need to use a broad spectrum sunscreen.
Here’s a fun tip you may not have learned: SPF only refers to a how well a sunscreen will protect you from the sun’s UVB rays. And it’s important that you’re protected from those rays. UVB rays are what cause sunburns and most skin cancers; plus the more sunburns you get in your lifetime, the higher your risk of skin cancer. But that’s leaving out those pesky (and incredibly damaging) UVA rays. In order to get full protection from the sun, you need to use a broad spectrum sunscreen; any broad spectrum sunscreen will say that it is on the bottle.
If you’d rather not sort through sunscreens to find out which ones will really protect you, we did the leg work for you:

Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection SPF 70

You don’t need to go expensive to get a solid broad spectrum sunscreen. This has been rated one of the best sunscreens in the United States and it’s Amazon’s No. 1 best seller in sunscreens. Plus, since it’s oil-free you won’t need to worry about any body breakouts.

Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection SPF 70, $6.39 from Amazon

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive SPF 30+

Do like the Aussies do with Blue Lizard, a physical sunscreen that happens to be water-resistant, paraben-free, and, of course, broad spectrum. It’s rated a Top Choice from the Environmental Working Group, thanks to its high-quality ingredients that won’t hurt you or the environment.

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive SPF 30+, $14.23 from Amazon
You need to wear sunscreen every. single. day.
Yes, really. Even if it’s cloudy or rainy out. Unless you’re only leaving the house between the hours of 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. (whatcha doin?), sunscreen is a must. The sun’s UVA rays can penetrate car windows and windows in your home and office, so even if you’re just walking from your house to car to office, you still need to apply sunscreen.
If you’re used to thick, gloopy sunscreens that sit on your skin giving you the dreaded white cast, try these incredible sunscreens that’ll go on your face smoothly, leaving a perfect palette for makeup (or not!):

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

This is an incredible sunscreen. It’s actually clear so you’ll never have to deal with a weirdly white glow on your face and it goes on matte so you won’t have the sunscreen shine. Plus, it doesn’t smell like coconuts.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $32 from Sephora

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42 For Face

Shiseido is a Japanese brand known for incredible skincare, makeup, and makeup tools (their eyelash curler is a cult favorite). This sunscreen is oil-free and incredibly light, making it the perfect last step of your skincare routine and ideal for a base for your makeup.

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42 for Face, $34 from Sephora

Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++

Tatcha is another brand from Japan whose skincare products have really shaken things up. This sunscreen is derm-tested with high quality ingredients that leave a weightless, silky finish. The PA+++ part of this product name comes from the Japanese sunscreen grading system, wherein each additional plus sign informs buyers about UVA ray protection. As mentioned, SPF refers to UVB protection so when you buy this Tatcha sunscreen, you know you’re getting both forms of oh-so necessary protection.

Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++, $65 from Sephora
You need to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Yes, really. Even if it’s cloudy or rainy out. Wait, this is the same stuff we said above. There’s a reason for that: It’s still true! Applying sunscreen only once is what leads to sunburns and skin damage. Even if you’re using the highest SPF in the world (which, by the way, is kind of a waste), you still need to reapply—very carefully—every two hours.
Can’t fit a giant bottle of sunscreen in your work bag or purse? We got you. These sunscreen sets are full of travel sizes that easy for on-the-go use:

COOLA 4 Piece Organic Suncare Travel Set

This four-piece travel set (well, five, if you count the cute bag) comes with an SPF 30 face sunscreen, SPF 30 sunscreen spray, SPF 30 Liplux lip balm, and their Environmental Repair Plus Radical After Sun Lotion on the off chance you do get burned. Take it all with you when you leave the house and you’ll be ready for anything the sun throws at you.

COOLA 4 Piece Organic Suncare Travel Set, $37.99 from Amazon

Supergoop! At Play Tote Value Set

We love a good value set, obviously. This is another five-piece set (four SPF products + a great bag) and it contains everything you need for the sunniest of days. Supergoop! has included their SPF 50 Everyday Sunscreen, SPF 50 Antioxidant-Infused Sunscreen Mist with Vitamin C, SPF 40 Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen, and SPF 30 Mintfusion Lip Balm.

