August 31, 2019 at 02:00PM by CWC My most iconic friend is the lead singer of a glam-grunge band, and I contend that she propelled herself to the top by virtue of being an Aries. If you’re also a ram (or simply just familiar with their fiery traits)—born between March 21 and April 19—you can probably intuit what I’m getting at. My friend is perpetually covered in glitter, posting outtakes from her busy life of Instagram, actually socializing when she’s not posting, playing shows, creating, and creating, and creating. That’s because the true signifier of Big Aries Energy is being a Scene Queen, and all of those traits are evidence. “The sun is exalted in Aries, meaning these people are blessed with certain qualities necessary to be leaders and innovators,” says astrologer Emma Toynbee. “They represent all that is newly born, are movers and shakers, lead-role actors, agents of change, individual and unique, pioneers, inventors, innovators, strong competitors, and fierce warriors.” Granted, they also tend exhibit some strong “me-first” energy, which can be exhausting, but in general, they’re people to look to for leading the charge. ad_intervals[‘416614_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘416614_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); And whether you’re an Aries warrior yourself, or you’re simply curious about how Aries personality traits may factor into cultivating the fiery, highly successful profiles common to the first sign of the zodiac, it’s worth knowing more. Below, Toynbee outlines the specific characteristics true to this fire sign. Read on for
Tag: Well+Good
A nostalgia expert explains why reminiscing in groups is such a great unifier—at work and otherwise
August 31, 2019 at 02:00AM by CWC Which Baby-Sitters Club member do you think best describes you? Well, I’m blonde, wear all black, and feel a constant need to remind people I’m from New York…I’m, ugh, probably Stacey. The other day at the Well+Good office, staffers were feeling nostalgic about BSC since—fun fact—the series is seeing a big revival in the form of a Netflix series. Within minutes, we were discussing the traits of each character and identifying with them, like a more wholesome take on that Sex and the City game. Between this and our recent team-wide debate over the best Disney character, I’m convinced that nostalgia is an excellent unifier. It puts everyone back on the playground where they can be friends again. ad_intervals[‘398339_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘398339_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); And according to a real professional who specializes in the psychology of nostalgia, it totally makes sense that throwback energy may lead to team bonding and maybe even friendship. Discussing things like BSC taps into nostalgia’s ability to deal with the tension of needing to belong while still upholding our independent identity. “Each of us has our own life history that has contributed to our becoming the special person we are,” says licensed psychologist Krystine I. Batcho, PhD. “But we need to feel the common bond that prevents loneliness and alienation. Sharing nostalgic memories about trends during our childhood or youth brings back both the happiness we felt then and the feelings of
Dating after divorce can be fun, not intimidating, with these expert-approved tips
August 31, 2019 at 01:00AM by CWC When you first start dating—whether it’s in high school, college, or beyond—everything about it is exciting. The feeling of another person’s body heat as you sit next to them at the movies, the anticipation of the first kiss (and all the other firsts that follow it), the dizzying happiness of waking up to a “good morning” text from someone you’ve been dreaming about all night…It’s easy to love whole heartedly when you’ve never been hurt before. But after heartbreak, dating is harder—especially when that heartbreak comes from a divorce. Getting back out there after divorce—regardless of whether you’re looking for a casual fling or something more serious—can be intimidating. Not only is there a devastating hurt in your rearview mirror, but it might have been a while since you’ve actually been on a date with someone new. The dating landscape may look different than it did before you got married. (All these apps!) Then there’s the whole issue of when to tell a potential partner you’ve been married before. ad_intervals[‘419278_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘419278_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); To help make tiptoeing back into a new relationship a bit easier, relationship therapist Amy McManus, LMFT, offers up some helpful—and super relevant—tips for dating after divorce. Keep reading for her intel. How to know when you’re ready to start dating again Knowing if and when to start dating again are two big questions that may be looming in your mind.
