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    ‘Tis the Season: 35 Gratitude Affirmations To Help You Get Through the Holidays

    What do you do when you’re overwhelmed looking at your holiday to-do list or bank account post-gift shopping? What about when you totally forego all your healthy habits or struggle with your relationship with food, but all the holiday meals can be triggering? What do you do if you’re having a hard time staying present and truly enjoying the season or feel sad your traditions aren’t the same as they used to be? 
    This is undoubtedly my favorite time of year, but it can also be the most emotionally draining, stressful, and even sad (that’s why Kacey Musgraves wrote a song about it). Consider this your reminder to schedule some extra appointments with your therapist, as you’ll likely need a little extra TLC. But for in between therapy sessions or when you’re actually in the moment at office parties, festive outings, or during Hallmark movie nights at home, read on for a list of affirmations you can repeat to yourself to help you stay present and manifest your best season ever. 

    If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving…
    It is the season of giving thanks, after all. What better way to reset our priorities, check in with ourselves, and enjoy our loved ones than a Thanksgiving truly rooted in gratitude? Avoid going through the motions of who’s going to bring the turkey or what family drama is going to come up and repeat one of these mantras to stay present in the purpose of the day.
    1. I’m grateful for another year to make happy memories2. Thankfulness, appreciation, and sincere gratitude are core to who I am3. I invite gratitude into my heart every day4. I am grateful I am so loved5. My entire body feels warm with gratitude and thankfulness

    If you struggle with your body this time of year…
    The holidays are supposed to be a happy time, but they can bring up a lot of stress when it comes to our health habits. Between busy schedules, holiday dinners, and lots of eggnog, we can easily feel stressed about not keeping up regular health habits, especially if we struggle with food. Give your body a little extra patience, compassion, and love this year with one of these affirmations. 
    6. I make time for myself every day7. My body receives nourishment from joy and pleasure too8. Rest and social time are physically good for me9. (All) food is a nourishing pleasure that’s good for my body10. I’m connected with my body and I love to keep it healthy

    If you feel triggered by family…
    Let’s be honest: Not every family get-together is a happy scene from a holiday movie or what is depicted in Christmas carols (in fact, most are not). If being around family or certain friends is triggering, know that you are not alone. Remember that you can (and should) set boundaries to protect your peace, and focus on staying as grounded and mindful as possible.
    11. I release memories of my past and stay present12. I am worthy of healing13. I am proud of the person I am and the life I have14. I give myself permission to set boundaries that bring me peace15. I do not control and am not responsible for the actions of others

    If you’re feeling stressed about money…
    Of course the gift giving, holiday parties, and special outings are some of the best parts of this time of year, but it can wreak havoc on our bank accounts. If you’re feeling stressed about money, try these tips and remember that the most special, memorable, and happy parts of the season are totally free. 
    16. Making other people happy makes me happy17. I am happy with simplicity 18. The most memorable gifts I can give don’t cost a penny19. I spend and save money based on what brings me joy20. I give myself permission to accept and honor where I am in my financial state right now

    If you’re exhausted from a busy schedule…
    The holidays are exhausting. Between office parties, family plans, and a busy to-do list, our schedules are packed from November until January. Instead of letting this season become another frazzled mess, rethink the events, tasks, and people who are actually worth your time, make you-time a non-negotiable, and stay present so you can fully enjoy it all. 
    21. My plate is full of things and people I am lucky to have22. I am grateful for the abundance of the season23. I deserve “me” time24. I say “no” when I mean no and “yes” when an event or task brings me joy25. Only I am in control of my life

     
    If you feel lonely this time of year…
    Whether you’re still at home alone (Kevin McCallister style) or have a schedule full of holiday parties, the season can feel especially lonely. The holidays might serve as a reminder that you’re not with certain loved ones right now, or questions from nosy aunts about when you’re getting married/having children/settling down feels draining (and rude!). Reframe your thoughts and practice self-compassion to prevent loneliness from getting you down this year. 
    26. I am whole as I am27. I feel joy in where I am in my life28. My life is full of people who love me29. I am connected to all the love in the world30. I can make space for loneliness and practice being kind to myself

