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      in lifestyle and culture

      Saving for Your First Home Can Be Overwhelming—Here’s How I’m Doing It

      by

      I’ve always wanted to be a homeowner. I’m not exactly certain when I realized this (so maybe always is an overstatement), but all I know is there’s something so attractive about the idea of having a solid piece of real estate that I can call my own. That’s why, from college graduation on, I’ve made a conscious decision that my big, long-term goal in life is to own a home of my own. You see, beyond just wanting a space that’s truly mine, I most certainly do not want to spend money on an apartment when I can put those same funds toward a mortgage. This is a very personal choice, and one that has largely to do with the fact that I don’t like the idea of paying rent on a property I’ll never own. So, to turn my dream into a reality, I started saving. From the outset, I knew this wouldn’t be the easiest thing in the world. I’m a writer and editor and, while head over heels in love with my job, I’m the first to admit that there are much more profitable careers than my own. Even so, I didn’t let my early days as a struggling freelance writer and collector of odd jobs deter me. I have a vision, and I’m not going to stop hustling until I have the deed—and the keys—to my very own home in my hands.
      To work my way toward my home ownership goal, I keep a few ground rules. I’m a rule-follower by nature, so having a handful of things to do (and not to do) in place has been instrumental to help me stick to my resolve.

      1. Say no to memberships
      The first thing I promised myself when I decided I wanted to become a homeowner was to avoid any and every sort of membership I could. To start, I skipped the gym membership in favor of free fitness classes and programs I found on Pinterest or YouTube. I love switching up my workouts, so I’ll often hop from Pilates on PopSugar Fitness to a HIIT routine I pinned to my “healthy living” board. Sticking with free fitness opportunities has been relatively easy to do and, since I haven’t been to a gym since college, I don’t really miss it. I did invest in hand weights and a yoga mat early on, and I’ve found that those two things are really all I need to get in a good sweat session.
      The second type of membership I turned down is perhaps a harder one to quit, but also one I believe has so many positive effects. You see, I don’t have—and never have had—a streaming service subscription. That means no Netflix, no Hulu, no sort of paid television program whatsoever. Is this a controversial choice? Perhaps. But it also saves me a fair chunk of money that would otherwise go to monthly fees.
      To get around the lack of paid streaming programs, I’ve become BFFs with free services like Crackle, Tubi, and YouTube. They might not have the hottest movies and TV shows all the time (hey, did I say this was a perfect world?), but they do have a solid selection of content. For instance, I got to watch Labyrinth, one of my all-time favorite movies, on Tubi the other day, and it was everything. On top of that, I’m also an avid reader who would rather curl up with a book than stream a movie most days of the week, so I’m always happy to pick up a good read when I’m looking for entertainment.

      2. Live with a parent
      This is a hard one, Everygirls. It’s also something that is completely circumstantial and not for everyone. Personally, I’m lucky enough that my father is willing to let me live in my childhood home until I can find a place of my own. He purchased his own house, the one I live in today, around when he was my current age, so he understands and supports my vision. That being said, it’s a give-and-take arrangement that comes with its own set of sacrifices. Even so, for me, it’s worth it in the long haul.
      Starting with the pros, I’ll say that the cost of living compared to renting an apartment is far less. While I do pay for expenses and “rent,” those costs total less than it would to keep up an apartment. Because of this, I’ve been able to stash away that extra money into a savings account and CD to build up my personal funds more quickly. Plus, my dad and I get along well, and he’s always down to taste-test any recipes I make.
      As for the cons, living at home is not great for my dating life. One of the biggest downsides to living at home is knowing that I will never, ever bring a guy back to my place. My father’s house is small and I’m sleeping in my childhood room, so it’s just not an option. While it wasn’t as much of an issue during those times when I was #singleandlovingit, it’s not the greatest thing in the world now that I’m dating someone. To deal with it, I’ve been upfront with my boyfriend about my dream of owning a house, and he supports it. There’s no perfect way around this, so I think facing the issue head on and rolling with the punches is what keeps me going.

      Source: Aimée Mazzenga for The Everygirl

      3. Set up those income streams
      Like I mentioned above, I’m a writer and editor. I love, love, love what I do, but I also love a good side hustle. It keeps me busy and keeps the extra dollars coming in, so that’s a win-win in my book. To up my savings on the path toward home ownership, I’ve set up multiple side projects that help me bring in additional cash each month. This includes everything from freelancing to selling clothes on Poshmark to scanning receipts on Ibotta. Sometimes I’m not earning a lot from each outlet, but that’s not the point. What matters most is that every extra dollar goes straight into my house fund. And watching that number grow month by month is so, so motivating each time I scour my local Zillow pages.

