The best things in life are the ones you put your blood, sweat, and tears into — or the ones that unexpectedly fall into your lap. For me, one of the latter was attending an all-women’s school.
I never wanted to go to an “all-girls” school. I had always done the co-ed public school route, but somewhere, somehow, I found myself touring a campus that was way out of my comfort zone. Yet my gut feeling told me that this is where I needed to be.
I went from a shy, guarded young adult to a confident, forward-thinking woman, thanks to my institution. The women around me taught me the important skills of being confident in my opinion and raising my hand in discussions, how to work harder, and about the necessity of taking risks. Most importantly, my institution provided me with opportunities to grow and expand my skills in academia, the workforce, and beyond.
If you’re faced with the choice to attend an all-women’s college, don’t be shy. It’ll be the best decision you’ve made.
Whether you’re a regular jet-setter or take a trip once or twice a year, we can all agree that traveling with luggage can make for a bumpy takeoff and landing. And with the holidays right around the corner, the last thing on our wish list is dealing with checking in luggage and long lines.
Here at Style Salute, we are all about traveling light and simple. That said, we know it’s not easy for a girl to downsize from a large to a cabin size suitcase seems impossible for any girl. But, we’ve tested it, and we can assure you it only makes for a better traveling experience — and more often than not, we really don’t use half the things we pack. Whether you are going on a work day trip, a weekend getaway, or backpacking through Europe, being able to travel with only a carry on is a luxury, and many adventures ahead of us, we want to learn this life skill of packing light now.
Click through for seven tricks jet-setters swear by when traveling with only a carry-on.
Under pressure we tend to throw whatever is in sight into our suitcase, leading to over packing and an overwhelming amount of clothing for just a weekend getaway. Instead, thoughtfully create a packing list before you start rummaging through your drawers. This will help you to only pack the most necessary items.
As much as having options is nice, packing your entire wardrobe is a little ambitious. Instead pick your top choices, and then look to see which items best mix and match together. Also, pack a pair of shoes that can be dressed up or down so that shoes don’t take up half of your bag. People will be so impressed with your ability to wear a single style so many ways.
To maximize space, try rolling and compacting your clothes. You might have to iron your clothes after, but you will be so relieved when you have that extra pair of undies. There’s usually no weight limit for a carryon so roll away, girl.
This is when you realize why one-in-one shampoo and conditioners were invented. Try to find as many multi-purpose beauty products so that you won’t have to deal with multiple bottles and sprays. Just make sure all your toiletries are in a 3.4 ounce bottle or less, are in a single quart-sized bag, and are closed tightly so there’s no spillage. And if you forget things, don’t freak, most hotels and convenience stores will be stocked with the basics.
While you have to stick to the parameter of your carryon, there are endless ways to creatively squeeze within these boundaries. Fill your socks with any fragile items, stuff your socks in your sneakers, place your jewelry pouch in your hat, and the ways to get creative with space continue. It will surprise you how many things you can stuff into all the little nooks and crannies.
Instead of lugging around a 500-page book, DVD, or magazine, download everything onto your preferred electronic device before you take off. Everything on one tablet, you won’t have to topple over your sleeping seatmates as you get up and down to search through your bag in the overhead bin. All entertainment will be at your reach.
The best thing is, there is no limit to the amount of clothing you can have on your person during the flight. Save space in your carry-on, and wear your heaviest and bulkiest clothes on the plane. Don’t forget, most airlines let you bring a small personal item as well, so fill it up.
From luxe velvet clutches to everyday crossbody bags, wallets, shoulder bags, satchels & more, we’ve found the seasons prettiest bags in every shade of blue. These picks give great contrast and go perfectly with just about any outfit.
If you add up how many hours you spend texting, answering and sending emails, the number might shock you. You write a lot — and like it or not, your writing style matters.
We’ve all been there. It’s late at night, but you have to finish one more email. Your brain is on full brainstorming mode, and you just type something fast and press send. Chances are in situations like this you will make a few grammatical and spelling hiccups ⏤ and while spelling and grammar errors seem harmless, the truth is the reader on the other end will notice these errors, which can look unprofessional if they happen often enough.