    If you’re always let down by the holidays…
    Anyone else deal with holiday perfectionism? We make long to-do lists of all the things we want to do this year and have plans for how we want to make the most of the season, forgetting that we never have enough time for it all, and sometimes the holidays can feel sad. If you’re expecting this season to be “perfect” or are let down if plans don’t go “as they should,” these affirmations are for you.
    31. When things don’t go as planned, I will adjust my expectations32. I am present and in the moment33. This season is going to be filled with joy34. My happiness is more important than t0-do lists or schedules35. The only purpose of this season is to enjoy it

    Anxiety, toxic family relationships, and depression can feel isolating, but you shouldn’t have to feel as though you’re going through it alone. Please reach out to your doctor, a therapist, or another trusted professional for support.
    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
    Crisis Textline: text CONNECT to 741741
    If you are struggling with an eating disorder or with disordered thoughts or behaviors regarding food and eating, please seek help. Call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237 for support, reach out to a qualified medical professional, or, for a 24-hour crisis line, text “NEDA” to 741741.

    50 Positive Affirmations To Tell Yourself More

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    12 Wellness Products That Will Help You Stay Healthy During the Busy Holiday Season

    From now until New Year’s Day, your schedule will likely be packed with holiday parties, work events, shopping for gifts, and family get-togethers. Throw in a busy to-do list and extra stress at work, and it’s no wonder most of us tend to lack the motivation, time, and energy to keep up with our workout routines through the holiday season. Even the most dedicated joggers and biggest gym rats can struggle to stay active with schedules this packed. However, just because the holiday season is festive and busy does not mean we need to stop prioritizing our bodies. In fact, we need to prioritize our health even more when we feel like we don’t have the time. Scroll on for our shopping list of wellness products you’ll need to help you stay active, prioritize your body, and keep yourself healthy through January.  

    obé x bala
    Weighted Bangles
    These weighted bangles are going to be your secret weapon to stay fit through the holidays. They strap on to your wrists or ankles for full-body toning, are easy to throw in your carry-on for travel, and can be worn during any exercise like walking or jogging for an added boost. And most importantly, look how cute they are!

    Wellness Journal
    When we’re busy with holiday plans, sometimes it’s more about being intentional about our schedule in order to fit in some exercise. This daily journal will help you set intentions and arrange your schedule based on health goals and self-care, so you’ll find time to fit in movement where you can and be held accountable to actually follow through.

    NordicTrack
    Percussion Recovery Gun
    For days where you’re too tired, sore, or busy to work your muscles, give a little TLC to the body with a deep tissue massage instead. This genius device breaks up lactic acid to help with sore muscles and to improve muscle recovery, because when we barely have time to work out, we don’t have time to be sore for days.

    Bee’s Wrap
    Food Wrap
    When we prioritize getting nutritious foods, it’s easier to prioritize staying active, but remember that health is always holistic! Since taking the time to meal prep, cook, and grocery shop for healthier food is harder when we’re busy, having sustainable, easy tools that make prepping easier is essential. This eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap or aluminum foil will help you prep healthy foods in advance to store throughout the week (including turkey leftovers!).

    Under Desk Elliptical Machine
    For the days your schedule is packed from the second you get off work, fit in movement while you have Zoom meetings and check off work tasks, thanks to this elliptical that fits under your desk for a little extra movement (without having to get up from your chair).

    Weekly Pill Organizer
    With visiting family across the country (or the world), there’s a lot of traveling through the season. These nifty and cute weekly pill organizers pack all the probiotics and vitamins that help you feel energized and healthy. Keeping up with all the habits that make you feel your best will help you prioritize exercise too.

    Time Marker Water Bottle
    When we’re drinking peppermint mochas and eggnog all day, it can be easy to forget to get enough water. This bottle with time stamps will help you keep track of your water intake and also keep you accountable to drink more. The body needs optimal hydration to stay energized and for healthy muscles to keep up with your exercise. This water bottle will help you get there.

