Category: Lifestyle

Categories
Life x Culture Lifestyle

Amazon Prime Day, The Healthy Way (And The Other Sales That Invite You To #treatyoself Today)

If you love receiving packages full of goodies you selected specifically for…you (and you have an Amazon Prime membership), then you’re probably just as excited about Amazon Prime Day as we are.
But balancing the desire for a little something new at a steal of a price can conflict with our best intentions of being conscious consumers, especially as some of us aim for minimalism, are rocking capsule wardrobes, and want to make more space for meditation and mindfulness instead of “stuff.”
Here’s how the ladies of HealthyWay HQ plan to make the most of Prime Day, without breaking the bank amassing unnecessary clutter that’ll be collecting dust come Prime Day 2019.

Audible

Editor-in-Chief Ashley is already an Audible subscriber, but she loves it enough to recommend that readers (or listeners?) take the plunge on Prime Day, when you can save a whopping 66 percent on a three-month membership.
Be aware that membership will renew at the full rate of $14.95/month after the first three months, but rather than letting this scare you off, celebrate the great deal you’ll be getting—and the books, audioshows, news, and comedy that can enrich your life between now and October without you having to turn a single page.
Find some of our favorite Audible books here…
[products ids=’1006441,1006440,1006442,1006443′ type=full]

KitchenAid Stand Mixer (aka Kitchen Goals)

Does any piece of kitchen equipment say My (culinary) best self has arrived quite like KitchenAid’s iconic stand mixer? No, ma’am.
Elevate your mixing game (and kitchen aesthetic) with the Professional 5-Qt. model STAT.

Echo Dot

Maggie’s response to the question “What’re you lusting after this Prime Day?”: “I want another Amazon Dot. I only have one, but I want moooore.”
At $29.99 (yes, that’s a 40 percent discount), it’s easy to imagine calling the shots, jamming to your Spotify playlists, and getting info on demand with this handy device that’ll have you feeling like the queen of your castle day in and day out.
Peep our fave Alexa devices here…
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“Get it right, get it tight.”

I’m not taking any beauty cues from Bubba Sparxxx, but when Ashley and Maggie both recommend the same retinol moisturizer as a Prime Day treat, this girl perks up. Ashley says she uses very few products on her face (same here), but that she enjoys Baebody’s retinol moisturizing cream, which leaves her face feeling just a little more taut when she wakes up in the morning.
The cream is formulated with plant-derived hyaluronic acid, wildcrafted green tea, organic jojoba oil, vitamin E, vitamin B5, and shea butter, which will have fans of plant products and organics rockin’ everywhere.

Kindle

You know what goes great with a glass of wine and 20 minutes to yourself finally after a long day (or the beach, a long flight, or a park bench)? Silence and the company of a good book—or all 3.4 million of the e-books available through the Amazon Kindle, which you can get at a deep discount on Prime Day.
Not sure where to begin with your reading regimen? We suggest referring to our list of 18 life-changing books that every woman needs to read (on her brand new, 33 percent–off Kindle Paperwhite).
Here are the Kindles our team uses; we love e-readers!
[products ids=’1006458,1006461,1006463,1006464′ type=full]

Athletic Apparel and Shoes

Sweet, sweet Scottish singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini gets it all right when he belts out, “Hey, I put my new shoes on and suddenly everything’s right!” New shoes elevate your everyday game—especially your athleisure getups. And on Prime Day, women’s athletic wear and shoes are up to 50 percent off.
Maggie’s favorite Prime Day pair? These adidas Cloudfoam Sneakers that’ll have you walking on sunshine.

Coconut Oil–Enhanced Biotin

Want to do right by your locks? A good first step is understanding your hair type and treating your hair accordingly. Next up: Give your mane a little TLC by incorporating biotin into your regimen.
I love that Sports Research’s High Potency 5000 mcg biotin is vegan- and vegetarian-friendly as it’s encapsulated in veggie softgels rather than the gelatin ones many of us choose to avoid.

Groceries

Yes, you read that right. This year, for the first time ever, Whole Foods is getting in on the Prime Day bonanza. Prime members can spend $10 in store today and tomorrow and will get $10 to spend on Amazon during Prime Day (for those candles, am I right?). Just scan your Prime Code or use your mobile number at the Whole Foods in-store checkout.
Not sure what to stock up on? How about the ingredients required to whip up some stuffed peppers or an armful of nutrient-packed stem vegetables?

Amazon Handmade

Amazon Handmade is almost too good to be true. I was a complete Etsy nut in a past life, and Amazon Handmade combines all the goodness of genuinely handcrafted goods with the Prime shipping I’ve already bought into (because: all the things I can’t get locally and Sex and the City on Prime Video).
The Amazon Handmade products I’m after this Prime Day? Little Bee of Connecticut’s hand-rolled beeswax pillar candles. I like to burn both candles and sage in my meditation space, and I love that these pillars (which Little Bee offers in 6 inch and 8 inch sizes), are natural, non-toxic, sustainable, and renewable as they don’t contain any petroleum byproducts like the paraffin most candles are made of. Plus, few things are as soothing as the smell of an unscented beeswax candle or the gentle light it emits.
Bonus: With the Prime Day discount, these candles are cheaper than comparable beeswax container candles I’ve come across at T.J.Maxx, and they’re packaged in recyclable paper, so there’s none of the awkwardness of deciding what to do with a waxy, lidless container after your candle’s flickered its last.
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Essential Oil Everything

I nabbed a few Aura Cacia essential oil blends last week (Chill Pill ftw) but have yet to get an essential oil diffuser. Senior Editor Maggie recommends this lovely teardrop-shaped cool mist diffuser from TaoTronics that is home and baby safe.
Read up on the basics of using essential oils before you get started, or take a deep dive into our guide for using essential oils to treat seasonal allergies.

A Not-So-Slow Cooker

I scream, you scream, we all scream for something delicious to eat every 👏 single 👏 day—even workdays when there’s no time for cooking said delicious dishes. Enter the Instant Pot, slow cooker extraordinaire.
You place the Prime order; we’ve got you covered with all the Instant Pot details and a delicious recipe to get you started as soon as your Prime Day package drops.

Meal prep like a pro.

  • Instant Pot ✔️
  • Stand Mixer ✔️
  • All the groceries from Whole Foods ✔️

Now you just need to store all that delicious goodness in an organized, aesthetically pleasing fashion (that’ll have you celebrating your leftover meals as opposed to lamenting #saddesklunches).
Enter Vremi’s 18 piece glass food storage container set. Stackable, airtight, BPA-free, microwave, oven, and freezer safe: All these descriptors are music to our nosh-loving ears.

Not a Prime member?

No need to fret. Target’s pulling out all the stops during Prime Day too, and that competition means deals that are accessible to everyone.
In the mood to level up your legging game? Shop Outdoor Voices’ 40 percent off sale.
Want to share your must-purchase items or Prime Day wishlist? Or did we miss a great deal? Hit us up on Instagram at @itsthehealthyway or Twitter at @healthywaymedia to let us know how you spent Prime Day (literally).

Categories
Life x Culture Lifestyle

Our Favorite Responses To The #inmyfeelings Challenge

If you were in a deep summer hibernation through the end of last week…and the entire weekend (we love naps, too—we understand)…you might’ve missed the #inmyfeelingschallenge blowing up…everywhere. It’s being hailed as “the summer’s viral dance challenge” by Time, and Instagrammer @theshiggyshow seems to have everyone moving (and singing along) to Drake’s “In My Feelings.”
Will Smith’s rendition took the challenge to new heights—literally—but at HealthyWay HQ, we’re always asking Where my ladies at?
In that spirit, we’ve rounded up our favorite empowered (and unabashed) lady wellness influencers’ responses to the #inmyfeelingschallenge, starting with Alison Wu of Wu Haus.
Alison’s IG vid, shot in her deliciously pastel, Smeg-refrigeratored kitchen, popped up in my feed and inspired our hunt for the best of ladies asking “Kiki, do you love me?” and busting out the type of choreography that proves just how diverse, talented, and entertaining the women we admire are.
[sul title=”Best Set” subheader=”Alison Wu of Wu Haus (In Her Kitchen)”]

A post shared by alison wu (@alison__wu) on


Everything about this video has us asking, “Can we come over in our comfiest athleisure getup for a kitchen dance party (hopefully followed by snacking on your coconut matcha macaroons)?”
[sul title=”Best Accessories” subheader=”Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle ’grammer Aashna Hegde”]

A post shared by Aashna Hegde (@aashnahegde) on


At least four of HealthyWay’s editors wear glasses on the regular, so between her black-rimmed specs and enviable brows, we’re feeling Aashna’s look.
[sul title=”Best Hair Whip” subheader=”Amanda Lacount of #breakingthestereotype”]


Body positive dancer Amanda LaCount shows us some epic hair whips—and her smile is completely infectious, too.
[sul title=”Best Motivational Vibe” subheader=”Choreographer and “Fit Mom” Nkateko Maswanganye”]


South African Nkateko “Takkies” Maswanganye’s moves (and maybe her outfit?) have her husband eagerly providing the motivational feedback we’re all after when we start breaking it down to whatever song we’ve been feeling. #relationshipgoals
[sul title=”Best All-Around” subheader=”Army Medical Logistician, “Gym Freak,” and Mama Savannah Spencer”]


Everything about this #inmyfeelingschallenge response from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, has us celebrating. Especially those special effects.
Inspired to venture a little deeper into your feelings? Check out our guide to implementing positive affirmations (and how they actually work) or read up on how a gratitude journal can change your entire outlook.

