August 29, 2019 at 02:00AM by CWC When you call New York City home, personal space is a very (and, I mean, very) limited resource. Even if you pay big money for extra square footage, you’ll more than likely still find yourself flipping a coin to decide whether you should keep your desk or dresser. So getting creative with what goes where, and Googling all the storage ideas for small spaces is as necessary as, say, buying renters’ insurance. Clean My Space blogger Melissa Maker knows that making your small space work in a big way starts with the right mindset. “Think unconventionally about the space that you have. When you look at a room through an economizing lens, that’s when you start to get creative,” she says. If you view the project before you as a total drag, that’s exactly how it will feel. Instead, Maker recommends seeing your limited room as an opportunity to really, really consider which belongings add to your life. And which are just, well, clutter. ad_intervals[‘419011_div-gpt-ad-5443410-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘419011_div-gpt-ad-5443410-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-5443410-3’);}); } }, 100); Whether your teeny-tiny abode is located in the Big Apple or elsewhere, home organization experts share 10 must-know ways to make your small space work in big ways. So grab a notepad and start jotting down ideas for making the very most of every last inch of your shoebox apartment/tiny home/pool house. 1. Set your focus on multifunctional decor “I love multi-functional furniture pieces and accessories that help
Month: August 2019
Ask yourself these 4 questions to stop your perfectionist ways from sucking up all the fun
August 29, 2019 at 01:00AM by CWC I now steer clear of Black Swan because I enjoy sleeping at night, but I do feel for Nina Sayers (played by Natalie Portman) as she whispers lines about how she just “wants to be perfect.” That’s quite the tall order, though—especially when you’re forced to share screen time Winona “Flawless Goddess” Ryder, you know? (Don’t @ me—I’m entitled to my opinions.) And even if you aren’t a disturbed ballerina, chances are you’ve experienced some sort of flirtation with perfectionism that could drive you off the deep end. It’s how we’re wired. So, knowing how to stop being a perfectionist is pretty important. As many of us are hightailing it to burnout land in the midst of our current culture of competitive success, being “perfect” can sometimes feel like the only mode of survival. One recent study published by the American Psychological Association posits that’s because we live in a more “individualistic, materialistic, and socially antagonistic” society. Also we have (as Black Swan showcases) “competitive environments, more unrealistic expectations, and more anxious and controlling parents.” Moreover, an obsession with perfection can be detrimental to your mental health, working as a cause and symptom of anxiety and depression. Fun! ad_intervals[‘417303_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘417303_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); So is there any advice to be gleaned and implemented regarding how to stop being a perfectionist? I mean, a leopard can’t change its spots and a swan can only rip out so
This bubble-gum textured mask is the most fun (and effective) way ever to exfoliate
August 28, 2019 at 11:11PM by CWC These days, there are roughly as many ways to exfoliate your skin as there are grains of sand on every beach in the world, or stars in the sky. Read: zillions. Seriously, there are so many of them—from chemical exfoliants to physical exfoliants, each of which encompass a whole lot of different methods (AHAs! BHAs! Sugar scrubs! Salt scrubs! Walnut scrubs!) that it can be hard to keep track of what to use when and why and for what. But with Ole Henriksen‘s latest launch, we’ve officially found the most fun one of all. The brand recently launched its PHAT Glow Facial ($49) that can best be described as a facial in a bottle. It also smells like bubblegum, which makes it truly a joy to slather all over your face. The treatment uses a combination of PHAs (or, in science-speak, polyhydroxy acids) and Nordic birch sap, and pink bentonite clay to diminish lines and dark spots and leave your skin luminescent in 15 minutes flat. ad_intervals[‘419128_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘419128_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); Like the other members of the hydroxy acid family (hi alpha! hi beta!), polyhydroxy acid is a great chemical exfoliant. But because it’s gentler than its A- and B- cousins, it’s a great option for anyone who needs a little extra sensitivity in the sloughing parts of their routine. “Polyhydroxy acids are humectants and antioxidants. They attract moisture to the skin so they tend to be
Exactly what the U.S. Army’s nutritionist looks for in an energy bar
