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      It’s Time for a Life Edit—Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide

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      Like many, I spent a good part of the pandemic feeling out of control. With my work hours cut, my rental house being put up for sale, and the consistent state of languishing, I was overwhelmed by the unfamiliar chaos of my life. I held on to whatever predictability I could depend on. But with perfectly aligned timing, manifestation found its way into my life. I first learned about the concept from my social media feeds. Alongside influencers and the wellness elite, I saw posts from friends sharing the magic of manifestation.
      As I dove into the practice, I found myself wanting a little more support in designing the life of my dreams. An annual life edit helped me create clarity and carve out space to attract what I really wanted. Read on–the results are worth it! 

      What is a life edit?
      I learned about the concept from one of my favorite podcasts, Almost 30. In Ep. 296, co-host Krista Williams shares how a life edit gave her more clarity and mental peace. As a key step in manifesting your dream life, a thorough edit is intended to help you see every part of your life in its current state. Take a deep dive into all facets of your life: digital, home, finance, wellness, mental health, and social. By doing this, you give yourself the opportunity to spend significant time sifting through the “clutter” and clearing space for what you want to manifest.
      For me, a life edit was the missing piece that helped me lean into manifestation. While manifesting is about turning your thoughts into reality, the reality you want doesn’t simply come about by wishing for it. Instead, manifestation is a matter of intentional alignment. Essentially, you’re learning to shift your actions, beliefs, and habits to support the life you want for yourself. But of course, you can’t change what you’re not yet aware of. And that, dear readers, is where a life edit comes in.
      Think of a life edit as a re-evaluation. It’s an opportunity to take stock and get a pulse on where your life is right now. The best way to clean a space is to (painstakingly) take everything out and only put back what you really want. That’s exactly what we’re doing with a life edit, but it isn’t just your physical stuff. By slowing down and observing our lives, we can see what to let go of and what we ultimately want to welcome in. The space between our dreams and reality becomes so much closer. Let’s go through the six areas you’ll focus on, plus tips and tricks to ensure you’re getting the most from your life edit.

      How to do a life edit
      Step 1: Reflect
      While I’m one to jump into things before I know how to succeed, I’m trying to break that habit by taking intentional pauses. So, while a life edit sounds exciting (spoiler: it is), the best way to ensure you get what you need is to get quiet and spend some time with your journal. Not a fan of journaling? Think of it this way: Putting our thoughts into words gives them permanency that keeping beliefs in our heads can’t. It’s a bit like creating a roadmap for yourself, and people who swear by their morning pages can attest: It’s one of the best ways to find a little much-needed clarity. 
      In your journal, designate six different sections where you can reflect on the following areas of your life: Digital, home, financial, wellness, mental health, and social life. From there, respond to the following questions:

      What do I want more of in this area of my life?
      What feels overwhelming?
      Do I feel any blocks keeping me from achieving my goals?
      What do I want to introduce more of? 
      What can I release?
      How would it look to feel a greater sense of peace?

      Step 2: Accept that this will be a challenging process
      Before diving in, I want you to know that this part of your life edit can take a while. There’s no set timeline, but you want to be sure not to rush the process. Be patient and give yourself grace. We often don’t give ourselves enough credit for how challenging it can be to let go of objects or say goodbye to relationships that no longer serve us. And coming face to face with the reality of our financial lives can be a hard pill to swallow.
      Initially, these truths kept me from acting on what I’d written in my journal. I wanted to start saving more money but seeing my spending habits brought on a whole bout of shame. And while I no longer wanted to feel obligated to pour effort into a relationship, my fear of conflict kept me from standing up for myself. The best thing you can do is move forward. It will be difficult and uncomfortable, but nothing is more challenging than staying stuck.

       
      Step 3: Take action
      Once you’ve spent enough time reflecting and journaling, identify the area of your life you want to focus on first. (Pro tip: Start with what feels like will be the easiest and build momentum from there.) With your journal responses as guidance, take the time to sift and sort through everything that relates to this part of your life. So if you’re starting with your digital life, focus on your devices and online presence. Spend time with your phone and computer to delete old texts, re-evaluate contacts, and clear your inbox. Unsubscribe from emails that cause you stress, and make sure you’re not signed up for subscriptions you no longer use. Do you want to spend less time on social media? Do you need to let go of a few profiles that leave you feeling drained? Consider the steps that will help you reach your goals. 
      Personally, I had the most fun Marie Kondo-ing my apartment. It gave me the opportunity to separate my things into keep, donate, and trash piles. (The closet purge was the most satisfying part.) Remember: No life edit looks the same. This will be a deeply personal and emotional process that might cause you stress in certain areas where others will feel completely calm. That’s perfectly fine! One thing that’s consistent across all life edits? You’ll feel more aligned and confident about where you’re giving your focus, attention, and energy as you step into this next season of life.

      I finished. Now what?
      While I like to do a life edit on a yearly basis, there’s nothing stopping you from doing one as often as you’d like. The purpose is to notice when you’re feeling overwhelmed and to lean into a life edit to bring you greater clarity. And yes, it feels amazing to make your way through the process. However, it’s important to remember that it’s an ongoing journey. The ever-elusive concept of balance isn’t something we’re meant to achieve and maintain at all times. We meet new people, embrace new goals, and welcome new objects into our lives every day. By viewing a life edit as a perennial practice, you can trust you have what you need to create the life that you want.

