Category: Life x Culture

Why “Find Your Passion” Isn’t The Career Advice You Really Need To Hear

Post author By Wendy Rose Gould
Post date October 23, 2018

There are a number of popular quotes floating around about finding the perfect career. For example, one says, “It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together,” and another states, “You’ll never work a day in your life if you’re doing something you love.” The philosophy behind these quotes is wholly ingrained in our society.
From early adolescence and deep into adulthood, many people earnestly scribble these sorts of sayings into their journals or recite them as mantras while thinking about and pursuing their professional goals. To be fair, spending time figuring out what you love to do and then actually doing it sounds idyllic. However, researchers are urging people to press pause on this approach before ramming full speed toward a “passionate career”—and slamming into a wall of disappointment.

Surprising New Research Says…

A 2018 study conducted jointly by Stanford and Yale-NUS College in Singapore challenged the well-meaning advice of “find your passion” through a study that included 126 undergraduate university students.
Paul O’Keefe, co-author of the study, said researchers focused on this demographic because undergrads are “at a time in their life when they’re being bombarded with the idea that you have to go out and find your passion.” Over the course of five different experiments conducted with the same sample participants, researchers examined each of the students’ “implicit theories of interest” and how those interests might affect their career pursuits.

The study results were surprising, but they also make a lot of sense. Researchers point out that the notion of channeling all your energy toward finding “a passion” assumes we all have a passion to find in the first place. This can be exhausting and discouraging if you never actually “find” said passion.
Furthermore, they argue that seeking out a career that is directly related to your passion is akin to putting on blinders that prevent you from pursuing a range of interests. In doing so, you might miss out on finding a career that you’re either A) really good at or B) could enjoy equally (if not more so) than to your “passion.”

Finding the Path Toward a Meaningful, Fulfilling Career

It’s important to note that the study’s conclusion wasn’t that you should do something that you hate or are dispassionate about. Rather, it argues that you shouldn’t get caught up in “finding a passion” that might not exist or forcing a passion that may not yield a viable career. It also stresses the importance of not limiting yourself as you explore potential career paths.
Barbara Cox, PhD, a psychologist who specializes in executive stress and professional burnout says this resonates with her:

I do see some clients who already know what their passion is but are afraid to go for it out of underlying fear. However, a large majority of people need to explore many options to discover what they excel at. They may even be surprised to find out they enjoy things that they may not have tried if they only did things they were used to doing.

In that sense, she reiterates how crucial it is to be open to new experiences before charging down one specific path. She also says that the journey toward finding a meaningful career varies depending on the person.

“One of the best ways [to test different career paths] nowadays is to complete a variety of internships both in high school and college. This allows you to try on different experiences and to weed out what you don’t like early on rather than [having to] figure it out when you have a midlife crisis,” she explains.
Donna Lorraine Schilder, a career coach with the International Coach Federation, has over 20 years of experience helping executives and entrepreneurs determine what they should be doing with their lives and in their professions. She says that while some people may not have a true passion, she believes that most people can ultimately identify a career that they’re excited about and that aligns with their personality, strengths, and desired lifestyle.

In addition to exploring a variety of paths, she also stresses the importance of determining what your strengths are.
“Martin Seligman, in his book Authentic Happiness, put forth his research that showed that if people use their ‘Values in Action’ in their work, they feel more fulfilled and therefore happier,” says Schilder. “So, if a coaching client comes to us seeking meaningful work, we are sure to include the VIA Strengths Inventory [developed by Seligman] in their career exploration actions. Then, we put all of the possible careers into a matrix and help the client rate each one to determine which possibilities match them the most closely.”

Services like this offer another way for people to expand their horizons and explore their interests and strengths. This may be more realistic for someone who’s already out of the high school or college age range.
Lastly, it’s important to acknowledge that “non-glamorous” jobs are vital to our communities. These run the gamut, but examples include plumbing, janitorial work, and highly demanding and stressful technical and medical work.

While many people are turned off by such career paths, that’s not necessarily the case for everyone, says Schilder. She says that many people actually do feel rewarded and fulfilled by jobs that aren’t considered glamorous by society at large. Also, the personal fulfillment factor may be outweighed by other (arguably equally important) factors, such as connecting with other people (e.g. medical and maintenance work) or high pay (e.g. plumbing and tech).

Waning happiness at work? Try this.

We’re not here to blow sunshine up anyone’s skirt. Work is hard, and even if you’re incredibly passionate about your field, you can still experience bouts of frustration, burnout, or general unhappiness. If your situation begins to feel unbearable, try utilizing the following expert advice:

Grab coffee with your co-workers.

“If you’re struggling to find joy in your current line of work, ask a co-worker who loves the work what they enjoy about it and model that,” advises Cox. Doing this offers you a fresh perspective and can reignite the passion that led you to accept the job offer to begin with.

Make some lists.

Schilder says you should try writing down the things you like doing in your job as well as the things you don’t. “Come up with ways you could do more of what brings you joy, and ways to do less of what you don’t like doing.

Delegate with permission from your boss, automate mundane tasks, find someone that likes doing what you don’t like to do and see if they can take on some of the work,” she says.

Address issues with your boss.

On that note, communicate with your boss about issues you feel can be addressed and improved over time. “If it’s appropriate and your boss would be open to it, talk about how your job could be redesigned to give you more of what you like and less of what you don’t like,” says Schilder.

Remember, you’re a valuable asset to your employer and your happiness is vital to their success. Also, a problem cannot be resolved if nobody knows there’s an issue in the first place.

Practice gratefulness.

Another good list to make, says Schilder, is one that includes all the things you love about your job. Read it over every morning before work.

Take a vacation.

Burnout is completely normal and is something that even the most dedicated and passionate employees experience. In fact, those who are hyper-invested in their careers run a particular risk of burnout since they may be less likely to step away from the office.

Interestingly, a 2017 study found that people who don’t use their vacation time are less likely to receive a promotion, raise, or bonus compared to those who did take their earned PTO. Stepping away allows you to regenerate and reconnect with yourself, thereby improving your creativity, energy levels, and general gusto.

Invest in a hobby.

“If your 9 to 5 job doesn’t hold any passion for you, I would suggest you find volunteer work or a hobby that does hold some passion for you so that you feel a sense of gratification in your life,” says Cox. This can also apply if you’re experiencing burnout or are feeling stuck in your career.

In the same way taking a vacation can help you recharge, so can spending time on a hobby. Consider signing up for a painting class, starting an at-home project, throwing yourself into a fitness routine, joining a chorus, or signing up for a weekly trivia night.

Consult with an expert.

Cox says that if you’re truly miserable in your job, it’s time to consult a pro. “I suggest going to a career coach and discussing what brings you happiness and get some concrete ways to implement a plan,” she says.

As is the case with most things, finding a fulfilling career is not a “one size fits all” mold. Our goal isn’t to espouse one thing or another, but rather to encourage you to think critically about your approach to finding a fulfilling and sustainable career.

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Life x Culture Lifestyle

Pushing Through The Crisis: Tips For Surviving Culture Shock

Post author By Mary Sauer
Post date October 5, 2018

As the child of a diplomat, Isioma Ononye has had her fair share of experiences with adjusting to a new culture. She’s Nigerian and spent much of her childhood living abroad. At different points in her childhood, her family lived in New York City, Budapest, and Mexico City.
Each time her family moved, adjusting to a culture so different from her own (and equally different from the last one) was hard work. Ononye tells HealthyWay she experienced a difficult transition in each new location—and that the adjustment was difficult for its own unique reason everywhere they went.
In Mexico City, being African set her apart from everyone else. So few families like hers lived there. Going to school was difficult because she felt her differences were blatantly obvious. In both Budapest and Mexico City, not knowing the language or understanding the culture made it difficult to immerse herself in social activities. In New York, she faced a different set of challenges.
“Having to adapt to a new environment with a different climate can be difficult and affect your mood,” she says. “I prefer to be in environments with warm climates. I’ve never been a fan of winter. At college in New York, the winter season would sometimes bring my mood down.”

What Ononye was experiencing was culture shock. It’s an idea we’ve all likely heard about before, but we might not be all that familiar with what it entails. Not many people know what it’s like to experience setting up life in a location where the language, social norms, and daily customs or climate are so different from what they know. Here’s what you need to know about making a transition to a new culture, what to expect, and how you can cope with this massive change. And even if you’re not planning on relocating any time soon, understanding more about culture shock can help you be a more supportive and informed community member wherever you are.

What is culture shock?

At its most basic, culture shock is any experience of difficulty or struggle while living in a new location or culture. While culture shock is most often experienced when living in a new country, some people report experiencing the phenomena after making a move to a region of their country that is vastly different from where they grew up. For example, if you grew up in a bustling city and relocated to a small, rural community, you might experience culture shock.

InterNations, a resource for individuals moving or living in new cultures, describes culture shock as an “emotional roller coaster.” Symptoms of culture shock often include anxiety, depression, and homesickness according to a resource created by Kalamazoo College. This Simon Fraser International Students online resource also cites excessive sleeping, boredom, loneliness, and even aches and pains as symptoms of culture shock.
Certain individuals might see their culture shock play out in more unusual ways. They may become anxious about their surroundings, like the cleanliness of the water or environment, and indulge in compulsive handwashing or rigidity about what they eat. Some people may even experience extreme anger over the difficulties the language barrier represents.

Culture shock looks different for each person. but it’s fairly normal to feel uncomfortable when you move to a new environment. With an understanding of what to expect and an acceptance that it is normal to struggle with adaptation to a new environment, you can take the first step toward a comfortable life in a new location.

What You Need to Know: The Stages of Culture Shock

Culture shock comes in stages; it doesn’t all hit you at once. In fact, you might not feel any effects of culture shock at first. It takes time to process how monumental a change like moving to a new country is for your lifestyle and wellbeing.

Researchers have differing opinions on how many stages of culture shock exist—four or five. However, they do agree on the general shape or cycle of culture shock. Things start out well, maybe even amazingly well, then a crash or crisis takes place, followed by a slow but steady recovery. According to research published in the Journal of Travel Medicine, even with differing views on culture shock and the varying lengths of time over which the process occurs, experts in the field almost always agree that it is a U-shaped experience. You’re up, then you’re down, and then you work your way up again.
For the sake of simplicity, we’ll focus on four stages of culture shock. This is what you might experience during the first days, weeks, or months in your new home abroad.

1. The Honeymoon Phase

Changes are fun and exciting. Even if you’re nervous about making a big move, there’s a good chance you’ve been looking forward to and planning for your new lifestyle in a new culture, and now the time for adventure is finally here!

Once you arrive at your new destination, you will probably experience what is commonly called the honeymoon phase. According to the aforementioned piece published in the Journal of Travel Medicine, this phase is characterized by excitement and wonder. Some individuals may experience the honeymoon phase for only a few days, while others will feel this way for months. It is also common for phases of culture shock to overlap, according to a write-up in Anthropology Matters.
During this phase of adjusting to a new culture, you’ll see everything with rose-colored glasses. Everything around you will seem fascinating and exciting. You might go non-stop, anxious to experience everything new in your environment. Much like the first days, weeks, or months of a new relationship, you’ll probably overlook any faults in your new location.

2. The Crisis Phase

Next comes the crash. That new culture you fell in love with might not be quite as perfect as you believed in the honeymoon stage.

During the crisis phase, much of the frustration you experience might be associated with the differences in language or cultural norms. You’re a stranger in a strange land, and keeping up with day-to-day tasks will probably feel incredibly difficult during this phase.
During the second phase, you’ll likely see the bulk of your negative symptoms appear. This might be when you start to feel depressed or experience extreme frustration. You might even start to feel negative about the culture you once adored. Locals may seem incredibly different from you and your family, and you may long for what you’re used to.

During the frustration phase, some people isolate or think about heading home.
As pointed out in the Anthropology Matters piece, most tourists are lucky enough to avoid this phase altogether. Short-term travelers head home long before the honeymoon phase comes to an end in most circumstances. It’s people who have permanently or semi-permanently moved to a new culture who can expect to experience this difficult part of living in a new place.

3. The Adjustment Stage

The good news about culture shock is that the worst of the symptoms typically fade away with time. Although some individuals do return home or even deal with mental health crises when their honeymoon phase comes to an end, most long-term travelers and expats learn to adjust after their crash.
The adjustment stage occurs during the first year, according to the Travel Medicine Journal piece, and is characterized by an acceptance of the new culture. This is the point in the experience when you’ll buckle down and learn the language well enough to interact on a daily basis. Getting the things you need and forming relationships certainly won’t be easy, but you’ll feel encouraged enough by the small progress you’ve made to keep at it.