    Light Therapy Lamp
    When the weather is cold and cloudy every day, it’s easy to lose motivation and energy to get out of bed, much less to do a full workout. The reason? The lack of sunshine can leave us feeling drained. This light therapy lamp is the next best thing to actual sunlight to boost energy, vitamin D levels, and sleep. Don’t let the weather keep your energy down—you can still have the motivation to crush workouts until spring.

    Portable Lunch Bowl
    You’ll be much more tempted to skip a workout and binge Hallmark movies after a day of cookies, stuffing, and holiday leftovers rather than a day full of eating fresh, whole foods that make the body feel good. These portable lunch bowls pack or store food, so you never have to skip your veggies while on the go. Bring some roasted veggies to the office instead of getting takeout for lunch or bring a homemade meal while traveling instead of opting for fast food. Your body will thank you later.

    The Good Patch
    B12 Awake Patches
    Thanks to long travel days, hangovers after holiday parties, and a busy schedule, we can easily lack energy to move the body. While you should always prioritize rest when the body needs it, if you’re dealing with more of a lack of motivation than fatigue, try these patches to help restore the body for more energy. Use them when you’re traveling, have an extra busy day, or just need a boost. Be sure to talk to your doctor before adding any new supplement into your routine (even if it’s an external patch).

    Sunrise Alarm Clock
    Especially for early risers who love to fit in a workout first thing in the morning (or may only have time for a workout if it is first thing in the morning), this time of year is especially hard because the sun rises later, so it’s pretty dark and gloomy in the morning. This alarm clock will mimic the sunrise to bring you optimal energy whenever you wake up to get that workout in.

    Foam Roller
    Staying active is not just about intense cardio or sweaty sessions at the gym. Staying active means tending to your body whenever you can, and doing a little foam rolling before bed is the easiest way to give your body some TLC and help with muscular health. Plus, this one is easy to travel with for self-care on the go.

    The Crucial Thing Missing From Your Workout Routine

    This post contains a sponsored mention of obé, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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    Every Hack I’m Actually Trying to Get Healthier in 2021

    I started 2020 pretty strong. I went to my gym about four days a week. I was trying new recipes. I started a bullet journal. I felt very prepared to take on the next decade of my life. And yada yada, one thing led to another, and here I was, July 2020, and I, like many others, had fallen off. For the record, there was a global pandemic, but I wasn’t doing so hot. I reignited myself, made some updated goals that fit the times, and went on my merry way. I’m here to say: I feel 100 times better now than I did then, and I’m carrying that same fervor into the new year. But I’ll be the first to admit: health “trends” are not my jam. I need something that’s going to stick. I don’t want to completely overhaul my life and routine, and I’ll never dare give up socializing over food and alcohol. So, what’s a girl to do? Here are the health hacks I’m actually planning to implement into my life in 2021. 

    1. “32 Before Brew”
    I saw this on Instagram a while ago, and it has changed my life; however, after the holiday season, I’m sure I’ll need to reassign this goal to myself. Basically, it’s the idea that you drink 32 ounces of water before you drink your cup of coffee in the morning, which I found genius. It’s an easy, pretty straightforward concept, but I love that it gets me drinking water first thing, and it reminds me to keep drinking water after I’ve had my coffee. If I don’t drink water during the workday, it’s so hard to catch up and drink enough later, and this keeps me accountable all day, starting with the morning.

    Source: @lolaomonaija

    2. Controlling volume instead of portions
    I will never be someone who eats like a bird. If I’m eating a meal, I’m eating a meal; that’s all I’m going to say. But adjusting portion sizes is often a recommended hack for being able to still enjoy all the foods you love without eating in excess. Instead, I’m opting to try focusing on the volume of food I’m consuming versus how much. I can eat an entire plate of pasta, but I also want to bulk up the meal with protein, a side salad, and a big glass of water. I feel fuller, faster, and it builds my meals upon nutrients rather than going into it controlling how much I’m eating, which can often lead me to disordered eating. If I want to go get McDonald’s, I’ll drink a lot of water and add extra veggies or protein to my cheeseburger (highly recommend—one of the best hacks I’ve ever seen is asking for double meat and splitting the sandwich in half to eat two open-faced sandwiches!). 

