Author: Joni Sweet

8 Rules For Making Friends With Benefits Work

Post author By Joni Sweet
Post date June 22, 2020

Great sex is one of the best parts of being in a relationship. Sharing passionate, pleasurable moments with someone you find attractive is part of the human experience. But what if you haven’t found that special someone yet, or you aren’t interested in a full-blown commitment right now? Are you confined to just having solo pleasure? Not in the world of friends with benefits.
Imagine calling someone hot—who you also like and trust—when you’re in the mood to play but not in the mood for the excess baggage of more traditional romantic relationships. It can be a breath of fresh air.
But as liberating as it is to have commitment-free sex, friends-with-benefits relationships can be tricky to navigate. Are you exclusive friends with benefits, or are you both okay with hooking up with other people? What if your friend with benefits starts to want more from the relationship? And if you stop feeling it, how do you end it? The blurry boundaries can make even the most satisfying friends-with-benefits arrangements nosedive straight into “it’s complicated” territory.
Friends with benefits means something a little bit different to everyone. And finding some common ground (beyond the bedroom) will help keep the experience steamy. To learn what works—and what doesn’t—we asked four women for the tips and ground rules they learned in friends-with-benefits relationships.
Read on before you decide whether to boink a buddy.

What does “friends with benefits” mean, anyway?

A friends-with-benefits relationship is often regarded as ideal for someone who wants to have sex on the reg but isn’t in a committed partnership. And although there’s some truth to that, this kind of relationship can play out in a million different ways. Maybe two co-workers occasionally escape for quickies on their lunch breaks. Perhaps former lovers decide to rekindle that sexual spark without the emotional investment. Or it could be a couple of college friends who just like to Netflix and chill on the weekends.
The setups vary so widely that you might begin to wonder: “What exactly is friends with benefits?”
“Friends with benefits is a type of relationship where, ideally, two people have a platonic connection and use each other for sex. There’s no romance, there are no dates, and there is no commitment. Hanging out usually consists of hooking up,” explains Meagan Drillinger, founder of women’s retreat company Vaera Journeys and writer of travel, sex, and dating content.
Friends with benefits is a mixed bag. Some women revel in hooking up with someone then going on their merry way.
“Sometimes separating sex and romance can be fun, helpful, and life-affirming,” says Katherine Clover, who had a friends-with-benefits relationship that gave her “an outlet to explore sexually in a safe and consensual way.”
But there’s also the potential to feel unfulfilled or even used in a sexual relationship that doesn’t have a deep emotional component. Drillinger, who was friends with benefits with a guy she met at the gym, discovered that this kind of relationship left her feeling down.
“All he wanted was for me to take an Uber to his apartment after work at 2 a.m., have sex with him, and go home. I felt taken advantage of and as though I was doing all the work. [I learned] that I can’t have a relationship that’s just about sex—I’m looking for connection,” she says.
It all depends on what would make you feel happy and fulfilled. If that’s a friends-with-benefits relationship, more power to you! Ignore any naysayers who think it’s promiscuous or inappropriate—they’re missing out. Sex is personal, and as long as you’re being true to yourself and your partner, you should feel open to exploring one of the most fundamental aspects of being human in whatever way is most thrilling to you.

Becoming Friends With Benefits

Turned on by the idea of crawling in bed with a friend? That’s cool. But where do you find that sexy someone who’s just as excited about it as you are?
Often, a friends-with-benefits sitch kicks off naturally—maybe as a random hookup that happens to go on for a few months. But if that’s not happening (and you want it to!), there are some ways you can speed up the process.
“Ask yourself what you’re looking for in friends with benefits. If it’s sex, then look on platforms more explicitly about hookups. If it’s just a casual partner to see once every few months, or for certain kinds of socializing or experience, then maybe it’s someone already involved in that scene,” says Louisa Knight, a sex worker in the UK who has friends-with-benefits relationships outside of her profession. “As someone who’s polyamorous, I’ll say that people who practice ethical non-monogamy are often far more open to alternative types of connections, so look into poly Facebook groups or go to some relevant social events.”
Dating apps and sites such as Tinder and OkCupid are filled with people looking for all kinds of relationships. Make it clear in your profile what you want, then start reaching out to potential friends-with-benefits matches.
Of course, you can always go traditional and seek out someone in person.
“Pick any guy you think there might be chemistry with, and ask him out for a drink,” says Drillinger.
But you don’t need to jump in bed with the first person who’s open to being friends with benefits. New York–based writer Lindsey Stager (name has been changed for privacy), who was friends with benefits with a colleague for seven months, says that a personality match is just as important as a physical attraction.
“The ‘friend’ part of friends with benefits should not be forgotten. Find a person who respects you—someone who treats you as a friend and a person, not a ‘hit-it-and-quit-it’ whose feelings don’t matter. Also, find someone who’s interesting and can have a good conversation. The mind needs stimulation, too!” she says.

Rules of Friends With Benefits

Friends with benefits don’t have the same clearly defined roles as a spouse, partner, or someone you’re seriously dating. No two friends-with-benefits relationships are exactly alike, but there are some rules that can help lay the groundwork for a fun time in bed with a friend.
Here Knight, Drillinger, Stager, and Clover dive deeper into the framework every friends-with-benefits relationship should consider.

Rule 1: Everyone must always ask for consent.

Consent is so important when you’re fooling around with anyone, whether it’s a one-time hookup, an ongoing friends-with-benefits relationship, or even a spouse. You and your partner need to be clear about each other’s boundaries.
“Consent is crucial, and it operates on several levels, not just sexual,” says Knight. “You can get and give consent around social things as well, like whether or not it’s okay to tell someone information about your friends-with-benefits relationship or if you can leave things at their apartment. And with sex, never assume consent. Just because you did something once doesn’t mean your partner will want to do it again.”
Rule 2: Friends with benefits must always use protection.

Nothing sucks the fun out of sex quite as quickly as getting an infection or having a pregnancy scare. Whenever you’re talking about sexual relationships, you have to consider using protection.
“The whole idea behind friends with benefits is that there’s no commitment, meaning either partner is free to have as many friends with benefits as they want. In that case, using protection is paramount,” says Drillinger.
Consistent use of protection will help keep you and your partner healthy. But when you have an active sex life, it’s never a bad idea to see your doctor for regular STD screenings.
Rule 3: Friends with benefits must communicate.

If you really want your friends with benefits to work, you’ve got to keep the lines of communication open—and that means listening to your partner and expressing your own desires.
“The most important thing is to be honest about why you’re both there and what you hope to get out of friends with benefits,” says Clover. “If those feelings change, you have to let them know.”
Knight credits the success of one of her friends-with-benefits relationships to her partner’s willingness to be open.
“He was really clear from the beginning about what he wanted and where he was at. That set the tone for the whole thing and lifted this weight of expectation and progress off both our shoulders. We had a really fun sexual dynamic,” she says.
There’s a lot that swirls around any friends-with-benefits relationship. Assert what you’re looking for, both sexually and socially, even if it’s uncomfortable at first. Open lines of communication increase your chances of a smooth ride.
Rule 4: Friends with benefits should have fun exploring.

Friends with benefits gives you the chance to embrace your sensual side and experience sexuality in fresh ways. Take advantage of the opportunity by exploring your desires and ultimately having fun with it.
Clover says her friends-with-benefits relationship took away the pressure of losing her virginity.
“I wanted to get my first time over with, so my friend and I calmly and rationally decided we would ‘practice’ having sex together. There was no pressure—we could just talk about what worked, what didn’t, and what we wanted. It helped me get more comfortable with myself, plus it was really fun,” she says.
Even the most experienced hedonists can discover new pleasures during a friends-with-benefits relationship. For Knight, hooking up with a friend might involve trying out a new kinky kit or just fooling around.
“Friends with benefits is a great way of getting your sexual needs met, and it can be productive in challenging you to think about different ways of being with someone,” she says. “There’s still so much stigma attached to women prioritizing their own pleasure, and it can be a radical thing to bring your sexuality to the foreground in your life.”
Rule 5: Friends with benefits don’t get jealous.

The whole philosophy behind friends with benefits is that it’s a fun experience for two people without the added requirements that typically come with a full-blown romantic relationship. But with the lack of a commitment comes the potential for your friend to have multiple partners.
Jealousy can creep up unexpectedly if you find out your friend is hooking up with someone else. Why does this negative emotion arise, even when you’ve made no commitment to exclusivity?
“Monogamy teaches us that sex and love are characterized by exclusive commitments, but it’s always worth questioning that, especially in more casual setups. Often, we misunderstand a lover’s desire for someone else as taking away from their desire for us. But the truth is, many of us have a range of social connections in life, each meeting different needs,” says Knight.
It’s counterintuitive, but getting to know who else your friend with benefits is sleeping with can help dissipate feelings of jealousy, says Knight.
“You get to know them as another person, not a threat, and take them off that big jealous pedestal you might have put them on,” she says.
If you or your partner feel resentment about outside hookups, the friends-with-benefits relationship might not be a great fit for your lives.
“Jealousy is a horrible and consuming feeling—and friends with benefits is supposed to be fun. If you’re jealous, ask yourself if this is really working for you,” advises Stager.
Rule 6: Friends with benefits shouldn’t try to be more.

Although you might start out as friends with benefits, there’s always a chance that you or your partner could find you want more out of the arrangement. Is it possible to turn it into a committed relationship?
Speak up about your feelings. Your friend with benefits might even want the same thing! But if that’s not in the cards right now, you need to call it quits on the hookups.
“It’s really hard to hang out with someone you have a crush on knowing that it’ll never blossom into the romance you want. And it’s even harder when you’re seeing that person naked,” says Drillinger.
Rule 7: Friends with benefits should go after what they’re looking for.

The beauty of friends with benefits is that it gives you an outlet for sexual pleasure even if you’re not in a relationship. But your wants and needs can change over time. You should always strive to be honest about what you’re looking for—and go after it.
Stager admits that things would have gone better in her last friends-with-benefits relationship if she and her co-worker were more open about the type of connection they wanted.
“Having a conversation that solidified what we were looking for would have been best, but sometimes what you want changes. For me, it’s a vicious cycle—if I like you enough to sleep with you, then I probably want to be with you because I’m attracted to you as a person. It’s not the case for all women, but that’s how it is for me,” says Stager.
Regularly reflect on what you’re looking for in a relationship—whether that’s a long-term commitment, steady fling, or casual sex—and make sure your friend with benefits is still meeting your desires.
Rule 8: Friends with benefits should know when it’s time to move on.

No friends-with-benefits relationship lasts forever. Knowing when it’s time to move on will help things end on a high note.
“Friends with benefits are really similar to non-sexual friendships—some friends come and go in your life, and that’s natural,” says Knight. “Not everything needs to last forever, or even for the long term, to be worthwhile and exciting.”
Keep it going as long as it’s fun. And when the sexual chemistry has run its course, end your friends-with-benefits relationship and move on to something (or someone) bigger.

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Tags search, SEOUpdate

Conscious Beauty Lifestyle

12 Haircare Mistakes You’re Probably Making (And What To Do Instead)

Post author By Joni Sweet
Post date September 26, 2018

Bad hair days happen to everyone from time to time. We’ve all had that cowlick that just won’t go down, waves or curls that turn to frizz as soon as we walk outside, split ends that stick out of braids, or strands that have a dull appearance. Locks that look less than their best certainly don’t boost our confidence, but the problem usually goes away the next day.

But what if your bad hair days start to happen every day? If it seems like no matter what you do, you just can’t get your hair to look shiny and beautiful, you might want to start taking a hard look at your haircare routine. Something as simple as using the wrong brush for your hair type or damaging your hair with heat when you blow-dry could actually be wreaking havoc on the condition of your mane. They’re easy mistakes to make—but they can have long-lasting consequences on your tresses.

