tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15340342870267850992024-03-13T03:49:06.516-04:00The StylistaWhat's new in beauty for professionals and clientsThe Stylistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11169868797804765325noreply@blogger.comBlogger474125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-9325099957011969852023-03-06T16:13:00.001-05:002023-03-06T16:15:40.376-05:00Going dark<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMm4x6xtZy873j494FQbAZrmeHfnAVGGo3axIp-LJCjt6lJcm3ppX71uIwoY4tbRudwAXcqhjhb0aAGfclDnXiqbt1aMkYfwyHg5ykI9XZ8-EzzChkX3_3mpRBHrrpwdDxdsO0NYr-fvNnz2vh82JYexhxVpqlL4I1l5077ChJRmDseBynHSfg8xeGwg/s3337/dark%20crop.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3337" data-original-width="3208" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMm4x6xtZy873j494FQbAZrmeHfnAVGGo3axIp-LJCjt6lJcm3ppX71uIwoY4tbRudwAXcqhjhb0aAGfclDnXiqbt1aMkYfwyHg5ykI9XZ8-EzzChkX3_3mpRBHrrpwdDxdsO0NYr-fvNnz2vh82JYexhxVpqlL4I1l5077ChJRmDseBynHSfg8xeGwg/w360-h374/dark%20crop.jpeg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>One of life's biggest mysteries is when natural blondes dye their hair dark without a word of warning. Your friends, your relatives, and even your favorite celebrities are all doing it; swapping out their golden locks for darker hues almost seemingly overnight. Brunettes look at their fair counterparts in disbelief, openly wondering why would they do that? Well the reasoning behind it can be as varied as they are personal. There are rumors galore about what causes this phenomenon. Some say it's a reaction to a breakup, some say it's a mood shift, and others say it's because of stress. There is no single reason for why this is happening, but there are some interesting things tat we can learn about what might go into the decision making process. In this article, we’re exploring why natural blondes may spontaneously darken their locks and the factors that lead up to this big beauty decision. We are hoping to bring some answers to light.</p><div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">The switch</span></b></div><div>There are many reasons why women decide to dye their hair, and it's not uncommon for a woman in her early twenties to change the shade of her locks every so often.Typically the change is disciplined and gradual, just a shade or two darker than the usual. However, lately some young women have been choosing to go from blonde all the way back down the spectrum until they're sporting almost raven-colored tresses. Blonde hair is very youthful and innocent-looking, but not always desirable for some women who want to appear older and more sophisticated. This is one reason why some women are starting to embrace nearly jet-black tresses. </div><p><br /></p><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>The perspective</b></span><div>Another reason why some fair-haired ladies might want to switch shades might have nothing to do with them but have everything to do with others. Your haircolor can have a profound influence on how people approach you and/or perceive you. A 2011 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21883260/">Scandinavian Journal of Psychology study</a> found a direct correlation between the color of a woman's hair and potential suitors. In the study, a woman cycled through three different hair colors, then watched the reaction of men in social settings. Researchers found that when the woman had blonde hair she was approached much more frequently by men, then whe she was a brunette or a red head. And it wasn't just about approaching her, their actual opinions of her changed based on what hair she was rocking. In another part of the study men were asked to rate a picture of the woman with three different hair colors. That part of the study found that when the woman was a brunette, men rated her much higher in competence, physical attraction and intelligence than they did when she was a blonde or redhead. <p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Things to consider</span></b> <b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"> </b><br />To many, fair blonde hair is a life-long dream. Most beauty-obsessed readers with dark will know that going from brunette to blond is a serious challenge and, in some cases, nearly impossible. From bleach to silver shampoo, keeping dark strands light is a 9-5 job, so why would a natural blonde forego their light color for a darker shade? This seems illogical to many. But the same question could be asked to brunettes — why are you going blonde? It all boils down to human nature, we always want what we don't have, and think the grass is greener on the other side. Blonds think that their world might be quieter as a brunette, and brunettes switch to blonde because they may want to liven things up a little. </p><br /><br /><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Even more things to consider </span></b><br />If you are still puzzled on the spontaneous blonde-to-brunette mystery? Here are a few other reasons blondes might go dark at the drop of a hat.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>It’s easier.</b> Going from blonde to brunette is easy. All you need is box dye and some time. No bleach, no harsh chemicals, and no pesky purple shampoo.</li><li><b>There’s less damage.</b> Bleach can damage your hair to the point of no return. However, dark dyes are now chemical-free, allowing blondes to experiment without ruining their strands. </li><li><b>To enhance their complexion.</b> More than one dark shade exists. Some are warm-toned, some are cool-toned, and some are jet-black. Different shades suit different skin tones, and a blonde might want to complement their natural features with a new hue.</li><li><b>Easy to maintain. </b>When dark roots peak through on blonde hair, they’re quite obvious. Light roots still create a contrast, but not as much as darker ones. This allows natural blondes more time between dyes.</li></ul><br />At the end of the day, it's still a woman's perogative to change her mind, even if it's still a mystery to the rest of us. We may not understand why a friend, or a loved one has changed her look all of a sudden; but we should still be ready to fully support them, if we love them.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-87062367210018018452023-01-25T13:01:00.001-05:002023-01-25T13:01:33.727-05:00iGen: The future of salons<p><br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXn1BhjqxrxA9OcMKzMjqVirMezcnyJbcjZT_WTzrRogbMKTnn8jh2sUF_xPz49r9CO7JFKE0goTaXHcGlPNlF1uUUrOqZU_mpQvwAS64h4GYxHcdYLIIicme9LRL6p1ekyDa1yq3QddXid6jXCnwPENH6RFlFsHLaxKW4sYOXACOxMn-RjYo127h3hw/s5616/wash%20and%20set.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3744" data-original-width="5616" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXn1BhjqxrxA9OcMKzMjqVirMezcnyJbcjZT_WTzrRogbMKTnn8jh2sUF_xPz49r9CO7JFKE0goTaXHcGlPNlF1uUUrOqZU_mpQvwAS64h4GYxHcdYLIIicme9LRL6p1ekyDa1yq3QddXid6jXCnwPENH6RFlFsHLaxKW4sYOXACOxMn-RjYo127h3hw/w442-h294/wash%20and%20set.jpeg" width="442" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ask most professionals what the lifeblood of their business is, and they will probably answer, that their customers are. However, ask some beauty professionals the same question, and their response would probably be that it’s their regular clients. What’s the key difference? In the salon industry, long term relationships are everything if not the only thing. Your grandma, your mom, your aunts, their generation lived by a code, find a talented hairdresser and stick to him/her like glue. In the dark ages before the world wide web, people made relationships a priority. When communities were small, mainstreet was populated with mom and pop stores, tiny grocers, bakers, butchers and probably the local hair salon. Back then everybody knew each other and near everyone in town was on a first name basis. When communities were small, walk-in business for salons was their primary way of attaining new clients, because people had few options. As long as a stylist did a decent enough job with their clientele they probably had a client for life. Today though the landscape couldn't possibly be more different for stylists and salons. Now salons are facing an entirely new type of prospective customers. These new prospective clients are acutely aware of all their hair care options, making stylists have to work much harder to attain them. And once you do get them to walk in the door, if their every desire isn’t promptly met, they’ll abandon a stylist or salon without the slightest pang of remorse. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brave new world</span></b></div>In just the last couple of decades our world has gone through some pretty seismic shifts. Seemingly almost overnight, small tightly knit communities have been replaced by massive sprawling cities. As time and technology move forward the social cords that have long held our society together are starting to unravel. Today a generation is coming of age at a time when innovation and a global crisis are negating the value of human interactions and connections. <br /><br /><div>A perfect storm of commercialization, technology and a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic are continually erasing social norms that took us centuries to build. The local grocer is being replaced by big box stores, and so is the baker and the butcher. For a period of time schools were virtual and so were office meetings, and some still are. At restaurants people are encouraged to place orders at kiosks rather than at the counter, and the same is true at the airport. Everywhere you look the customs and traditions of our forefathers are being replaced with something inorganic. We now spend more time looking at our devices than our own family members around the dinner table. So what happens when an entire generation grows up like this; in an environment that discourages social interaction. You get a customer base that may simply not have strong relational attachments with their service providers, unlike their parents. While those in the baby boomer and Gen X age groups typically tend to stay loyal to their lifelong stylist, the younger generations tend to swap and change hairdressers without a moment’s hesitation.</div><div><br /><p></p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>Out with the old in with the views</b></span></div><div>Though it seemed previous generations cherished the bonds they built by being faithful to one stylist and/or one salon, younger generations simply don't appear to be that sentimental. Gen Z is infamously regarded as the “ghosting” generation, choosing short term pairings over marriages, and ditching romantic partners without a word. They seemingly retain that same skepticism of long term commitments when making their styling choices. Just because you provide an amazing service to a younger client, doesn’t mean they will return to you time after time. Even if you give a young client the best cut and color that they have ever received, you may still end up getting "ghosted" without explanation. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another challenge that salons face in the modern era is how to grow their brand. In the past, most stylists counted on referrals from happy clients to help increase business. However today’s customers no longer depend mostly on word-of-mouth in choosing a care provider.</div><div>Due to growing up almost entirely online, Gen Z and younger Millenials put just as much stock if not more in their own internet research as they do on recommendations from loved ones. With today's youths, online reviews, before and after photos, and social media all have an outsized influenced on their salon search. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stylists who underestimate the influence of social platforms, and/or Yelp reviews on their business risks doing so at their own peril.</div><div> </div><div><b style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Not the same old song and dance</b></div><div>A web page and/or an online profile might just be the start of what it may take to secure the patronage of millenial and Gen Z potential customers. A lot of young people today no longer dream about being astronauts they dream about being influencers; if a stylist isn't socially savvy or in the influencer space they may never reach younger potential clientele. Nowadays doctors make tiktoks, Lawyers have Yotube pages, even Firefighters make Instagram reels all in an effort to get their name out there and generate a following. If a stylist or salon is trying to reach new customers in the social space and they don't have funny, engaging or entertaining content they may struggle to lure in younger clients. </div><div><br /></div><div><b style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Can the industry change and evolve?</b></div><div>If something has been working for you for years, why would you change it? To say that salons depend on repeat business is the understatement of understatements. Some stylists and salons have had the same clients for well over ten years, these customers literally help them keep the lights on. Serving the same customers year after year means many salons never have to change the way they do business, which is why younger customers may take their business elsewheres. </div><div><br /></div><div>To reach Millenials and Gen Z salons have to try harder to reach them, try harder to please them, and go the extra mile to retain them. Not only will salons have to strive harder than they have in the past to reach younger customers, they also have to deliver extraordinary results, just one bad haircut might get a stylist cancelled with a Twitter rant.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div>Even the skill of a beautician might not be enough to attract younger customers. This is because environmentally conscious youth might avoid certain salons due to the products they use, rather than the competence of their stylists. This is another byproduct of social media where organic and eco-friendly solutions are now demanded - not just preferred.</div><div><br /></div><div>Many salons and stylists will balk or bristle at having to jump through so many hoops just to attract and/or retain new, younger customers. Many will feel that the costs are entirely too high and that feeling is completely understandable. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, we are willing to bet that these same salons and stylists may end up doing some soul searching when their bookings start to dwindle. </div></div></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-89077776118485832622022-09-26T09:08:00.000-04:002022-09-26T09:08:55.541-04:00Almost famous<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjKPY1IHFZNdJEQRKILrXPrv4eYVNOjoW8CulzXB_J19Abs3CMWUvAHpAsZivSiFzTQLgN-2Fqo5BAIi3jLuhfz4R07m94C4oaG-V3r5TUdSgV1K22DqwJVArNg_vgUBtF5Qp08RQUrwnsp9YLNx_AsoNt2aCWs19WVE8J_YmxbuQJ66tT1ELt0QuRA/s5616/goldilocks.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3744" data-original-width="5616" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjKPY1IHFZNdJEQRKILrXPrv4eYVNOjoW8CulzXB_J19Abs3CMWUvAHpAsZivSiFzTQLgN-2Fqo5BAIi3jLuhfz4R07m94C4oaG-V3r5TUdSgV1K22DqwJVArNg_vgUBtF5Qp08RQUrwnsp9YLNx_AsoNt2aCWs19WVE8J_YmxbuQJ66tT1ELt0QuRA/w457-h304/goldilocks.jpeg" width="457" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Think about the last hair commercial you watched… Do you know anyone whose hair actually looks like that?</div><div> </div><div><div>On television and in glossy tabloids, perfect hair ads are everywhere.</div><div>From sleek, straight hair to curly locks without frizz,shampoo ads are a showcase of models and actresses, with hair that you can only dream of.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever stopped to wonder how accurate these commercials are? Perhaps you’ve wondered why your hair looks different. Just why is it that your hair doesn’t seem to get the unbelievable shine and volume that you see in commercials, regardless of what you use? </div><div> </div><div>Keep reading to learn more.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b>Why Doesn’t My Hair Look Like A Shampoo Commercial?</b></span></div><div><div>We’ve all been there.When a shampoo ad comes on tv, it’s tough not to wonder why your hair looks different then what appears on screen. From frizzy locks to bangs that won’t sit flat, real world struggles simply don't exist in ad media. If your self-esteem has been taking a bruising due to seeing your most pressing frustrations, easily resolved on television or in print, it’s time to give yourself some grace. </div><div><br /></div><div>Women on TV always seem to have a near flawless head of hair, but is that by accident or design? Usually a little bit of both. Most campaigns start with a stunning model, blessed with a gorgeous head of hair. After that there a a few tricks that are employed which make it near impossible for you to achieve the same</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b>Light and magic</b></span></div><div>If you are a fan of at home color treatment who has been puzzled by the seemingly instant results in ads, that are a challenge to recreate at home, it's time to take heart. A reputable colorist once confessed that it took nearly 2-4 hours to create the dazzling shades you see in commercials. And that's just one shocking admission, but there are others.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>For the distressed among us secretly pining for the glorious locks we've seen practically floating in some hair ads, comes this admission. Stylists have special tools, that they employ to lift TV hair and make it fall flatteringly, just so. Stylists also employ the use of fans, to make hair rise, and flutter, and bounce attractively in some adverts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next time you see a shampoo commercial, try and keep in mind that there might be a whole team of professionals behind those silky locks. It’s common for companies to use green screens and CGI technology to perfect those slow-motion hair flips. There is sometimes in individual dressed in green against the green screen, actually, waving and fluttering the models hair. In addition to all this, fancy video editing techniques are also usually employed to really sell the effect. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Not only that, but behind-the-scenes, team members are paid to spray and even staple hair into place. Though the style is described as natural, a staggering amount of gel and product is used to perfect the look.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some teams have even tried mixing glitter into gel for that ‘perfect’ shine! So, don’t beat yourself up if your hair seems dull in comparison. It’s because yours doesn’t have a metric ton of chemicals in it.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b>A few of our tips to help you love your natural hair</b></span><br /> <div><div>There's nothing wrong with seeing an image or a video of a model with hair seemingly sprinkled with pixie dust, and wanting the same. In this life we are all in a relentless search for the perfect hair day, no matter how elusive it remains. However, if you are not born with TV ready tresses, don't despair, you can still rock out with what you have. </div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>While it’s good to know that shampoo commercials aren’t one hundred percent real, it’s still important to practice loving your natural hair. Here are a few of our tips to make the best of what you are naturally blessed with. </div><div> </div><div>● <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Be gentle with your hair. It will always look and feel best when you care for it softly.</div><div>● <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Embrace your natural style. We don’t all have straight hair, so embrace your natural curls and waves for a low-maintenance routine.</div><div>● <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Opt for fewer chemicals. Using regular dyes and treatments might be tempting, but excess chemicals can damage your hair.</div><div>● <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cut it regularly. Frequent haircuts remove split ends and damaged hair. Treat yourself to hair appointments often to feel your best.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>If you are diligent with your maintenance, and consistent with your care, who knows you may just end up with hair that is the envy of others. Some day someone might be making commercials of your hair, fancy that. </div></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-26086339852659423252022-09-12T08:25:00.001-04:002023-01-22T09:10:29.968-05:00The wonder of water<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6olXDOtatkH0L6n_yc3O54AJKETu_HCrUYlAqaNTpUfxWGTcjqsoxxJ4Mj1lA1D9V4gp1ZmY_dr5vMADphC4BV4AYzEF4bVmLb-wWxS0OmPjPNHdU7QEd76mXZSdo-H-qnqIkAiUqjjK4J_aN_-bHgztj-YnrvTFysjmJegABU1Fftxij8g8i0vuXw/s8688/refresh.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5792" data-original-width="8688" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6olXDOtatkH0L6n_yc3O54AJKETu_HCrUYlAqaNTpUfxWGTcjqsoxxJ4Mj1lA1D9V4gp1ZmY_dr5vMADphC4BV4AYzEF4bVmLb-wWxS0OmPjPNHdU7QEd76mXZSdo-H-qnqIkAiUqjjK4J_aN_-bHgztj-YnrvTFysjmJegABU1Fftxij8g8i0vuXw/w497-h331/refresh.jpeg" width="497" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lately, depending on where you live, the dog days of summer have seemed to drag on forever. What’s worse is those hot, sticky days have sometimes seemed to linger even into the fall. All around the world right now, temperature records are being shattered on an almost daily basis; in the most unexpected places. Not only has the weather at times been scorching to unbearable, it is also likely to have been sapping the moisture from your body. Given the way that our bodies are built, that moisture needs to be replenished constantly through drinking water and/or other liquids. But how much water should you be drinking, and what are the benefits? Well it all depends.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have long been told that we should be drinking about 8 glasses of water per day, but that isn't exactly one hundred percent correct. In truth, how much water you should be drinking depends on your specific physiology, your activity level, and your reasons for hydrating. Here are a few ways that hydration affects not just you body function but your body image.</div> <p></p><div><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>A slippery subject</b></span></div><div>First things first, our bodies are between 60 and 70 percent water, and according to the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256" target="_blank">Mayo </a>clinic, “Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly”. According to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html" target="_blank">CDC</a> adequate water consumption can affect our mood, mental accuity, our energy level, our joints, and even our appearance. That we all need to drink water is a given, but how much and how often, depends on the setting, the task, and the purpose. </div><div><br /></div><div>Depending on your activities, you may need to drink more or less water than usual or what is recommended. When you are sedentary, you sweat less, and therefore you lose less fluid, and your water requirements will be much less. However, when you are more mobile, you need to increase water consumption, to prevent discomfort, mental strain, muscle fatigue, and energy loss. </div><div><br /></div><div> <b style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">Mind </b></div><div>One of the main reasons to keep yourself properly hydrated, when the temperature is seering, is that it helps you stay focused in difficult circumstances.</div><div><span style="color: #444444;">According to the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6068860/" target="_blank">National Institute of Health (NIH)</a>, about 75% of the human brain is composed of water. When we expel more water than we take in through perspiration, and physical activity, our mental sharpness can become degraded. </span></div><div><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444;">This condition was proven through the results of a study conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://news.gatech.edu/news/2018/08/23/dehydration-alters-human-brain-shape-and-activity-slackens-task-performance" target="_blank">Georgia Institute of Technology</a>. In the study, scientist noted the performance of volunteers who were asked to complete simple tasks after prolonged exposure to heat without hydration. The average performance of study participants in the tasks assigned trended down, after prolonged activity, and sweating without hydration. It appears that long periods of time spent working or working out without proper hydration can lead to brain fog and lack of focus. </span></div><div><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div><div><b style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">Mood </b></div></div><div>Drinking water doesn't just keep you more alert when it's hot out, it may also keep your emotions from deterioating. In a study published in the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6147771/" target="_blank">"World Journal of Psychiatry" </a> scientist found a correlation between depression and the amount of water consumed by study participants. In the study, which analyzed the mental state of over 3,000 male and female participants and their water consumption; an indirect link was discovered. The study seemed to show that the less water study participants drank, the more their depression arose. Contrarily, participants who drank more water seemed to have lower occurences of depression. The study doesn't suggest that water is a cure for depression, it only illustrates that people became more depressed, the less hydrated they were. </div><div><br /></div><div><b style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">Mass</b></div><div>In addition to potentially helping stabilize your mood and your mental state, drinking water can also influence your body mass or weight. If you are trying to lose weight drinking water before meals can help you feel full while eating less food. A research article that was quoted by a <a href="https://hub.jhu.edu/at-work/2020/01/15/focus-on-wellness-drinking-more-water/">John Hopkins University </a> publication, indicated that; "People who drank two glasses of water immediately before a meal in a small 2016 study ate 22% less than those who didn't drink any water prior to eating. The actual article cited concluded that drinking water before a meal could help in controlling weight. </div><div><br /></div><div> <b style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">Muscle</b></div><div>Water's body shaping possibilities are two-fold, not only does water help you feel full at meals, it could</div><div>also give your body image a boost as well. </div><div>If you have spent any lenght of time in a gym recently, you probably couldn't have helped noticing lots of fit, shredded, people carrying around gallons of water. Because our bodies are 60%, you are constantly losing fluid through both breathing and sweat. That fluid loss needs to be replaced with other fluids. Loss fluids can be replaced by sports drinks, but they contain both sugar and calories. Water is both sugar and calorie free, allowing you replace spent fluids without adding back the calories. If your goal is not only to lose weight but to also look more lean and fit, water should be your go-to. Why work hard to shed calories in the gym only to put it all back on through sugary drinks.</div><div><br /></div><div><b style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">Management</b></div><div>Water helps us in so many ways that its importance can't be understated. Water helps our mostly fluid filled bodies regulate our core temperature through perspiration. Water also helps our health by flushing out our system regularly, aiding our digestion, and helping us absorb vital nutrients in our food. Yet despite all of this, some people still aren't drinking enough water. To know if you are getting an adequate level of hydration, become an expert in listening to your body. Your body can tell you what it needs Whenever you start experiencing, dizzyness, headaches, or fatigue when it's hot out; make sure your water bottle isn't empty. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-28166603240642004802022-08-29T09:12:00.001-04:002022-08-29T09:12:10.209-04:00Do what comes natural?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoEQEwOXCbLehHMpeJmU-ZpfZ4ux6pOVKW45SPsphK_4-2s2rc2_Qs_Dro49PECX7qylO684lYmEpRiQrCOaNhMNEhLlQ3TDRNSrSbehM7VAeUeTJXBTef_kkMM-nVlKbSB4JosWEag9nmmLQszAESkr2soQODUZgRZHBWrduS2ab0tLBPYEIQs_P7Q/s7360/artist%20brush.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4912" data-original-width="7360" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoEQEwOXCbLehHMpeJmU-ZpfZ4ux6pOVKW45SPsphK_4-2s2rc2_Qs_Dro49PECX7qylO684lYmEpRiQrCOaNhMNEhLlQ3TDRNSrSbehM7VAeUeTJXBTef_kkMM-nVlKbSB4JosWEag9nmmLQszAESkr2soQODUZgRZHBWrduS2ab0tLBPYEIQs_P7Q/w413-h277/artist%20brush.jpeg" width="413" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ethical consciousness is suddenly in vogue. Once upon a time, what you put on used to be more important than where it came from. But all of that is changing. Nowadays a lot of people are starting to fret about many things as it concerns to their body. From clothes, to food, to beauty, there are more than a few buzzwords that are gaining increasing prominence. Phrases like "ethically sourced", "cruelty free", and of course "natural" or organic are suddenly all the rage. People are starting to become increasingly sensitive to not just the things they put in their body, but the things they put on it. Right now, there’s an impressive push for ethical beauty and organically made products. Like sustainable clothing, more and more consumers are opting for eco-friendly beauty products and toiletries that are kinder to the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everywhere you look nowadays you see signs that people are making wholesale lifestyle changes for the good of themselves and others. Their examples are infectious, and it’s hard not to get caught up in the spirit of revolution and social responsibility. You may have seen some of your friends and acquintances pledging off traditional cosmetics and switching entirely to plant based cosmetics. However before you throw out your drawer full of makeup all in the name of reinvention. There’s a few things you should know. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Buyer beware</span></b></div>We all want to do the right thing, but if you are looking to change your beauty regiment from what you currently have to a more natural one. You should start by finding out the difference bettween products that are advertised as natural, versus those that actually are natural. <p></p><div><div>A beauty product with a ‘natural’ label sounds great, but don’t take these labels at face value. Brands can slap the term "natural' on their product without having to back up their claims. </div><div> Also known as ‘greenwashing,’ many brands are following the natural trend by changing their packaging but not their recipes. To avoid falling for misleading marketing, take a moment to read a "natural" products' ingredients list. Genuine natural products will have few ingredients, and those ingredients will be just as easy to recognize as they will be to pronounce. Fake "natural" products on the other hand may have some natural ingredients, but will probably also include some non-natural sounding chemicals too. </div><div> </div></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Check the shelf-life</span></b></div><div><span><div>We all want our products to last for as long as possible. However, authentic natural products have shorter shelf lives. Typically, an organic or natural beauty product will last for around three months. This is because the product lacks chemicals to preserve it. Often, you’ll have to keep the product refrigerated too. </div><div> </div><div>If your ‘natural’ product lasts for years longer than expected, it might not be as natural as you think</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Be well-read</span></b></div><div><span>There’s lots of information available about organic products, but there’s a lot of misinformation too. The best way to stay informed is to read as much as possible from authoritative sources. This will help you find the best products for you. It's easy to make our purchase decisions based on the testimonials of friends and families, but results typically vary. Try to go beyond your usual familiar sources of information, try to get as much insight as possible before commiting to a product line. Your body has spent years acclimating to the products you have been using; switching from your go-to products to all organic brands might be a shock to your system. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Allergy considerations</span></b></div><div><span>Forever it seems we have long been taught that leafy greens were the way to guard our health and immune systems. It stands to reason then, that what’s good for your insides, should be just as good for your outside right? Well it's a tad bit more complicated than that. You would assume that anything derived from plants would be welcomed by your body and skin, but it might not be that simple. You might be alergic to certain plants used in organic cosmetics. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><div>While it might sound like organic products will solve all your issues, you should take caution, if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Organic products might contain irritants in them such as nuts, tree pollen, and stone fruits that you should be aware of, before using. </div><div>Trying new products, be they plant-based or not, should always be a careful process. Patch test your beauty products first to ensure your skin doesn’t negatively react to them. </div><div><br /></div></span></div></span><div><span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>It's okay to be different</b></span></span><br />Mainstream natural beauty products are still relatively new, meaning there are still a lot of unknowns about them. Vegan or plant based beauty products are still evolving and tweaking their recipes. If you try out the latest organic skincare and don’t see great results, don’t worry. They may simply not have something that can work for you yet.<br /> <br />It’s okay to use your traditional products until you find suitable natural alternatives. We all have different skin and needs. What works for another might not be best for you. We know the F.O.M.O (fear of missing out) is real. Right now you may feel like you are letting yourself and the earth down by not fully embracing a one hundred percent plant-based lifestyle. But, it's okay, you don't have to beat yourself up. Just as going fully vegan isn't for everyone, vegan beauty might also not be for everyone. You may not save the world through your beauty routine, but there are probably other ways you will be able to contribute. Even though it seems like the whole world is going vegan right now, in reality vegan beauty is still just a minor part of the beauty industry. So you still have time to decide on just how to incorporate more social activism into your life. If not through your beauty regiment.</div><div><br /></div><div><b style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">A better tommorow</b></div><div>No one wants to feel like they are not doing their part to make the world a better place. With so many individuals going fully green in their self-care, it may seem like you are falling behind. However it's important to take a moment to consider your priorities. Yes it is important to support brands and products that are helping the planet. But you don't have to do it all at once, or do it at a detriment to yourself. If you want to start moving towards a more ethical future, maybe try integrating products into your daily maintenance a little at a time. If that goes well, then slowly, start replacing more and more products in your beauty bin. Before you know it, you will start making changes that both your body and soul can agree with. And you will make those changes, in a way in which everybody wins. </div><span><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><div><br /></div></b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-26300731711608063242022-08-15T10:04:00.006-04:002022-08-15T15:28:15.112-04:00Read my lips<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU-j2ZTXDpzVg30Nd6rfJDiEwa7mkyqB4uJq11v45EvJT7aZy0NqRrHuUovjE8vtIcgB_8Bpm1sEu6y7UnKtUYQwXGQ8Ue11Oe5vKJomRyH9cKAVwFr3k7XQirBjy-oC-aSB8Wn-mz9KOESYZb9Qzjf9J3Ye_WUAPiUQYbFN_LsbMDqniMIeJHQnhUg/s7360/whisper.