Raphael Stevens

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    in health and weelbeing

    7 Oral Sex Positions to Try This Weekend

    If there’s one way to celebrate the end of a workweek, the end of 2020 (finally), and the beginning of the holiday season, I’ll say it’s probably an orgasm. But I’m not talking about any orgasm—I’m talking about the incomparable, fireworks-worthy orgasm you receive during oral sex (or the mind-blowing experience of giving it to someone—now that’s magical). Oral sex is a concept most of us have a pretty good handle on. You know, mouths, genitals. It’s not all that complicated. For a long time, I really stood by the “You either love it, or you hate it” model. Some people have joyously outrageous orgasms through oral sex, and others just aren’t all that into it. And while I think it’s totally normal and OK to not be into it (or any part of sex, of course), I think there are a lot of people out there who write off oral sex because they haven’t tried it in a way that makes them feel comfortable, confident, and pleasured. Perhaps, a new position might be an interesting way to try it out, or if you’re already an oral-lover, to spice things up a little bit. 
    A few things to note:
    Don’t like oral sex? No problem, try one of these positions for penetration. 🙂 
    Your partner doesn’t like oral sex? Here’s how to talk to them.
    No matter how you have sex is sex—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. 

    1. Lying on your stomach 

    This one lets you touch yourself while your partner uses their mouth on you. Lie on your stomach with your hips slightly arched and your legs spread about just a bit. Your partner is able to go at your from behind, but you’re still comfortably laying down, making this a little different from your typical doggy style.

    2. Face-sitting

    Both you and your partner can do this one regardless of if they have a penis or vagina. If your partner has a penis, just make sure that they are sitting at an angle so they can enter your mouth without suffocating you, of course. You can face your partner so you have the view of looking at them (and touching them if you’d like), or you can face the opposite way and put the focus all on them pleasuring you.

    3. Standing

    This is another easy one to try regardless of your partners’ genitalia. This is a pretty common position if your partner has a penis, but much less so for partners with vaginas. If you have a vagina or your partner does, stand with your legs slightly apart, pushing your pelvis out. It might be easier to lean up against a wall or a table to hold your balance. Another great way to try this one is in the shower!

    4. Upside-down Head Over the Bed

    I’ve also seen this labeled “giraffe style,” which I absolutely love. Lay on your back with your head over the edge of the bed and tilt back so your upside down. This can be done with a partner who has a vagina or penis, but it’s much easier with a penis just based on the angle. Your partner will enter your mouth from a totally different way than normal, and the view is extra hot. 

    5. Legs around the head

    This one is much easier for giving oral sex to a person with a vagina, but it’s not impossible if your partner has a penis. Simply lay back, and after your partner’s head is in your crotch region, you’ll wrap your legs around them. Don’t suffocate them, of course, but loosely wrap your legs around. Your partner can keep touching you or hold onto your legs from the outside.
    One variation of this position is often called the “68.” One person lays down on their back while the other lays on their back on top of their partner, wrapping their legs around them with their crotch in their face. You two will be much closer this way, and it’s basically the lazy lovers’ version of 69. 

    6. Sitting down

    We love a good sitting position here because it’s an easy, applicable way to spin off your usual laying-down positions without having to grab your Kama Sutra book either. You can play this up in tons of ways. Maybe you’re sitting on the kitchen counter, maybe you’re in a desk chair, maybe you’re at the edge of the bed. This is a common position for giving oral sex to people with penises, but it’s a little less common for eating out—which is exactly why you should try it ASAP. 

    7. 69, But Spooning

    Aside from the joking territory surrounding 69, you might not realize just how good of an oral sex position it can be. While laying on top of each other is all fun and nice, try spicing it up by doing it from a spooning position laying down on your sides. You both lay on the opposite sides, and go at each other from the side. If you have different genitalia, it might be easier to situate the person with a vagina first as you’ll likely need to prop your leg up a bit or get closer to your partner, whereas it’s a little easier if they have a penis. You’ll be super close, and going at each other from this different angle might even help you find some new spots each of you likes. Orgasms for all! More

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    in health and weelbeing

    4 Reasons to Ditch Your Perfectionist Streak for Good

    I have jumped awake at 3:52am more times than I can count. As a former editor who worked years of evening shifts in newspaper publishing, I was supposed to be able to gracefully manage time, words, and people each night to turn out a perfectly polished product for readers every morning.Most of the time, it went fine, or at least fine-ish. But even if I felt pretty confident about the newspaper I’d helped put together hours earlier, I’d still jolt awake in the dark, absolutely sure I had forgotten something important and would be judged for it.
    In my predawn terror, I was starting to realize that my perfectionism wasn’t just about maintaining my own high standards. It was coming from a place of deep, deep fear. 
    What if someone judged me in the morning or found my work lacking? That would be awful. Maybe I would never recover from the embarrassment. So I played it safe, never taking risks or exploring outside my narrow comfort zone. 
    Over time, though, that zone actually became a lot less comfortable. I was scrambling every day to live up to others’ expectations, afraid to use my own voice. And you know what the worst part was? Nobody whose opinion I valued had ever judged me. The expectations I imagined others had for me were just that — imaginary. 
    That’s when I realized that, as scary as it might sound, living in the real world as the flawed human I was (and very, very much continue to be!) was the only way I could learn and develop my skills and confidence. I was learning what experts already know: Perfectionism can be the very thing that holds us back from being the best version of ourselves. 
    Need more reasons to ditch that perfectionist streak once and for all? Try thinking about what it doesn’t do for you. 