Categories
Healthy Her Way Lifestyle

Davida Lederle Of The Healthy Maven

“We could all use a little more kale AND wine in our lives.” You know we had to feature whoever wrote this—so we did.
This week’s Healthy Her Way feature calls herself The Healthy Maven, and we think it’s a pretty appropriate moniker. Not only is Davida Lederle a self-made maven, she also makes living a healthy lifestyle relatable. She’s not a certified nutritionist or dietitian—and we love that! After all, most of us aren’t either. She’s just a normal girl turned wellness junkie, inspiring us with her attainably healthful lifestyle.
Davida preaches living “healthFULLY”—emphasis on fully. There’s living “healthy,” according to the standards of health set by who-knows-who, but she’s figured out that if you don’t feel happy, you’re not living healthFULLY. She’s committed to sharing this lifestyle with her followers and uses several mediums to get her message across, including her blog, Instagram, YouTube channel, and podcast.
Part of a full life is a full belly, and Davida discourages restricting what we eat to the point of feeling undernourished—and that means in our bodies and our souls. She has a flexible approach to food: “Most of the time this means eating an organic plant-based diet, but if that scone is calling my name, I want bacon with my eggs, and my dinner is begging for a glass of wine, then that’s okay too.” It’s all about the balance.
She doesn’t just say that either. Her Instagram feed proves that she practices what she preaches. Scattered between the bright smoothie bowls and delicious chicken and veggie dinners, you’ll spot (multiple times) her ultimate grain-free brownies and French toast. She even posted a photo of herself drinking a beer—or, as she called it, “fermented grain juice.” 🙌 Whatever you want to call your drink of choice, we’re here for a wellness guru telling us an occasional beer is influencer-approved.
Davida covers more than food and drink, though. She recently became a certified yoga instructor, so you can also turn to her for some flow inspo. And if you want to explore green beauty, Davida dishes about her best finds on that front too. Plus, her travels outside of San Fran make us want to hit the road ASAP. As if all that’s not enough, she and her husband are so freaking adorable together. #wellnessgoals, #relationshipgoals, and did we mention #doggoals? She has the cutest damn goldendoodle. She’s killing it.
Of her approach to health, she says, “If it makes me feel awesome, then I am on board.” Well, we certainly love feeling awesome, so we’re on board with Davida, too.
HealthyWay

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

I am not an early riser, so I usually get up around 9:00 a.m. I start my day slow with some tea or coffee—depending on how I’m feeling—and breakfast, which is usually a green smoothie or oatmeal. I then jump into work, starting with my inbox. I only answer my emails once a day, so I try to have that done first thing in the morning. From there we’ll see how the day goes!
Sometimes it’s recording a podcast, filming a video, or shooting a recipe. I’m usually done by 4:00 p.m., which is when I take my dog on a long walk or go to yoga or pilates. I come home, cook dinner, and then hang out on the couch watching some TV or reading a book. I’m usually in bed around 10:30.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

It changes every day. Sometimes it’s as simple as sleeping in or binge-watching a TV show. Other times it’s more proactive, like taking a spa day or doing a tech detox in the woods. I like to believe that self-care looks more like self-preservation i.e. “What do I need to do today to survive and feel happy?”

How do you stay inspired?

Get outside! Go offline! I think there’s a misconception around bloggers that we’re online all the time. I’m sure that’s the case for some, but I try to take a few hours a day offline and at least one day of the weekend. I like to go out and experience the world to get inspiration. Hang out with friends, go on hikes, try new restaurants. Inspiration comes when you’re not seeking it, but living it.
HealthyWay
HealthyWay
Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

So many! I’m a green beauty junkie and have been loving the Jasmine Green Tea Toner from Herbivore and the Red Wine Mask from 100% Pure. In terms of food, I have been loving the Beauty Chef Glow Powder in my smoothies. I hate how much I love it because it’s so expensive, but it actually works!

What are your favorite apps?

Snapchat! We have a family snapchat group, and I love seeing what everyone is up to since we live across the continent. I took down my public Snapchat account, but I still use it privately and love it.

Whose Instagram is on your radar? #squadgoals #gramlove #hashtag

My friends and family! They inspire me daily. In terms of people with public profiles, I love following Meg from The Well Essentials. She has such a refreshing take on the world and the wellness space.

What’s your go-to healthy snack?

Veggies and hummus

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

Watching: The Handmaid’s Tale; reading: The Untethered Soul; listening: Oprah’s Master Class
HealthyWay
HealthyWay

Davida IRL

If your pet could talk, how would they describe you?

My dog, Bodhi, would say I am needy, lazy, and completely whipped. Though to be fair, he’s all of these things, too.

What’s your most-used emoji?

😘

What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?

My grandmother: She passed in my early twenties, but I feel like I only got to know her after she passed. I wish I could take her to brunch and ask her all the questions about her upbringing, raising a family, and how she became the ultimate matriarch.

What’s your coffee order?

Iced almond milk latte
HealthyWay
HealthyWay
Read Davida’s blog, listen to her podcast, or check out her Instagram for some encouragement and to keep up with Davida’s own wellness journey!

Categories
Conscious Beauty Lifestyle

7 Myths About Makeup That Need To Be Wiped Away

Wearing makeup is a completely personal choice. If you choose to do so, the number of products and styles available can be intimidating.
The good news is that there’s tons of great information and resources out there like YouTube videos, step-by-step articles, makeup forums, and Instagram tutorials.

HealthyWay
iStock.com/skynesher

The not-so-great news? There are tons of myths and misconceptions out there. What really happens if you sleep in a full face of makeup every night? Is it true that you can ignore expiration dates on your products, especially if you don’t use them that often? And how often do you really need to clean your makeup brushes? Here are seven common myths and misconceptions debunked.

Myth 1: If you’re going to wear makeup, you have to put on a full face of it.

“I’d say the number one misconception people have about makeup is that you need a full face of it,” explains makeup artist Suzy Gerstein. “Let’s say we’re talking about foundation. The most important thing to get right when choosing a foundation is the color match.”

HealthyWay
iStock.com/zoranm

“Once you match your skin tone exactly, you can apply the product sparingly and only where more coverage is needed. In fact, by letting the areas that don’t need coverage remain bare, you get a more modern, realistic look to your makeup application.”
HealthyWay
WomensHealthMag/Twitter

Basically, you should wear whatever amount of makeup you are comfortable with. If you only want a couple of dots of concealer on some red spots, great. Excited to get a whole face of makeup on, complete with false lashes? Excellent. But don’t feel like you have to cover your whole face every single time, because you don’t.

Myth 2: Makeup is a “girly thing.”

In reality, people of all genders wear makeup, and there is nothing inherently feminine about it. Men in Hollywood often wear makeup on the red carpet, which Benedict Cumberbatch called “a wonderful thing.” And obviously, actors and actresses wear makeup while filming television shows and movies.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkGCunigpwN/?hl=en&taken-by=jamescharles
Brands are also becoming more inclusive to all people who might be interested in makeup. Makeup artist and beauty blogger Manny Gutierrez became the first male Maybelline ambassador in 2017, after Covergirl named makeup artist and model James Charles an ambassador in 2016. More recently, makeup artist Jessica Blackler made headlines after she launched a vegan, cruelty-free, unisex makeup brand called JECCA, with products designed to address the concerns of transgender individuals—for example, covering up facial hair stubble.
“JECCA overlooks gender and celebrates individuality,” Blackler told The Cut. “We’re not a brand that concentrates on just women.”

Myth 3: It’s NBD to fall asleep with your makeup on.

If, on rare occasion, you end up sleeping in makeup after a long night, chances are that nothing bad will happen. Just don’t make it a regular occurrence—at the very least, it could irritate your skin and stain your bedding.

HealthyWay
iStock.com/Milan_Jovic

It could also be worse. A case study published recently by the American Academy of Ophthalmology showed one potentially disastrous outcome. When Theresa Lynch, a 50-year-old housekeeper, complained of irritated, swollen eyes, her doctors discovered that small, calcified deposits of mascara were embedded in her eyelids. The cause? She had worn heavy eye makeup almost every day for 25 years but didn’t remove it properly each night.
“I had fallen into a bad habit of wearing a lot of makeup and not washing it off,” Lynch said in an interview with The Daily Mail. “I should never have let it get this far.”
Lynch was extremely uncomfortable, and the deposits were scratching her eyes, potentially causing a risk to her vision. Her doctors were concerned about potential infections, so Lynch had surgery to remove the deposits and now has permanent scarring inside her eyelids.
https://twitter.com/EmilyHolland24/status/1014739235461423105
This is certainly an extreme case, but it shows that nasty things can happen if you consistently neglect to remove your makeup before bed. Keep makeup remover and cotton balls—or whatever your preferred makeup removal method is—in an easy-to-access place, like near your toothbrush or on your bedside table. Make taking off your products part of your bedtime routine.

Myth 4: There’s only one “right way” to apply makeup.

“Even the same person needs a different approach to her makeup depending on the season, situation, or day,” Gerstein says. “I like to tell clients to step back and look at the whole picture. …And then ask yourself: What do I need today that will make the most impact? Perhaps it’s a quick shot of blush, maybe it’s the curl of your lash, or maybe you want to skip lashes all together and give yourself a little extra help in the brow department. It could also be a statement lip, or perhaps it’s simply a good facial massage with a gorgeous vitamin C serum or facial oil.”

HealthyWay
iStock.com/skynesher

According to Gerstein, the best part about putting on makeup is playing and experimenting with new things.
HealthyWay
Juliadantasbeauty/Instagram

“It’s key to throw out the ‘shoulds’ and the paint-by-numbers charts, and instead look at what is in this moment,” she recommends.

Myth 5: Natural makeup brushes are better.

In reality, so-called “natural” makeup brushes are made with animal hair. Some animal hairs could potentially cause an allergic reaction, and they may be made using cruel practices (though you can buy cruelty-free natural brushes from certain brands). Plus, animal hairs are more porous than synthetic fibers, meaning they absorb more of your product and could host harmful bacteria.
[related article_ids=1005850]

HealthyWay
iStock.com/SrdjanPav

“A brush made of animal hairs is really bad,” says Jacqueline Schaffer, MD. “We want to use a makeup brush that is cruelty-free and synthetic. These are more gently packed with fine bristles, providing an even tone.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkTJOOpHFSv/?hl=en&taken-by=motd_cosmetics
Schaffer explains that the hairs in a natural brush can also be uneven, causing an uneven application of makeup.

Myth 6: You don’t need to clean your personal makeup brushes that often if you only use them on yourself.

Cleaning your makeup brushes can be a drag—you don’t want to damage the delicate bristles, and they can take a while to dry, which can be annoying if you want to use the brush later on that same day. According to Schaffer, we should all be cleaning our makeup brushes after every single use. But realistically, she says deep cleaning them once or twice a week is okay, too. Regular brush cleanings will make your brushes last longer. Plus, sticking to clean brushes is good for your skin in the long run.