So before you give up entirely and resign yourself to a lifetime of bad hair days, consider exactly how you’re treating your hair and what you can do to improve it. Here are some of the most common haircare mistakes to avoid (and the things you should do instead); along with them are some products that’ll help you make the right choice—they’re just a click (or tap) away.

Haircare Mistake No. 1: You use products loaded with harsh chemicals.

Do you pick up the cheapest bottles of shampoo and conditioner from the drug store? While there’s nothing wrong with trying to save a buck or two, many of these ultra-cheap haircare products (and even some of their more expensive counterparts) are loaded with harsh chemicals that can damage your hair.

Not every ingredient with a long name is bad for your hair, but there are a few to watch out for. Namely, sulfates. These are chemicals that do a really great job cleaning your hair. They’re so good at what they do, though, that they often strip your hair’s natural oils away in the process. Look for bottles that say “sulfate-free,” and avoid common sulfate ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, to keep your hair clean and gorgeous.

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Haircare Mistake No. 2: You wash your hair way too often.

Even if you’re using the very best shampoo available, washing your hair too frequently can come with some nasty repercussions. The fact is that the vast majority of people don’t need to wash their hair every single day. Over-shampooing removes the healthy oils from your scalp, leaving the skin dry and irritated and causing the hair to look tired and lifeless.

We’re not saying you should cut back on your shower schedule, just that you could probably stand to shampoo less often. Washing your hair every other day (or even every third day) is enough to keep it clean and healthy. On non-shampoo days, a simple rinse under warm water can rid your hair of any dust, debris, or product. If your hair looks a little greasy a day or two after your last wash, evenly spray some dry shampoo to absorb some of the oil and add volume. Dry shampoo is also an essential haircare product to use after a sweaty gym session. Once you have dry shampoo in your haircare tool kit, you’ll be amazed at just how long you can go between washing.

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Haircare Mistake No. 3: You don’t wash your hair often enough.

Infrequent washing can be just as bad as shampooing too often. And with the rise of the “no-poo” movement, in which people wean themselves off shampoo altogether, many women are starting to have chronically dirty hair.

Not only will unwashed hair look less than optimal, it can actually cause major problems for the scalp. The detergents in shampoo work to remove sebum, a waxy substance secreted by the glands in your skin. When healthy, sebum adds protection to the hair shaft and helps your strands look glossy. But when there’s a build-up, it causes the hair to stick together and look oily. Plus, sebum resists water, so it can be a struggle to remove if you wait too long.

Think you might have neglected your shampoo schedule for a day or two too long? Don’t worry—a strong shampoo with scalp treatment can get rid of the excess sebum and revive your hair. Use your fingertips to scrub it in, then rinse thoroughly.

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Haircare Mistake No. 5: You dry your hair with the wrong towel.

What do you do when you get out of the shower? If it involves vigorously rubbing and scrunching your hair with any random towel in your bathroom, then twisting it up into a tight turban to dry, you might be damaging your hair.

Wet hair is significantly more fragile than dry hair and needs to be handled delicately. Rather than scrunching and squeezing the water out, use your fingertips to shake out the excess water. You can also blot hair with a soft cotton fabric to help get the moisture out. It might take more time before it dries completely, but your hair will be in much better condition.

The towel you use matters. Old terry cloth towels tend to be too rough to use on wet hair. Plus, the tiny thread loops in the fabric act like hooks for your hair, causing major frizz. Switch to a microfiber hair towel, which is gentler on your strands and helps minimize flyaways.

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Haircare Mistake No. 4: Using a blow dryer that’s too hot.

Few people enjoy sitting under a loud blow dryer for an extended period of time, so they use the hottest, most powerful setting to speed things up. That’s a major haircare no-no, though. Why? It can actually burn your hair! Even if you’re short on time, “fry drying” is not the answer to getting a quick style.

The best hairdryers have multiple heat and power settings. Always use the lowest setting when you go to dry your hair. Even though it takes longer to dry, your hair will look a lot smoother and stay healthier. Use the cool setting to lock in your style toward the end of your blowout.

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Haircare Mistake No. 5: You don’t protect your hair from heat.

Using the lowest setting on your hairdryer isn’t enough to safeguard your hair from heat damage. If you’re not using a thermal protection on your tresses, they can still get ruined from any amount of heat from your straightener, dryer, or curling iron.

Before you use any hot tool on your hair, spritz on some heat protection spray. While you generally want to evenly coat your hair with product, it’s not a bad idea to give the ends a little more love, as this is the part of the strand that’s most vulnerable to damage from heat.

The main purpose of a thermal protector spray is to shield your hair from the effects of high temperatures. However, it’s not a bad idea to get in the habit of spraying it on your hair every day, even if you’re not using heat to style, because thermal spray also gives your hair some extra protection from the elements and leaves a smooth finish.

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Haircare Mistake No. 6: You’re teasing your hair too much.

Big, voluminous hair is on trend. But since most of us weren’t born with naturally billowing locks, we rely on a trick of the trade to get a boost: teasing. We back comb our roots to make it look like we have plenty of dimension. It’s a totally harmless technique, right?

Wrong. While there’s nothing wrong with teasing your hair for an occasional special event, like a wedding or birthday party, backcombing your hair can harm the cuticles and leave the strands vulnerable to breakage. That daily va-va-voom from backcombing just isn’t worth the long-term damage to your hair.

With that being said, using a volume-boosting haircare product can give you locks that would make Dolly Parton jealous without incurring damage from over-teasing. Spray it into your roots, then blow-dry and style as usual for a voluminous finish.

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Haircare Mistake No. 7: You don’t protect your hair at night.

How does your hair look when you wake up in the morning? If it’s super tangled and you look like you just got out of a windstorm, you’re probably damaging your hair while you sleep—and causing yourself a major styling headache in the a.m.

Just like old terry cloth towels, your run-of-the-mill pillowcase usually isn’t the best choice when it comes to protecting your hair. Switch to a silk pillowcase. It doesn’t grip the hair like cotton or synthetic fibers, so it’s more likely that you’ll wake up with smooth, tangle-free locks. Plus, silk usually has a cool feeling to it, creating a pleasant sensation as soon as your head hits the pillow.

You could always opt for a silk night cap instead. It will offer even more protection and increase the longevity of your style. Hey, blowouts don’t come cheap—make sure you’re making the most of your styling investment by treating your tresses well while you catch your beauty sleep.

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Haircare Mistake No. 8: You’re too rough with your tangles.

Knots are frustrating—we totally get it. Sometimes hair can get so tangled that we aggressively try to brush all the knots out, usually losing a lot of hair in the process. Ugh!

It’s worth cultivating some patience when it comes to snarls in your mane, though. Being gentle as you try to remove knots can help you avoid broken strands and hair loss. One tool that can help is a detangling comb. These wide-tooth combs are designed to untangle knots a couple of strands at a time without ripping through your hair. They’re definitely a smarter choice than a boar’s-hair brush when it comes to grooming your hair.

Detangling spray can also help loosen up even the most stubborn of tangles. It lubricates the strands so you can work through the knots without damaging your hair. Bonus: Detangling spray can also act as a leave-in conditioner that won’t weigh down your hair. Talk about a double whammy for your haircare!

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Haircare Mistake No. 9: You forget to use serum.

If you’re into skincare, you might already have a favorite serum that you use on your face every day. But did you know that serum is just as important for your hair as it is for your complexion? It acts as a mask for your strands and scalp, helping minimize dryness and frizz.

Hair serum also infuses your mane with a luster you can’t get from other products. Apply it with your fingertips, then run a large paddle brush through your hair to help distribute the serum evenly. When it comes to hair serum, a little goes a long way. You’ll notice an immediate improvement in your hair’s condition and appearance once you incorporate this product into your haircare routine.

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Haircare Mistake No. 10: You’re not careful enough with your ponytails.

Whoever invented the ponytail is a genius in our books. This easy-breezy style helps you look polished under any circumstance, whether you just finished a workout or you’re running late to a job interview.

But the problem with this simple style is that it can cause broken strands if you’re not careful. Avoid ponytails that are too high or too tight, which can stress the hair. And choose your ponytail holder wisely. We recommend tossing out those old-school elastics (you know, the ones that always get tangled up in your hair) and opting for hair coils, instead. They hold your hair in place, and they slip out so easily, you’d never know they were there. Choose a set that matches your hair color for a sleeker look.

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Haircare Mistake No. 11: You never deep condition your hair.

Daily conditioning is a great first step to keeping your hair healthy, but if you’re not deep conditioning at least a couple of times each month, you’re making a big mistake.

Between washing, removing knots, and styling, we put our hair through the wringer. Deep conditioning not only repairs some of the daily damage to your hair, it also helps prevent future breakage by strengthening your strands.

We suggest making a weekly self-care ritual out of your deep conditioning treatment. Generously slather on deep conditioner, lop your hair in a loose bun atop your head, and cover it with a shower cap. Then sit back, and let it soak in while you watch a movie. Your hair (and your mind) will feel completely restored after you wash out the treatment.

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Haircare Mistake No. 12: You don’t protect your hair from the sun.

You wouldn’t go out on a bright sunny day without sunscreen, right? Of course not. So then why do most us still go out in the sun without protecting our hair? Just like skin, hair is vulnerable to damage from harmful UV rays. Overexposure to the sun can wear away our healthy oils and permanently damage the hair. Talk about a way to ruin your fun in the sun.

Keep your tresses safe by applying a conditioning spray with UV protection before you spend a day outdoors. A stylish hat can also come in handy, not only for shielding your hair from the elements, but for hiding bad hair days. But we doubt you’ll be having very many of those going forward, now that you’re not committing some of the most common haircare mistakes. Happy styling!

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Lifestyle Well-Traveled

The 16 Ultimate Packing Hacks Every Traveler Needs To Know

Post author By Joni Sweet
Post date September 24, 2018

For travelers, nothing is quite as invigorating as heading to the airport for a big adventure they’ve been planning for months, if not longer. Packing that suitcase, however, can be the opposite of exciting. Few things are more nerve-wracking than making sure you have everything you need, carefully folding each garment to avoid a wrinkled nightmare when you arrive at the hotel, and, of course, squeezing every last item into a tiny carry-on bag. After all, who has time to wait around for checked bags these days?

Packing can be a drag. So what’s a jet-setter with a serious case of wanderlust to do? For starters, she gets savvy. There’s a certain art to packing a bag. It starts with staying relaxed while stuffing that suitcase full. It definitely requires organization throughout the entire process. But to truly take your packing skills to the next level, you’ll need to learn a few tricks of the trade. Here are 16 travel hacks that will send your luggage-packing anxiety, er, packing.

1. Use a packing checklist.

It’s all too tempting to just grab a bunch of your favorite outfits, toss them in a bag, and call it a day. But inevitably, you’ll end up overpacking while simultaneously missing essential items, which is the worst of both worlds. A packing list can help make sure you bring along everything you could possibly need—nothing more, nothing less.
Ideally, you’d create a custom packing list to fit your exact needs. For example, if you can’t live without a stash of chapstick, your moisturizer, and your lucky hat, better add them to your list! Until you’ve got your own list locked down, though, a pre-made packing checklist can help you stay on track. It’ll remind you about the clothes, personal hygiene products, and accessories that belong in your suitcase, and give you reassurance that nothing important is left behind.

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2. Try packing cubes.

It’s a fact: Your carry-on bag will never be as spacious as you need it to be. And those overhead bins aren’t getting any larger! You’ll need to condense your belongings down as much as possible to make sure everything fits in a couple of tightly packed bags. Fortunately, packing cubes seem to make the impossible possible when it comes to packing a ton of stuff in a small space. Roll your garments and tightly squish them in each cube, working to squeeze out as much air as possible.
A large packing cube can contain a week’s worth of clothes, while still leaving you plenty of extra space in your suitcase. Plus, they help you stay organized at the destination. Each cube acts as its own “drawer” when you unpack and can keep your dirty and clean clothes separated. Once you start using packing cubes, you’ll never go back to tossing stuff directly into your suitcase.