    1. It doesn’t raise your game
    First, those high standards we hold ourselves to? They don’t have to disappear. Striving for excellence and being conscientious is something we should be proud of. But there’s a simple reason that perfection isn’t worth chasing. Our goals have to be achievable, and perfection just isn’t. 
    Take it from Dr. Brené Brown, the bestselling author who studies shame, vulnerability, and leadership. “What emerged for me in the data is that perfectionism is not about striving for excellence or healthy striving,” Brown told Oprah, according to HuffPost. “It’s… a way of thinking and feeling that says this: ‘If I look perfect, do it perfect, work perfect and live perfect, I can avoid or minimize shame, blame and judgment.’”
    If you’ve been hanging on to that perfectionist streak because you think letting go will lower your standards, breathe easy. It’s time to set new goals — ones that challenge you, inspire you, and leave you feeling proud of your progress.

    2. It doesn’t help you grow
    Consider adopting the mantra of entrepreneur and life coach Marie Forleo: “Go for progress, not perfection.” On her blog, Forleo admitted that she could easily polish her posts and other products all day. Like many of us, she wants her work to be as good as it can be.“However, perfectionism is an insidious trap that can grind your output to a halt and suffocate your soul — if you let it,” she wrote. 
    That’s because all that endless tweaking doesn’t give you space to grow. Put your best effort out there and be done with it until you’re ready to make real improvements, Forleo argued.
    “The goal is to always keep yourself in a growth-oriented mindset where you’re focused on learning and experimentation and getting better and just putting shiz out there,” she told viewers of her show, Marie TV. 
    Perfectionism is a defense mechanism that’s more about seeking external approval than it is about doing your own best work and learning and growing in the process. The latter tends to be more meaningful, so remind yourself from time to time that progress — not perfection — is the goal. 

    3. It doesn’t support your health
    If you brush off the rest of these reasons, listen to this one. Perfectionism does zero favors for your health.
    “Recent findings suggest that perfectionism is highly prevalent among children and adolescents, and perfectionism can be quite destructive in terms of its links with anxiety, depression, and suicide,” the summary of a 2014 report on perfectionism begins. 
    Other studies support those findings. They connect the dots between perfectionism and depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and more. If perfectionism is becoming more common, as studies suggest, more people are at risk.
    An increase in perfectionism doesn’t indicate that we’re all just getting better at everything, as BBC Future noted. It’s actually a bad thing.

    4. It doesn’t enrich your life and relationships
    Psychologists say there are a few types of perfectionists. Some — self-oriented perfectionists — may need to know that they’re working at their full potential all the time. They may be disproportionately bothered by making a mistake. They may even expect themselves to be consistently perfect. 
    Other-oriented perfectionists hold others to high standards, expecting the people around them to be perfect. They may not be able to delegate effectively, needing to retain control of work so that it meets their own standards. 
    Socially-prescribed perfectionists are fueled by pressure and others’ expectations of them — real or imagined. They may base their self-worth on whether they can meet those high standards, even if they’re not realistic.
    Each one may struggle with life and relationships in different ways. We are all on our own imperfect journey, like the one that’s described in one of my favorite childhood stories. In it, the Velveteen Rabbit and its friends are discussing the process of becoming Real and truly loved by a child. As they explain, it’s not a journey that has room for perfection — only for being authentic and unique. 
    “It takes a long time,” one toy explains to another. “That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”
    Take it from Brown. She believes that in order to genuinely connect with others, we have to show them genuine versions of ourselves — struggles and all. The truth, she argued, is that we are naturally interested in people who are authentic, who are honest about their imperfect lives.
    “Perfectionism is not about healthy achievement and growth; it’s a shield,” Brown noted in a CNN op-ed. “Perfectionism is a 20-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from being seen and taking flight.” More

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    in beauty and fashion

    60+ Small Businesses to Support This Holiday Season

    Friends, three words. This Is It. There is truly no better time to shop small than now, with so many gift-giving holidays coming up. Small businesses have been hit hard this year as the pandemic kept doors closed and limited shoppers when stores were able to open. Supporting the small businesses in our community is so important all the time, but especially now, when so many are struggling.Shopping at a small business isn’t just about buying a product. You’re really making a difference for the small business owner, their employees and families, and your community. The impact is major. 
    The entire team here at The Everygirl loves supporting small businesses, and we hope you will too this holiday season if you’re able to do so. Today, we’re sharing our favorite small businesses from across the country and around the world and we know you’ll love them just as much as we do. 
    *indicates BIPOC owned businesses

    From stationery and office supplies to home decor, they have you covered with everything needed for a chic and inspiring space, but the best part? They’re based right here in our favorite city, Chicago!

    If you’re looking for a shop with unique, charming, items, this little shop (with two Chicago locations, if you’re in the area) is for you. They have great gifts for any occasion and by the time you leave, we’re sure you’ll have a basketful of items you’ll be obsessed with. 

