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Bullet Journal 101: How To Use This Cult Fave Planner For Your Mental Health

Bullet journals, also known as BuJos, are all over social media, and plenty of people—from life coaches and motivational speakers to Instagram influencers—swear by them. Bullet journaling is a great tool for productivity, and it can also be an excellent way to manage your mental and physical health.
As someone who loves diaries, lists, and planning, I was a little hesitant to get on the BuJo bandwagon. Why, I thought, should I invest my time in getting used to a new system? And won’t a pre-made diary work better than a notebook where I have to manually create my own structure and systems?
But after trying a bullet journal for a few weeks, I was hooked. I totally get why people love it so much.
“Bullet journaling can increase a sense of mastery over life since tasks are logged in addition to increasing mental health by capturing one’s thoughts/feelings,” says Wyatt Fisher, PsyD, a licensed psychologist, marriage counselor, and the founder of a couples retreat.
“Traditional journaling has been shown to improve mental health because it provides a format to regularly process through one’s thoughts and feelings. As the old adage goes, ‘better out than in’,” Fisher says. Traditional journaling can require a lot of time and effort, but bullet journaling is quick and easy. Fisher says that this means that people are more likely to stick with it. “It allows people to capture anything from to-do items to thoughts and feelings all in one spot. Because everything is short and abbreviated, it’s simple to do and easy to maintain.”
Desiree Wiercyski, a life coach for ambitious and career-focused women, regularly uses bullet journals to help her clients organize their lives and reach their goals. “The flexibility of bullet journaling is the biggest benefit because it’s an organizational habit that can be what a person needs, and it can shift and grow with that person over time,” Wiercyski says.
If you’re interested in trying out a bullet journal to stay organized and improve your mental health, read on.

What is a bullet journal?

The concept of a bullet journal comes from Ryder Carroll, a digital product designer. On the official bullet journal website, he’s provided some in-depth information on how to get started. But the beauty of a bullet journal is that you can take a lot of these elements and tweak them to work for you.
Bullet journals combine elements of planners, diaries, journals, and to-do lists in one notebook. In other words, you can write about your feelings and actions, plan your day, and write down reminders all in one place.
In brief, here are the bullet journal basics you need to know:
Index: Bullet journals usually contain page numbers and an index, which is like a table of contents. This will help you find important notes quickly.
Spread: A spread is a page or two designated for a specific purpose. You might have daily spreads, monthly spreads, or weekly spreads where you track events or items on your to-do list. You might also have spreads for tracking habits, marking off books you’d like to read, or listing self-care methods.

Future log: This is a particular spread that contains a year at a glance (or six months at a glance). You use future logs to note important upcoming events (like your best friend’s birthday, the date you need to hand in your thesis, or vacation dates) or to note important things as they happen (like servicing the car, turning the compost, or filing taxes).

Monthly log: This is a month-at-a-glance spread. This is great for noting due dates, birthday celebrations, and recurring tasks.

Daily log: This is a day-to-day spread. If you don’t need an entire page for a day, you might want to divide two pages into six sections, with the last section split in two, to create a weekly spread.


Another crucial part of bullet journaling is the key, otherwise known as “rapid logging,” where certain symbols can annotate events, notes, or ideas.
The symbols suggested on the official bullet journal website are as follows:
[dot] – a task
X – a completed task
> – a migrated task (that is, a task you re-scheduled for today)
< – a scheduled task
O – an event
– – a note
* – a priority
! – inspiration (an inspiring quote or an “a-ha” moment)
[eye] – explore (an idea to look into)


These symbols are great because instead of writing “start filing taxes,” and then next to it “Didn’t have enough time! Will do it later!” you can simply write “> start filing taxes,” and migrate the task to another day. Feel free to develop your own symbols to suit your needs, too; I use a little triangle to indicate when work is due because it’s something I have to note often.
Although there is an official method of bullet journaling, you can adjust the method to make your own. You don’t have to use every element in your own bullet journal. Personally, I seldom use page numbers or an index because I don’t have any trouble finding the pages and notes I’m looking for.
The important part is that your method works for you; if you don’t find your system useful or enjoyable, you’re likely to abandon it.

Why is bullet journaling so popular?

Different kinds of planners can be useful, and each of them has its own benefits and drawbacks. Different people have preferences for different planners, and some might even use multiple kinds at once, especially if they’re managing multiple projects.
But bullet journaling is a new way to plan and organize your life, and people love it for several distinct reasons:

It’s not digital.

According to Carroll, part of the reason that bullet journals work is because they’re analog. Instead of keeping a bunch of to-do lists and appointments on your phone or laptop, you write it in your bullet journal.
In a world where we rely on technology for nearly everything, it’s refreshing to use pen and paper once in a while. Research suggests that writing by hand is great for improving cognitive functions and creativity.
Another draw for bullet journaling is that you get to write without being constantly distracted by notifications. Plus, it’s great to give your eyes and thumbs a break from your screen and keypad!

It’s flexible.

I used to love the standard planners I had since high school. They always had the same format, and they were easy to use. But I disliked the fact that I couldn’t see my week-at-a-glance since it was a page-a-day diary. I struggled with this structure for years.
With bullet journaling, you create your own structure. You design your own monthly logs and weekly spreads. If something doesn’t work for you in May, you can change it in June.


Bullet journaling is also flexible in that you can use it for any purpose in any way. “The best thing about bullet journaling is it’s completely flexible and can be whatever you want it to be,” Wiercyski says. “For example, to keep track of expenses, it can be as basic as assigning one page for debits and spending throughout the day and another page for deposits. Another person may like every transaction on one page and using different colors to represent debits and deposits. Bullet journaling is one of those few organizational practices where there’s no right or wrong way so long as you do it.”

You can be as minimalist or as creative as you’d like.

Some bullet-journal users go all out, using watercolors, stickers, washi tape, and more to turn their bullet journals into a scrapbook of sorts. Others keep it simple: They use very little color and don’t decorate at all.
Neither way is wrong. Some people like bullet journaling to be simple, and others like turning it into a creative pursuit. You can approach it however you’d like.
It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy to work for you. Don’t get too stressed about untidy handwriting, mistakes, or color schemes. Focus on developing a shorthand and getting in the habit of writing things out quickly.

You can start with very little.

You can buy an official bullet journal notebook if you’d like, and many enthusiasts seem to have endless amounts of accessories to use to decorate their bullet journals. Your bullet journal can be simple or complex—it’s totally up to you.
For our bullet journal essentials, see the end of this article!

How exactly can I use bullet journaling to improve my life?

Now that you understand the basics of bullet journaling, you might wonder what exactly you’ll put in it. Other than a future log, monthly log, and daily log, you can use the pages of your bullet journal to create a number of different spreads for tracking what’s important to you.
To be clear: If you just want to use your bullet journal as a simple to-do list, you totally can. However, there are many ways you can use it to improve your mental health, work on your goals, and cultivate healthy patterns of behavior. Here are some ideas:

Use weekly trackers to track your habits.

Weekly trackers, or habit trackers, are fantastic for anyone who’s hoping to cultivate a habit. And let’s face it—most of us fit in that category. We often hear about the benefits of meditating, drinking a lot of water, and reading every day, but it’s hard to actually integrate those habits in your life and stick to them.
In comes the habit tracker. You can take advantage of the grid-like structure of your bullet journal to draw a little table on your weekly spread. There are many ways to draw it, but I prefer to list the days of the week on the y-axis and the habits I’m working to cultivate on the x-axis. Whenever I commit to a goal or habit on a specific day, I color the block in. I use a weekly habit tracker instead of a monthly one so that I can feel as if I’m starting fresh each week. This reminds and motivates you to cultivate the habit.

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Fisher suggests a scoring system if you’re trying to cultivate certain attitudes, which can work alongside a habit tracker. “You can log personal growth areas, such as how you did for the day from 1-10 being patient with [your] children, tackling dreaded tasks, focusing on thankfulness, putting others first, and so on,” he says.
Your habit tracker isn’t just helpful for cultivating habits—it’s also useful for tracking how your habits affect you. “I worked with a client recently who was frustrated she wasn’t making progress on a book she’s writing, even though she was carving out time,” says Wiercyski. “What she quickly noticed after a week of tracking her writing goals as well as a handful of other pieces, she made less progress the days she didn’t practice mindfulness skills. So now, she has a regular practice of meditating before writing and is seeing the progress she wants.”

Use your bullet journal to break negative patterns.

Just as a bullet journal can help you cultivate good habits, it can also help you break negative ones. Writing things out—from your feelings to your plans—is a great way to cultivate self-awareness.
This self-awareness, Wiercyski says, is essential when it comes to dealing with negative thought or behavioral patterns. “Often I work with clients who are hung up with a certain behavior or habit that they just can’t seem to break. When this is the case, chances are the habit is serving a deeper need and a bullet journal system can bring the to light.”
Wiercyski says that she helps these clients by working on a list of alternative things they can do instead of engaging in their habits. “For example, I recently worked with a client who was trying to break the habit of mindlessly snacking in the evening,” she says. “So instead of snacking, the first thing she would do would be to color for 10 to 15 minutes.” After this, if the client still wanted to snack, she’d write about how she felt, what she liked about coloring, and how she could meet her emotional needs without turning to food.

Use a mood tracker to trace your triggers.

Just as it can help you break negative patterns of behavior, a bullet journal can help you figure out what’s at the bottom of your bad moods. “Taking the time to label your mood then asking the simple question, ‘What’s making me feel like this?’ can bring so much awareness and lift us out of a funk,” says Wiercyski.
You can use this in conjunction with your habit tracker to see what’s causing you to feel good or bad. For example, if you notice that you’ve been feeling fatigued and grumpy, you might look at your habit tracker and realize it’s because you’ve been getting in very little sleep or haven’t been spending enough time in the sunshine.


Wiercyski says that she worked with a client who used a mood tracker. Her client realized that she felt down the days after she went out drinking with her friends. “Now she’s on a journey of learning what she wants her relationship with alcohol to look like,” Wiercyski explains. “That’s the beauty of using a bullet journal to its fullest potential—it shows you how things are intertwined and the unexpected pieces that may be tripping you up on reaching your goals.”

Use it to improve your relationships.

As a marriage counselor, Fisher believes that bullet journaling can also be used to improve your romantic relationships. “It could be used to log daily appreciation for their spouse to cultivate an attitude of gratitude,” Fisher notes. By writing down the reasons that you appreciate your partner and habitually thanking them for their support, you can cultivate a sense of appreciation in yourself while helping your partner feel valued.
Fisher also suggests that you use a bullet journal to log things like dates or quality time spent together, sex, and more. Having a log of your experiences together can help you pinpoint what’s working or what might be triggering an issue. You might even include a spread for fun date night ideas.

Use it as a gratitude journal.

Gratitude journaling is a fantastic tool for your mental health and personal development. Research shows that regularly practicing gratitude is excellent for your emotional and physical well-being.