August 28, 2019 at 11:02PM by CWC The process of selecting a nutritious energy bar can be a dizzying task. New brands pop up on the market each day with more flavors than you can find at Baskin-Robbins. But when it comes to finding the most wholesome option to throw into my gym bag, I have to admit I usually just panic, grab one at random before swiftly exiting the convenience store to make it to class. That is, until now. Stand at attention, reader, because I’m about to report back exactly what matters on the label of an energy bar. Maj. Brenda Bustillos, PhD, a nutritionist with the U.S. Army, told me exactly how to scan the nutrition label to find a packaged snack that will deliver in energy and satiety. In an interview, Dr. Bustillos shared hows to decode the shelf of whey-based, vegan, and nutty power bars. How to choose the healthiest granola bar, according to the U.S. Army’s nutritionist 1. Check out the serving size While most bars will contain only one serving, that’s not the case with each and every one. “Numbers on the Nutrition Facts label can be deceiving if you don’t look at the full picture,” warns Dr. Bustillos. So before you move on, make sure you know whether you’ll need to multiply the other nutritional values to accurately calculate the calories, fats, carbs, fiber, and more. ad_intervals[‘419042_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘419042_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’);}); } }, 100); 2. Note the
My boyfriend and I tried J. Lo and A. Rod’s workout routine—here’s what happened
August 28, 2019 at 10:25PM by CWC “David…will you do J. Lo and A. Rod’s workout with me?” I put out feelers to my boyfriend via text message because my editorial team was looking for a couple to try the gritty, weight-heavy sweat sesh that the #fitspo couple shared on Instagram. “Sure,” he replied. Fast forward to the weekend, when I found myself waltzing around the gym, filming David knocking out reps, lifting my own fair share, and rewatching this Instagram on J. Lo’s feed over and over and over again to make sure we were as fit as J. Rod (or A. Lo…if that’s your jam). View this post on Instagram Thank you @dallascowboys & @cowboysfit for a great workout! #repost @arod ・・・ Big thank you to my good buddy Jerry Jones and the @dallascowboys for treating us to an amazing workout. We appreciate the hospitality and privilege of using your tremendous facility. If you want to see more of our workout regimen, sign up to @fitplan_app. A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo) on Jun 26, 2019 at 5:59am PDT //www.instagram.com/embed.js To start things off, we begrudgingly got on the Stairclimber because the gym where we worked out didn’t have A. Rod’s preferred Jacob Ladder machine. Jacob’s Ladder is a hellish contraption that forces you to stair climb with both your arms and legs, while spiking your heart rate and recruiting every muscle in your body. IMHO, though, the Stairclimber is an equally hellish alternative. David lasted the
4 herbs that will help your body become a collagen-making machine
August 28, 2019 at 10:00PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5Ra00ulf8c] A cool drink that boosts collagen production? Get the recipe. In the span of a few years, collagen has gone from whispered-about beauty booster to mainstream healthy all-star. The nutrient—which contains 18 amino acids, including eight essential amino acids—does everything from reduce wrinkles, strengthen hair, and improve digestive health. The only major bummer about collagen is that there are no vegan sources for it. But there are completely plant-based ways to amp up your own internal collagen production. In the latest episode of Well+Good’s YouTube series Plant Based, herbalist and holistic health practitioner Rachelle Robinett gives the low-down on four herbs that work to do exactly that. ad_intervals[‘418956_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘418956_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’);}); } }, 100); One collagen-boosting herb Robinett loves: he shou wu, an ancient Chinese herb. “It’s sometimes called an ‘elixir of life’ and is an ancient remedy that’s best reputation is for preventing or reversing gray hair,” she says. Another herb that plays well with collagen is horsetail. “Horsetail is high in silica, which is supportive of blood vessel creation, tendons, and muscles,” Robinett explains, adding that this is a building block for the production of collagen. These are just two of the herbs Robinett highlights in the episode. She also shares a recipe for a vegan collagen-boosting lassi, a yogurt-based drink popular in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The silky beauty bev only takes a couple minutes to make and is caffeine-free, so you
3 beauty editors share the TSA-approved products they never fly without
August 28, 2019 at 07:21PM by CWC I think about the time that TSA confiscated my full-sized, $179 bottle of SK-II Essence. I had forgotten it was in my bag and shed an actual tear as I watched the frosted glass go straight into the trash at security. Ever since then, I’ve become militant about what makes it into my carry on, knowing that my soul wouldn’t be able to survive the torture of losing another full-sized bottle of one of my favorites. And so, into a standard-issue plastic bag it all goes. All three-ounces-or-less of it, as the TSA liquids rule states. Not only do I need things that will fit into the bag, but they also have to work extra-hard to combat all of the beauty issues that pop up during travel—aka what I like to call “airplane face.” After a lot of trial and error (I traveled full time for a year and a half, with my entire beauty regimen in a carry-on), I discovered a few key rules worth following: ad_intervals[‘399864_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘399864_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); 1. Double duty products, for the win: I’m always down to get more bang for my buck, but especially when it comes time to jet off for the weekend. The more you can do with a single product (versus having to pack two or three to achieve the same results), the better. Think: Tinted sunscreen, SPF moisturizer, a makeup removing cleansers, and so on.