    Look no further, this woman has it all. If you can’t decide on what to get (because, same) may we suggest the goddess body statues? They’re stunning!

    There is nothing better than a matching plate set and by shopping here, you will have a piece that will never go out of style. The simplicity and quality of this product is just A+ in our book.

    When we say we love personalized items, that’s an understatement because we are actually OBSESSED with them. This company has the chicest pieces and you can customize each to your liking, add an initial, special date, anything! Don’t wait on this one, get yours now. 

    This company is the coolest brand in knitwear. It’s (young) woman-run, the materials are sustainably sourced, the knitters are working moms in Peru earning a fair wage, and they also do a lot of charitable initiatives. 

    ArtLifting works with artists living with homelessness or disabilities “through the celebration and sale of their artwork.” The artwork is sold for individual as well as commercial use. The work is beautiful and there are tons of options available.

    This company produces gorgeous jewelry and is a B-corp that connects “artisans in Kenya with the global market.” We love that they are using their business to change the world: by working to reduce inequality and poverty and supporting women showcasing their talents. All the designs are simple, sleek, and beautiful. 

    We’re blown away by the talents of Danielle Coke. She’s a one-woman show and her meaningful work lights up our Instagram feeds. We love her design style and artistic vibe as well as mission.

    Baltimore-based vegan skincare company Miles of Moisture has great botanical products for every part of your skin. From cruelty-free and vegan deodorants to facial creams and serums, this women and Black-owned business puts care in every product. 

    Created in 2001, Oyin Handmade features hair, body, and men’s products that are gentle and cruelty-free, like their award-winning leave-in conditioner, Hair Dew, and popular Honey Wash hydrating shampoo. Led by a Black woman of color, you can now find this line nationwide in many retailers, including Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacy. 

    If you love a good candle, you’ll love the selection at 228 Grant Street Candle Co. From fragrances like Sweet Orange + Moroccan Spice to Tobacco + Patchouli, these soy candles are great as a unique gift for any candle-lover. Even better, a portion of their proceeds from their Candle of the Month program goes to support social justice programs and community activists.

    Really good coffee and tea are sometimes hard to come by, but Compass Coffee has great signature blends for everyone. This DC-based coffee company makes their coffee from a variety of beans found around the world. They even sell their blends in K-cups and capsules, so no coffee lover is left out.  

    Out of Maryland, Olive & Loom has cute and unique trinkets for anyone: baby blankets, one-of-a-kind magnets, and cards with painted portraits of female icons (who doesn’t want a fridge plastered with photos of Beyoncé, Michelle Obama and the late, great RBG?) and other home and beauty products. Their specially-made gift boxes are also great gift ideas, mixing traditional pieces like tea sets with modern elements for anyone to enjoy. 

    This Portland, OR-based company works with local non-profits to employ womxn in the PDX area who don’t have many opportunities for employment. The womxn receive job training and make the company’s sugar-free, peanut-free nut butters, including festive flavors like Salted Eggnog and Cinnamon Snickerdoodle.

    From lip balms and face masks to lotion bars, body oil, and dry shampoos, this organic skincare company has something for everyone on your list. Whether organic products in particular are important to them or they just love new skincare finds, you can’t go wrong.

    Shopping for anyone who is trying to get serious about reducing their use of plastic? Blue Heron Botanicals is a great choice for skincare because the brand uses compostable and sustainable packaging whenever possible, which means you can feel good about using products from wound care to lip conditioner.

    From vibrators to organic lube, oils, menstrual cups, and more, this company is about all things sexual wellness. Buy for yourself, buy for a friend.

    We’re not one to nerd out over cookware, but we’re obsessed with our Our Place Always pans. It replaces eight pieces of cookware, so you can use it to sauté, fry, boil, strain, and so much more. Plus, the pans are made in ethical factories that are environmentally conscious and provide a fair wage to their teams AND use sustainable materials as often as possible, so it’s a purchase we feel good investing in.

    Galerie.LA is an online store (with a stunning boutique in Los Angeles–if you live in LA, you seriously must go!) that makes sustainable shopping easy. From chic clothing to luxurious candles and beyond, it’s basically your one-stop-shop for sustainable brands and high-quality products. Plus, it was founded by a celebrity stylist. Hot tip: it’s a great spot to stock up on gifts for everyone this year. 

    This Brooklyn-based design studio focuses on handmade, high-quality ceramics that celebrate the multicultural heritage of its co-owners. They offer stylish dinnerware, trendy vases, and candles so pretty, you’ll want to leave them out as decor, even after the wax burns down. You’ll also want the “Vote” Mug or “BLM” Mug to show off what’s important to you (in a very trendy way!)

    This beauty company creates luxury body products like body balm, bath soak, and body polish, at an affordable cost. Plus the products are as sustainable as they are effective, and will look gorgeous sitting out on your bathroom counter. The marble-based dry brush basically went viral this year (it’s that cute), and the candles are fan-favorites because of the chic marble canister and ability to replace the wax (and interchange the scents!) without getting rid of the base (#sustainable).

    2020 asked for loungewear, and Club Casual answered. They make cozy, knit fabrics in items like slip dresses, pants, tanks, and rompers, so you can still feel your best while staying cozy and comfortable. FYI, each collection is made to order for each season, releasing limited styles and quantities, as to create no waste, so stock up on the items you want before they sell out. Trust us, they’re well worth the wait. 