Whether you’re a 32A or 36DD, this $38 “half wire” bralette is the only one you’ll want to wear
August 31, 2019 at 12:00AM by CWC When I was 12, I bought my first bra. Actually, it was a bralette (with black spaghetti straps, ICYWW), and came in a ’90s-style clear plastic tube that I’m sure the company thought would appeal to first time users. It worked: I was a total loyalist right off the bat. But as my body continued to change and my chest required a little extra support, that whisper-thin training bra didn’t do the trick quite like it used to. So I spent the better part of the next decades (yes, that’s plural…) bouncing from bra to bra trying to find a keeper. I sampled every style you could think of—unlined, lightly lined, balconette, triangle, T-shirt, and more—to no avail. But a few years ago, it finally happened: I found the one. The Free People Lace Triangle Bra ($38) is half-bralette, half-underwire bra. It has jusssst the right amount of support, but in a comfortable, unimposing construction so that you might not even notice it’s there. The brand actually refers to the style as a “half wire,” which their website describes as “a thinner than normal underwire [that] gives the same support as a more constructed bra, but with the comfortable aesthetic of a soft bra.” Sold. What’s more, it boasts a low neckline that supports some of my most chest-baring tops, but the triangle cup shape ensures that you’re not going to fall out of your lingerie every time you bend over. And if
The ‘depression traffic lights’ method can help you spot a friend who’s struggling
August 30, 2019 at 09:49PM by CWC I’ve had, oh, a whole lot of trouble helping certain loved ones understand when I’m feeling depressed, and perhaps my personal experiences with being blue has helped me develop an ability to identify when someone else is struggling. Even so, I know it’s not always easy to communicate just how severe depression levels may be. Luckily, there’s a method that can help. A recent Instagram post by Australian advocacy organization The Depression Project points to the Depression Traffic Light framework for identifying depression levels. The zones are pretty straightforward: green indicates mild symptoms, where you’re floating by; orange indicates moderate symptoms, where you’re treading against the waves; and red is when the sufferer is in the whirlpool. The framework helps people identify and express what they’re experiencing. And, in addition to providing a tool to people who are struggling with feelings of depression, it can help advocates and loved ones know how to help someone they believe to be suffering. ad_intervals[‘419709_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘419709_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); Let’s say you’re in the latter camp as a loved one or advocate for someone who seems to exhibit symptoms of depression: How can you help? No matter the depression levels in question, much of being a successful advocate means ensuring you talk and listen in ways that are supportive—but knowing whether talking or listening is the best first route is where the colors really come in handy. View this
This post-natal workout is the perfect way for new moms to start working out again
August 30, 2019 at 09:31PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuFBZKpE7P8] When you’re a new mom, it can feel like a Sisyphean challenge to get to the gym between feedings, diaper changing, and bottle cleanings (repeat ad nauseam). But this workout, care of fitness trainer Rahel Ghebremichael, can be done in your living room in 10 minutes flat, giving you an excuse to reclaim those precious moments for the sake of your own self-care. The best part about this post-natal workout is that you can do it any time, anywhere, with nothing more than your own body weight. There are four moves, each of which you’ll do for 12 reps on one side and then repeat the whole series on the other. It’s, of course, super important to check with your doctor to make sure incorporating a fitness regimen into your day-to-day is all clear after giving birth. ad_intervals[‘419674_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘419674_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’);}); } }, 100); One other important thing to keep in mind, according to Ghebremichael? If you’re just getting back into your routine, you want to pay particular attention to your form to be sure you don’t hurt yourself (which is always important, but even more so now!). And be sure to listen to your body so that you’re moving it in a way that feels good—don’t push yourself past the point of what it can handle. With that in mind, try this 10-minute post-natal workout you can do in your living room. Do each
The ‘power couple’ nutrients you should eat together every day
August 30, 2019 at 07:42PM by CWC Rob Base and D.J. E-Z Rock once sang: “It takes two to make a thing go right”—and the lyric rings true for both relationships and healthy eating. Certain foods work to nutritionally complement one another in the same way mac ‘n’ cheese electrifies your tastebuds. That’s why the folks over at Harvard Health have named three specific nutrient pairings that are just too good for you to keep apart. In a recent edition of the Harvard Health’s “Focus on Nutrition” newsletter (much of which is reprinted here), the health pros from the esteemed university dropped need-to-know knowledge into my inbox. In short, certain nutrients come together as “power couples.” They’re the J. Lo and A. Rod of cuisine—and once you get the knack of pairing them together, your basically become a diet-hacking queen. The 3 best nutrient pairs, according to the great minds of Harvard. For extra-strong bones: Vitamin D and Calcium You learned it on from old Yoo-hoo commercials, but I’ll repeat it again here: calcium helps build strong bones. According to Harvard Health, calcium is principally absorbed through the small intestine—a process that benefits from the help of good old Vitamin D. “Calcium is important because it strengthens bones, but the body often needs vitamin D’s assistance to absorb the nutrient,” write the experts. ad_intervals[‘419712_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘419712_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’);}); } }, 100); Currently, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends males and females between the ages