When you set up your weekly spread, include a little block where you can write about your achievements or things you’re grateful for. You could also create a list on a random page in your bullet journal and use it to write down everything that fills you with gratitude. Whenever you’re feeling down, you can page back to that list.

Use your bullet journal to get creative.

“Because bullet journal lends itself as a creative outlet, it can also be used as a mindfulness tool. Taking the time to make things look nice can be very centering,” says Wiercyski.
We all heard about the benefits of coloring a few years ago when the adult coloring book craze was at its peak. Writing out your feelings is also great, as it can help you process events. Even writing fiction or writing nonsense stream-of-consciousness style can be a great way to release some stress. Combining these things—putting your feelings down in words while decorating them with a fun new pen—is many BuJo users’ favorite part of their bullet journals.
Whether you’d like to doodle or write stream-of-consciousness style for a few moments, you can do it with a bullet journal. Keep a few pages at the back of your book aside for a creative outlet if you need extra space. You can try integrating drawings with your spreads if you’d rather get creative more regularly. I love choosing themes each week and drawing little doodles all over my weekly spread; I’ve done themes like houseplants, animals, crystals and geodes, flowers, space, the beach, and more.
Remember that your doodles don’t have to be beautiful. Art doesn’t have to be good to be good for you—it’s supposed to make you feel relaxed, not self-conscious!

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How can I start using a bullet journal?

The most important thing is just to start! But if you’re wondering which tools you’ll need, here are HealthyWay’s favorite picks:

Notebook

We recommend using a notebook with a dotted or ruled grid-like print. This makes it easier to divide pages up equally as you can easily draw straight vertical and horizontal lines.
If you’d rather start with a simple lined notebook, those work fine too.

Pen

You’ll want a pen that doesn’t bleed onto the next page and that writes smoothly. The world of pens is a surprisingly complicated one, but some recommendations are Sharpie Art Pens (they’re pens, not permanent markers, so they don’t bleed through or have a strong smell), Sakura Microns (these come in a variety of thicknesses), and Uchida of America’s LePen.

All the Extras

Once you’ve got the bullet journal basics, the creative itch might hit you. Then you can start looking into…
Markers and highlighters: We love the Tombow Dual Brush Pens that are perfect for hand lettering and illustrations.
Washi tape: These rolls are ideal for covering up mistakes, decorating pages, and taping in smaller pieces of paper; we especially like this vintage paper style!
Stickers: No planner or bullet journal is complete without stickers. We’re suckers for ban.do sticker books; this one has more than 700 stickers!
 
HealthyWay

Categories
Conscious Beauty Lifestyle

What Are Clogged Pores? Here's How To Get Rid Of Them For Good

If you’ve noticed tiny black specks scattered across your skin or you’ve seen an uptick in white bumps popping up, you’re probably wondering what, exactly, is happening. You could be dealing with clogged pores.
Both blackheads and whiteheads occur when gunk builds up in the itty-bitty openings on the surface of your skin called pores.
If these marks are cramping your style, know that there are quite a few different effective methods of unclogging pores. But it all starts with understanding why clogged pores happen in the first place.

Clogged Pores 101: Understanding Your Pores

“Pores is just a very basic term to describe small openings in the skin,” says Ronnie Klein, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Connecticut Dermatology Group and co-founder of Pure Bioderm. There are two types of pores: oil pores and sweat pores, but they both work the same way. Oil and sweat reach your pores from their respective glands below the skin’s surface and are released onto the skin, explains Klein.
Oil pores (more commonly known as hair follicles) exist all over your skin, except for your palms and the soles of your feet, says Klein. Their size is determined by genetics, says Holly Cutler, medical esthetician at FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness in Michigan—so if you have large pores, thank Mom and Dad for that. Sweat pores also exist all over your skin, but they’re super tiny and not visible to the naked eye the way oil pores are, says Klein.
Both types of pores can become clogged, though. So, what do clogged pores look like? It depends.
When oil pores become clogged, they manifest as either blackheads or whiteheads. “Blackheads and whiteheads are in the same family,” says Klein. A clogged hair follicle (aka, an oil pore) is called a comedone, and when the comedone is open—that is, when the top layer of your skin, your epidermis, is not covering it—it changes color and turns black when it comes into contact with oxygen according to Cutler.
When the comedone is closed, it becomes filled with bacteria and exists beneath your epidermis. “Air isn’t able to enter the follicle,” says Cutler. “The bacteria inside of it doesn’t undergo a chemical reaction, so it stays white in color.” Technically, blackheads and whiteheads are both mild forms of acne.
Meanwhile, when sweat pores become clogged, they appear as tiny white bumps known as milia. These bumps are not the same as whiteheads, however. “Milia looks like a whitehead, but it’s actually more of a cyst,” says Klein, which means they require professional treatment.

What causes clogged pores?

Knowing that your pores can get clogged is one thing, but understanding why is another entirely. Some of the common causes of clogged pores are completely within your control, but others aren’t.

1. You have a predisposition to clogged pores.

Cutler says clogged pores are sometimes the result of genetics. Yep, there are just some people who are likelier to get clogged pores than others. On top of that, Klein says genetics are at work even when it comes to whether you develop blackheads or whiteheads.

2. You have a buildup of dead skin cells.

Your skin is constantly shedding dead skin cells and bringing new ones to the surface, but sometimes the dead cells stick to the skin and pile up. Dead skin cell buildup can also cause clogged pores according to Cutler.

3. You have a surge in hormones.

Excess oil production (and as result, clogged pores) may be due to a surge in hormones, says Cutler. There are certain times—for example, when you go through puberty, when you’re on your period, or when you’re pregnant (let’s call them the three Ps)—during which an uptick in hormones stimulates your sebaceous glands to pump out more oil.
When it comes to your period in particular, a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology reported that monthly hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle are likely to contribute to acne flare-ups, with 85 percent of women saying that their breakouts get worse leading up to their periods. Plus, a study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care examined how pregnancy affects skin, and researchers found that increased oil production in the third trimester leads to acne.

4. You don’t cleanse enough.

Cutler says when you don’t wash your face enough, you allow dead skin cells, dirt, makeup, and anything else on top of your skin to build up, leading to clogged pores. Klein explains that it’s particularly crucial to rinse off post exercise: “Not showering and washing [after] a workout can cause inflammation and clogged pores,” she says.

5. Or, you cleanse too much.

While washing your face is important, you don’t need to go overboard. “A lot of people with acne-prone skin think they need to scrub skin and never moisturize,” says Klein, “but the drier your skin is, the more oil you will produce.” And you know what happens when your sebaceous glands go into overdrive: clogged pores.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends cleansing twice a day (as well as washing your face after heavy sweating).

6. You wear pore-clogging lotions and makeup.

Some beauty products contain ingredients that can cause clogged pores, says Cutler. She says some of the biggest offenders are coconut oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, lanolin, cetyl alcohol, cetyl acetate, and cocoa butter. If you’re noticing clogged pores, check your products for these ingredients.

7. You touch your face all the time.

Think about all the dirt and germs that are on your hands. When you touch your face, you’re transferring whatever’s on your fingers to your face. That gunk can leave you with clogged pores and make your acne worse according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

What are the best ways to fix clogged pores?

Nixing clogged pores—and preventing new ones from forming in the future—is possible with the right skin care routine.

1. Wash your face twice a day.

Since oil, makeup, and dead skin cells can clog your pores when they’re sitting on top of your skin, get into the habit of cleansing morning and night. If you find yourself with blackheads or whiteheads caused by clogged pores regularly, Klein suggests using a cleanser with salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid. “A salicylic acid wash is one of the cornerstones of acne treatments,” says Klein. Salicylic acid is a compound found in plants that encourages exfoliation and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties according to the National Institutes of Health.
You can find salicylic acid derived from willow bark extract in Alba Botanica Acnedote Deep Pore Wash. Cutler notes that you can get a deeper clean by pairing a salicylic acid cleanser with a tool, like the Clarisonic Mia 2 ($169), but she also notes that washing your face with a tool like this every day could be overkill.

2. Cleanse after working out, too.

Headed to the gym before or after work? You don’t have to rely on whatever generic facial cleanser is in the locker room. Remember: Sweat buildup leads to clogged pores, and Klein says you should always wash your face after you’re done at the gym. An easy way to refresh sweaty skin when you’re on the go is with a micellar water, such as Pacifica Cactus Water Micellar Cleansing Tonic.

3. Try an at-home peel.

One of the best ways to say sayonara to pore-clogging dead skin cell buildup is by exfoliating once or twice a week, says Cutler. At-home peels use acids to chemically break down buildup—no scrubbing necessary. “Glycolic paired with salicylic is really great for clogged pores,” says Cutler. “This combo works very effectively to loosen up blackheads.”
A study published in the journal Clinical Therapeutics found that salicylic acid pads effectively reduce acne, while a study published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery found that glycolic acid peels also had a positive effect on curbing breakouts. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is a once-a-week chemical exfoliator that features a combination of alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic) and beta hydroxy acid (salicylic) to blast through dead skin cell buildup, leaving you with clearer pores and brighter skin.

4. Exfoliate with a scrub.

Mechanical exfoliation happens when you rub your skin with a scrub, brush, or other exfoliating tool (like the Clarisonic Mia 2) to physically remove the buildup, and it’s a good option if you have clogged pores. Cutler recommends looking for a scrub that also contains an acid for a one-two punch against clogged pores. One option we love: Tata Harper Resurfacing Cleanser, which is formulated with salicylic acid to chemically exfoliate and apricot seed powder to manually bust through the gunk. While this exfoliating cleanser is gentle enough to use every day, keep in mind that over-scrubbing skin is drying according to Klein.

5. Slather on a clay mask.

There’s a good reason why clay masks are super trendy. Clay absorbs oil and impurities in pores, says Cutler. Wildcare Bee Rosy Clay Mask sops up oil and also eases inflammation, making it a win-win for people with acne-prone skin who deal with clogged pores frequently.

6. Whip up a charcoal mask at home.

One of Cutler’s favorite DIY treatments for clogged pores is a charcoal clay mask. “Charcoal is so popular right now,” says Cutler, adding that like clay, charcoal absorbs pore-clogging impurities.
Mix together 1 Tbsp. activated charcoal powder, ½ Tbps. bentonite clay, and ¼ Tbps. water, apply the mask to your face, and leave it on for five minutes before rinsing off. Leaving this mask on for more than five minutes could be drying, says Cutler, so watch the clock.

7. Spot treat with benzoyl peroxide.

Another gold standard in getting rid of clogged pores is benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial ingredient, says Klein. For a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, participants applied a 5.3 percent benzoyl peroxide foam to their faces, chests, upper backs, and shoulders twice a day for a month and experienced significantly clearer skin.
Klein says benzoyl peroxide is drying, so don’t use it every day, don’t use it in conjunction with other strong acne-fighting ingredients, and be vigilant about moisturizing. Kate Somerville Anti Bac Clearing Lotion is formulated with benzoyl peroxide as well as ingredients that prevent excessive dryness.