    This Etsy shop is based in Philadelphia and sells natural, cold-pressed whipped body butters that are skin-softening and smoothing and smell heavenly.

    Cool, chic clay earrings are abundant with this little shop. It’s woman-owned and run by Erica who makes all of this gorgeous jewelry and accessories herself.

    This indie makeup line has everything you need for both bold and bright looks, but also neutrals. Inclusivity is a core value of the brand, so you’ll find products everyone can use. 

    This cosmetics line has everything you need for bold, unique makeup, from sparkly and duo chromatic eyeshadows to lip glosses to blinding highlighters. 

    If cool, unique, and fun nail colors are your thing, Cirque Colors should be on your radar. Their range is filled with cool shades and patterns (think tortoise and jade!) for trendy nails you can do at home.

    Featuring inclusive and empowering messaging, the art and designs at Artsy Affirmations are printable, frameable, and super affordable. Whether you’re looking for a customized portrait, a fun pop-culture-specific print to hang in your home, or a positive reminder of your value and worth, the design duo because Artsy Affirmations has you covered. (Bonus: They love Harry Styles as much as we do!)

    If you’re looking for a trendy-yet-timeless jewelry brand founded by a badass Black woman, look no further. Featuring simple classics AND bold statement-makers, this brand is sure to elevate even your most casual outfits. (Our editor Abigail wears the Mini Binge-Worthy Hoops almost every day!).

    Not only is Jamika Martin, founder of ROSEN Skincare, one of our all-time favorite career role models (she started the line while she was still a college student), but she’s also working to de-stigmatize acne and scarring while treating those same skin conditions with natural ingredients. The products are effective, the packaging is stunning, and the line is ever-growing. ROSEN is sure to be a lifelong staple in the routine of anyone looking for clearer, healthier skin.

    As the perfect art for anyone looking to add a touch of old-school glamour into their homes, Josh Young’s stunning pieces are statement-making and elegant. While Josh lives and works in D.C., his art evokes a certain European charm (which makes sense, as he lived in Milan for 6 years!).

    These candles are the PERFECT gift for your friend who’s always crushing on a celebrity. The pop-culture-themed (and delicious-smelling) candles from Cool Girl Candles look SO chic and trendy in any home. We’re partial to the One-Direction-themed options, but love them all!

    A fine artist living in Traverse City, Katherine creates the dreamiest sketches, prints, and paintings inspired by her life in Michigan. From floral calendars to large-scale figure paintings, you’ll love Katherine’s bold use of color, light, and texture. 

    Based in the UK, Femme Candles creates luxury, handmade candles that pay homage to the human form, featuring a shade and silhouette range we love. Snag a bundle to burn or display (or both!). 

    The place to go for custom, hand-lettered doormats. A gorgeous lettering style and minimalist design make Olive Creative Co.’s custom options stand out; you’ll want to snag multiple options and switch out throughout the year. 

    You’ve probably seen Nina’s illustrations floating around Instagram, her “Buns” and “Ponytails” prints are relatable as hell (especially in these work-from-home times). She also sells t-shirts, pins, cards, and more, all featuring her signature illustration style. 

    Sex never looked this chic. Maude’s collection of vibrators, body oils, condoms, lubes, massage oil candles, and more will majorly up your intimacy game—all at affordable prices. Plus, the packaging and design? A+ all around. 

    Bawdy’s mission is “skincare for your neglected areas” and we never knew we needed a butt mask this much. With fun packaging and an empowering message, Bawdy makes nipple, butt, and overall skincare feel fun, charming, and essential. 

    This Chicago-based boutique has some of our all-time favorite fashion and accessory finds (may we suggest this shirt?) and it feels so much better to buy it from a local store than a big retailer. Trust us: they’ll show you things you never knew you needed.

    This fragrance company, based in DC, was created by three brothers all under the age of 15 when they wanted more money to buy video games and their parents told them to get a job (relatable!). Ten percent of all their profits go to homeless shelters nationwide, and their frequently-sold-out candles rival scents 5x their prices. We highly recommend trying out one of their holiday scents.

    If you’re looking for completely unique gifts this season, look no further than Seven Sisters, a Portland-based shop (that’s currently only online) that brings together small-batch wardrobe, apothecary, and home products. Everything on their site is unlike anything you could find anywhere else—and that’s worth checking out.

    Finding a really cool, unique graphic tee is no easy feat, but this site makes it easy (and most of their shirts have a deeper message behind them). 

    There’s never a bad time to add some classic jewelry pieces to your wardrobe, and Lola Ade will help you do that, but with a unique twist. Their pieces are both unique and super wearable, striking the sweet spot for great jewelry investments. 

    This is, without a doubt, some of the most beautiful cookware that we have ever seen. The woman-founded company gets its name from Judith Jones, who edited work for Julia Child and Edna Lewis (among others).

    Whether you have kids yourself or you’re buying gifts for the kids of friends or family, this boutique is a great choice. Adorable clothing, cool shoes, and sweet toys will make your gifts the most popular around.