      4. Save every penny
      When you’re saving for a house, the big picture is a long-term goal. Because of this, staying dedicated to the goal over not just months, but years can be more than a little challenging. From the start, I set up a few savings strategies to keep me going. In terms of how I’m saving, I break it up between a savings account and a certificate of deposit (CD), the latter of which earns me interest more quickly. While COVID-19 did a number on CD interest rates, overall, this option has been a great way to passively earn additional dollars each year.
      As for how I save on a day-to-day basis, it’s all about being mindful. Over the years, I’ve made it a practice to really think about each dollar I want to spend. Will the money go to something meaningful or essential? Is it something materialistic that I don’t actually need? By pausing for reflection prior to each purchase, I’ve been able to curb my spending in a big way. On top of that, I pay for a cheap phone plan, I never order takeout and only eat out occasionally, and I use coupons when I shop for groceries. Plus, a few years ago I made the decision to stop purchasing fast and new fashion. While the decision was primarily an environmentally-driven one, it’s led me to save a ton of money by looking for new-to-me duds at consignment stores, Goodwill, or The Salvation Army instead of paying full price for mass-merchandised apparel.

      Source: Stil Classics

      5. Find free things to do
      There are so many free things to do, you just need to know where to look. 
      When I first started saving for a house, I found finding ways to stay entertained particularly challenging. I didn’t want to stay inside and browse the internet for hours on end, but I also didn’t want to go out and spend all my cash. To remedy this, I started making a list of everything I wanted to do but hadn’t done in my area that was 100-percent free. In no time at all, I had a lengthy notebook page full of everything from hikes to picnics to window shopping in towns I like. And those are just the adventures I planned for outdoors. When the weather is cooler, the homebody in me loves staying indoors to try new recipes, catch up on movies, and get lost in a book or two. Plus, for savers who want to brush up on skills or learn new ones, there are so many (free!) courses available online that cover nearly every topic under the sun. Recently, I watched Canva’s design and marketing courses to help me dive into new layout concepts and improve my social media skills.

      6. Keep yourself motivated
      Last but not least, Everygirls, is the most important step on this list. It’s hard to save. Every day, there are so many temptations (that new restaurant, those trendy shoes, that awesome experience) that make it feel like pure torture to turn a blind eye and drop those hard-earned dollars into your savings account instead. But I’m here to tell you that it’s so worth it. Sometimes you just need a little extra motivation to convince yourself of that truth.
      To stay motivated, the key is to stay mindful. While I’m a huge fan of mindfulness in everyday life, I think this practice rings especially true when it comes to weighing the pros and cons of saving vs. spending. Go beyond just asking yourself “Do I really need this?” and get to the core of the matter with “Does this add value to my life? If so, how?” If the answer isn’t as meaningful or satisfying as it should be, then you probably don’t need to make that purchase.
      On top of that, it’s also important to do everything you can to visualize yourself in your new home. In addition to signing up for all the Zillow alerts, start planning what you can. Organize those Pinterest boards with your interior aesthetics room by room, set a picture of your dream home as your desktop, and write a list of all the little things that make a space feel like home to you. That way, even when the saving gets tough, you’ll never lose sight of the big, house-shaped picture.

      How do you save for large purchases? Let us know below. More

    • 163 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      The Kitchen Tool Instagram Can’t Stop Raving About Is On Sale This Weekend

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      Chances are, if you’ve scrolled Instagram within the last few months (have you done much else?), you’ve seen someone raving about a new chic pan that not only can do the job of a ton of the tools in a kitchen, but also looks beautiful enough to sit out on the stove all the time—ideal for small spaces. Our Place’s Always Pan steams, sautés, cooks grains, simmers soups and sauces, fries, and more, all on a non-stick surface that cleans easily. According to our director of brand partnerships who uses her Always Pan for just about everything, the non-stick surface is the real deal. Because it’s such an all-in-one powerhouse, it can replace your fry pan, saucier, skillet, saucepan, non-stick pan, and more. No more using three or four pans just to get dinner on the table—you can do just about everything in this one pan. 

      Say goodbye to those old, not-so-great pans you bought affordably for your first apartment. The pan even comes with a basket that serves as a colander and steamer and has a a notch on the handle that’s designed to hold your utensil, keeping your counter clean while cooking. The pan comes in six different colors, each more gorgeous than the last, and colors can sell out, so if you’ve been waiting, now’s the time.