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3. Bring a mini steamer.

Everyone has their own technique to avoid wrinkling their clothes in a suitcase. Some roll their garments, while others swear by tucking each item between squares of tissue paper. But no matter what, your clothes are going to end up with at least a few creases—it’s the nature of being stuffed into suitcases for days on end. That’s why stylish travelers also throw a portable steamer and iron into their luggage.

These little gadgets weigh almost nothing, take up a minimal amount of suitcase space, and work far more effectively than that dingy old iron in your hotel room. Plus, a portable iron can help your outfits look pristine in minutes. They’re perfect if you’re taking a business trip, heading to a destination wedding, or just want to look your best, wherever you are.
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4. Get foldable clothes, shoes, and accessories.

If you’re racking up a lot of frequent flier miles every year, it’s worth investing in some travel-friendly clothing. You may have noticed what a pain it is to lug around a big, heavy coat, or how impossible it is to pack one. A packable down jacket that squishes into a handy pouch is just what you need to stay warm without the added bulk.
Think about your shoes, as well. Footwear can eat up an enormous amount of suitcase space—if you let it. A pair of foldable flats is just what you need to save space without compromising your style. You’d be surprised at just how many foldable items are available for travelers. They even make foldable headphones that you can stash in the smallest bags!

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5. Buy reusable travel containers.

You never know what kind of amenities will be available at your hotel. It’s safe to assume that soap, shampoo, and conditioner will be on offer—but will they be any good? Many travelers prefer the peace of mind that comes with packing their own toiletries from home.
Rather than shelling out for those overpriced travel-size versions of your favorite products, invest in a set of TSA-approved silicone travel bottles that you can refill over and over again instead. They slip into any carry-on bag with ease. And, having access to the amenities you already know and trust when you’re on a trip is like a little taste of home. Pop them in a resealable plastic bag and you’re good to go!

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Soft-Silicone-Travel-Set/dp/B0713RH6M3/”]TSA-Approved Silicone Travel Bottles, $10.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AUTENS-Accessories-Refillable-Containers-Conditioner/dp/B07GB3VR17″]Autens Leakproof Silicone Travel Bottles, $11.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

6. Power up while you’re on the go.

The most ubiquitous feature in today’s high-end suitcases is a built-in phone charger. It makes sense—who couldn’t use some extra juice when they’re scrolling through social media as they wait to board a flight? But even if you don’t have a fancy bag, you can still recharge your batteries on the go with a portable power bank.
Many of these devices can completely refill your iPhone battery three or four times on a single charge. There’s nothing like finding out your smartphone battery is dead when you want to snap a pic of a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Fortunately, portable chargers are a lifesaver when you’re traveling in remote areas (say, hiking in the jungle or taking a safari).

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/POWERADD-Pilot-4GS-Lightning-High-Speed/dp/B01LA941IG”]Poweradd Pilot Portable Power Bank, $24.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Portable-24000mAh-Capacity-Ultra-Compact-Compatible/dp/B07DYLZKSF”]Ruipu Power Bank, $28.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

7. Print is dead, go digital instead.

Books and travel go together like peanut butter and jelly. Travelers rely on guidebooks to help them find the best places to eat and sleep in a new city, wind down from a busy day of sightseeing with a story in their hotel rooms, and get lost in novels while they sunbathe on the beach. However, books are heavy and bulky, which is not ideal when you’re trying to pack light.
An e-reader is one of the smartest investments traveling bibliophiles can make. They can store thousands of titles in a device that weighs as much as a single paperback novel. Plus, if you finish up a book or two and still crave more literature when you’re on the road, you can just download a fresh novel and dig in, wherever you are.

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Kindle-Paperwhite-6-Inch-4GB-eReader/dp/B00OQVZDJM”]Amazon Kindle, $119.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Display-Bluetooth-Capability-Recording/dp/B07BTC641D”]Apple 32GB iPad, $314.70 from Amazon[/link-button]

8. Use a handbag with lots of pockets.

Airlines generally let you bring a rolling carry-on bag, as well as a “personal item,” like a handbag or backpack—and smart travelers take advantage of every inch of allowable space. Finding a handbag with a lot of pockets is one of the best travel hacks for jet-setters who want to stay organized on a flight. Nothing’s worse than digging around your bag on a cold, dark airplane when you’re trying to find your hand lotion.

A handbag with lots of compartments allows you to create a dedicated space for each of your essentials. Some even come with pockets specifically designed to hold crucial items, like your keys, passport, sunglasses, and wallet. There’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes with knowing where to find every last item in your bag.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Lug-Puddle-Jumper-Overnight-Pearl/dp/B01CYLD2Z2″]Lug Puddle Jumper Overnight Bag, $114.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

9. Tiny containers are your best friends.

When it comes to travel hacks, tiny containers are incredibly versatile tools. They can store all kinds of things that you probably want to travel with. While you might never think you’d need a contact lens case if you don’t wear contacts, it’s worth investing in one or two. They’re the perfect size to store the tiniest bit of moisturizer, toothpaste, or even perfume. And if you thought pill organizers were solely reserved for travelers with medical needs, think again.
These convenient cases can store your necklaces, earrings, small cables, and other items that might otherwise get lost or tangled. You’d be surprised at just how useful these cases and organizers can be for carefully storing small items in a big suitcase.

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AUVON-iMedassist-Compartments-Supplements-Medication/dp/B07794YMY7″]Auvon iMedassist Weekly Pill Organizer, $7.97 from Amazon[/link-button]

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Contact-Lens-Case-Ladybug/dp/B00MU5MW5Y”]Kikkerland Contact Lens Case, $4.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

10. Pack a quick-dry towel.

It’s always a good idea to have a towel in your bag when you go on a trip. Sure, your hotel might have one—but what if you take a spontaneous trip to the beach, or go camping? You’ll definitely want your own. While those plush terry cloth towels you have in your bathroom might be soft and snuggly, they take up too much room in a suitcase.

Invest in a microfiber travel towel, instead. Favored by athletes and travelers alike for its ability to absorb moisture really quickly, this kind of towel also has another valuable feature: It dries super fast. Just hang it out on a balcony, drape it over a chair, or toss it on a tree branch, and it can dry in roughly 20 minutes. There’s no risk of a gross, mildewy towel stinking up your bag and making everything damp.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Wolfyok-Microfiber-Absorbent-Swimming-Backpacking/dp/B01L8RM8X0″]Wolfyok 2-Pack Microfiber Travel Sports Towels, $13.59 from Amazon[/link-button]

11. Put dryer sheets in your bag.

Speaking of a stinky bag, don’t be surprised of you get a whiff of something less than fresh when you’ve been traveling for weeks on end. Between your dirty laundry, the strange places you’ve stored your bag, and everything else that comes with having an adventure, you’re bound to experience an odor at some point when you unzip your suitcase.

It’s wise to pack a few aromatic dryer sheets in a resealable plastic bag to fend off strange smells. Not only can they make your clothing smell like it just came out of the wash, dryer sheets can also be used to deodorize a musty hotel room, reduce static electricity, freshen up a rental car for a road trip, or mask the lingering smell of a room-service breakfast long after you’ve finished your eggs and toast.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Downy-Infusions-Lavender-Serenity-Softener/dp/B00NJ1MALE”]Lavender Serenity Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets, $4.97 from Amazon[/link-button]

12. Personalize your luggage.

What color is your suitcase? Let us take a wild guess: It’s black. Pretty much every traveler has a run-of-the-mill black bag. That’s fine, until your bag goes missing and you need to tell a hotel clerk or airport agent what to look for when searching for your suitcase. Finding ways to help your bag stand out from the sea of other black suitcases is a particularly smart travel hack.
Try buying a distinctive luggage tag to dangle off the handle of your bag. Look for one with bright colors, unique shapes, and fun designs so you can recognize your suitcase right away. Suitcase stickers are another way to make your bag stand out. May we suggest travel-themed stickers that convey your passion for exploring the world?

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Mziart-Colorful-Pineapple-Strawberry-Watermelons/dp/B07BLHKQ1Z”]Mziart Colorful Fruits Luggage Tags, $9.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Countries-Landmark-Monument-Waterproof-Childrens/dp/B01L8APN1G”]Landmarks and Monuments Bag Stickers, $10.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

13. Separate your in-flight necessities.

You know how airlines are super strict about how many bags they let you take on board the plane? We get it—there’s limited space available. But sometimes you just need one more bag. That’s why it’s worth popping a foldable reusable grocery bag in your carry-on luggage. It’s the perfect place to stash your in-flight essentials, like a snack, chapstick, a book, your phone, and your headphones.

Board the plane with two bags and when you get to the seat, pull out your reusable grocery bag and store the rest of your luggage for the duration of the flight.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Foldable-Reusable-Grocery-Shopping-Patterns/dp/B07CTC1CCG”]Foldable Reusable Grocery Bag, $13.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

14. Use a jewelry organizer.

Traveling with jewelry presents its own set of challenges. Obviously you want to store things in as small a package as possible, but nothing’s worse than finding a tangled rat’s nest or broken jewels when you reach for your favorite necklace. A jewelry case can help you keep all your precious trinkets safe when you’re far from home.

This case has separate compartments for necklaces, earrings, and rings, plus lots of padding. And here’s a secret: A jewelry case can also be used to store your cables for your electronics.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Saffiano-Leather-Travel-Jewelry-Case/dp/B01M5JAZ5J”]Saffiano Leather Travel Jewelry Case, $37.77 from Amazon[/link-button]

15. Get a universal travel adapter.

Experienced travelers don’t have the time to fumble around with an assortment of power adapters, trying to figure out exactly which one they need for the country they’re planning to visit. Instead, they pack a universal travel adapter. These nifty devices can help you fit your electronics into outlets in more than 100 countries.

The extra USB outlets on the travel adapters will also come in handy when you want to charge multiple devices at one time. Having access to power wherever you are is one of the most useful travel hacks you can adopt.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Universal-HAOZI-International-European-Countries/dp/B074CRS574″]Universal Travel Adapter, $16.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

16. Always pack a sarong.

Travelers, meet your new best friend: the sarong. You may already have one of these garments left over from a beach vacation, but trust us when we say they are useful for so much more than throwing on over a bathing suit.
These make the best blankets when you’re freezing on an airplane, can double as a towel when you forgot to bring one, stand in as a blanket for an impromptu picnic in the park, and become a fashionable dress for beaches and resorts. You can also tie them up to create a little pouch for your gear. Once you see how useful it is to have a sarong on a trip, you’ll never travel without one again.

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Mandala-Life-ART-Hand-Printed-Endlessly/dp/B072BB24WX/”]Mandala Bohemian Sarong, $25.52 from Amazon[/link-button]

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/USA-Womens-Sarong-Swimsuit-Black-Gray/dp/B077BV5FZP”]Tie Dye Sarong, $13.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

Tags Commerce, social

Life x Culture Lifestyle

What You Should Buy On Amazon Based On Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type

Post author By Joni Sweet
Post date September 10, 2018

We all deserve something shiny and new from time to time. But if you’re like us, your wish list is probably growing by the minute. How do you pick just one product when you want to #treatyourself?
Here’s a tip: Look to your Myers-Briggs personality type. The personality indicator has been helping people get to know themselves and develop strategies for navigating their relationships for decades—but it can also lend some insight into the perfect products to improve your life.
Not sure whether you’re an INTJ, ESTP, INFP, or something else? Take the next 15 minutes to figure out your Myers-Briggs personality type. Then, check out this guide to the ultimate products for each of the 16 personality types. We bet you’ll find something you’ll absolutely love.

ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)

Logical and hard-working, ISTJs crave supreme organization to help them achieve their goals. They love functional items that make their lives more efficient.

Caffeine to Fuel your Biggest Pursuits

Nothing distracts ambitious ISTJs from meeting their goals. But they might need some caffeine to give them that energy boost they need to pursue their wildest dreams.

