May 10, 2019 at 12:56PM by CWC Yesterday I went to my friend Tarra’s apartment for butternut squash curry tacos and conversations about cephalopods—you know, as one does—and the talk quickly turned to tarot cards. If you know Tarra, you know that talk usually turns to tarot cards. She’s been flipping cards since the days of seventh-grade slumber parties and 2 a.m. runs to Quick Chek. Seventeen years later her card game is strong as ever. And yet, color me confused when I brought out a new deck of Ancient Italian Tarot (Happy Mother’s Day, mom!) and she told me she could teach me how to cleanse tarot cards. Do what now? So, apparently learning how to cleanse tarot cards is a thing you might want to do before you get a new deck, or if receive an old one, or if you’re giving a new or old one to someone else. Actually, cleansing, blessing, or activating your cards is especially good practice if they’re a present to someone else. “Tarot cards are traditionally given as gifts,” Tarra says. “Cleansing the cards and doing a protection ritual for them before you give them to a new owner will neutralize any weird energies they’ve picked along the way.” There is this myth—I repeat, myth—that buying your own tarot card deck is bad luck. And I guess it would be really rude of me if I gave my mom a cursed one. So after dinner Tarra set me up with a royal
Day: May 10, 2019
5 easy breakfast-in-bed recipes perfect for Mother’s Day (or like, any day)
May 10, 2019 at 12:29PM by CWC Nothing makes someone feel like a queen more than sleeping in and being served their first meal of the day on a fancy tray. The whole idea of hotel room service was built around very luxury of breakfast in bed. Is there anyone who deserves a decadent gesture more than mom? Every single other day of the year, moms are busy taking care of everyone else in the fam. Mornings are rushed making sure lunches are packed, everyone is dressed in weather-appropriate clothes, and everyone else has eaten. This one day of year, make sure she doesn’t have to lift a finger. Whether you’re in a relationship with a mom or you’re home visiting your own for the holiday, here are five ideas for breakfast in bed that will show how much you care. Breakfast in bed is what mom really wants for Mother’s Day Photo: Oh She Glows 1. Sun-dried tomato, mushroom, and spinach tofu quiche As far as egg-centric breakfast dishes go, a quiche is going to show mom you care a bit more than a quick plate of scrambled eggs—and the serving is big enough for the whole fam to keep nibbling at throughout the day. This one is full of veggies. Mom will be so proud! Photo: Hummusapien 2. Blueberry banana nut oatmeal A bowl of this warm, nutty oatmeal is basically a hug in food form: the epitome of pure comfort and happiness. What’s great about is that
Can’t do a single pull-up? Here’s how to get strong enough to do 50
May 10, 2019 at 12:09PM by CWC Attempting to execute some of the moves spotted in my gym’s weight room really zaps my self-esteem. (Shoutout to the dude with the single-arm pull-ups.) It’s simple to forget that a whole lot of work goes into nailing those exercises from start to finish. At some point, that beast on the bar probably used negative pull-ups to earn the strength it takes to hoist a human body in the air. And you can use the negative training technique to build your strength, too. I’m going to give it to you straight, this technique involves taking the part of a move that’s usually a bit easier (like the downward movement in a push-up), and changing the pace so that it feels like you’re moving through molasses. Then, you get to take a break during the part of the exercise that would usually leave you shaking (like the upward movement of a push-up). “A negative is referring to the deceleration portion of a movement,” says Brandon Hirose, master trainer at Crunch Gym’s 59th Street location in New York City. “Many people refer to this as the ‘stretch’ or extension of the muscle or muscle groups working.” The trainer says that moves like negative pull-ups and negative push-ups helps to build the strength necessary to perform the full exercise. “It breaks down the move, making it a more realistic feat if practice is consistent,” says Hirose, adding that the technique is often used for a type
We asked a nutritionist to rank the 7 most popular meat substitutes