      Though it’s too late to get the pan in time for Christmas morning (in most colors, at least), the Always Pan would make a truly great gift for anyone in your life who enjoys cooking or has to work with space or storage issues—or a treat for yourself. If you’re looking for more kitchen-related Black Friday deals, Our Place is also featuring its dinnerware collections in various sizes.
      A pretty pan that cuts the number of cookware you actually need down to a fraction of what you’d think it’d be? Sign us up. More

    • 63 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      25 Insanely Cute Holiday Ornaments

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      Growing up, my mom took a lot of pride in our Fancy Tree. The day after Thanksgiving, she’d trek into the basement, search through a mess of storage boxes, and revive her beloved pre-lit tree for it to make its long-awaited debut. She’d spend hours fluffing it up, trimming it with sparkly whites and golds, and taking steps back with her hands on her hips to admire it from afar. The annual rebirth of Fancy Tree was a symbolic start to the holiday season; it made our house feel like a home straight out of an HGTV commercial.Once Fancy Tree was in business, the real fun began. Enter Fun Tree: our downstairs, faux tree strung with multicolored lights and a collection of ornaments from the time my parents married through my toddler years to the birth of my youngest sibling and beyond. We would put up the ornaments, laughing at the stories behind them, recounting how much we’d grown, and wondering where the time had gone. From a designer’s eye, Fun Tree was a hot mess. To us, it was absolutely perfect.
      Whether you prefer your tree to be a Joanna Gaines-worthy masterpiece or a beautiful mess of memories, there’s always room to add a little piece of the present. We’ve rounded up our favorite 2020 ornaments to add to your collection. More

    • 88 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      The Everygirl’s 2020 Budget-Friendly Holiday Gift Guide

      by

      The magic of the holiday season has been known to transcend time and space. Feeling off in May? Watch a Christmas movie. To us, The Holiday is a classic all year round. Having a bad day? Listen to Michael Buble’s Christmas album on repeat. You can feel the joy and spirit of the holidays regardless of whether there’s snow on the ground or what your tree looks like. It’s a feeling rather than a time or season. If there was anything we needed to close out 2020, it’s the proof that even after an absolute dumpster fire of a year, the holidays are still as joyful and full as ever, and finding your loved ones the perfect gift to show that you’re caring and thinking about them right now is at the top of our to-do lists. This isn’t to say holiday shopping is going to be any easier this year. We all have indecisive dads (seriously, what the heck do you want, Dad?), picky BFFs, new mom friends, and those dreaded people who seem to already have everything. Plus, with potential shipping delays, less in-store shopping, and an amazing push to support many small and Black-owned businesses this year, the holiday shopping experience might take a little more thought than picking up a few go-to gift cards. So of course, we took extra care when creating our annual budget-friendly holiday gift guide to include only the best-of-the-best. We found the perfect gifts for every single person on your list (perhaps including yourself!) so you can rest easy and enjoy the holiday season with one less 2020 worry on your plate. Most of this list is under $100, and for every splurge, we found an inexpensive alternative or similar item. Pop on some holiday tunes, grab your favorite throw blanket, and switch on your twinkly lights—we’re holiday shopping!

      EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODES:
      New users save 20% at Equilibria with the code theeverygirl
      Save 50% on your first month of Obé Fitness with the code TEG50
      Save 15% on all kits at Cooking Gift Set Co. with the code everygirlcooks15
      Save 20% at DIME Beauty with the code everygirl20
      Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20
      Save 10% at Follain with the code EVERYGIRL (Discount does not apply to the following brands: Josh Rosebrook, La Bella Figura, May Lindstrom, One Love Organics, OSEA, Saie, Vitner’s Daughter. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts.)

      Gifts for HOLIDAY CHEER

      1. A Legendary Christmas on vinyl, John Legend2. printed tea towel, Rifle Paper Co.3. plaid button-down PJ top & plaid joggers, Abercrombie 4. french tart baking kit, Cooking Gift Set Co.*5. plaid monogram mug, Pottery Barn6. longwear lip color, Fenty7. faux garland, Hearth & Hand8. merry and bright candle, Tokki9. festive throw pillow, Target10. wreath, Target11. custom pet ornament, Ape Town Animals via Etsy12. marble stocking hangers, Bed Bath & Beyond13. plaid scarf, Mark & Graham14. holiday variety 4-pack chocolate bars, Lily’s Sweets15. custom tree topper, The Letter Loft UK via Etsy

      *Save 15% on all kits at Cooking Gift Set Co. with the code everygirlcooks15

      Gifts for the MINIMALIST

      1. serum set, DIME Beauty*2. edge wine glass, Crate & Barrel3. skin-softening body glow oil, Sol de Janeiro4. cut glass ring dish, Waterford | crystal ring holder, Vera Wang by Wedgwood (budget)5. mini rattan lamp, Simply SUEL via Etsy6. tortoise comb, Violet Grey7. hand pomade, Le Labo8. custom initial necklace, Grace Personalized via Etsy9. washable silk set, Lunya | satin pajamas, Nordstrom (budget) 10. jazz club travel spray, Replica11. maple coaster set, Louise Gray12. calming candle, Follain*13. ruffled marble bowl, Terrain14. Made for Living, Amber Lewis15. handmade porcelain mug, Franca16. the always pan, Our Place 