    3. Finding alternatives to the foods I crave
    If I tell myself that I can’t have pizza or pasta or chips, it’s all I’ll want, and it’ll lead to a binge. Always. No foods are “bad,” so I can easily find or make alternatives to my favorites that feel better (and sometimes taste better too!). Currently, I’m loving MyBizzyKitchen’s healthier pizza dough recipe, I’ve swapped regular chips for baked versions (Peetos are my current favorite spicy chip alternative!), and I’m using the above hack to enjoy pasta and other foods that are easy to overindulge in. 

    Source: @gabbywhiten

    4. Creating “ceremony” in the evenings
    Mental health is important as well, and it’s especially necessary to create goals around this too. A therapist once recommended creating “ceremony” around normal day-to-day routines as a way to reorient your brain into a specific task and make these feel like an event more than another thing to tick off your to-do list. 
    One way I want to practice this is through working from home and separating my workday from my evening. When the clock strikes 6 p.m., I’m closing the computer, lighting a candle, drinking something other than water (see the next tip!), and reading 30 pages of a book, or maybe I’ll watch a YouTube video or an episode of a show. (As long as it’s not work or scrolling on my phone, I’m game!) I want to create a ceremony, or a ritual, around ending the workday. When I light the candle next to my bedside, it’s time to finish work for the night. 

    5. Swapping to a different drink in the evening
    Drinking water is not my strong suit. I have to really force myself to stay hydrated, especially working from home because it’s easy to sit at my desk and not fill up my water bottle all day. So, I’m taking a slightly different approach to fixing that problem this year, and it’s allowing myself to drink anything but water in the evenings. Don’t get me wrong, I will still drink water with dinner, to take my medicine before bed, or just simply to sip throughout the night. But right after work ends, whether I’m hankering for a bubbly soda, sparkling water, or an adult libation, I’m letting myself have it instead of forcing myself to stick to water only. It encourages me to stick to water as much of the day as I can, but I know I can “indulge” with something else to change it up.

    Source: @theplussizedprep

    6. Create challenges for workouts
    Motivating yourself to workout at home when the gym isn’t an option is hard. Why would I push hard if no one can see me? Why would I create or follow a routine if I don’t have to? There’s nothing holding me back from stopping in the middle of a workout just because I don’t feel like it. So to keep myself motivated and inspired, I’m creating challenges for myself. I’ll tell myself to work out three times a week, and then after I do that for four weeks straight, I push it to four days a week. Maybe I’ll try to do yoga every day for seven days straight, and then the next week I focus on doing 20 minutes of cardio a day. Making these small, reachable goals every week rather than some overarching goal of “work out more” is much easier to follow and accomplish.

    7. Keep your phone in another room while sleeping 
    I can’t be the only one who wakes up in the middle of the night, checks their phone, and ends up staying awake for way too long because I end up scrolling for no reason at all. I really try to limit how much I use my phone before bed, but if I keep it next to me, I’ll inevitably use it any time I wake up (including first thing in the morning). By keeping it away from my bed, I’d have to get up to grab my phone if I want to use it, and when I’m half-asleep at 4 a.m., that’s unlikely to happen. Prioritizing better sleep is a major goal of mine in 2021, and I’m trying this first!
    This hack also might help me hit snooze less because I’ll have to get up to turn the alarm off. Win-win!

    Source: @crystalinmarie

    8. Add movement into every part of your routine
    If starting from no workouts to five a week feels daunting (for one, it is!), try just adding different forms of movement into every part of your day. Turn on some music (maybe a glass of wine!), and dance around the kitchen while you cook dinner. Maybe you do some stretches from the couch while watching your favorite show. You could try setting a timer during the day to get up and get more water and move around for 10 minutes. You don’t have to follow an eight-week intense HIIT program to feel the benefits of moving your body more, and finding small ways to add that in (especially while working from home) is beneficial too. More

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    ANNOUNCING: The Everygirl 2021 Planners Available at Target!