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4912" data-original-width="7360" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU-j2ZTXDpzVg30Nd6rfJDiEwa7mkyqB4uJq11v45EvJT7aZy0NqRrHuUovjE8vtIcgB_8Bpm1sEu6y7UnKtUYQwXGQ8Ue11Oe5vKJomRyH9cKAVwFr3k7XQirBjy-oC-aSB8Wn-mz9KOESYZb9Qzjf9J3Ye_WUAPiUQYbFN_LsbMDqniMIeJHQnhUg/w434-h290/whisper.jpeg" width="434" /></a></div><br />Staying trendy has its risks. What's hot today, might not be so tommorow. The world might be wildly over the moon about something right now, and be wildly apathetic about it the next. One day baggy jeans are all the rage, and the next moment it's skinny jeans. <div><br /></div><div>Beauty trends likewise can also be a cautionary tale. What's hot today, might not be tommorow. It's possible to get caught up in the frenzy of a current movement, but months later question if it was worth it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rigth now, big, pouty enhanced lips are taking the world by storm. Is it just the next big trend, or the sign of an entire cultural shift. <div><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #f6b26b; font-size: large;">A new obsession</span></b></p><p>Spend any length of time on social media and a pattern will begin to appear. Some of the most popular trendsetters in the beauty category might be rocking some unusually large lips. It's not your imagination, selfies of models and others with unbelievably pouty lips are becoming more accepted and normalized. An ever increasing portion of our populace has become convinced that just painting and glossing lips is no longer enough to be beautiful. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons there has been <a href="https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2017/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2017.pdf" target="_blank"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4010e595-7fff-ec69-8d26-bb284e653003"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a 60% rise in lip augmentations</span></span> </a>from the year 2000 though 2017. It seems that as far as our society is concerned, bigger is better. </p><p><span style="color: #f6b26b; font-size: large;"><b>Claim to fame</b></span></p><p>The digital age is a huge reason that big saucy lips appear to be trending so much right now. We are innundated by images on a daily basis, on our phone screens, on our tvs, laptops and monitors. If lips are thin or aren't brightly colored, it may be hard for them to stand out in the glut of pictures we are flooded with. However, lips that are bigger than the rest, make us stop and look more closely. </p><p>Another reason we might be pining for fuller lips is because the category now has a big time ambassador. At the forefront of the filler movement is reality star and social media darling Kylie Jenner. Kylie has become the face of our never ending search for the most sensuous lips ever.</p><p>While her older siblings were grabbing magazine covers, young Kylie was quietly turning a $29 lipstick kit into a billion dollar enterprise.</p><div><b style="color: #f6b26b; font-size: x-large;">Supply and demand</b></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-f13684a2-7fff-8316-47a1-69f1b803d8a2">The math isn’t all that difficult, when you have millions of followers doting on your every action, the smallest change can lead to a seismic outcome. Enter Kylie Jenner and her<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kyliejenner/?hl=en" target="_blank"> </a><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kyliejenner/?hl=en" target="_blank">366 million instagram </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kyliejenner/?hl=en">followers</a></span> and her <a href="https://twitter.com/kyliejenner" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">40 million twitter followers</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span>Some time ago, Kylie fans started noticing the usually svelte Jenner sister, suddenly becoming more voluptuous. In addition to a more hourglass figure, Kylie went from her demure smile to massively sultry lips seemingly overnight. When your that stalked and you make a notable change people tend to take notice and want to do likewise. Fans rushed to copy her look, snapping up her lip kits by the millions, and flooding social media with photos of enhanced lips. A search for #lipfiller brings up over 3 million posts on the gram. Kylie debuted her bee-stung lips look in 2014, three years later she'd sold a reportedly near half a billion dollars in cosmetics. Whether she sparked the trend or just rode the wave, it's clear Kylie knew what people wanted. </div><p> <b style="color: #f6b26b; font-size: x-large;">Looking Ahead</b></p><p>Our society has seemingly reached a cross road. We now appear to want more ways to change ourselves than just what is available at our local beauty store. Though our current generation was taught beauty norms way before the internet got involved, the next generation has grown up completely online. What do you do, and how do you choose; when all your most trusted sources are telling you that lip injections are your only way to be more beautiful? We would like to think that years from now, people will still be able to make up their own minds about what makes them look their best. However, pressure is growing on us every day to abandon our core beliefs and go all in on the needle. </p></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-33596083375535456342022-08-01T09:54:00.002-04:002022-08-01T09:56:16.816-04:00Nothing to hide<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifA9iWOUSf4KQ32y8iEaQDc5BZv_3U2SUG2lYfEUB_-8lgL8P1XQ-QzWazqSQG-Mguw4sP4YqAcuGzvYKdHGkfMXH-9T8WXvF-adwu9M352ttTOT2bFpds4BZqobzHrtCFh_JBQNbEKnxJZPkwRbUlFJR3BxFErBa_Vs7kDVM0z6aB-NEZvp3doW28A/s5472/monochrome.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifA9iWOUSf4KQ32y8iEaQDc5BZv_3U2SUG2lYfEUB_-8lgL8P1XQ-QzWazqSQG-Mguw4sP4YqAcuGzvYKdHGkfMXH-9T8WXvF-adwu9M352ttTOT2bFpds4BZqobzHrtCFh_JBQNbEKnxJZPkwRbUlFJR3BxFErBa_Vs7kDVM0z6aB-NEZvp3doW28A/w484-h322/monochrome.jpeg" width="484" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Makeup is such an integral part of life, that for some, it's not a matter of if they will wear makeup, it's a matter of how much. Many of us wear make-up every week, and if you’re like me, you likely wear it daily. Applying makeup is as essential to starting the day as brushing and flossing is. If you spend more time wearing make-up than without, you’re probably more used to seeing your face with perfected lashes and even skin. But what happens on the days you are running late, and have little to no time to get your makeup just right; does it affect your confidence? Can makeup become such a huge part of your identity, that you would be unrecognizable without it? We wear makeup to face the day, but we shouldn’t be terrified to face the world without it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">A game of chance</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Truth be told, If you have lived long enough, you will notice that life isn’t exactly fair. There are people who just naturally got a few more breaks than the rest of us. We have heels because some people are born tall like Giselle Bundchen, and some are born short. Many of us know people who have hardly any skin issues, while countless others have had every skin irritation known to man. These inequalities in our genetics are the bane of human existence, and the revenue drivers of cosmetic companies. They literally profit from our pain, and there is simply no getting around it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When done right, with great care and a light touch, makeup will have people singing your praises. However, if you rely on makeup too heavily, people might forget how naturally beautiful you are without it. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>Energized</b></span></div><div><div>Think for a minute of people who drink coffee, does it seem like they are two different people with and without caffeine? Some people are bright, chippy and well put together in the morning; but let them miss a Starbucks run, and you don’t want to come across them. Some people literally warn you to approach them at your own risk lest they havehad their first cup of joe. Is the same thing true of you and your makeup routine? Are you even yourself without going full on glam? There is nothing wrong with a morning espresso, but we would like to think that we are the same people without it that we are with it. The same should be true about your ritual glow-up, your confidence shouldn't waver, at least not significantly; if you missed a brow wax.</div><div><br /></div><div>Makeup shouldn't be an all or nothing proposition. Instead, makeup should be a delicate balancing act. You want just enough makeup to showcase your natural beauty, but not so much that you become a whole other person. There is more to you than just the external, it's everything about you that makes you beautiful not just a few dabs of blush. Your self-esteem shouldn't come just from makeup, but from how positively you view yourself. When you feel good about yourself, you will smile more, walk with better posture, and overall radiate positivity. And people generally like to be around positive people. When you have good energy, others tend to notice and want to interact with you more. You could end up making new friends, all be because of your attitude, rather than just your makeup. </div><div><br /></div></div><div><b style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Getting adjusted</b></div><div><div>If you decide to take the leap, and show more of your natural self to the world, it won’t be easy. It is going to take some time. Stepping outside without a full face of makeup is stepping out into the world with no shield. . Those parts of you that you are the most sensitive about, your vulnerabilities, will be completely exposed. You are going to have to be okay with that. At one point, I didn’t leave the house without foundation due to skin worries. However, this fear had to go! Slowly, I reduced my foundation habits to BB cream and then concealer until I felt comfortable being bare in public. If you are ready to lessen your dependency on products, reduce your options gradually before going without.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>As I've previously stated, you don’t need to cut make-up out of your routine to improve your relationship with it. Dramatic make-up looks are fun. However, just make sure you know when to go all out and when to reign it in. </div><div>For day-to-day events, barely-there styles are the best. Harsh natural light can make intense make-up styles look odd, almost like costume make-up. Save your big and bold styles for evening events, special occasions, or night outs. Another great rule of thumb is if you’re dressing up, get extravagant with the make-up; but, if you’re in jeans, don’t plaster it on. </div><div><br /></div><div>Getting compliments is great, but getting compliments when you are makeupless is an even bigger ego boost. Theres' nothing better than being recognized for you, and not just for the products you use. Makeup isn't there to just cover but instead to highlight your best features. You are more than just your glowup, so go out there and let the world see what they have been missing. </div></div></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-66898777176293480682022-07-11T08:14:00.000-04:002022-07-11T08:14:57.789-04:00Limitless<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbqOmjzH9W9IqiRS4H5MtweZj21GknpZnHFu0ZVF34dFfaOI3yxH3-WflnPHeJJrKdVVfbGI6WLefqGQxw5Ks2usVAr1JjdfoW5UOaFEk6q-DGstdppvkvtjQQk7Gpk-nkc1DmDsSLBGrlhcW5OvsG1r557GR0ypSkqs1GPcorU7ZQmETQWhfePOlfQ/s4304/eye%20lash%20edit4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2870" data-original-width="4304" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbqOmjzH9W9IqiRS4H5MtweZj21GknpZnHFu0ZVF34dFfaOI3yxH3-WflnPHeJJrKdVVfbGI6WLefqGQxw5Ks2usVAr1JjdfoW5UOaFEk6q-DGstdppvkvtjQQk7Gpk-nkc1DmDsSLBGrlhcW5OvsG1r557GR0ypSkqs1GPcorU7ZQmETQWhfePOlfQ/w462-h307/eye%20lash%20edit4.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p>Beauty and fashion are all about pushing the boundaries, but do they ever go too far? If you have been keeping up with the latest lash trends, you might have noticed an interesting evolution. It seems that more and more, people are starting to prioritize volume and length, beyond what might seem practical. Now don’t get us wrong here, we are all in favor of extending what you have been blessed with; but sometimes there’s a line between perfectly curated lashes and obvious falsies. </p><p> Not all of us were born with naturally long, sweeping, movie star lashes, there are a few who are, but there are a lot who aren’t. For centuries it seems, humanity has had a love/hate relationship with eye lashes. Though long lashes were discouraged in Roman times as signs of impropriety; in more recent times, extending one’s lashes has been embraced by everyone from homemakers to super models. </p><p>What is the allure of fake lashes? Eyelash extensions are a game-changer for women worldwide, they can deliver a potential burst of extra femininity and style to wearers. However, application is key. Just as a great set of lashes can heighten your look, the wrong pair could detract from it. </p><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>Natural Lashes v.s. spider legs</b></span></div><div><div>Do you follow any lash techs on Instagram? Depending on which hashtags you follow you may have noticed many accounts posting images of lashes that are too exaggerated. Some lashes even look like spider’s legs! While some like this dramatic style, it often draws the attention away from the wearer’s natural beauty and onto the lashes themselves. This is a shame, as lashes are here to emphasize and compliment your face, not steal the attention! The key to lashes that look like you were born with them instead of having bougth them, has a huge amount to do with who applies them.</div><div><br /></div><div> Beauty salons worldwide offer lash extensions that last for weeks, allowing you to wake up with an extra burst of glamour. We love professionally done extensions, because they remove the fuss of applying fake lashes daily. Remember those lash techs from Instagram? Well it might be a good idea to save and/or download some of their images and use them as reference at a salon consult. Don't just pine for natural looking lashes, be proactive about achieving them. Research not only the most natural looking material for lash extensions; but also those individuals who are the most adept at applying them. </div><div> </div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>A lot for a little</b></span></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Considering how small they are, eyelashes can demand quite the investment in resources. If professional lash extensions are beyond your budget, you may just have to work with what you have. Instead of professional extensions; try taking your own natural lashes up a level with the following home alternatives. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Eyelash serums are a great product to enhance your natural eyelashes; packed with nutrients, eyelash serums strengthen your lashes for a healthy and fluttery look. </li><li>Biotin supplements can also enhance and lengthen your lashes. Plus, these boost your hair, giving it a healthy shine too. </li></ul><div>Still want long lashes without the professioanl cost? Then it is still okay to experiment with at-home lash applications. False lashes can be your best friend. These lashes are typically less expensive then professionally applied ones, and can give you more time to find what works for you. With these lashes, you can try different lash lengths and thicknesses to see which suit your face best. And if you so happen to find a pair of beautiful, natural looking at-home lashes all the better. </div></div><div><div><br /></div><div><b style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Eyes on the prize</b></div><div>Your eyes can say hello, way before your lips can form the words. Your eyelashes could be the reason, someone walks over to you in a crowded cafe, or goes running out the door. The look of your lashes could be communicating a thousand different messages. If you want your lashes to whisper that you are soft-spoken and approachable, rather than standoffish; it might help to put some thought into your lash routine.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-19653999516360189242022-06-19T16:41:00.001-04:002022-06-20T06:57:31.763-04:00For your eyes only<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3W5FCQ5DAQUDikRVTTspOstv-LqlKC1DLtJS5qxVXlY83esPHE8CgkIOfeUOW3pZKNT8EcshCtYA4t0h7IOWsUJ_dapiGgEcauPXV0rz0Vb47y5bX6YVA6trsu7gxMQfxmvfMqsUpKksSIAvtqFbB3DAOrNqjeHN7JstUHhC65NKu_8jUdFUKSwA2w/s3553/brown%20and%20blue.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1942" data-original-width="3553" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3W5FCQ5DAQUDikRVTTspOstv-LqlKC1DLtJS5qxVXlY83esPHE8CgkIOfeUOW3pZKNT8EcshCtYA4t0h7IOWsUJ_dapiGgEcauPXV0rz0Vb47y5bX6YVA6trsu7gxMQfxmvfMqsUpKksSIAvtqFbB3DAOrNqjeHN7JstUHhC65NKu_8jUdFUKSwA2w/w493-h270/brown%20and%20blue.jpeg" width="493" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are living in a new world, an aesthetic world, where the currency is “likes” and smiley face emojis. Just ten years ago when you met someone you traded numbers, nowadays you ask them to message your social profile. Increasingly we are starting to live our lives online far more than we are living it in the real world. You used to try to keep up with the joneses, now you try to keep up with the joneses follower count. Lately it seems that practically every day some ordinary person is being discovered for just being themselves. They are at the checkout line scanning groceries, when an impulsive teenager pulls out their smartphone and snaps a few pics. And just like that, almost instantly, another beautiful person becomes world famous. With such stakes, how can the rest of us compete? Well, we compete by deciding just how much of ourselves we want to change for the sake of others. What would you do to be adored by the masses; would you change your hair, your smile, or those warm, hazel eyes inherited from your mom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Truth be told</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">Becoming famous is one thing, staying famous is another thing altogether. Be they big screen actresses, or famous vloggers, everyone needs help to stay on top. Celebrities of all stripes are often surrounded by a team of people dedicated to keeping them top-of-mind. Hairstylists, makeup artists, personal trainers, whatever it takes to stay gorgeous, your favorite star probably has an army of them. In addition to the staff around them, most media darlings are not above a few shortcuts to heighten their glow. Many a public figure has shocked their fans by revealing what their real hair really looks like, why they appear perpetually tan, and sometimes what their real eye color is. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">Soap stars, singers, rappers, movie legends, reality personalities they flood our feeds and our Netflix queues, and vie for our precious attention spans. They do this by continually changing their apperance, one day purple hair, the next day orange. They also sometimes do this by changing the color of their eyes, one day blue eyes, and the next day green. Being pretty enough to be discovered is often a matter of luck, being different enough to be memorable is often a mater of reinvention. It takes courage to boldly change the tint of your hair, it takes an opthamologist to do the same for your eyes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Made for Hollywood</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the 1930's, at the behest of a Hollywood makeup artist, an opthamologist created a colored contact lens to change an actor's eye color. Since that moment, colored contacts have only grown in popularity amongst actors. Onscreen, colored contacts allow actors to seemlessly transition from one character to another. Offscreen, colored contacts have become fashion accessories allowing stars to sometimes match their eye color to the color of their outfits. Outside of hollywood colored contacts have been just as well received, allowing many to change grey eyes into breathtaking baby blue eyes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Colored contacts have also become a hit with influencers. Why just make an appearance at Cannes, when you can make a real splash by pairing a green Versace shirt with emerald eyes. Whether subtle or over-the-top, those who make a living by being the center of attention, can benefit greatly from colored contacts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Buyer beware</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No matter how chic or trendy, you are not supposed to wear colored contacts without a prescription. In fact it's illegal to sell non-prescription colored contacts. Contacts regardless of whether they are prescription strength or not must be prescribed by a license opthamologist. Contacts are tools created specifically for the tasks of correcting vision, helpful side effects notwithstanding.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">According to the CDC contact lenses are considered medical devices and by law cannot be sold without a valid prescription. Anyone selling decorative contact lenses without the supervision of a licensed opthamologist is selling them illegally and can face a fine. Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of your eyes, the CDC does not reccomend purchasing or using decorative a.k.a. non-prescription contact lenses. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Use as directed</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Though decorative contact lenses are not endorsed by the FDA or CDC, where there's a will there's a way. Non-prescription contact lenses can be found sold by many reputable online retailers, with the belief being, use at your own risk. However people have always been willing to take chances in order to stand out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Today the pressure to do something, anything, to stand apart irrespective of the risks, has never been greater. Our society is putting ever increasing amounts of stress on individuals to do something radical or dangerous in order to get recognized. Any search of the top 10 influencers on most social platform will soon make it apparent that many, if not all have had some type of enhancement either with our without the approval of a medical professional. Considering what many of these modern day tastemakers get compensated, it's hard not to be seduced by their fame. But the asking price to have some of their glory could be quite substantial. In the endless search for instant internet glory just what are you prepared to trade in order to become a trendsetter? </div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-12187219778092102662022-06-06T10:11:00.004-04:002022-06-06T10:11:42.517-04:00Short and sweet<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISmQthGyXHzJjavtcaZnpvnOaILOERjlWk-_qeJLS6sRW8efMrmN7EjpGE0jEdwDty-02VyAi-sjVjGxNrNZi5SyNymERMUKwjRC851EPfsJoEJKPzck4HBHYzWPQfffPjh_5XtYMGQO7xcilcEKXjkwGn0wW-MlV6yWFdRGpnO6b__TozNo3IiSdhw/s5308/bags2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 14.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5308" data-original-width="3538" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISmQthGyXHzJjavtcaZnpvnOaILOERjlWk-_qeJLS6sRW8efMrmN7EjpGE0jEdwDty-02VyAi-sjVjGxNrNZi5SyNymERMUKwjRC851EPfsJoEJKPzck4HBHYzWPQfffPjh_5XtYMGQO7xcilcEKXjkwGn0wW-MlV6yWFdRGpnO6b__TozNo3IiSdhw/w275-h414/bags2.jpeg" width="275" /></a></p>We all know the feeling. When the hot weather starts to arrive and jeans begin to feel uncomfortable, it’s time to switch things up. Summer is that time of the year when the earth's orbit brings it the closest to the sun (at least in the westhern hemisphere), and the effect can be absolutely sweltering. When the temperature starts to climb the old adage "less is more" becomes startingly prescient. The higher the thermometer rises is the less fabric you want on your hot skin. That is the beauty and ingenuity of shorts. Oh summer shorts how we love thee, let us recount the ways. <div><span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;"><b>Mood lifter and confidence booster</b></span></div><div>Your top new year's resolution this year was to join a gym and stick with it; it nearly killed you, but you made it. So what is your reward, for surviving twice-weekly leg day? Permission to reveal all of that progress by wearing shorts. Why even bother working out if you are not going to show off the results of all of your hard work. Could there a better feeling than strolling the mall with your killer calves and quads-of-steel on full display? </div><div><br /></div><div>Want an extra ego pump? Then consider the following. Often, if you’re trying on old shorts from years ago, the style will probably be slightly outdated. Treating yourself to on-trend options can actually make you feel much better about leaving the house with your legs out! Consider splurging on 2-3 short outfits that make you feel like your best self. These will be easy to style and comfortable to wear, perfect for a confidence boost. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another common tip is to pair your shorts with platform shoes. This doesn’t mean you need to strut around in heels. Simply add sneakers with a thicker sole to your look. This extra boost in height can make you appear slimmer and leaner.</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to these, there is another reason why shorts could improve your mood. Shorts are a great boon to your budget. They use less fabric then other items of clothing, and thus are cheaper to make. This makes shorts usually less costly then other apparel. Essentially, every time you choose to wear shorts, it's like you are putting money back into your bank account. </div><div><br /></div><div><b style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;">A declaration of freedom</b></div><div>If it feels like you are getting away with something every time you wear a pair of shorts, that's because you are. In a country founded mostly by puritans, it wasn't that long ago when a woman's bare ankle was the height of scandal. Just a few decades past, several states had laws on the books outright forbidding the wearing of shorts. In 1938, the city of Honesdale, Pennsylvania outlawed the wearing of shorts. In Texas, the city of Monahans followed suit by banning women in shorts from the public thoroughfares in 1944. Even all the way up to 1959 women over 16 risked jail time for wearing shorts in the city of Plattsburgh, New York!</div><div><br /></div><div>Today though, there aren't too many places that wearing shorts in public is discouraged, unless you are in amish country (we are joking, maybe). So now every time you step out in shorts take a moment to savor the thrill of doing something, that was once highly illegal. You now have the freedom to do something that your ancestors could only dream of, so why not go out and celebrate.</div><div><br /></div><div> <b style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;">When to wear shorts</b></div><div>So now that you have the license and the opportunity to wear shorts everywhere should you? Well, shorts may be a summer go-to, but that doesn’t always mean they’re appropriate. There are some places and functions that are simply too refined for shorts to be worn,but not always. If a dress code isn't too restrictive, and if you are creative enough, you might be able to dress up your shorts. Shorts are great for a handful of semi-formal events, including summer garden parties and social mixers. If the event is more formal than a daytime hangout but less formal than an evening dinner, shorts are all good. Pair yours with heels, a fancy top, and matching accessories for a comprehensive look. Summer and style all in one place! </div><div><br /></div><div><b style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;">There when you need it</b></div><div>Next to a comfortable pair of jeans, or a little black dress, a great pair of shorts is a must for any closet. Shorts are the secret weapon you can fall back on during the lazy days of summer. Whenever you are stressed about outfit choices; and the weather outside is moderate, reach for the option that's almost always a win. </div><div><b style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-3854817972558368772022-05-23T09:06:00.001-04:002022-05-23T09:24:29.748-04:00Dressed to impress<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjuaM9uA4Y14D25jat9cW5FJISbIrGbTSSGVyBmiweUGmhAQySjywKQWjdBXMzqDt_YAqcaHnORtnWiHuo72mcZ0ghOcdy_J0_auqumKoMG1_iiqV4RgFOu2aWGwpDXfxlpj0CQc59Uo2nFzS0YZlq3qeR7e2BEzTu2mWVUh5VIrVMEas0GlbOuQElg/s7360/boss.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7360" data-original-width="4912" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjuaM9uA4Y14D25jat9cW5FJISbIrGbTSSGVyBmiweUGmhAQySjywKQWjdBXMzqDt_YAqcaHnORtnWiHuo72mcZ0ghOcdy_J0_auqumKoMG1_iiqV4RgFOu2aWGwpDXfxlpj0CQc59Uo2nFzS0YZlq3qeR7e2BEzTu2mWVUh5VIrVMEas0GlbOuQElg/w293-h438/boss.jpeg" width="293" /></a></div><br />Have you ever received something you weren't expecting, then later on asked yourself how you ever lived without it? Well then you know what an unexpected and welcome gift, working from home has been to millions of people. In the year 2020 the entire world shut down in the blink of an eye; and quicker then you could say zoom call, scores of people found themselves telecommuting. Working from home, instead of driving to the office, was one of many sudden life adjustments that was pressed upon us in 2020. But, now that some have had a taste of it, many people never want to go back. <div><br /></div><div><div>Working from home is the gift that keeps on giving. What's better than ice cream? Ice cream in your jammies of course, sittin in front of the tv watching soaps. So what's better than working from your own house? Working from home in your snuggy and hair rollers, with an avocado mask. If your not needed for a virtual conference call, you can do your office work at home, makeup-up free, and garbed however. Most people choose to work from home dressed comfortably rather than professionally, but at what cost? Maybe at the cost of your next promotion. Allow us to explain<p></p><p><b><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;">Changing times</span></b></p><p>For the longest time, adulting looked much the same for many people, a nine-to-five commitment at a corporate job with a suitable dress code. This routine of getting up, getting formally attired and reporting to your cubicle was so ingrained in our culture it was almost an afterthought. It was a system thought to be infallible, until a once-in-a-lifetime biological crisis absolutely upended that notion. In an instant the daily commute to the office along with the required wardrobe, were gone; replaced with home-work and <i>wear-whatever-you-want </i>flexibility. Now as the worldwide crisis becomes more manageable, the fantastic freedom many gained in the pandemic working from home is being revoked. Employers are asking employees to return to the office, and many are resisting. But are they doing themselves a disservice. Well depending on who you ask, the answer is a firm maybe. </p><p><b><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;">The bold and the beautiful</span></span></b></p><p><span><span>Admit it, even though it's not fun getting ready to go to to work, you look pretty good when you are all put together. You may not love waking up early, agonizing over hairstyle, makeup, and outfit options, but when it's all said it done, you love how you look in the mirror sometimes. Love it or hate it, corporate culture forces us to look our best when reporting to the office. It's hard not to look amazing in a tailored suit and pants, or beautiful blouse over a fashionable business skirt. The better you look is the more confident you feel, going out the door of your house. The more confident you feel about yourself when going to work is the greater the chance you may end up doing big, bold things at your job. That's not just conjecture, that is actually backed up by science. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><b>Scientifically speaking</b></span></p><p>Don't think what you wear matters to how well you might perform at your job? Then check out the results of a 2012 experiment in the<b><i> <a href="http://www.utstat.utoronto.ca/reid/sta2201s/2012/labcoatarticle.pdf"><span style="color: black;">Journal of experimental social psychology</span></a></i></b>. In that experiment psychologists wanted to see how well participants would do in tests, based on wearing or not wearing lab coats. The study found that participants who wore lab coats associated with doctor's had much better attention to detail than participants who didn't wear lab coats. Another social experiment performed by <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1948550615579462"><span style="color: black;"><b><i>pscyhology professors</i></b></span></a> at California State University, Northridge was even more specific. In the study psychologists studied the thought processes of participants who wore formal clothing vs participants who wore casual clothing. The study found that participants who wore formal clothing expressed more global and abstract thinking than those who wore casual clothing. In simple terms, when wearing formal clothing, people seemed to get the bigger picture, they thought bigger. </p><div><b style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;">Career opportunities</b></div><div>To return or not return (to the office), that would seem to be the question, but is it more than that? Let's think about it another way. When you are dressed in your professional best, people tend to notice, probably people that you work with. When you go to work in a new two piece suit and black pumps, you could be making a massive impression on your bosses and higher-ups. However it is much more difficult to make an impact, makeupless, on a video call, with your hair an untamed mess. The simple truth is that formal settings force us to up our beauty game, while the comforts of home encourage us not to try so hard. </div><div><b style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;">Best of both worlds</b></div><div>At the moment, many people are wrestling with the prospect of either staying home for work, or going back to the office. Maybe you are one of those people yourself. In all situations, you have to priortize your health, above everything else when considering work options. However, If health is not a concern, and the choice is strictly between comfort vs extra effort; then decide on whatever makes you happiest. In the end, whether you decide to stay at home or return to an office, just make sure to continue holding the highest beauty and professional standards for yourself, regardless of the setting. </div><div> </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-75328187039851317112022-05-09T09:54:00.000-04:002022-05-09T09:54:15.194-04:00Thrifted<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuxqJI0Nppb7M1Txn475xJwycXUBBxyHmcKdE8dp0FFLeVtCWEa_V575t2yXZsB6_CXKSDx2_726m2uSS9tO_vueGYI8L2krcbd65MKL1oqOFPEYubdX8JZlVYUr3su4odV3BjGja2qp9fjbyYFfVd2S-St8uxyDn-CE1AjOGmXGDGr5FkYxaFgISKg/s4449/thrifted.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4449" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuxqJI0Nppb7M1Txn475xJwycXUBBxyHmcKdE8dp0FFLeVtCWEa_V575t2yXZsB6_CXKSDx2_726m2uSS9tO_vueGYI8L2krcbd65MKL1oqOFPEYubdX8JZlVYUr3su4odV3BjGja2qp9fjbyYFfVd2S-St8uxyDn-CE1AjOGmXGDGr5FkYxaFgISKg/w458-h309/thrifted.jpeg" width="458" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To everything there is a season, the wise King Solomon once said and truer words, it seems were never spoken. As time marches on, whatever is the latest sensation of the moment, will eventually peak and then go into their twilight. Be it technology, fads, or pop stars, whatever is hot today, typically won't be tommorow. Fashion however seems to play by different rules. How many times have bell bottoms breathed a second life, or mom jeans for that matter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you grew up in a family where money was tight, and you had older siblings, chances are you were wearing hand-me-downs to school. If your parents were really hard up, those hand-me-downs might not even be from your own family, but from someone else's. Thrift store shopping used to be a financial necessity, something borne purely out of need. But over the years something incredible has been happening. Thrifting is slowly becoming more and more widely accepted by the masses as a sign of fashion savvy rather than as a sign of social status. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">What has changed?</span></b></div><div><span>Adults today, who were teens in the early augths may not have the fondest memories of thrift stores. Back then anyone caught dead in thrift store clothes usually stuck out from other kids in their new school gear. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Almost overnight though, it seems like the status quo has changed. And as usual, we have social media to thank. </span>If you log into Instagram or TikTok, there’s a high chance you’ll see a “How To Thrift” video or a haul of thrift finds. While this is commonplace in 2022, you wouldn’t hear anyone bragging about pre-loved clothes ten years ago. In fact, the sad truth is many would be judged if they were wearing clothes from the thrift store. The 2000s were all about brands, labels, and shopping.If it wasn’t new, it wasn’t worn. You usually didn't see celebrities frequenting thrift stores, so why would you shop there? </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><b>A push for eco shopping</b></span></div><div><div>So, where has this need for thrifted clothes come from? All trends start somewhere, and thrifting grew in popularity as sustainable fashion did. We all know that we need to be more environmentally friendly and thrift stores allow us to scratch that shopping itch without consuming new goods. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not only that but thrifting was also popularized by the “alternative” subcultures. Suddenly, dressing in ultra-modern styles wasn’t as cool as it used to be. The true fashionistas embraced the grunge aesthetics. Instead of hanging out at the mall, "It" Girls were hunting down vintage denim, tie-dye, and hidden gems at the thrift store. </div><div><br /></div><div> Wearing old clothes was once “lame”, but now shoppers are pushing retro styles. Perhaps this is a nostalgia for the past, and an attempt to connect to when life was easier. For others it could be a yearn for eras they’ll never get to experience.</div></div><div><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><b>Protecting tommorow</b></span></div><div>It doesn’t look like thrifting’s popularity will diminish anytime soon. As the push for sustainable garments grows even more prominent, more and more are turning to pre-loved stores rather than shiny new clothes. Whether they visit the thrift store in person or opt for second-hand clothes on Depop, this trend will remain vital for the foreseeable future. </div><div><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-48466255220899969292022-04-10T23:15:00.000-04:002022-04-11T08:32:55.698-04:00Priceless<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzuZnlmljFXWmRnSj6hxR-L6tPdmrSkef6bc0i-YO1RCkRFKTXywp81psZHUD-2BW0kBXwWDfG8zMtfBo1NmtL51YD7DLQkd2zl0eBFLwpwcTN7tvbCVeTIOfBS60df5H3wwBQYxJ7qtJavCwMjgIFtMeuCh5ayhY1ICwyp0UIqSBsOeviB7kDHb69w/s3589/high%20fashion%20crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3589" data-original-width="3081" height="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzuZnlmljFXWmRnSj6hxR-L6tPdmrSkef6bc0i-YO1RCkRFKTXywp81psZHUD-2BW0kBXwWDfG8zMtfBo1NmtL51YD7DLQkd2zl0eBFLwpwcTN7tvbCVeTIOfBS60df5H3wwBQYxJ7qtJavCwMjgIFtMeuCh5ayhY1ICwyp0UIqSBsOeviB7kDHb69w/w348-h405/high%20fashion%20crop.jpg" width="348" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When was the last time you spent money on clothes? Was it a lot? Or a little? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Shopping in 2022 is a unique experience. With more options than ever before, we’re spoiled by immediate access to online stores, authentic boutiques, and social media stores. But, is this making us spend more, or is it actually decreasing the value of fashion? </div></div><p><span class="TextRun SCXW191484260 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial, Arial_EmbeddedFont, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre-wrap;" xml:lang="EN"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW191484260 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Keep on reading to find out.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW191484260 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial, Arial_EmbeddedFont, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A Fashion Controversy </span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fast fashion has been a buzzword for a while now, but what does this term really refer to? Most fashion experts use “fast fashion” to refer to clothing stores that churn out new stock weekly for low prices. While these clothes might not be the best quality, they allow all budgets access to the latest trends without putting strain on their purse strings. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While this isn’t ideal for the environment, it’s great for the younger generations and their lower incomes. There’s no secret that the price of living is rapidly increasing while wages stay stagnant, so these fast fashion stores appeal directly to consumers with less disposable income. <br /></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">The Death Of Designer </span></b></div><div><span><div>But wait, if the younger consumers with less disposable income are heading for fast fashion, what does this mean for luxury clothing sales? Are we kissing goodbye to the designer stores? </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, designer sales will likely drop, as the frugal-minded will opt for lower prices. However, the desire for luxury goods will always be there. It might make more sense to buy for less, but your heart will always want the premium fabrics and expert construction. </div><div><br /></div><div>Though it appears that Gen Z and Millennials are subverting designer trends, sales for counterfeit dresses and accessories are through the roof. These generations can’t afford designer luxury, but they’ll pretend they can. Just take one look at resale sites (such as Depop) and you’ll see the demand for faux-designer items is truly alive! </div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="TextRun SCXW62414995 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; font-size: 17pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 31.05px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre-wrap;" xml:lang="EN"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW62414995 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="heading 2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Is Fast Fashion </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW62414995 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="heading 2" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Our Future?</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW62414995 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":360,"335559739":120,"335559740":276}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; font-size: 17pt; line-height: 31.05px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></b></span></div></span>Though purchase trends hint at the death of designer fashion, it’s hard to say whether this will really happen. <br /><br />Right now, Gen Zs and Millennials are at the bottom of the food chain with smaller incomes, but this will change in time. These creative generations are already showing a thirst for creativity and self-expression, so they’ll likely invest in designer options once they’re higher up the food chain. Time will tell! <br /><br />Would you rather save money on cheaper clothes, or are you happy to splurge on big brands? Let us know in the comments!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-1703727781929124702022-03-28T09:24:00.000-04:002022-03-28T09:24:22.073-04:00Hush: exploring beauty secrets you might acquire from your friends and family<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LQw0IhIjrM1ndhs9xrmljqjY8AJBu3eQIlzTqBSUOqyj0g_69cpqn3teTGoT4D7PPvldXRcmFBNrK69PELyHyg8Ewh1MoK5k88mqJ1IdmVmwiRfgb2mFLqic7S0xL1Fw1zslB-Pcb7Gtyf-OfGyBz9rRVsbMB7s1XBW8GbaTxhC5F9C0mnzYjYrmQg/s4901/share6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3268" data-original-width="4901" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LQw0IhIjrM1ndhs9xrmljqjY8AJBu3eQIlzTqBSUOqyj0g_69cpqn3teTGoT4D7PPvldXRcmFBNrK69PELyHyg8Ewh1MoK5k88mqJ1IdmVmwiRfgb2mFLqic7S0xL1Fw1zslB-Pcb7Gtyf-OfGyBz9rRVsbMB7s1XBW8GbaTxhC5F9C0mnzYjYrmQg/w513-h341/share6.jpeg" width="513" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Every family has a wise old aunt or grandmother doling out beauty secrets and gatekeeping family traditions. We learn these secrets when we are young, and over time these secrets become core beliefs. As we grow up we build friend groups, who further add to our knowledge base. And before you know it, we mature into creatures of habit; who do certain things because of everything others have poured into us. So how many of these long held beliefs still stand the test of time, and which ones need to be reevaluated? We submit the list below for your consideration. <p><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Can you have too much of a good thing?</span></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqi8uRgEFZ9ZgrBbwYbkMGpg3emROPMg19gs8KQ1CnPDsS7pSXW_p8CFLHOQqYjnZWB1l6UhIaq5gMIiBzjvqKD-ejm9slLh2lQPsFHf4KHcx6Ih78lc4J01TJRq_l6B3l_E5wwPKs3fcqMhQR3wwcC1LucbfVqp_eOWkP2mm7C2_GEql1wKd-kA20Q/s6000/shower.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqi8uRgEFZ9ZgrBbwYbkMGpg3emROPMg19gs8KQ1CnPDsS7pSXW_p8CFLHOQqYjnZWB1l6UhIaq5gMIiBzjvqKD-ejm9slLh2lQPsFHf4KHcx6Ih78lc4J01TJRq_l6B3l_E5wwPKs3fcqMhQR3wwcC1LucbfVqp_eOWkP2mm7C2_GEql1wKd-kA20Q/s320/shower.jpeg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p><span>What's better than an intense workout or an early morning run? The absolute ecstacy of the post workout shower. The only thing that feels better than excercise, is the jets of water massaging your skin and removing all the dirt and sweat off your body. You can't imagine taking a shower or bath without soap, so how could you possibly go days without shampooing your hair? Unfortunately the jury is still out on that. </span>Concerned compatriots may have led you to believe that it us unwise to wash your hair everyday, but the truth is a tad more complicated. Here are the facts, shampoo does indeed wash out the natural oils in your hair, thus leading to it becoming dry and brittle. But in some people their bodies compensate by producing extra oil, and thus washing their hair everyday is simply not as much of a problem. So even though you may have been told that shampooing your hair everyday is bad, the reality is, results may vary. </p><p><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>An overnight miracle</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiN7dgIanfVB9kckKr7brtMYsm0ugP50Hjp4-SifWJXT4ERrMfZJtH1M14hKUaigYv98mvHppC9TXqKWSYvAxNdl8auvrpSppu6vJiGGzZOzQGUtTAYiGfv6cdPosLjpARU_FMMSl_Sp0QYZ_natZlUg6xMZdAneVa0em2Xdp3qcK5mbegjwiNLZ7Zg/s8688/eyelashes.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5792" data-original-width="8688" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiN7dgIanfVB9kckKr7brtMYsm0ugP50Hjp4-SifWJXT4ERrMfZJtH1M14hKUaigYv98mvHppC9TXqKWSYvAxNdl8auvrpSppu6vJiGGzZOzQGUtTAYiGfv6cdPosLjpARU_FMMSl_Sp0QYZ_natZlUg6xMZdAneVa0em2Xdp3qcK5mbegjwiNLZ7Zg/s320/eyelashes.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Here is a helpful tip you may have received from a thoughtful friend or neighbor. If you’re looking for a way to make your eyelashes grow longer and thicker then applying a small amount of Vaseline to your lashes before bed can help to achieve this. Though it sounds like an old wives tale; in reality Vaseline will help to keep your lashes hydrated, which will help them to grow longer and thicker over time. You might not see results instantly, but if you stick to this routine, you will see a difference. </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>Sun safety</b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4jEObJrWoLZXRJTUrxriS-r2--e3r9D8ySoyJwrU3RLkMflqXJ5LUdRmVgFmzA05Q2rXAxdZ_MqYiZ23Lu9YqKs2JfGeigV00kaTuSTex0EnLUXgQqoNo3BHmx6woSQEQvIfVybbHGv93ewrCmiXDdBhr8K9ZNyg3uatC_CZXG15ucoRvb7uWg2FkQ/s5472/sun%20safety.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4jEObJrWoLZXRJTUrxriS-r2--e3r9D8ySoyJwrU3RLkMflqXJ5LUdRmVgFmzA05Q2rXAxdZ_MqYiZ23Lu9YqKs2JfGeigV00kaTuSTex0EnLUXgQqoNo3BHmx6woSQEQvIfVybbHGv93ewrCmiXDdBhr8K9ZNyg3uatC_CZXG15ucoRvb7uWg2FkQ/s320/sun%20safety.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember how you used to wiggle in your mom's arms when you were little as she heaped gobs of sticky SPF sunscreen all over you. As much as you hated the stuff, it kept you safe then and it's even more important now. The sun's UV rays are no joke. They can cause damage to your skin, your eyes and even to your immune system. Sunlight is a double edge sword. We need to be bathe daily in sunlight to help our bodies create Vitamin D, but too much sun exposure can lead to rapid skin aging and skin cancer. Applying sunblock of at least SPF 30 strength is a must if you are going to spend in extended amount of time outside. What used to be an annoyance on family days at the beach, is still a must even when you are older and far more independent. This is one family tradition that is a definite keeper. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Staying the course</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B1SdrM4IJgtjTSbYfetCS-v31QlGj7HonV-x2MZdqnQlQh2prfaQeEE8cJzIs_9c89JF3kPcNqeY51SBqK0NWNwe7gBlnz8HUNA7czT4MEmcjI9plHul8eS45jWCLKeeNgGuetVwa-XgSIKzS_YSXWrsMfzKQBlG98gMIfOk3hQ3dzEHduwr4bnkSA/s4753/shampoo.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3156" data-original-width="4753" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B1SdrM4IJgtjTSbYfetCS-v31QlGj7HonV-x2MZdqnQlQh2prfaQeEE8cJzIs_9c89JF3kPcNqeY51SBqK0NWNwe7gBlnz8HUNA7czT4MEmcjI9plHul8eS45jWCLKeeNgGuetVwa-XgSIKzS_YSXWrsMfzKQBlG98gMIfOk3hQ3dzEHduwr4bnkSA/s320/shampoo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Loyalty is the glue that keeps relationships together, but how does it apply to your hair care? Doubtless a friend or relative has preached to you the virtues of staying faithful to only one brand or product line. In theory this makes a world of sense. The belief is that when you stick to one beauty product and brand, your skin or hair has a chance to get used to it. Ideally this should mean that the product will be more effective and less likely to have negative side effects. Based on this logic one would hypothesize that; if you keep switching things up, your skin or hair will never have a chance to adjust and you might end up doing more damage than good. But just like with shampooing every day, loyalty to one product line is still an open question. There are people who swear by the benefits of being brand loyal, while other people have experienced little downside by experimenting. Again results tend to vary. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Though a lot of people would prefer, a one size fits all solution to their beauty routines, the truth is, we are not quite there yet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Support from friends and family is always welcomed; however, you should still do your own investigating when it comes to taking advice about your personal grooming routine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-4569553743112240442022-03-13T19:41:00.013-04:002022-03-15T20:39:26.768-04:00Looking Sharp ~ The Stylista<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRtDcyhEc0FNF8yIJllsjWtrM_VzcqXf0-ELd3OegePZj8jRh6-TYRTIMAwWEd-H3hycDkqmTLx48fTtGLeeHJkSYJUN0usqLeXRox56T2LbcIveJyZoLshGLt5S9qHi7TZQ2KvWti_SvBovi6q2n0-TLuboEcOiQGkSqpp_iOKrQ06aa2JUr8gcNPNQ=s6959" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4174" data-original-width="6959" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRtDcyhEc0FNF8yIJllsjWtrM_VzcqXf0-ELd3OegePZj8jRh6-TYRTIMAwWEd-H3hycDkqmTLx48fTtGLeeHJkSYJUN0usqLeXRox56T2LbcIveJyZoLshGLt5S9qHi7TZQ2KvWti_SvBovi6q2n0-TLuboEcOiQGkSqpp_iOKrQ06aa2JUr8gcNPNQ=w562-h337" width="562" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When it comes to accessories, there is a range of modern options to choose from. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">From cute hair bands to berets, we’ve seen a range of fashion items come in and out of fashion in the past few years. But, have you noticed that glasses have become a fashion accessory too? </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Yes, you read that right! Glasses are now trendy. Though these eyewear pieces are designed to help with medical conditions, they’re suddenly in the spotlight and on the catwalks.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While there’s no denying that some glasses are stylish and they do add an element of sophistication to your #OOTD (outfit of the day), is it ethical to wear glasses if you have 20/20 vision? </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>A question of fairness</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">If your eyesight is less than perfect, you might resent the idea of glasses as a fashion accessory. You’ve had to wear glasses for years, not as a fun extra, but as a tool that helps you to see. You’ve put up with the geeky stereotypes and “four eyes” jokes, yet now those who used to laugh are jumping on the trend? It doesn’t seem fair. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When cultural or medical devices inspire fashion trends, it’s always controversial. For example, crutches also serve a medical need, but you wouldn’t start wearing these for fun would you? This begs the question of whether it’s really okay for those with good vision to experiment with faux glasses. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The answer must be an obvious yes because this trend has become quite normalized in our society. We often see people wear glasses one day than go without them another, and just naturally assume they wear contacts or something. Rarely do we ever question anyone's motives in wearing glasses, nor think it polite to ask them about it.