8. Add a retinoid to your routine.

Retinoid is a derivative of vitamin A, and it has the ability to minimize the size of sebaceous glands and curb the excess oil production that can lead to clogged pores, says Klein. A study published in the journal Biochimica et Biophysica Acta calls retinoids (whether taken orally or applied topically) “the most effective and first choice for acne treatment.”
While retinoids used to be available by prescription only, there is now an OTC version: Differin Gel. Retinoids leave you sensitive to the sun, so only use them at night (and follow up with dedicated SPF in the morning), says Klein. They’re also drying, so start by only using a pea-sized amount of retinoid two or three nights a week and gradually work your way up to nightly use, Klein adds.
One note: The FDA warns that oral retinoids (like Accutane) come with a host of serious side effects, including the risk of birth defects if you’re pregnant. Because of this, any female patient who’s prescribed an oral retinoid by their doctor needs to enroll in iPledge, a mandatory risk management program. While on an oral retinoid, you’ll have to use two forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy.

9. Make moisturizing a priority.

You might be sensing a theme here: The majority of remedies for clogged pores are drying. That means moisturizing is a must. But don’t just reach for any lotion. Use one that’s oil-free, says Klein, since this won’t clog your pores further. Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer fits the bill, offering physical sun protection with zinc oxide and lightweight hydration with aloe and hyaluronic acid.

10. Switch to non-comedogenic makeup.

Check your makeup labels for the term non-comedogenic, says Klein, because this means they should be free of pore-clogging ingredients. However, Cutler points out that this isn’t a fail-safe remedy for clogged pores. She explains that there’s no agency regulating whether or not products are actually non-comedogenic, so a brand could feasibly say that their products are non-comedogenic without that actually being the case. Unfortunately, the only way to find out if something is truly non-comedogenic is to test it out and see how your skin reacts.

11. Visit a professional.

If you suspect you have milia, the only way to get rid of this type of clogged pore is with the help of a dermatologist, says Klein. Per a study published in the journal Oncology Letters, milia can be removed with a professional extracting tool.
A professional, whether that’s a derm or esthetician, may have in-office treatment options that can alleviate blackheads and whiteheads, too. Cutler has seen results when using Dermalinfusion on patients. This treatment exfoliates dead skin cells, extracts dirt from pores, and infuses skin with serums all via a handheld tool with an exfoliating diamond tip.
Whatever option you choose to fix your clogged pores, consistency is key according to both experts we spoke to. So, while dealing with clogged pores and the acne they bring isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, it’s important to carve out time to address your clogged pores. Cheers to clearer skin ahead!

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Categories
Fresh Fashion Lifestyle

6 Trends We Never Thought We'd See Again (And How To Rock Them In 2018)

The year may be 2018, but a glance at current fashion almost suggests otherwise. Love ’em or hate ’em, old trends are new again. Though we usually advocate for donating what you no longer use, it’s time to raid those bags of old clothes you’ve been hiding in your attic.
Fortunately for those of us who would rather keep our high school fashion faux pas in the past, there are plenty of new ways to style these old trends. On the other hand, if you’re loving this blast from the past, get excited.
We’ve picked out the cutest pieces from brands that are eco-friendly and socially responsible; sustainability is the trendiest way to take it back to the ’80s and ’90s.

Stirrup Pants (and Leggings!)

These pants were first introduced in the 1920s as a crucial addition to horse-riding attire and were later embraced by Olympic skiers. It was enough of a shock when the Jane Fonda-inspired fitness craze of the ’80s brought them back in a major way.
Though they were thrown into a corner and long forgotten, stirrup pants are officially making their comeback. From the likes of fashion blogger Pernille Teisbaek to the runway at Balenciaga, we’ve seen the style steadily pick up speed since late 2016.
The modern version of stirrups are edgy and chic; this style is one you’ll be itching to have in your wardrobe.
Wondering how to style the trend you probably rocked in preschool?
Try these full-length Show Off leggings from Alo ($98). The stirrup strap is pure ’80s fun, but the mesh brings it up to date. For something a little more work-appropriate, try & Other Stories’ trouser-style stirrups ($85). (Pro tip: This time the strap goes over your heels.)

Giant Logo Tees

We’re taking it back to the halcyon days of the ’90s when you could wear obnoxiously branded gear without being labeled a sell-out. From Calvin Klein to Tommy Hilfiger, giant logos were everywhere—and, somehow, people hadn’t gotten sick of them yet. They went into hiding for a while, but the ragged tops we grew up wearing are now considered the perfect balance of vintage and chic for this year’s look.
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Take it back a couple decades by grabbing a vintage adidas shirt off eBay. Or make it a little more au courant with Outdoor Voices’ neon take on the trend ($35). From the gym to girls’ night out, you truly can’t go wrong.
We’re excited to see how more major brands decide to play around with their logos. Big and bold, baby.

Vintage Denim

Ready for a chance to pull out those mom jeans and escape your routine pair of painted-on skinnies? This vintage wave has its perks. Crafted in every possible cut, rise, and fit, these retro-looking jeans are flattering on every body type.
That’s right, we’re welcoming back no-stretch, 100-percent-cotton denim. What’s more timeless than the tried and true Original Levi 501s? Shorts, jeans, overalls, jackets…it’s open season. From wardrobes boasting boho chic styling to those that are perfectly prim, there’s an option for every gal.
A super eco-friendly option is Everlane’s modern boyfriend jean ($68), which is made of Japanese denim at a factory in Bien Hoa, Vietnam. Everlane partners with ethical factories around the world, and you can read more about the factory where these jeans were made on Everlane’s website. We love it in the light blue wash paired with a crisp blazer, like this one ($175) from Grana, a socially responsible favorite.

Wide-Leg Trousers

They’ve been saying skinnies are dead for years, but we haven’t seen the evidence. That said, wide legs are managing to hang on for yet another year, and we love the way we can play with new silhouettes in 2018: cropped, high-waisted, or even paper bag-esque.
Whether you’re tucked in an office or meandering the farmers market, pair Reformation’s Saylor pant ($178) with a tucked-in breezy blouse for a summer outfit that’s sure to turn heads.

Embroidered Everything

Most commonly worn as formal wear during the ’60s and ’70s, embroidery has since been left for our grandmothers’ closets. Well, until this year. Even Louis Vuitton spruced up their silk coats with meticulous needlework. What’s not to love? That level of attention to detail has us wanting to reach for our wallets.
Flower power goes comfy with Amour Vert’s Marie sweatshirt ($88) that’s perfect for gloomy days. When the occasion to be formal arises, embroidered dresses like this open-back maxi from British eco-fave Needle & Thread ($293) have us (im)patiently waiting for summer to roll around.

Hoop Earrings

Here’s a trend we can all get behind. Although hoop earrings never fully went out of style, 2018 is promising their return to center stage. Popular throughout the decades, this design is one of the oldest pieces of jewelry dating back to even the earliest civilizations.
We can assure you that no matter what your style is, there’s a hoop made just for you. For a sophisticated twist, pick up the triple hoop earrings from ethical fashion pioneer Soko ($60). If you’re more into silver, the Legacy hoops by ABLE ($64) were made by hand in Nashville. We’re loving them paired with a low bun and a bold lip.

Categories
Conscious Beauty Lifestyle

What Does Toner Do? All Your Questions About Toner, Answered

Each morning and evening you cleanse your face and apply a moisturizer (right?). In the quest for clean, even, and firm skin, those steps have long been thought of as the essentials. But now, thanks to the popularity of the 10-step Korean skincare routine and more skincare companies at Sephora than we know what to do with, skincare junkies are finding more and more products we consider essential, like toner. Beauty experts extol the virtues of toner, but how many of us actually know what it does?
Learning about a new beauty product can be overwhelming, particularly if you’ve already got a skincare routine that you love. Plus, who has the time to understand a new product when you’re scrambling just to find a few minutes to yourself in the morning and evening to wash your face? But set your doubts aside: Once you understand what toner does, you’ll want to incorporate it into your routine.
We spoke to beauty experts and skincare scientists to answer all of your questions about facial toner. We got the answers on who should use it, when it should be applied, and that essential question: What does toner do?
Here’s everything you need to know about this crucial boost to your skincare routine.

What does toner do?

According to Clara Song of Catherine Jinn, a Korean skincare line that aims to bring together Eastern and Western approaches to skincare, facial toner is meant to cleanse your face and prepare your skin for the application of the serums and creams that follow in your skincare routine.
Toner should be applied after you wash your face to remove any leftover debris or dirt from the skin, giving you the perfect clean canvas to apply the rest of your skincare essentials.
Song says many people think they can skip facial toner, but using it really helps enhance a skincare routine.
“It’s easy to think cleaning the skin with a cleanser is enough, but this added step of toner can be an important step in keeping the skin clean without damaging it,” she says.
According to Charlotte Cho, esthetician and founder of Soko Glam and The Klog, a good toner should leave your skin feeling clean and hydrated. After you apply toner, your skin should feel soft and supple, she writes at The Klog, not tight or dry.

What is in facial toner?

Traditionally, toners were made from astringent ingredients that were meant to cause the skin to contract or tighten according to David Pollock, a chemist who has worked on many skincare products and consults in the beauty industry. Most toners were made using an alcohol or witch hazel base, which sometimes stung when they were applied to skin. These products gave toner a bad reputation as a product that would leave your skin stinging, red, or tight: not exactly what you want as part of your beauty routine.
Modern toners, however, are very different.
“Quality toner usually doesn’t contain ingredients like alcohol, which dry out and can even strip the skin of its nutrients,” Song tells HealthyWay.
Rather than assaulting your skin, modern toners are packed with antioxidants, nutrition, and hydrating materials that leave your skin feeling great, according to Rhonda Q. Klein, MD, a dermatologist practicing with the Connecticut Dermatology Group and a former assistant professor of dermatology at Yale University.
“A toner is a fast-penetrating liquid that removes dead skin cells off the surface of the skin leaving plump refreshed skin,” she tells us. “They are primers for the rest of your serums and moisturizers.”
Today, toners are formulated to fit a number of skincare needs from delivering powerful hydration to shrinking your pores and even reducing acne, Klein says.

What does toner do to balance pH?

In the past, facial toner was used to balance the pH level of your skin after it was cleansed.
In case you need a quick refresher on Chemistry 101: pH indicates how alkaline or acidic something is. It’s measured on a scale of 1 to 14, with water—which is neither acidic or alkaline—falling right in the middle with a measurement of 7. Anything with a higher pH is considered alkaline, while anything with a lower pH is considered acidic.
What does all this science have to do with skincare? Well, your skin is naturally acidic with an average pH of 4.7 according to a 2006 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. The acidity of your skin helps it it stay healthy and keeps bacteria at bay.
“pH balance is important because if it becomes unbalanced, the skin weakens and is more susceptible to bacteria and infections,” Song explains.
So, what does toner do to balance pH? In the past, most cleansers were very alkaline according to Pollock. Because cleaners were alkaline, toner was promoted as a way to restore the proper (acidic) pH of your skin. However, with advancements in the formulation of cleansers, it’s become less necessary to use a toner purely to reset the pH level of skin.
“Multi-purpose cleansers started to do more and be more closely pH-balanced for the skin,” Pollock says. “For the past 15 or 20 years, I have had very few clients interested in launching any type of toner.”