    When my cofounder Danielle and I sat down in August 2011 to brainstorm what launching an online magazine would look like, we had a lot of lofty goals for this not-yet-existent company.We were 28 and 25-years-old respectively, basically strangers. We both had full-time jobs to tend to, and let me just say, we had no idea what obstacles stood in our way. We simply believed the sky was the limit. 
    As I feverishly transcribed everything we were saying, pen to paper, I noted the seemingly attainable, low-hanging fruit goals… but as all big dreamers know, you don’t settle for low-hanging fruit. You set the bar high.
    As we drank coffee and excitedly talked over one another, rattling off one idea after the next, and visions for what this site could become danced in the air around us, one of us may or may not have suggested “a product line in Target!”
    Suuuure! Why not?! Add it to the list! What a dream that would be! “The products would be stylish, affordable, and practical, of course.” Items that would help women everywhere reach their goals of living a well-rounded, creative, career-driven life with purpose.
    Well, fast forward ten years, and let our story be another example of not settling or giving up. As we’ve said many times before, we’ve grown this business slow and steadily, patiently and staying true to our mission, as we encourage all of you to do the same with your dreams.
    And we are elated to say that as of today, The Everygirl 2021 day planner collection is now live at Target.com and will be in a store near you over the next few days!
    How did this come to be, you may ask? Let’s rewind to 2018.

    I remember the moment like it was yesterday. Our partnership director gave us the exciting news that she’d be talking with Day Designer–the premiere name of planners and notebooks–and they wanted to partner with The Everygirl on a 2021 collection of day planners. Gasp. As if that wasn’t thrilling enough, she told us that we’d be pitching the collection to Target.
    I’m fairly certain dogs in Indiana heard our screams of excitement at the news. Sure we dreamed of seeing The Everygirl name on products, but planners are to The Everyirl team what books are to Rory Gilmore. Lists, goals, charts, stickers, reminders, all organized neatly in one specific place–Ooo boy! It gets our blood rushing.
    The Day Designer team are true experts in the planner space and we can’t thank them enough for making this whole process so easy and fun. Collaborating with them meant we’d get to design a large collection of planners, front to back, choose the formatting and content, curate and design stickers, pick out the details, all of it. Truly one of those 2011 pipe dreams coming true.

    Once we got the news and details, we immediately got to work, pinning inspiration, mood-boarding color palettes, brainstorming creative details to include. 
    Unsurprisingly, we settled on our signature color palette: a base of white and grey neutrals paired with soft blush, mint green, and pastel blue and finished with gold foil accents and spirals. We wanted beautiful texture and went with a linen material for our two signature planners: The Career Planner and the 30 Day Challenge Planner. 

    As for patterns, thick stripes, striking ikat dots, and feminine florals round out a collection that is as classic as it is beautiful. Our graphic designer hand-lettered quotes for each month page, and we pulled helpful resources from our archives to include to help inspire and guide your year.

    It’s crazy to think we had this entire collection finalized over a year ago and were so proud of the pieces we put together and presented to Day Designer. So you can only imagine our elation when we found out The Everygirl planners were being picked up by Target to be sold in stores all over the country and on their website! That’s right–as of today, you can shop the entire collection of 2021 planners on Target.com and in a few days, they’ll be in a Target store near you!

    The collection comes in a range of sizes, from desktop calendars to wall calendars, spiral-bound and book-bound notebooks. They’re all so beautiful, it’s almost impossible to choose one. How many planners is too many, we wonder? The limit probably doesn’t exist.
    We hope you enjoy!

    available at Target More

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    How to Support Friends Who Are Spending the Holidays Alone

    While this time of year is traditionally full of opportunities for celebration, there are many for whom the holidays can be an isolating and difficult season to get through. With the year that we’ve had, it’s also likely that for some, this is their first holiday season alone. And while spending time with ourselves is a great way to explore and invite growth into our lives, it can be particularly challenging to find the positive in being by yourself during a time of year when we’re expected to feel nothing but happy holiday joy.The good news is that while virtual chats have become our go-to—albeit exhausting—means of communication, there are many ways you can connect with and support loved ones from a distance. From dropping off baskets filled with homemade goodies to exchanging cards expressing your gratitude and love, below are 10 ideas that’ll help you foster connection and build community this season.