      *Save 20% at DIME Beauty with the code everygirl20
      *Save 10% at Follain with the code EVERYGIRL

      Gifts for the HOMEBODY

      1. shower wine holder, SipCaddy2. meal delivery gift card, Blue Apron3. What Kind of Woman, Kate Baer4. cozy zip-up, Talbots5. candle accessory kit, Amazon6. honey hair mask, Gisou7. bed desk tray, Target8. pink disco candle, Carlyle Avenue*9. metallic nail polish, Cirque10. pom throw blanket, Pottery Barn11. cbd bath bombs, Equilibria*12. popcorn seasoning kit, Williams Sonoma13. gift card, The Everygirl Online Courses14. glass water bottle, Porter15. popcorn maker, Dash

      *New users save 20% at Equilibria with the code theeverygirl
      *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20

      Gifts for the TRAVELER

      1. The Essential Travel Set, Dermstore2. to-go hand sanitizer, Touchland3. wireless battery case, Apple | portable charging bank, Amazon (budget) 4. leopard mask, VIDA5. weekender bag, Cuyana | renew weekender, Everlane (budget) 6. headphone splitter,  Airfly7. collapsible mug, Stojo8. hard shell travel case, Calpak9. mini dry shampoo set, Living Proof 10. bluetooth remote shutter for phone, Amazon11. de-puff under eye patches, Peace Out12. jetset case, Truffle13. neck pillow & eye mask set, Calpak14. bucket list travel experience, Tinggly15. extra-long cord, Amazon16. sonic toothbrush, BURST Oral Care17. packing cube set, Beis

      Gifts for the WELLNESS GURU

      1. silk pillowcase, Moonlit Skincare2. adaptogenic elixirs, Wylde One3. running jacket, Sweaty Betty4. bum bum body scrub, Sol de Janeiro5. cbd roller ball duo, Equilibria* 6. mini air fryer, Dash7. omega-3 capsules, HUM Nutrition8. classic tumbler, Simple Modern9. mini backpack, Nike10. seamless workout set, Roam Loud11. oversized gua sha for muscles, Amazon12. the sex gel, Nécessaire13. personal vibe, Smile Makers14. level up kit, Obé Fitness*15. Cooking Solo, Klancy Miller

      *New users save 20% at Equilibria with the code theeverygirl
      *Save 50% on your first month of Obé Fitness with the code TEG50

      Gifts for the BEAUTY EXPERT

      1. brow shaping wax & dual ended brow brush, Patrick Ta2. sheet mask boxed set, Lapcos3. best of lip & cheek set, Rare Beauty4. rapid dry hair turban, Aquis5. pink drink firming essence, Sunday Riley via Dermstore6. mini facial toning device, NuFace | microcurrent toning device, Lookfantastic (budget)7. ionic facial steamer, Aira8. glow serum, Maelove9. LED mirror with phone attachment, Nordstrom | LED makeup mirror, Target (budget)10. custom skincare system, PROVEN Skincare11. cleansing oil, One Love Organics via Follain 12. lipstick trio, Charlotte Tilbury 13. Glow, Joanna Vargas14. manuka honey body balm, Advanced Clinicals 15. masters palette, Makeup by Mario 16. holiday hair fix set, Olaplex via Dermstore

      Gifts for the CLASSIC FEMME

      1. embroidered cocktail napkins, Biscuit Home2. face shaping brush, Fenty3. champagne coupe set, Estelle4. matte black sunglasses, Quay Australia 5. tortoiseshell case, Sonix6. classic camel sweater, Talbots7. french pin set, Kristin Ess8. terracotta platter, Monika Hibbs Home9. velvet hair bow, J.Crew10. scented candle, Jo Malone London11. wool beret, Halogen12. mini box bag, H&M13. champagne ornament, Carlyle Avenue* 14. sneakers, Superga15. HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style by Elizabeth Holmes, Celadon Books16. leather vanity case, Neely & Chloe17. lip polish, French Girl Organics via Follain*18. fringed scarf, & Other Stories19. name necklace, mint & lily20. seagrass-wrapped pitcher, Serena & Lily

      *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20
      *Save 10% at Follain with the code EVERYGIRL

      Gifts for the TRENDSETTER

      1. stoneware incense holder, Bloomist2. frameable puzzle, Jiggy3. claw clip set, Rise Boutique Supplies via Etsy4. giant scrunchie trio, Shayne5. scented candle, Otherland6. matchbook, Carlyle Avenue*7. initial keychain, Cherrybomb by Amanda via Etsy8. mask with chain, Second Wind9. color pop coat, Talbots10. instant glow kit, Cosmedica Skincare11. roller skates, Impala12. sleep capsules, Rae Wellness13. highlighter intensifier, Rituel de Fille14. lounge set, Amazon15. sunglasses, Privé Revaux Eyewear16. slingback slipper, UGG | faux fur slippers, Amazon (budget)17. milky lip jelly, Tower 2818. camera phone case, Amazon 19. Women Design by Libby Sellers, Quarto Publishing20. birth flower ring, Bijoun Boutique via Etsy