“You will end up saving money on your skincare products because you won’t have all that bacteria building up on your skin,” she says. “You won’t need to cover up that much because you won’t be the cause of your skin reacting.”
Invest in some brush cleaning wipes, baby shampoo, or special brush shampoo and commit to a regular cleaning schedule. It’s particularly important to clean beauty blenders or similar items after every use because they absorb a lot of product.

HealthyWay
iStock.com/Anetlanda

In a similar vein, if you ever get your makeup done professionally, make sure the brushes are clean first. Professional makeup artists know exactly how important this is, so anyone who tries to use dirty brushes may be inexperienced.

Myth 7: You can ignore makeup expiration dates.

Yes, I hate to break it to you, but makeup expires—and it’s very important to pay attention to that. Firstly, the consistency of the products will change over time which can make them less effective. But more importantly, old makeup can harbor bacteria which could irritate your skin and eyes.

HealthyWay
iStock.com/Mukhina1

“Look at when you bought your mascara,” Schaffer advises. “Past the four-month marker, it can build up bacteria and cause serious damage. The mascara is more likely to be clumpy, so it will weigh down your lashes, and they will fall off faster. It can also make you look older.”
HealthyWay
iStock.com/AndreyCherkasov

Generally speaking, Schaffer says, “If you use makeup that is too old, you’re going to ruin your skin.” So go through your makeup collection and toss anything that’s expired, pronto.

Ultimately, makeup means different things to different people.

For some, it’s an art form. Others use it to feel more confident or incorporate it into their daily routines. Some wear it as part of their professional uniform, and others love nothing more than playing with fun looks for a night out. And of course, some people opt not to wear makeup at all.

HealthyWay
iStock.com/Nevena1987

Many so-called makeup “rules” are stylistic, and you should feel free to ignore them—who cares if a green eyeshadow doesn’t “fit” with your skin tone?—but other guidelines are expert-backed, and they are definitely worth following.
So always be sure to clean your brushes, follow expiration dates, and wipe off your makeup before you go to bed. Everything else is up to you.

Categories
Conscious Beauty Lifestyle

Karité's Shea Butter Skincare Is Good For You (And The World)

Out of Office is a regular feature of brands we love—and we think you will too! Each of the brands we highlight must meet three criteria: 1) have a woman (or three!) in charge; 2) create sustainably, responsibly, and thoughtfully; and 3) fit in with the lives we’re actually living. Read on to find out more about this week’s brand, the ladies behind it all, and the advice they have for women everywhere.

‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧

Women of color supporting women of color by creating a product that’s great for everyone? That’s something we’re 100 percent on board with, hence our pick for this week’s feature: Karité.
Karité (which means shea in French) is a shea butter–packed skincare brand based in New York City, founded by three sisters from Ghana. Though their offerings may be limited to just two products (for now!), their body butter and hand cream have been expertly designed. If you’re feeling skeptical, thinking that there are plenty of body lotions on the market, rest assured that Karité’s founders know what they’re talking about.
After all, they’re pretty closely tied to their creams’ formulas: Both the body butter and hand cream were designed by co-founder and CEO Naana Boakye, MD. Yep, one of the co-founders is a dermatologist, and she’s the one who develops their products (she also runs her own dermatology practice just outside NYC).
Lest you think that’s the only trick these sisters have up their sleeves for Karité, there’s more—a lot more: Abena Slowe, Karité’s chief operating officer, is a lawyer in New York, while chief creative officer Akua Okunseinde has years of experience in sales, marketing, and finance (most recently for Google). Oh, and they’re all moms. Talk about badass.

Akua Okunseinde, Abena Slowe, and Naana Boakye of Karité Skincare
Akua Okunseinde, Abena Slowe, and Naana Boakye of Karité Skincare

Naana, Abena, and Akua are from Ghana, and growing up, they had access to some truly incredible products. Their favorite moisturizers were chock full of shea butter—an ingredient indigenous to Africa (and primarily farmed by women). But when they moved to the U.S., they were hard-pressed to find creams that lived up to their standards; the products they found were often full of highly processed, refined shea butters. They knew they could do better, thanks especially to Naana’s dermatology expertise.
Karité’s body butter and hand cream are hypoallergenic and free of artificial dyes, parabens, silicones, and pointless fillers that sit on top of the skin. Instead, they’re packed with raw, unrefined shea butter, sustainably sourced palm oil, and unrefined organic coconut oil. They worked with Ghanaian vendors to find the highest quality ingredients to bring to America. And in the process, Karité is helping support the more than 600,000 Ghanaian women who depend on shea butter production for their income.
While this shea butter production is good for devotees of Karité’s products and for the bank accounts of Ghanaian women, it isn’t always so great for the environment. That’s why Karité is a member of the Global Shea Alliance, a non-profit association based in Ghana that works to promote sustainability around shea butter production, developing environmentally friendly best practices, and setting industry quality standards across the world.
I use Karité’s products, and my dry skin is a huge fan. (See why below!) But in 2018, our purchasing power can be political, and it feels good to support a company owned by women of color in a time when, astoundingly, that in itself can be controversial.
That Karité’s ingredients are thoughtfully chosen, sustainably sourced, and add to the livelihoods of Ghanaian women and their families is just another reason to support Naana, Abena, and Akua and companies like theirs. Keep it up, ladies; HealthyWay is cheering you on.

Karité Product Spotlight

In need of hydration from head to toe? Well, Karité’s Crème Corps Hydrating Body Cream’s combination of shea butter, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and herbs—all sustainably sourced, of course—is gentle enough for everyday use while also being effective on particularly rough bits. (Head, elbows, knees, and toes, anyone?)
On the other hand, if you just need a product to throw in your purse and put on every single hour (I’m guilty!), the Crème Mains hand cream is your girl. It’s formulated particularly for the hands, which can dry out easily from hand-washing, cleaning, and general life. This cream is also formulated with ingredients that are ideal for sensitive skin.
[products ids=’1005674,1005675′ type=full]

Q+A with Naana Boakye, Abena Slowe, and Akua Okunseinde

What is your why behind the brand? What inspired you to start your company?

Naana: Our family roots are in Ghana, West Africa, where much of the shea butter you know and love is sourced from. Our family has used shea butter in its raw form as a daily moisturizer for as long as we can remember. While raw, unrefined shea butter is the ultimate moisturizer for your skin, it’s quite difficult to spread on the skin. We would often mix the shea butter with over-the-counter lotion to make it easier to spread. This is when we had the idea to make our own all-natural version of liquid shea butter.
Based on what I’ve learned in my practice, I was confident about the type of formulation we would need but knew it would take time to perfect. We started brainstorming about starting this brand back in 2013 and officially launched in February 2017.

Karité Shea Butter Skincare

Walk us through your typical work day.

Abena: We really don’t have a “typical” work day—every day is different since we are a start-up.  There are a lot of moving parts, and it can be crazy and chaotic at times. When we are working on the brand, our time is spent on customer orders, managing and expanding our retail and wellness partnerships, social media, communicating with bloggers and magazines on features, and strategizing about the vision and future of the brand.

What’s up next for Karité?

Akua: Our key focus has and always will be our products, specifically ingredients that we source to provide maximum hydration for our customers’ skin. We have some ideas of what products we want to add to our line, but we are constantly researching to make sure that we make the right determination. We are not trying to have a ton of products all at once—we find that being deliberate and intentional with a slow rollout is working well.
We are also expanding our retail brand partnerships within the U.S. We love the fact that so many indie beauty stores are cropping up and really loving what we have to offer. We look forward to collaborating with those that share a similar mission to ours.
Akua Okunseinde of Karité gives her best advice.

Tell us about Karité’s products!

Abena: We currently have two products available: Crème Corps Hydrating Body Cream and Crème Mains Hand Cream, and both are really incredible and have been well received.
The hand cream is great because it’s the perfect size to carry in your purse and it’s also TSA compliant so you can take it with you when you travel. Your skin gets extremely dry on airplanes, so it’s important to stay moisturized. Our hand cream is lighter in texture and leaves your hands feeling hydrated but not at all greasy and also has a light pleasant smell.
Our body cream has been extremely popular because it feels so rich with its thicker consistency, yet it’s super smooth and hydrating when you rub it into your skin. A little goes a long way.
Because we focused on making sure our products are non-toxic, they are great for the entire family. We use both products on our kids all the time!

Five-Minute Mentor

What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start a small business?

Akua: Perseverance, patience, and being open-minded are key. It’s easy to come up with an idea and bring it to fruition, but marketing, selling, and dealing with the day-to-day is pretty challenging.
Sometimes you take a step forward but then end up taking two steps back. It’s the nature of being a small business. But we are starting to see things fall into place in a very positive way due to our perseverance and patience.

What was your lightbulb moment, where all the hard work felt totally worth it?

Naana: In the very beginning, you try to market pretty widely to become known because there are so many brands in the beauty space. Pretty soon after we launched, we got, and have continued to get, incredibly positive feedback on our brand from press, customers, and retailers!
When someone tells you that they heard about your brand or saw your brand in a magazine or in a store, that feeling just never gets old. It’s pretty amazing.

Akua Okunseinde of Karité
Akua Okunseinde, chief creative officer of Karité

What’s your favorite way to practice self-care?

Abena: In terms of routine, everything shifted when I had my second child about 9 months ago, so my intention has been to try to adopt a more consistent self-care practice. For now, it’s finding a bit of alone time, even if it’s only for 10 minutes, sleeping in a bit over the weekend, or going for a walk around the neighborhood. I also practice breathing exercises, which forces me to focus and calm my energy. Eventually, once I have a decent sleep routine back, I plan to get back to distance running.
Naana: I also have two kids, and being a mom often means putting yourself last. Over the last year and a half, I have made it a point to really take the time to focus on myself because I’ve found that overall it’s made me more focused, healthier, and happier. I’m an early riser and I take advantage of that aspect of myself. I try to hit the gym 4 to 5 times a week first thing in the morning around 5 a.m. I lift weights and really enjoy the group classes at my gym because of the great energy. I also try to eat a well-balanced diet leaning heavily towards plant-based. (But I still indulge in sweets!) I also love going to church on Sundays with my family.
Akua: I’m a new mom! I had my first child 5 months ago, so it’s been pretty life-changing for me and I am also trying to get into a more consistent self-care routine. I definitely cherish some alone time, sneaking in a nap during the day to recharge or soaking in a bath for some calm.