May 10, 2019 at 12:08PM by CWC There are a lot of benefits to following a plant-based diet: It’s environmentally friendly, and it’s generally better for your health. But if you love burgers, bacon, and steak, the meat substitutes for vegans and vegetarians have historically been pretty sad. Thankfully, as more and more people adopt plant-based eating at least some of the time, the alt-meat options have gotten way better—providing the texture and flavor you’re looking for without using any animal products whatsoever. That way, you can still satisfy that “meaty” craving without succumbing to a lonely life of lettuce and veggie bowls. Not sure which meat substitutes are the healthiest, or how to cook with them? Here’s what an RD has to say. Best for beginners: Tofu Protein: 10 grams per 100-gram serving Of all the alt-meats, you’re probably most familiar with tofu. It’s made from condensed soy milk that’s filtered and processed to make white blocks of varying firmness. “It’s high in protein and contains all of the essential amino acids the body needs for protein synthesis. It’s also a good source of magnesium, calcium, selenium and phosphorus,” says Maggie Michalczyk, MS, RD. It has a neutral flavor that takes on whatever you’re cooking with, which makes it super versatile. Some people are skittish about soy because of concerns that their natural phytoestrogens could negatively affect people’s hormones. But most research has debunked this. “Some studies have shown that eating soy products 1-2 a week can reduce the risk
Pull those shoulders back, STAT: Your alignment affects a whole lot more than your posture
May 10, 2019 at 10:57AM by CWC I’ll never forget the day in 9th grade theater class when my teacher called me out in front of everyone to point out that my head juts forward. “You should straighten your neck,” she said, as I immediately straightened up (… and teared up, feeling absolutely mortified). Ever since that moment, it’s stuck with me that your head should be sitting straight on your spine via your neck—not jutting out forward or backwards. It’s easier said than done—as I, apparently, know firsthand—but I spoke with a physical therapist and yoga pro who explained to me why neck alignment is absolutely crucial. “The reason is because the entire cervical spine is lined up with natural curves—one vertebral body sits on top of the other as an amazing structural machine,” says Lara Heimann. “It’s stacked in these columns that line up to be able to support the vertebrae above and below. Each area of the spine has a different function to it. The cervical spine’s big function is to be mobile so we can look all around us.” According to Heimann, your body is inherently unstable, which is what makes this supportive column so important. “On top of the cervical spine you have this large object—your skull—that can be anywhere from 12 to 15 pounds,” she says. “And the skull is sitting on the first cervical vertebrae called C1 or the atlas. It’s like the mythology of holding the globe—there it needs to be sitting
This 3-step curly hair routine controls frizz and locks in moisture for good
May 10, 2019 at 10:01AM by CWC I think I peaked in terms of hair as a toddler. A look back at family photos reveals coiffed ringlets that look straight out of a shampoo commercial. No frizz, split ends, or dryness in sight. (Ah, the good old days!) As an adult, I’ve found that a proper curly hair routine calls for a certain level of finesse, one the L.O.C. method offers in spades. As YouTuber LaPorcha Tanzale explains, everyone with curly and wavy hair needs to memorize the technique to lock in moisture and control frizz. The routine works on both wet and dry strands, so you can use it fresh out of the shower or anytime your curls need some extra shine. Learn the 3-step L.O.C. curly hair routine [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ug-Id93tR4] One of the strengths of the L.O.C. curtly hair routine is that you can reorder the steps as you see fit. For example, some folks (like Tanzale) find applying the cream first to be a more effective option. So give it a whirl, and see what works best for your curls. L: Liquid or Leave-In Conditioner Separate your hair into sections and carefully spritz each one with your choice of water (Tanzale adds lavender for a dreamy scent), or a leave-in conditioner. Well+Good beauty editors recommend: Aquis Restorative Leave-In Conditioner($26) or The Good Stuff Intensive Nourish Cream ($8) O: Oil Pour a dime-sized amount of oil into your hand and run it through each section. Well+Good beauty editors
8 iconic candles that will really light your fire this spring