Where does toner fit into Korean skincare?

If toners had gone out of fashion, why are so many people talking about what toner does in 2018? The answer: Korean skincare.
“With today’s K-beauty invasion, toners are coming back into popularity,” says Pollock.
Whereas Americans tend to emphasize makeup products that can make your skin look fantastic, a Korean skincare routine emphasizes having skin that looks healthy, even, and glowing without additional products. Women who follow Korean beauty regimens aim to achieve this using a 10-step skincare routine that involves—you guessed it—facial toner.
According to Cho, Koreans embrace toner as a way to get the most out of the rest of their skincare routine. She uses the analogy of a sponge: If the sponge is completely dried out, it won’t absorb much of the liquid it comes into contact with. However, if it’s slightly damp, it will absorb liquid much more quickly.
Your skin works the same way, she explains. If it is dried out after cleansing, you won’t get as much out of the serums and creams that you put on afterward. Toner, she says, provides the hydration and nutrients that leave your skin ready to take all it can from the rest of the products in your beauty routine.

What does toner do for people with oily skin? Should everyone be using it?

With all this talk of hydration, you might wonder if you can still benefit from using toner if you have oily skin. Good news: You absolutely can.
Cho points out that hydration has to do with the amount of water in your skin, not the amount of oil. Although having skin that feels dry might make you feel like you’ve temporarily defeated your oily skin, it’s not actually addressing the problem. In fact, Cho says that almost every client she sees could benefit from more hydration, whether their skin type presents as dry or oily.
Modern toners are formulated to address a variety of skin issues, so the key is finding one that works for you.
With the right product, Klein says anyone can benefit from using a toner. “If you feel that your skin care regimen is lacking and that your skin is not optimized, adding on a toner is the perfect primer for the rest of your skin care routine,” she says.
Here are toners that the pros recommend for specific skin types:

  • If you have oily skin, try Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Facial Toner ($35).
    • This toner gives you the same hydrated but clean feeling that you would experience after wearing a clay mask, without the time investment.
  • If you have dry skin, try Galactomyces Alcohol-Free Toner ($16).
    • This toner has a secret weapon: fermented ingredients that will leave your skin looking smooth and balanced. Korean skincare enthusiasts often use products with fermented ingredients, and this toner is a great way to get started.  
  • If you have combination skin, try Son & Park Beauty Water ($30).
    • This toner is designed to cleanse without drying, making it perfect for people who experienced localized breakouts. With lavender and rosewater, it will soothe your skin and leave you feeling energized.
  • If you have sensitive skin, try Kenzoki Fresh Lotus Water ($29).
    • This misting toner is the perfect choice for women who want something gentle. You’ll feel refreshed and clean no matter when you apply it.
  • If you’re feeling puffy, red, or dry, try Darphin Intral Toner With Chamomile ($54).
    • No one likes when their face feels inflamed. The chamomile will calm irritation and is ideal for a variety of skin types.

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When considering a toner, Klein recommends taking a quick look at the ingredients to determine whether the toner will fit your needs. For instance, rosewater is hydrating and clarifying, while chamomile is calming and soothing. People who are dealing with acne might benefit from an alcohol-based toner, but most everyone else should stick to a water-based formulation, she says.
There are also some ingredients to avoid, depending on your skin type.
“If you have dry or sensitive skin, avoid alcohol, retinols, glycolic, or benzoyl peroxide toners,” Klein says. “If you are oily or acne-prone, avoid toners with vitamin E and other essential oils.”

How do I incorporate toner into my beauty routine?

Toner should be either the second or third step in your skincare routine.
In most cases, you should apply your facial toner directly after cleansing in the morning and the evening.
“You want to tone within one minute of washing your face so that the nutrients are absorbed best,” Klein says.
The only time you should wait to apply your toner is if you are exfoliating after cleansing. Apply your toner after that step; otherwise, it will be washed away when you wash off your exfoliator.
Some people prefer to apply the toner directly using their hands, but if you do that, you want to make sure that your hands are very clean. If not, you run the risk of introducing more debris onto your skin.
“Our hands are not clean either, so rubbing them on our face sort of defeats the purpose of cleaning it,” Song says. She recommends using a cotton pad to gently wipe or pat the skin with toner, without aggressively rubbing it in.
There are many gentle options for toners, so if you find that your skin is irritated, try switching products. If it still feel like too much, try using toner just once a day. Song recommends using it at night in this case, to be sure that your face is especially clean after a long day in order to prevent issues.
“Not having properly cleansed skin can lead to acne and breakouts,” she says.

Can I make a DIY facial toner?

The products listed above are a great way to get started with incorporating facial toner into your beauty routine. However, if you want to try a DIY toner, that’s possible as well.
Witch hazel is readily available and can be applied to the skin directly or diluted with water to make a witch hazel toner.
If you’re looking for a toner that is a bit more gentle, Pollock recommends steeping rose petals in water and adding a bit of glycerin, a natural, non-toxic hydrating compound made from vegetable fat that can boost your collagen levels. You can find glycerin at your local drug store.
Another popular DIY option is creating a green tea toner, which Klein recommends. This is super easy: Brew a cup of green tea, letting it steep for three to five minutes. After the liquid has cooled, you can apply it directly to your face. Be sure to store any DIY toners in airtight containers in the fridge when they’re not in use.
You might have heard of using lemon to make your own DIY toner, but experts don’t recommend this. Lemon is very acidic and can disrupt the pH balance of your skin. Plus, it can leave you exposed to sunburn.
You may not have grown up using facial toner as part of your beauty routine, but adjusting your skincare regimen to fit toner in can be a simple step toward healthier skin.
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Categories
Fresh Fashion Lifestyle

What To Wear To An Interview: Advice From 3 Women Leaders

When you’re looking for a job, the only thing tougher than getting a call back is figuring out what to wear to an interview. First impressions are everything: People at the interview will notice your outfit before you can elaborate on the highlights of your résumé and what you can offer their company. Plus, wearing clothes that make you feel great will help you exude that cool, calm, collected attitude employers are looking for.
So how do you find that perfect job interview ensemble to impress the hiring manager, all while sharing your most authentic self? It can be tricky, and it requires the perfect balance of professional and expressive style, office-appropriate garments that aren’t too stiff (save your shoulder pads for an ’80s dance party, please!), and an overall look that fits the culture of the company where you’re applying.
For expert advice about what to wear to an interview, we went straight to the source: successful women who were once in your shoes—trying to land their next great opportunity—and who have since climbed to sky-high career heights.
Boss ladies Arianna Huffington (co-founder of The Huffington Post and chief executive of wellness company Thrive Global), Kelsey Haywood Lucas (content and marketing director at Girls’ Life, the renowned magazine for teen girls), and Nicolette Amarillas (founder of Expansive Voice’s Professional Women series, which offers career workshops to women) sat down with HealthyWay to share pointers on nailing your job interview and tips on picking just the right outfit for the big day.
Oh, and in case you needed permission to take a last-minute shopping trip, consider it granted.

First Things First: Making a Great Impression

While many of us can be preoccupied with what to wear to an interview, making a great impression is about so much more than finding a flattering blazer and the perfect pair of heels. The meeting with the hiring manager can be a daunting moment. Some advanced preparation will go a long way to helping you feel self-assured and show your excitement for the position during the job interview.
“Remember that much more important than how you dress in an interview is how you feel. Are you feeling calm, confident, and in control? It’s less about what someone’s wearing and more about how they present themselves,” says Huffington, who looks for candidates who are “confident and direct.”
“Those are vital elements of any thriving company culture,” she adds.
When there’s so much riding on a job interview, it can be a challenge to overcome the natural nervousness you feel leading up to the meeting. Practice and planning can make the hot seat feel a lot cooler, though. Rehearse your answers to common job interview questions, such as “Where do you see yourself in five years?”, with a friend—or even in the mirror.
Your answers shouldn’t sound canned, but you also shouldn’t struggle to come up with compelling responses. Read up on the company’s history and any recent news; that knowledge will show that you’re seriously interested in the business.
On the day of the job interview, try to be as calm and collected as possible—even if you’re buzzing with anticipation.
“Getting to an interview can be stressful due to an array of issues, like traffic, so it’s important to leave with plenty of time to arrive early and take 5 to 10 minutes to decompress, close your eyes, and become present. Simply inhaling through the nose for six seconds and exhaling through the mouth for six seconds for 10 to 15 times can drastically decrease any mental stress you may feel in your body,” advises Amarillas.
Your body language can play a big role in the impression you make during a job interview. Even if you’ve still got a few jitters, hide them behind a confident strut and perfect posture.
“The way you carry yourself expresses so much about you. Keep your eyes forward, shoulders back, and chest proud,” says Amarillas.
The conversation with the hiring manager during the job interview is the ultimate chance to share what you can bring to the role and how you can drive success at the company.
“Tell your interviewer why you’re qualified, why you’re a great fit, and how you’d benefit the company—then back it up. I meet a lot of candidates who talk about why they want to work for our company and what a great opportunity it would be for them. Remember that when a company hires you, they are investing time and money in you, so you need to explain the potential return on investment,” says Lucas.
But remember: The job interview is not one sided. It’s as much of an opportunity for the company to find the best candidate for the role as it is for you to determine if this is the right place to invest your talent and energy.
“The best candidates I’ve ever met with are the ones who turn an interview into a conversation. Be fully engaged in what your interviewer is saying. Ask smart, relevant questions to create a natural flow without interrupting or veering off topic,” Lucas adds.
Finally, express your gratitude to the interviewer for taking the time to learn about you and explain the details of the role. Then send a follow-up within 24 hours of the job interview to confirm your interest in the position. This step is even more important than figuring out what to wear to an interview.
“A prompt thank-you note is always important—and it can trump even the most amazing outfit,” says Lucas.