Enter the Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker. This handy carafe comes with a built-in filter to help you brew a strong cup of joe in minutes. Functional and beautiful, the ever-practical ISTJ will love displaying this in her kitchen.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bodum-Coffee-Maker-Permanent-Filter/dp/B01JLY1HSE/”]Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker, $19.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

Tools for a Beautifully Organized Desk

ISTJs spend more time at their desks than other personality types. (How else are they going to accomplish everything on their lengthy to-do lists?) This five-in-one desk organizer from PAG has just the tools ISTJs need to keep their essential supplies sorted.

The file tray, hanging file organizer, letter sorter, pencil holder, and sticky note tray are made from classy rose gold metal—making this kit as gorgeous as it is functional. ISTJ will love sitting down and starting the day’s work once her desk is organized.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/PAG-Office-Supplies-Metal-Organizer/dp/B077HG44XW/”]PAG Rose Gold 5-in-1 Desk Organizer Set, $33.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

ISTP (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)

ISTPs are fascinated by the way things work. They’re systematic and love hands-on experiments.

A Lens Kit to Help You See Things Up Close

The inner workings of everything from mechanical gadgets to blooming flowers captivate ISTPs. The AMIR iPhone lens kit will help them see things from a new perspective. The macro lens is perfect for taking pictures of gardens and insects up close.

The 180-degree fish-eye lens creates a dreamy rounded image. And the wide-angle lens is great for capturing an expansive scene. ISTPs will have fun clipping each gadget to their smartphone to determine which experimental lens helps them capture the intricacies of everything they see.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AMIR-180%C2%B0Fisheye-Screwed-Together-Smartphones/dp/B0179JX8GC”]AMIR iPhone Lens Kit, $11.89 from Amazon[/link-button]

A DIY Music Box Inspired by the Beatles

ISTPs live for a project that invites them to get hands-on with craft materials. This build-your-own music box kit from ROKR will keep you busy for hours.

You’ll assemble laser-cut pieces and gears into a functioning music box that will play “La Mer” when it’s finished. And the submarine shape, reminiscent of the Beatles’ iconic album, will bring a steampunk-esque vibe to any room—just the kind of distinctive decor ISTP loves.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/ROKR-Assembly-Puzzle-Wooden-Submarine/dp/B07FN9XR3J”]ROKR Build-Your-Own Wooden Music Box, $24.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)

Conscientious and altruistic, ISFJs strive to have deep relationships with others. They feel best when nurturing something or someone, including themselves.

Aromas to Keep You Grounded

ISFJs care deeply about everyone around them. But sometimes they need a reminder to indulge in a little self-care, too. An essential oil diffuser is just what ISFJ needs to stay grounded and relaxed.

This one from Arvidsson features a beautiful night light with seven different colors, so you can set the exact mood you need to wind down. Just add a couple drops of your most soothing essential oil and get ready to chill.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Arvidsson-Essential-Oil-Diffuser-Aromatherapy/dp/B076CJ1VLM/”]Arvidsson Essential Oil Diffuser, $27.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

An Herb Garden to Call Your Own

Not everyone’s in a position to take care of a pet. But an indoor herb garden? Bring it on. Growing this windowsill herb garden from the Sustainable Seed Company will give ISFJs a sense of purpose.

The kit includes 10 varieties of heirloom herb seeds, along with pre-labeled pots, soil discs, and a 28-page guide to help you grow tasty, aromatic herbs right in your kitchen. And if you find yourself with an abundance of basil, you can even give a few sprigs to a friend, satisfying your altruistic side.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Windowsill-Complete-Heirloom-Seed-Collection/dp/B07BK9S4L5/”]Sustainable Seed Windowsill Herb Garden Kit, $39.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

ISFP (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)

You can almost always find ISFPs daydreaming about their next adventure. They follow the beat of their own drums and hold their values close to their hearts.

Build your travel bucket list with this book.

When ISFPs need a little inspiration for their next big trip, they can find it in Lonely Planet’s book Ultimate Travel. The mega-guide counts down the 500 best places to see, including iconic choices (like the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal), along with some unexpected destinations.

Ever thought of visiting the Temple of the Tooth in Sri Lanka? You might after reading this book. If ISFP wasn’t yet suffering from a case of wanderlust, they will be once they flip through this guide.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planets-Ultimate-Travel-Places/dp/1760342777/”]Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel, $16.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

Protect your phone on a water adventure.

Living in the moment is critical to the happiness of ISFPs. A waterproof camera case will give them the peace of mind they need to be present when having an adventure in or near water.

It’ll protect their phone from splashes or an accidental plunge while allowing them to capture every beautiful moment near the pool, lake, or ocean. Plus, the handy neck strap will ensure that their phone never floats very far.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Waterproof-FITFORT-Sensitive-Compatible/dp/B01E8RNJN0″]FITFORT Universal Waterproof Smartphone Case, $7.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

Tune in to tune out the world.

Introverted at heart, ISFPs like to spend many hours recharging their batteries at home alone. A pair of high-quality headphones, like these ones from Philips, will help them tune out any distractions and indulge in their most vibrant daydreams.

And that bright red color acts as a reminder to others that you’re taking some time for yourself. Pop a pair of these headphones on and drift off into your imagination.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Philips-SHL3060RD-27-Headphones-Red/dp/B00V3RK57C”]Philips Headphones in Red, $19.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging)

If there’s any personality type that wants to leave the world better than she found it, it’s the INFJ. This socially-conscious personality aims to protect others and live compassionately.

A Necklace That Gives Back

INFJ cares so much about others that she can often forget to treat herself. Fortunately, this necklace from Benevolence Los Angeles (created in collaboration with actress Candace Cameron Bure) satisfies INFJ’s philanthropic side by donating proceeds to the Lollipop Theater Network, which improves the lives of sick children by bringing blockbusters from the theater to the hospital.

INFJs will also identify with the rose quartz—a symbol of unconditional love. If this necklace doesn’t make INFJ’s heart sing, we’re not sure what will.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Benevolence-Stone-Necklace-Women-Necklaces/dp/B076L6B9T6″]Benevolence Los Angeles Rose Quartz Necklace, $13.97 from Amazon[/link-button]

A Place to Connect the Dots

Always balancing altruistic activities, like volunteer work, tutoring children, and fostering animals, INFJs can find their minds scattered from time to time. This dot journaling set will give her the tools she needs to organize her thoughts and plan out her life.

It features a handy how-to guide that will show her how to create different spreads and trackers, along with a black dot-grid journal that’s just waiting for her free-form expression. All she’ll need is a set of pens in every color of the rainbow to get started.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Dot-Journaling_The-Set-How-Dot-Grid/dp/1615194096/”]Dot Journaling—The Set, $12.37 from Amazon[/link-button]

Protect your most prized possession.

As the protector, INFJ likely wants to safeguard one of her most prized possessions: her laptop. This kit from Top Case gives her four different shields for her MacBook Air.

The screen protector and keyboard cover will help protect her computer from spills and splashes. The rubberized hard case and sleeve bag will fortify the entire machine against drops and dings. What could be better than knowing your computer is safe and sound?
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/TOP-CASE-Keyboard-Protector-Compatible/dp/B01H7MWLK0″]Top Case 4-in-1 Laptop Protection Kit, $22.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)

Equal parts clever and creative, INFPs tend to be idealistic artists who love rituals and strive for balance in their lives.

Picasso would envy this art kit.

Nothing stifles an INFP quite like being confined to a single creative medium. They need options, and this kit from US Art Supply gives them 162 different ones.

Watercolor paints, colored pencils, pastels, and wax crayons—you name the medium, this kit seems to have it. Picasso, eat your heart out. INFP’s ready to create her own masterpieces.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/US-Art-Supply-Piece-Deluxe-additional/dp/B071S7JTY3″]US Art Supply 162-Piece Art Set, $38.96 from Amazon[/link-button]

A Year’s Worth of Self-Care Rituals

With so much on her mind all the time, INFP relies on rituals to remind her to stay grounded. The Spirit Almanac takes some of the world’s most ancient self-care practices and modernizes them for the 21st century.

Within the 288 pages of this hardcover book, you’ll find information on meditations, aromatherapy, crystals, breath work and so much more, divided into four seasons to give INFPs practices they can switch up throughout the year.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Almanac-Modern-Ancient-Self-Care/dp/0143132717/”]The Spirit Almanac, $22 from Amazon[/link-button]

INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)

INTJs pride themselves on accuracy and efficiency. They love innovation and value function over aesthetics.

A Travel Mug in Just the Right Size

S’well water bottles have always appealed to INTJs for their durability and insulation. The larger size of the standard ones, however, isn’t exactly efficient these on-the-go folks. That’s why they’ll dig the travel-size version.

From its triple-walled insulation technology to its ultra strong stainless steel body, it’s got all the same features as the original bottles, but in a travel-friendly size that can slip into any bag. Plus, that sophisticated teakwood print will look perfect on her next camping trip.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Swell-Stainless-Steel-Travel-Teakwood/dp/B076GZ6MZB/”]S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug in Teakwood, $32.04 from Amazon[/link-button]

A Personal Assistant Who’s Available 24/7

INTJ, meet your new best friend: Alexa. She’s ready to streamline your life from within the Echo Dot. Want to stream your favorite new album? Set a timer for the cookies you’re baking? Call your mom? Check your bank balance? Or control the temperature of your home?

Alexa will take care of all of it. The Echo Dot will make INTJ’s life even more efficient than it already is—and this personality type will be hooked after her first voice command.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Echo-Dot-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker-with-Alexa-Black/dp/B01DFKC2SO”]Echo Dot Smart Speaker, $39.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

INTP (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)

INTPs think deeply about the world around them. They’re voracious readers who love learning new things.

Plumes for Your Pages

With INTPs’ ever-growing personal libraries, this personality type could use some fancy bookmarks to hold her place as she bounces from one book to the next.

These gorgeous quill bookmarks have that thoughtful aesthetic that matches INTP’s personality. They’re the perfect size to tuck into a tome and return to again and again.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Meeall-Different-Vintage-Feather-Bookmarks/dp/B078VKTYLS”]Meeall feather metal bookmarks, $7.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

A Cup of Tea With Your Favorite Philosopher

If you could have tea with any philosopher, who would it be? INTP would be hard-pressed to answer that question, but fortunately, she doesn’t have to—this playful teacup depicts 60 Western philosophers.

She’ll be contemplating the teachings of everyone from Socrates and Plato to Kant and de Beauvoir over her daily cup of English breakfast tea, blissing out the entire time.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Its-Hard-Get-Handle-Philosophy/dp/B0774YWQNV/”]The Unemployed Philosophers Guild Tea Cup, $15.95 from Amazon[/link-button]

ESTP (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)

Procrastination has no place in the life of an ESTP. This go-getting personality is driven and adventurous, with an inherent appreciation for the quirky and abstract.

A Funky Hammock—No Trees Required

When ESTP wants to lounge in a hammock, she doesn’t want to waste her time searching the forest for the perfect pair of trees to string up her lounger. She wants this WEKAPO inflatable hammock that will give her instant gratification.

No need to drag along a pump—just whisk this product through the air and it magically inflates. Voila! A comfy, funky hammock you can relax in just about anywhere.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/WEKAPO-Inflatable-Hammock-Portable-Design-Ideal-Traveling/dp/B073PWF537″]WEKAPO Inflatable Hammock Lounger, $37.98 from Amazon[/link-button]

Starry Night for a Rainy Day

Like most people, ESTPs could use a little cheering up on a dreary day. This umbrella from YZGO will do just that. From the outside, it looks like your run-of-the-mill solid color umbrella. But from within, you’re surrounded by the swirling colors of Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpiece, The Starry Night.

This imaginative umbrella might have you counting down the days until the next rainstorm.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/YZGO-Umbrella-Painting-Lightweight-Business/dp/B06XZX8DPX”]YZGO Umbrella With “Starry Night” Art, $24.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

ESTJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)

There’s never any question about what ESTJ wants. This driven personality type keeps busy with her career, social life, and health goals.