Supergoop! At Play Tote Value Set, $45 from Amazon
You need to use more than you think.
Your one pump of sunscreen for your entire body just isn’t cutting it. Sure, it’s better than nothing, but it’s not really doing you many favors. Dermatologists recommend you use 1 ounce for your whole body—which, conveniently, is about the size of those little glasses you had lying around at parties in college. Alternatively, head into your kitchen and look at your measuring spoons. Two tablespoons is how much you need to use from head to toe; a nickel-sized glob is how much you should use for your face.
For convenience’s sake, you may as well have a giant bottle at home to apply before you head out the door. Our favorite picks for protection in bulk:

Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen with Cellular Response Technology SPF 50 (18 oz)

Yes, you can now have the biggest bottle of sunscreen we’ve ever seen. It comes with a full-on pump to make sure you aren’t skimping out with a squeeze. This water-resistant, broad spectrum formula is ideal from nose to toes and despite being incredibly lightweight, it’s effective and moisturizing.

Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen with Cellular Response Technology SPF 50 (18 oz), $48 from Amazon

Banana Boat Sunscreen Sport Family Size SPF 50 (12 oz)

Grab the family size of the traditional Banana Boat sunscreen we’ve all been using since childhood. On the plus side, this is the sport performance formula, meaning it’ll resist water and sweat for 80 minutes. Additionally, it’s safe for coral reefs since it’s made without oxybenzone and octinoxate, two effective but damaging-for-reef ingredients found in many sunscreens.

Banana Boat Sunscreen Sport Family Size SPF 50 (12 oz), $9.44 from Amazon

You’re skipping a step before sleep.

If you don’t wear makeup, feel free to skip this. But if you do, you’re most likely skipping a very crucial step in your skincare routine: actually taking your makeup off.
Maybe you wash your face every single night, and that’s great. That’s more than great. But taking off your eye makeup before you start cleansing is key. Before moving onto the next step in your skincare routine, you should do the previous steps to the best of your ability—walk before you run, you know?
So please, do your skin a favor and use a dedicated makeup remover before you use a face wash. You’ll notice a difference right away. Our favorite makeup removers are so great, in fact, you’ll be happy you picked one up:

Micellar Water

There are actually a few really great micellar waters on the market now and we’re happy to recommend (almost) all of them. Micellar water is an ideal makeup remover because it really does breakdown most makeup and actually removes it but it does so without any harsh synthetic chemicals that can dry out your skin.
[products ids=’1080608,1080610,1080612,1080614′ type=full]
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $14.16 from Amazon
La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water for Sensitive Skin, $7.99 from Amazon
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, $6.61 from Amazon
Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Micellar Water, $5.23 from Amazon

Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

Historically, a favorite among many makeup-wearers of the world. Shake it up to combine the oil in the product with the water to lift away even the most waterproof of waterproof mascaras. Safe for contact lens wearers too!

Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover, $30 from Sephora

You’re using this one common product.

You may notice in that list of favorite makeup removers that we didn’t list any makeup removing wipes. There’s a reason for that: They’re terrible.
Sure, if you stumble into bed late at night not feeling your best, it’s better to use a wipe than nothing at all. But if you’re of sound mind and decision making, don’t open that pack of wipes.
Makeup wipes don’t really clean your skin. Instead, they’ll smear the makeup all over your face. They also have some questionable ingredients, like preservatives that can irritate the skin and emulsifiers that can dry your skin out. Some of those preservatives are chemicals that release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and allergen.
If you use a wipe and don’t immediately wash your face with an actual cleanser, you’re letting that stuff hang out on your face all night. Do better for yourself and stick with one of the dedicated makeup removers we suggested above. And then get to cleaning—properly.

You’re only cleansing once.