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Deciding What to Wear to an Interview

Now that you’ve got a game plan for the meeting, it’s time to start strategizing your job interview outfit. Your closet might be bursting with potential options. How do you know what to wear to an interview? Successful women tend to take one of two paths: creating a versatile, go-to outfit that works for any job interview or customizing clothing to complement the culture of the company.
Building one amazing interview outfit that you always come back to can help you feel confident as soon as you put it on and make it easy to get dressed up on short notice.
“Pick out a go-to outfit—your ‘power suit’—and then repeat it for all interviews. And then once you get the job, don’t be afraid of continuing to repeat it. Repeats are my top style tip—men do it all the time,” Huffington notes. “Feeling like they have to pick out new outfits constantly can take up a serious amount of time for women. So pick out an outfit you like and then don’t be afraid to repeat it, again and again,” she adds.
That being said, there are some benefits to putting together a job interview look that reflects the overall vibe of your potential employer. When you wear something that’s similar to (but slightly more formal than) what current employees throw on for work, it’s easier for the hiring manager to envision you joining the staff, and it shows that you understand the company culture.
“Looking relatable is important. A dressier company should be met with a dressier interview outfit. Be careful, though. A laid-back work environment still calls for an intentional outfit. A dress or pantsuit might not be necessary, but a pair of nice slacks and a blouse would be perfect,” says Amarillas.
If you’re not sure how people dress at the company, throw on your detective hat and start scrolling through social media.
“I thoroughly encourage Instagram stalking of both the company and its employees because you might get a glimpse into a day at the office, which can help you prepare both mentally and sartorially,” says Lucas. “Aim for something that feels on-brand with the business but a little bit elevated.”
When figuring out what to wear to an interview, comfort is key, whether you’re going with a standby outfit or coming up with an entirely new look. You should feel both physically comfortable in the garments (no shoes that pinch!) and with the style you’ve chosen.
“There was a time when I’d try to dress on the more corporate and professional end of the style spectrum—and then I ended up feeling like a caricature of myself,” Lucas recalls. Eventually I realized that if I just aimed to wear a very polished version of something I was comfortable in, I was so much more confident. If you get dressed and you could never, ever see yourself wearing this outfit again, change immediately.” 

What to Wear to an Interview: Law, Finance, and Corporate Exec Jobs

Legal, finance, and corporate executive positions require a very professional, conservative look, such as a tailored pantsuit, for job interviews. You’ll want to look extremely polished to help demonstrate that you’d thrive in a high-pressure environment.
This sharp black dress (made from eco-friendly fabrics) ($159) from Wallis Evera has that high-end look that works well for a corporate environment. Bonus: It has pockets! Looking for something with more of a sleeve? This classic navy wrap dress at People Tree ($119) is figure-flattering, work appropriate, and made with certified organic cotton.  
If dresses aren’t really your thing (and the company is on the more casual side of corporate), put together some separates that will help you look the part. This tube skirt ($55) from Everlane, a company that works with ethical factories, features stretchy fabric that still looks structured. And since you can never go wrong with a crisp white blouse, this silk button-down shirt, also from Everlane, is a natural choice for a top.
At the most conservative of firms though, women’s suiting is usually the only appropriate answer for what to wear to an interview. Fortunately, Theory’s got you covered. The brand’s tailored blazer ($395) and flare pants ($295) are part of their responsibly milled Good Wool collection and come in a bunch of flattering colors. Beneath the blazer, wear a basic silk cami, like this sophisticated, versatile option from Boden ($70).
If there’s ever a time for heels, it’s when you have a corporate job interview. You could splurge on these gray woven pumps ($660) from Stella McCartney, the high-fashion pioneer of cruelty-free garment-making. Or pick up these vegan leather heels from VEERAH ($278), a company that sources all of its materials in a responsible way. The removable ankle strap is better suited for a night out, so skip them for the interview—then go out to celebrate! Whichever pair you choose, go with a 3 inch or shorter heel to give you a corporate-approved power walk.

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What to Wear to an Interview: Health, Wellness, and Fitness Jobs

Companies in the health and wellness industry look for people who are relatable, optimistic, and compassionate. These roles tend to require a lot of face-to-face interaction with everyday folks who are relying on your expertise to help them look and feel their best. When thinking about what to wear to an interview in these fields, plan an outfit that’s comfortable, welcoming, and fresh—nothing aggressive, as that might scare off clients.
If you feel your best in a dress, this blue lace one ($59.99) from Mata Traders would be perfect for an interview at a company in the health care sector. It’s made in India at a fair-trade women’s co-op.
For a more casual look, try this floral blouse ($138) from Amour Vert, a brand that only uses non-toxic dyes to color its silks. Its cheerful, natural vibe befits the wellness field and would look gorgeous over Everlane’s Italian GoWeave Easy pant ($88). Everlane ensures that ethical and environmental standards are being upheld throughout its supply chain.
Flats are generally fine for interviews in these fields. Matt & Nat’s white ballerina flats ($90) are made from vegan materials and will give you a crisp, clean look. TOMS, the company that gives shoes to children in need, has taupe suede flats ($84.95) that would match either job interview outfit.

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What to Wear to an Interview: Tech and Start-Up Jobs

Tech and start-up workplaces are famous for their low-key, fun environments. Wondering what to wear to an interview at these laid-back companies? Show that you’d fit in at their organizations with a casual yet thoughtful interview outfit.
A pair of minimalist sneakers will do the trick for an interview at a truly casual start-up. Slip-on sneakers ($136) from Ahimsa, which manufactures its vegan leather shoes using ethical practices, have a sleek vibe. These sneakers ($95) from Allbirds are on-trend in the tech industry. (Your interviewer might even be wearing them herself!) The process to create the comfy kicks out of New Zealand sheep’s wool uses 60 percent less energy than typical synthetic sneakers.
You can’t go wrong with a pair of dark cropped pants, like these cigarette pants ($98) from Amour Vert. More comfortable in something form fitting? Try these gray cuffed pants ($115) from Wallis Evera; they’re made from high-quality, eco-friendly hemp and recycled poly.
A white shirt will give your overall interview outfit a modern feel. You could go with a relaxed V-neck tee ($68) from Amour Vert. The price might be a little steep for a T-shirt, but the company makes it worth the splurge. For every shirt sold, Amour Vert plants a tree. Alternatively, ADAY offers a sophisticated yet casual option with their Something Borrowed Shirt ($135).
Casual definitely beats formal in tech and start-up environments, but you still want to look smart for a job interview. This relaxed-fit blazer ($475) from Citizen’s Mark, a brand with a wool mill in Italy that’s dedicated to water conservation, will take your outfit to the next level. If you’re looking for a splash of color, try this ponte blazer ($150) from Boden, which has been a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative for 10 years and promotes sustainable practices.

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What to Wear to an Interview: Marketing, Publishing, Arts, Fashion, and Creative Jobs

Creative jobs—like those in marketing, publishing, fashion, and arts fields—allow you to be a little more experimental in what to wear to an interview. In fact, you should try to express your creative side in your interview outfit. A memorable look can help set you apart from the competition in these hot fields.
Prints are your friend in this situation. The Virginia dress ($218) from Reformation comes in a pretty floral pattern that will show your interviewer that you’re not afraid to go bold. Or, slip on this floral pleated midi skirt ($85) from & Other Stories, which will stand out against this silk tee ($155) from Cuyana.
Since you’re going fearless with printed clothing, play it a little safe with your shoes and look for a pair that’s structured and contemporary. The shoe selection at & Other Stories, which offers in-store recycling programs, has tons of options. We like these d’Orsay pointed ballerina flats ($85) or block heel suede sandals ($85).

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Finally, no matter what field or company you’re hoping to land a job with, definitely wear a smile to your interview. Being cheerful and friendly goes a long way in a successful career.

Categories
Mindful Parenting Motherhood

Simple Summer Fun Your Kids Will Love (And You Will Too)

Summer vacation: two words that tend to strike fear in the heart of any parent of school-age children. I mean, just how in the heck are you supposed to entertain your children for two whole months?
Believe it or not, keeping your kids’ schedule packed with summer fun can be done, and we’re here to show you how. Not all summertime activities can be Pinterest-worthy (and let’s be honest, who even has time for that?), but keeping it simple can be just as fun. Here are our simple summer fun ideas that will keep you and your kids entertained all summer long.

Summer Fun 101: The Essentials

Before you embark on any summer fun adventure, it pays to have a few essentials ready to go.

Summer Fun in the Water

Beat the heat with these water-based summer fun activities.
For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers: Never underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned backyard pool. There are a ton of affordable options that pack in the fun. Add in a few plastic balls, and you’ll have hours of fun on your hands for toddlers and preschoolers.
For older kids: Instead of water balloons, which leave plastic bits all over the yard, engage older kids in an epic sponge ball battle or channel your inner camp counselor and hold a water relay race.

Summer Fun for Bookworms

Summer break doesn’t have to mean a break from learning too. Keep your kids’ minds engaged with these educational activities.
For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers: Get a library card if you don’t already have one! They’re free, and most public libraries provide awesome programming for children, like weekly story time or craft hour. Plus, the library is quiet and air conditioned, so it’s a great way to wind down right before nap time.
For older kids: Read a chapter book or start a book series with your older kids. Take turns reading, and encourage kids to get creative with voices for characters or act out scenes. Little House on the Prairie and Harry Potter are great series that will keep your kids turning the pages all summer long.

Summer Fun for Little Picassos

Encourage your kids’ inner artist with these summer fun activities designed to spark creativity.
For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers: Painting with water! It’s the most brilliant parenting hack ever. All you need are a couple of paint brushes, a bucket of water, and a hard surface (like the driveway). Have your littles dip the paintbrush into the water and “paint” the driveway with it to create an artistic masterpiece. As the water dries, their art will disappear, leaving a fresh canvas to create something new!
For older kids: Origami, the art of paper folding, takes time and skill to perfect, and it’s the perfect summer art project for older kids. They can make cute paper pineapples, mermaids, or suncatchers to decorate for an end-of-summer party later. Or, if you want to add an educational component, teach your kids to make paper cranes while reading the chapter book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. It’s a tearjerker, but it’s a great way to introduce a difficult part of history to your kids in an engaging way.   

Summer Fun in the Great Outdoors

If you have a small yard (or no yard!) or you just need a change of scenery, there are a number of great options for keeping the littles engaged outdoors.
For infants: Grab a picnic blanket and head outdoors, where there is a whole new world of sights, sounds, and things to touch for little ones—and they’ll be mesmerized simply taking in the scenery. Because baby is still learning how to use all of his or her senses, even just being outside can be tiring, so odds are your baby will want a long nap afterward. Score!
For toddlers and preschoolers: Take your littles on a simple nature walk or mini scavenger hunt. They’ll love pointing out different things they find along the way, and it’s a great opportunity to start teaching kids to be environmentally conscious as they learn about different plants and wildlife.
For older kids: Go geocaching! Your kids will have so much fun that they won’t even realize they’re learning, too. Geocaching is a kind of modern-day treasure hunt where seekers use GPS to navigate their way to hidden surprises. To start geocaching, you can join a geocaching community through a website like Geocaching and choose a geocache to find. Make sure you bring something to leave behind for other geocachers!