    1. Check in
    Reaching out is a great place to start. Be sure to ask before you assume how they’re responding to being on their own for the holidays. It’s possible that they’re looking forward to not having to endure a long family meal, and of course it’s also possible that they’re heartbroken over not being able to go home or gather with loved ones. By checking in, you’re inviting your friend to share their truth, and you’re offering them the space to be heard. 
    This is also a great time to provide additional outlets for your friend if they need extra support. Maybe that’s encouraging them to connect with their therapist or schedule a phone or Zoom call with their family. Listen as they voice their needs, and respond with resources that can further support them.

    2. Support their rest
    Many of us have at least a couple days off from work around the holidays, and 2020 plus a busy season means everyone is in need of more than a little rest. Curate a line-up of their favorite holiday episodes, send them a roundup of books they’ll love, or put together a soothing playlist of songs that will put them at ease. Not only are you sharing tools and resources that will help them unwind, but you’re also letting them know that their health and well-being is important to you.

    3. Marathon your favorite holiday movies 
    I’ve waxed poetic about The Holiday being my favorite Christmas movie more times than I can count. And while a Nancy Meyers script combined with scenes of a picture-perfect English village is enough to make me happily burrow away for several days without human contact, there’s really nothing better than watching your favorite holiday movies with friends. Whether that’s telepartying on Netflix or FaceTiming while you watch Happiest Season, there are plenty of ways you can still connect over the beautifully-cheesy films we can’t get enough of during this time of year. 
    Pull on your coziest PJs, mix up a batch of your favorite holiday-themed snack (I’m going for Muddy Buddies), and get ready for hours-long texting convos about whether or not The Princess Switch or The Princess Switch: Switched Again is the superior Vanessa Hudgens performance (we’re awaiting your honest thoughts!).

    4. Dream together
    Next time you’re chatting with your friend, let your focus shift to the future for a bit, and share how good it’ll feel when you can get together, go for dinner, or even just see each other from closer than six feet again. While a disheartening news spiral can make us all feel a little hopeless at times, it’s important to remember that it won’t always be this way. Dreaming up possibilities for a future trip to Europe together can brighten up any challenging day, and the only thing that’s better than travel planning is taking the vacation itself.

    5. Drop off a basket filled with their favorites
    There’s a reason sharing gift baskets with new neighbors was once a staple of every guide to etiquette. Putting together a collection of your friend’s favorite things—snacks, baked goods, the cedar-scented candle they can’t get enough of—and dropping it off on their front step is a thoughtful surprise anyone would be happy to receive. You can even pack your friend dinner plus a bottle of wine or pair store-bought jam with an assortment of homemade baked goods. Whatever it is you think they’ll look forward to the most, fill the basket with that.

    6. See the lights 
    Pack up your holiday beverage of choice (I’m pouring peppermint hot cocoa), and set out in your respective cars to find the prettiest holiday lights. A quick Google search for holiday light displays in your city will likely turn up helpful results, and you can always ask around for recommendations from those in the know. When you get to your destination, bundle up, walk around, and get ready to ooh and aah at all the winter wonderlands you find.

    7. Go virtual, but challenge yourselves to get creative
    With months of Zoom-only interactions behind us, Zoom fatigue is very real. But it’s also possible that it’s the way that we’re interacting virtually that’s contributing to the drain. Virtual happy hours were fun for about a minute, but it’s time that we branch out and find all the many amazing classes, performances, exhibitions, and more that we have access to now that we’re all online. DIY a winter wreath, tune in for a virtual performance, cue up an online workout, or learn how to create gorgeous lettering like an artist. Whatever you decide to do, it’ll be an opportunity for you to connect, grow, and learn something new together.