What really sets this stage apart is improved wellbeing. You won’t be riding the high of the honeymoon stage, but you certainly won’t be in the depths of despair associated with the crisis stage. You’ll be able to carry on with your life without an excessive amount of discouragement or frustration, and you’ll slowly but surely feel like a healthier individual.

4. The Acceptance Stage

Consider this the “you have arrived” phase of rebounding from culture shock—a whole four stages in. While during the adjustment stage you were soldiering on, the acceptance stage is a more comfortable place to be. In this stage, you’re not merely learning how to interact in a new culture for survival’s sake, you’re accepting that new culture in a way you never have before.

In the crisis stage, you likely felt your culture was better because it felt more natural to you. This is the point in your cultural adjustment when you’ll (hopefully) realize that the two cultures are merely different, that one isn’t better than the other, and that both have their pros and cons. If you’re unable to reach this conclusion as part of your cultural adjustment, you might return home at this point or continue to struggle with depression and anxiety during your time in the new culture.

Who is most likely to experience culture shock?

Although it is true that anyone can experience culture shock when transitioning from living in one culture to another, some individuals are more prone to culture shock than others.
According to the Travel Medicine Journal piece, people with less control over their circumstances will likely experience culture shock to a great degree. Take, for example, someone who moves into a school, organization, or even hotel where they are surrounded by people speaking their native tongue and are able to eat foods they ate at home. This individual is less likely to notice the impact of culture shock when compared to someone who is fully immersed in a neighborhood or community where the local culture is more predominant—where they’re surrounded by people who do not speak their native language, who have different rules about social interactions, and who eat differently.

The severity of the differences between the two cultures also impacts the severity of the culture shock experienced. For instance, individuals who travel from America to another English-speaking country will likely experience fewer symptoms of culture shock than someone who moves from South America to North America.
Length of time is also a factor to consider. If you only plan to be in a culture for days or weeks, the impact of the cultural adjustment might not be extreme enough to be considered culture shock, and it almost certainly will not be as intense as it will be for someone who knows they will be living in a new country or region for a year or more.
One interesting note made by the Travel Medicine Journal is that children often get forgotten when considering culture shock. The truth is, a big move to a new country is very difficult for a young child and their adjustment should be taken into consideration, too.

Preparing for a Cultural Adjustment

“Culture shock is normal! Once an individual realizes this, then they are able to work through it,” says Adriana Smith, founder and blogger at Travepreneur. “More than anything, a cultural adjustment improves soft skills, such as flexibility and adaptability, curiosity, communicativeness, and open-mindedness.”
It is possible to prepare yourself for a big change like moving to a new country. Since having a better understanding of the geography of the location and basic knowledge of the language and cultural rules can lessen the impact of culture shock, it makes sense that educating yourself might help prepare you for a less jarring cultural adjustment.
[pullquote align=”center”]It sounds too simple, but it makes a difference. By being open in Mexico City, I was willing to form friendships with the locals that helped me to find my way.[/pullquote]
Smith also suggests finding activities or hobbies to engage in regularly after your move. She specifically points to exercising, joining clubs, and blogging as great ways to ease tension and boost mental health. The Travel Medicine Journal article also suggests finding ways to continue the hobbies you are accustomed to engaging in at home after you settle into your new country. Give a nod to your old routine while forming new and healthy habits.
For Ononye, keeping an open mind was one of the most important ways she coped with culture shock. She knew it would be difficult, but mentally preparing herself to be accepting of the culture was so helpful.

“It sounds too simple, but it makes a difference,” she tells HealthyWay. “By being open in Mexico City, I was willing to form friendships with the locals that helped me to find my way. By being open, I was able to explore my environment.”
GoOverseas, an organization for students studying abroad, also suggests reaching out for support from individuals who are experiencing culture shock as well (or who have in the past). Being able to talk about your experience and get advice from someone who understands could be invaluable to your adjustment.
Additionally, they suggest putting forth the effort to adjust. Don’t just expect it to happen with time! Try to make friends, don’t isolate yourself, and work hard at learning the language. You’ll be glad you did.

Ononye also attributes forming friendships as a big part of her success each time she adjusted to a new culture.
“When I was in New York for college, I interacted more with Americans than international students,” she explains. “That made the adjustment process easier because it helped me to quickly learn how to navigate the suburbs and the city area.”

A Note on Re-Entry

While returning to your home country will be a relief for many, re-entry isn’t always easy. In fact, so many people struggle with adjusting to being home that the term “reverse culture shock” is a common part of conversations among international students and expats.

Specifically, you may notice you’re feeling misunderstood because you now have a set of experiences that friends and family who weren’t with you abroad are unable to identify with. According to the U.S. Department of State, if your re-entry was unexpected or sudden, it will likely be hard to re-adjust because you haven’t had time to prepare emotionally for the transition. If you were immersed in the new culture for quite some time and feel you are really invested in the community where you lived, you might also experience more severe symptoms of reverse culture shock, including depression, loneliness, and disorientation.

Reaching Out

If you struggle to move past the crisis stage and into the adjustment and acceptance stages, you may need extra support. It isn’t uncommon for individuals to experience depression, isolation, and anxiety during a cultural adjustment. Remember, just because these experiences are typical, that doesn’t mean they should be ignored.
For Ononye, this looked like joining the international students association at her university in New York. She tells HealthyWay that these relationships meant she had people in her life who really understood what she was going through and who would be anxious to explore their new environment with her.

Reach out and find help if you’re struggling in your new home. If you’re a student who transferred for school or an expat moved by your workplace, these organizations likely have resources at your disposal. Most workplaces have employee assistance programs and most students have access to counselors, even if only via email. This is a good place to start.
If this isn’t an option for you, look for a counselor in your new location who speaks your language. You might be surprised to find that there are more resources available to you than you initially expected.

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Life x Culture Lifestyle

Spilling Chari-Tea: How To Determine If A Charity Isn't Using Money The Right Way

Post author By Rachel Murphy
Post date October 4, 2018

The holiday season is right around the corner, and in addition to presents for friends and family, it’s a time when many of us contribute to different nonprofits and organizations that are important to us. In 2016, Americans donated more than $390 billion to charities across the country, according to Giving USA. Perhaps you’ve made a donation or two in your lifetime.
Fundraisers like Giving Tuesday, for instance, encourage people to donate to a charity of their choice. Giving Tuesday takes place on the first Tuesday in December and piggybacks off of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday spending spree events. In 2017, Giving Tuesday raised $274 million from 150 countries around the world.

It’s true that giving back can make you feel good. In fact, a study published in Nature Communications found that being generous can actually make you a happier person. But do you know where your money is going? Charities rely on monetary donations from the public to help provide services, programs, basic items, and more to people and animals alike. It’s all for a good cause—until it’s not.
Before you whip out your checkbook, here is what you need to know to ensure that your donation is being used properly.

First Steps

Sites like Charity Navigator and GuideStar can help prospective donors identify and learn more about an organization before making a monetary donation. These websites take a deep dive into different charities’ records, reviewing pertinent financial information and other relevant data.

“Charities exist because someone saw a problem they felt wasn’t getting solved,” says Suzanne Coffman, editorial director at GuideStar USA. “Donors give to charity because they want to help solve problems or make the world better.”
Sara Nason, head of consumer innovation and engagement at Charity Navigator, said their website is the “nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities.” Collectively, Charity Navigator has data on 1.8 million organizations to help donors make an informed decision.

MAKE SURE IF YOU DONATE THE CHARITY IS REAL AND NOT A FRONT..

— James C Partners (@jamescpartners) December 7, 2009

The website ranks organizations based on financial health, accountability, and transparency. They pull information from the charity’s website and also review and publish the details of the organization’s 990 form. By law, U.S.-based tax-exempt organizations must file a 990 form with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) once a year. This form serves as a way for the IRS and the general public to learn more about how a charity operates.
“We see something in the news and say, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s a charity mentioned in the story and I want to donate to them.’ We always recommend doing your research” says Nason. “Giving is an emotional and immediate reaction. Inputting research can be a difficult step, but it’s something we believe everyone should be doing to make sure their money is being donated where it is needed most.”

Nason says there are several ways to go about selecting and donating to a reputable charity.
First, she says you should identify with a cause that’s important to you. Think through the impact you want your donation to have. For example, if you want to donate to an organization that is trying to cure cancer, a larger organization that has institutional funding is probably going to be closer to curing cancer. If you want to support people who have cancer, a local organization that assists those who are being treated for cancer may be your best bet.

Do your homework.

Next, you should check out the charity’s credentials. Whether you don’t know where you want to give or you have an organization in mind, vet your options first.
Look the charity up on an investigative website like Charity Navigator. The site has a “search” and “discover” function to help users learn more about specific charities. Type in a cause or charity name to pull up a company history. Charity Navigator uses a ranking system from zero to four, with four being assigned to the highest-ranking charities.

Nason recommends selecting a charity that’s been rated three or more stars. You can also visit the charity’s website for yourself. She recommends evaluating these factors: Administrative expenses and program and fundraising costs.
“Asking all of those questions will give you a good understanding of how the charity operates and will help you take the next step to decide if you want to donate or not,” says Nason.

Typically, the fundraising expenses should not exceed 10 percent of the overall budget, and administrative expenses should be less than 15 percent. The majority of the organization’s operating revenue—roughly 65 percent—should be largely focused on funding programs and related expenses that do the most good, according to Nason.
“It is a red flag if an organization is spending most of its money on fundraising and administrative costs and very little on programs,” says Coffman. “By very little, I mean five or 10 percent.”

She says that overhead can be a hangup for some donors, though. Overhead is a charity’s fundraising expenses plus administrative expenses.
“The argument is if you want these programs to succeed, you have to put the right people behind it to help the program succeed. It’s so important to have organizations that pay their staff an appropriate amount for the sector and are not sticking it to the people who are helping the mission and pushing the mission forward. Look for a good balance between the program expenses.”

Coffman says one of the biggest red flags is when an organization becomes pushy about getting your donation.
“Some charities will push you for a donation over the phone without providing much information about their mission,” says Coffman. “Reputable charities willingly give you info about their mission and program so that you understand both of them so you can see if they align with your values … They understand you need time to think it over.”
For this reason, Coffman and GuideStar do not advise that people make donations over the phone or via email.

“It’s too easy for someone to act like they are a charity when they aren’t,” says Coffman. “You should also be cautious when clicking through an email sent by a charity. It’s too easy to spoof emails these days.”
Coffman suggests that donors should go directly to the charity’s website to safely make a contribution.

Get in touch with the charity.

The next step? Get in touch with the charity you choose. Send them an email, reach out on social media, or pick up the phone—whatever you do, Nason recommends having a conversation. “You want to talk with them about what their accomplishments, goals, and challenges are,” she says. “This will give you insight in knowing where the organization stands, where it plans to go, how it’s trying to accomplish that.”
If the organization does not want to have that conversation with you or seems hesitant or unable to provide the information you’re after, consider donating your dollars somewhere else.

“That’s [a sign] of an organization that hasn’t put money toward figuring out what their goals are,” says Nason. “If you want your dollar to go the furthest, choose an organization that does have goals and has accomplished things previously. Look for an organization that has a track record that shows your money will go to the right place.”
Coffman echoes Nason’s comments and says the mission of an organization’s programs should be abundantly clear.

#TakeFive is encouraging you to stop and think, to avoid sharing info with scammers. Our guide to protect your #charity against #fraud includes a new infographic to help you with reporting it: https://t.co/md3cxfEA3U pic.twitter.com/XtiQxlJS6q

— Charity Commission (@ChtyCommission) January 22, 2018

“If they are making vague claims and not providing concrete examples of how they are using donors’ money, that can be a warning sign,” says Coffman. She recommends looking for facts like the number of beds a shelter is providing or specific information about programs; for example, if a charity runs an on-the-job training program, how many people have come through it successfully and retained employment or been promoted?

Coming Full Circle

Figure out how to give your donation. Typically the best way to give is directly—that is, through the organization itself.
“Donating through the charity’s website is the number one way to go,” says Nason.

Before submitting your payment, double check the organization’s website to see if they have a donor privacy policy. This type of protocol protects a donor from having their information sold or misused.
After you’ve given, make sure to follow up at a later date to inquire about how your donation has been put to work. Nason recommends doing so anywhere between six months to a year after your initial donation.