Rainy Day Summer Fun

Don’t let rain get in the way of good summer fun! These indoor activities are sure to keep kids entertained, even on rainy days.
For toddlers and preschoolers: Keep boredom at bay with a messy, but fun, shaving cream activity. All you need is inexpensive foamy shaving cream, a large clear space (I use the kids’ play table), and clothes you don’t mind getting messy for the kids to wear while they play. Spray the shaving cream on the table, and let your kids go to town. Seriously. There’s something about putting their hands in a weird foamy texture that little kids absolutely love. The only downside to this activity is that it does mean more cleanup, so you might want to limit shaving cream time to the garage or another covered outdoor area on rainy days.
For older kids: When I was a kid, our television time during the summer was nonexistent. So on rainy days, it felt extra special when mom let us pick out our favorite movies to watch. Older kids will love having an impromptu movie day complete with snacks and cozy blankets. Let each kid pick out their favorite movie for a marathon, or decide on one movie to watch together. For an educational component, you could even watch the movie version of a book you may have been reading all summer.

Helping Others as a Summer Fun Activity

There are other ways of having summer fun besides just playing. Teach kids early on about the importance of helping others with these fulfilling activities.
For toddlers and preschoolers: Toddlers and preschoolers can learn to help others while they’re young. They can help sort items into boxes for donation or even help a sibling complete a chore. A great way of introducing  your littles to the idea of helping others is by reading a Berenstain Bears classic, The Berenstain Bears Lend a Helping Hand.
For older kids: Pick out a volunteer opportunity to participate in as a family once a month or even once a week. By volunteering together, you’ll help your kids make helping others a priority and make it something they’ll want to continue after summer has ended. Some good volunteer opportunities for older kids might include sorting items for donation at Goodwill, volunteering to walk dogs at the animal shelter, or helping an elderly neighbor with household chores.

Categories
Favorite Finds Sweat

A Full Guide To The Best Women's Running Shoes

Looking for the best running shoes you can find?
First, of all, we’ve got some bad news: There’s no such thing as the “best” running shoes for every type of runner. That’s partly because there are so many runners. In the United States alone, about 64 million people went for a jog or run in 2016.
It’s also because every runner has different habits. If you run 200 miles on trails every month, you’ll need very different shoes from those of your friend who runs 50 miles per month on roads.
In general, if you’re ready to buy a new pair of running shoes, you’ve resigned yourself to making a major purchase: The best running shoes can cost upwards of $150. But if you get hundreds of miles of injury-free exercise, it’s money well spent.
We spoke with physicians and running shoe designers to determine what makes a great running shoe—and what “features” are essentially marketing mumbo-jumbo. Here’s what you need to know.

What Science Says About Choosing the Best Running Shoes

This might sound somewhat counterintuitive, but before you choose running shoes, you need to go running.
“Probably one of the most important things for beginners is to go to a good shoe store and have them take a look at you,” says Clifford L. Jeng, MD, medical director of the Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

“Running stores have people who are professional, high-level runners. They’ll have a treadmill equipped with a video camera, and they’ll be able to watch to see whether you’re a pronator or a supinator or whether you have a high or low arch. They’ll look at your body habits, see if you’re heavy or light… Not only will they match you with the right shoe, they’ll probably also give you some tips on how to start your training.”

We realize that some of this language won’t be familiar to everyone—and while we’re really trying to avoid turning this into a vocabulary lesson, these are crucial terms to understand when you’re shopping. Pronation refers to the foot’s tendency to roll inward during natural movement. As your foot contacts the ground, that inward roll helps to distribute the impact from the strike across your foot.
If you pronate too much—if you’re landing on the outside of your foot and rolling excessively—your form might eventually lead to an injury. On the other hand, if you underpronate (or supinate), you might need additional cushioning.
If you’re just getting into running, just be aware that pronation is fairly important, and it’s best to have a professional evaluate your form before plunking down $150 for a random pair of running shoes. Jeng tells HealthyWay that athletic injuries can occur fairly frequently when runners don’t get enough support, and he recommends taking pronation into consideration when shopping.
For heavier runners, he also warns against “bare” or “minimalist” shoes: “A lot of people now like the neutral shoes, or the minimalist shoes, and those have very little cushioning in them, but they look nice and sleek and slim,” Jeng says. “If you’re a heavier person or an overpronator and you continue to plow through those shoes even though they’re hurting [you], you’ll probably injure yourself. So the other key about shopping is not to pick shoes because they’re pretty—pick the shoes that feel the best.”
The science, by the way, tends to back that up; there’s not currently enough evidence to show that minimalist running shoes offer any substantial benefits over traditional running shoes.
Before you start shopping, you’ll also need to consider where you run. Trail shoes typically have mesh uppers and extra treads to give you a better experience on rough terrain. Road shoes, on the other hand, are better for addressing the challenges of asphalt and pavement. Track shoes and “performance” shoes are fairly light, so they’re great for races, but they’re not built for heavy distance.

Understanding the Anatomy of Women’s Running Shoes

Before we look at some of the best running shoes for 2018, it’s important to understand how the different parts of a shoe affect how you run.

The Upper

This is (shockingly) the upper part of the shoe, which covers the top and sides of your foot. For high-quality athletic shoes, the upper’s job is to stay out of the way and let your foot breathe.
Look for mesh materials that don’t squeeze too hard when you’re all laced up. By the way, make sure you’re lacing correctly; there are a number of different ways to lace your shoe, and if you’re having trouble getting the right fit, it might be as simple as switching up your lacing style.

The Outsole

The outsole is the bottom of the shoe. Runners often decide to buy new shoes when their outsoles start to show their age, as the rubber “nubs” on the bottom can break off or wear down over time.

The Midsole

For a runner, this is arguably the most important part of the shoe. The midsole is the cushioning between the upper and the outsole. The midsole protects your foot from shocks and can influence your stability, so it’s where running shoe companies spend most of their research dollars.

The Insole

This is the removable cushion on the inside of the shoe. You can buy third-party insole replacements and if you want a really comfortable shoe, you probably should.
“Most major shoe companies spend millions of dollars on research on their midsole and their outer sole,” says Jeng. “But you look at most people’s insoles—the little liner that you can pull up out of the shoe—they’re worthless. They’re horrible.”

“Often, it’s a good idea to get higher quality insoles. An example of that is Superfeet, which I think are very good. They conform to the foot better [than manufacturer insoles] and have a little bit of an arch support in there.”

Recommended Women’s Running Shoes for 2018

To reiterate, the best way to choose a running shoe is to go to a store and speak with someone who knows their stuff. Try to find someone who runs frequently, and be wary if they only recommend shoes from a single brand.

Try on a variety of shoes to find a comfortable fit. Visit the store later in the day, when your foot is at its widest (yes, your foot expands slightly throughout the day). Don’t assume that you know your shoe size; get measured.
“When you get the shoe on, you should have about a thumbs breadth between the tip of the shoe and your big toe,” Jeng says. “That will allow you to kind of move around a little bit when you’re running, so you’re not stubbing your toe into the front of the shoe.”
As we mentioned earlier, there’s not one best running shoe out there, but we do have a few recommendations to help you get started.

Best Women’s Trail Running Shoe: Brooks Caldera 2

The Caldera 2 features a synthetic Ariaprene mesh upper, a midsole with stacked layers made from a proprietary EVA material, and colorful styling. If you’re looking for a protective trail-running shoe that isn’t excessively heavy, the Caldera 2 is a great place to start.
“One thing we recommend with all trail shoes is that they provide protection no matter what terrain you’re running on—including rocks, roots, and water,” a representative of Brooks tells HealthyWay. “Our Caldera 2 trail shoe uses moisture-wicking meshes to dry more quickly and allow the runner to get back on the trails. Runners should also look for a rubber outsole with high-surface-area lugs to optimize uphill and downhill traction on wet surfaces and tricky terrain.”

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Best Women’s Running Shoe for Average Runners: Mizuno Wave Sky ($150)

The Mizuno Wave Sky provides plenty of cushioning and firm arch support, which makes it an ideal shoe for mild overpronators (if you land toward the outside of your sole, but not all the way, this is where you’d want to start). While it’s relatively heavy at 9 ounces, it’s comfortable where it counts. A segmented bottom allows the shoe to conform to your running style, since each “pod” of the padding can react to shocks independently.
The major downside is the narrow toe, which might constrict some runners. It’s also an expensive shoe, but if you’re looking for decent stability shoes to help you avoid arch and knee injuries, the Mizuno Wave Sky offers a good starting point.

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Best Women’s Stability Running Shoe: New Balance 860 v8 ($125)

New Balance shoes tend to have great cushioning, and the 860 series includes some great road shoes for severe overpronators—if you land on the outside of your foot and roll in, the shoe provides stability that fights back against that effect. The New Balance 860 v8 is designed as a stability shoe, and it’s fairly bulky at 9.8 ounces. Added cushioning in the heel complements a sturdy midsole to keep your foot firmly locked in during longer runs.

Be prepared to break this shoe in; you’ll need to take it for a few runs or short walks before tackling serious distance.

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Best Women’s Light Running Shoe: ASICS Gel Quantum 360

The ASICS Gel series is remarkably popular, and the Quantum 360 is one of the line’s better shoes for neutral or underpronators (in other words, if your foot doesn’t roll too much when you run and if you tend to land on the inside of your sole, this is the place to start). A midsole platform works to correct against supination, while extensive padding throughout the midsole makes it a comfortable shoe for daily runs.
The big disadvantage is the weight. The Gel Quantum 360 comes in at a hefty 9.9 ounces. Still, it’s a well-designed shoe that offers plenty of stability for road runners.

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When should you replace your running shoes?

Hopefully, you’re now ready to hit your local running store and evaluate a few pairs of shoes. With some luck, you’ll walk out with a great pair.
Depending on your exercise habits, you’ll get months of service from your purchase. But nothing lasts forever.
“Most running shoes last about 400–500 miles before the foam [in the] midsole starts to collapse and doesn’t give you as much protection,” Jeng says. “You should track how many miles you’re doing in order to decide when you should replace your shoes.”

We reached out to several running shoe manufacturers who provided similar suggestions.
“We recommend runners replace their running shoes every 300–400 miles,” a Brooks Running representative tells HealthyWay.

Jim Monahan, president of running shoe company 361˚ USA, says that there’s no perfect mileage.
“This topic is very subjective because the answer lies with the runner themselves,” Monahan says. “If a shoe feels ‘dead’ or no longer comfortable, then it is time for a new pair of shoes. Some like to assign a length of time or a certain number of miles, but so much depends on each runner’s program: number of miles per week, body mass, surfaces run on, etc.”
If you’re not great about tracking your mileage, you can always examine your shoes.
“A good rule of thumb: If you look at the side of your running shoe and you see wrinkles in the midsole foam, you’re probably getting close to a change,” Jeng says.

Likewise, you should consider switching shoes if you feel like they’re pinching your feet or if you’re experiencing any recurring pain.

“Unusual aches and pains which can’t be attributed to a change in your training are a sign you may need to look for a new shoe,” a Brooks Running rep explains. “The key aches and pains to look out for are knee pain as well as shin splints. However, the goal is always to replace your shoes before you start feeling aches and pains.”