That’s right: washing your face just once isn’t cutting it. Granted, there are some really great cleansers and face washes out there and they do some really great things, but if you want to get serious about skin care, you need to learn the art of the double cleanse.
Double cleansing is the new M.O. if you want skin that’s actually clean. See, a lot of the dirt, environmental toxins, impurities, and other bits of junk that get on our face throughout the day aren’t so water-soluble. So when you’re using a foaming cleanser, you’re certainly cleaning off some of it—but a lot of it is left behind too. Enter an oil cleanser.
To truly, actually, really cleanse your face of the daily junk, you’ll need to use an oil cleanser first to get rid of the oil-soluble impurities. Put the oil onto a dry face and massage, then add water to transform it into a milky substance, like a runny lotion. The oil in these cleansers attracts much more of the dirt hiding in your pores, pulls it out, and as it mixes with water, emulsifies to give your skin a nice little hug of hydration. Then follow up with that water-soluble cleanser to get rid of the excess oil before moving onto your next skincare steps.
Not sure where to start? Here are our top oil cleansing picks:

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

This is the ideal oil cleanser, in my mind. It’s a solid that, when applied to dry skin (that is, skin without water on it—it’s actually great for all skin types), emulsifies into an oil that’ll whisk off any makeup, dirt, and impurities. Follow it up with a great water-based cleanser and you’ll feel an immediate difference.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, $29.50 from Sephora

L’Occitane Shea Face Cleansing Oil

Feel very fancy with this French cleansing oil from L’Occitane. With 5 percent shea oil, this is an incredibly moisturizing oil cleanser that’s also incredibly effective. Plus, we really like the pump formulation that will ensure you don’t accidentally use too much.

L’Occitane Shea Face Cleansing Oil, $24 from Amazon

Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil

Go a little more budget with this 100 percent grapeseed oil that will dissolve the toughest-to-remove makeup and soften your skin—without an oily finish. Plus without any artificial fragrances or colors, you can rest easy knowing this is a great choice for your sensitive skin.

Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil, $7.79 from Amazon

You take scrubbing a little too seriously.

Exfoliation is the trick to clear, soft, smooth skin: the skin everyone wants to have naturally. In years past—think middle school years perusing the aisles at Walgreens—you probably reached for a scrub. In particular, the St. Ives Apricot Scrub. Who didn’t use that at some point? Unfortunately, it’s absolutely terrible for your skin. In fact, in 2016, two women brought a suit against St. Ives because the scrub includes crushed walnut shells. Guess what happens when you vigorously rub crushed walnut shells against your skin? Microtears in your skin. That can cause inflammation, redness, pain, and even infection if you’re too vigorous.
Scrubs in general aren’t the best way to exfoliate. There are some incredible microdermabrasion exfoliators out there (we’re talking about you, Dr. Brandt), but most scrubs are made with harsh ingredients that ultimately damage skin in the long run. And if you try to DIY one, you might not be much better off: Many exfoliator recipes floating around the internet advocate including ingredients like salt or baking soda. They actually want you to put baking soda on your face. Please, don’t put baking soda on your face.
Instead, skip the scrubs—unless they’re dermatologist-approved, of course. Look to chemical exfoliation. It’s not as scary as it sounds. It typically involves alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids and fruit-based enzymes to gently slough off dead skin cells. Used properly (aka, not every single day), these chemical exfoliators are much more effective.
If you haven’t jumped on the chemical exfoliator train, here are our top picks:

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

This mask is a dream exfoliator. With 25 percent AHA and 2 percent BHA (plus a blend of glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids), this is an incredibly effective exfoliating mask. It breaks down gross dead skin cells to give you a glow you only thought was possible after a professional facial. Use only once a week for just 20 minutes to get results you’ll love.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, $80 from Sephora

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Smooth & Flawless: Peel + Moisturize

Get a chemical peel at home with these amazing daily peel pads. There are 14 pads here that you use every day. After two weeks with these glycolic, salicylic, and malic acid pads, you’ll see a huge difference in the glow factor of your skin. Use the included Hyaluronic Moisture Cushion moisturizer for intense hydration.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Smooth & Flawless: Peel + Moisturize, $37 from Amazon

Pixi Glow Tonic

This is an incredible but gentler dupe for Biologique Recherche’s P50 Lotion, the cult status fave that can run upwards of $100. The 5 percent glycolic acid makes this an ideal exfoliator: it’ll certainly give you a glow, but thanks to the aloe and ginseng that’s also included, you won’t get irritated.