Balance or harmony?

Abena: Haha, is there such a thing? But seriously, it’s something I think we all constantly strive for. I think there are moments of balance but with all we have going on, it’s hard to constantly feel balanced.
Abena Slowe of Karité talks balance vs. harmony.
Harmony speaks better to my mindset—you can try to manage things in your life in a way that causes the least amount of stress and makes you content. There also needs to be flexibility because it’s different every day. Some days you may be more tipped one way versus the other, but that’s okay.

How do you define wellness?

Naana: It’s so many things, and it’s a full-body experience, both spiritual and physical. It’s being confident and feeling good about yourself, it’s taking care of your body and being mindful of what you put in it and what you expose it to. It’s taking the time to uplift and be compassionate to someone every day.
Some people may not think of skincare as part of wellness, but it very much is and that is what we are trying to teach our consumers. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and you have to be mindful of what you expose it to. It’s important to take a deep look at your beauty cabinet because studies have shown that many skincare products contain irritating chemicals that cause skin conditions such as rashes, itching, and cracked skin. Be kind to your skin and your body and strive to use natural and non-toxic products.

What book do you think all women need to read?

Abena: I have enjoyed reading Own Your Glow by Latham Thomas. It’s a really inspiring book that pushes you to focus on wellness, self-awareness, and self-love. Anyone who is struggling, who is looking for more self-care tips and wisdom—or if you just need some uplifting and a confidence-booster—this book is perfect for that.
We live in some pretty crazy times right now, so I think this is a must-read for all women. I’ve had the honor of meeting Latham a few times, and she is truly such a sweetheart, is full of so much love and light, and does such good work for women. All of that translates in her book.

Pick your fuel of choice: coffee, tea, or something else (if so, what?).

Naana: Latte. I need two shots and mixed with milk. If I don’t start my day with that I’m not coherent.

Naana Boakye, chief executive officer of Karité
Naana Boakye, chief executive officer of Karité

Abena: Hard to choose, but I rotate through lattes, matcha lattes, flat whites, green tea, and chamomile tea. It all depends on my mood.
Akua: I go back and forth between coffee and tea. Since I don’t get much sleep these days, I definitely love treating myself to a good latte in the morning.

What’s your ideal day off of work?

Naana: It’s funny because we are all moms, we feel like we are always “on” even when we have a day off. But my ideal day off would be a workout in the morning, followed up by an incredible massage at a spa. After a good lunch, curl up on the couch and enjoy a book near a window.
Abena: Take a nice long walk in the morning or go for a run, then catch up with a friend over coffee/breakfast. Relax at home with a book or watch a movie. And take a nap!
Akua: I’m currently on maternity leave, and I’m cherishing that I get to spend this time with my baby. I know many women struggle with their employers having little or sometimes no maternity leave at all. Right now my ideal day off would consist of catching up on sleep. Otherwise a nice lunch and spa treatment would be great!

What was your first job?

Naana: I worked in an administrative office at college making copies. It was great because I learned all about time management, which is a skill set that I use every day.
Abena: I was a sales associate at a women’s clothing store, so I had a lot of interaction with customers.
Naana Boakye of Karité explains that it's not supposed to be easy.
Akua: I was a camp counselor for 3- and 4-year-olds. It was exhausting but I have always loved kids so really loved my job!

What has been your biggest obstacle in building your company and how did you overcome it?

Naana: The biggest obstacle is that there is no roadmap or cookbook to starting a small business. In medicine and in law, there are protocols. Starting Karité took a lot of research and learning a lot about business beyond the formulations and beyond the beauty industry. We have faced a variety of obstacles.
Being that we are a family business, it was hard to give up control and delegate certain areas of the business to others, but there were some aspects that we just did not know how to do and it made more sense to bring on people who could handle those aspects of the business more efficiently.

Abena Slowe, chief operating officer of Karité
Abena Slowe, chief operating officer of Karité

When starting a business, there are always many obstacles and roadblocks and it can be frustrating—you have to decide whether you are going to throw in the towel or push through the challenge. We are extremely happy with our brand and the direction it’s going in, but it’s not easy. And it’s not supposed to be easy. If it was, everyone would be doing it.

How do you stay motivated?

Akua: Some people ask how we like working with each other—we love it. We have always been close and we get along incredibly well. It helps that we also have similar taste in pretty much everything. But we do each have our particular strengths, which keeps us motivated and keeps our bond stronger.  
Also, every time we get feedback that someone has fallen in love with our brand, it just reinforces to us that we have made really good products and we want to keep growing.

‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧

Shop Karité on their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Categories
Lifestyle Well-Traveled

How Solo Travelers Meet New People And Make Friends Around the World

Where’s the weirdest place to meet new people? For me, it was in bed in Mexico (and involved exactly zero margaritas).
I had woken up in my hotel room in Playa del Carmen, turned to my left, and there was a woman in the queen bed next to mine. While a stranger in my room would typically cue a freakout, this situation was different. I was on the inaugural Vaera Journeys women’s entrepreneurial retreat, and my roommate was scheduled to arrive late that first night.
“Good morning,” I squeaked out, unsure if I was ready to make a good impression, let alone make a new friend, so early in the day.
“Good morning! This is the first time I’ve ever met someone in bed before!” replied the stranger, who I’d later learn was Debbie Arcangeles, host of the podcast The Offbeat Life. Anyone who can crack a joke that actually makes me laugh before my first cup of coffee gets fast-tracked to my friends list, and we spent the rest of the retreat bonding (in bed, and out of it!), attending entrepreneurial mastermind sessions, chilling out on the beach, and brainstorming creative ideas for our businesses. It was a match made in roomie heaven.
And lucky for me, I didn’t leave the friendship behind in Mexico. We still chat online and get together when we can in New York. She’s one of countless people I’ve connected with on the road—arguably one of my favorite places to meet new people.
If you thought that loneliness is a way of life for solo adventurers, think again. Travel catalyzes friendship. Few experiences offer the opportunity to connect deeply with others like overcoming language barriers, getting around a foreign country, stepping totally outside your element, and taking in a different culture.
Traveling is the best way to meet new people—if you’re open to it.

Why should you meet new people on vacation?

So you finally took the plunge and booked a trip, with absolutely no idea who your seatmate will be on your flight. It takes a lot of guts to travel solo—why would you want to ruin that by trying to meet new people on your journey?
Think about why you were inspired to travel to begin with. You probably had an interest in changing the way you see the world. That shift in perspective gets even more dynamic when you throw a variety of new connections into the mix, says Molly Cowen, frequent traveler and editor at TravelPirates.
“Not only have I had eye-opening discussions, but I’ve also had countless interesting conversations and genuinely fun adventures with friends of as little as a few hours,” she says.
For me, visiting a Hindu temple in India alongside a British scholar, a Finnish taxi driver, and a couple of Aussie creatives was a much different experience than if I had gone alone. It made it more fun and more interesting to see it from a multicultural point of view. Plus, when we got lost, it felt adventurous—not stressful. We could laugh about it together as we found our way.
[related article_ids=1002621]
Meeting new people abroad shouldn’t only consist of other foreigners, though. Befriending locals has its own advantages—you get an authentic glimpse at what it’s actually like to live in a particular place, and you learn cultural nuances you might otherwise miss as an outsider. When I lived and traveled in Indonesia, building tight-knit relationships with local women allowed me to ask otherwise taboo questions I had, such as why some chose to wear the hijab while others didn’t. Plus, the sleepovers we had were an instant cure for my homesickness.
Finally, there are a lot of practical advantages to finding friends when you’re far from home. You can save money (and travel on a budget) by sharing hotel rooms, transportation, and meals. You’ll also build a support network in the country.
Going somewhere a little sketchy, or trying out a daring activity (like bungee-jumping)? If your new pals don’t want to join you, they’ll at least take note of where you’re going and look out for your safe return.

If you want to make friends on vacation, you have to plan ahead.

The planning stage is the best time to increase your chances of meeting new people on vacation, and it starts with where you stay. Look for accommodations that foster a sense of community among their transient residents.
“Hostels are a great way to meet new people,” says Viktoria Altman, travel blogger at Traveltipster. “Many people who stay in hostels tend to be more outgoing. Although hostels used to be only for young people, there are more and more older travelers who choose to stay in them, not in small part for the company.”
Hostels aren’t for everyone, though. If you’re looking for more upscale lodging, skip the big chains in favor of small, family-owned guest houses, bed and breakfasts, and hotels. Charming, one-of-a-kind places mentioned in popular guidebooks (such as the Lonely Planet series) attract friendly travelers from all over the world, and often host events (like movie screenings, family dinners, and board game nights) that create atmospheres for budding friendships—even if you’re just staying a couple of nights.

Meet new people through the art of conversation.

When’s the last time you approached a perfect stranger for a casual conversation? That’s exactly what you’ll need to get comfortable doing if you want to meet new people on a trip. It might seem uncomfortable at first, but trust me when I say that the person on the receiving end of your greeting will probably be receptive.
“Be friendly and read the situation. Don’t be afraid to chat up strangers and ask questions about the area,” says Nicole Faith, founder of the Digital Nomad Business Directory. “You can ask ‘Are you a local?’ and tell them you’re visiting. Ask for their recommendations and opinions—people love giving them! It’s a quick way to break the ice.”
Every great friendship starts with a simple conversation. Fear of rejection is real, but try to suppress it for the few moments it takes to open up to someone. You never know where it might lead.

Meet new people in a class or group activity.

Shared experiences instantly give strangers something they can both relate to—and hopefully bond over. Trying out a new activity or signing up for an interesting class present ample opportunities to meet new people when you don’t know anyone.
“I met a friend while on a haunted house tour in Scotland and another friend on a four-hour swimming cruise in Greece. If you are looking to meet people, join all kinds of activities. You can find some really fun ones on Groupon and Viator,” says Altman.
Taking a local cooking class is a travel ritual for me; I sign up for one on nearly every trip I take. Not only do I get to learn new recipes, but I also get to connect with others over a mutual love of culture and cuisine. And sometimes, the classes come with surprises—like the time my Turkish cooking teacher helped me crash a wedding in Istanbul…but that’s another story.