A Power Bank for the Power Hungry

A personality as ambitious as ESTJ has too much going on in her life to deal with a dead phone battery. Always a multitasker, she’s going to need some juice to replenish her battery after sending emails, streaming music, and posting on social media throughout the day.

This power bank from Anker will recharge her iPhone 8 almost three and a half times, or her Galaxy S8 two and a half times. And at less than half a pound, it won’t weigh her down.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-Compact-High-Speed-Technology/dp/B0194WDVHI”]Anker PowerCore 10000 Power Bank, $29.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

Too busy to hit the gym? You need this yoga kit.

Likely to be an athlete of some sort, ESTJ strives to stay in shape. But her jam-packed schedule doesn’t always allow her to hit the gym as often as she’d like to. She could use an at-home fitness set, like this one from Sivan Health & Fitness.

It includes a pair of yoga blocks, a thick exercise mat, a body towel, a hand towel, and a yoga strap to help her stretch out right in her living room—whenever it’s most convenient for her.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sivan-Health-Fitness-6-Piece-Exercise/dp/B016CKO30Y/”]Sivan Health & Fitness 6-Piece Yoga and Fitness Set, $42.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

ESFP (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)

Party animal ESFP feels her best when she’s got the attention of a room on her. She lives for the next celebration and has a natural curiosity about everyone around her.

Party in a Package

If ESFP can’t find a party, she has no hesitation about hosting her own. After all, there’s always something to celebrate, and this Ancord micro Bluetooth speaker will help her get the party started.

Not only does this powerful speaker allow you to stream any tunes you want, it also has another feature you’ll love: a remote shutter function for your smartphone camera, so you can take the perfect selfies with your friends. Pop it in your bag and you’re party-ready anywhere you go.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Ancord-Bluetooth-Speaker-Portable-Features/dp/B01GR5Q1AY/”]Ancord Micro Bluetooth Speaker, $17.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

Cards to Cure Your Curiosity

ESFP is a born conversationalist, but sometimes she needs some help breaking the ice among her less extraverted companions. TableTopics is here to help.

This deck of cards contains 135 questions that will help partygoers from all walks of life mix and mingle with ease. Leave the stack out on a table and get ready for some of the most engaging exchanges with your friends.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/TableTopics-Original-Anniversary-Questions-Conversations/dp/B00GNI0DNM”]TableTopics Original 10th Anniversary Edition, $25 from Amazon[/link-button]

Stand out in these leggings.

ESFP’s got energy to burn—and she wants to be the star of her dance fitness class. That’s why she’s trading in her boring black tights for these flashy rainbow leggings from Han Shi. The stretchy pants give her plenty of range of motion, while the muted rainbow tones will help her stand out on the dance floor.

If these leggings don’t give ESFP the attention she craves, we’re not sure what will.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Han-Shi-Leggings-Patchwork-Multicolor/dp/B0734T1NV1″]Han Shi Rainbow Print Leggings, $9.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

ESFJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)

Pampering is of utmost importance to ESFJ. She cares as much about others as she does herself, but she can use a little boost to her self-esteem from time to time.

Slather your face in gold.

ESFJ takes self-care to the next level. That’s why this 24K gold facial mask from White Naturals belongs in her beauty kit. The glistening cream promises to help clear up acne, minimize fine lines, moisturize the skin, and help your complexion radiate.

It’s also the perfect pick-me-up when ESFJ is feeling less than her best. Can anything make you feel more like royalty than a gold face mask? We don’t think so.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Facial-Mask-White-Naturals/dp/B06XX97X96″]White Naturals 24K Gold Facial Mask, $19.95 from Amazon[/link-button]

Get wrapped in a cloud.

Always eager to get cozy, ESFJ loves all things soft and cuddly. This shaggy pink blanket from Soffte Cloud is just the thing she needs to make her couch or bed even comfier than it already is. She’ll love wrapping it around herself with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book in hand.

This blanket will also be the first one she’ll offer to guests when friends from out of town are crashing at her place.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Soffte-Cloud-Shaggy-Fannel-Blanket/dp/B074XD9381/”]Soffte Cloud Shaggy Pink Blanket, $27.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

Reminders to Love Yourself

Every once in a while, ESFJ can forget to appreciate herself. These affirmation cards will help her cheer herself up in the least cheesy way possible.

The box includes 50 cards, each of which has a positive affirmation and an illustration that’s sure to make you smile. The messages are equal parts cheeky and encouraging—just what you need when your confidence is in a rut.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Affirmators-Affirmation-Cards-Help-Yourself/dp/1601067119/”]50 Affirmation Cards to Help You Help Yourself, $12.71 from Amazon[/link-button]

ENFP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)

The free-spirited ENFP is the life of the party. She’s a people person with a packed social calendar who’s always in search of a good time.

A Red Lipstick That Elevates Your Look in Seconds

ENFP never turns down a last-minute invitation for a get-together or a night out—even if she’s not quite dressed for it. This red lipstick from Maybelline will upgrade her overall look in seconds.

Just swipe on the smooth, bold hue, blot, and you’ll look like you had planned to go out all along. Talk about party ready on the fly!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Maybelline-SENSATIONAL-985-INFRA-RED-Limited/dp/B00BLOLTE0/”]Maybelline Color Sensational Infra-Red Lipstick, $4.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

A Selfie Stick With a Secret Feature

With so many parties and events to go to, ENFP needs a reliable selfie stick to capture every memorable moment. This Bluetooth selfie stick from MOCREO does everything you’d expect a selfie stick to do, but with one bonus feature you’ll love: a 360-degree rotation fill light. It’ll brighten up your faces, or shine a light on a subject in a few feet away.

No more dark, blurry images to delete from your album the next day—just crisp, clear photos of you and your friends.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/MOCREO-Bluetooth-iPhones-Samsung-Android/dp/B01EMONJVG”]MOCREO Bluetooth Selfie Stick, $16.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

Laugh out loud with this party game.

ENFP doesn’t just go to social gatherings—she often hosts her own. And her friends will love coming over for a game of Cards Against Humanity. “The party game for horrible people” involves creating less-than-politically-correct statements out of cards related to pop culture, ridiculous phrases, and blush-worthy words to see who comes up with the funniest combination.

The result is uncontrollable laughter and a little insight into the darker corners of your friends’ minds.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Cards-Against-Humanity-LLC-CAHUS/dp/B004S8F7QM”]Cards Against Humanity, $25 from Amazon[/link-button]

ENFJ (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging)

ENFJ’s leadership skills inspire everyone around her to do their best. She feels great when serving others.

The Writing on the Wall

Everyone needs a little inspiration in their home office. This vinyl decal will remind ENFJ to continue doing what she already does naturally: Think bigger.

Every goal she has to help improve the planet and the lives of those on it can be taken one step further. She’s always ready for a challenge, and some encouraging writing on the wall will help her tackle it with ease.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Pulse-Vinyl-Wall-Art-Decal/dp/B07DQCKGTD”]Pulse Vinyl Think Bigger Wall Art Decal, $15.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

Give poverty the boot.

A pair of high-quality rain boots makes rainy days so much more fun. But not just any rain boots will satisfy compassionate ENFJs—she’ll want these natural rubber ones in blush pink from Roma Boots. Why? Well, for every pair of rain boots sold, Roma Boots donates a brand new pair to an impoverished child.

The mission might make ENFJ feel so good that she goes out and splashes in rain puddles, sans inhibition.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Roma-Boots-Womens-Emma-Blush/dp/B072LJ8QM2″]Roma Boots Emma Rain Boots, $45 from Amazon[/link-button]

ENTP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)

Outspoken ENTP never shies away from a riveting debate. She embraces her zany side to the fullest.

Keep to your individual schedule.

ENTP’s not afraid to be herself, and if that means regularly running 15 minutes late, so be it. This “Whatever I’m Late Anyway” clock from ARAD will help ENTP embrace her unique sense of timing with a saucy addition to her wall.

Plus, the quirky way in which the jumbled numbers seem to tumble down the clock will serve as a welcome reminder that time is a mere construct—who needs it?
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Whatever-Battery-Operated-Bedroom-Kitchen/dp/B01LXAW8BH”]Whatever I’m Late Anyway Wall Clack, $14.90 from Amazon[/link-button]

The Ultimate Debate Game

Opinionated ENTP loves the adrenaline rush from fiercely debating her side of, well, just about anything. The party game Sway will indulge her desire to debate, without alienating her pals.

It asks you to argue the pros of even the most negative topics (middle airplane seats, anyone?), but with surprising twists—like adopting a pirate accent. You’ll be laughing and arguing, without any hurt feelings.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sway-Debate-Silver-Linings-Party/dp/B01KGNRRZQ”]Sway: A Game of Debate and Silver Linings, $26.22 from Amazon[/link-button]

ENTJ (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)

Assertive and confident, ENTJ never has trouble getting exactly what she wants. She relies on data over emotions as the basis for her decisions.

Intention Tracking Made Easy

Ask ENTJ what she’s working on at any given moment, and she can probably rattle off a list of goals that seems to go on for days. How does she keep track of everything? A meticulous notetaker, ENTJ will love managing her intentions on this daily intention tracker from Knock Knock.

It has dedicated places to track your most important intentions, including how you will feel, what you’ll let go of, what you plan to do, and things you need to appreciate. And after you’re done tracking the day’s intentions, simply peel off the page and store it (or pitch it!). A fresh intention tracker awaits you the next day.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Knock-Daily-Intention-Tracker-12270/dp/B00SEY9MOE”]Knock Knock Daily Intention Tracker, $7.40 from Amazon[/link-button]

Track all your healthy habits.

No one loves data quite like ENTJs. This fitness tracker from WELTEAYO will give ENTJ data on one of her most important assets: Her body. It’ll measure your heart rate, tell you how many calories you burned in your last workout, count your steps, and even monitor your sleep.

It’ll give you the exact facts and figures you’re looking for when trying to determine if you’re making the healthiest choices in your life.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/WELTEAYO-Fitness-Activity-Bracelet-Waterproof/dp/B07FQ9SVD9″]WELTEAYO Fitness Tracker, $39.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

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No Gym Required Sweat

Yes, Goat Yoga’s A Real Thing—And I Tried It

Post author By Joni Sweet
Post date August 23, 2018

Goat yoga—no doubt you’ve seen photos of people doing plank pose with happy baby goats on their backs as you’ve scrolled through your Instagram feed, but it’s hard to imagine the reality of this fitness craze. Do the goats bounce off the backs of yogis? Are they trained to join you in Downward Dog? Do the goats poop on your yoga mat? (C’mon, I know you’ve wondered.)
As a novelty workout enthusiast, I had to learn more about goat yoga. Those baby goat yoga pictures were just too cute (and delightfully ridiculous). So when the staff at the new DoubleTree hotel in Vail, Colorado, recommended I try the local goat yoga class during a recent visit (they had a free shuttle to take me there, after all), I signed up without a moment of hesitation—and with a ton of anticipation.

Goat Yoga: Too Cute or Carried Away?

The four-legged yogis were relaxing in their pen when I rolled up to Vail Stables on a sunny day in the mountains. Snuggled up in groups of five or six, they looked at ease, having just finished up another baby goat yoga class a half hour earlier. Of course, it was just about time for the goats to hit the mat again—this time with me.
Six other students and I spread out our mats and waited as the yoga instructor opened the gates. With a bit of encouragement from the teacher, more than a dozen goats ran into the outdoor yoga studio and started coming right up to us. They sniffed our water bottles, chewed our hair, and even nestled their heads in our laps as we gushed, snapping pics of every adorable moment.