Pixi Glow Tonic, $36.20 from Amazon
And if you simply require the scrubby feeling mechanical exfoliation can bring, here’s what we recommend:

Dr. Brandt Skincare Microdermabrasion Age Defying Exfoliator

Age defying sounds pretty nice, right? Dr. Brandt’s microdermabrasion exfoliators will definitely give you the scrub factor but thanks to its lactic acid, which acts as a chemical exfoliator, it doesn’t need to be a harsh scrub. Plus with soothing botanical-derived ingredients, your skin will be soothed while it’s being exfoliated.

Dr. Brandt Skincare Microdermabrasion Age Defying Exfoliator, $48 from Amazon

Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder

This physical exfoliator is so gentle you might wonder if it’s even doing anything. Fret not—it certainly is. The Japanese rice bran that gives it its exfoliating power is non-abrasive and the rice and papaya enzymes in the product turn into a beautiful foam that will simultaneously exfoliate and soften your skin. Plus, thanks to a combo of green tea, rice, and algae, you’ll be getting that radiance you see in magazines.

Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder, $84 from Amazon

You’re skipping hydration.

Let’s say you’ve seen the light here. You’re down to use a dedicated makeup remover. You’re ready to double cleanse. You are now a sunscreen queen. You are taking care of your skin like a pro—from the outside.
But what about the inside? That’s where hydration comes in.
There are plenty of incredible moisturizers out there—in fact, we rounded up the best ones for various skin types and budgets right here—but hydration is another story. They’re not actually the same thing. Some products do work on hydrating your skin, and it’s great to use those. But if you’re noticing that you look a little lackluster, you may have dehydrated skin. And the best way to cure that is by drinking water.
Listen, we all know that you’re supposed to drink your eight glasses a day. Some nutritionists even recommend drinking half your bodyweight in ounces of water every day is a lot to ask. But most Americans aren’t even coming close. Hydrate your body, hydrate your skin. One way to make it easier for you is to constantly have a bottle of water at your side—and no, we don’t mean a one-use water bottle from the gas station. Try these instead:

S’well Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle

We’re still not over the marble trend. Not sure why. It just looks good with everything. So when we saw S’well, rulers of the water bottle world, had a marble bottle, we had to get it. The double-walled construction of S’well bottles keeps water cold for 24 hours, so there’s really no excuse for not chugging it.

S’well Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle, $35 from Amazon

Ello Pure BPA-Free Glass Water Bottle

Skip the BPA worries by just going glass. You can feel safe leaving it in your car on accident without worries of gross chemicals leaching into your water, while the silicone sleeve protects it from bumps and drops. Even better, it’s dishwasher safe. We’re in.

Ello Pure BPA-Free Glass Water Bottle, $9.99 from Amazon

OMORC Fruit Infuser Water Bottle

Sick of plain water? We don’t blame you. It can get boring drinking the same thing all day. Grab yourself a infuser water bottle. You can add in any fruit, veggies, herbs, or spices you’re into (here are the recipes we recommend) and sip it down.

OMORC Fruit Infuser Water Bottle, $11.99 from Amazon

You’re a new product junkie.

I’m guilty of this one myself. I get new products a lot: sometimes when we partner with brands, I’m subscribed to Boxycharm and FabFitFun, and I’m VIB Rouge at Sephora. Trust me, I’m a product junkie.
But there is one rule that all product junkies must know. The top rule of skincare: Don’t try more than one new thing at once.
If you’ve gotten excited about what we’re talking about here (and I hope you are!), make sure you slowly incorporate your newfound product loves into your skincare routine. If a product ends up interacting poorly with your current routine, you won’t know which one it is if you slapped three new products on your face last night. Similarly, if you have a reaction, you won’t be able to pinpoint what caused it if you’ve tried a whole new routine in the last week.
Go ahead, be a product junkie if that’s what you’re into. In fact, I encourage it. Just be smart about it.