    We love independent bookstores. This one allows for online ordering and will happily special-order anything for you that they don’t have already in-store.

    Trendy accessories are great, but who doesn’t need classic pieces that they can wear daily? Seattle-based Lace & Pearls makes beautiful pieces that aren’t too fussy—perfect for everyday wear.

    Making good (and thoughtful) gift boxes is harder than it looks, but Virginia-based Teak and Twine takes all the guesswork out. Each of their gorgeous boxes is filled with carefully selected items for a memorable and thoughtful gift.

    This artist sells merch inspired by the men of One Direction (plus a few unrelated designs), so it’s perfect for all the Harry Styles stans in your life. The designs are whimsical and fun, and everything is super comfortable and high-quality.

    This jewelry brand has the most stunning selection of timeless classics—including everything from essential gold hoops to coin necklaces and gold chains. The price point is the perfect middle ground of affordability and quality. 
     

    Fawn Design makes amazing faux leather bags in tons of styles and colors for all your needs. Their purses, backpacks, weekenders, totes, and more are perfect for any woman on the go. 

    Romy Studio’s baked clay earrings are to die for. The designs are stunning, with the color palettes being the perfect mix of neutrals and fun colors. You will not be able to decide on just one pair. 

    This custom jewelry makes the perfect gift for any occasion. There are tons of styles of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings in gold, silver, and rose gold finishes—and almost all pieces are customizable.

    Klei Beauty is a company that gives the gift of sustainable self-care while giving back to their local community. Whether you’re looking for soothing skincare or calming bubble baths for the self-care expert (or someone who could make more time for caring for themselves), this small, women-owned business is a fave. 

    If you’re looking for a long-lasting gift for the jewelry lover in your life, Amarilo offers well-made, dainty gold pieces that are stackable and made with solid gold. 

    We love these glasses. This gorgeous (seriously: lavender champagne coupes) hand-blown glassware is perfect for the person who loves to entertain or the best friend that enjoys shaking up a cocktail. 
     

    A handbag can be a great gift for someone who lives for an accessory that holds all of their essentials. What I love about Modern Picnic, aside from their commitment to sustainability, is the brand offers bags in five sizes: the mini, the luncher, the large launcher, the snacker, and the tote—not to mention, they each come in a wealth of color options.

    Literati is an independent bookstore that, pre-COVID, was once a quirky and cozy place for book lovers to convene and feel right at home. If you’re in the market for a new book (we highly suggest their staff picks) or are looking to gift a book to someone this holiday season, Literati is sure to be the perfect fit!

    This Detroit clothing label is one of my favorites in the whole world. It embodies the unapologetic, raw spirit of Detroit and is a company that was built on love in response to poor media portrayal of a city that has provided so much to our nation. The brand started with their “Detroit vs. Everybody” collection but has grown to include multiple collections including “vs. COVID,” “vs. Racism,” “vs. Cancer,” and more.

    This Ann Arbor-born clothing boutique is unique. The ambiance makes shopping an experience and you can trust their item picks. If you don’t live in Ann Arbor, shopping online is a very close second to being there in person!

    If you’re looking for a candle that lasts and doesn’t melt away after one use, this is for you. Kai & Co. Candles are soy-based, which allow the candle to last 2x longer and allow your house to smell so good and fresh for even longer. This is a super great gift for a friend or even for yourself this holiday season.

    Sunwoven Marketplace offers beautiful hand made wall art that you’ve more likely have seen all over Urban Outfitters/Pinterest to achieve that boho chic look in your home. So if you’re looking for that yourself or know a friend who can’t get enough of it, look no further—this is your one-stop shop. 

    Nothing beats a good deal and you know where you find those deals? Thrift stores and resell shops. Jane Dottie Vintage was created to take away the stigma of fast fashion and bring used items back to life. The shop has items ranging from jewelry, clothing items, to even stickers and masks. Sounds like a great place, right? Check it out yourself! You won’t regret it. 

    Prints can get quite expensive depending on what you’re looking for, but they’re not all that way. What we love about Juniper Print Shop is they have beautiful, quality-made pieces for a fraction of the price. Yes, you read that right! All you need to spice up your home is one of these pieces and you’re good to go. And it’s always a good gift. Trust us on this one.

    What small businesses should we add to the list? Let us know in the comments below! More

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    in health and weelbeing

    Why You Don’t Need a Thanksgiving Detox (and What to Do Instead)

    So the leftover turkey is in the fridge, the recycling bin is full of empty wine bottles, and you’re planning to be in sweatpants for the next 48 hours because pants that button sound implausible RN. Welcome to the day after Thanksgiving, otherwise known as the day of painful bloating, undeniable sluggishness, and mild (or extreme) regret. We’ve all fallen victim to exclaiming, “I can never eat again!” after Thanksgiving dinner, or feeling lethargic and regretful for days after.It’s no surprise that the Thanksgiving detox is a popular trend following the holiday (if you’ve never heard of it, Google to find hundreds of hits). Juice cleanses boom, workout classes skyrocket, and guilt-ridden dieters download MyFitnessPal and eat salad for lunch as a means to atone for their sins. But no matter what you eat on Thanksgiving (or how much of it), a Thanksgiving detox is unnecessary (and might even be damaging). Read on for reasons you don’t need to cleanse or detox after overeating that turkey, and six things you should do instead if you are feeling uncomfortably full and sluggish the next day. 