The goats began to settle down, mostly in big piles around one or two students, just as the “workout” kicked off. As with a typical class, goat yoga started with lots of steady breathing (yes, it did smell a bit like a farm—though not necessarily worse than the foot smell at some studios) and gentle stretching. After some light breathwork, I was seriously ready to get my yoga on with these goats.
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To be frank, the workout didn’t get much harder than that. Sure, we did a bit of planking and the occasional Downward Dog (with a gentle pet of a goat as you entered the pose). But I quickly realized that goat yoga’s really about one thing—the animals—and the teacher encouraged us to embrace every minute of that. During my goat yoga class, it was clearly 100 percent fine to spend the entire session cuddling up next to the goats just enjoying their presence if that’s what a yogi wanted to do.
And it was pure bliss.
About halfway through the class, it hit me: Goat yoga’s not about poses and moving your body—it’s a valid reason for grown-ups to go to a petting zoo. Why do we need an excuse to hang out with goats? Simply petting animals has been proven to elevate our moods, lower anxiety, boost relaxation, reduce loneliness, and provide a happy distraction from the stresses of everyday life. If goat yoga’s the best way for the average person to get some animal therapy, so be it.

Toward the end of the goat yoga class, most of us gave up the facade of being serious on our mats. Pretending to practice yoga for the camera with the docile goats in our arms or on our backs was simply more fun. And we were all okay with that.
Would I try goat yoga again? It’s possible, but I wouldn’t actively seek it out. Usually offered for between $30 and $50 per class, goat yoga is too expensive for repeat visits in my opinion—but priced acceptably for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plus, I rely on yoga to work up a sweat, and I’d rather not always do so while goats are doing their usual goat things (running, chewing, licking, and yes…sometimes pooping) around me.
With that being said, if you want to play with a bunch of adorable animals and laugh until your belly hurts, it’s definitely worth trying goat yoga at least once. You’re guaranteed to leave class with a smile, and with memories that last forever. And you can even pretend you actually exercised—we won’t tell.
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Want to try goat yoga for yourself?

Those baby goat yoga pictures keep popping up in your social media feed, and you can’t take it anymore: You need this experience. Where can you try goat yoga?
Well, if you happen to be in Vail during the warmer months, you can’t go wrong with a class at Vail Stables. The helpful instructor was totally in tune with creating a fun-filled goat yoga experience, and I highly recommend checking it out.

If you aren’t near Vail, there are also goat yoga classes all around the country. Depending on your locale, here are a few places that might be right for you:

The Original Goat Yoga

This is where it all began. Give the original goat yoga class a try in Oregon—if you can score a spot at their frequently sold-out events.

Tagalong Farms Boutique & Gifts

This boutique, just south of Indianapolis, hosts goat yoga every Saturday from April to October. On certain Saturdays, the owner brings in other animals including rabbits, chickens, and a pot-belly pig for farm animal yoga classes.

Yoga Love

Located in Highland, Maryland, Yoga Love kicks off its 75-minute goat yoga classes with hayrides in the pasture of a local farm.

Iowa Goat Yoga at Coco’s Ranch

A herd of precious Nigerian Dwarf goats will join you for some vinyasa at this goat yoga class just outside Cedar Rapids.

Arizona Goat Yoga

In case the goats weren’t enough of a guarantee for giggles, Arizona Goat Yoga has hired a yoga instructor who moonlights as an amateur improv comedian to lead its classes. Get ready for lots of awws…and chuckles.

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Gym x Studio Sweat

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

Post author By Joni Sweet
Post date August 21, 2018

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.

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Lifestyle Well-Traveled

13 Cheap Wellness Retreats That Will Change Your Life

Post author By Joni Sweet
Post date August 19, 2018

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 & 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.

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

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.

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!).

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 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.

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.

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 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

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Nosh Nutrition x Advice

5 Nutritional Yeast Benefits Your Body Will Love

Post author By Joni Sweet
Post date August 17, 2018

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.

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Favorite Finds Hearted Wellbeing

The Best Travel Accessories For Your Next Adventure, Based On Your Zodiac Signs

Post author By Joni Sweet
Post date August 15, 2018

Travel styles are as vast as the stars in the sky. Some travelers jet off in search of a whirlwind adventure that’s completely unlike anything they can have at home. Others crave little luxuries that give them a sense of home when they’re in faraway lands. And then there’s the social sightseer, who somehow makes friends at every destination she visits.
How do you know which type of traveler you are?
Surprisingly, your astrological sign reveals a slew of clues about how you like to explore the world—along with the ideal travel accessories to pack for your journey. With limited space in your carry-on bag, are you better off bringing along a pair of noise-canceling headphones, a sleeping mask, or a neck pillow? We consulted the stars to help you figure out. Here are the best travel accessories you can find on Amazon based on your zodiac sign.

Aries: She’s a bold, ambitious traveler who’s always up for a challenge, and dreads mundane chores.

1. Never waste time untangling cables.

Nothing frustrates an Aries quite like boring, time-consuming tasks—like untangling a rats’ nest of cables. The Travelon World Travel Essentials Tech Organizer will save her a major headache when she needs to dig out a charger.

With two zippered pockets and two open pouches, the organizer’s simple design makes it easy to store all of your adapters and cables. Plus, you can see exactly what you have to work with—leaving Aries more time to spend on her next big adventure instead of rummaging for her spare batteries deep inside her backpack.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Travel-Essentials-Organizer-Peacock/dp/B078Y4BTH4″]Get Travelon World Travel Essentials Tech Organizer on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. Get the camera that can capture all your adventures.

Whether she’s cliff jumping in Acapulco, taking a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, or riding a dune buggy through the desert in Dubai, Aries lives in pursuit of adventure. She can capture every adrenaline-fueled moment with the GoPro Hero5, a palm-sized camera that shoots 4k video and 12-megapixel photos.

The portable, durable camera is waterproof to 33 feet, includes video stabilization technology, and automatically uploads your pics and videos to the cloud. Plus, with all of the attachments and cases, you can outfit this tech toy with whatever gear you need for your next thrilling getaway.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MT0TJOM/”]Get GoPro Hero5 on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. Your wardrobe’s always ready with this.

Unpacking at her hotel might be one of the least fun parts of traveling for an Aries. She just doesn’t have the slightest interest in carefully folding and hanging all the garments. Fortunately, with the Travelon Deluxe Packable Shelves, she doesn’t have to!

This innovative travel accessory allows you to fold all your clothes and pack them in your suitcase with ease. When you’ve arrived at the destination, simply pull out the shelves and hang them in your closet. Your outfits will stay perfectly organized and wrinkle-free, saving you the monotony of unpacking.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Packable-Zippered-Compartment-Organizer/dp/B007XAIFC0″]Get Travelon Deluxe Packable Shelves With Zippered Compartment on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Taurus: Pleasure is high on the list of necessities for this relaxed traveler who craves creature comforts and a sense of security.

1. Try a neck pillow that won’t cramp your style.

Wherever Taurus goes, she’ll want to get there in the most comfortable way possible. That’s easier said than done when flying coach, but the Sleeper Scarf 2-in-1 Travel Scarf And Inflatable Neck Pillow can help. There’s no need to drag a regular neck pillow all around the airport.

Instead, just drape this light, breathable scarf around your neck. And when you need something puffy on which to rest your head during a long-haul flight, the scarf will automatically inflate into a comfy pillow. It’s the closest thing Taurus will get to the first-class ticket she deserves when she’s traveling on a budget.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sleeper-Scarf-Inflatable-Traditional-Inflate/dp/B0749N4M9B/”]Get Sleeper Scarf 2-in-1 Travel Scarf And Inflatable Neck Pillow on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. Soothing Sounds for a Good Night’s Rest

Rest and relaxation are high on the list of priorities for comfort-seeking Taurus. Nothing throws her off quite like a night of tossing and turning on a trip. The LectroFan Micro Wireless Sleep Sound Machine And Bluetooth Speaker is exactly the thing she needs for guaranteed shut-eye. The portable white noise maker includes four white noise variations, five distinctive fan sounds, and the calming ambience of the ocean that will lull you to sleep.

One full charge of the built-in battery offers up to 16 hours of sounds from the machine (or six hours of music streamed via Bluetooth). Never again will a thumping nightclub or traffic-riddled street keep Taurus from getting her beauty rest.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/LectroFan-Wireless-Sound-Machine-Bluetooth/dp/B01LBVLBKY/”]Get LectroFan Micro Wireless Sleep Sound Machine And Bluetooth Speaker on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. The Worry-Free Way to Protect Your Stuff

The only way a Taurus can get completely into vacation-mode is when she knows that her belongings are safe and secure. A set of TSA-Approved Cable Luggage Locks will protect her valuables.

The nice thing about these locks is that they’re not at all bulky—the thin cable can easily slip into standard-sized zippers and lock holes while securing the contents of most suitcases, carry-on bags, and backpacks. Here’s to keeping your stuff safe, without lugging around a heavy lock.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Approved-Cable-Luggage-Re-settable-Combination/dp/B01NAOEBZ0″]Get TSA-Approved Cable Luggage Locks on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Gemini: The always-busy Gemini spreads her interests over a variety of pursuits. She’s a playful, curious social butterfly who never has trouble finding a friend.

1. Share your favorite tunes with your new travel buddies.

The highly social Gemini will almost always make a few new pals on the road. And even when she needs some down time, she doesn’t want to isolate herself to get it. That’s why she’d benefit from tossing the AmazonBasics 5-Way Multi-Headphone Splitter into her suitcase.

When she’s ready to zone out with a movie, a podcast, or her favorite playlist, she can share it with up to four other friends at the same time through this useful gadget.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-5-Way-Multi-Headphone-Splitter/dp/B0716ZWX4K/”]Get AmazonBasics 5-Way Multi-Headphone Splitter on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. Exercise anywhere with a portable yoga mat.

Sometimes struggling to stay focused, Gemini can get thrown off from her exercise routine when she’s on the road. Fortunately, the portable yoga mat in the Sugarmat Travel Set will help her keep up with her practice when she’s on the go. The ultralight, thin mat has a synthetic suede top designed to resemble the swirls of a crystal.

It folds up perfectly into a sassy pouch that reads, “Sugar how you get so fly?”—just the burst of confidence she needs to invite some folks out to brunch after their Vinyasa’s over.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sugarmat-Designed-Montreal-Non-slip-washable/dp/B07CL41Z7S/”]Get Sugarmat Travel Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. The Gadget That Breaks Down Language Barriers

Language barriers are no match for inquisitive Gemini, whose favorite travel accessory might just be the TT Easy Trans Smart Language Translator. The handheld voice translator can help you carry on two-way conversations in 52 languages, including English, Spanish, Japanese, German, French, Italian, and Arabic. It can also help you pick up key phrases in a foreign language and learn to pronounce them like a native speaker.

Language barrier? What language barrier? Gemini will be able to connect with anyone she wishes with the help of this smart tool.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Language-Translator-Electronic-Bluetooth-Languages/dp/B077MXFZLH/”]Get TT Easy Trans Smart Language Translator Device on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Cancer: Intuitive cancer is a creature of habit. She’s sensitive to whatever environment she ends up in, so she needs travel accessories to make hotel rooms feel more like home.

1. Candles to Warm Up Each New Hotel Room

Cancer can pick up on the energies of a room right away. Packing a few travel-size aromatherapy candles from Chesapeake Bay can help her manifest the exact atmosphere she needs to feel at ease.

This set contains four small jars themed around key moods, including joy and laughter, reflection and clarity, peace and tranquility, and balance and harmony—each of which have their own signature scent. Light one when you’re settling into a room and let the calming aromas blanket the entire space.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Chesapeake-Bay-Candle-Scented-4-Piece/dp/B01N1T6D36/”]Get Chesapeake Bay Candle Mind & Body Small Scented Candle Gift Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. Your aching feet will thank you for buying this ball.

A little self-care goes a long way toward helping Cancer feel her best on the road. Rolling her foot out on the Saj Mini Relaxation Foot Massager might be just what she’s looking for to give her body a little TLC. It simulates the feeling of a soothing trigger-point massage, easing tension and pain.