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No Gym Required Sweat

How To Start Running Correctly So You’re Not Miserable

Are you ready to lace up your shoes and hit the pavement for your next cardio workout? If you’re looking for guidance on how to start running, we’ve got you covered.
From expert tips and training plans to running gear and how to stay motivated, this beginner’s running guide is packed with information to help get you started.

What are the health benefits of running?

Ask any runner what the benefits of running are, and you’ll likely get a long list of physical and mental perks, including increased energy, reduced stress, improved mood, stronger muscles, weight loss, and a decrease in risk factors of certain diseases, such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
But if you’re new to running, you might be wondering if the benefits you hear all of your running friends boast about are really true. The good news is, most of them are.
In fact, Fitbit Ambassador and professional runner Sara Hall believes that running is the best bang for your buck when it comes to time, energy, and resources.
And there are plenty of studies to back up the claims about the physical and mental health benefits of running.

  • For people who have high blood pressure (hypertension), aerobic exercise may be a good alternative to pharmaceuticals for lowering blood pressure.
  • If you run outdoors, the natural environment of forests and parks may cut your risk of suffering from poor mental health in half, according to researchers at the University of Glasgow.
  • Running is not as bad on your knees as you might think. In fact, a 2016 study found that the more people run, the less likely they are to suffer from knee pain.
  • Hitting the pavement also helps you sleep better, according to one study.
  • But probably one of the most compelling health perks of running comes from the cardiovascular benefits. Researchers say running—even short durations—can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

What are the training options for beginning runners?

Now that you understand the awesome physical and mental health benefits of running, it’s time to get started. As with any other form of exercise, there are tons of ways to begin your running journey.
While it may be tempting to go all out right away, Hall says the rule of thumb is to start gradually, especially if you’re new to cardio workouts. “Ideally, you want to start with one to three miles, even if it means inserting walking breaks into your workout and just running a few minutes at a time,” she explains.

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Andrew Tanglao

When you’re ready to step it up, Hall recommends boosting your overall volume of weekly running by 10 percent—an increment that should be small enough to help you avoid injury. But if you can’t add more exercise to your week, she says to gradually increase the length of all runs and workouts so you can get used to spending more time on your feet.
Your running goals will determine how much you should run each week. “If you’re attempting to run your first 5K, for example, two to three times per week should suffice,” says Hall. But if your goal is to run faster, Hall says you need to aim for at least four days per week.
Legendary running coach Jeff Galloway gives similar advice and says that running every other day allows for recovery and physiological improvements to occur.
Galloway’s running method, Run Walk Run, is an excellent way for new runners to get started on a training plan. “My Run Walk Run method gives you control over the running experience,” he explains. “By adjusting the amounts of running and walking from the beginning it is possible to avoid injuries, exhaustion,” and burnout, Galloway adds. Here is a sample Run Walk Run training plan for a beginner.

Basic Tips

Start with a warmup walk of three to five minutes. Ease into five to 15 seconds of running followed by 30 seconds of walking from the beginning of the workout. Depending on your one-mile time, Galloway recommends the following breakdown of running followed by walking:

  •   18 min/mile: run 5 sec/walk 30 sec
  •   16–17 min/mile: run 7–10 sec/walk 30 sec
  •   15 sec/mile: run 12–15 sec/walk 30 sec
  •   13–14 min/mile: run 15 sec/walk 15 sec or 20/20 or 30/30
  •   11–12 min/mile: run 30 sec/walk 15 or 40/20 or 60/30
  •   10 min/mile: run 60–90 sec/walk 30 sec
  •   9 min/mile: run 90–120 sec/walk 30 sec

“After a week or so, if all is well, either add five seconds to the run segment or subtract five seconds from the walk if you want to step up,” says Galloway. He recommends increasing your distance by using a very gentle strategy of five to 15 seconds running followed by 30 seconds of walking and increasing by half a mile every 14 days.