      *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20

      Gifts for MOM FRIENDS

      1. acrylic dry erase calendar, Circle and Square Decor via Etsy2. cozy socks, Barefoot Dreams3. name ring, Grace Personalized via Etsy4. matching hat set, Bitty Brah5. illuminating rose gold serum, Cosmedica Skincare6. gift card, Drybar7. body wash, Nécessaire8. “tired” mug, Little Oak Marketplace via Etsy9. tote insert, Beis10. custom disc bracelet, Baublebar11. pure & glowing set, Tatcha12. collagen & rosewater facial spray, Advanced Clinicals 13. custom embroidered sweater, Cygnet Living14. 10 oz wine tumbler, Yeti15. super eye duo, DIME Beauty*16. goodnight moon baby gift box, Baby Boxy17. La Marca Prosecco, Target18. silk eye mask, Moonlit Skincare

      *Save 20% at DIME Beauty with the code everygirl20

      Gifts for the FUTURE CEO

      1. monogrammed leather laptops sleeve, Mark & Graham | personalized leather laptop sleeve, Etsy (budget) 2. monogrammed leather mouse pad, Extra Studio via Etsy3. silk face mask, Moonlit Skincare4. neck massager, Amazon5. blue light glasses, WearMe Pro6. “we’re in this together” sweater, ellsworth + ivey7. Vanity Fair’s Women on Women, Radhika Jones & David Friend8. leather wireless charging tray, Courant | wireless charger, Verishop (budget) 9. the holiday cookie tin, Milk Bar10. ice roller for face & eyes, Amazon11. The Essential Photoshop Course, The Everygirl Online Courses12. sheet mask, The Aftermask13. “is it Friday yet?” mug, Talking Out Of Turn14. monogrammed phone case, The Daily Edited | monogram phone case, Casetify (budget) 15. acrylic monitor stand, Amazon

      Gifts for the DECOR-OBSESSED

      1. gold monogram mug, Williams Sonoma2. woven baskets, World Market3. pressed floral coaster set, Mica Theory via Etsy4. swiss dot toss pillow, Linen & Ivory via Etsy5. holiday noir candle, Brooklyn Candle Studio6. candlesticks, Threshold7. no-rinse hand cleanser, Carlyle Avenue* 8. taper candles, Brooke & Lou9. wall mirror, Threshold10. gold bar spoon & muddler, Crate & Barrel11. stripe throw, Lulu and Georgia12. faux floral arrangement, Perigold | faux hydrangea arrangement, Wayfair (budget)13. marble frames, Crate & Barrel 14. bust statue, CB2 | diana bust, Wayfair (budget)15. blush pillar candle, Crate & Barrel 16. custom doormat, Black Butterfly Signs via Etsy17. concrete tray, Emily’s Redesign via Etsy18. The New Southern Style, Alyssa Rosenheck | signed copy from a small business

      *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20

      Gifts for the PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING

      1. protective keychain, Gemelli 2. self-cleaning water bottle, LARQ3. subscription, Book of the Month4. mini wireless photo printer, Canon5. desktop ring light, Brilliant Ideas6. poppy manicure tool, Olive & June7. custom illustrated portrait, The Babe Shop8. treat-tossing pet camera, Furbo | petcube camera, Amazon (budget)9. cozy throw blanket, Barefoot Dreams | snug as a bug blanket, Apricot Lane (budget)10. RHONY coloring book, Shop Hello Harlot via Etsy11. UV hand sanitizer, MediPop12. bluetooth karaoke mic, Amazon13. laptop camera cover, Lee London14. digital subscription, Obé Fitness*15. “Luke’s” mug, BethLynn Designs via Etsy

      *Save 50% on your first month of Obé Fitness with the code TEG50

      Gifts for the GUYS

      1. Hot Ones hot sauce pack, The Heatonist2. portable ping pong set, Pro Spin3. scuff slipper, UGG | lonny slipper, DFW (budget)4. workout shorts, Legends5. utility bucket & gear belt, Yeti6. stainless steel water bottle, Tree Tribe7. handmade bar soap, Dr. Squatch 8. 2-in-1 eye moisturizer, Advanced Clinicals9. kick-stand phone case, Amazon10. customizable belt gift box, Anson Belt & Buckle11. bitter sampler kit, Honest John12. waterproof sneakers, Allbirds13. wooden sunglasses, HAVERN Watches14. insulated adventure poncho, ThermaRest15. leaf leather wallet, Tree Tribe16. spikeball set, Target17. Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, Emmanuel Acho