What can be better than that after hiking up a mountain or exploring a new city all day? Plus, a massage with this spiky ball puts her on the fast-track to chill-out mode—no expensive spa treatment necessary.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Saj-sAHHHj-Ball-Single-Reflexology/dp/B076HFKKNS/”]Get Saj Mini Relaxation Foot Massager on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. Slip on these headphones to tune out the stress.

Sounds as subtle as a dripping faucet, travelers walking through the hall, or a noisy TV next door can ruin sensitive Cancer’s sleep. A pair of AcousticSheep SleepPhones can help her maintain a calm atmosphere while she’s catching some Zs. The thin headphones rest comfortably inside a snuggly headband that you can slip on when you crawl into bed.

Then stream your most relaxing playlist or ambient noises via Bluetooth from your smartphone or laptop. They’re like magic for frequent fliers who need to find a way to rest on cramped flights, and for stressed-out globetrotters who like to create a meditation sanctuary wherever they are.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AcousticSheep-SleepPhones-Bluetooth-Headphones-Rechargeable/dp/B00EZ4L5GU/”]Get AcousticSheep SleepPhones on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Leo: When Leo travels, she brings the party with her. This theatrical character is beloved by other travelers for her vivaciousness and extreme loyalty.

1. Stream your party playlist just about anywhere.

Party girl Leo’s always down to get down. She’s constantly on the lookout for a party, and when she can’t find one, she starts her own. The Polk Audio Portable Speaker allows her to stream her most dance-worthy playlist wherever she wants to boogie, whether it’s on the beach, in the park, or at the hotel.

This tiny (yet mighty) speaker is also capable of balancing its volume with your immediate surroundings, meaning you’ll always be able to hear the tunes without annoying bystanders. Party on, Leo.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-BITB-Boom-Black/dp/B01HIS5NIA/”]Get Polk Audio Portable Speaker on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. Take selfies shamelessly with this tripod stick.

A selfie stick is just the device Leo needs to capture photos of herself in all her vacation glory. She has no fear of being perceived as vain. In fact, she lives to have the spotlight shine brightly on her. But the standard stick just won’t cut it for this sign—she needs the DOKRO Selfie Stick With Tripod Stand so she can set up the perfect shot and snap it from afar using the Bluetooth-enabled remote control.

The dramatic Leo will love having the ability to take dozens of selfies in a variety of poses, without fear of judgment from her more reserved pals.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/DOKRO-Extendable-Bluetooth-Android-Blackberry/dp/B07F9QFNYZ/”]Get DOKRO Selfie Stick With Tripod Stand on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. A Sunhat with That Old-School Hollywood Glamour

Leo doesn’t just want to see new places—she wants to look the part of a traveler with a true zest for exploring. That’s why she pops on a wide-brimmed sunhat whenever she’s on an adventure. This foldable, floppy hat is embroidered with the eye-catching phrase “Hello, sunshine!” that will help Leo stand out from the crowds at the beach. (Not to mention the fact that it’ll look absolutely amazing in her Instagram photos.)

And if Leo’s ever ready to tone down her look, she can just fold up the hat and stow it in her bag—no need to lug around an extra accessory.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Foldable-Floppy-Travel-Packable/dp/B078LSZ5CZ/”]Get Women’s Foldable Floppy Travel Straw Hat on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Virgo: Logical and practical, Virgo takes a systematic approach to everything does, including her travels. She’s diligent and dedicated to the art of perfection.

1. A Reusable Bottle Without the Bulk

You’ll never see Virgo going through disposable plastic bottles on her trips. (She’s too concerned about the damage they do to the environment.) But you won’t see her with those heavy aluminum bottles, either. (They add way too much weight to her bag.) Instead, Virgo stays hydrated with the Bubi Silicone Water Bottle.

The squishy bottle can be filled with up to 22 ounces of water to sustain you on a hot day. And when you’re done with it, just roll it up and stuff it into the attached carabiner clip until you’re ready for a refill. It’s light, sturdy, and fits well into Virgo’s practical approach to packing.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DBC4ZUU/”]Get Bubi Silicone Water Bottle on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. The Ultimate Bag Organizers

Virgo’s obsessed with perfecting her packing strategy. She’s pared down her packing list to the bare minimum and has started rolling (instead of folding) her clothes. But to take her minimalist packing to the next level, she’ll need a set of Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes. They give her three separate storage containers to keep her gear sorted and organized.

They squeeze the air out from in between garments so she can condense her stuff into a smaller suitcase. And they have cool nature-themed designs that will inspire her journeys. That’s a triple win in Virgo’s book.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Well-Traveled-Compression-Packing-Cubes/dp/B07664WLQ3/”]Get Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. A Towel That a Minimalist Won’t Mind

Virgo rarely brings anything from home that she can get on the road. While she typically relies on hotels to provide her towels, she makes a big exception for this one from Sand Cloud—for one very good reason: It doubles as a bag! She loves being able to stash her sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, and other essentials in the lightweight backpack, then rolling it out into a blanket when she’s ready to sunbathe.

And just because the towel is multipurpose doesn’t mean it skimps on quality. This handmade design is made entirely out of Turkish cotton, so you know it’s soft, absorbent, and durable.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sand-Cloud-Mint-Towel-Blanket/dp/B06W5VBSFJ”]Get Sand Cloud Mint Baja Towel Blanket Bag on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Libra: Libra travels in search of balance and harmony everywhere she goes. She’s a connoisseur of the finer things in life.

1. A Skincare Kit to Help You Look Fresh

While other signs may look at travel as an opportunity to leave their standard makeup and hair routines back at home, you won’t see Libra looking anything less than her best. That’s why she travels with the Daily Concepts Spa To Go kit.

With its cleansing wash, gentle exfoliating scrub, purging mask, nourishing lotion, and washcloth, this kit helps Libra keep her complexion bright and fresh—even after a red-eye flight.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Concepts-Spa-To-Go/dp/B01GJ7YMGA/”]Get Daily Concepts Spa To Go on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. A Watercolor Kit to Use When Inspiration Strikes

Libra’s got a thing for good art, and she seeks it out every time she travels. When inspiration strikes at a museum or gallery, she even likes to create some of her own designs. Fortunately, the Field Artist Pro Travel Watercolor Kit contains everything she needs to create watercolor paintings on the go.

The travel-friendly kit easily slides into a purse, so Libra can have it at the ready next time she wants to capture a scene by hand.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Field-Artist-Pro-12HP-WATERCOLOR/dp/B01N7KV2DI/”]Get Field Artist Pro Travel Watercolor Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. A Scale to Keep the Peace

Few things will frazzle harmony-seeking Libra more than getting called out by a gate agent over the weight of her bag.

A luggage scale will help her make sure her bag doesn’t exceed any of those pesky limitations from the airlines, so she can board the plane without a hitch.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-EL15-Digital-Luggage-Scale/dp/B0186K8T9O/”]Get AmazonBasics Digital Luggage Scale on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Scorpio: Scorpio values her privacy and her control when traveling. She hates being derailed, and instead prefers to pursue her passions with a sense of empowerment.

1. A Shield from Prying Eyes

The Zoppen Multipurpose RFID-Blocking Travel Passport Wallet will help Scorpio maintain her privacy when she’s away from home. It can hold her passport, credit cards, boarding pass, cash, and everything else she might need as she gets from point A to B, and it has a built-in shield to prevent thieves from stealing her personal info.

Once she has it, she’ll never travel without it.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Zoppen-Mulit-purpose-Blocking-Passport-Organizer/dp/B07CWKLS16/”]Get Zoppen Multipurpose RFID-Blocking Travel Passport Wallet on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. Travel Bottles for Your Favorite Toiletries

If you think Scorpio’s okay with using whatever shampoo’s available at her hotel, you’ve got another thing coming. She demands control over everything she’s putting on her body. These Kitdine Portable Soft Silicone Travel Bottles make it easy for her to take along her favorite toiletries, so she doesn’t have to worry about dry skin or frizzy hair when she’s away from home.

Plus, these TSA-approved bottles are reusable, so you never have to buy the overpriced travel-size versions of your favorite products again.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kitdine-Portable-Silicone-Travel-bottles/dp/B00WO69JOQ/”]Get Kitdine Portable Soft Silicone Travel Bottles on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. Travel Planner to Capture Every Detail of a Trip

Scorpio likes being in control of her schedule and travel plans. The Erin Condren Travel Petite Planner helps her keep all of the nitty gritty details of her trips in one organized place. The book offers places to jot down your packing list, travel to-dos, flight info, hotel details, weather, outfit of the day, must-see sites, and just about anything else you’d like to record on a trip.

Sure, you could do it all on your phone—but there’s never a risk of running out of battery with an old-school notebook, and that’s just the control that Scorpio thrives upon.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Erin-Condren-Travel-Petite-Planner/dp/B07D3YCCNX/”]Get Erin Condren Travel Petite Planner on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Sagittarius: Wanderlust-fueled Sagittarius has the most frequent flier miles of all the signs. She maxes out her vacation time every year, and never returns to the same place twice.

1. A Power Adapter That Works Almost Anywhere

With so many trips to keep track of, Sagittarius can’t be bothered fumbling around with a sack of different power adapters to find a particular one. She’s better off relying on a Universal Power Adapter that will give her electronics some juice any place she visits.

This one works in more than 150 countries.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Universal-HAOZI-International-European-Countries/dp/B074CRS574/”]Get Universal Power Adapter on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. A Passport Holder with a Mantra

Sagittarius collects just one thing: passport stamps. The Nomad Lane ‘Just Go’ Standard Passport Wallet will protect her most important documents in style. The RFID-blocking wallet can hold up to two passports, along with SIM cards, credit cards, and boarding passes.

What’s more, it’s got a beautiful vegan leather shell with a simple outline of the world—the perfect reminder for Sagittarius to press forward on her next adventure.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Nomad-Lane-Standard-Passport-Wallet/dp/B07F93RFVF/”]Get Nomad Lane ‘Just Go’ Standard Passport Wallet on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. Bag Tags That Just Won’t Quit

It’s no secret that the airlines don’t exactly treat your luggage with the utmost care. Durable luggage tags, like these rose gold ones, will stand up to all kinds of abuse Sagittarius’s luggage might endure on her adventures.

It also hides her personal details behind a discreet airplane icon—it’s there if her bags get lost, but it won’t reveal her contact info to other nosy travelers along the way.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Luggage-ACdream-Leather-Travel-Pieces/dp/B071CDKDF5/”]Get Rose Gold Luggage Tags on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Capricorn: A climber at heart, Capricorn never gets distracted from her goals, whether that’s trekking to one of the world’s highest peaks or just having the most relaxing vacation ever.

1. Socks to Hit the Trails

Goal-oriented Capricorn’s bound to hit the trails whenever she can on her travels. A pair of well-made socks, like the FITS Light Hiker Socks, will aid her journey. These socks promise to stay in place, cushion the heel, wick away sweat, and keep her cozy—even on a challenging hike.

This is one travel accessory that will stand up to all the physical challenges this persistent traveler takes on.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/FITS-Light-Hiker-Socks-Titanium/dp/B07BVS1K88/”]Get FITS Light Hiker Socks on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. A Spare Charger to Juice Up Your Devices

With her work-hard, play-hard mindset, Capricorn can sometimes find it hard to step away from a pressing assignment—even when she’s traveling. The ZMI PowerPack Portable Charger will ensure her essential devices have enough power to let her finish up every last outstanding task on her to-do list.

This portable charger is super slim, yet can charge an iPhone 7 almost four times—perfect to help Capricorn keep busy on her journeys.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/ZMI-PowerPack-Smallest-Ultra-Compact-Separately/dp/B06XRVHDLM/”]Get ZMI PowerPack Portable Charger on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. Headphones for Supreme Focus

When Capricorn’s got a goal in mind, she has no tolerance for anything that might distract her from achieving it. These Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones will silence any distracting sounds and help her focus on whatever needs to get done.