    8. Go for a socially-distant walk
    Walks are the real MVP of quarantine, and if you live in the same city, send a text to see if your friend wants to go for one together. Not only are endorphins, sunshine, and connection a game-changing combo for your mental space, but you’ll also get the opportunity to catch up in-person, even if from behind a mask.

    9. Volunteer together
    Whether you’re spending the holidays alone or not, giving back can raise anyone’s spirits and reminds us of all we have to contribute. See what opportunities are available right now in your community or go online for ideas. Connect with an organization that’s distributing hand-written letters to senior facilities or gather up donations to bring to your local food bank. Any option you choose will have the same effect: Boosted empathy and a reminder of what this season is really all about.

    10. Send a little “thinking of you”
    What are the things about your friend for which you’re the most grateful? Maybe it’s their vulnerability, their strength, or their kindness. Maybe it’s their ever-expanding imagination that keeps you inspired. Make a list of all the things you love and appreciate about them. Write your list in a card and drop the little love note in the mail.
    Whether that’s a DM, text, or a small note in the mail, it’s a simple gesture that can have an amazing impact. Sometimes the simplest things matter most. More

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    Do Not Disturb: 5 Vibrators to Spend The Holidays With

    I’ve always been a little bummed about spending the holidays without a significant other. (Why yes, I have been single for every holiday since birth, let’s not discuss.) I’m so lucky to be with my family every year, and I have friends to boot to share the holiday joy with. But there are enough Christmas rom-coms out there to make me wish I had someone to introduce to my family in a chaotic way or worry about what to get them. However, not once have I ever wished that I’d have someone to have sex with, because frankly, my vibrator is better. Listen: it packs so neatly into my luggage, doesn’t require any talks about what to say when my mom asks, “When are you getting married?” and it shuts up the second I click off the off button. Whether you also don’t have a partner or you’re not seeing each other this year, these five vibrators are the next best thing—we might even argue they’re a little better.

    Deluxe Rechargeable Mini Massage Wand Vibrator

    If you’ve never tried a wand vibrator, now’s the time. These magical vibes are entirely for clitoral stimulation, but the large head makes it extra powerful. With seven patterns and 10 intensity levels, you’re bound to find the exact combo you need to have amazing orgasms on your own. It’s available in four colors and USB rechargeable (unlike the original wands you might recognize that plug into the wall—very ‘90s).

    Wild Flower
    Enby Vibrator

    This is the first truly gender neutral vibrator on the market, aptly named the Enby (which is a short term used to describe non-binary). It can be used in a number of ways, making it one of the most versatile vibes I’ve ever seen (and I’m a sex writer—I see a lot of vibrators). You can rub on it, tuck into a harness, place it between you and a partner, and mold it to fit almost any need. It has three speeds and five patterns of vibration and is USB rechargeable—which, if you can’t tell, is a major selling point (who wants to buy batteries?).

    Womanizer Starlet USB Rechargeable Clitoral Stimulator

    This vibrator is a best-seller on The Everygirl, and I can’t even count all the reasons why on one hand. From personal experience, these suction vibrators are the most unique sex toys on the market in recent years because they truly mimic oral sex in a way that makes me worry that finding a partner could become obsolete. This one is special because it’s petite, has four levels of intensity, and is USB rechargeable.

    Fifty Shades of Grey Greedy Girl G-Spot Rabbit Vibrator

    Everyone needs a classic rabbit vibrator in their collection if they receive orgasms from both oral and vaginal stimulation. They can all be pretty similar, but this one caught my eye because it’s luxe and high-quality without an outrageous price tag (sex toys can be astronomically expensive!). This one has two motors for each side, giving you 36 different combinations to achieve your best orgasm.

    Dame Zee Vibrator

    No matter what you’re doing this holiday season, a classic bullet vibrator is nothing short of a good time. This tiny vibe is made from ABS plastic instead of silicone, so it’s really easy to clean, ultra-soft on the body, and can be used with water and silicone-based lube. It’s water-resistant (happy bath season!), and—you guessed it—USB rechargeable. With three speeds, this is all the company you need. More