Not only do these grammar errors look unprofessional in emails, spelling and grammar mistakes in your dating app profile may also affect your chances of finding love. In 2017, when everything we do involves some extent of technology and writing, grammar and spelling slips are likely to happen. They happen so often in fact that Grammarly and eHarmony teamed up to study just how much poor grammar in dating profiles affects peoples decisions of swiping left or right. The results? That grammar matters.
The world is full of grammar snobs, and you never know when you’re going to run into one. So don’t let your grammar errors stand in the way of a promotion or finding love. Instead, use technology to your advantage. There are online tools out there that can seriously enhance your work quality, help simplify your workflow, and ease communication — making you a better writer and communicator.
Grammarly is one such tool. An excellent writing and editing app that you can download online for free, Grammarly catches those language slips for you, checking off both grammar and spelling errors so that all of your communications are polished.
We use Grammarly Premium here at Style Salute HQ, and it helps us make sure everything we type is clear, compelling⏤ and most importantly, mistake-free. So, trust us when we tell you this: it’s a game-changer. No more wondering if you’re using the correct form of “who’s” or “whose”, or if you accidentally type “your”, instead of “you’re”. The best part is that Grammarly is super affordable, and you can even try out the free version.
“Shame is the most powerful, master emotion. It’s the fear that we’re not good enough.” Brené Brown
The practice of medicine is changing. There is a growing understanding of the psychology of disease. Medical schools and training programs are expanding education for medical providers by discussing the psychology of illness. My own training emphasizes a mind, body, spirit evaluation of the patient. Often times, a patient’s diagnosis carries with it a sense of shame, fear and a sense of disempowerment.
Patients often need support and time to understand the science of their illness. Support in the form of scientific information, as well as psychological support, can help patients regain a sense of empowerment and control. The difficulty comes in the lack of available time to spend with patients. Often times, medical providers are overburdened with heavy patient loads and lack the time they’d like to spend counseling patients regarding a new diagnosis. Information is available to patients at their fingertips, including the internet, pamphlets, literature and support groups. However, a new trend has begun to emerge. Physicians are opting to open and share their own stories, their own diagnosis, in order to provide support not only for their own patients but for other patients dealing with the confusion of a new diagnosis.
Dr. Sheila Loanzonis one such physician. A successful board-certified physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loanzon, Dr. Loanzon shares her story to provide guidance — as a patient herself, as a physician, and as a friend. In her book: Yes, I have Herpes: A Gynecologist’s Perspective In and Out of the Stirrups, Dr. Loanzon, aka the “Compassionate Gynecologist”, shares her experience of acceptance, self-love, and empowerment with patients worldwide. Sharing a story of transformation from a patient who was carrying shame regarding her diagnosis of herpes, to a woman filled with pride and worthiness who was no longer defined by it. I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Loanzon regarding her book.
“After my divorce, I noticed I was attracting a certain kind of man. Working with a coach, I realized that feeling dirty or unclean was at the root of feeling ashamed.” Dr. Loanzon realized that her diagnosis of herpes at a young age of 20 as at the root of her shame and sense of unworthiness. She wanted to share the tools she acquired while working with a coach with her patients. “I just wanted to help touch one soul out there.” Dr. Loanzon wanted to show patients that they were “not alone” by sharing her own story. Dr. Loanzon felt it was important to “convert the thought process from feeling like you’re dirty or needing to hide your diagnosis, to it being that something that could be discussed openly.
What can people expect to gain from reading the book?
“Physicians may not have the time to explore their patients’ depth, fears, and questions. I wanted to provide the information regarding the diagnosis as well as the support emotionally from a Board Certified source.”
Why do you feel herpes is such an important topic to discuss? Why did you devote an entire book to the topic?
“There is a real lack of support groups for herpes. HIV is life-threatening and has extensive research and support attached to it. gonorrhea and chlamydia are curable.” Dr. Loanzon felt that, compared to other sexually transmitted infections, herpes is a “lost diagnosis lacking support and information for patients. I wanted to create visibility for the diagnosis by putting myself out there.”
Why were you willing to put yourself out there in such a raw manner?