“Call the organization up and get a progress report on how things are going,” Nason says. “Some things to ask are, ‘How close they are to their goals?’ and ‘What do they still need?’ This information will help you to reflect on whether or not you want to invest in them for the long haul.”
If you’ve decided to keep giving, Nason says to consider the option of a recurring donation. This can be set up directly through the charity on a monthly or yearly basis. If you do this, make sure to reevaluate the organization every so often to “make sure it still aligns with your values,” Nason advises.

“It’s a broader conversation about making sure that the money goes to the right place and the people who need help are getting help,” says Nason. “At the end of the day, Americans are incredibly generous. Giving to charities is an incredibly community-based process. Individuals who care have the unique opportunity to support organizations that can make real change.”

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Life x Culture Lifestyle

Moon Signs Are A Huge Part Of Astrology Most Of Us Didn't Know About

Post author By Rachel Murphy
Post date September 25, 2018

Flip open any newspaper or women’s magazine and you’re bound to find a page or two filled with horoscopes and other astrological predictions. Many of us look to astrology for a glimpse of what’s to come, or at least how we should respond to it. In fact, Pew Research found that one in four American adults believes in astrology. It can be a fun way to learn about who you are and imagine what the future holds. But there’s more to astrology than just reading your daily horoscope.
Moon signs are one of the most powerful factors when it comes to understanding astrology, but chances are you’ve never taken a deep dive into them.

So, why should you care about moon signs, specifically? Well, while you probably think more about your own zodiac sign than any other astrological entity, the moon is actually the anchor of astrology. It is believed to represent the more internal parts of who we are as humans including our personal desires and emotional lives. As with zodiac signs, there are 12 possible moon signs. This breakdown will help you keep it all straight.
[sul title=”What determines your moon sign?” subheader=”Finding your moon sign goes beyond googling your birthday.”]
At one point or another, you may have looked up your zodiac sign and determined what it is based on your date of birth. The signs are broken up into the following categories, which are associated with the four elements:

Fire: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. These signs are active and a little emotionally impulsive.
Earth: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. These signs strive for emotional stability and security.
Air: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. These signs are curious and communicative and tend to intellectualize their feelings.
Water: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. These signs feel deeply and tend to have intense, though potentially hidden, emotional lives.

Why 12 signs? According to a University of Wisconsin resource on stars and constellations, “The Zodiac is the ring of constellations that the Sun seems to pass through each year as the Earth orbits around it.” Given that we watch the sun and moon up in the same sky, the moon “passes through” these constellations, too, meaning your moon sign will be one of the 12 zodiac signs, but it might not be the same as your sun sign.
Claire Comstock-Gay, a Sagittarius and the weekly astrologist for The Cut, says that our sun sign shapes our personality and helps define who we are in a broad sense. But sun signs don’t explain everything about us. That’s where our moon signs come into play.

Unlike your sun sign, which is determined by the day of the year on which you were born, your moon sign is determined by the exact time—down to the minute—and location of your birth. This means determining your moon sign can be a little trickier. Amanda Renee, founder of Astrological Alignment, says the moon changes zodiac signs much faster than the sun (because, well, the moon has a much smaller orbit around the earth, right?)—visiting all 12 signs in approximately 28 days.
“The easiest way to determine your moon sign is to receive a personalized natal birth chart,” she tells HealthyWay. “To obtain this information, simply use a birth chart calculator. I personally use CafeAstrology.com. It is very user-friendly. Start by entering your date, time, and location of birth, click submit, and your entire natal chart will generate before your eyes!”

But what if you don’t know exactly when you were born?

“Not everyone knows what time they were born. What happens if this is you?” Amanda Renee acknowledges a question she’s heard before. “Not to fret—I may have a few solutions that could help you in determining your moon sign…”

1. Reach out.

“Always start by asking close friends and relatives,” says Amanda Renee. “They can help you pinpoint the time of your birth and perhaps, at minimum, figure out the general time frame. If friends or family can identify that you were born, say, in the wee hours of the morning versus in the afternoon, you can figure out your moon sign.”

She goes on to give this example: “Because we know that the moon enters a new sign approximately every two and a half days, you can contact an astrologer or use astrological software to look up the moon’s positioning on and around your birthday. If you were born in the morning and the moon changed positions in the afternoon, you would know to choose the zodiac sign the moon was stationed in during the morning time.”

2. Make it official.

Unable to get the details from family or family friends? “Contact the hospital where you were born to ask for a copy of your birth certificate,” Amanda Renee advises. “Not all hospitals keep record of your time of birth, but most do.”

This information may be available via the hospital or the bureau of vital statistics in the state where you were born. When you make the request, be clear that you want a copy that shows your time of birth, which is sometimes called a vault copy.

3. Use your powers of deduction.

If you’re not in a position to get information about your time of birth from relatives or a hospital, you can put in some legwork and let your heart be your guide.
“I must note that this will take a little work on your part, but I promise it is possible!” says Amanda Renee. “Start by contacting an expert astrologer or utilize free astrology software online. Your goal is to see what sign the moon could have possibly entered in the 24-hour period that is your birthday.”
[pullquote align=”center”]“In the early days of my astrological journey, I realized when comparing my sun sign to others, I would often feel that the compatibility or lack of compatibility was incorrect. This uncertainty is what prompted my exploration into moon signs and other natal chart comparisons.”
—Amanda Renee, Astrological Alignment[/pullquote]
If you’re using software, Amanda Renee says you should begin by entering whatever information you know about your birth and checking the moon sign at 12:01 a.m. “Continue entering different times of day, increasing in six-hour increments until you’ve gone through the full 24-hour cycle. Watch to see if the moon sign changes. If you are lucky, the moon didn’t change signs and you have automatically and successfully deduced your moon sign!”
What happens if the moon sign did change during your date of birth? “Well, we know that because the moon enters a new sign every two and a half days, you will only have the possibility of two signs to choose from,” says Amanda Renee. “Yay! Not as daunting as you may have thought, right?”

“The next part is completely reliant on you,” she says. “Read the description of each moon sign and choose which sign relates to you best. I am confident you will not choose incorrectly because we all possess the power of our moon’s natural feminine intuition. So use that moon intuition! You can’t fail!”
[sul title=”“I see the moon and the moon sees me…”” subheader=”More on Moon Signs, Astrology, and Relationships”]
“Astrology is a language of movement and relationships,” says Comstock-Gay. She emphasizes that the application of astrology is not just about each planet’s placement in your birth chart, but also the continued movement of the planets over time and the relationships between the planets as they move.

“It’s helpful to know your moon sign, but more helpful to think about how your moon and sun and other planets interact because each one is informed by the other,” she says.
Once you know your moon sign, it empowers you to do a few things. According to Susan Miller, New York astrologist and owner of the popular website AstrologyZone, your moon sign can help predict your emotional state and how you’ll see the world around you.
“The moon is the repository of your dreams, of your greatest desires, because you kind of have it locked in your heart. You may not share it with anyone—or you might. It depends on the person,” says Miller. “The moon teaches you to look back, so it has all of your memories and your fondest memories are in there. The moon also makes us sentimental. When we lose someone, all the memories come flooding back.”

Comstock-Gay also touches on the importance of the emotional world that’s represented by moon signs.
“Your moon sign shapes your deepest emotional self. It can highlight not just how you feel your emotions, but how you express them and work through them,” she says. “Are you comfortable expressing your feelings or do you prefer to bury them? Is your inner life steady or is it chaotic? Which experiences are most emotionally painful for you and which allow you to open up, trust, and be vulnerable? These are the kinds of questions your moon sign might point to the answer to.”
If you’ve ever thought that your sun sign doesn’t quite match your understanding of yourself, that’s because the sun sign alone isn’t the entire story according to Comstock-Gay.

“When your emotions surprise you by feeling more intense than you think they should, or when they clash with the way you understand yourself, it can be useful to look toward the moon sign for answers,” says Comstock-Gay.
Amanda Renee can relate to this. “In the early days of my astrological journey, I realized when comparing my sun sign to others, I would often feel that the compatibility or lack of compatibility was incorrect. This uncertainty is what prompted my exploration into moon signs and other natal chart comparisons.”
[pullquote align=”center”]“Given that my son’s moon is in Pisces, he will always have a strong propensity towards inner reflection, being overly emotional at times and letting other people’s moods affect his, but with the help of my Capricorn moon, Pisces moon feels a strong sense of security, safety, and structure.”
—Amanda Renee, Astrological Alignment[/pullquote]
“For example, my son and I, on the surface, do not seem very compatible,” she shares. “I am a Gemini sun and he is a Taurus sun. Anyone who admires astrology would tell you these two signs completely do not go together, but if you were to compare our moon signs it would read something quite different. Once I was able to understand moon signs, I found that we are, in fact, very compatible!”
“My moon is in the sign of Capricorn: a very goal-oriented, regimented, and grounded earth sign, which is vastly different from that of the carefree, whimsical, knowledge-seeking woman my sun sign exudes to the rest of the world. My son has a similar dichotomy in his own chart. He presents with a moon in the sign of Pisces. Represented by the symbol of two fish, his sign is a water element that embraces spirituality, mysticism, selflessness, and has pure motives but can be overly emotional. Outwardly, however, he may be interpreted as someone who is stubborn, possessive, and romantic because of his sun sign in Taurus. As you can see, once we add more depth and layers to the comparisons, it’s easy to understand where our sun signs don’t match, our moon signs do!”
[sul title=”Over the Moon” subheader=”What Your Moon Sign Means for Love in All Its Forms”]
Comstock-Gay acknowledges that feelings can be “weird and messy,” and for that reason, many of us look to astrology to help find answers to these perceptions.
“Our feelings can operate on a totally different level than the level we live in with our everyday selves,” says Comstock-Gay. “When you find yourself asking why something is bothering you so much or why you’re so hurt by something that should be fine, it can be helpful to look to our moon sign for answers.”

As a new mom, Amanda Renee’s invited moon signs to serve as a guide for supportive parenting. “Given that my son’s moon is in Pisces, he will always have a strong propensity towards inner reflection, being overly emotional at times and letting other people’s moods affect his, but with the help of my Capricorn moon, Pisces moon feels a strong sense of security, safety, and structure.”
“I can also help Pisces moon find a way of turning emotional intensity into financial gains or outlets of self-improvement and productivity,” she says. “Similarly, he will find it second nature to quench my task-oriented soul.”
[pullquote align=”center”]Water signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces tend to be a little more moody as they’re said to be ruled by the tides. Even if you or a loved one aren’t a water sign, your moon sign might be.[/pullquote]
“We share a special harmonious bond that makes it easy to collaborate,” she says.
She also notes that a better understanding of moon signs can contribute to clarity, especially when it comes to romantic compatibility. If you’ve ever felt the mild (and hopefully fleeting!) trepidation of discovering that you and your mate or love interest aren’t a match because of your sun signs, your moon signs might tell a very different story.
[sul title=”How Moon Signs Relate to Your Horoscope” subheader=”What to Read and When”]
Along with the sun and rising sign, the moon is one of the most powerful forces in a person’s astrological chart according to Comstock-Gay. For that reason, she says it is one of the most important to understand.
“When you’re reading your horoscope, most astrologers recommend that you read both your sun and rising sign to get a fuller sense of what to expect,” says Comstock-Gay. “Read the horoscope for your moon sign, too. It can be helpful to try to see if that’s useful for you.”

Comstock-Gay finds that the moon has a more mysterious influence on her than her sun or rising signs.
“The moon is so much more private, to the point of feeling hidden,” she says. “Even though it’s so close to the earth, most of the time we still can’t see its full face. The trick is just to keep paying attention to it, even if its lessons are less immediately apparent and accessible than the lessons from your sun sign.”
[sul title=”What can moon signs reveal about personalities?” subheader=”Maybe Your Darker Side is Running the Show.”]
Astrology isn’t a science, but astrologers believe that moon signs can reveal a lot about the emotional state of a person. Comstock-Gay is quick to point out that a person’s moon sign is not likely to reveal itself the first time you meet them. It may not even be apparent during your second or third meeting. Because of the moon’s sensitivity, whether or not that side of a person presents itself depends on where and with whom an interaction is taking place.
“The moon sign is much more internal and less outwardly visible than the characteristics of someone’s sun or rising sign,” she says. “The moon’s influence is always present, but it becomes most visible at home or in private. It can either quietly reinforce or quietly subvert some of the personality traits inherent to someone’s sun sign.”