Skin pros explain what causes hypopigmentation and how to deal
August 30, 2019 at 05:28PM by CWC I would like to believe that after years of tending to my skin, I know my complexion practically freckle by freckle. But during a recent facial, esthetician Sarah Akram revealed to me that I have hypopigmentation on my chin. I’m well aware of my hyperpigmentation, aka the dark spots from an accumulation of sun damage, hormones, and/or post-inflammatory acne scars, but this is something different. It’s the opposite, actually. “Hypopigmentation is the loss of coloration in the skin, usually appearing as white spots, due to the loss of function in the skin cells that produce melanin, or skin pigment,” says Akram. So with hyperpigmentation, there’s an excess of pigment deposit in the skin, explains Craig Kraffert, MD, a dermatologist and president of Amarte, but “hypopigmentation means there’s a lack of melanin relative to surrounding areas,” he says. Darker spots on the skin typically stem from inflammation, and so too, do the causes of hypopigmentation (aside from skin conditions such as vitiligo); however, the culprits behind said inflammation are usually different. Keep scrolling for the reasons this could happen to you. ad_intervals[‘415494_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘415494_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); Why hypopigmentation occurs in the skin 1. Scarring and trauma to the skin: “Hypopigmentation is a disorder in which melanin, the natural pigmentation that occurs in skin, has been partially destroyed through trauma to the skin,” explains John Layke, DO, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. Usually, this is related
Financial experts reveal the 10 items that are truly worth buying in bulk
August 30, 2019 at 05:15PM by CWC I’ve been working my way through the same Costco-sized box of Q-tips since 2010. (True story!) The bulk-buying movement has saved many people a large chunk of their annual salary. But the experts at The Financial Gym—a budget-planning service in New York City—warn against buying every last staple in the largest quantity possible. We could all stand to be a little bit pickier about our Costco, Sam’s Club, and Amazon shopping lists. “When deciding to buy in bulk, you should always compare apples to apples or unit cost to unit cost,” says Shannon McLay, CEO and founder of The Financial Gym. Every store includes the unit price of each item, but they won’t always be measured the same way. For example, one store may price per quart while another may price per pound. Thus, sigh, scoring a deal isn’t as straightforward as it seems. But with a little help from Google’s conversion tools, you can hack the system and save on your TP. ad_intervals[‘419678_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘419678_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); The second thing to consider, according to McLay, is whether or not your tribe will be able to eat bulk, perishable items before they expire. “Many families aren’t not going to go through perishable items quickly, and if you end up throwing things out, you didn’t save money buying in bulk. Also, you don’t want to waste money bulking up on items that will stay in your pantry
Splash the patriarchy: Why the it-swimsuits of hot girl summer are sleek, sexy, and subversive
August 30, 2019 at 05:00PM by CWC Think back to the year 2004. Everyone was quoting Napoleon Dynamite, signing up for this new thing called Facebook (with their .edu email addresses), and working out in ratty shorts and t-shirts. Athleisure was, and I cannot emphasize this enough, not a thing. In the decade and a half since then, the activewear industry has made huge strides in creating functional performance wear that also looks on point, but one category has been left behind: the swimsuit. A scroll through Instagram is all the evidence you need to see that this year, swimwear designers finally figured it out. Thanks to female-founded brands like Left on Friday, Knix, Andie, and Summersalt, one-pieces haven’t been this hot since Pamela Anderson made her slow-mo run down the beach. But in a serious upgrade to Anderson’s revealing red maillot, the styles that dominated your feed—and likely your closet—this summer are sexy and supportive. ad_intervals[‘389298_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘389298_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); “Nothing was solving for what we wanted, which was super-high-end, comfortable, beautiful swimwear you could wear while surfing, swimming laps, or lounging at the Four Seasons,” Left on Friday co-founder Laura Low Ah Kee says of the inspiration for her brand. Melanie Travis, the founder and CEO of Andie, agrees: “Women lead active lives and need swimsuits that can seamlessly work with them, not against them.” The notion that women would want a bathing suit that works as well in motion