“The mental breakdown is part of the issue.” The emotional and psychological side effects of being diagnosed with such a stigmatized illness were something Dr. Loanzon wanted to address and provide reassurance for. As a patient, Dr. Loanzon felt this “breakdown” first hand. She wanted to make sure that her patients felt seen and heard by her not only as a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist but as a person who struggled with the illness. She wanted to personalize the stigmatized topic, providing empathy in the process of providing medical care.
How did your acceptance of your diagnosis change your outlook on life?
“It was so powerful for me to accept my diagnosis of herpes. I began to attract a different type of man because I finally felt worthy.” The book provides a bigger acknowledgment of the process of breaking down barriers to self-love, including shame. Dr. Loanzon hopes the book communicates that self-love and acceptance are at the root of success in all parts of life.
You recently collaborated with Lisa Lin for a CNN digital series, “This is Sex,” due to be released in the fall. Tell us about that.
“I was contacted by a CNN producer to share my story as a physician thriving with a commonly stigmatized STD. Lisa Ling was in the process of creating a documentary on STDs in the United States and felt I had a unique stance as both a clinician and a patient.” The special provides an important insight into the topic because she provides two perspectives, one as a patient and one as a physician treating patients.
So what’s next on the horizon for you? Another book?=
Dr. Loanzon’s next book is in the works. “The topic will be abnormal pap smears as well as understanding and navigating HPV.”
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. This information is intended to provide general information only and does not intend to offer medical advice, diagnose health problems or make decisions regarding treatment of medical issues. Dr. Tina Ashrafzadeh makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained within this article and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from this article with other sources and review all information regarding medical conditions and treatment with your physician. The reader will maintain all relationships and make all decisions regarding healthcare, with a licensed physician and or qualified healthcare provider. Dr. Tina Ashrafzadeh DO, Board Certified Family Medicine and OMT President-Pacific Coast Osteopathy Inc. www.PacificCoastOsteopathy.com
“August 21, 2017 may turn out to be the most popular vacation-day request in history,” Michael Bakich wrote in Astronomy magazine back in 2014. Three years later, his prediction is proving to be very true.
Why? Well, as most of us know, this Monday, August 21, 2017, will be the day of the biggest cosmic event in North America — and you don’t want to miss it. Of course, we’re talking about the Total Solar Eclipse. Excited but don’t know what the phenomenon means? For those of us who aren’t astronomy experts, NASA offers this clear description of exactly what happens during a total solar eclipse: “During the total solar eclipse, the Moon’s shadow will cross the United States from Oregon to South Carolina in just an hour and a half. But the shadow won’t travel across the country at the same speed. Instead, its speed will vary — and be depending on location, so too will the duration of totality, the fleeting minutes when the Moon completely covers the Sun.”
One thing to know for the solar eclipse: The solar eclipse is beautiful and a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t follow proper viewing guidelines, so whatever you do, do not look at the sun directly without equipment that’s expressly designed for solar viewing. Do not even use standard sunglasses, binoculars or telescopes to watch the eclipse, as the light could severely damage your eyes.
If you didn’t have time to get safe eyewear for viewing the eclipse, we have some good news. According to NASA, you can still see the rare celestial event sans fancy glasses by making a pinhole camera from a cereal box.
Wait, what? NASA recently released this video showing how to use a cereal box to view the solar eclipse safely.
Looking for more? Some astrological wisdom from us here at Style Salute: During the eclipse, take just a few seconds to tear your eyes away from the sky and scan the horizon to enjoy an incredible 360° sunset. You’ll see sunset colors all around you because, in effect, those locations are where sunset (or sunrise) are happening. Cool? We thought so.
Whether you’re sore after a yoga session, running, or you’ve started a new workout routine, we all know what it’s like to be aching badly. Luckily, whatever pain and soreness you’re feeling can be alleviated — with or without the need for a professional massage appointment or actual painkillers.
When your muscles are sore, it’s because you’ve done something to tear the muscle fibers, so repairing them takes patience — and no amount of messages, painkillers or cream can really speed up that the healing process. That said, I was recently introduced to a new tool that has revolutionized how I relieve my the pain I feel when I have a sore muscle — and I’m so excited to be sharing it with you. Meet the expert designed RAD roller — a.k.a. your new best friend.