May 10, 2019 at 10:00AM by CWC Whenever I walk into a friend’s house and see a fancy candle, I always have the same two thoughts in rapid secession: 1) OMG, I hope we get to light it and 2) This is what heaven smells like. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t once legitimately seduced by the simple act of a dude lighting the wick of a Cire Trudon, and that the first time I ever truly felt like I was adulting was when I sparked up a Diptyque Baies candle in my own apartment. Yes, I do see the irony in the fact that for some people, that moment comes when they get their first paycheck, and for me it came when I used 65 hard-earned dollars on a candle. It was worth it. But what is it that makes these glowy pillars of wax feel like such a luxury? In part, it’s because one whiff of their aromatic blends will mentally transport you to a spa or a vacation. And yet, on the other hand, candles can become ritualistic reminders to pause, find your center, and breathe deeply (which I for one, need to be reminded of now and then) and remember that you’re home. So we rounded up nine of the most iconic flames that envelop you with their all-encompassing scent, so that when you walk in the door, no matter what kind of a day you have, with the flick of a candle you
These shower sheets give you a full-body cleanse in just 30 seconds
May 10, 2019 at 09:13AM by CWC I’m just going to say it: When you’ve got approximately two hundred zillion things to check off of your to-do list in the course of a given day, personal hygiene can kinda, sorta take a backseat. Whether you’re motoring from a workout class to a meeting and just can’t be bothered by the miles-long line for the bathroom, or you’ve gotta go straight from your desk to a date, taking the time for a full-blown shower isn’t always an option. And while I’ve certainly been guilty of running straight from an SLT class into my office smelling like hot garbage (…sorry, coworkers!), I recently discovered a product that fixed this stinky problem within 30 seconds flat. Yuni Beauty Shower Sheets ($15) entered my life a few months ago, and completely revolutionized the way that I—and the rest of the Well+Good beauty and fitness team—stay fresh. They’re made with natural ingredients and are biodegradable and compostable (+1 for sustainability, fam), and work to remove dirt and bacteria from your skin while leaving it smelling like the sweet combo of neem, peppermint, and citrus. And, unlike the usual, dinky wipes that you probably started envisioning the moment you read the word “shower sheets,” Yuni Beauty’s version is big enough to clean your whole body, and not just, like, your left pinkie toe. At 1.50 bucks a pop (or 15 dollars for a box of 12), they’re not necessarily inexpensive, but in my personal opinion it’s
Who Said Candles Are A Winter Thing? Meet Our Top 7 Clean Scents For Spring
May 10, 2019 at 07:40AM They all deserve a spot at your next BBQ. Continue Reading… Author Emma Loewe | Life by Daily Burn Selected by CWC
The crucial step we’re all missing in our battle against stress
May 10, 2019 at 07:47AM by CWC You’re likely familiar with the oft-recommended tips for managing stress: Work out! Meditate! Take up a hobby! While each of these techniques are linked to increased happiness and decreased stress, finding the time to get it done can feel daunting. Which is… stressful. But what if there was a way to fight stress simply by harnessing the health benefits of hugging another person? In an interview with NPR, sisters and Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle co-authors Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA, revealed one of their favorite ways to manage stress in less than half a minute. “Affection is really powerful. One of our favorite recommendations is the 20 second hug,” Emily says. “If you hold someone that long, it communicates to your body that you have a person in your life whom you love and trust enough and who loves and trusts you enough to stand this close together. And your chemistry shifts into a state of I have come home, which is the end of the stress response cycle.” Science proves that hugging has mental and physical health benefits. One study found that a hug can help negate a bad mood. Another found that people who were hugged more frequently had less severe signs of illness when exposed to the common cold (a form of physical, bodily stress). Beyond hugs, social connection is an important pillar of wellness. “It’s a basic human need, just like water or food,” Jeremy