A final word of advice: Never assume that you know your running shoe size; it changes regularly.
“Our feet sag a little bit as we get older,” Jeng says. “I was about a 9½ all of my life, but when I turned about 40, I became a size 10. You should always have your foot sized on that little machine to decide what size you’re going to wear.”

Categories
Mom x Body Motherhood

Exercise For Kids Even Moms Will Love

When our kids are small, exercising with them is a no-brainer. Babies can be popped into the stroller while you walk or run, and all toddlers seem to do is exercise! When they’re not walking, they’re running. When they’re not jumping, they’re climbing! But exercise for kids is harder to come by as they grow past the toddler years, which is where we come in.
By the time they’re in school, the average American child spends almost half of their day sitting down. Recess has been chopped in school districts across the country, and some schools are even doing away with it entirely.
An increase in obesity among children over the past few decades has pediatricians urging families to prioritize proper nutrition and exercise for kids.
The good news? You don’t have to be a certified physical education teacher or pony up for expensive classes to provide exercise for kids when they need to get all that energy out. With just a little planning, you can get your kids up off the couch and moving like they mean it.

Why is exercise for kids important?

You likely know how important exercise is for your health, but exercise is just as important for kids, if not more.
“Children 2 to 6 years old should spend at least two hours every day participating in free play,” says Daniel Ganjian, MD, a certified public trainer and pediatric obesity specialist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. Free play exercise for kids, rather than going to the gym or using a treadmill, includes running around in the park, swimming, team sports, etc.
“More exercise, especially free play, helps promote better health, burn calories, improve concentration, and many other benefits,” Ganjian says.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at least one hour of “moderate to vigorous” physical activity for kids 6 and older to help build healthy bones and lean muscles, develop their motor skills, and build strength and endurance.
It can even make them smarter. Sound too good to be true? A study from Georgia Health Sciences University found a correlation between higher IQs and math scores and exercise for children. Researchers in the study selected 171 largely sedentary kids between ages 7 and 11 who were then divided into three groups; one had 20 minutes of exercise a day, another 40 minutes each day, and a third had none at all. Kids’ IQ scores and math abilities were recorded along the way. The groups that exercised saw IQ boosts and better math scores, and these results were more pronounced in the group that exercised the most.
Meanwhile, researchers in the Netherlands have found that exercise while learning can also boost children’s academic achievement. Scientists split second- and third-graders into two groups. One group had traditional lessons while the other had physical activities that coincided with their math and spelling lessons. Any guesses which group had higher scores when the research came to an end two years later? Yup, the kids who exercised.
Of course, planning exercise for kids can simply be a stop-gap measure to save your sanity when they’re bouncing off the walls. There’s no shame in that! After all, there’s nothing like sinking into the couch at 8 p.m. and basking in the quiet because the exhausted kids passed out early.
But exercise isn’t simply good for kids (and you) in the short term. It can help children create lifelong healthy habits.
“The earlier you start, the more likely your children are to continue exercising because they are learning healthy habits,” Ganjian says. “Furthermore, it is a great way for the family to interact and bond.”
So how do you set up exercise for kids that creates those interactions and bonding moments?

How to Make Exercise for Kids Fun

There’s a difference between how most kids approach exercise and how most adults approach the task, says Shannon Philpott-Sanders, author of Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family.
“For example, as adults, we focus on long-term goals when it comes to exercise,” she says. “Our end goal with exercise is to improve our health, lose weight, or even clear our minds.”
With kids, on the other hand, doctors like Ganjian say it’s important not to talk about weight (even if it’s a concern), as it can create a slippery slope that sends kids spiraling into an eating disorder.
What’s more, kids need motivation that’s more short-term than long-term. The younger they are, the more they want to know what’s happening in the next few minutes rather than in the next three months.
“In addition, the more you can turn exercise into a game, the more willing and eager kids are to get moving,” Philpott-Sanders says. “They may not even see the activity as a form of exercise; instead, they view it as a way to ‘play’ with others.”
As with any workout, safety is important when you’re planning exercise for kids.
“Areas should be well cushioned and away from sharp objects since toddlers may fall,” says Joseph Geskey, MD, a pediatrician and the vice president of medical affairs at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital. “As children age, follow the instructions of manufacturers’ recommendations around playground equipment, and ensure that once children are riding bikes, they should be wearing helmets, etc. By parents modeling this behavior—particularly around wearing helmets while biking—this becomes an ingrained habit that children naturally do.”

Exercise for Kids That Moms Love Too

You know your child best, so you’ll know what kinds of exercises they’re most likely to enjoy, but here are some ideas that might get them (and you) up and moving:

Animal antics

Can you walk like a penguin? Hop like a frog? Geskey says that challenging your kids to imitate animal movements can be great exercise. “Essentially, anything that gets children moving and is fun sets the appropriate example.”

Jumping rope

Remember playing double Dutch on the playground? This is one exercise for kids that is just as fun today as it was when you did it. Grab a jump rope and show off your best moves. “This is an exceptional way to get the heart rate up and use just about every muscle in the body,” Philpott-Sanders says.
To encourage them to keep at it longer, try challenging the kids to a contest. Have two kids sit on the ground with the rope stretched between them, and have them move the rope like a snake while a third child jumps back and forth, trying not to “step on the snake.” Older kids can can incorporate other challenges such as trying to answer math questions while jumping rope.

Dance party

No matter the weather, dancing is the perfect exercise for kids. Even when it’s raining, you can set things up in your living room to get their blood pumping and work their whole bodies. Tanya Cohen, owner of the Janice Center, an arts learning facility in upstate New York, says she starts small with kids, teaching them “moves” or “combos.” From there she starts to build a routine that her dancers can accomplish by putting together the pieces. “I also think it’s important to play dance games to reaffirm what I’ve taught,” she says. Focusing on the fun keeps her young dancers engaged.

Tag

It’s a simple game, but don’t let the fact that it’s common fool you into thinking it’s not a good exercise for kids. Although running around a track might be deemed “boring” by kids, Philpott-Sanders says tag gives them the same running workout with a twist that’s more kid-friendly. To vary the exercise, try different versions such as playing Red Rover or flashlight tag.

Yoga

Yoga has been skyrocketing in popularity among kids with 1.7 million children in the United States downward dogging and trying out their tree poses. The health benefits for adults are hard to beat, but it turns out yoga brings a lot to the table for kids too. Researchers have found it may help reduce anxiety in adolescents, improve classroom behavior, and even improve aerobic capacity. If you’re not a yoga pro yourself, don’t worry: yoga for kids can be very simple. Grab them a cute mat, and if you need more assistance, check out Cosmic Kids Yoga videos on YouTube!
If you’re still stumped on how to plan exercise for kids that they’ll love, check with your local community center or even your school district. Team sports, dance classes, and even swimming lessons can help get them used to moving their bodies and learning to love the way it feels to exercise.

Categories
In the Kitchen Nosh

5 Health(ier) Cocktails That Are Perfect For Sipping All Summer Long

The day I discovered that my all-time favorite cocktail, a gin and tonic with lime, could have upwards of 150 calories per serving was the day I suddenly became interested in finding health(ier) alternatives, such as low-sugar and low-calorie cocktails.
Studies about alcohol always seem to arrive at contradictory conclusions. One day the benefits of drinking tequila are front page news and the next day the headlines blast the negative effects alcohol has on your health. That being said, if you’re in the mood to treat yourself to an adult beverage, you might as well enjoy a cocktail (or mocktail) that boasts some nutritional benefits.
Here are some rules of thumb to get you started. And we’ve got a refreshing option for every taste!

Steer clear of dark liquors.

Whenever possible, choose cocktails that call for clear liquor (think vodka, gin, light beer, white tequila, and pisco). Why the distinction between clear and dark liquors? It turns out that dark liquors contain higher amounts of congeners, the chemical responsible for flavoring alcohol and a possible contributor to why dark liquors can make you feel more hungover.
Alcoholic beverages that are higher in congeners include whiskey, bourbon, dark beer, and red wine (one of the worst hangover offenders). Avoid hangovers altogether by enjoying alcoholic beverages in moderation (or not at all) and drinking plenty of water between cocktails.

Ice quality makes a difference.

When it comes to healthier cocktails, quality ingredients are an essential component of achieving a smooth taste. To begin, make sure you’re using filtered water and fresh ice. Tenaya Darlington, co-author of The New Cocktail Hour and Booze & Vinyl, offers this important tip: “Always use fresh ice made from filtered water! If you’re going to splurge for quality spirits, don’t use stale ice. Batching fresh ice a day or two before a party will assure that your drinks taste fresh and crisp, not like stale shrimp or an old bag of peas.”
For clear ice, use filtered water that has been boiled and then cooled to room temperature.

Get inspired by nature.

Maggie Hoffman, author of the The One-Bottle Cocktail: More Than 80 Recipes With Fresh Ingredients and a Single Spirit, is a huge fan of farmers markets.

She says:

“If I learned one thing from writing The One-Bottle Cocktail, it’s that there’s a treasure trove of ingredients at the farmers market. Obviously, you see a lot of mint in cocktails, but other herbs can add fantastic flavor—cilantro and thyme and basil and lemongrass are just a few. I love fennel in all its forms, especially with gin, which already has a wonderful herbal flavor.”

Darlington echoes this sentiment and even uses fresh herbs as a low-key decoration for the table. She says, “Sometimes we gather mint to use as centerpieces for the table and encourage people to try different mints as a garnish. It helps if you group the mint in different jars and label them, then guests get curious about tasting the different kinds.”
She also suggests using pineapple leaves as a garnish, especially if tiki drinks are on the menu: “We love to use pineapple leaves as garnishes for tiki drinks, like the East India cocktail and Planter’s Punch. In the summer, we love to grill pineapple when we bbq, and instead of tossing away the leaves, we always save them for cocktails.”

Use plenty of flower power.

Edible flowers add a beautiful burst of color to cocktails, taking an ordinary mixed drink and making it something truly spectacular. Darlington suggests jazzing up ice cubes with fresh edible flowers: “We like to freeze edible flowers in ice cube trays, then drop them into gin and tonics or into a big punch bowl. There are also lots of summer drinks involving shaved ice, where an edible flower adds stunning color and texture.”
Since flowers can’t be easily washed for consumption, make sure you use organic food-grade flowers from a reputable source.

Sun-kiss with citrus.

Lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits add tons of fresh fruit flavor without compromising the calorie count of your cocktail. Remove any traces of wax left on citrus peel by washing the fruit with very hot water for 45 seconds. For optimal juice extraction, roll the fruit under the flat of your palm until the flesh begins to soften.
When zesting citrus peel, make sure you avoid as much of the white pith as possible so you can prevent any overly bitter flavors being added to your cocktail by accident. If you’re left with any extra citrus juice, freeze it in ice cube trays for future use.

Mix it up!