    The body repairs itself
    No matter how many calories you gorged or how many slices of pumpkin pie you gobbled down, the body will process everything you ate within 24-72 hours. Everything from the saliva in the mouth to the enzymes in the stomach is meant to digest food, get the nourishment it needs from that food, and then get rid of excess through waste. Gross, but true! Yes, this is anatomy 101, but it’s important to keep in mind that the body is built to repair itself. Your body will digest all that sweet potato casserole and snickerdoodles on its own, whether or not you try to help it the next day. Likewise, you don’t need juice cleanses to “flush out toxins;” it’s the liver and intestine’s job to detoxify the body, so they’ve got you covered. Bottom line: the body is meant to repair itself, and it doesn’t need cleanses or detoxes to get the job done. 

    Source: @celebratingsweets

    A healthy diet should include indulgences
    Maybe your idea of a healthy diet is specific macronutrient percentages, or maybe it’s more about what you’re not eating (no sugar, no gluten, no refined carbs, etc.). There’s a lot of confusion, uncertainty, and debate about what a “healthy diet” really means. In reality, a healthy diet looks different to every single person; it’s whatever honors what your body needs (including foods that you love), and it’s about making intuitive choices with whatever is available. Enjoying cornbread or pecan pie does not mean you “broke” a healthy diet; it simply means your healthy diet includes foods that feed your soul and honors special occasions. 

    Nutrition is more than just what’s on your plate
    If you think your body needs a detox to help it get back to “healthy” after one meal, know that health is not just about the foods we eat. Yes, fruits and vegetables nourish the body, but so do the people we spend our time with, the music we listen to, and what we see when we scroll through Instagram. Leafy greens and lean proteins are important, but how we spend our time and who we’re around feeds us too. If you’re not also focused on the ways you’re being nourished besides the food on your plate, you’re missing key pieces of the puzzle. Keep your stress levels down, regularly indulge in activities you love, and surround yourself with people who make you happy, and your body will respond accordingly. 

    Source: @noelledowning

    1. Listen to your body during the meal
    Instead of a free-for-all come Thanksgiving at 4pm that you’ll regret the next day, why not just keep up healthy habits and listen to your body? Before eating, check in with yourself to identify what your body really wants and needs. Maybe you’re not hungry, but you would enjoy every bite of a slice of pumpkin pie because it’s your favorite holiday dessert, or maybe you realize your digestion is feeling off and you haven’t had enough veggies with your meal. Notice when you start feeling satisfied and are no longer enjoying each bite to know when to stop, rather than mindlessly eating until you’re uncomfortably stuffed. Aim for a balance of favorite holiday foods and nutrients that will make your body feel good, and stop eating when you’re satisfied.

    2. Drink a lot of water
    Water seems to be the cure-all for everything, and with good reason. Staying hydrated can improve energy levels, relieve digestive discomfort like constipation, and overall help you feel your best. Especially if you’re feeling hungover (whether it’s a food hangover or a real hangover), drink lots of water to ensure your body stays hydrated so that it can do all that repairing it’s meant to do. If you want to be #extra like me, I always start the morning with warm lemon water and a little ginger whenever I eat a lot the night before and my digestive system feels off. I swear that simple hack makes my body feel 100 percent better. If it’s hard for you to remember to drink water (or you’re an overachiever and want an additional challenge), try an herbal tea like peppermint, which can ease indigestion or painful bloating. 

    Source: @kayla_seah

    3. Stretch and (gently) move the body
    Please do not attempt a two-hour HIIT class first thing Friday morning as a means to “erase” or “make up for” what you ate the night before. First of all, that’s not how the body works, but also it’s unnecessary. Go on a jog or work out if it makes you feel better and your body is craving movement. But if you’re feeling sluggish and lethargic like the rest of us after Thanksgiving, try going on a walk and doing some stretches to relax the body. Movement, no matter how low-impact, can boost energy, motivation, and mental health, which is especially important if you’re feeling that post-feast food guilt. 

    4. Add in extra veggies 
    A “detox” or “cleanse” implies that you’re subtracting and streamlining your diet. Instead, you should really be thinking about how to add more nutrients to give your body what it needs to get energy and help with digestion. Vegetables are loaded with good-for-the-gut fiber and immune-boosting antioxidants that help your body stay healthy. No matter what you feel like eating for the next few days, focus on incorporating even more veggies with each meal. Have a side salad or add spinach to your omelet, get all the steamed veggie sides when ordering out, and try a green juice or veggie-packed smoothie for an afternoon snack as an added boost. 

    Source: @kateogata

    5. Take a nap
    The ultimate lazy-girl activity is healthy and a great way to help your body recover from Thanksgiving indulgences. As another example of the body repairing itself and DIY detoxing, sleep is a crucial time where the brain can cleanse itself (according to a 2013 study). A 2019 study agreed that sleep may be the key to detoxing our brains, AKA the best thing that happened to the day after Thanksgiving since the leftover turkey sandwich was invented. So if you’re feeling lethargic and don’t want to get off the couch all day, don’t force yourself to work out or be productive. Give the body time to restore and repair by getting a full 7-9 hours of sleep at night and taking a nap if your body is feeling tired during the day.