Meet new people while traveling? There’s an app for that.

Technology has made it easier than ever to meet new people, especially while traveling. Social media helps digital nomad and travel vlogger Andrea Valeria find friends in every city she calls home.
“There’s a misconception that you’re bound to get lonely when you’re traveling full time, but I haven’t experienced that yet,” she says. “That’s mostly thanks to social media. When used with purpose, it helps you connect to people you wouldn’t otherwise meet in your vicinity.”
She’s had the most luck with Instagram and Twitter, as those platforms facilitate connections based on mutual interests. It often starts with exchanges of likes and comments, before moving into private messages, and eventually over to chat and text, says Valeria. When you’re both at the destination, set up a time to meet in person, perhaps over coffee or lunch.
“This year, I traveled to an island in Mexico with two girls I met on Instagram that I had been talking to for over a year, and it was one of the greatest trips I’ve done in a while,” she says. “If you’re careful and strategic, social media can lead you to your next best friend.”
Traditional social media isn’t the only way to meet new people with digital tools, though. Travel writer Tracy Kaler recommends trying Bungee Girl, an app that helps solo female travelers find gal pals wherever they go. Try out a few platforms to see what works for you—and who you happen to come across.

A retreat or group tour is a great way to meet new people.

All the planning required while you’re on a trip can preoccupy you, consuming precious time you might otherwise spend meeting new people. Wellness retreats and organized group tours take care of that structure for you, leaving you free to get to know other travelers, says Jill Bowdery, travel blogger at Reading the Book.
“I always make friends on these tours, even the shorter ones,” she says. “My Facebook friends list is littered with people from all over the world who I connected with. Some are people I shared two weeks of intense experiences with, while others are people I only knew for a day but hit it off with well enough to want to keep that connection. All of them make life more interesting!”
Plus, the shared itinerary will give you tons of opportunities to socialize during exciting experiences.

Meet new people by learning a language.

Every traveler has struggled with a language barrier. But building a language bridge might be the easiest way to meet new people around the world, says Stephanie Montague, travel blogger at Poppin’ Smoke.
“If you’re in a foreign country, chances are there’s someone who wants to learn English and would love to meet you for coffee. If you are interested in learning the local language, all the better,” she says. “Try posting a message on bulletin boards at local universities or through organizations serving foreigners. Online classifieds are also a good resource to find a local with which to practice the language.”
It’ll pay off with some helpful vocabulary, and hopefully a new amiga.

Stay in touch with the new people you meet.

Success! You found a companion and spent days wandering around an exotic place together. But now it’s time to part ways—how can you keep the relationship alive when you live far away?
Whenever you meet new people, get their details right away, says Goldie Chan, a frequent traveler and founder of Warm Robots, a social media strategy agency.
“Add them immediately into your phone, WhatsApp, or on to your favorite social network and send them a picture of the two of you. This ensures that you have their contact and not just a scrap of paper,” she says.
Then, use the info! Budding friendships aren’t as resilient as your long-term buddies back at home—they require regular attention to blossom. When you meet new people, continue to connect with them over social media and email. Sending them a postcard, snail-mail style, will show special care. Growing the relationship ensures that it’ll be there for the long term.
Who knows? Maybe you’ll even plan your next trip together.

A Word of Caution: Be safe when you’re meeting new people.

No matter how lonely you get while traveling solo, don’t let your desire to meet new people put your safety at risk. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when you’re trying to meet new people on vacation:
Meet new people only in public places. There’s little to no reason to go into the private room or car of someone you’ve only known for a short while.
Tell someone you trust where you’re going and who you’re meeting. Zap an email to your friends and family back home, and let the staff at your hotel or hostel know what you’re up to.
Secure your valuables. Carry no more than the amount of cash you need for a day, put locks on your bags, and definitely stash your passport in a safe place.
Know your own limits. That goes for alcohol and physical activity. Pushing yourself to the point of insobriety or exhaustion leaves you vulnerable.
Always trust your instincts. They can save you from a lot of trouble.
Taking a few basic safety precautions gives you the peace of mind you need to meet new people. Go ahead, traveler, mingle your way around the world. Let us know how it goes!

Categories
Healthy Her Way Lifestyle

Registered Holistic Nutritionist Meghan Doll

Officially, Meghan “Meg” Doll is a registered holistic nutritionist. Her brand name, Meg the RHN, confirms it. Really though, she is so much more than her occupation.
At first glance, holistic nutrition can be an intimidating idea. It seems like something your favorite food bloggers and wellness influencers have down pat, but trying to recreate those very beautiful—often very green—plates of food seems likes something that should be left to the pros.
Meg proves that’s not the case. Scrolling through her Instagram, you’ll start to understand that holistic nutrition is not that daunting. Scrambled eggs? Uh, we can do that. “Love Bowls”? Sounds like something we could get into. Of course there’s still a lot of green, but here at HealthyWay we’re definitely down for some veggies and avo toast. Not to mention the food itself is just a portion of Meg’s holistic approach.
In case you aren’t familiar, holistic nutrition is a more comprehensive approach to health that looks at the whole, individual person, not just what they’re eating. Meg’s personal bouts with eating disorders inspired her to help other women feel healthy, but they also taught her that actually being healthy goes beyond food. It includes feeling empowered and loved by yourself, which happens by paying attention to how you’re feeling and what you’re thinking. Meg teaches women how to connect with their natural intuition to figure out what they need to live their best life. Her goal isn’t to tell women exactly what to do, but listen to her clients so she can teach them how to listen to themselves—their bodies and their minds.
Besides the yummy food, inspirational posts, and self-love selfies that make up Meg’s feed, you’ll probably notice the plethora of small bottles of something. They’re essential oils—rose, grapefruit, frankincense and many, many more. We’ve seen lots of food inspo on the ’gram, but essential oil inspo isn’t quite as common, and you might never meet an essential oil enthusiast as passionate as Meg.
Due to her fervor for all things related to essential oils, Meg has created an entire program, Nourished & Free, dedicated to showing women the benefits of essential oils so they can find the same freedom and empowerment she did. With the way she gushes about the benefits of essential oils, you’ll want to make your way to the doTerra website to get shopping ASAP.
Above all, Meg believes in women and their power to create a happy, healthy life. As one of her Instagram posts said, “We all have this incredible ability to change the story we are telling ourselves, holding onto, and believing.”
Meg’s living proof of that. She changed her story for the better and wants other women to know they can too.  
HealthyWay

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

As an entrepreneur who works from home, I am able to schedule my day in a way that feels good for me! Since there are several different aspects of my business, no day of the week looks the same, but a typical workday involves:
Waking up between 6 and 8 a.m., naturally—without an alarm.
Having a big S’well bottle filled with warm water, a pinch of sea salt, and lemon essential oil.
Taking my pup for a little walk around our neighborhood. Coming home to have a nourishing breakfast that will fuel me through the morning as I work. I will then break for lunch and work through the rest of the afternoon, breaking again at least once to take my pup for another little walk outside, and then I finally wrap up my work day around 4:30/5 p.m., which is when I’ll move my body in some way that feels good for me that day.
I love strength training, so I lift weights in my full home gym three times per week, which is what I’ve found to be a great schedule for me, my mind, and body! However, if I’m not lifting weights, I also love yoga and leisure walking. So depending on the day, I will do one of those types of movement.
One of my greatest passions is cooking, so I look forward to making a new meal every night for my boyfriend and I to enjoy together.
After dinner, what I do all depends on the day, but I usually take it easy—a warm shower, reading a book, and journaling before I go to bed at 10/10:30 p.m.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

I absolutely love the topic of self-care, so I could talk about this forever as I think the practice of self-care is so much more than simply pedicures, massages, and bubble baths. For me, self-care is listening to what I need in the moment. However, I’ve found that daily movement, staying properly hydrated, eating foods that I enjoy and allow me to feel my best, daily journaling and reading, and communicating my thoughts and feelings with my boyfriend on a daily basis are some of the self-care practices that I would consider to be non-negotiables for me, so I guess I would say they would be my favorites, as well!

How do you stay inspired?

I find that I am most inspired and “in the flow” when I’m journaling daily. If I don’t journal, I feel disconnected from myself, which leads to lack of inspiration.
HealthyWay
HealthyWay
Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

I wouldn’t be caught anywhere without my Verage skincare! It’s completely transformed the look and feel of my skin, so that’s the first thing to come to mind!

What are your favorite apps?

The app I use most would be Instagram, so that would probably be my favorite, too!

Whose Instagram is on your radar? #squadgoals #gramlove #hashtag

@rochellebilow! She’s an Instagram friend of mine and a soon-to-be guest on my podcast as well! Her food pictures inspire me, her captions move me, and her cute little pup Cedar Boots is adorable!

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

I am currently reading the book The Path of Practice.
HealthyWay
HealthyWay

Meghan IRL

What is your bucket list travel destination?

Since travel is on the top of my Joy List, so I have a lot on my list—Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, and Morocco, to name a few…

Would you rather explore space or the ocean? Why?

Ocean, but only if I could be a mermaid at the same time 😉

What’s your coffee order?

I don’t drink coffee—not even decaf! However, my favorite drink is reishi with black pepper and cardamom essential oils.

What piece of advice has impacted you the most?

No one has the power to dictate the way you feel about yourself—only you have that power. My dad told this to me as a young 10-year-old girl.
HealthyWay
HealthyWay
For more food and essential oil inspiration, plus some pics of her adorable dog Penny, check out Meg’s Instagram and website.