Those who believe in astrology also conclude that emotions—including what we are emotionally attached to—are strongly tied to moon signs.
According to Miller, the moon is connected to water signs, so it rules the tide, and it impacts each sign differently.
“That’s why Cancer signs tend to be a little moody,” says Miller. “If the dark sky has come out, you know in a minute that the sun will come out soon. Cancer signs have a changing landscape, and that’s what we love about them.”
The flip side of that? “When we decide to build a business or take on a goal that we are emotionally attached to, we do best with those because we really care all the way through our being,” says Miller “We are passionate, and that’s what gets you over the difficult humps as you are creating your dream into a reality.”
[sul title=”How much should your moon sign influence you?” subheader=”Here’s how Comstock-Gay and Amanda Renee find balance.”]
Moon signs, along with horoscopes and astrology in general, are not a step-by-step guide for living your life. Comstock-Gay says it is up to each person to decide how much stock they put into learning about moon signs, noting that astrology can expand or contract according to your needs.
“Some people use astrology for fun, and some people like to go deeper,” says Comstock-Gay, noting that astrology is not a literal predictor of what’s ahead.

“A person may become more or less serious about astrology depending on their needs at the time,” Comstock-Gay says. “Astrology is not a predictor of specific events or of the future, but [it’s used] to understand feelings, emotions, and energies in the world.”
Amanda Renee concludes by saying astrology can be subjective. “Different astrologers will use their intuition and life experiences to convey meaning. This is what I love best about astrology: its artistic qualities.”

Tags social

Life x Culture Lifestyle

Here’s What To Get The Women In Your Life Based On Their Zodiac Sign

Post author By Katie Martin
Post date September 19, 2018

My birthday is January 20, and as a true Aquarius, my favorite things include hip gatherings with friends, like the opening of a trendy new coffee shop and boutique clothing store down the street. Aquarians tend to be altruistic, and the word “no” doesn’t exist in my vocabulary when it comes to helping others. But all that social energy can leave me feeling drained and craving time to recharge, which is not easy to come by when you’re also a work-from-home mom with a toddler.

The best gift I ever received was geared right toward my Aquarian nature; my darling husband scheduled a whole free day for me with absolutely zero responsibilities. He took the baby and left me stocked with all my favorite goodies: a face masks, a foot soak, a new book, and my favorite ice cream. Even though I didn’t leave my house, I felt as refreshed as if I’d spent the day at a spa.
Does someone you know have a birthday coming up? Whether it’s your mom, bestie, or a coworker, let the zodiac be your guide, and give a totally unique gift based on their star sign.
[sul title=”Aries” subheader=”March 21 to April 19″]
The first sign of the zodiac, Aries women are ruled by the fiery planet Mars. Aries is a cardinal sign, which means it signals the beginning of a new season (in this case, spring). Those born under cardinal signs are natural leaders. An Aries woman goes after anything she wants, whether it’s a big promotion at work or that cute guy from the farmers’ market, with bold confidence.

Their independent nature means an Aries can sometimes be impulsive, but they’re almost always optimistic about the outcome of a situation. They have the confidence and charm to make almost any circumstance work in their favor.

Because they possess the confidence to pull it off, Aries women will love receiving a piece of funky statement jewelry, like the Humble Chic NY Hinge Bib Necklace. Pair this fierce warrior-goddess statement necklace with these chic, delicate CY Supplies Moon Crawler Cuff Earrings to complete a look that bold Aries can rock on any occasion.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V66ZSTA”]Humble Chic NY Hinge Bib Necklace, $23.89 on Amazon[/link-button]
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Crawler-Cuff-Earrings-Sterling/dp/B071RL32QJ”]CY Supplies Moon Crawler Cuff Earrings, $10.99 on Amazon[/link-button]
[sul title=”Taurus” subheader=”April 20 to May 20″]
Creative yet practical, steadfast but temperamental, women born under Taurus are sensual, strong-willed creatures. Taurus is an earth sign, which means women born under this sign are grounded: She’s the kind of friend you can always rely on to pick you up at the airport in a pinch.

Taurus women also enjoy relaxing in tranquil, natural environments. But before you start packing for a weekend camping getaway, beware: Venus, the planet of beauty, rules this sign, and Taurus also loves luxury and comfort. Taurus may work toward goals with tenacity, but she also loves to pamper herself on the regular.

How about channeling the ultimate glamour girl, Holly Golightly, and give luxe-loving Taurus a Breakfast at Tiffany’s-inspired sleep mask from The Sleepy Cottage for a luxurious night’s sleep wherever she lays her head? Or, if you feel like showering your Taurus with more than one gift, pair that sleep mask with this Cuddle Dreams Mulberry Silk Throw Blanket that’s so soft and luxurious, it’s often mistaken for cashmere.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Breakfast-Tiffanys-Inspired-Golightly-Robins/dp/B016WM3MT0″]Breakfast at Tiffany’s Sleep Mask, $14 on Amazon[/link-button]
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/CUDDLE-DREAMS-Exclusive-Naturally-Breathable/dp/B07D69MFGT”]Mulberry Silk Throw Blanket in Ice Blue, $96.90 on Amazon[/link-button]
[sul title=”Gemini” subheader=”May 21 to June 20″]
The twin sign of the zodiac, Geminis are highly intelligent, dynamic women. Gemini is an air sign; like a strong gust of wind, they tend to arrive on the scene full of energy and adventure.
Because of their dual nature, Geminis are often playful and curious, have a certain mystery about them, and value romantic gestures from their partners. Ruled by the planet Mercury, Geminis are in tune with their feelings and have no problem communicating their desires. They are always up for trying something exciting and new, whether it’s learning to skydive or simply trying out the new restaurant down the street.

Gemini is the ultimate communicator; she makes friends wherever she goes and is sure to have an active social media presence. She’ll love this quirky Carrie Bradshaw-inspired take on the personalized necklace with her social media handle prominently displayed. Getting followers has never been so stylish!

Gemini will also love this DharmaObjects Hand Carved Wooden Yin Yang Keepsake Box to store all her treasures in. She’ll appreciate the intricate artistic design, and the yin and yang symbol celebrates the duality of her zodiac sign.
[link-button href=”http://shopstyle.it/l/Sa6R”]Personalized Silver Nameplate Necklace, from $36.24 on Etsy[/link-button]
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/DharmaObjects-Carved-Wooden-Storage-Keepsake/dp/B01MA3NES3″]DharmaObjects Hand Carved Yin Yang Keepsake Box, $15.98 on Amazon[/link-button]
[sul title=”Cancer” subheader=”June 21 to July 22″]
Cancers are ruled by the moon. Because the moon also rules the night, Cancers have a highly active subconscious life and believe in the power of dreams. Even so, Cancers can be ultra-cautious and prefer to do thorough research before making a commitment.
For better or for worse, women born under the sign of the crab are extremely empathetic and can easily pick up on the energies of those around them. Because of their empathetic nature, Cancers are often found serving others and may put their own needs aside for the sake of others.

That’s why women born under this moon sign will love reading Lunar Abundance: Cultivating Joy, Peace, and Purpose Using the Phases of the Moon and applying lunar cycles to their own self-care.

With a rich inner life, Cancers are happiest in their home environment. If your Cancer bestie is missing home, gift her a Homesick Scented Candle. Each one individually designed to remind her of her home country, state, or city.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Lunar-Abundance-Cultivating-Purpose-Phases/dp/0762463570″]Lunar Abundance, $15.17 on Amazon[/link-button]
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/stores/node/12080044011″]Homesick Scented Candles, $29.95 on Amazon[/link-button]
[sul title=”Leo” subheader=”July 23 to August 22″]
Cancers may be ruled by the moon, but Leos are totally governed by the sun, and it shows in their spotlight-loving personalities. With their warm, outgoing nature, Leos are natural leaders who love to be the center of attention. Regal Leo is action-oriented, never content to rest on their laurels when there’s a problem to be solved.

Always ready to make a dramatic entrance, treat your Leo to a tube of MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red, a universally flattering, bold red shade that will definitely make her the star of the show wherever she goes.

Despite their take-charge attitudes and dominant personalities, Leo women are surprisingly tender with people they care about and love to give and receive affection. Tap into Leo’s tender side with a fun, thoughtful gift like the Alex and Ani Birth Month Swarovski Crystal Bangle in Leo’s birthstone, Peridot.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Alex-Ani-Swarovski-Rafaelian-Bracelet/dp/B06XC8L7WV”]MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red, $22.93 on Amazon[/link-button]
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Alex-Ani-Swarovski-Rafaelian-Bracelet/dp/B06XC8L7WV”]Alex and Ani Birth Month Swarovski Crystal Bangle, $26.55 on Amazon[/link-button]
[sul title=”Virgo” subheader=”August 23 to September 22″]
Like Gemini, Virgo is ruled by Mercury. Where Gemini is gregarious and outgoing, Virgo is the flip side of Mercury’s traits; their analytical nature means they don’t make any decisions without having all the information first. While this might seem like Virgo is a stick in the mud, she’s anything but. Virgo is the friend you know you can always lean on.

Women born under this sign tend to be perfectionists and love to plan everything down to the last detail. Because they pay so much attention to the little things, your Virgo coworker may seem introverted and shy at first, but once you get to know her, you’ll see a warm, caring personality that thrives in intimate settings.

Erin Condren planners are beloved by highly organized individuals for their customizable options, making this gorgeous Erin Condren Deluxe Monthly Planner the perfect gift for perfectionist-planner Virgo. Or, since ladies born under this sign rarely take time for themselves, pencil in some time for busy Virgo to relax with a Beauty by Earth Organic Bath Bomb Set.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Erin-Condren-Monthly-Planner-Sept-Aug/dp/B07F8CH256″]Erin Condren Deluxe Monthly Planner, $47.99 on Amazon[/link-button]
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W2EH98I”]Beauty by Earth Bath Bomb Gift Set, $28.49 on Amazon[/link-button]
[sul title=”Libra” subheader=”September 23 to October 22″]
Libras, like their symbol, the scales, thrive on balance and are totally in tune with the world around them. Because Libras are always trying to balance the scales, they are excellent at compromise but can often end up putting others needs before their own. Like Taurus, Libra is ruled by Venus; both are drawn to the finer things, but where Taurus prizes pampering, Libras love to be surrounded by beauty, whether its a custom piece of artwork or a gorgeous natural landscape.

Recommended as a top-performing travel mat by one of our very own, this Liforme Travel Yoga Mat is the perfect gift for a Libra lady who needs to restore balance to her life. It pairs perfectly with this EQUA Water Bottle that Libras are sure to love for its pretty rose gold accents and aesthetic design. Time for an outdoor yoga session in a peaceful garden.

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CI6SO1A”]Liforme Travel Yoga Mat, $124.95 on Amazon[/link-button]
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/EQUA-Myequa-Mismatch-0-75-litres-Designer/dp/B07CN96SHW”]EQUA BPA-Free Water Bottle, 25 oz, $20 on Amazon[/link-button]
[sul title=”Scorpio” subheader=”October 23 to November 21″]
Scorpios have magnetic personalities that easily draw people in. Passionate about their beliefs, Scorpio women love a spirited debate over dinner and drinks, but when it comes to work, they prefer to go it alone. Ruled by masculine Mars, Scorpio women rarely have time for regrets, preferring to live in the present and look toward the future.

Like Taurus, Scorpio women like to explore their sensual side. Whereas Taurus is all about touch, luxuriating in silky robes and cozy cashmere, intense Scorpio women are ready to make a statement in attention-grabbing “unmentionables.” Gift her this Klier Lace Teddy Romper, for an after-hours look that’s sexy, stylish, and comfy enough to sleep in.
From lingerie to the perfect vacation, the Scorpio woman has an ultra-adventurous spirit, and is more likely to be found exploring a hip solo travel destination than embarking on a pre-planned cruise. Perfect for Scorpio’s exploring nature, this Travelon Heritage Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag is a must-have. Featuring an RFID-blocking pocket and slash-resistant suede fabric, this little crossbody will keep Scorpio’s personal items completely safe on any excursion.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Klier-Lingerie-Halter-Babydoll-Bodysuit/dp/B07F3V7QHS/”]Klier Lace V Neck Teddy, from $11.99 on Amazon[/link-button]
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XBKSSYF”]Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody Bag, $33.27 on Amazon[/link-button]
[sul title=”Sagittarius” subheader=”November 22 to December 21″]
Like Scorpio, women born under the Sagittarius zodiac sign are energetic explorers who love to travel. Sagittarius women are generous to a fault, love to have fun with a wicked sense of humor, and value the freedom to roam more than anything else. The Midori Traveler’s Notebook is the perfect gift for open-minded Sagittarius, who’s always up for a new adventure. This genuine leather-bound journal is passport-size, making it great for tucking into a backpack for a spur-of-the-moment getaway.