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Francesco Gallarotti

Galloway, who began using this method in all of his runs in 1978, says he still uses the techniques for his training and races. In fact, he qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2013 by running 30 seconds/walking 15 seconds.

How do you incorporate running into an overall fitness program?

If your overall fitness routine includes other actives such as cycling, weight training, yoga, or boot camp–style classes, you might be wondering how in the world you’re going to squeeze in a few days of running. The good news is, with some planning and knowledge of how to pair certain activities together, you can create a balanced and effective exercise program that includes lacing up your running shoes.
Hall recommends carving out time each week for strength training, especially if you want to keep running for the long haul. Core strength is one area she focuses on and tells new runners to spend some time training.
“Having a strong core helps keep your body from collapsing like an accordion,” Hall explains. Spending time strengthening your core and gluteal muscles will help you engage them as you run, which takes some of the load off your lower legs.
Starting out, it’s wise to have one day in between runs. If your goal is to run three days each week, for example, set a schedule that allows you to run on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You can use your “off days” for other workouts, such as strength training, yoga, cycling, swimming, or other cross-training activities. But if three days feels like too much, aim for two days each week.

How do you set realistic goals for running?

The one thing any seasoned runner will tell you is to go slow. This advice applies not only to the speed at which you start running but also to the overall goals you set.
There are a variety of race distances available, which makes it easy to find a few that work best for you. When you’re just beginning, the general rule of thumb is to start with a 5K race. This distance seems to be the sweet spot for most beginning runners because it’s not too much to take on, yet it’s enough to feel like an accomplishment.
If you need some accountability when training for a race, you can partner with a friend, join a running club, or use a training app to help you stay on track. Just make sure you allow yourself enough time to train for your first race.
Many runners use Hal Higdon’s training plans when preparing for a race. Higdon recommends that novices follow an eight-week training plan. He has several other training plans for various distances. For example, his website says to allow 12 weeks when training for a half marathon.

How do you stay motivated?

Even the best runners have peaks and valleys in their training. The key to not letting a bad run (or series of not-so-great runs) get you down, Hall says, is to remind yourself that when you’re getting stronger, you will have days when your muscles are tired and need to recover. “When that happens, focus on running the right effort rather than a certain pace,” she explains.
Hall suggests that you can view these runs as a good reminder to pay attention to sleep and nutrition to give your body what it needs. “It’s also a good way to build mental toughness for when you come to that point in the race where your body wants to quit,” she adds.

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Galloway recommends taking your focus off of speed or the negative effects and instead to look forward to your next run. He also recommends running with a friend or choosing a scenic location with a gentle pace and strategy for your next run to help pull you out of a rut.
After you’ve been running for a while, you might begin to wonder if there are ways to change up your workouts.
Here are some ideas from Galloway:

  • One run can be long and gentle, in a scenic area if available, every 14 days. Pace should be three to four minutes/mile slower than when running a 5K. Gradually increase by half a mile on each run as desired.
  • One 30–45 min run can include form-improvement drills and race pace (quarter mile) segments. You can learn how to stay on pace while trying out various Run Walk Run strategies.
  • Another 30–45 min run could include the drills and some hill running to build strength.

What about running gear? Do you need it?

One of the appeals of running is not having to invest in a lot of gear. At a minimum, you need a decent pair of running shoes. Choosing the right shoe for you does require spending time with someone who understands how running shoes should fit.
Bruce Pinker, a foot and ankle surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, says the size number is not as important as the way the shoe holds the foot. That’s because a size 9 in one brand may fit like a size 9.5 in another brand.
“There should be ⅜ inch from the tip of the longest toe to the end of the shoe, and the width should be snug but not tight,” he explains. “New running shoes need to be broken in gradually and should be walked in for several hours (depending on the style and brand) before running,” he adds.
Pinker also points out that running shoes need to be replaced after 300 to 500 miles of use, as the midsole breaks down. The midsole provides cushion and shock absorption, and replacing the shoes can help prevent injury.
After you find the right shoes, clothing comes next. Generally speaking, stick with what feels comfortable. That said, if you’re exercising in hot or cold climates, make sure you’re wearing clothing that supports the weather. Most new runners will purchase running pants or shorts, socks, and a sweat-wicking shirt. Most women will also want to wear a supportive sports bra.
Whether to invest in a GPS watch is up to you. You may want to wait a few months to make sure you plan on running for the long haul before spending a few hundred dollars on a watch. There are apps on your phone that can track the distance of your run—as long as you bring your phone with you. That said, a good GPS watch that also tracks your heart rate is a nice addition to a running program.
Now that you have the basics on how to start running, it’s time to lace up your shoes and get outside. And always remember, if you have any questions or concerns about your health and starting a new exercise program, make sure to check with your doctor before your first run.