The key to successfully making low-calorie and low-sugar cocktails is all in the right mix. Seltzer water, iced and unsweetened herbal tea, and kombucha are just some of the choices you have when crafting a more health-conscious, low-calorie, and low-sugar cocktail. Simple syrup can be used in moderation to sweeten up low-calorie ingredients, while bitters are used to disrupt and contrast the smoothest of cocktail ingredients.

Basic Simple Syrup Recipe

If your cocktail calls for simple syrup, don’t sweat it. You can whip up a homemade batch in almost the same amount of time it takes to assemble your drink. Simple syrup is made by dissolving sugar in simmering water in a 1:1 ratio. It’s then cooled and can be added to cocktails to impart sweetness without the risk of sugar granules sitting at the bottom of your glass.
This simple syrup recipe can be adapted to suit any taste or cocktail recipe. Add fresh herbs, herbal tea bags, or whole ginger or turmeric to the water as it simmers, and let it steep as the syrup cools before discarding.

Yields:

  • 1 cup of simple syrup

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup filtered water

Special equipment:

  • Measuring cup
  • Small saucepan
  • Squeeze bottle or glass jar for storage

Method:

Combine the sugar, water, and any optional flavoring additions in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, allowing the syrup to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature. Discard any solid ingredients and store the syrup in the fridge in a glass jar or plastic squeeze bottle for up to one month.

Turmeric Ginger Mule

This spicy mule gets its kick from an easy-to-make yet potent turmeric and ginger simple syrup, and the use of seltzer water instead of ginger beer keeps this cocktail light and bright. Many cultures have long regarded turmeric as having medicinal value, and there is promising research that it has anti-inflammatory properties and may help fight chronic diseases.
Make this a mocktail by omitting the vodka and adding an extra spritz of lime juice before serving.

Yields:

  • 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 1½ oz vodka
  • ¾ oz turmeric ginger simple syrup*
  • Juice of ½ lime (about 1 Tbsp. total) + lime wedges for garnish
  • 4–5 fresh mint leaves
  • 3 oz seltzer water
  • Crushed or regular ice

*Follow the recipe for basic simple syrup, adding 2 inches of peeled turmeric root and ginger root. Steep the turmeric and the ginger in the syrup until it cools to room temperature. Discard and store in the refrigerator.

Special equipment:

Method:

Add the turmeric ginger simple syrup, lime juice, and mint leaves to a mug or serving glass. Using a long-handled bar spoon, gently muddle the mint leaves as you stir. Fill the mug or glass with ice and stir in the vodka, topping with seltzer water to finish. Garnish with a slice of lime.

Vegan Pisco Sour

If you love sours but are also living the vegan life (or are avoiding raw eggs) you’ll be happy to know that the foam in this cocktail comes from aquafaba (the liquid found in cans of chickpeas) instead of the usual egg whites.
Pisco is a high-octane brandy from Peru and Chile that has become an integral ingredient on cocktail menus across North America in recent years.

Yields:

  • 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz pisco
  • 1 oz fresh lemon or lime juice (to get juicier results, roll the citrus fruit across the counter with your hands while pressing down before cutting)
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz aquafaba
  • Angostura bitters

Special equipment:

Method:

Combine all of the ingredients (except for the bitters) in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 to 45 seconds (aquafaba needs a few extra seconds compared to egg whites) and strain into a glass. Shake 2 to 3 drops of Angostura bitters on the foamy meringue and enjoy!

Spicy Jalapeño Micheladas

These spicy micheladas are perfect for brunches, backyard barbecues, and summer picnics. Made from Mexican lager, spices, lime juice, and tomato or Clamato juice, this michelada recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.

Yields:

  • 3 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 12-oz bottles of cold Mexican lager
  • Tajin seasoning
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 Tbsp.) + extra lime wedges
  • 1 tsp. your favorite hot sauce
  • ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or Maggi seasoning
  • 1 cup tomato or Clamato juice
  • 2 Tbsp. finely diced jalapeño pepper, seeds and white pith removed
  • ¼ cup finely diced cucumber, seeds and rind removed

Special equipment:

  • Pitcher
  • Long-handled bar spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 3 beer or highball glasses
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board (for dicing the jalapeño and cucumber)

Method:

Rim the glasses using a lime wedge and the Tajin seasoning. In a pitcher, combine and stir together the Mexican lager, juice of one lime, hot sauce, Worcestershire or other flavoring sauce, and tomato or Clamato juice. Spoon the diced cucumber and jalapeño evenly across all three glasses. Carefully pour the micheladas in the glasses, stir once more, and enjoy.

Rosé Kombucha Watermelon Slushie

This gorgeous take on a rosé slushie will immediately become your new favorite summer drink. It’s light, fruity, and makes use of hibiscus ginger kombucha to add a pleasant effervescence to the final cocktail with no added sugar.
Freeze watermelon in bulk and an entire bottle of rosé in ice cube trays; store in freezer bags so that you can make this slushie whenever you feel like it. For a non-alcoholic treat, ditch the rosé and use extra kombucha in its place.

Yields:

  • 2 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups watermelon, cubed and frozen (seeds removed)
  • 1½ cups rosé wine, frozen in ice cube trays
  • 1 cup hibiscus ginger kombucha (we love GT’s Enlightened Kombucha)
  • 4 mint leaves
  • Edible flowers, for garnish

Special equipment:

  • Blender
  • Measuring cups or spoons
  • Highball or large serving glasses

Method:

Add all of the ingredients to the blender and blitz until smooth, adding extra kombucha if needed. Pour in glasses and garnish with mint leaves and edible flowers before serving.

Beet Juice Bloody Marys

Sweet and earthy tasting, beet juice makes an interesting alternative to the tomato juice that is usually added to Bloody Marys. Beet juice has been shown to reduce blood pressure and inflammation, another reason to try this deeply purple take on a brunch classic.
If you don’t have access to a juicer, don’t worry. There are plenty of beet juices on the market (such as Lakewood Juice’s Pure Beet Juice). If possible, give these Bloody Marys 12 hours in the fridge to let the flavors fully develop. For a Bloody Mary mocktail omit the tequila.

Yields:

  • 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups beet juice
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tsp. prepared or freshly grated horseradish
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce or Maggi seasoning
  • Hot sauce, to taste
  • 2 Tbsp. pickle brine
  • ¾ cup tequila
  • Celery stalks (with leafy greens still attached)
  • Pickled vegetables (green beans, asparagus, or cucumber spears)
  • Lime wedges
  • Celery salt

Special equipment:

  • Pitcher
  • Long-handled bar spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method:

In a pitcher, combine all of the ingredients except for the celery stalks, pickled vegetables, lime wedges, and celery salt. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving. To serve, rim four glasses with lime juice and celery salt and add ice to each glass. Pour the beet Bloody Mary in each glass and garnish with a celery stalk, your choice of pickled vegetables, and extra hot sauce if desired.

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Collective Exclusives

What’s In Our Bag: Yoga Bag Edition

Packing your bag for a yoga class looks much different than packing for a spin class or a gym sweat sesh. Not only do you need to bring your mat, towel, and shoes, you also need a bag that makes it easy to do so. Most yogis want their practice to be as minimalistic and simple as possible—and for their bags to mirror this. Fortunately, it is possible to bring along the items you need without feeling weighed down. Here’s what’s in our bag for yoga class:

Perfect Yoga Duffel

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There’s no denying that a strategically packed gym bag is a huge part of workout preparedness, and the same holds true for yoga. The Everywhere Duffel from lululemon has plenty of internal pockets to house your essentials and convenient straps to secure your yoga mat to the top of the bag, so it’s easy to carry everything you need all at once. It even has a heat-resistant pocket for storing hair styling tools, so you can bring everything you need to get ready for the day or a night out after class.
 

lululemon

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Quality Yoga Mat

A great yoga mat can make or break your experience. Finding a quality mat will keep your poses steady instead of slippery. This Manduka mat is super dense and plush without being too soft, offering you tons of support and protection during your flow. The material also repels sweat to help keep your mat nice and clean.

Amazon

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Yogitoes Skidless Mat Towel

Whether you’re taking a hot yoga class or just doing yoga outdoors on a hot day, there are times when even the most skid-proof mat will get a little slippery. Don’t think you need to invest in a whole new mat, though. Instead, keep a mat towel like the Yogitoes Skidless Mat Towel in your bag so you can quickly wipe down your mat or place the towel on top of your mat before returning to your flow. The bottom of the towel is lined with silicone pads to keep it in place, and the top is made of absorbent fabric that’ll help wick away sweat to prevent slipping.

Athleta

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Wet Bag

We all know hot yoga classes end with sweat-drenched clothes. With this wet bag, your sweat can stay in one place instead of spreading all around. Although you’ll have to remember to pack another outfit, keeping a wet bag in your gym duffel will make it easy to keep your sweaty clothes contained until you can throw them into the washing machine. It’s also a great accessory to have if your gym has a pool or sauna.

Bed Bath & Beyond

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Yoga Accessories

Yoga blocks are a simple way to incorporate support into certain poses. They’re not too large or heavy, making it easy to stash one in your bag for class. The cork material makes these particular blocks a little more sturdy than the standard foam option. Plus, having your own blocks means you know they’re properly sanitized after use, so you never have to worry about whether they’re clean or who used them before you.

Amazon

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Hand Towel

Even if hot yoga isn’t your thing, you can still get a little sweaty after holding a particularly difficult pose. The smallest bit of sweat can make your yoga mat slippery, which is why it’s a great idea to keep a hand towel in your bag. You can use it on top of your yoga mat to add a little more stability when your hands get sweaty, or just keep it nearby to wipe the sweat off of your face and hands.

Amazon

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Yoga Mat Cleaner

Yoga mats aren’t always cheap, and even if you’re the only person using yours, it’s still important to make sure it’s sanitized regularly. The best time to give it a wipe down is right after you’re done using it, so it’s a great habit to keep a bottle of cleaner in your bag to make the task as simple as possible. This spray uses gentle, plant-based ingredients to help disinfect your mat, including lavender essential oil, which will also give it a fresh, calming scent. It comes with a microfiber cleaning towel to help absorb any extra product, leaving your mat clean and dry for the next time you need to use it.

Amazon

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GoodWipes

Just like your yoga mat needs to be wiped off when you’re done using it, freshening yourself up after a workout is also important. We’re not just talking about putting on some deodorant or fixing your ponytail, either—letting sweat linger on your skin can clog your pores and allow bacteria to build up, causing breakouts and rashes. If you don’t have time to take a shower before you leave the gym, keeping a few GoodWipes in your bag is a perfect alternative that’ll help cleanse your skin and leave a fresh scent. They’re alcohol-free and pH balanced, so your skin will be moisturized and clean in one swipe.

Amazon

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adidas Women’s Adilette Comfort Slide Sandal

Sure, you can wear your favorite pair of sneakers to the yoga studio, but why not go with something that’s a little simpler to take off and put on? These slides are simple and comfy, perfect for completing a casual post-gym athleisure look. Keep in mind that these slides do run a little large, so order the next size down if you tend to buy between sizes.

Amazon

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