Always up for a laugh, your Sagittarius gal pal will also love Joking Hazard, a hilarious comic-building game in which players compete to create the most absurd comics (that are anything but kid-friendly).

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Midori-Travelers-Notebook-Starter-Passport/dp/B01BVJPP0I”]Midori Traveler’s Notebook, Starter Kit in Camel, $36 on Amazon[/link-button]
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Joking-Hazard-JHUS0000-Game/dp/B01IA9R2TY”]Joking Hazard Game, $25 on Amazon[/link-button]
[sul title=”Capricorn” subheader=”December 22 to January 19″]
Sagittarius may always be up for a laugh, but women born under Capricorn are serious, ambitious, and love a little friendly competition. Capricorns are laser-focused on being successful; they make great leaders at work and are often seen shutting down the office, unwilling to leave anything incomplete. For successful Capricorn, this Boss Babe Name Plate Desk Sign is the gift that says it all.

While their ambitious nature may make them seem aloof at first, Capricorns love much-needed quality time with friends and family and commit to those relationships with a work ethic that rivals their professional drive. Give her a Stash Tea Chest stocked with eight different types of tea, along with the real gift: a cozy friend date sipping tea and catching up with one another.

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Boss-Babe-Nameplate-Desk-Sign/dp/B0787TPY9D”]All Quality Boss Babe Name Plate Desk Sign, $13.99 on Amazon[/link-button]
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Stash-Tea-Variety-Individual-Teapots/dp/B003D4GR1G”]Stash Tea 8 Flavor Variety Gift Set, $51.94 on Amazon[/link-button]
[sul title=”Aquarius” subheader=”January 20 to February 18″]
The best is always second-to-last, isn’t that how the saying goes? JK, guys, JK. Of course, I’m partial to Aquarius, in part because, like other women born under this sign, I relish building and maintaining my social networks and value open communication. Chances are you’ve seen fierce Aquarius standing up for what they believe in at rallies and protests because she’s adamant that everyone deserves to be treated fairly (and she’s absolutely right!). Rebellious by nature, Aquarius will love this t-shirt featuring the ultimate rebel, Princess Leia.

While Aquarius is all about forming connections and standing up for her beliefs, she sometimes needs downtime alone to recharge. Help Aquarius create a feng shui bedroom oasis for when she needs a minute to herself by gifting her this soothing blue and white Macrame Wall Hanging from BlueMake.

Not only are light blues are Aquarius’ lucky color; according to feng shui principles, this color also a healing, soothing energy—perfect for when Aquarius needs quiet and calm.
[link-button href=”http://shopstyle.it/l/Sbv6″]A Woman’s Place Is In The Resistance T-Shirt, from $17 on Etsy[/link-button]
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Tapestry-Decoration-Furnishing-Accessories-Blue-%EF%BC%B7hite/dp/B075WZHB28/”]Bluemake Macrame Wall Hanging, Blue and White, $29.99 on Amazon[/link-button]
[sul title=”Pisces” subheader=”February 19 to Marcy 20″]
Gemini isn’t the only zodiac sign that represents duality. Pisces is symbolized by two fish because she tends to drift between being both a dreamer with a wild imagination and living in the real world. Pisces often sees the world through extremely rose colored glasses and only wants to see only the best in people. Tender Pisces will appreciate I’m Fine: A Real Feelings Journal. Designed to help navigate emotions and feelings in a healthy way, the journal features exercises, positive affirmations, and blank pages for free expression.

Ruled by Neptune and symbolized by fish, Pisces is a water sign. Like the ocean’s watery depths, Pisces’ emotions run extremely deep. She can be extremely sensitive, getting her feelings hurt easily, but at the same time is intuitive and empathetic toward the emotions of others.
Most at home near the water, Pisces will love this set of ocean-inspired Tree-Free Watercolor Waves Notecards, perfect for keeping in touch with friends near and far.

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Im-Fine-Real-Feelings-Journal/dp/1493522027″]I’m Fine: A Real Feelings Journal, $12.99 on Amazon[/link-button]
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Tree-Free-Greetings-Stationary-Watercolor-FS66479/dp/B00JZWLL2A”]Tree-Free Greetings Eco Notes Stationery, $10.99 on 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]

Tags Commerce, social

Life x Culture Lifestyle

24 Influencer-Recommended Products That Will Help You Level Up Your Whole Life

Post author By Linsey Stevens
Post date August 24, 2018

The influencer: We often think of her as an enigmatic, superhuman maven who’s life is so different from our own that we just can’t even. Whether her kind insights have gained her guru status in our hearts or we find ourselves choking back a bit of jealousy when we see perfectly lit shots that are definitive proof of another woman knowing her angles better than we ever will (while erstwhile waking up puffy-eyed day after day), the bottom line is influencers know their stuff.

Just as we’re the master of our own domains (from our professional lives and family dynamics to our creative passions and the causes that motivate us), these women have hard-earned insights on the products that can take our fitness, self-care, and noshing routines to the next level.
These 14 influencers—from Morgan Haley to Laura Scott—told HealthyWay these 24 items are some of their favorite finds. Read on to see whose influence can help you find just the right stuff for stepping into your power.
[sul title=”Jules Hunt of Om & the City” subheader=”50k Instagram Followers”]
Jules is a yoga instructor, blogger, and founder of AWAKE | The Space—a New York City–based collective that aims to bring women together for “creative workshops, talks, movement, and more.” Her work, which prioritizes human connection, is clearly inspired by her awareness of and openness about her own struggles with body dysmorphia—something so many of us can relate to.

A post shared by jules hunt 🌵 atx (@omandthecity) on Aug 11, 2018 at 9:55am PDT

In addition to being head-over-heels for her pup Luna and actively promoting “local businesses, sustainable initiatives, and healthy habits,” Jules also gets behind:

1. A Next-Level Deodorant

Jules told HealthyWay Vapour Organic Beauty’s AER Next Level Deodorant is her go-to. The gel-to-powder stick comes in three scents: Lavender Myrrh, Palo Santo Blood Orange, and Ginger Grapefruit. The astral labels have us instantly intrigued, and we appreciate the fact that they’re formulated with plant ingredients including wildcrafted myrrh and organic oregano and holy basil.

Like many natural deodorants—including Schmidt’s (my go-to)—Vapour’s AER is formulated with baking soda, which helps absorb sweat and neutralize odor. Unlike your run-of-the-mill, grab-it-at-Whole Foods deodorant, however, AER’s botanicals and the fact that all Vapour’s products are cruelty-free, certified vegetarian, and made under a single roof in Taos, New Mexico, make this a truly luxe, and decidedly feel-good, addition to your morning routine.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Vapour-Organic-Beauty-Deodorant-Lavender/dp/B076CR63LT”]Get it on Amazon for $24[/link-button]

2. A Little Jar of Love Bugs

Probiotics, prebiotics, macrobiotics—they’re everywhere. Of course, decision fatigue sets in when it comes to picking one, whether you’re ordering online or buying local.

Jules recommends LoveBug probiotics, which come in more than half-a-dozen different formulations, including an option for immune support during cold season, one addressing yeast overgrowth, a prenatal probiotic, and multiple tiny tummy digestive aids for littles.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/stores/node/12678344011″]Get them on Amazon for $22.95 and Up[/link-button]

3. Something for Living Your Life Like It’s Golden (Golden)

Jules told us she reaches for Live24k’s Golden Fuel Golden Milk Turmeric + Collagen Blend when she wants a turmeric boost. This blend contains collagen from grass-fed sources, plus organic turmeric and black pepper, and is free of sugars and gums. 🙌

What’s more, this product was developed by another influencer who’s worked with HealthyWay, which brings us to…
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Golden-FuelTM-Turmeric-Collagen-Blend/dp/B078X5T2M3″]Get it on Amazon for $29[/link-button]
[sul title=”Minna Lee of Living Minnaly” subheader=”15.5k Instagram Followers”]
The founder of Live24K and the blog Living Minnaly, Minna Lee is a nutrition coach and certified personal trainer. Like Jules, she’s made a space for herself by opening up about her health and wellness experiences—particularly caring for herself in light of her Hashimoto’s thyroiditis diagnosis and struggling with disordered eating.

A post shared by m i n n a l e e (@livingminnaly) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:30am PDT

Of course, both Jules and Minna are fans of turmeric, too. Here are some more of Minna’s favorite products:

4. Saje, Not Sage

“I’m addicted to all of Saje’s essential oils,” Minna told HealthyWay, going on to say that she likes to put them in a diffuser and use them topically. Lucky for us, the brand offers their blends in roll-on applicators and dropper bottles, plus they have multiple diffuser options and aromatherapy hand soap.

Another influencer, Sammy Eason of the lifestyle and momming blog Mother of Chunk, told HealthyWay she loves Saje’s Head Soother Kit. The collection includes three essential oil blends that come in unique applicators so you can roll, mist, or wand your headache away (or at least into gentle submission). They’re 100 percent vegan and are formulated with natural ingredients including oils from flowers, herbs, and seeds—no synthetics or dyes.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Saje-Aromatherapy-Peppermint-Essential-Natural/dp/B078BCLRRS”]Get it on Amazon for $39.95[/link-button]

5. Something Grand

Or gran, that is—Kari Gran. Minna said she uses this cleansing oil for a nighttime double cleanse. Not familiar with the benefits of the double cleanse? It might be time to brush up, because this product is made specifically for washing your face before bed, which can be taken to a whole new level if you know what Minna’s up to and why.

If the possibility of balancing your skin’s natural oil production isn’t enough to pique your interest, there’s also the fact that Kari Gran products are handcrafted in Seattle, are cruelty free, and include the good stuff like wild harvested and organic ingredients.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kari-Gran-Organic-Cleansing-3-38/dp/B00JOOYFEK”]Get it on Amazon for $35[/link-button]

6. A Whip for Your Lip(s)

In addition to Kari Gran’s cleansing oil, Minna has another favorite Kari Gran product. “Her lip whips are to die for!” she told us back in the spring, when a poppy color like Radiant would’ve been perfect.

With fall coming on, we’re feeling rich tones, like Marsala or Jeannie. Of course, Peppermint Naked is a good option for rocking a perfectly hydrated nude lip year round.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kari-Gran-Organic-Whip-Marsala/dp/B01JV530JW”]Get it on Amazon for $23.79[/link-button]
[sul title=”Payton Sartain of Hustle + Halcyon” subheader=”58k Instagram Followers”]
Payton Sartain—freelance model and fashion, fitness, and lifestyle influencer—is a transplant to L.A. from the Lone Star State, so who better to direct us toward skincare products that’re souped up with the SPF we need?

A post shared by PAYTON SARTAIN (@paytonsartain) on Aug 16, 2018 at 5:25pm PDT

The woman knows how to rock a swimsuit and loves to go makeup- (and pants-) free, which means she gets us and gives us something to aspire to. Here are her skincare picks:

7. A Spritz of This

Okay, more of a spray, considering Payton recommends Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Sheer Mineral Spray Sunscreen with SPF 50+ protection.

This product is formulated with biotin, tea, and Indian gooseberry extract. Water babies and anyone venturing out on a hot day with exposed skin will appreciate that it retains its sunblocking power for 40 minutes in the water or extremely moist, aka sweaty, conditions.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Dennis-Gross-Skincare-Protection/dp/B00DDVS8EI/”]Get it on Amazon for $48[/link-button]

8. For Busy Bees

Payton recommended this BB cream from Burt’s Bees—and it’s a perfect pick for busy bees, since it will help you moisturize and protect your face even if you’re looking to be as close to makeup- (and pant-) free as possible.

With SPF 15, beeswax (of course), jojoba esters, and sunflower seed oil, this is a moisturizing option that’s meant to firm, conceal, and smooth skin, whether you want a little coverage for blemishes or fine lines and wrinkles.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Cream-Medium-Ounces/dp/B015Q4ME12″]Get it on Amazon for $8.24[/link-button]
[sul title=”Artist, Yogi, and Activist Jah9″ subheader=”83.6k Instagram Followers”]
“Jazz on Dub” artist Jah9 is one of the creators I truly relish following on Instagram, and I actually got to meet her during her 2018 tour, so I’d be remiss not to include a Jah9 pick in our influencer roundup.

A post shared by Jah9 (@jah9online) on Jun 1, 2017 at 1:55pm PDT

When interviewed by HealthyWay, she focused more on her spiritual and cultural interests than making product recommendations—sharing (in the tongue-in-cheek way only a lyrical poetess can), “I am reading Her-Bak: The Living Face of Ancient Egypt, watching my herb trees grow, and listening to my intuition more and more.”
Thus, our Jah9 recommendation is some fresh-pressed vinyl for the record player you treated yourself to that really is so much more than a glorified piece of nostalgia.