So what exactly is a RAD roller? It’s a personalized massage toolthat you can use anywhere.
Designed to free up movement in soft tissue and joints, it’s precise enough to target almost every muscle in your body, and everywhere you go (it’s crazy compact and perfectly portable). We’re talking deep tissue in the neck and back, calves, hip joints, IT bands, glutes, arms, feet, and under the shoulder.
Plus, this thing is super easy to use. Thigh aching from spending too long in a half-pigeon pose, but stuck at the office? Slip the RAD rollerunder your leg while you’re working. Back aching? There’s no need for a second set of hands to get the message. You can do it yourself —and I’m just going to give it to you straight: it’s better. It really is the most functional massage and release tool I’ve ever used.
I mentioned it’s personalized, right? The original RAD roller comes in 3 densities: Soft, Original and Firm. Scroll down below for a selection of RAD rollers that will provide the best pain relief.
The innovative RAD Roller is designed to create functional point release all along your spine without putting painful pressure on the spine itself.
“We have been looking for something like this for years, and now we can’t keep RAD rollers on the shelves. They make a great complement to regular adjustments.”
– Lisa Goodman, DC, Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician
RAD rounds are specifically designed for the body, not sports, which is a lot more than a tennis ball. The have the small size and pinpoint precision to mobilize muscles that other tools can’t touch. With three sizes and three different densities, these balls serve up so many options when it comes to kneading out your tough spots. And for those who crave even more control and focused release, pair these babies with the RAD Block.
“RAD Rounds are best things I’ve ever used to pamper my body and perform to my best!”
The RAD Block does it all. First, it elevates your stretch out session by raising the height of your RAD Roller and RAD Roundsfor better leverage in hard-to-reach places. Plus, it stabilizes your tools so you can isolate pressure with no rolling.
“My clients are mostly athletes, so I highly recommend RAD tools for post-workout recovery since they can’t get a massage everyday.”
– Suzie Collyer, Medical, and Sports Massage Therapist.
The RAD Rod is fully loaded with a steel core and soft outer shell. It’s excellent at rolling our tight muscles and built-up toxins better than anything.
“Using my RAD Rod is the best thing I can do after long rides or killer sessions at the track.”
The RAD Helix has low back extension and three-dimensional muscular release down to a science. No joke, this tool traditional foam rollers to shame. The arched design replicates a double helix, the building blocks of the body. It flushes out toxins and enhances your back’s range of motion. Oh, and did I mention it’s also great to use on calves, quads, hamstrings, and hips? Guys love this one too.
As a working student, I know the madness that ensues every day when I need to be out of my apartment — and off to class or work. While all my days have the same amount of hours (technically speak), I often have those days where I know I’ve just killed it, and I know I’ve had a productive day. Other days, I feel quite literally like I’m walking through quicksand to get anything done — sound familiar?
The reasons for the lag are different for all of us. Perhaps, you had a long night or are preparing for a long weekend. Whatever the reason, you cannot seem to find the will to drag yourself up through the day. This kind of attitude might work on a day spent out of the office, but if it hits on a workday, you might struggle to put on a smile and approach your schedule like a boss. Fear not though friends, you can be productive when you set your mind to it. For me, that listless feeling (which usually falls around the 2:00 PM), post lunch hour can easily be overcome by taking a break and leaning into the work.
So, take a sip of your caffeine of choice and scroll through our list of genius productivity hacks that will help you power through those slow and sleepy work days.
TAKE A WALK
One of the best ways to wake yourself up is to get moving, so the second you feel drained at your desk, pull yourself out of the room. Take a walk down the hall, around the whole building or, if you can, down around the block. A change in scenery might be all you need. Either way, the movement should boost your energy enough for the next hour.
HAVE A 5-MINUTE CONVERSATION WITH SOMEONE NEW
A quick chat might be enough of a distraction to clear your head from all the chaos going on at your desk. Plus, this break might be more productive than you think. By introducing yourself to someone new, you’ll have the added bonus of making a new friend or professional connection. Two birds, one stone.
PLAY SOME NEW TUNES
Maybe it’s time to build a new workout playlist. The loud jams will keep you awake and the 15 seconds it takes to add a new song will give your brain just enough of a break to power through your workload. The music won’t just help you get through the day; it will help you dominate it.