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A bit of harmless fun?</span></b></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There are no outspoken rules against wearing glasses for amusement. There are no outright prohibitions against them as fashion accessories either. We all wear sunglasses, so why can’t we also wear frames with clear lenses? </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Experimenting with faux glasses is like finding your mom's jewelry box as a child. So many options to play with, it's almost illegal. Glasses are terrific outfit accents because frames come in so many styles and colors, that they offer almost endless possibilities. Glasses are also a great way to add to a retro outfit. Since glasses have changed style through the ages, fake glasses can complete a vintage-inspired look. When used for aesthetic purposes, this celebrates their style and heritage. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">If you're feeling any pangs of conscience, here's something to consider. An increase in glasses sales means designers will spend more time crafting great frames. If brands see sales rising, they will offer more options and styles. This is ideal for both those with and without prescription glasses. Think about it, the more eyeglass frames that get sold, the more innovation there will be in the field. So in some small way, you are doing your part to make eyeglasses better for all.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Looking to the future</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There aren't any hard and fast rules when it comes to the morality of wearing glasses for fun vs wearing them for vision. Just as fashion is a matter of personal choice, so are the ethical questions that come with it. It all comes down to how well you sleep at night for the choices you make. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While there’s no clear answer to whether wearing faux glasses is right or wrong, it’s a trend that isn’t going to disappear anytime soon. Whether you agree or disagree with glasses, it is up to you, but at least a few positives are coming out of this accessory trend. And who knows, we will all probably need glasses in our elderly years anyway, so why not start practicing now for the future. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-53295920715566824552022-02-28T11:22:00.011-05:002022-06-12T23:36:42.423-04:00The fast life<p></p><p style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3fBPjetOsrdM4k1eCR6Fwjvfzt9FOtLoqN7r4GsW1jPZR85MwAWLDxBtt36gxFk8RhHtSHAzKGGs93f4Z8WsOUUoRpVJN1Ff73XyC4G5cMEVnTyGc9s9waX-N8J0491NkSdOIo-M4ghMIK9crbogQzxqzdAZnz11fydAi8CZVgv34hfhFJaXSNwGR_w=s4892" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3733" data-original-width="4892" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3fBPjetOsrdM4k1eCR6Fwjvfzt9FOtLoqN7r4GsW1jPZR85MwAWLDxBtt36gxFk8RhHtSHAzKGGs93f4Z8WsOUUoRpVJN1Ff73XyC4G5cMEVnTyGc9s9waX-N8J0491NkSdOIo-M4ghMIK9crbogQzxqzdAZnz11fydAi8CZVgv34hfhFJaXSNwGR_w=w505-h385" width="505" /></span></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Easy street</span><br /></span>The internet is a wonderful tool. It connects us, educates us, and … it can make us famous, outrageously so. <br />Once upon a time, it seemed that the surest way to a bright future was a degree from an ivy league school followed by 20 or so years of climbing the corporate ladder. Nowadays, however, that may no longer be the case. <br />Whether you’ve noticed it or not, more and more teens are turning to the internet and social media to achieve in mere months what took their parents decades. That’s what Bethany Mota did at the tender age of 13 when she started vlogging on YouTube. Thereafter her following exploded into the thousands, and so did her bank account when brands came to a calling. Before you knew it, her face was on New<br />York subways, and her clothing line was in Aeropostale, all before she could even legally drink.</p><p style="clear: both;"><b style="color: #666666; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Revving it up</span></b><br />As impressive as Bethany Mota’s achievements were on YouTube, they were nothing compared to what Michelle Phan accomplished on the platform. Phan went from college dropout to CEO of a half a billion-dollar cosmetics company all due almost entirely to the popularity of her Youtube makeup tutorials. </p><p style="clear: both;">And now it is happening again, with a whole new era of young stars, on a brand new platform. The D’Amelio sisters, Charlie, and Dixie D’Amelio have drawn a massive following on the newest social media sensation, Tiktok. The D'amelio sisters have danced and lip-synched their way to the top of the new platform and are being richly rewarded for it. As their Tiktok following soared past a combined 100 million followers, brands came racing to their door with copious amounts of cash. At present, Forbes estimates that the D’Amelio sisters raked in an almost unbelievable $28 million dollars in 2021 from their brand deals with Hollister, Hulu, and Morphe makeup. </p><p style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>An all-out race</b></span></span><br />Social media is fast becoming the new silicon valley, making millionaires out of vloggers and rapidly expanding the ranks of Forbes 30 under 30. The creator space has become so lucrative that big tech companies are competing amongst themselves to quickly scoop up talent. <br /> Facebook, YouTube, and now even Pinterest have partnership programs in place to compensate creators for developing original content for them. But, it’s not that simple. Bethany Mota, Michelle Phan, and the D’Amelio sisters all have one thing in common. All of them became runaway successes because they were the first on the platform to do what they did. Because they were first in the space, they got all<br />the attention and therefore all of the acclaims.</p><div><b style="color: #666666; font-size: x-large;">Something special</b></div><div>According to the <a href="#">Merriam-Webster Dictionary</a> to catch lightning means “to succeed in a way that is very lucky or unlikely”. That is a perfect description of what it means to go viral online. For every single Bethany Mota, there are thousands of online creators that you have never heard of.<p style="clear: both;">Why? Because no one is quite sure, just what it takes to become a social media darling. It takes some skill to create original content and market yourself, but luck and timing are probably the biggest keys to becoming an online success story. You never really know what will resonate with an audience. It is still unclear why one online creator is embraced while others are shunned. </p><p style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><b>Too fast too furious</b></span><br /></span><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">For years our parents have taught us to choose what's safe and practical instead of what is flashy and attention-getting. But how much longer will that advice endure. As the years fly by it seems that ever-younger generations are becoming more and more impatient with the traditional way of doing things. Growing up in the internet age, and possessing computer skills others could only dream of; Gen Z is showing the least patience of all to get everything they're due immediately. More and more youth are being tempted to abandon the struggles of higher education and the corporate climb, for the lure of being an influencer.</span></span></span></p><p style="clear: both;"><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">How dependable though will all this online popularity be in the long term? Influencers are already complaining of mental health struggles and burnout from having to constantly create new content. Some influencers have disappeared altogether right at the pinnacle of their fame seemingly due to too much too fast. And what are the long-term prospects for this field? </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">where will these influencers be in 20 years? </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Unlike a doctor or a teacher whose skills will always be needed, will influencers still be in demand in 2040? Or will they be replaced by a new type of celebrity? </span></span></span></p><p style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">What's fast vs. what lasts</span><br /></b></span><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">We all have dreams of success, but at what costs? </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span> Grinding through school and studies, and ultimately joining a workforce that has nominal rewards is boring, compared to the illustrious life of an influencer. </span><span>But this is the path that allowed our forebears to buy homes and build families. No one wants to toil for ages in the shadows while being unnoticed and unappreciated, but exploding into the national conscience all at once has its own share of problems. </span></span></span></p><p style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span> </span>So what is the answer? Well, it could be a little bit of both. If you want rewards faster without the risks, a blended approach might be best. </span><span>If you find that you have the talent and beauty to be a social star, but you don’t want to put all your eggs in a basket. Then consider making social media a part-time endeavor, while still pursuing your education. This will allow you to diversify and minimize your risks. If you break out online then great, but if not you will still have that shiny degree to fall back on. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div><br /></div></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-27329440247980030102022-02-14T08:37:00.004-05:002022-03-15T20:22:36.823-04:00#Goals: Can you swipe right and create a perfect life?<p> </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOZ-6o8JzMFgQjsvMiHi9Y0ameKq8OQvXpUt6PVgdwLIYGZfMW2HiqH11QuO9x3EsaF0j1jb75ZT8XOY6-gmfwTzsT8ntZ81ydqHsorpdGE9jkOBne-tSxC4gkXV4mPxCnlkoN7sFsD3nh1ZPIfvRWY0pfwebXzc5OHcY-1gwvGZxtbYV2R6ACNG-9Zw=s6772" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4520" data-original-width="6772" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOZ-6o8JzMFgQjsvMiHi9Y0ameKq8OQvXpUt6PVgdwLIYGZfMW2HiqH11QuO9x3EsaF0j1jb75ZT8XOY6-gmfwTzsT8ntZ81ydqHsorpdGE9jkOBne-tSxC4gkXV4mPxCnlkoN7sFsD3nh1ZPIfvRWY0pfwebXzc5OHcY-1gwvGZxtbYV2R6ACNG-9Zw=w640-h429" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"> What’s the best part of living in the 21st century? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Choice. At no other time in human history have we had so much control in increasing our own happiness. Whatever circumstances you may be born into, chances are, if you are not entirely happy, you can change things up. Born into a short family? You can get heels. Don’t love your Irish red hair, then go blonde. Have stubby nails? Then cover them up with acrylics or gels. The point is, in nearly all areas of our lives, if we are in any way unsatisfied we can choose something else. We can mix and match our options until we have exactly the kind of life we want. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>This then is the unmitigated allure of dating apps. Dating apps hook us, then reel us in by using the one bait we can’t ignore, the promise of finally having total control over our love lives. After all these years we can at long last find the perfect mate for us; one that is of our own choosing instead of some chance encounter or an awkward blind date set up by friends. But can swiping on face after attractive face on a digital screen really bring us the type of love that is written in the stars? Well, the answer to that is a little bit complicated.</span><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Good old days<span> </span></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>Remember how easy everything was back when you were a child? Close your eyes and think back, can you picture yourself laying on your bedroom floor playing with your Barbie doll. Back then everything was so simple, the perfect world you wanted, you could just create. You could dress up Barbie in any way you wanted, style her hair, and drive her around town in her pink convertible. Maybe eventually you got a Ken doll as well, and Ken and Barbie quickly became an item, going on pretend dates, hanging out, and maybe eventually getting married and moving into Barbie's dream house. So progressive, that Barbie.<span> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>In addition to Barbie and Ken playing house, there were countless Disney movies promising that happy endings were the birthright of all young princesses (which of course you were). Maybe you wouldn't get a castle by the sea, but surely the rest of it was possible right? Life simply was not cruel enough to deny you a strong-jawed princely type, with sparkling eyes, and an amazing head of hair. Maybe not astride a swift steed, but nothing wrong with a jet-black Ferrari (which consequently has a horse as a logo). </span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Leaving Neverland </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>As young girls become mature young women of dating age, reality starts to set in. Nobody is going to gift them either a dream house or a convertible, both those things take hard work, and also young men in real life may not be as chivalrous and as self-sacrificing as Disney princes. So a compromise is conceived, if a girl can't find a young man that acts like a prince, maybe finding one that just looks like a royal is enough. </span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Dating in the social media age</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Young women dating in the 2020s are challenged like none other in previous decades. And why is that you ask? Because of so many social media feeds constantly bombarding them with perfectly edited images of cute couples. The pressure to have perfection is immense, everywhere you turn, there is a picture of another girl with her prince charming, beaming at the camera, silently urging you to set them up in your heart as goals. It’s hard to enjoy your own life when your phone shows you how “perfect” everyone else is. But are we seeing real dating on social media? Just how accurate are these #coupleinspo posts?</span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Are aesthetics everything?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>After all those hours playing matchmaker to Ken and Barbie as a kid, swiping right to find your own lifesize Ken doll must seem like the most natural of actions. Who wouldn't choose a life partner based solely on their handsome profile and some flowy adjectives by way of an introduction? Besides, why should everyone else have all the fun, wouldn't it be great to find you a charismatic rogue and become a social media power couple? Dating based mostly on looks sounds like a great idea, and there is no question you would probably make all your friends jealous by attending a party with a Brad Pitt lookalike. However, there are a few things you should consider before prioritizing style over substance.</span></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The heart of the matter</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>As inconvenient as they may be, feelings are still important. Most everyone craves to meet someone who truly cares about them and their general wellbeing. Selfies in the park with your mate or potential mate are great, but you know what's even better? Someone to bring you a bowl of hot chicken soup when you are sick in bed. It is tempting to begin to panic date as your newsfeed fills up with images of couples getting engaged, getting married, and/or taking exotic vacations around the world. <span> </span>You might feel that you are falling behind, or running out of time to meet someone and make lasting memories, but remember your heart still matters. You can easily create beautiful moments with someone in order to impress your friends, but wouldn't it be better if you were actually in love with that person, rather than just doing it for show. Dating based strictly on aesthetics and physical features might sound like a great idea, but it can't compare to finding your best friend. </span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Surrendering control</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Here is a frightening statement, finding something real and true might require doing something unthinkable. Real romance and the kind of love that inspires fairytales to involve you relinquishing control. it just does, that's how it works. It is humbling and can make you feel extremely vulnerable, but that's what it takes in order to find someone who truly cares for you. Perfect love may be out there but it might not happen when you expect it or even look like what you anticipated. But it is well worth it. There's an old saying that goes when you stop searching frantically for it, that's when love finds you. </span></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-16929371604870224082022-01-31T07:57:00.003-05:002022-03-15T20:28:42.238-04:00The Wall<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvUi7MEXz-v2_4VcIiJX0tSeAuikcmFduMY4IONrR7kD5P0aVsgr6q-HjAdrfmL4B1fGapwoS821fGM41u31c4_zvVlKFSdmrNkZh8l_r7XfstHKRtVbvu2Nb0_veBNFKGJWkSwwpl5Vqn7_Hq3sPEhDUdD9QCMvqqN47ZZRDLc5Rx4QbcWBy-jjnpGg=s5601" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5304" data-original-width="5601" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvUi7MEXz-v2_4VcIiJX0tSeAuikcmFduMY4IONrR7kD5P0aVsgr6q-HjAdrfmL4B1fGapwoS821fGM41u31c4_zvVlKFSdmrNkZh8l_r7XfstHKRtVbvu2Nb0_veBNFKGJWkSwwpl5Vqn7_Hq3sPEhDUdD9QCMvqqN47ZZRDLc5Rx4QbcWBy-jjnpGg=w400-h379" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>When the calendar refreshes and a new year starts, it brings with it a flurry of activity. The minute the fireworks stop and the ball drops, kisses are exchanged and resolutions are hastily proclaimed. Though lists vary, most people have worked out more near the top of their new year initiatives. However, no matter how earnest or well-intentioned, studies show that very few people ever stay true to their new year's declarations. <br /></span><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Eye-popping statistics<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Every January google searches for gyms rocket into the stratosphere, along with new member signups. By their own tally, popular fitness spots like Golds gym estimate their membership jumps up by almost 40 percent just between the months of December and January. <br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>The gym industry as a whole experienced a nearly 11% spike in new people joining just in the month of January according to the IHRSA the global health and fitness association.