9. “Things That Make Your Body Feel Good”

The official editorial review for this album points out that “Jah9 specializes in feelings. Her unique vocal delivery spins a narrative thread that attracts fans of reggae and other genres to a new space along the musical landscape.”

If you aren’t familiar with reggae or dub, you owe it to yourself to experience Jah9’s powerful beats. And who doesn’t need to be reminded of the importance of the healthy things (like staying hydrated, working it out on our yoga mats, and eating well) that make our bodies feel good? Cue the needle and give yourself permission to celebrate.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Feelings-Jah9/dp/B07DXS3RFT”]Get it on Amazon for $12.98[/link-button]
[sul title=”Jess Jones and Wendy Lopez of Food Heaven Made Easy” subheader=”51.5k Instagram Followers”]
Dietitians, diabetes educators, and BFFs Jess Jones and Wendy Lopez have their nosh game down as evidenced by their beautiful food photography and all the healthy, accessible recipes on Food Heaven Made Easy.

A post shared by Wendy & Jess (@foodheavenshow) on Mar 28, 2018 at 9:55am PDT

That said, they’re also passionate about skincare and beauty products. Here are their recs:

10. Back to Basics

With all the extract-, peptide-, vitamin-, ester-, and whatever-other-ingredient-packed lotions, creams, and serums on the market, sometimes it’s nice to evade the extras and moisturize with a single-ingredient option. Jess recommends Desert Essence 100% Jojoba Oil for Hair, Skin, and Scalp.

Desert Essence is a trusted and easily accessible brand, and Jess told us, “I don’t use anything on my skin but this…I even wash my face with it.”
Personally, I like to moisturize my legs with it immediately after shaving—especially on rainy days when I’m planning to wear a dress or skirt. True story: I have a weird thing about the feeling of my lotioned legs getting wet after the lotion was supposed to dry. Moisturizing with natural oils means no regret-worthy “lotion slime.”
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Desert-Essence-Organic-Jojoba-Oil/dp/B000Z91JAQ”]Get it on Amazon for $7.96[/link-button]

11. Eye Like It

Wendy’s a fan of Zuzu Luxe liquid eyeliner, as are over 250 other people who’ve given the product 4- and 5-star reviews.

The eyeliner comes in not one, not two, but seven different colors, which means you can keep it classic with Raven (aka black) or get artsy with the copper-toned Luxor or bright blue Azure.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Zuzu-Luxe-Liquid-Eyeliner-Raven/dp/B002H6SVMY”]Get it on Amazon for $15.59[/link-button]
[sul title=”Morgan Tyler of the Southern Yogi” subheader=”507k Instagram Followers”]
Morgan Tyler started out a swimmer and is now one of the most influential yogis on Instagram. She’s a woman who knows about starting over: She got a degree in vascular ultrasound, pivoted, worked as a barista, went through a divorce, and—not too long ago—switched to a new Instagram account where she promotes her wildly successful Ab’Asanas.

A post shared by Morgan | @Ab_Asanas (@findingmorgantyler) on Jul 25, 2018 at 3:07pm PDT

One of the things that’s grounded and comforted Morgan during these (very relatable) changes? Tea, and more specifically, dessert tea from Tazo and Bigelow, which we can definitely get behind. She told HealthyWay she can’t travel without buying these two options:

12. Something Yummy (And a Little Nostalgic)

Bigelow describes Morgan’s number one pick as “Yummy Caramel Tea,” but officially it’s called Salted Caramel.

Each retro-looking box of goodness contains 20 individually wrapped tea bags in foil pouches, meaning it really is perfect to travel with, as air and moisture are locked out until you’re ready to pour yourself a cup of caramel brew. Note that this blend contains black tea, meaning caffeine.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bigelow-Tea-Salted-Caramel-bags/dp/B00O7UCA2U”]Get it on Amazon for $6.99[/link-button]

13. Do blondes really have more fun?

Well, we can’t really ask a tea that, but this Butterscotch Blondie blend from Tazo does come in delightful packaging.

Considering that it contains black tea (so quite a bit of caffeine) and hints of sugar-free, sweetener-free butterscotch and vanilla, it has the potential to fuel a good time for any tea lover—regardless of your hair color.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Butterscotch-Blondie-Dessert-Delights-filterbags/dp/B074ZHMKXL”]Get it on Amazon for $6.38[/link-button]
[sul title=”Triathlete Nicole Loher” subheader=”14.5k Instagram Followers”]
Nicole Loher’s IG bio reads, “I run. a lot,” which is true.

A post shared by Nicole Loher (@nicoleloher) on Apr 15, 2018 at 5:39am PDT

But she does so much more than that, like working as the global digital editor at Christian Louboutin, teaching at NYU, and giving those of us who are caffeine free an influencer-approved tea recommendation.

14. Loose Leaf, Caffeine-Free Tea in a Smart-Looking Tin

Nicole and (going by the Amazon reviews) a lot of other smart ladies are fans of this complex tea brought to you by Rishi, which means seer or sage. Fitting, considering the recommendation comes from an NYU professor…

The Turmeric Ginger Ayurvedic blend is hot with a sweet finish, thanks to the inclusion of ginger, licorice, and Meyer lemon, which are all organic. According to Rishi, the pungency of the ginger root in this tea is well balanced, which is something we can aspire to as we pour ourselves a cup.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Rishi-Tea-Turmeric-Ginger-Ounce/dp/B00AR6Q5JC”]Get it on Amazon for $9.79[/link-button]
[sul title=”Remy Park of Veggiekins” subheader=”84.5k Instagram Followers”]
Vegan, gluten-free recipe developer and yogi Remy Park maintains an Instagram feed so chock full of yoga poses, good eats, and thriving houseplants that Senior Editor Taylor Geiger admits it leaves her green with envy.

A post shared by Remy Morimoto Park ⋆ nyc vegan (@veggiekins) on Jul 19, 2018 at 11:41am PDT

In addition to curating a uniquely vibrant feed, Remy’s extremely knowledgeable when it comes to clean beauty, cruelty-free fashion, and living green. Naturally one of her favorite products combines the best of eating fresh with preventing food waste.

15. A Hug for Your Favorite Fruits and Veggies

What better way to say thanks to your fruits and veggies for all their natural deliciousness than by helping them last as long as possible rather than throwing spoiled pomegranate, tomato, onion, or other halves away?

Remy recommends Farberware’s silicone Food Huggers, which will help you do just that without generating any plastic waste.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQ3PQ5G”]Get them on Amazon for $8.95[/link-button]
[sul title=”Tori Simeone of TorrSim” subheader=”10.2k Instagram Followers”]
Tori Simeone is a Tone It Up Trainer, Pure Barre instructor, and certified holistic health coach, meaning she knows a thing or two about taking care of her body.

A post shared by TORI • SIMEONE (@torrsim) on Apr 5, 2018 at 3:25pm PDT

She’s also outspoken about how she invests in self-care: from taking solo getaways to whipping up new meals that feature adaptogens and enjoying time at home.

16. Coconut for Days

Tori is a fan of Kopari—and not just because of their “let’s grab life by the coconuts” approach to creating products that “make you look gorgeous with ingredients that make you feel great.” She actually told HealthyWay that Kopari is among her favorite finds because she loves the women behind the company and that supporting brands that are made with love from the beginning is something she loves.

Personally, I’m down to try their organic coconut melt because…massages.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kopari-Organic-Coconut-Melt-Moisturizing/dp/B06XB8V8MF”]Get it on Amazon for $34[/link-button]

17. For Cultivating Your Green Thumb

When HealthyWay interviewed Tori back in May, she was reading Rose Ray, Caro Langton, and Ro Co’s House of Plants: Living with Succulents, Air Plants and Cacti, a hardcover that features gorgeous photography by Erika Rax.

Considering that I had to turn the baby succulent my sister bought me a few months ago over to my husband in hopes that he can nurse it back to health, I could probably use this read—and I know I’m not alone. The book covers knowing, nurturing, and sharing your plants and is full of images that will inspire you to step up your plant mama game.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/House-Plants-Living-Succulents-Cacti/dp/0711238375″]Get it on Amazon for $11.91[/link-button]
[sul title=”Shona Vertue, Personal Trainer and Author of The Virtue Method” subheader=”295k Instagram Followers”]
Aussie influencer Shona Vertue has 10 years of experience teaching yoga and working as a personal trainer—plus an impressive library of workout videos, including Senior Editor Taylor’s morning fave: the Vertuous Quickie, which she acknowledges is a clever name that serves as a testament to Shona’s wit.

A post shared by Shona Vertue (@shona_vertue) on Apr 3, 2018 at 7:41am PDT

In addition to inspiring people all over the world to get in shape, Shona knows the realities of working a 9 to 5 office job, struggling through tough breakups, and looking for inspiration from without to nourish the soul within. Thus, a recommendation we can all benefit from, especially on the rainy days.

18. What’s love got to do with it?

Well, everything, considering the book Shona told us helped her survive a tough breakup is titled Essays in Love. It’s written by Alain de Botton—a British-Swiss philosopher who believes in Art as Therapy (yes, my I-got-my-undergrad-in-philosophy-and-like-to-collage interest is piqued). Shona’s take? “I feel forever indebted to this book.”

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Essays-Love-Picador-Classic-Classics/dp/1447275322″]Get it on Amazon for $10.66[/link-button]
[sul title=”Certified Health Coach Nikki Sharp” subheader=”353k Instagram Followers”]
Nikki Sharp’s IG feed is all smiles, but her blog goes deep about having struggled to recover from multiple eating disorders—and how that journey’s involved incorporating meditation, journaling, and colorful foods into her everyday life.

A post shared by Nikki Sharp (@nikkisharp) on Mar 27, 2018 at 8:02pm PDT

Nikki also notes that she started seeing exercise as a reward, not a punishment, and that shines through, especially in the many IG pics and videos in which she’s striking powerful yoga poses in stunning settings. Still, when it comes down to it, she makes it clear that life is first and foremost about the heart and mind, which makes these books, which were on Nikki’s bedside table back in May, all the more interesting.

19. “A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life”

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: You’ve probably heard of it before. It’s a No. 1 New York Times Bestseller with over 3 million copies sold (at least one of them to Nikki!) and over 4,000 reviews on Amazon, which is a lot.

AmazonPeople say the book has changed their lives, made them better partners, and allowed them to appreciate the world more. Clearly Mark Manson—the blogger and entrepreneur who penned The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck and Models: Attract Women Through Honesty, has earned himself a spot on many a nightstand.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713″]Get it on Amazon for $14.99[/link-button]

20. Something to Catch on to

Contagious is another New York Times bestseller that Nikki recommends. This read, by Jonah Berger—a professor at the illustrious UPenn Wharton School of business— is “a world-renowned expert on word of mouth, social influence, consumer behavior, and how products, ideas, and behaviors catch on.”

Considering the warp speed at which our lives, screens, likes, and clicks are moving, these are ideas worth exploring.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Contagious-Things-Catch-Jonah-Berger/dp/1451686587″]Get it on Amazon for $10.70[/link-button]

21. Are you willing to question everything (even if it’s just for a few minutes a day)?

The intro to Break the Norms: Questioning Everything You Think You Know About God and Truth, Life and Death, Love and Sex is written by none other than the Dalai Lama—which definitely says something about this pick. Chandresh Bhardwaj, the book’s author, is a meditation instructor and “seventh-generation spiritual healer” who’s trained in the tantric tradition.

In addition to writing and teaching, Bhardwaj founded the Break the Norms non-profit, which seeks to create meditation communities “in every corner of the world with the purpose of awakening the divine consciousness within them, pulling them away from pre-programmed expectations of lack and loneliness, and facilitating a culture of abundance, gratitude, and self-awareness.”
If you’re interested in exploring meditation and spirituality and the value of mentorship and devotion, this book belongs on your bedside table, too.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Break-Norms-Questioning-Everything-Think/dp/1622035410″]Get it on Amazon for $8.85[/link-button]
[sul title=”Laura Scott of a Little Bit of Lacquer” subheader=”139k Instagram Followers”]
Harvard MD, dermatologist, and mama Laura Scott doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to sharing her thoughts on skincare, social justice, and momming. In addition to sharing glimpses of her life with her beautiful husband and three energetic daughters, she also gives her followers regular doses of real talk about self-care and the changes she’s working to enact in the world.

A post shared by Laura Scott MD (@lauralacquer) on Jul 20, 2018 at 2:17pm PDT

We appreciate that during a HealthyWay interview she put the dermatologist’s stamp of approval on a very accessible product that has been familiar to most of us since we were littles.