Instant ramen is getting a major makeover—but can it ever be a truly healthy food?
August 28, 2019 at 06:27PM by CWC As far as packaged food goes, instant ramen—the beige block of dried noodles with its silver foil packet companion—is arguably the most iconic example that comes to mind. It’s many things—affordable, convenient, tasty—but has never been associated with health. One package of the leading brand of ramen has 1,660 milligrams of sodium, more than what the American Heart Association recommends most adults eat in an entire day. Other than protein, it has very few other nutrients to offer up—barely any fiber, and minimal vitamins. Still, there’s something satisfying about dropping the noodle block into a pot of boiling water, breaking it up with a spoon, then stirring in the powdered flavoring in for a super quick dinner. And honestly, can you think of a more satisfying meal for less than a dollar? Still, the idea that instant ramen could be transformed into a health food seems virtually impossible. But hey, other unlikely transformations have happened: just look at the cauliflower’s comeback as a healthier pizza and gnocchi option. Is it ramen’s turn to metamorphose into the next, greatest health food? These three brands certainly think so. ad_intervals[‘418912_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘418912_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’);}); } }, 100); Giving craft ramen the ‘instant’ treatment The brand: Mike’s Mighty Good The healthy upgrade: While packaged instant ramen has essentially remained unchanged for decades, “craft” ramen found at ramen bars and restaurants has become more popular than ever in the United States. When making
I’ve tried, like, 1,000 sex toys this year, and this is the 1 I’ll use forever
August 28, 2019 at 06:02PM by CWC When many hear the word “vibrator,” they immediately conjure an image of an OG wand-style tool that looks like a mega-size microphone. The back-massager-cum-clitoris-stimulators practically revolutionized the female orgasm and are indeed great options for broad stimulation, says licensed sex educator Alicia Sinclair, creator of the sex-toy Le Wand Massager. The only problem with wand-style vibes? Bulk. That’s why I contend the best wand vibrator is one that’s travel-size—and, as a sex writer who tests these products as part of her actual job, I’d say my opinion is pretty trustworthy. So when Sinclair told me she and her team at Le Wand created a vibrator that’s way smaller in size but comparable in vibration to wand styles, in true Carrie Bradshaw fashion, I couldn’t help but wonder: Could this be the vibrator I’d choose over all others? The Le Wand Point is a 3.8-inch-long and 1.8-inch-wide external vibrator that appears in shape like a mini computer mouse, and it’s designed to fit in the palm of your hand. “It’s great for hands-free clitoral stimulation,” says Sinclair. (Meaning, you can still hold your erotic romance novels with two hands.) You can also use it to add clitoral stimulation during penetrative sex with a penis or dildo. “It has a lay-flat design, so you can also wear it inside a harness during strap-on or pegging sex,” Sinclair adds. That way, the person strapped in can enjoy direct stimulation, too. ad_intervals[‘418162_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if
Good news for your 10,000 steps: Power walking is as good of a workout as running
August 28, 2019 at 04:46PM by CWC On days when I just do not feel like working out, I’ll typically either opt to run very, very slowly, or walk very, very quickly. During one recent treadmill trot, I started wondering if slow running and power walking had different benefits. They’re both easier than kicking the tread up past 7.5, and they both help you get your steps in, while elevating your heart rate—but which gives you the best bang for your buck? According to two different trainers, it depends on what you’re looking for; however one thing’s for certain: Brisk walking counts as a sweat sesh. “When it comes to running and walking, both are great ways to get the body moving, keep the heart healthy, and improve your mood,” says Elena Moffa, creator of E3 on NEOU fitness. “However, while power walking or slow jogging the same distance may have a similar calorie deficit and heart rate effect, they’re obviously different from a biomechanical standpoint.” Running, even when done slowly, recruits different muscles than jogging does, and it puts different impact on your joints and body as a whole. ad_intervals[‘418590_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘418590_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’);}); } }, 100); If you’re worried about your joints or are looking for something that’s gentler on your body, definitely stick with power walking. “Walking is more horizontal and jogging is more vertical. There’s less pounding and impact on the joints when you walk versus a slow jog,” says celebrity