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Gym x Studio Sweat

Train Like A Navy SEAL With TRX Workouts

Take a peek inside any TRX class, and it’s easy to see why this style of training is so popular. TRX exercises can help you tone and strengthen every muscle in your body without the use of dumbbells or machines.
All it takes is your body weight, TRX suspension ropes, and a willingness to give it all you’ve got for at least 20 minutes. If you’re looking for a way to change up your workout at home or at the gym, you might want to give TRX training a try.

What is TRX?

Total Body Resistance Exercise (TRX) was developed in 1997 by Randy Hetrick, a Navy SEAL. While on deployment, Hetrick created his answer to staying fit while having no access to training facilities: the first version of TRX, which used parachute webbing and a jiu-jitsu belt.
From the launch of TRX Suspension Training courses for instructors in 2005 to the major milestone of one million TRX users just five years later, this simple suspension system continues to make waves in the fitness industry.

The Health Benefits of TRX

We all know the health benefits of exercise, but finding the time to prioritize movement is sometimes easier said than done. That’s why using TRX exercises for a total body workout makes so much sense.

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Not only can you exercise all the major muscle groups in your body during one workout, but you can also choose to do it from the comfort of your own home or take a class with a certified trainer. While the list of TRX benefits goes on and on, here are a few that rise to the top:

Total Body Workout

TRX exercises allow you to get a full body workout using a single tool: the TRX Suspension Trainer. Miguel Vargas, training and development manager at TRX, says the benefits come from being able to work on your range of motion, mobility, strength, and conditioning simultaneously.

All Core, All the Time

The other well-known benefit of TRX is the ability to work your core with every exercise. In other words, Vargas says, you’re not just targeting one specific spot during a single exercise. “When you’re holding on to the handles and performing an exercise, your body has to fight the instability of the single anchor point, which then helps create more core stability,” he explains.

Adaptable to Most Skill and Fitness Levels

TRX Suspension training is an excellent modality for developing self-awareness around bodyweight training. Hilton Head Health certified personal trainer David Chesworth says that one of the greatest things about it is that TRX training is adaptable to all levels of mobility, ranging from someone who has difficulty standing upright to an Olympic athlete.

Increase the speed for a cardiovascular workout.

TRX workouts are typically associated with muscle strength and conditioning, but you can also increase your heart rate and get a decent cardiovascular workout by moving through the exercises at a faster pace.

Helps With Rehabbing Injuries

“TRX allows for rehab professionals to perform exercises with clients that they might not be able to do otherwise,” explains physical therapist Kellen Scantlebury of Fit Club NY. For example, Scantlebury says movements like the squat, row, and single-leg deadlift can be very difficult to perform after injury. “Using the TRX for assistance, however, helps the client perform these movements with reduced difficulty.”

How does TRX training work?