22. Worth Its Weight in Gold

Laura told us, “I am obsessed with Dove Beauty Bars—old news for any dermatologist since we always recommend their sensitive skin bar.”

She recently discovered their scented bars and said the Go Fresh Revive beauty bar was her spring 2018 favorite.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Dove-Fresh-Revive-Beauty-Cream/dp/B07G2T1CYP”]Get it on Amazon for $12.10[/link-button]
[sul title=”Nutritionist and Functional Medicine Practitioner Jennie Miremadi” subheader=”34.7k Instagram Followers”]
Intellectual property attorney turned integrative health and functional medicine practitioner Jennie Miremadi made a big impression on HealthyWay intern Abby Piper back in June. “Jennie gives her clients the tools they need to create lasting change,” wrote Abby. “She believes that by looking at food together with biochemistry, physiology, spirit, and psyche, we can achieve true wellness.”

A post shared by Jennie Miremadi, MS, CNS, LDN (@jenniemiremadi) on Dec 28, 2017 at 8:21pm PST

Of course, we all exist at the crossroads of biochemistry, physiology, spirit, and psyche, and we can really enjoy and make the most of this when we drop in and dedicate ourselves to good self-care. For many of us, this is directly connected to making responsible, sustainable, cruelty-free purchases and using products that put a little pep in our step (or bounce in our bob?). Jennie’s product recommendation definitely checks those boxes, and then some.

23. A Hair Ritual

You might expect a nutritionist to give tips on the best food-related products, but Jennie actually shared that she recently discovered La Tierra Sagrada’s Dry Shampoo in brunette and loves it.
“It’s not only made from completely natural ingredients like cacao, lavender flower, and he shou wu—it’s also brown so it doesn’t make my dark hair turn white, which happens with most other dry shampoos.”

All La Tierra Sagrada—or the sacred earth—products are designed to facilitate “intentional ritual around our hair care.” Their luxe dry shampoos are available in blonde and brunette.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Tierra-Sagrada-Natural-Shampoo-Brunette/dp/B07F1DRFD4″]Get it on Amazon for $48[/link-button]
[sul title=”Activist and Amma Emily Baldoni” subheader=”161k Instagram Followers”]
Emily Baldoni is another woman whose creative work and family life I adore following. She’s the founder of AMMA—a company that’s “working to elevate the experience of motherhood” and is launching a brand new breastfeeding wrap—and the wife of Jane the Virgin star (and big-time activist) Justin Baldoni.

A post shared by Emily Baldoni (@emilybaldoni) on Aug 2, 2018 at 12:18pm PDT

In addition to all the goodness the Baldoni family is putting out into the world, Emily also has great taste in reads. When HealthyWay interviewed her earlier this month, she said that she was getting ready to re-read a book that’s loved by many and has had a big impact on my creative life, too.

24. Something Magical 🦄

Emily calls Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert—as in the real-life Liz played by Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love—“a fantastic book about creativity,” and she’s exactly right.
Treat yourself to a little mental exercise as you reconnect with your innate creativity and see if you can get on board with the idea that ideas are out there in the world, waiting to come to fruition through you.

I recommend picking it up in hardback. The cover alone is worth it.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1594634718″]Get it on Amazon for $14.22[/link-button]

Tags Commerce, social

Life x Culture Lifestyle

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

Post author By Maggie Tyson
Post date August 21, 2018

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

Beauty

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

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay / Amazon

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

Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera / Amazon

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

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum / Amazon

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

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

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm / Amazon

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

LilyAna Naturals Rosehip & Hibiscus Eye Cream / Amazon

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

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen / Amazon

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

BS-Mall Rose Gold Makeup Brush Set / Amazon

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

Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Full Face Facial Mask Sheet / Amazon

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

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

Books

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

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

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

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

Fashion

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

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

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

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

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

COCOSHIP Retro Flounce High Waist Bikini / Amazon

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

Fun + Games

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

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

BalanceForm GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat / Amazon

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

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

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

Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Color Painting Set

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

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

Home

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

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

URPOWER Essential Oil Defuser and Cool Mist Humidifier / Amazon

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

Linenspa White Down Alternative Quilted Comforter / Amazon

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

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

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

Ikee Design Acrylic Storage Set / Amazon

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

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

TaoTronics LED String Lights With Remote Control / Amazon

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

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

Best Friends by Sheri Machine Washable Pet Bed / Amazon

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

Zinus Upholstered Button-Tufted Platform Bed / Amazon

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

Kitchen

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

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

Rubbermaid 42-Piece Food Storage Container Set / Amazon

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

Spiralizer Vegetable Spiralizer and Slicer / Amazon

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

Lodge 10.25-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet / Amazon

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

Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife / Amazon

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

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

Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Food Processor / Amazon

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

RXBAR Whole Food Protein Bar, Pack of 12 / Amazon

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

Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker with Bluetooth / Amazon

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

Tech

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

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

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

Anker PowerCore+ mini Portable Charger / Amazon

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

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

iOttie Dashboard and Windshield Phone Mount

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

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

VicTsing Waterproof Bluetooth Shower Speaker / Amazon

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

Tags Commerce, social

Life x Culture

The Best Sex Toys For Women (Made By Women!)

Post author By Joni Sweet
Post date August 15, 2018

Sex toys for women have come a long way from the standard-issue vibrator. Nowadays, you can find discreet devices that simulate oral sex, multipurpose magic wands that bend to your body, sculptural toys that are beautiful enough to display—even hands-free spot stimulators that are controlled from your smartphone.
It’s not that there’s anything inherently wrong with the phallic playthings of the past, but women’s bodies are super complicated. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to pleasure. Anyone with a vagina has known this since, well, forever, so it should come as no surprise that some of the most innovative sex toys for women are designed by women themselves.
Meet the empowered ladies behind 10 pleasure shops and sex toys for women that are putting orgasms in your hands and creating a more sex positive world for all of us.
[sul title=”Le Wand” subheader=”An unexpectedly innovative sex toy for women in a familiar shape”]
At first glance, Le Wand might look like a number of other vibrating sex toys for women out there (except its smooth, pearly finish makes it much prettier). But this magic wand (designed by a team of women) features 20 different vibration patterns and 10 speeds, putting it worlds above the competition in terms of personalized pleasure. This sex toy for women is also rechargeable, splash-proof, and cordless (for seamless orgasms).
“Tapping into the pleasure your body is capable of is a powerful experience, and we created Le Wand to help people do that,” says Alicia Sinclair, CEO of Le Wand and a certified sex educator.

If the 200 combinations of vibrations weren’t enough, Le Wand has also launched an assortment of attachments you can pop on Le Wand for even more variety. The rippled silicone head promises both clitoral and vaginal stimulation, while the firm curve attachment targets the G-spot. For Sinclair, it was about offering endless options of sensations from smartly-designed sex toys for women.
“We want to give women, and people of all gender identities, the power of choice when exploring their sexuality, rather than a prescribed method for getting off,” she says.
[sul title=”TickleKitty” subheader=”Sex toys for women, curated by a sexology expert”]
Sadie Allison knows a thing or two about sex toys for women—she holds a doctorate from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality and has authored six “how-to” sex books. So when you browse the handpicked products on offer at Allison’s online sex toy boutique, TickleKitty, you really can’t go wrong with anything that ends up in your shopping cart.
“Launching my boutique was a natural extension to my mission [of sharing my knowledge on sexuality],” she says.
The selective stock of sex toys for women at TickleKitty feels exclusive, yet anything but limited. Customer favorites include the Womanizer Starlet (an air puff toy similar to the Satisfyer), Le Wand, and the Rocking G Rabbit (“which has an independent stroker that moves in the ‘come-hither’ motion,” says Allison).
“I select toys that are female body-safe, made with the highest quality materials, offer a multitude of functions and vibrations, and come at a variety of price-points so everyone—from the newcomer to the aficionado—can enjoy,” she says.
[sul title=”Dame Products” subheader=”Raising our expectations of sex toys for women”]
Alex Fine has a “true passion for passion.” But rather than pursuing a career in sex therapy, she channeled what she learned from her clinical psychology education at Columbia University into something else entirely: creating sex toys for women. The products out there didn’t excite her—so she decided to start creating her own.
“As a woman, I felt that we weren’t expecting enough from sex toys simply because we weren’t expecting enough from our own sexuality,” says Fine, now CEO of Dame Products, a sex toy company for women.

She experimented with creating vibrators at home, soon coming up with two distinctive sex toys for women: Fin and Eva. Fin’s a vibrator worn on your fingers, intended to amplify the human touch through clitoral stimulation. Eva, on the other hand, looks like an emerald beetle, whose wings tuck under the labia and whose buzzing body rests atop your clitoris. It stays in place, even during penetrative sex.
Innovative products aren’t the only thing that sets Dame Products apart from other companies making sex toys for women, though. The store offers a hassle-free return policy—something rare in this market—and it speaks to Dame’s focus on creating a sex-positive, shame-free experience.
“Returns are about making our customers feel like they can explore our products without the pressure of worrying they won’t work for them,” says Fine. “Being able to return a vibrator is a really important part of educating people that not every sex toy will work for you, and that’s OK.”
[sul title=”Crescendo by MysteryVibe” subheader=”Bendable, body-adaptive sex toys for women”]
Size might not be everything, but angles have a surprising level of influence over sexual pleasure, according to Stephanie Alys, CEO of MysteryVibe. The company’s luxury vibrator, the Crescendo, features a long, thick body that can bend into tons of different shapes, adapting to any body. Plus, the six built-in, buzzing motors are nothing to scoff at.
“No two bodies are exactly the same. Crescendo’s bendable feature was designed with everyone’s pleasure in mind, and to give the user the power of customization. For example, the G-spot is often elusive to people with vulvas, and a toy that simply curves in one direction may not be your perfect curve. Crescendo allows for experimentation to unlock your personalized pleasure spots,” she says.
Playing around with the bendy, snap-bracelet like vibrator is so exciting, you might not even realize that it connects to the MysteryVibe app. But between the app’s remote control option and the endless downloadable vibration patterns, you might want to keep one hand on your phone.
[sul title=”Squish from Unbound” subheader=”An egg-shape sex toy for women you won’t want to let go of”]
One look at Squish and it’s doubtful you’d realize it’s a sex toy for women. The design of the squishy pink egg is closer to one of those battery-powered facial cleansing devices than something you’d use to reach orgasm. But this little thing is as satisfying as it is inconspicuous, using the power of your squeeze to control its every rumble and vibe.

“Squish’s haptic technology is both deeply personal and incredibly intuitive. The harder you squeeze it, the harder it vibrates,” says Polly Rodriguez, CEO and co-founder of Unbound, the company behind Squish. “We found that our customers wanted a product that was easy-to-use and not necessarily phallic.”
Squish is not only subtle—it’s also smart. This sex toy for women has built-in memory that allows you to record and replay pulsation patterns you create. The customizability makes Squish appeal to women with all kinds of preferences, from tender, low-key purring to powerful vibrations. The most challenging part of using this innovative product is finding the perfect pattern for you—but figuring it out will be infinitely fun.
[sul title=”Vibrant” subheader=”Feel good. Do good.”]
If you’ve ever felt even a smidge of guilt from giving yourself pleasure, online sex toy store Vibrant will help make sure it never happens again. The boutique sends the proceeds from the sales of vibrators, butt plugs, dildos, lubes, and all kinds of other products to Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM)—an organization where CEO Angela Wells worked for 15 years before founding Vibrant.
“I tasked myself with creating a solution to fill the funding gap at PPRM by creating a social enterprise that supports the message and values of the organization,” she says. “Our commitment to body-safe products underscores Planned Parenthood’s commitment to the health and safety of patients. Everything that we do is very intentional and created with the goal of inclusivity, sex positivity, and creating a comfortable, fun environment to talk about sex.”
While Vibrant’s sex toys come in every shape, size, color, and price-point imaginable, the clear winner among customers is the Mimic by Clandestine, says Wells. “[For] folks with a vulva who use their fingers for external masturbation, this vibrator is a perfect extension of the hand. It’s pliable so that you can provide the right amount of pressure for your body and the vibrations start gentle enough for those who are sensitive or new to vibration,” she explains.
But why not try out a few different sex toys for women from Vibrant? After all, it’s for a good cause.
[sul title=”Satisfyer Pro II” subheader=”The sex toy for women that conjures up orgasms with air”]
Many sex toys for women rely on direct contact with your lady bits to make you climax. Not the case with the Satisfyer Pro II. Instead, this radical gadget gently suctions over the clitoris and releases pleasurable air waves to create mind-blowing sensations—perfect for women who don’t always get off with internal stimulation alone.