STOCK UP ON HEALTHY SNACKS
Munching every second won’t necessarily be your best bet, but having a few goodies in your back pocket might give you something to look forward to. Plus, healthy treats will keep you energized as you work. You might be tired, but don’t let hunger hurt you too.
REWARD YOURSELF
This is the time to treat yourself! Finish an assignment by 2 p.m. and reward yourself with a facial at your favorite spa. Finish earlier? Buy the concert tickets you’ve been sitting on all week. Make it a game and play it to win. By the time you slow down and check the clock, you’ll realize the day is almost over.
Have you used the tried any of these tactics to get yourself back on track? Share your comments with us below!
A trip to any Disney theme park gives you the excuse to purchase a pair of those adorable classic ears. You can’t say you fully embraced Disney without leaving with an Insta of you and your besties in one of these souvenir headbands. Choosing the perfect pair just became one hundred times easier, because Disney just released the most stylish (and empowering) ears ever.
Ready or not, rose gold Minnie Mouse ears are here, and Disney fans world over are going “mouse” over getting their hands on a pair. Minnie Mouse ears are the classic ear headband, and with every girl obsessing over rose gold, these ears are surely going down in Disney fashion history. This is exactly why Disney truly is “The Happiest Place on Earth”. Girls are buying tickets to Disney World and Disneyland Resort, just so they can pick up a pair of these dazzling gems. They hype has only just begun, and all of
We kid not, girls are buying tickets to Disney World and Disneyland Resort, just so they can pick up a pair of these dazzling gems. They hype has only just begun, and all of the social media is already blowing up with these iconic Disney ears #disneyrosegold. They may be sold in the parks for $24.99, but there appears to be no price limit as girls are buying them off eBay for $140. The good feels that come with these ears are clearly worth your Disney spending money. However, the word on Main Street USA, is that these rose gold ears are sold out until October. This isn’t too surprising; after all, when you combine Disney with fashion, millennial girls will go cray (we should know). Just keep picturing the artsy Instagram of you in your rose gold Minnie Mouse ears in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. And the wait will be so worth it.
If you can’t get a pair of this sparkly Minnie ears on your head right now, don’t fret. We did some digging and found a few fun and stylish pairs and we’re sharing them below. See you in dream land!
Attention, Disney fanatics (that’s all of us, right?). I’m about to tell you some great news. Disney-themed beauty products have arrived!
That’s right: Your favorite animated characters have partnered with some of your favorite beauty brands to create products that include Disney Princess sheet masks and Beauty & The Beast lip tint. We’ll pause for your gasp.
So, we don’t know you, but here at Style Salute HQ, we could read Cinderella from the book of fairytales, watch Brave on the big screen, or greet Moana in Adventureland hundreds of times, and still never stop fantasizing about these awesome Disney female characters. Of course, we are head over heels about the golden crown, prince charming, and “happily ever after”… But what really makes us Disney enthusiasts, is the fact that Disney female characters are becoming more than just the razzle dazzle. They are the genuine, intelligent, and strong young woman that we would beg to wear the glass slippers of any day.
And, we’ve got Disney news that’s going to make you jump up and down, more than when you heard they are making a Frozen 2. There are no limitations on becoming the girl of your dreams because Disney is bringing the magic to so many beauty brands. We are so excited about these brand collaborations because a girl can never have enough Disney inspiration in her style. We want to try them all at once. Just wish upon a star, and you will have the bravery to fight the Huns in Mulan’s eyeliner set, determination to save all of Allendale with an Elsa and Anna compact mirror, loyalty to protect a Beast in Beauty and the Beast lipstick, or skills to open your own beignets restaurant in Tiana themed brow brush, lash, and tweezers. With this female empowerment, there’s no evil step-sisters, crazy sorcerers, or giant octopuses to ever stop us from being the fairest of them all. Thank you, Disney, for giving us millennial girls the magic to dress, feel, and be the girl of our dreams.
Just say “bibbidi-bobbidi-boo”, and the magic of Disney will transform you into the dazzling princess you are with these 10 beauty collaborations with Disney branding.