Categories
Lifestyle Well-Traveled

How To Overcome Travel Anxiety And Actually Enjoy Your Vacation

Vacations are supposed to be just that: a vacation—from daily stress, from daily anxiety, from daily life. But let’s be honest, getting to the actual relaxation part can be just the opposite: both entirely stressful and fraught with travel anxiety.
Inevitably, when it comes to travel snafus, anything that can go wrong will go wrong. It’s not enough that your Uber Pool is stuck in traffic. Once you get to the airport, TSA seems to constantly be changing its rules (Laptop in or out: Which one is it?). Then there are flight delays, dealing with your fear of flying, and, ultimately, stepping off the plane—and into someplace new.
When we look at the big picture, actually enjoying a vacation takes quite a bit of work, especially if you’re already working to overcome a substantial amount of travel anxiety.
In the 2015 study “Exploring the Fear of Travel” published in the International Journal of Scientific Management and Tourism, researchers wrote, “Although millions of people travel from one to another point of the globe in quest of other landscapes, customs and cultures, there are many others who are restrained due to psychological impediments. Leisure travel is for them a real nightmare.”
In some scenarios, travelers might not even know they suffer from travel anxiety. “While travel anxiety isn’t actually a diagnosis, situational phobias are,” says Heidi McBain, a licensed professional counselor and therapist, and author of Life Transitions: Personal Stories of Hope Through Life’s Most Difficult Challenges and Changes. “These phobias can include fear of airplanes, fear of enclosed spaces, or other anxieties relating to travel.”
If this sounds like you, rest assured you are not alone. Travel anxiety is something that many Americans struggle with. (A 2015 survey from The Economist and YouGov showed that about 15 percent of Americans are afraid of flying.) The good news is is that there are steps you can take to minimize travel anxiety, which can get you on the road to a relaxing vacation a whole lot sooner.

What is travel anxiety?

The cause of travel anxiety can be difficult to determine, but it’s typically related to some other form of anxiety. Unlike other forms of anxiety, though, travel anxiety can be triggered by anything related to any aspect of traveling: from worrying about getting to the airport to not wanting to leave your comfort zone or an actual fear of flying itself.
“Anxiety is fear of the future and the possibility of something negative happening,” explains McBain. “A delayed flight, an oversold plane, a long line at check-in, and a host of other possible scenarios may trigger stress in certain people.”
[pullquote align=”center”]“Leisure travel is for them a real nightmare.”[/pullquote]
Additionally, according to McBain, travel anxiety can be something learned from family members who suffer from it, or it can develop because of negative experiences with flying in the past, or from something someone saw on TV or in a movie.
Travel anxiety is not necessarily irrational. “Travel can be stressful whether it’s a one-night trip with a nonstop flight or a month-long trek through Europe,” says Anna Thelen, a travel consultant with Dream Come True Vacations. “There’s always this feeling of the unknown and helplessness when it comes to relying on airlines, transportation, [and] the kindness of strangers.”
Interestingly, if your travel anxiety doesn’t present as typical anxiety does, you might not even know that it’s something you struggle with.

Signs of Travel Anxiety

Anxiety in daily life is normal and we all deal with a certain amount of it. If you’re wondering if you have travel anxiety, look out for these common symptoms. (But to know whether or not it is something more than naturally occurring worries, speak to a professional who can help you with a diagnosis and treatment plan.)
“Physical symptoms of anxiety are fight-or-flight responses. They are natural responses to stressors,” says Tania Elliott, MD, Chief Medical Officer of preventative health company EHE. “[These] physical symptoms include increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and high blood pressure.”
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To determine how problematic your travel anxiety is, note if there is immediate fear or fear that is out of proportion with reality, which can result in active avoidance according to McBain.
Becoming aware of whether or not you have travel anxiety is a great first step. But the goal then should be to minimize it so that the overall vacation experience doesn’t become a negative association.
Luckily, there are several practical things that travelers can do before and during a trip that can help to lessen the stress associated with travel anxiety.

How to Overcome Travel Anxiety: Plan Before the Plane

“For many people, the more experience they have with travel, the overall less anxiety [they] feel,” says Thelen. Planning ahead is key when it comes to trying to minimize the anxiety, she says.
Learning about your destination, airline, resort, and airport ahead of time is one of the best ways to stay calm. Thelen recommends sharing your itinerary with friends and family as well as keeping both electronic and paper backups of all important documents. Additionally, look up all the information for nearby hospitals and embassies in case of illness or emergency.
One of the best ways to overcome your anxiety before traveling is by purchasing travel insurance. This may give you peace of mind, knowing that both your health and travel investment are protected.
Still feeling anxious? “I also like to play a game of What If? where I discuss all the potentials that could go wrong during the trip and have a plan for how to work through for fix those problems before they happen,” Thelen shares.
Another option is to consider using a travel agent. Travel agents take a lot of the planning legwork out of the vacation, meaning you have fewer opportunities to fret over every little choice. Plus, should anything go wrong, you’ll have a professional back home whom you can contact to help you solve any issue.

How to Overcome Travel Anxiety When You’re En Route

As for dealing with anxiety that comes with being on the plane itself, Elliott recommends her patients consider guided meditation. She points them to the HeadSpace app; their short, guided meditations are ideal for when you’re feeling anxious out in public.
“The fight-or-flight response is how the body reacts when it senses a predator. It results in a lot of pent-up energy,” says Elliott. “Walk it off. Stand up. Do a mini sun-salutation, if you will.” Elliott stresses the importance of opening up your body when you feel anxious, rather than shrinking in.
Her most-recommended breathing technique for helping to overcome travel anxiety is called alternate nostril breathing. Place one thumb on one nostril and your ring finger on the other. Push in with your thumb, and breathe in, then alternate and do the same with the other nostril. Do this for 30 seconds, she says, and make sure that your exhale is twice as long as your inhale.

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Don’t forget to take care of yourself in other ways, too. “When you’re on an airplane, one of the things you can do is get a good night sleep before. Stay hydrated as well. If you feel crummy during travel, it will trigger anxiety,” says Elliott.
Finally, if the fear of flying is still holding you back, you might be calmed by some cold, hard statistics. As you go through the motions of flying, quell your worries with the fact that 2.5 million passengers fly in and out of American airports every single day. Air travel is also supremely safe. David Ropeik, a risk communication instructor at Harvard University, says your odds of dying in a car accident are about 1 in 5,000 while the odds of dying in a plane crash are about 1 in 11 million.
You’re more likely to be struck by lightning in your lifetime with a 1 in 13,000 chance, and you hardly ever hear stories about that. It seems that we hear about plane crashes so often because they are so rare. Trying to remind yourself of these safety statistics while traveling can definitely help you stay calm.

Dealing With Travel Anxiety on Vacation

Hopefully once you reach your destination, the travel anxiety wears off and you’re able to relax and enjoy a beautiful vacation. Still, many people find that the constant periods of transition during a travel experience cause anxiety.
“Most people experience anxiety right before they leave for a trip and right when they get there. Transitions are difficult,” Elliott says. She recommends trying as best you can to be present and in the moment.
Her best advice? Make it a cellphone-free trip. “Disconnect from technology and immerse yourself in your surroundings,” she says. “This is a [linkbuilder id=”6580″ text=”life hack”] that I try to do when I’m on vacation. I put my phone in the safe. The first six hours I feel the technology withdrawal, but after that I find myself feeling totally free.”

Understanding Travel Anxiety Post-Vacation

Ideally, tackling your travel anxiety before you leave and while you’re on vacation will show you that your fears are unfounded—and it might just motivate you to travel again in the future. Not feeling so sure? There are a few things you can do after a trip in order to debrief and learn from the past so that the next time around the idea of travel is less daunting.
Give yourself some downtime before you return to work and your everyday life if possible. McBain suggests using this time to reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Journaling is a great way to take note of how you felt during each stage of the trip to see what changes you would make in the future.
[pullquote align=”center”]“The fight-or-flight response is how the body reacts when it senses a predator. It results in a lot of pent-up energy. Walk it off. Stand up. Do a mini sun-salutation, if you will.”
—Tania Elliott, MD[/pullquote]
“Take stock of the trip,” says Thelen. “Note anything that went wrong, or that you would improve on the next one and take note of that.” For example, if you find that you became anxious while checking in for a flight because you couldn’t locate all of your documents, make a note of that. Before your next trip, make sure to have everything you need for check-in printed and in an easy-to-access spot.
“I also like to keep a master packing list,” Thelen says. “Packing lists can vary from trip to trip depending on climate, time of year, et cetera, but some things remain the same and as you go through your travels, make note of items that would have made your trip easier and add that to your master packing list.”

Overcoming Travel Anxiety: Medication and Therapy

Anxiety is a normal part of life. It is okay to feel a little bit anxious from time to time. And travel is certainly stressful, so feeling travel anxiety is not uncommon and can certainly be overcome. But how do you know when it is more than just a little bit of stress?
If the pre-planning and post-planning techniques mentioned above don’t seem to assuage your anxiety at all, that is something to take note of. If the fear of travel is so debilitating that it makes you not want to go, that is another sign to pay attention to.
“If these problems are pervasive and keeping you from seeing and doing things that you enjoy and experiencing life the way you would like, then medication may be an option that you’d like to explore with your doctor,” says McBain. “Therapy is another great place to get support for anxiety and learn new, healthier ways of coping with life stresses.”
Xanax and Ativan are common prescriptions for situational anxiety, but for those who don’t necessarily want to take medication, or whose doctors feel that prescriptions might not be right for them, try melatonin, a supplement you can get over the counter.
“I recommend adjusting to the time zone you’re flying to in advance by taking melatonin a few days beforehand,” says Elliott. This allows the melatonin to be most effective in flight and allows travelers to adjust more quickly once they land.
And always remember that you are not alone in dealing with travel anxiety. Talking to someone is incredibly effective and can go a long way in determining what is the right method for you.
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Categories
Conscious Beauty Lifestyle

What's My Skin Type? Here's How To Find Out

In theory, going into Sephora to shop for skincare products should be a whole lot of fun: The masks! The moisturizers! The facial mists! But when you actually step foot inside, seeing all those products can be seriously overwhelming. Where the heck are you supposed to begin?
Knowing your skin type is a crucial first step. Why? “It’s important to know your skin type in order to choose the most effective skincare products and in-office treatments to promote skin wellness and slow aging,” says licensed esthetician Kimberly Bates.
Keep reading to learn exactly how to figure out your skin type and put together a regimen targeted to your specific skin type and concerns.

How to Determine Your Skin Type

Not totally sure what skin type you have? The next time you cleanse your face, don’t apply any further products (even moisturizer!). Check out how your skin looks and feels about an hour later, then compare your skin’s feel and appearance to these common signs that can help you figure out whether you have oily, dry, combination, or “normal” skin.