<br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>However, what the tide brings in, it takes out just as quickly, if not more so. IHRSA has noted that the boom in new member signups that happen every January goes bust as soon as the month of February rolls in when approximately 80 percent of people give up on their new year's resolutions. <br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Why do new year's fitness resolutions fail?<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>Each year gym workers and regulars see lots of new members join in the winter, work really hard for a month, or two and then disappear. Why is this? Aren’t they ready to change their lives for the better? Well yes and no. To know why most people fail to hold up their fitness resolutions, you need to know why they joined in the first place. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>From November to December people give themselves licenses to feast, Thanksgiving, holiday parties, office Christmas parties, Christmas dinner, holiday parties. People typically go overboard during the holiday season, eating and drinking to excess. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Joining the gym at the start of the new year comes not from a desire for change or reinvention by people, but instead stems from feelings of guilt and remorse. To assuage said guilt, people join fitness clubs, start jogging, or start CrossFit. However, the same reason why people fail to follow through on their workout regimens is the same reason why they overindulged during the holidays, lack of discipline. <br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>The mistake that people often make in getting fit is going too hard too fast. In our modern microwave society, everything has to be immediate, or it’s not worth having. Today we have instant ramen, minute rice, 1-day shipping, Snapchat stories, Youtube shorts, and phones that unlock in microseconds with just our face. We are teaching our brains that waiting around for anything, even popcorn is bad. We are getting so used to getting everything we want the moment we want it, that we don’t even know how to deal with a body that doesn’t progress much after six weeks of weight training. Six weeks, that’s typically the length of time most people give to reshaping their bodies after months of abuse. If we haven’t shed at least 30 pounds of fat and put on 35 to 40 pounds of lean muscle in about a month and a half; we give up, and go running into the comforting arms of Ben and Jerry’s.<br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>To form long-lasting habits, you need to make subtle changes and build up new activities over time. A complete lifestyle change and extreme exercise will leave you feeling tired, more stressed, and sick of the gym altogether. Dramatic results don't often come overnight regardless of what a book, celebrity, or infomercial promises.<br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Bikini ready rush<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>The rush to get fit seemingly overnight isn’t just something that happens at the start of the year. When summer gets close, thousands panic join gyms, pilates classes, or even buy a Peloton bike all in a desperate attempt to get a summer body. However, if you quit working out entirely by the second week of February, good luck trying to squeeze into your two-piece in June by jogging for the entire month of May. <br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>As nice as the idea seems, a six-week intense workout routine twice a year will not create a healthy and slim figure. There is no way to fast-track results. If you want a summer body, you have to start preparing months in advance.<br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>The hard truth<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>There is nothing more fun than a mobile app that lets you change your body and/or face shape. In reality, though, there are no apps for real life that will instantly remake your current self into your ideal. Most anything you want in this life you will have to work for and work hard. No pain no gain is as true today as it ever was. Do you want six-pack abs? You are going to have to give up those Starbucks lattes and Chipotle runs. Want thinner thighs? Stop binging gossip girl on the loveseat and hit the treadmill or the elliptical. Want beautiful pictures on the beach in July? Then you better stay committed to your thrice-weekly workout routine from January to June.<br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Scaling the wall<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Despite countless technological advancements, there are still no real shortcuts to remaking yourself into who you would like to be. Whatever it is you want physically, you have to ask yourself how much are you willing to sacrifice to have it, and you have to have patience as well. Think of a mountain climber scaling Everest. How do they do that? Mount Everest stands over 29,000 feet. They don't do it all in one go, instead, they climb up slowly, strategically, hand over hand for hours on end until they make it to the top. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>You have to think of your fitness journey in much the same way. Don't try to do it all at once, instead, pace yourself. Second, don't try to set a bunch of impossible expectations, but just commit to going three or four times a week, for forty minutes at a time. Just set a bare minimum, and do all that you can to achieve just that, and before you know it, not only will you be meeting that low bar you will probably be exceeding it. Then one month will turn into two, and then three, ...and so on. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Just like the climber scaling Everest, you will look around and see just how incredibly far you have gotten. So how do you finally climb over the wall of complacency and disinterest that is keeping you from reaching your peak shape? By remembering the words of the tortoise from the tortoise and the hare, slow but steady wins the race.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-85613785728540614772022-01-17T09:10:00.006-05:002022-03-15T20:39:07.763-04:00The Joy of Massage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-n4g6v4jsRNR9reOK39ha1QTtZAFq9JdZh9xSOy-xKRPx-VnSL2FLkGvYfUCsLn1melze5-d-d0mttnURH5LgLOAwbktj6IVFuabOWa4WrPEjLJBWQiRCG3wAIS5d40VqnkHN87U3VW9tetf_PsL574mOrP_i3Epr4L0BXxmQRmktBUvRy4SVR-JtSQ=s4330" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3896" data-original-width="4330" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-n4g6v4jsRNR9reOK39ha1QTtZAFq9JdZh9xSOy-xKRPx-VnSL2FLkGvYfUCsLn1melze5-d-d0mttnURH5LgLOAwbktj6IVFuabOWa4WrPEjLJBWQiRCG3wAIS5d40VqnkHN87U3VW9tetf_PsL574mOrP_i3Epr4L0BXxmQRmktBUvRy4SVR-JtSQ=w400-h360" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>A lot of people associate massages with exotic cruises, and expensive getaways. They consider it an added perk as part of that grand vacation that they never seem to have time to take. However, when one pauses and reflects on the year that just was, could there possibly be a better reward for surviving 2021 than a daycation in the form of a massage?</span></p><p><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>The merry-go-round a-round</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Admit it, last year was a stressful year. As a matter of fact, the past two years have been the equivalent of riding space mountain in the dark; or is it better to describe 2021 as a merry-go-round going around and around, and up and down seemingly without end. We have been in the longest public health crisis most of us have ever known, something we weren’t prepared for and never saw coming. Pair that with a constantly negative news cycle, confusing public safety guidelines, job displeasure, and/or instability; plus a new variant every three or four months, and voila you have the perfect recipe for chronic stress. </span></p><p><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Red Alert</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Whenever we are faced with a stressful situation, our bodies respond as if we are in danger. The hypothalamus triggers the pituitary gland which in turn signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol. The effect of this is to put our bodies into "fight or flight" mode to get you out of danger. According to the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037">Mayo Clinic</a>, "through a combination of nerve and hormonal signals, this system prompts your adrenal glands, located atop your kidneys, to release a surge of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Adrenaline increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure, and boosts energy supplies. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, increases sugars (glucose) in the bloodstream, enhances your brain's use of glucose, and increases the availability of substances that repair tissues". We can handle life's problems as long as they come in short bursts, however, when those problems become continuous they can take a toll on our bodies.</span></p><p><span><b><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Always on</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>The “fight or flight” mode that intense situations trigger in us was never meant to be long-term. If our body remains in a state of hyper-alertness the consequences can be absolutely detrimental to our health. If cortisol levels remain high in our bodies it could lead to the following problems according to the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037">Mayo clinic</a>. "The long-term activation of the stress response system and the overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones that follow can disrupt almost all your body's processes. This puts you at increased risk of many health problems, including:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Anxiety</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Depression</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Digestive problems</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Headaches</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Muscle tension and pain</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Sleep problems</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Weight gain</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Memory and concentration impairment”</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Given the side effects of elevated cortisol levels on the body, it is not advisable to stay in highly stressed environments. However, since we can't control the outside world, we have to do what we can to take care of ourselves in it. We either have to minimize stress as much as we can in our lives, or find ways to alleviate it from time to time. Massage can help us with at least one of those goals. </span></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Caring touch</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Why is massage such a great stress reliever? Because we are programmed to respond to touch almost right from birth. Tiffany Field, the Ph.D. director of the Touch Research Institute in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Miami School of Medicine; found that infants who received 15-20 minutes of touch every three days gained 47 percent more weight than infants who didn't. Other researchers in the field of touch have found that in blind studies where people couldn't see each other and could only touch one another to communicate emotions. Study participants could recognize compassion at least 60% of the time, just from one single touch.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Touch activates the reward centers of the brain, the orbitofrontal cortex. Compassionate touch reinforces feelings of security and safety and activates the nerves that release Oxytocin the feel-good hormone. Thus reducing stress.</span></p><p><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Changing the mood</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Massage can play a huge role in reversing the effects of constant stress and generalized anxiety on the body. A 2012 study conducted at the Emory University Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program found that 47 people who had been suffering from a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) showed a reduction in anxiety as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) after a six-week session of Swedish Massage Therapy (SMT) versus just light touch. </span></p><p><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Changing the heart</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>A 14-week study conducted by Iranian doctors Farzaneh Gholami-Motlagh, Mina Jouzi, and Bahram Soleymani of 20 healthy women found that massage therapy reduced systolic blood pressure (BP) along with respiratory rate and other vital signs in these otherwise healthy women. Their conclusion was that there was a direct connection between massage therapy and a notable decrease of anxiety, blood pressure, and vital signs in the women that they had studied. Considering that high blood pressure can be a side effect of immense stress, and can lead to strokes and/or a heart attack, massage therapy might be a great way to maintain cardiovascular health.</span></p><p><b><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Improving circulation</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>A study by the University of Illinois at Chicago found that massage therapy helped improve general blood flow and helped to alleviate sore muscles after working out. The study also found that even people who didn't exercise showed improved vascular function. The results of the study strongly suggested that even people who weren't particularly active received health benefits from massage.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Relieving pain and improving sleep</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>There are at least two articles cited by Harvard Health Publishing showing the benefits of massage in pain reduction. These articles found that massage therapy not only helped reduce pain but also helped reduce anxiety as well. Harvard Health also indicated that improved sleep was a byproduct of massage therapy. The Harvard Health Publishing review vocalized what we had strongly begun suspecting, that massage therapy is fast becoming less a luxury and more of a legitimate option for those seeking anxiety and/or pain relief. </span></p><b><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We all deserve a massage after 2021</span></b><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3f49d0f4-7fff-c0be-deb7-c37b7226357c"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>One of the main benefits of massage is that it can help to put you in a calmer mood. After the 12 months, we all just endured, calm might be the main thing that we are all seeking right now. As this pandemic rages on, suddenly everyone is becoming more concerned not just with their overall health but their mental health as well. Many people are making all kinds of changes right now with the new year in an attempt to boost their overall well-being. Maybe, embracing massages is the next self-care trend that we need to implement into our lives. If your 2022 resolution was to get healthier, consider adding the occasional massage to the list of new habits you’re making.</span></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-38299149086906475662021-12-13T09:56:00.002-05:002022-03-15T20:41:39.872-04:00Stylista Couture Rocker T-shirt<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB9wIVyNcAqE2LpAzQby935-ZH2vc2C1PoJB2yRz49bR65Y1nZP78Tp71DZqfCcWgqO0sTvr7aXoqxNVh8sQY7Mp73mam9WZ30vhJB3MRqdmNpRLFz4rC2dncitgU9TK2iaIxNhdPZWRmtao7lsoLFYJsrRHd0dxEXC1VCbjx_sqKlg19QZy-7H_fYmA=s1540" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="1191" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB9wIVyNcAqE2LpAzQby935-ZH2vc2C1PoJB2yRz49bR65Y1nZP78Tp71DZqfCcWgqO0sTvr7aXoqxNVh8sQY7Mp73mam9WZ30vhJB3MRqdmNpRLFz4rC2dncitgU9TK2iaIxNhdPZWRmtao7lsoLFYJsrRHd0dxEXC1VCbjx_sqKlg19QZy-7H_fYmA=w494-h640" width="494" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Say hello to the “Team Stylista Couture Rocker Tee”. This T-shirt fits like a glove while flattering you in all the right places, and accentuating curves, it has a large logo to help you stand out in a crowd and it can be yours in our giveaway. Details coming soon. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> *Manufacturer’s warning*</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> A T-shirt may cause angst, and a tendency to talk back to authority figures, it might also cause a sudden need to buy a guitar and form a garage band, to the detriment of neighbors. Rebel attitude not included.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> **Image shown is an approximation and does not indicate exact fit.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-82318698397059297732021-12-06T07:53:00.007-05:002022-03-15T20:53:34.734-04:00Expect the Unexpected<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORKaZRta4HA/Ya2YZidawOI/AAAAAAAACO8/x9poYpsD-L0eKXGGQY1iE7GW3h-W6giAQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/suprise%2Bcrop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1991" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORKaZRta4HA/Ya2YZidawOI/AAAAAAAACO8/x9poYpsD-L0eKXGGQY1iE7GW3h-W6giAQCNcBGAsYHQ/w622-h640/suprise%2Bcrop.jpg" width="622" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><span> </span>Life can be full of some truly amazing unexpected moments; flowers for no reason at all, a surprise birthday party when everyone had seemingly forgotten, a walk in the park that turns into a marriage proposal. Why do we get so much joy from these events? It may be because we are naturally wired for positive reinforcement and appreciation. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><span> </span>How does positive reinforcement come into play you ask? Well according to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29083709/"><span style="color: red;">Hannah K. Scott , Ankit Jain, and Mark Cogburn in a 2013 article for the National Library of Medicine</span></a>. They defined positive reinforcement as occurring “ when a behavior is encouraged by rewards.” We as human beings are wired for rewards. Whenever we do something good we expect a reward or some kind of compensation for our behavior. Our whole lives we are steered towards good behavior with the promise that that behavior will bring with it a satisfying payoff. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><span> </span>Children are encouraged to behave because good kids get presents from Santa and bad kids make their naughty lists. From that point on we begin to associate good conduct with good gifts. A faithful lover wouldn’t be out of line in expecting an engagement ring after years of exclusive dating; and in families where warmth and intimacy are regularly shared, annual celebrations of household members can be expected. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><span> </span>Appreciation stimulates the rewards center of our brains, the ventral striatum, and the ventral medial prefrontal cortex where the neurotransmitter dopamine is released. Dopamine has been strongly linked to motivation and reward. Basically whenever something causes us to feel good, happy, and or appreciated our brain releases dopamine. This dopamine release is like a rush of euphoria all of a sudden. This feeling is so pleasurable, that it encourages us to engage in activities that bring about positive reinforcements and rewards. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><span> </span>Studies have shown that receiving compliments can also trigger the release of dopamine. Meaning that basically, when your beauty and fashion sense are winning appreciative words and glances, you're getting a pleasurable rush from your brain’s reward center. That may be one of the core reasons that you spend so much time at the mall and/or in your closet putting outfits together. When you look stunning and others notice and rave about it, your brain rewards you with an addictive flood of dopamine.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"> <span> </span>So how does all this explain why pleasant surprises arranged in our honor are so welcome? Because in those instances, we are being showered with love and attention that we ourselves may not have initiated. When you receive gifts and experiences that you had no idea was coming, the pleasure centers of your brain are absolutely overwhelmed, bathing your senses in a tidal wave of good feelings. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-62891800460342569122021-11-22T09:21:00.003-05:002022-03-15T20:51:35.123-04:00Let the Sunshine In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PW59WrPim5w/YZq_AZ7jsTI/AAAAAAAACOA/BIec1ymWveohX6VyLPdOr2Uc90cPDxipwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/sunshine.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="2048" height="361" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PW59WrPim5w/YZq_AZ7jsTI/AAAAAAAACOA/BIec1ymWveohX6VyLPdOr2Uc90cPDxipwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h361/sunshine.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span> </span>There are a lot of negatives that come with too much sun exposure. The sun is rightly blamed for a lot of things that deteriorate your quality of life, such as sunburns, aging and wrinkles, and some skin melanomas. Too much sun can cause your skin to become tough and leathery, sapping it of its youth and vitality, but did you know the opposite is also true. Not enough sunlight can also cause your body some ailments. If you are the type to be often bundled up, with sleeves, a long dress, and a sunhat you might want to relent just a little bit.</p><p><span> </span>Yes, it’s true, that is completely covered up, and spending as little time outside is the best way to avoid skin cancer, there are also some health benefits you might be denying yourself from that kind of behavior. Stop us if you have heard this before, sunlight helps the body create Vitamin D, which is crucial to helping you boost your immune system. In this day and age, where a healthy immune system is a must, there can’t be a more profound reason to get outside and let your skin and the sunlight get reacquainted. But here are a few other great reasons that might send you chasing after some golden rays.</p><div><div><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Your bones will thank you</span></b> - Vitamin D is a key component in helping strengthen your bones and teeth. Like to eat fresh Apples? Great, go out there and pick them, and all that sunshine might help you retain the strength to keep biting into them. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Your skin may get a boost</span></b> - Believe it or not, some dermatologists might recommend getting more sunlight to help with acne and/or other skin diseases such as Psoriasis. </div><div><span style="color: #ffa400;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #ffa400;"><b>Do more in the day, and you will get better sleep at night</b>.</span>- Sunlight helps your body balance serotonin and melatonin levels. Soaking in dawn’s early light sets your body’s clock, and wakes you up; when it gets dark, you will start producing melatonin which gets your body ready to fall asleep. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Mood booster</span></b> - Vitamin D helps to improve your mood, feeling down and out, go outside for some sun, better yet maybe go for a walk or a stroll, and your energy level will explode. </div><div><span style="color: #ffa400;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #ffa400;"><b>Weight watcher</b> </span>- there seems to be no end to the benefits of sunshine, it’s even believed to shrink fat cells, thus leading to weight loss. Go workout outside and watch those pounds melt away.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Heart health</span></b> - sunlight causes your skin to release nitrogen oxides which help to lower your blood pressure thus increasing your overall cardiac health. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span> </span>To get the most benefits from the sun’s UV rays, the sunlight has to hit the skin directly, but you don’t want to be out in the sun for too long without protection. Slap on some sunscreen and you can protect your skin while also saturating with rich Vitamin D producing sunlight.</div></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-71951858893338879062021-11-08T08:55:00.002-05:002022-03-15T21:02:33.019-04:00The Beauty of Sleep<p style="text-align: right;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_uiKCwlHZw/YYhUeOdmoVI/AAAAAAAACNc/7Fg2HNTXPR0pS9i6HY7Eb2X862OqQkMTwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/sleep%2Bedit2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="427" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_uiKCwlHZw/YYhUeOdmoVI/AAAAAAAACNc/7Fg2HNTXPR0pS9i6HY7Eb2X862OqQkMTwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h427/sleep%2Bedit2.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-354ece5d-7fff-8ca3-30a8-03f444b7b51f"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-30f37112-7fff-fb3c-f5b6-ffd7a872344d"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Living in modern times can be a double edge sword. There’s more to do, more to see, more to taste, and </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">more to experience than ever before, but at the same time, there is less and less time in the day to fit it all in. Our schedules keep growing right along with our to-do lists; so in order to get to everything, we push ourselves harder and get way less rest than we are supposed to. But, when we don’t give our bodies enough time to recharge and recuperate, we make it impossible to present our best face to the world. So here are a few good reasons why you should try to avoid getting anything less than a good 7-9 hours of sleep every night. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Sleep is both a beauty and youth serum.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Sleeping helps your body and skin repair damage. Sleep produces growth hormones, which help reverse the effects of pollution and daily sun exposure on your skin. As a result, you'll appear more vibrant when you wake up. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>Your skin produces collagen while you sleep which reverses sagging and aids in repair. The more collagen in your skin, the longer you can keep wrinkles away, and the more firm, plump, and youthful your skin will appear. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Sleep helps the body heal and recover</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>When you sleep, your body sends out its water delivery crews, ensuring that moisture gets to where it is required while also removing the excess. If you hurry through this step, you'll be more likely to wind up with bags under your eyes</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>Sleep is a crucial part of maintaining your body's overall health. A failure to get enough sleep can lead to a weakened immune system and more sick days and doctor visits.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>Beyond just physical healing, sleep also helps you mentally recover as well. A good night's sleep helps your cognitive function, and your mood; the better your sleep is, the easier it is to manage the stressors in your life.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>Sleep deprivation raises your chances of feeling sad and depressed. Insomniacs are 10 times more prone to be sad than sound sleepers. Even if you don't have a history of a mental illness like depression, even one week of not getting enough sleep may leave you sullen, angry, worried, tired, and irritable. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Getting enough sleep has to be prioritized </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>The longer we delay going to sleep; whether to finish a paper or finish watching a Netflix series, the more our quality of sleep will be affected. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> S</span>peaking of Netflix, the later you stay up binge-watching “Squid Game” the more likely you are to get fewer hours of rest than you need, and probably overindulging in snacks. So do yourself and your waistline a favor and avoid both staying up late as well as eating late.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>To get the best results from a proper night’s rest, try making getting enough sleep a priority rather than an afterthought. Here are a few suggestions to help your body get used to falling asleep at a set time every night in order to get the most benefits you can from it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Prepare a healthy dinner ahead of time and eat it early</span></i></b>--having dinner late and going to bed full can put extra strain on your digestive system, thus affecting your sleep patterns. So try to finish eating by an early set time every day, in order to avoid any possible gastrointestinal issues by bedtime</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Try recalling fond childhood experiences and write them down in a diary</span></i></b>--remember when you were young and diaries were still a thing, well get your old one out or start a new one. Journaling your thoughts might help you unwind the day and get ready for bed. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><i>Do you love spilling the tea? Try drinking it instead</i></b>.</span> Warm chamomile tea or valerian root can be very soothing and a great aid in helping your body decompress.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><i>Create the right atmosphere for some sweet dreams</i></b>.</span> Creating a peaceful, restful atmosphere in your bedroom or house is a wonderful nightly ritual. Studies have indicated that using lavender aromatherapy to soothe the nervous system, boost relaxation, and improve sleep quality has had positive results. Lavender essential oil, incense, candles, and fresh or dried lavender sprigs may all be used in your house or bedroom at night to create a relaxing atmosphere.</span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>It all boils down to this; you can spend hundreds of dollars on beauty creams and makeup, but if you are getting poor quality sleep on a regular basis, it’s all water down the drain. Your beauty care routine must include getting enough sleep on a consistent schedule, everything else is an add-on to that. If you are serious about always looking your very best whenever you step out your front door, a great night of sleep is where you start. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-11319547328955523432021-10-25T09:04:00.002-04:002021-11-26T20:37:37.168-05:00Fearless: If your best friend made a dramatic change in hairstyle, how would you handle it?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HH6OLQcWXsk/YXSM1tkHs8I/AAAAAAAACLY/Wwycb8l04CUqbKR4cieo8JRx535PA9g2ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/short%2Bhair%2Bsideways%2Bcrop1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1492" height="381" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HH6OLQcWXsk/YXSM1tkHs8I/AAAAAAAACLY/Wwycb8l04CUqbKR4cieo8JRx535PA9g2ACNcBGAsYHQ/w277-h381/short%2Bhair%2Bsideways%2Bcrop1.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My friend is happy, I can tell. As I sit across from her, sipping my coffee, I listen to her chatting away; running her hands through her new pixie hair. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am torn between admiration of her courage in making such a bold change; and simultaneously envious at how incredibly liberated she looks. I search her face to see if there are any signs that she misses her previously luxurious long mane. But I can't find any. When she speaks there doesn’t seem to be any lingering notes of remorse. Far from it, her chirpiness shows no signs of regret or depression. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I debate internally if I should say something. But if I don’t, won’t she wonder? As long as I have known her, my friend has had cascading waves of beautiful long hair, and now it’s all gone. Since I had no prior warning, I am still processing what I am seeing, and I am still not one hundred percent sure how I would answer if she were to ask for my honest assessment. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Though I am still not settled on just what exactly my opinion is of her new do, ultimately I decide, that It’s her day and I should let her have her moment. A simple “You look so nice” will put a smile on her face and add more spark to her day,If not outright save our friendship. And besides, it will buy me time to either grow to like her new look, or at the least to get used to it. After all, there are only three things a woman needs most days to brighten her life: food, water, and a good compliment. Oh, wait! Did I forget to mention coffee? </span></span></p><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534034287026785099.post-18122117276784557342021-10-11T08:52:00.002-04:002021-10-11T09:14:59.677-04:00Will we have to fight to save date night<p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7HJt5jILdnk/YWQyrfekpzI/AAAAAAAACK0/sjrkVjOhgokes2hjLd5QCkgTsL-SaxYjgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/date%2Bnight3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="372" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7HJt5jILdnk/YWQyrfekpzI/AAAAAAAACK0/sjrkVjOhgokes2hjLd5QCkgTsL-SaxYjgCNcBGAsYHQ/w559-h372/date%2Bnight3.jpg" width="559" /></a></div></blockquote><span id="docs-internal-guid-1ed5d8c4-7fff-5cab-44d1-f3ec977cb5f6"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The world as we know it is going through an almost supernatural change at breakneck speed. One moment we are dressing up to go to the office and the next moment we are attending work meetings via zoom in our baggy sweats. Will we ever be wearing our smart casual workwear again? </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The ongoing global “event” that we are all quietly enduring is constantly forcing us to second guess every activity that requires leaving the house. Groceries? Get it delivered. Burger run? There’s an app for that. Laundry, dry-clean pickup, even dog walking can all be outsourced all without leaving your cozy couch. But what will be the long-term costs of all this comfort? </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is this a situation like working out, where if you don’t exercise a muscle constantly you lose all your progress? Traditionally, getting ready for a date night included painful tweezing, plucking, waxing, and a whole bunch of other time-consuming beauty endeavors. But now everything can be done from your home office in loungewear. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The question is, as technology makes mundane tasks easier, will we lose our ways of the past? Will we start to choose Netflix and pizza over dinner and a matinee? The efficiency of ordering in is quickly replacing a romantic meal out. While it can be cheaper and easier to stay in, this is replacing intimacy and the excitement of a real date. Many relationship coaches are urging couples to go for a night on the town to reignite passions that have fizzled in lockdowns. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the end of the day, yes it’s comfortable to stay in - but make sure you’re still going out of your way to bring fun into your relationships. Don’t let the couch be the only date night location for your romance! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you falling victim to takeouts and Netflix? Let us know what your thoughts are. </span></p><br /></span><p> </p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0