      Gifts for COZY CHIC

      1. bibliothèque room spray, Byredo | home spray, The Laundress (budget)2. cozy knit robe, SKIMS3. Moira Rose mug, All Jolly Gifts via Etsy4. teddy pillow, Pottery Barn5. the popper popcorn bowl, CB26. refillable marble candle, Gilded Body7. coconut bath soak, Herbivore8. ultra soft throw, UGG9. fuzzy slippers, The White Company10. cocktail kit, Terrain11. Venus de Milo bottle opener, Doiy12. lip balm, Summer Fridays13. fluffy socks, UGG14. cozy knit pant, SKIMS15. knit scarf, aerie16. weighted blanket, Amazon17. hot cocoa kit, Food5218. sherpa zip-up, Abercrombie 

      Gifts for our MOMS

      1. hardcover photo book, Artifact Uprising2. bronze & glow set, Charlotte Tilbury 3. beauty butter, 54 Thrones4. Le Labo rose signature detergent, The Laundress5. monogram cards, Augusta Joy Stationery via Etsy6. v-neck sweater, Amazon7. personalized recipe platter, Our Platter via Etsy8. restorative night cream, DIME Beauty*9. artisanal olive oil, Brightland10. bath oil collection, Aromatherapy Associates 11. bracelet Apple Watch strap, Rebecca Minkoff 12. initial necklace, Monday Monarch via Etsy13. flower press kit, Jayson Home14. New World Sourdough by Bryan Ford, Quarto Publishing15. comfort of calm gift set, Equilibria*16. velvet loafer, Birdies17. décolletage mask, The Light Salon

      *Save 20% at DIME Beauty with the code everygirl20
      *New users save 20% at Equilibria with the code theeverygirl

      Gifts for our DADS

      1. The National Baseball Hall of Fame Collection by James Buckley, Quarto Publishing2. under-the-desk bike, Amazon | compact strider, Amazon (budget)3. espresso machine, Nespresso | k-cafe coffee maker, Keurig (budget)4. ancestry kit, 23andMe5. personalized whiskey decanter, Swanky Badger via Etsy6. wood record frame, CB27. open ear headphones, Amazon8. quarter zip pullover, Patagonia | quarter zip fleece, Patagonia (budget)9. deep tissue muscle treatment, TheraGun | massage gun, Amazon (budget)10. protective face mask, VIDA11. bi-monthly steak box, Omaha Steaks12. TV soundbar, Bose13. spun slipper, Deer Stags14. zoom binocular, Nikon | binoculars, Gosky (budget)15. putting green, Amazon16. wifi smart plug set, Amazon17. wood smoked barbecue set, Cooking Gift Set Co.*

      *Save 15% on all kits at Cooking Gift Set Co. with the code everygirlcooks15 More

    • 138 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      15 Books to Read if You Need a Mental Health Boost

      by

      Some days we feel scared, some days we feel sad, some days we feel stressed, and some days we just feel blah. Luckily for us (and 2020), the best cure for a bad day is a good book (and maybe a tub of ice cream?). Whether you’re looking for an escape, some tangible advice, or major inspiration, there’s a book out there that can help boost your mood, reduce stress, and make you feel motivated. Forget laughter–these 15 books truly are the best medicine when you need a mental health boost (and some will make you laugh too). Add to cart or your Kindle cue now if you’re going through a tough time, to have ready for rainy days, or to gift to a friend that could use some extra inspiration. 

      Oprah Winfrey
      The Wisdom of Sundays: Life-Changing Insights from Super Soul Conversations

      So you need a little pick-me-up? The obvious answer: Oprah. Always. The very best “aha” moments from “Super Soul Sunday” are compiled into this deeply encouraging collection of interviews between Oprah and some of the world’s most inspiring leaders. If you’ve been lacking purpose, motivation, or feel lost, this is the book for you.

      John P. Forsyth PhD and Georg H. Eifert PhD
      Anxiety Happens: 52 Ways to Find Peace of Mind

      If you feel like anxiety is taking over your life (who doesn’t in 2020?), this quick reference guide offers one simple tool or strategy for every single week of the year, so you can work to less stress and anxiety, one step at a time. There’s also some in-the-moment tips to stay calm when you’re having a particularly stressful workday or in an anxious state. By 2022, you could be totally stress-free!

      Lalah Delia
      Vibrate Higher Daily: Live Your Power

      Looking for inspiration to tap into your inner power and become your best self? Instagram superstar, Lalah Deliah, put her self-help wisdom into this comprehensive book that teaches we have control over situations and our emotions. “Vibrating Higher Daily” helps you make intentional day-to-day choices that lift you out of mindsets, habits, and lifestyles that don’t serve you, and into ones that do.