Oily Skin

One of the biggest signifiers of oily skin is large pore size as well as an especially shiny T-zone (the part of your face that includes your forehead, nose, and chin), says Bates.
“Another giveaway [of oily skin] is grease residue that builds on [the] skin’s surface during the day and easily transfers to anything pressed against the face, whether it’s a blotting tissue or your smartphone,” says Sonya Dakar, celebrity esthetician.

Dry Skin

The telltale signs of dry skin are tightness or itchiness. “You may also notice rough patches, flaking, or even cracking and bleeding,” says Dakar. Those with dry skin often experience peeling around their noses, says Jennifer Holman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.
If your skin feels tight and uncomfortable after cleansing, then you probably have dry skin, says Bates.

Combination Skin

Are you a little oily here and a little dry there? Then you might have combination skin. “Typical signs of combination skin would be an oily T-zone with possibly dry skin elsewhere,” says Bates. “However, the oily regions can be around the hairline on the forehead only.”

Normal Skin

The word “normal” is kind of a misnomer because having oily or dry skin doesn’t mean you’re not normal! In the parlance of skincare, “normal” skin just means you don’t have any recurring, stand-out issues. “Your skin can be classified as normal if it isn’t particularly oily or dry and if anti-aging, acne, and sensitivity aren’t concerns on your radar—in other words, the skin type all of us wish we had,” says Dakar.

What determines your skin type?

Your skin type is determined by your genetics to some degree. For instance, if your dad had acne, then you might have him to thank for your own breakout woes, says Dakar. If your mom’s always complaining about having a flaky nose, she might be to blame for your dry skin!
Hormones affect your skin type, too. “When you are on your period, your skin may experience breakouts, causing you to think your skin is oily,” says Dakar. “But once your period is over, the breakouts [might] clear right up and your skin can become flaky.” Your skin might even change seasonally depending on how much, or little, moisture is in the air. You might notice oilier skin in the summer and drier skin in the winter, says Dakar.
Lifestyle factors like smoking, stress, and how well (or poorly) you sleep also play a role in how your skin appears, says Tori Burns, a certified physician’s assistant.
Using the wrong products can exacerbate your skin issues, says Holman. If you’re piling on retinoids for wrinkles, this can cause peeling and make dry skin worse, says Holman.
Plus, there’s nothing we can do to stop aging, and you can expect your skin to change in appearance and texture over time due to aging as well, adds Holman.

The Best Skincare Routine for Every Skin Type

Now that you know which skin type you have, it’s time to put together the best skincare routine for you.

The Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

“Although drying out [oily] skin feels logical, it’s not,” says Dakar. “You should avoid using stripping and dehydrating products with sulfates—particularly sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate—foaming agents that leave skin feeling refreshingly clean after immediate use but that stimulate oil glands to produce more oil in the long run to overcompensate for the sudden shock of dryness.”
Dakar likes treating oily skin with oil to balance it. “It may sound crazy, but feeding [oily] skin a healthy oil like omega-rich flaxseed oil sends your skin a message that it does not need to produce any extra oil on its own,” she says.
Bates recommends looking for oil-free moisturizers and sunscreens to avoid excess greasiness. Retinol is a great ingredient to use when you have oily skin, says Burns. It increases cell turnover, getting rid of dead skin cell buildup in your pores, which can lead to acne.

The Best Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Steer clear of foaming cleansers, which will be too stripping for your dry skin, and stick to oil cleansers instead, says Bates. Dakar is a fan of cleansing oils for dry skin, too. “Cleansing oils will melt away makeup and dirt while leaving skin very soft and hydrated,” she says, adding that you should wash your face with lukewarm water because hot water is dehydrating.
Moisturizer is key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier, says Bates. (Your skin barrier keeps moisture in and irritants out.) Dakar suggests looking for ingredients like resveratrol, grapeseed oil, and antioxidants. “Caring for dry skin may be as simple as eliminating harsh environmental factors or kicking an old habit to the curb,” says Dakar. “Being exposed to dry air regularly and spending time in the sun without protection can cause skin to dry out. Bad habits including smoking or poor hydration are surefire contributors to dry or itchy skin.”

The Best Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

Use a gentle cleanser (so as not to over-strip your dry areas), says Bates. You may want to use two separate moisturizers: a more emollient one for your dry areas and an oil-free one for your oily regions, says Bates. Burns points out that applying two moisturizers isn’t always the most feasible option, so if you don’t think you’ll have time to commit to that, know that it may take some trial and error to find the one moisturizer that works for your entire face.
Use an oil-free sunscreen and exfoliate your oily areas once or twice a week with a salicylic acid scrub, says Bates. Studies have shown that salicylic acid is effective at minimizing acne, a common skin concern for those with combination skin.

The Best Skincare Routine for Normal Skin

When you’re not too oily and not too dry, focus on cleansing and moisturizing well. You can pick whatever cleanser you like (lucky!). As far as moisturizer goes, Bates likes hyaluronic acid. “It’s the molecule responsible for skin hydration,” she says. “At age 20, we start to lose our ability to synthesize our own hyaluronic acid. By age 50, we have lost 50 percent of the capability to produce this molecule.”
Because you’re not dealing with any major issues, make protecting your skin from sun damage and environmental stressors a priority. Bates recommends wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen and an antioxidant serum daily. She also suggests using an eye cream for hydration and a retinol product at night to promote cell turnover and improve wrinkles.

Common Skin Concerns and How to Deal

Beyond your skin type, there are concerns that lots of us deal with on the regular. No matter what your skin type is, you can experience all of these skin concerns, meaning having dry, acne-prone skin or dehydrated, oily skin is completely possible.

Sensitive Skin

“Sensitive skin refers to a range of conditions, from genetic ailments, such as rosacea and eczema, to reactive skin and skin that’s been sensitized due to medication or harsh products and treatments,” says Dakar. If you have a reaction and notice itchiness or a rash, this could be sensitivity to an ingredient, like retinol, or a treatment, like a chemical peel.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your sensitivity, you may need to take an elimination approach, says Burns. Try one product at a time until you figure out what’s bothering your skin, she suggests.

The Best Skincare Products for Sensitive Skin

“A good regimen [for sensitive skin] includes a gentle detergent-free cleaner,” says Dakar. Strengthen your skin by using a skin barrier–repairing moisturizer, says Bates. Stay away from products with fragrance, says Bates, since this can be irritating, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen daily.

Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated skin is not the same as dry skin! Your skin will get dehydrated when there’s a lack of water in the top layer of your skin, says Bates. This is a problem because, as she explains, “When skin is dehydrated, often times it will produce more oil to make up for the missing water, which can cause breakouts and irritation.”.
You can also have skin dehydration and oily skin, says Holman. This can occur when you’re using too many products that strip your skin of oil, which then causes your body to pump out more oil.

The Best Skincare Products for Dehydrated Skin

Dakar suggests feeding your face with a good facial oil and a particle-free gel exfoliator to dissolve the top layer of dead skin without over-stripping your complexion. Bates says a hyaluronic acid serum is another good product pick. “Hyaluronic acid is often referred to as a drink of water for the skin,” she says.

Acne-Prone Skin

Acne doesn’t discriminate. While it’s often associated with oily skin (too much oil is a cause of acne), any skin type—even dry skin—can be prone to acne. “Acne is caused when the follicles in your skin get clogged, so an overproduction of oil is not the only culprit,” says Burns. “Dirt, dead skin cells, and makeup can also clog pores.”
Plus, your skin gets drier as you age, but hormonal changes, like menstruation and menopause, could still be causing you to experience acne, says Dakar.

The Best Skincare Products for Acne-Prone Skin

If you have oily skin, you likely experience acne, so continue with your regular skincare regimen. If you have dry skin and acne, use a gentle exfoliator to cleanse your pores. Dakar likes lactic acid because it’s gentle yet clarifying. Bates suggests using a soothing cleanser and Dakar recommends spot treating acne-prone areas so that you don’t dry out your entire face.

Aging Skin

We all get older–no shame in the game! But as you age, you might notice new skin concerns popping up. Collagen and elastin (two building blocks of skin) are produced less and less as you get older, says Bates. “When we’re young, fat in the face is evenly distributed, with some pockets here and there that plump up the forehead, temples, cheeks, and areas around the eyes and mouth,” says Dakar. “With age, that fat loses volume, clumps up, and shifts downward, so features that were formerly round may sink, and skin that was smooth and tight gets loose and sags.”
While we’re all for embracing wrinkles with grace—they’re a sign of a well-lived life, after all—if you want to address some of these changes, there’s nothing wrong with that either.

The Best Skincare Products for Aging Skin

If you only have time to use two skincare products to address signs of aging, let them be sunscreen and a retinol, says Burns. The sun is the number one cause of premature aging, says Holman, which is why SPF is crucial. And according to a study published in JAMA Dermatology, retinol significantly improves the look of wrinkles.
Time for one or two more products? Burns says an antioxidant serum will help protect you against environmental aggressors that cause aging. Vitamin C is a popular antioxidant that is readily available in skincare products. Studies have shown that vitamin C protects against photoaging and even boosts collagen production. Meanwhile, Dakar likes eye cream. “Our first signs of aging happen around our eye area where we have no oil glands, so eye cream is your best friend.”

Categories
Lifestyle Well-Traveled

Let's Go Glamping: Get Outdoors In Style At These 11 Glamping Destinations

Love nature, but not quite enough to tolerate the bugs, the backache from sleeping on the ground, and the whole peeing without a real toilet thing? Me too. But fortunately there’s a way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing the creature comforts you need: glamping. Glamping—a portmanteau of glam and camping (yes, really)—has been one of the hottest travel trends of the last few years.
Picture this: You get out to the woods, and there’s already a gorgeous safari-style tent set up, complete with a queen-size bed and luxury linens, an en-suite bathroom chock-full of lavish amenities, and the most Instagram-worthy decor (plus wifi to post those pics!). That’s just the start of what you can expect when you’re glamping.
So grab your girls, stock up on rosé, and get ready for a glorious way to experience nature. Here are the best glamping destinations in America and beyond. (And since we love ya, we’ve added some bonus tips on making traditional camping a little more luxe for women who want to stay true to their Girl Scout roots.)