“Unlike many contemporary solo play items, the Satisfyer II is designed to be non-touch. A comfortable seal is formed around your love bead and the unique air pressure technology takes you from the starting block right to the finish line,” says Melissa Kramer, who works on the Satisfyer design team.
Online reviewers say that the Satisfyer takes some time to get used to, but ultimately rave about rapid-fire orgasms unlike anything they’ve been able to get from conventional personal massagers. Who knew little puffs of air could hold so much power?
[sul title=”Maude” subheader=”Sex toys and accessories for minimalists with an eye for design”]
It’s exciting to play around with bendable, buzzing, high-tech sex toys for women. But sometimes, you just want a straight-forward assortment of products and accessories without all the bells and whistles. Enter Maude. With the motto “sex made simple,” this online store has curated its stock down to four essentials: ultra-thin latex condoms, Vibe (a body-safe silicone vibrator), silicone-based lubricant, and aloe-based lube.
“We hope to be the company that’s with you throughout your entire life and that means creating well-made products that are easy-to-use, timeless, and essential,” says Maude cofounder Eva Goicochea. “Simplicity means inclusivity and that is the foundation of our company.”
[sul title=”Emojibator” subheader=”Giggle your way to orgasm with emoji-themed sex toys for women”]
Can a vibrator that looks the eggplant emoji actually be taken seriously in a sex positive world? Hell yes, says Kris Fretz, who cofounded Emojibator, a company that sells personal massagers shaped like the most suggestive emojis. The friendly, LOL-worthy design actually makes sex toys for women more approachable for people who might otherwise be too shy to buy them.
“We love using humor as the driving component to our brand and customer experience. Obviously, human beings love to laugh, and we knew [that people] love to communicate with emojis,” says Fretz. “Our tagline, ‘Go Fuck Yourself. Literally.’ is meant to remind women that orgasms and masturbation are natural parts of life, and they should feel zero shame when they explore their sexuality with sex toys.”

Each of Emojibator’s sex toys for women feature 10 vibration settings, medical-grade silicone, and waterproof materials, so it’s really just about finding the design that speaks most to you. Choose from eggplant (the most popular), chili pepper (the pointy tip’s great for G-spot stimulation), or banana (with firm ridges that making playing fun).
Once you start using the Emojibator, texting will never be quite the same.
[sul title=”Good Vibrations” subheader=”The legacy shop for sex toys for women”]
Good Vibrations’ standards for sex toys for women were so high, it only sold about a dozen options in its San Francisco boutique when it opened in 1977. Fast-forward more than 40 years later, and you’ll find more than 1,000 products in the online store, including vibrators, dildos, and anal toys.
“Today, sex toys have emerged from the shadows,” says Carol Queen, staff sexologist and historian at Good Vibrations. “Premium or designer sex toys, especially vibrators, have overtaken the marketplace—even the old-school manufacturers have upped their game as technology and materials have changed.”
While most of the sex toys for women available at Good Vibrations have changed over the years, one has stood the test of time: The Magic Wand.
“This is the [sex toy for women] that we’ve recommended for over 40 years,” says Queen. “It’s strong, with a vibration type that many people really love. Its tennis ball-sized head provides diffused stimulation and its length makes it easy to use. It’s well-made and tends to last a long time.”
A sex toy for women that’s been a best-seller for decades? We’re in.

Tags search

Life x Culture Lifestyle

How To Get A Job You Feel Unqualified For

Post author By Jenna Jonaitis
Post date August 4, 2018

Making a leap in your career can be daunting, especially if you feel underqualified for the job. But with the right mindset and approach, you can make your application stand out, impress people in your interview, and land the job you’re dreaming of.
So if you spot an open position and you’re telling yourself, “I am not qualified for this job,” hold on. We’ve got insider deets on how to ace the recruitment and hiring process.

Should you apply if you feel unqualified?

While it may not be fruitful to apply for the CEO position after your first year on the job, there is some wiggle room in terms of the years of experience and required skills mentioned in most job postings.
Rebecca Ebner, a talent acquisition business partner and operations integration lead, and her team have discovered that “Women, in general, will only apply for a job if they meet 90 percent of the criteria—sometimes even 100 percent—whereas men will apply if they only meet about 75 percent of the job requirements.”
That’s a huge difference, isn’t it? And if women continue to feel like they shouldn’t apply unless they meet every requirement, we’re at a serious disadvantage in the workplace.
“Because women are more inclined to make sure they’re 100 percent qualified before applying, they are more apt to find themselves in a non-challenging position,” shares Ebner. It’s hard, then, to expect growth in a role like that. Oftentimes, though, women stay in a job because they look at the next level and feel like they don’t meet that next set of criteria.
So, let’s break this harmful cycle!

Catch Their Eye: Tips for When You’re Unqualified

Align your resume with the job qualifications.

The first thing Ebner suggests is pulling out your resume along with the job description for the new position. Compare the job posting qualifications, years of experience necessary, and required skills to what’s on your resume. Where are the gaps? And what are the aspects you need to clarify on your resume?
“If possible, sit down with a trusted friend, a previous manager, or a mentor,” suggests Ebner. You’ll gain an outside perspective and receive guidance on how to modify your resume.
[pullquote align=’center’]If women continue to feel like they shouldn’t apply unless they meet every requirement, we’re at a serious disadvantage in the workplace.[/pullquote]
Don’t forget to adjust your older work history, either, even if the job was several years ago. “A lot of people don’t go back and update all of their experience,” says Ebner. For example, if you were a cashier at McDonald’s, you might list tasks such as “dealt with customers” or “exchanged money.” Ebner recommends editing the tone of these descriptions to include things like, “provided high level of customer service” or “processed orders and managed cash register during high volume.”
By making small modifications that align your past experiences with the new job, you’re showing that your background does indeed match with what your prospective employer is looking for.

Talk about all of your years of experience.

“Perhaps you haven’t done the specific tasks listed on the job description, but chances are you have experience related to some of the skills they’ve included: leadership, critical thinking, project management,” says Faith Shovein, talent acquisition manager at Domino’s Pizza Headquarters. “If you’re able to reference examples of these qualities in your work and confidently communicate their relevance, chances are the employer will make the connection.”
And sometimes it’s not just your previous jobs that relate to a position but your extracurriculars too. Whether you led a project as a volunteer or guest lectured at a university, add all of your related experience and skills to your resume. Consider highlighting activities such as volunteering for charity, taking training courses, being a member of an organization, or participating as an elected individual on a local council or parent–teacher association, for example.
By highlighting your related experiences, both career-based and otherwise, you’ll have a more well-rounded application that’s likely to catch the eyes of a recruiter or hiring manager.

Sealing the Deal: Tips for Your Interview

You’ve landed an interview. Congratulations!
Whether it’s a phone interview or you’re meeting in person, specific strategies will help you stand out.
Remember, though, that honesty is always the best policy. “Your interviewer has your resume, so they know your background. It’s okay to say that you’ve never done something before,” says Karen DeVries, a practice manager at Mercy Health who hires for clinical jobs, front end staff, team leaders, and physicians.
So how can you be honest and still boost your interview performance?

Research the job and company ahead of time.

While it may seem like common sense, a large portion of candidates don’t do ample research about the company or position ahead of time. Doing thorough research puts you at a serious advantage.
“If you don’t have experience with something listed on the job description, make sure you’ve gained a reasonable understanding so you’re not caught entirely off guard when it’s mentioned in an interview,” shares Shovein. “The more you know about the company, the better you can understand the job and how your skill sets will contribute to the success of the role.”
[pullquote align=’center’]“Before any interview, set aside time to review your key professional experiences so that they’re fresh in your mind when you’re asked for specific examples in an interview.”[/pullquote]
“You should be able to ask questions about the role itself, even if you’re not experienced in it,” says DeVries. “Come to the interview prepared with a brief statement about why you’re interested in the position and how you’re hoping to grow or learn, along with a few narrowed questions about the role or department.”
That’s right: An interview is a two-way street.
“People go into interviews thinking they have to ace it to get the job, but sometimes a job truly isn’t the best fit. Be sure to ask questions about the culture, business, and growth opportunities,” suggests Ebner. These aspects make a big difference when deciding if the job is right for you, too.

Prepare, prepare, prepare.

“After 10 years in recruiting, I’m still shocked when I stump candidates with questions like ‘What interested you in this job?’ or ‘Tell me about your most recent accomplishment,’” shares Shovein.
Her tip for having solid answers ready? Study yourself!
“Before any interview, set aside time to review your key professional experiences so that they’re fresh in your mind when you’re asked for specific examples in an interview. This should alleviate the time spent sulking after your interview when that perfect answer finally came to you.”

Allow yourself time to answer.

Arriving at your interview prepared is essential, but you won’t have perfect responses for everything. “If you come across a question and you’re unsure how to answer, you can say, ‘Let me think about that for a moment,’” says DeVries. “By requesting more time, it shows you give good thought to your answers and you’re not just giving scripted responses.”

Redirect the answer if necessary.

If you get to the interview and are asked about something you don’t have experience with, modify your answer rather than simply saying you’ve never done it before. “Try saying something like, ‘That’s not something I’m well-versed in, but I did have this experience that relates,’ or ‘I’ve never done that, but here’s what I’m looking to do in future experiences,’” suggests DeVries.
By changing the angle of your answer, you’re providing the interviewer with honest information and showing you can think critically and connect your other experiences.

Follow the STAR method for behavioral-based interview questions.

Almost all companies and HR departments include behavioral-based interviewing in their recruitment process. Behavioral-based questions prompt you to describe previous experiences—revealing how you handled situations and which skills you utilized.
[pullquote align=’center’]“Choose simplistic colors instead of bright ones. Let the interviewer ask the complete question before cutting them off.”[/pullquote]
“With behavioral-based questions, always follow the STAR method,” says Ebner. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Find behavioral-based question samples by searching online (or check out The Balance Careers’ list here), then practice describing the situation, the tasks you accomplished, the actions you took, and the final results. By incorporating these four components, you’ll give your interviewer a well-rounded response.
Remember that interviewers want to hear examples. “If you say you’re organized, be ready to describe how you’re organized,” says DeVries. Anyone can say they’re a team player or dedicated. But if you can show how you put those qualities into practice, hiring managers will understand the incredible value you offer.

Demonstrate your adaptability and willingness to learn.

Ebner shares that managers may choose lower-qualified candidates if they demonstrate that they’re trainable and adaptable. “If candidates show a positive demeanor in the interview and provide examples of being flexible to change, a hiring manager will have an incentive to hire that person.”
So, it’s not just about years of experience after all. It’s about who you are as a person, too.

And…don’t forget the interview basics for getting a job.

Making a great first impression is key, and that can start with what you wear to your interview: “Come to the interview in professional attire. Choose simplistic colors instead of bright ones. Let the interviewer ask the complete question before cutting them off,” reminds DeVries.
It’s normal (and even healthy) to be a bit nervous for an interview, but try to remain calm, and focus on answering the specific question asked.
Ebner suggests keeping your answers to two to four minutes long so the interview feels more conversational. By sticking to answering the question, the interviewer will have time for follow-up questions and discussion.

What Not to Do When You Feel Unqualified in a Job Interview

“First of all, don’t show that you feel unqualified,” says Ebner. She recalls a time when a candidate interviewed and said to the manager, “I know I’m unqualified, so this interview is just for good practice. Thank you for having me.” The manager was immediately turned off from hiring them due to their lack of confidence.
“It’s natural to experience impostor syndrome when you feel unqualified for a job,” says Ebner. She recommends bringing confidence to the interview and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. That’s part of leaping to that next level.

When to Call It Quits

“Sometimes the hiring process is slow,” admits Ebner. Even if a company has a rockstar candidate, they might be waiting on funding or someone could be on vacation. “Just because you haven’t heard back on an application or interview isn’t indicative that you’re unqualified or not the right fit.”
But if you’ve put forth continual effort in applying for similar roles and you’re not getting anywhere, take a step back and assess the situation, says Ebner. “Ask yourself questions like, ‘Do I have real leadership skills? Have I put myself in positions to direct others in their work?’ Identify gaps between your current experience and the role you want. Consider joining organizations or project teams or asking for new assignments to pursue opportunities to build specific skills.
“If you can’t seem to move up immediately in your own organization, consider moving to another company,” says Ebner. You can always come back once you have new skills and experiences.
Set your eyes on that next role and keep chipping away at achieving your dreams. It will happen.

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