    6. Indulge in some self-care
    Whether the way you best care for yourself looks more like 20 minutes of meditation, dry brushing before a steaming hot shower, or approximately five different face masks, spend some extra time making yourself feel pampered and cared for the day after Thanksgiving. Not only will a little extra TLC help you feel physically better from that food coma, but it can help ease the stress from any food guilt. Remember that stress and guilt after eating are worse for your body than pumpkin pie or green bean casserole could ever be, so prioritize self-love if you’re feeling the regret kick in. Try taking a bath, reading a book that makes you happy, DIYing a spa day, or staring in the mirror and giving compliments to remind yourself that one meal (or any meal) doesn’t change how worthy you are. Detox your thoughts; your body’s already got you covered.
     
    How will you care for yourself during the holidays? What do you think of the Thanksgiving detox? More

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    UAE National Day: 8 delicious brunches to enjoy over the long weekend

    With the much-needed five-day weekend just on the horizon, UAE residents now have a myriad of options on where to go for brunches and have the option to indulge in some delicious meals with friends and families over the break.
    From scenic locations to Insta-worthy meals, here’s the best brunch places to visit as you look forward to relaxing over the long weekend.
    READ: 10 of the best pool day deals to enjoy during the National Day long weekendREAD: 10 of the best staycations deals over the UAE National Day long weekend
    Bull and Bear at Waldorf Astoria, DIFC

    Inspired by the famous film The Wolf of Wall Street, this luxurious brunch caters to all the taste buds, with its range of innovative dishes. Located at Waldorf Astoria DIFC, this stylish restaurant can be found on the 18th floor, with views of the surrounding Downtown Dubai area. Every Friday from 1 to 5 pm, prices start at Dhs290 with an array of premium signature dishes.
    For more information visit hilton.com
    Cloud Restaurant & Lounge at Studio One Hotel, Studio City

    If you wish to have an exciting catch-up with your friends and family while enjoying a Turkish culinary journey, this Mediterranean-inspired social venue located at Studio One Hotel in Dubai offers an ‘Above the Clouds’ Brunch every Friday from 2pm to 5pm with live entertainment whether you’re dining indoors or on the terrace and prices starting at Dhs180.
    Fore more information visit studioonehotel.com
    Hutong, DIFC

    This upscale Chinese eatery is located in a foodie’s paradise offering free-flow dim sum, with 15 exquisite dishes to tuck into making it the next delicious hotspot to visit. Every Friday from 1pm to 4pm guests can visit this critically acclaimed restaurant for its brunch with prices starting at Dhs258.
    For more information visit hutong-dubai.com
    MOOD Rooftop Lounge at The Meydan Hotel

    While enjoying the beautiful sunsets of Dubai, this newly launched Sunset Brunch offers inventive local and international cuisine with quality ingredients designed to give an urban rooftop paradise experience with luscious desserts and delicious mains. The beautiful venue is adorned with sophisticated furniture and will feature live music from the DJs. Enjoy this brunch every Friday from 4pm to 8pm.
    For more information visit moodrooftop.com
    Bab Al Shams

    The Al Forsan Garden has the Ultimate Garden Brunch amidst the swaying palm trees and indulgent dishes for everyone to relish. With an array of culinary favourites, this family-friendly brunch also has a range of live entertainment activities for the little ones starting at Dhs385.
    For more information visit babalshams.com
    Pai Thai at Jumeirah Al Qasr

    For those who wish to take a little trip to Thailand, surrounded by lush greenery this award-winning restaurant serves aromatic traditional dishes with irresistible Thai food from on Friday from 12:30 to 4pm with an extensive beverage selection and ambient atmosphere with live hits from a DJ. The brunch package starts from Dhs245.
    For more information visit Jumeirah.com
    Nobu at The Atlantis

    For all the seafood lovers, this brunch is a must-try with a range of sushi’s, soups and salads catering to the vegetarians too. To top it all off, you also get to try the Chocolate Bento box which is the perfect treat for the long weekend. It takes place every Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 3pm at Dhs345 per person.
    For more information visit atlantis.com/
    Prime68 brunch at JW Marriot Marquis

    With juicy steaks and vegetable sides, tailored to your preferences this steak lover’s haven is the perfect weekend afternoon delight every Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 4pm with prices starting at Dhs195 per person.
    For more information visit marriott.com/
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Nobu Atlantis The Palm More

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    10 of the best pool day deals to enjoy during the National Day long weekend

    There’s nothing like enjoying all-day access to some of the best pool decks in Dubai along with a five-star day of having your feet in the sand.
    Emirates Woman has rounded up a list of chic pool days located across the city for you to unwind at. In accordance with government guidelines, guests will need to bring their own towels and reservations are required.
    Bvlgari Yacht Club

    The world’s first yacht club has an exclusive deal for guests to enjoy with plush white loungers while bringing a private island feel to the city. Along with the outdoor bar and pool, guests can enjoy an array of authentic services making it an exclusive destination for the upcoming holidays. With prices starting at Dhs200 on weekdays and Dhs450 on weekends, with it being fully redeemable on food and beverages, guests can relax by the pool all day.