The battery allows for 20 hours of uninterrupted wireless use (40 hours if you plug the headphones in!). Break these headphones out and you’ll be able to focus on the details of your planning, finally get through that novel, or focus on a flick.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bose-QuietComfort-Wireless-Headphones-Cancelling/dp/B01E3SNO3E/”]Get Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Aquarius: A non-conformist at heart, Aquarius takes pride in forging her own path. She’s free-spirited, humanitarian, and spontaneous.

1. Pretty Postcards for Snail-Mail Surprises

Known for getting caught up in the moment, Aquarius can sometimes struggle to stay in touch with her friends and family back at home. Taking along a pack of postcards, like this vintage travel-themed set, will ensure she has all the necessary supplies to jot a quick note to her loved ones when she’s far away.

Plus, she’ll love switching over to snail mail instead of using email like everybody else.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Postcard-Vintage-Posters-Aviation-European/dp/B071ZB36RQ/”]Get Vintage Travel Posters Postcard Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. An Instant Camera for a Rebel Photographer

Aquarius despises conventionality—she’s over the idea of taking millions of pics on her phone and posting the gems on social media. The Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera will give her the chance to go analog in a digital world.

She can snap photos of all her adventures and print them instantly—all from one compact device. And should she wish to sneak back on Instagram once again, she’ll be able to download all her favorite images right from the camera.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-Instant-Digital-Printing-Technology/dp/B015JIA97Q/”]Get Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. Sleep anywhere with these silk travel sheets.

A traveler as free-spirited as go-with-the-flow Aquarius needs to be able to plop down anywhere. Fortunately, these mulberry silk travel sheets from Brave Era allow her to do just that. They fold up into a handy pouch no larger than your smartphone. And when you’re ready to use them, simply spread them along any flat surface.

Voila! You’ve got a portable bed that’s just as comfy as what you’ve got back at home.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRF32D8/”]Get Brave Era Naturally Hypoallergenic Silk Travel Sheets on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Pisces: Pisces is a compassionate traveler who has a lot of wisdom and can occasionally get caught up with her emotions.

1. A Journal to Record Your Journey

Travel is a time of deep personal growth for many people. As a sensitive sign, Pisces in particular will benefit from processing her experiences by journaling in the Moleskine Voyageur Traveler’s Notebook.

With ruled, dotted, and blank pages, the notebook offers plenty of opportunity for Pisces to practice free-form expression in whatever way resonates most with her. She’ll love reflecting back on the thoughts and ideas she had on the road once she gets back home.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Voyageur-Travellers-Notebook-Nutmeg/dp/8867326155/”]Get Moleskine Voyageur Traveler’s Notebook on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. An Audrey Hepburn-Inspired Sleep Mask

The vivid experiences of the day can keep Pisces up for hours at night. The Fitglam Natural Silk Sleep Mask will help her wind down without distraction when she’s turning in at night.

Just slip it on when you’re ready for bed and let the woes of the world fade away naturally.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Fitglam-Natural-Sleep-Eyelashes-Patterns/dp/B01HPODBJK/”]Get Fitglam Natural Silk Sleep Mask on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. A Quick-Dry Towel with Lunar Energy

A water sign, Pisces is never too far away from the river, lake, or sea. A quick-dry beach towel, like this one from DryFoxCo, will help her stay dry and comfortable once she’s done splashing around.

Plus, the heavenly moon design will look gorgeous spread out onto the sand and inspire Pisces to tap into her inherent wisdom.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071YXSTPF/”]Get DryFoxCo Quick-Dry Reversible Microfiber Beach Towel on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Tags Commerce, hearted, social

Conscious Beauty Lifestyle

Get Healthy, Glowing Skin With These 8 Products

Post author By Joni Sweet
Post date August 15, 2018

Is there anything more beautiful than healthy, glowing skin? You’ve probably looked in the mirror, maybe after splurging on a facial or taking a restorative yoga class, and noticed an inexplicable radiance. Your skin looked perfectly sun-kissed, with a bright complexion and dewy shine. Why can’t your skin look like this all the time?
Here’s a skincare secret: You can get that glowing skin every day, with a diligent skincare regimen and the right arsenal of products and cosmetics. Here are the ones that will help you get your glow on.

MMXV Infinitude Universal Facial Treatment

A single product that claims to do seven different things (act as a serum, eye cream, anti-aging cream, moisturizer, brightener, and more) immediately had me skeptical. But just one application of the MMXV Infinitude cream got me hooked.

The gluey formula, infused with fermented white truffle, falernum grape extract, and olive extract, blended into the skin surprisingly nicely. While my skin absorbed it in just a few minutes, the cream gave my complexion an elegant luminescence that lasted longer than the effects of most facials.

Georgette Klinger Bamboo Exfoliating Scrub

After trying this scrub a few times, I’m still not sure whether I prefer putting it on or taking it off. The snow-white paste blankets my face in the most beautiful botanical scent, while the exfoliants are so fine, they practically tickle away dead skin and build-up in pores.

But what’s revealed when you wash it away is a smooth, shining complexion that feels hydrated and fresh. I could use this stuff every day.

ASARAI’s Response Theory Daily Serum

It’s tough for the natural glow of your skin to shine through layers of pollution that build up over time. Enter this serum from ASARAI. It uses natural antioxidants (like bisabolol extract from chamomile and seaweed) and vitamins to destroy free radicals on the skin. A few drops of this serum, which had a lotion-like consistency, gave me a velvet glow akin to the best Instagram filters.

You know how it can take a couple of tries before you decide whether you like a skincare product? With this serum, it was love at first pump.

Blue Lagoon Iceland Lava Scrub Mask

The famous, spa-like Blue Lagoon outside of Reykjavík, Iceland, has built a reputation as the go-to place to reap the healthy properties of mineral rich water and soil. Fortunately, you don’t have to hop on a plane to experience the skin-enhancing benefits of volcanic earth. This lava scrub mask, straight from the natural attraction itself, features geothermal seawater, silica, and granular lava that help remove dead skin.

After wearing the coarse black mask for 15 minutes, my skin felt smooth and even, and my natural radiance peeked through. It still doesn’t beat a trip to Iceland—but it’s a pretty good way to look like you were there.

Katess Skincare Collection

While I’m normally a mix-and-match kinda girl when it comes to skincare products, the entire Katess collection won me over for its simple assortment of products that play really well together. (Not to mention the packaging that looks straight out of a Wes Anderson film.)

The Japanese brand takes a four-step approach to skincare. It starts with a cleansing foam that bursts with a citrus scent, and leaves the skin feeling equal parts clean and hydrated. Then, you apply a “treatment essence” (basically a toner made with sake) that seemed to suck up all the oil. The day serum completely rehydrated the skin and even plumped it up a little bit, using wasabi extract to even out the tone. Already, my skin was beaming. But there was still one more step to go: Applying the non-oily sunscreen—because there’s no such thing as glowing skin when you’ve got a sunburn.

No B.S. Vitamin C+E Serum

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not feed your skin something amazing in the morning? Meet the No B.S. Vitamin C+E Serum—It’s like a healthy, organic meal packed with vitamins for your skin. Vitamin C helps brighten your complexion, while vitamin E aims to protect skin from aging agents, like pollution.

What I love about this serum, though, is that the golden goo blended in smoothly and left a subtle shimmer on my skin. This glow-inducing product gets bonus points for having a chemical-free formula and ingredients I could actually recognize (well, most of ‘em).

INIKA Organic Cream Illuminisor

Dream of a dewy complexion that looks like you’ve been sleeping in a field of posies all day? I’m not saying INIKA’s new Cream Illuminisor will give you exactly that, but it’ll come pretty close.

It has a different feel than other highlighters—more of a chapstick-like texture than a pressed powder—so you have to spend a little extra time blending it properly. But once you’ve applied it evenly, you’ll get an ethereal glow that’s tough to mimic with other products. Choose from rose, gold, or spice, depending on the tone of your skin and your desired look.

Charlotte Tilbury Bar of Gold

A healthy glow starts with cleansers, serums, and moisturizers that keep the skin clean and healthy. But a cosmetic highlighter, like Bar of Gold from celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, gives your overall look some oomph. A couple swipes of this delicate gold dust on my cheekbones, nose, cupid’s bow, and wherever else is looking a little dull has become a part of my morning routine—and just pulling out the glamorous flip case makes me feel like a diva. This product frequently sells out, so consider splurging on the new Bar of Gold Palette if you can’t wait for a restock of the original, and get ready to shine.

We’re not saying you need products to look your best—but when you’ve got #glowingskin goals, there’s nothing wrong with a couple potions to give you an extra boost. Here’s to a healthy radiance, however you get there.

What does “friends with benefits” mean, anyway?

Becoming Friends With Benefits

Rules of Friends With Benefits

Rule 1: Everyone must always ask for consent.

Rule 2: Friends with benefits must always use protection.

Rule 3: Friends with benefits must communicate.

Rule 4: Friends with benefits should have fun exploring.

Rule 5: Friends with benefits don’t get jealous.

Rule 6: Friends with benefits shouldn’t try to be more.

Rule 7: Friends with benefits should go after what they’re looking for.

Rule 8: Friends with benefits should know when it’s time to move on.

Haircare Mistake No. 1: You use products loaded with harsh chemicals.

Haircare Mistake No. 2: You wash your hair way too often.

Haircare Mistake No. 3: You don’t wash your hair often enough.

Haircare Mistake No. 5: You dry your hair with the wrong towel.

Haircare Mistake No. 4: Using a blow dryer that’s too hot.

Haircare Mistake No. 5: You don’t protect your hair from heat.

Haircare Mistake No. 6: You’re teasing your hair too much.

Haircare Mistake No. 7: You don’t protect your hair at night.

Haircare Mistake No. 8: You’re too rough with your tangles.

Haircare Mistake No. 9: You forget to use serum.

Haircare Mistake No. 10: You’re not careful enough with your ponytails.

Haircare Mistake No. 11: You never deep condition your hair.

Haircare Mistake No. 12: You don’t protect your hair from the sun.

1. Use a packing checklist.

2. Try packing cubes.

3. Bring a mini steamer.

4. Get foldable clothes, shoes, and accessories.

5. Buy reusable travel containers.

6. Power up while you’re on the go.

7. Print is dead, go digital instead.

8. Use a handbag with lots of pockets.

9. Tiny containers are your best friends.

10. Pack a quick-dry towel.

11. Put dryer sheets in your bag.

12. Personalize your luggage.

13. Separate your in-flight necessities.

14. Use a jewelry organizer.

15. Get a universal travel adapter.

16. Always pack a sarong.

ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)

Caffeine to Fuel your Biggest Pursuits

Tools for a Beautifully Organized Desk

ISTP (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)

A Lens Kit to Help You See Things Up Close

A DIY Music Box Inspired by the Beatles

ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)

Aromas to Keep You Grounded

An Herb Garden to Call Your Own

ISFP (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)

Build your travel bucket list with this book.

Protect your phone on a water adventure.

Tune in to tune out the world.

INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging)

A Necklace That Gives Back

A Place to Connect the Dots

Protect your most prized possession.

INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)

Picasso would envy this art kit.

A Year’s Worth of Self-Care Rituals

INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)

A Travel Mug in Just the Right Size

A Personal Assistant Who’s Available 24/7

INTP (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)

Plumes for Your Pages

A Cup of Tea With Your Favorite Philosopher

ESTP (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)

A Funky Hammock—No Trees Required

Starry Night for a Rainy Day

ESTJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)

A Power Bank for the Power Hungry

Too busy to hit the gym? You need this yoga kit.

ESFP (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)

Party in a Package

Cards to Cure Your Curiosity

Stand out in these leggings.

ESFJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)

Slather your face in gold.

Get wrapped in a cloud.

Reminders to Love Yourself