      Gretchen Rubin
      The Happiness Project

      Gretchen Rubin set out on an entire year dedicated to happiness. The result? One of the most helpful and life-changing works of positive psychology that teaches us how to actually be happy. I love “The Happiness Project” because it combines personal anecdotes, scientific research, and wisdom from the past to help us not only achieve happiness, but re-examine what we all want out of life.

      Gabrielle Bernstein
      Super Attractor: Methods for Manifesting a Life beyond Your Wildest Dreams

      Filled with tangible tools like the “Choose Again Method” for reframing negative and boosting your mood, “Super Attractor” is a more spiritual approach to a mental health pick-me-up, with essential tips to live in alignment with the universe to create the life that you want.

      Elaine Welteroth
      More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)

      If you love memoirs, “More Than Enough” is the memoir that will simultaneously entertain you and boost your confidence, happiness, and purpose. Welteroth unpacks lessons on race, identity, and success through her own journey, while offering advice to readers who need a reminder that they’re f*cking awesome.

      Good Vibes, Good Life

      You may have heard of Vex King from his killer Instagram posts that regularly go viral from their profound advice and relatable inspiration. His book is just as good as his Instagram, only with a little more detail. “Good Vibes, Good Life” draws from his personal experience and intuitive wisdom to help you practice self-care, cultivate positive habits, manifest your goals using tried-and-true techniques, overcome fear, and find a higher purpose to be a shining light for others. It’s like Oprah’s book club for millennials.

      Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
      The Book of Joy

      Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama have faced major hardships, yet continue to radiate love, compassion, and even humor despite what they’ve been through. The two inspirational icons dive into the topic of joy: how do you find it in the face of suffering, and when you do find it, how do you keep it? Read if you’re looking for some serious inspiration or need a little extra joy during a very hard time.

      Michael A. Singer
      The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself

      The perfect combination of psychology and spirituality, “The Untethered Soul” delves into what we can do to free ourselves from the habitual thoughts, emotions, and energy patterns that limit our consciousness and hold us back. By the end of the book, you’ll not only understand yourself better than you ever have, but you’ll feel in control of your emotions (yes, even stress, anxiety, and worry).

      Carissa Potter
      It’s OK To Feel Things Deeply

      If self-help books aren’t really your style and you need some real-time support, this cheeky (but helpful!) book is the perfect option. With practical tips, genuine empathy, helpful honesty, adorable illustrations, and relatable humor, it’s full of support when you need a little extra love. It also makes a great gift for a friend going through a tough time.

      Elizabeth Gilbert
      Eat, Pray, Love

      Even if you haven’t read this modern classic yet, you’ve probably seen the blockbuster hit with Julia Roberts that made you want to move to Bali and eat pasta (simultaneously). This memoir is always a go-to read for me when I’m feeling stuck or complacent. Especially in 2020 when we’re literally stuck, it not only offers an escape, but there’s something about a realistic happy ending that makes me feel hopeful, even when I’m feeling lost.

      Marianne Williamson
      A Return to Love

      Maybe it sounds cheesy, but the key to happiness, stress reduction, and a constant good mood? Williamson makes the case that the answer is love. She shows us how love is a potent force, the key to inner peace, and how, by practicing love for other people, we can make our own lives more fulfilling. This is one of those books that changes you, so get ready for a life-altering read.

      Jenny Lawson
      You Are Here: An Owner’s Manual for Dangerous Minds

      A combination of inspiration, therapy, coloring, humor, and advice, this book is filled with intricate illustrations and life advice on how to cope. The writing is both humorous and incredibly honest, so “You Are Here” will be a tool to help you deal with tough life situations in a confident, creative, and happier way. Read if art is therapeutic to you.

      Shonda Rhimes
      Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person

      Yes, THAT Shonda Rhimes: the creator of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” and basically all of our other favorite shows. In this inspiring book, Rhimes opens up about the year she decided to say “yes” to everything. Spoiler alert: the results are life-changing. Read if work is bringing you down or you’re not sure what you’re meant to do with your life.