    For more information visit bulgarihotels.com
    WHITE Beach

    This impressive Mediterranean-inspired getaway with bohemian soft furnishings has a city-facing infinity pool with in-water loungers and a picturesque backdrop on the wooden deck, WHITE Beach at Atlantis The Palm should definitely be on your list. For Dhs150 on weekdays and Dhs300 on weekends fully redeemable.
    For more information visit atlantis.com/dubai
    Four Seasons Hotel DIFC

    This boutique style-sanctuary which is located at the heart of DIFC invites all to spend a day by the Hotel’s rooftop glass-walled pool and enjoy a delicious menu priced at Dhs300 for entry along with the amount redeemable on F&B.
    For more information visit fourseasons.com/dubaidifc/
    FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai

    With scenic views of this pristine beach that overlooks the calming waters and city’s skyline, from multiple pools to choose from guests can have the ultimate daycation experience with their sunbeds and music to keep them there the entire day.
    For more information visit fivehotelsandresorts.com
    Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa

    If you’re looking for something family-friendly over the long weekend, this property has just the right amenities and facilities for a family to enjoy with together. From plenty of grassy areas to a golden sandy beachfront and a number of swimming pools, prices start at Dhs200 for adults and Dhs75 for kids, being fully redeemable.
    For more information visit marriott.com
    Cove Beach Dubai

    Located at the popular Bluewaters Island in Dubai, Cove Beach is set on a private stretch with three swimming pools and gorgeous cabanas for those that wish to lounge in style. For Dhs100 on weekdays and Dhs200 weekends, both fully redeemable on F&B.
    For more information visit covebeach.com
    Summersalt

    With views of the much-adored seven-star hotel, Burj Al Arab, this beach club offers impressive views of the location with an airy restaurant, designed with a temperature-controlled swimming pool and views you can’t take your eyes off. Prices start at Dhs200 for singles and Dhs350 for a couple.
    For more information visit jumeirah.com
    DRIFT Beach Dubai

    Located in the classic One&Only Royal Mirage, this picturesque beach is the ideal all-adults setting set on a kilometre of private beach. If you’re looking for an indulgent day in a relaxed, laid-back setting, DRIFT beach should definitely be on your pool list of places to unwind at.
    For more information visit driftbeachdubai.com
    Riva Beach

    One of the longest-serving beach clubs located at Palm Jumeriah lets residents soak up the sun on its private stretch of beach and take advantage of a generously-sized swimming pool as well as a children’s pool. The prices start at Dhs75 on weekdays and Dhs100 on weekends.
    For more information visit riva-beach.com
    Nammos

    This signature Mykonos beach club located in Four Seasons Jumeirah looks like a beachside fine fining restaurant with a minimal bohemian vibe bringing the best in food with gorgeous views of Dubai. Prices start at Dhs200.
    For more information visit nammos.gr/
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Instagram @driftbeachdubai More

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    Dubai-based entrepreneur and influencer shows the harm Instagram filters can do

    In the 13 years of Instagram, filters have gotten more clever and interesting year by year.
    Before we had stories, we just had grid posts with the classic filters including Lo-fi, Juno, Ludwig and Lark. Nowadays, there are thousands of filters to choose from, some can be funny and some can even change the look of your face.

    However, one Dubai-based entrepreneur and influencer has pointed out the damage this can do.
    Posting a two-minute video to her 260,000 followers, Tracy Harmoush showcased just how different filters can make you look in an instant, which also gives a warped sense of reality.

    Screen-recording herself, Harmoush went between a variety of different filters available on the Instagram story function showing how they change her face.
    The investment banker turned entrepreneur explained that most of the filters she used she has seen others use, which prompted her to try them out. However, she said using them is “like a dagger to the heart”.

    “It comes to show no matter how old you are, no matter how confident you are, no matter how secure you are with the way you look, these filters will make you feel a little bit less confident than you were prior to using them,” she candidly said.
    She said using one of the available filters for two weeks straight it would be extremely hard to come back just as herself with no filter.
    “It’s a dangerous game we’re playing here social media – it’s very dangerous,” Harmoush said ending her video.
    In the caption of her video, Harmoush reminded everyone to “trek cautiously” when using social media platforms.
    “Let’s not bring newly found insecurities to our doorstep,” she said. “We’re already trying to dodge the ones the world already throws at us like the matrix.”
    She reminded her followers just to have fun with social media and put an emphasis on using filters “from time to time”.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Tracy Harmoush Instagram More

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    Don’t Miss Shopbop’s Amazing Black Friday Sale

    I’ll be honest: I’ve never been much of a Black Friday person. It tends to stress me out more than anything, and last year, I ordered a few of my favorite dry shampoos and a new vacuum and that was the extent of it. It takes a lot for me to get excited for a Black Friday sale and make me feel like I need to shop it—but this year, Shopbop has done it.Full of incredible investment pieces that rarely—if ever—go on sale, Shopbop’s Black Friday Sale is offering 20% off orders of $200+. If there ever was a time to order that coat you’ve wanted forever or a new pair of shoes you know you’ll wear for years to come, now is the time to jump. These are the pieces we’ve had our eye on all season, and are clicking “add to cart” on come Black Friday.

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