HealthyWay’s Picks for Glamping Destinations in the U.S.

Looking for an outdoorsy getaway that’s not too far from home? The top glamping sites in America have got you covered. Here are a few of the chicest spots from coast to coast.

Eastwind Hotel & Bar (Upstate New York)

Take on the Catskills in style at one of the area’s newest places to stay, Eastwind Hotel & Bar. Originally a 1920s-era bunkhouse for outdoor enthusiasts, the hotel has recently undergone a modern makeover with rustic designs, Frette linens, and private fireplaces. But the real draw of this property, located in Windham, New York, is its Scandinavian-style glamping sites called Lushna cabins.

Eastwind Hotel & Bar

Minimalists, eat your hearts out: These A-frame structures are simple in design without skimping on the comforts you’d expect from glamping. You’ll have access to a private bathroom, sauna, wireless speaker, barbecue kits, and (of course) wifi—essential for sharing your picture-perfect view of the mountains.
Price: Starts at $159/night per room + $179/night per Lushna cabin

Collective Yellowstone (Big Sky, Montana)

The perfect marriage of rustic and sumptuous, Collective Yellowstone’s luxury camping accommodations in the shadow of Lone Mountain are the perfect home base to find respite after exploring Yellowstone National Park, without giving up the hotel-style experience. The tents look like heirloom cabins under canvas, complete with over-the-bed chandeliers, high thread-count linens, snuggly Pendleton wool blankets, and wood-burning stoves.

Collective Retreats

When it comes to amenities, this glamping destination has pulled out all the stops: A library of books, board games, coffee and tea, Turkish bathrobes and towels, and even homemade snacks are available in every tent—just in case Yellowstone didn’t have enough to nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Price: $500–700/night

Asheville Glamping (Asheville, North Carolina)

Think tents have to be triangles? Think again—staying true to the creative spirit of the local community, Asheville Glamping has turned dome structures into fun and funky glamping experiences. Each of the three glamping domes comes with its own personality.

Asheville Glamping

Dome 1 features an overhead skylight for premium stargazing opportunities that match its celestial-printed bed linens. Dome 2 is an interior design lover’s glamping dream come true, with a muted color palette, paper lanterns draped from the ceiling, air plants, a cowhide carpet, and accents that echo the shape of the geometric structure—no clutter, all sleek. And the whopping 1,300-square-foot Dome 3 has a 9-foot slide to take you through the bilevel structure in style. Your inner child will love it.
Price: Starts at $135/night

Urban Glamping at The Gwen Hotel (Chicago, Illinois)

Long left to the great outdoors, now glamping’s gone urban with an ultra-luxury tent on the 16th floor of The Gwen Hotel, right on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The picturesque tent exudes an “eclectic bohemian aesthetic” you might expect to see at your independently wealthy, hippy-ish aunt’s home in California.

Collin Pierson Photography/The Gwen Hotel

Think drum side tables, macramé seat cushions, braided Indian jute rugs, and lanterns galore, all on a one-of-a-kind site that overlooks the Chicago skyline. You might not have a campfire, but the staff will bring you s’mores at turndown, and that trade-off is A-OK with us.
Price: Starts at $5,500/night

Mendocino Grove (Mendocino, California)

With its crashing ocean coastline, humbling old-growth redwoods, and fern canyons fit for fairies, Northern California offers experiences in nature like no other place in the world. The best way to take it all in: Mendocino Grove’s glamping sites.

Mendocino Grove

The property features 60 spacious tents with lavish beds, indoor plants, private porches, and romantic twinkle lights. In the morning, fuel up at the complimentary outdoor breakfast bar—then hit the trails. Let us know if you make it to the rare pygmy forest.
Price: Starts at $120/night

HealthyWay’s Picks for Glamping Your Way Around the World

Luxury camping is far from a strictly American trend. If you’re looking to add some stamps to your passport, check out these glamping sites in far-flung locales.

Wadi Rum Night Camp (Jordan)

Set deep within the bright orange Wadi Rum desert, you’ll feel like you’re in another world at Wadi Rum Night Camp. The private Bedouin-style tents look like retreats for Princess Jasmine herself, with crisp white cloth draped from the ceilings, plush beds with royal red throw pillows, ornate mirrors, and even genie lamps.

Wadi Rum Night Camp

Take a private Jeep tour of the desert at sunset, then settle in and enjoy tea around the campfire with your fellow glampers.
Price: Starts around $211/night

Lofoten Summer Glamping Experience (Norway)

Glamping is often all about the tent. Not the case with the Lofoten Summer Glamping Experience (although its traditional Sami tents do look charming). Here, it’s all about the spectacular views of the mountains across the fjords. The company’s two-night, three-day luxury camping itineraries are perfect for people who want to see nature with a little bit of structure.

Lofoten Summer Glamping Experience

You’ll observe wildlife by cruise (fingers crossed you’ll spot white-tailed sea eagles or a whale!), take a wilderness cooking class (you’ll fish for your own dinner!), hike to the area’s best viewing spots, and visit a local goat farm. You’ll also have the chance to help with a beach clean-up—perfect for travelers who want to give back to the destinations they fall in love with.
Price: Starts around $1,990 for two nights/three days

Cabañas CuatroCuatros (Mexico)

This company has given 19 classic Mexican “yurts” near the Valle de Guadalupe wine region the royal treatment with luxurious queen- and king-size beds, fireplaces and air conditioning, minibars, indoor-outdoor wooden showers, and private decks.

Cabanas CuatroCuatros

The vineyard setting overlooking the sea makes it the perfect spot to sip wine and watch the sun set. If that’s not glamping glory, we’re not sure what is.
Price: Starts at $160/night

Clifton Glamping (New Zealand)

Travel to New Zealand is all about the landscape, and Clifton Glamping in Hawke’s Bay is the perfect place to immerse yourself in it. You’ll stay in safari tents that fall somewhere between cozy cabin and a heavenly bed-and-breakfast, each appointed with a super king bed, feather duvets, and vintage-style kitchens.

Clifton Glamping

And while you could rent a bike or take a dip in the clean river, we recommend saving plenty of free time to soak in the private outdoor tub. Talk about a way to unwind!
Price: Around $200/night

John’s Camp at Robin Pope Safaris (Zimbabwe)

There are safari tents…and then there are tents on safari. The latter is exactly what you’ll experience at John’s Camp, an intimate glamping haven from Robin Pope Safaris in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. Even though all of the six Meru-style safari tents have simple, cozy beds, en-suite bathrooms, and uninterrupted views of the landscape, we doubt you’ll only hang out there.

John’s Camp at Robin Pope Safaris

You’ll be at the only national park in the world that allows visitors to walk freely among exotic animals. The up-close action you’ll get with lions, hippos, African bull elephants, and buffalo would make Eliza Thornberry herself seethe with jealousy. (Don’t worry, you’ll have a guide to protect you.)
Price: Starts at $680/night

Enchanting Luxury Tents in the Agafay Desert (Morocco)

Travelers can escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech into this picturesque glamping site in the Agafay Desert. Surrounded by an endless expanse of golden sand, these elegant tents (lit only by wrought-iron lanterns) feature everything you need to relax in this intense environment: king-size beds, outdoor lounge cushions, en-suite bathrooms, and big tubs.

Agafay Desert Luxury Camp

With no electricity, you’ll be on a digital detox and able to take in even more of this incredible landscape. Dinners come with three courses of French-Moroccan fusion cuisine, followed by stargazing to your heart’s content.
Price: Starts at $100/night

DIY Glamping: Still want to rough it? Glamp up your campsite!

Maybe you’re craving a camping experience that’s a tad more authentic than glamping—more power to you! Here are some luxe touches you can put on your campsite to infuse it with just a little bit of glam:

Your bed is everything if you’re experimenting with glamping.

Inflate an air mattress in your tent (this is a must!), then cover it with your favorite sheets, a fluffy duvet, a throw blanket, and at least half a dozen pillows. The goal of glamping is to sleep outside without feeling like you slept outside.

You can also liven up your overall tent decor.

Start by draping a few strands of solar-powered twinkle lights around the entrance of your abode. Position a few chairs around an outdoor mat just outside your tent to create a deck-like feature. Then, add some glamping-inspired decorations, like streamers, party flags, lanterns, and wind chimes.

Do yourself a favor and set the table up nicely.

The five minutes it takes to place a checkered tablecloth, candles, Mason jars, and real flatware will pay off tenfold in upscale(ish) dinners, breezy breakfasts, and unforgettable dining experiences.

Get your camp food on point.

Whether you’re cooking over the fire or using your portable burner, camp food can be one of the most memorable parts of spending a night outdoors. Up your breakfast game by whipping up a glamping-style brunch. Mountain Standard makes it easy with its new carrot cake pancake mix. Just add water and fry for a few minutes to get gluten-free, golden-brown pancakes studded with apple chunks, raisins, and coconut. (Pro tip: They get even better with a generous pour of maple syrup and a mimosa to wash them down.)
Speaking of food, you’ll need to plan for s’mores. Epic, epic s’mores. Leave your cheap chocolate at home and instead treat yourself to gourmet dark chocolate, cinnamon churro marshmallows, and the fanciest honey-kissed graham crackers you can find. Voilà! The perfect glamping treat before snuggling into your sleeping bag.

Shower in style.

If possible, set yourself up with an outdoor shower in a secluded place (trust us: it beats the coin-op showers in the communal restrooms). You can hang sarongs around the area for a little more privacy. Then, stock it with mini bottles of luxury shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other amenities that you might find in the en-suite bathrooms at glamping sites. And go ahead and bring along a nice towel. Tiny self-care treats can go a long way toward helping you enjoy your outdoor adventure to its fullest potential.

Give your bar a little attention.

Plan to make a few glamping-themed cocktails and bring along mini bottles of your favorite spirits, tasty mixers, and some fresh garnishes to doll up the Mason jars you’ll use as cocktail glasses. Don’t forget your shaker!
Whether you’re a die-hard camper who’d never even think of letting someone else set up your tent or you’ve got your heart set on a stunning glamping experience with your gal pals this summer, just getting outside and away from it all is the most important thing. You’ll come home refreshed and invigorated—with a newfound appreciation for your own four walls.