      What’s your go-to book to read when you need a pick-me-up? More

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      in health and weelbeing

      I Never Spend More Than 30 Minutes on Dinner—Here Are My Secrets

      by

      My first year living on my own, I ordered a take-out burrito bowl basically twice a week. I would rather starve all day and eat one hefty, greasy meal I picked up somewhere than spend the energy and time to cook myself something. For one, I barely knew how to cook eggs, let alone a meal, but I also found myself struggling with all the time it’d take to cook. I relished my free time way too much to spend it cooped up in the kitchen. And I couldn’t dare picture how some people actually found cooking to be a self-care activity. Isn’t that what the eating part is for? Fast-forward and in 2020, I’ve done basically a 180. Do I get takeout sometimes? Absolutely. But for the sake of my finances and my health, I began teaching myself a little here and there about cooking at home. But even while I’m spending all my time at home, I don’t enjoy spending a ton of time in the kitchen, so I vowed that every meal I made would be under 30 minutes (a good motivator, if I do say so myself). Over time, I’ve gotten more comfortable in the kitchen, but one thing’s remained: I spend way more time doing my skincare routine than I do cooking dinner. Here are my secrets:

      Source: Blue Apron

      One of the hardest parts of cooking is meal planning and getting everything from the grocery store. Although your meal might only take you 30 minutes, it might take you three hours to figure out what to make, create a list, wait in line at the grocery store, and get everything—and I forget something almost every single time. A meal-delivery service like Blue Apron takes away all of that time and energy planning and buying groceries, so your meals actually can take under 30 minutes.
      My favorite thing about Blue Apron is that you can easily see the recipes when you order, and they always tell you how long it takes to prep and cook. I’m able to order meals that exclusively take under 35 minutes to make, plus I can see how much prep work is involved. I’m making exciting new dishes I never would have made, but they feel easy and doable like everything else I cook. This has led me to keep all of my recipes handy to recreate them again, helping me to build an arsenal of quick and easy meals I know I already like. 
      New customers: click here to save over $60 on your first 3 boxes!

      Source: rawpixel

      2. Save everything you see on IG, Pinterest, and YouTube
      One of my biggest sources of cooking inspiration as of late has been Instagram and Tik Tok. I’m constantly seeing new ways people are making delicious, easy meals that take seriously no time at all. However, it’s easy to forget them all. Lately, I’ve been saving all of my meal ideas in one place so that I can easily come back to them. I use Pinterest because you can Pin anything from the web right there, so pictures I see on Instagram, YouTube videos, and Tik Toks can be saved amongst all the other great recipe content on Pinterest. Every Sunday I look through this catalog of ideas and pick one or two to try for the week. 

      3. Eat breakfast for dinner!
      Once I got out of the funk that breakfast foods need to be eaten for breakfast and dinner foods can only be eaten at dinner, my world changed. Although I absolutely love breakfast foods, sometimes I’m craving a heartier meal when I eat in the mornings and opting for something that would ordinarily be a lunch or dinner for me has been a lifesaver. But like I said, I love breakfast foods (I could eat exclusively sunny-side-up eggs and hash browns with hot sauce for the rest of my life and be the happiest person on Earth), so when I’m in a rut about what to cook for dinner, I go with my go-to breakfast. As long as it has some protein and maybe a side salad (hence the maybe), I’m good to go.

      Source: Anthropologie

      4. Keep a go-to grocery list and meal ideas list on your phone
      This was one of the first pages I made when I started a Bullet Journal, but you can put it basically anywhere: a note on your phone, a page you keep in your purse, on your computer, or even in your car. I first created a list of all of my favorite easy, go-to meals. I started with things like chicken quesadilla, turkey tacos, chicken caesar wraps, pita pizzas, spicy noodles, and an egg scramble. Then, I broke each of those meals down into all of their ingredients and wrote that as a master grocery list. Then when I’m feeling uninspired in the kitchen, I already have a pre-made meal plan and grocery list to get me through the week. This has truly saved me on nights when I’d rather do anything but cook, but if I have these on hand, I know I can make a meal I absolutely love.

      5. Don’t underestimate the power of a doctored-up frozen meal
      Like most people, I live in the frozen section of a grocery store. It’s so much easier, and if you know what to look for, it’s not the worst thing for your body either. But sometimes you need a little something more, so I love taking frozen staples and doctoring them up just a little bit. I’ll take frozen cauliflower rice and cook it in a little bit of soy sauce and sriracha with grilled chicken and a scrambled egg. Add some veggies, and you have the most basic fried “rice” on the planet. Another favorite of mine is using frozen breaded chicken tenders for salads, sandwiches, and wraps for an adult meal instead of just dipping them in BBQ sauce and fries (which I definitely still do on occasion and have zero regrets).  
      I do the same with frozen vegetables, always serving them in a sauce or a ton of my favorite seasonings to make them taste a little fresher. Find whatever ways you can take the frozen items in your freezer to the next level.

      Source: @allyson.trammell

      6. Keep all of your go-to spices on-hand
      Make sure you have a constant flow of all of your go-to spices, seasoning blends, and sauces. For me, that’s garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, soy sauce, chili paste, cinnamon, and taco seasoning, but your list will be different based on what you like to cook! Having these in my cupboard and fridge at all times makes it easy to doctor up a plain meal or add a little extra flavor to something.

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