When you first look at a TRX system, it can be difficult to picture exactly how to use the straps. But once you see someone use it and you experience it for yourself, the movements will begin to make perfect sense.
TRX training is based on seven movements: push, pull, plank, rotate, hinge, lunge, and squat. Regardless of the exercise you’re doing, suspension training constantly challenges your core for a true total body workout.
Chesworth says the TRX single-anchor, double-handle system makes for the perfect blend of stability and mobility. “Through this mechanism, it challenges the stabilizer muscles of your own body to activate and adapt [to] inefficiency in a safe way,” he explains.
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You can adjust the length of the TRX system for different exercises to make the movements more challenging. Adam McAtee, a Club Pilates instructor, says that increasing the length makes a longer lever, which creates more instability (causing the body to work harder to control the TRX). You can adjust the level of difficulty by changing the width of your stance, the speed at which you complete the exercises, and the angle in which your body is positioned relative to the anchor point (for example, the lower you are to the ground, the more difficult the row will be).
When you are performing arm exercises such as a triceps press or bicep curl, McAtee says the TRX system should be mid-length. When you are performing floor exercises such as a plank or bridge, the TRX can be lengthened even further to what’s called mid-calf, which is when the foot cradles are at the height of the student’s calves.
“It’s also important to note that during standing TRX exercises it is easy to adjust how much body weight the muscles absorb,” says McAtee. “The closer you place your feet to the anchor point, the more weight you will be working with.” So, if the exercise feels too heavy, simply walk away from the anchor point to adjust the difficulty level. If you’re not experiencing enough resistance, you should move closer in toward the anchor point.

Tips for Using TRX Equipment

You can use the TRX Suspension Trainer both indoors and outdoors. If you’re new to TRX training, it may be a good idea to take a class with a certified instructor who can show you how to adjust the TRX trainer and spot you as you learn how to do the exercises properly. If you decide to do TRX exercises on your own, however, here are some basic tips to be aware of as you get started:

  • Choose a workout area measuring at least eight feet long by six feet wide, and make sure you’re on a flat, non-slip surface.
  • You need to attach the TRX Suspension Trainer to a secure anchor point that is strong enough to support your body weight. According to the TRX Suspension Trainer set up and user tips video, suitable anchor points include doors, sturdy beams, weight racks, heavy bag mounts, railings, trees, or even fences. Always weight-test the equipment before doing your first exercise by pulling on the handles.
  • Attach the suspension device to the anchor point by wrapping it as many times as necessary to ensure that the trainer hangs six feet from the ground.
  • When you’re using the TRX, the length of the straps should be determined by what part of the body you’re focusing on. TRX certified personal trainer Nedra Lopez explains that the shorter strap length is indicated for working out the back, biceps, and legs with moves like lunges and squats, while the longer setting is used for chest, tricep, hamstring, and glute work along with core-specific workouts.
  • Take the time to understand what right looks and feels like, says Vargas: “You can easily challenge many of the exercises by simply walking your feet closer to the anchor point, adjusting your foot position to challenge your center of gravity, or change the speed of the movement.”
  • Vargas also recommends using the TRX Training App, especially if you’re new to training on the TRX Suspension Trainer. “You have access to great coaching tips, fun and challenging workouts, and you can take the workouts with you wherever you have your TRX Suspension Trainer,” he adds.

TRX Workout to Try for Yourself

There are multiple ways to design a TRX workout that will fit your skill level and help you reach your goals. If you’re relatively new to TRX exercises, starting off with a basic total body circuit is the safest and most effective way to train.
Once you gain some knowledge, strength, and confidence, you can incorporate more advanced moves or make the TRX exercises you’re doing harder by adjusting the length of the system. You can also divide your workouts up to target different muscle groups and body regions. For instance, perform multiple exercises for your upper body on day one and lower body exercises on day two.
Here’s a TRX workout that starts off light and ramps up in intensity. The goal, says Vargas, is to finish with your legs and arms a little shaky and your heart pumping.

TRX Total Body Workout

Perform each of the following exercises for 30 seconds in the first round, 40 seconds in the second round, and 50 seconds in the final round. Rest for 30 seconds in between each round (or as needed).

TRX Squat Row

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TRX Forward Lunge With Y-Fly

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TRX Crossing Balance Lunge

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TRX Chest Press

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TRX Mountain Climber

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TRX Diagonal Runner

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TRX Jump Squat

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TRX Triceps Press

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When you’re ready to design your own routine, Chesworth says an all-encompassing TRX workout should include these movements: planks, push, pull, hinge, squat, lunge and rotations. Once you learn the basics, the TRX workout is sure to become a staple in your routine.