      Fall Is the Perfect Time To Manifest Your Dream Life
      Here’s Why More

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      The Supplements I Add to My Wellness Routine Every Fall

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      If you’ve ever been to the supplements section of a grocery store, you’ve likely been overwhelmed by the shelves of options to choose from (who knew there could be so many brands carrying Vitamin C tablets!). Even as someone who devours health and wellness content daily and spends time researching the difference between one green drink brand and another, I’m often confused by the amount of information and products out there.
      But supplements are merely an aid to a well-balanced diet. Food is our #1 source of the vitamins and minerals we need on a daily basis. Anything else we take is because we are not getting enough through our diet or lifestyle. For this reason, I always stress that talking to your doctor is most important before thinking about taking any new supplements so you don’t waste your money on supplements you don’t need.
      I’ve spent many years working with my doctors to find the wellness supplements and brands that are right for my body, and they change seasonally. As someone who lives in the Pacific Northwest, I deal with cold weather, lots of rain, flu season, and less sunlight, all of which play a role in the wellness supplements I take when fall rolls around. With this transition, I’ve updated my routine with tried-and-true supplements that help make things easier. Read on for some inspiration.

      Vitamin D/K2
      If there is one supplement I cannot live without in the fall and winter, it’s vitamin D. As someone who lives in a place that is pretty gloomy and rainy most of the year, it’s necessary I take this vitamin D3 + K2 supplement (vitamin K helps vitamin D be absorbed in the body). The only way for the body to get vitamin D is from sunlight or a select few foods. This supplement plays a vital role in maintaining healthy bones as well as neuroprotective properties that support immune health, muscle function, and brain cell activity. Adding 5000 IU of vitamin D daily during these months has really made a difference in my seasonal depression.

      Vitamin C with Flavonoids
      During the summer months, we spend a lot of time eating citrus fruits that contain a large amount of vitamin C, but when the colder seasons come around, it’s harder to maintain vitamin C absorption since our diets change. What’s more, it’s cold and flu season, which requires our bodies to work harder to fight off illnesses. I add vitamin C to my routine because I’m getting less from my diet and the extra dose helps support the immune system. This supplement is vital to the body’s healing process. It helps your body form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle, and collagen in the bones, not to mention it’s an antioxidant that helps protect the body against free radicals. I take one tablet every day, either with breakfast or lunch.

      Beekeeper’s Naturals
      Propolis Throat Spray
      I could go on and on about the benefits of bee products, but for now I will share with you a recent favorite, the Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Throat Spray. Propolis is a natural mixture produced by bees from substances collected from parts of plants, buds, and exudates. It has astounding antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties, which is why every time I use the spray, I instantly start to feel better. While this throat spray is amazing for the immune system when you are sick, I even use it before a night out with friends or at the end of a long day.

      Oregano Oil
      If I come down with a cold or flu during the fall or winter, oil of oregano is my go-to. I swear by this supplement to help kill whatever sickness is keeping me under the weather and help get me on the mend faster. Studies have shown that oregano essential oils have antimicrobial activity as well as antiviral and antifungal properties. By adding 3-5 drops to a little bit of water (or orange juice if you can’t stand the taste like me) a couple of times a day while sick, I’ve noticed my symptoms go away faster than without this powerful supplement.

      Multivitamin
      A high-quality multivitamin can go a long way in your supplement routine. Unfortunately, there are a lot of multivitamins out there to choose from, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. I like Rituals multivitamin for women because it contains many vital vitamins and minerals, including Folate, Omega-3 DHA, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Iron, Vitamin K2, Boron, Vitamin E, and Magnesium. That said, the combination of these is not enough to support a deficiency in one of the above, so if you are feeling symptoms of a deficiency, talk to your doctor. Multivitamins are a great way to get the vitamins and minerals we need on a daily basis, and Ritual is very transparent about where they source their ingredients.

      Source Naturals
      Wellness Formula
      By now, you’ll notice that a lot of the supplements I add to my routine in the fall are on the basis of dealing with the change in weather and getting sick, and this wellness formula is a game-changer. I like to think of it as a supplement that packs a punch. Wellness Formula is filled with so many different vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and herbal extracts that help support your immunity. I take two capsules in the morning and two at night when I am not feeling well. I’ll also take two capsules daily if I’m traveling or having a stressful week when my body may need the extra support.

      How To Update Your Wellness Routine for Fall More

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      Hailey Bieber Is All About This Wellness Treatment—Is It Worth the Hype?

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      Walk through any trendy LA neighborhood, and you’ll likely find the usual suspects: a Pilates studio, Erewhon, Lululemon, and a wellness destination complete with cryotherapy, red light therapy, an infrared sauna, and IV therapy. I get drawn in by all of the above. (I’m a wellness girl through and through.) But it wasn’t until recently that I underwent an IV therapy session after months of window shopping, doing my homework, and reading up on celebs who swear by it (read: Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Chrissy Teigen).
      Although it’s not new to the wellness scene, IV therapy has become all the rage this year thanks to A-listers and a rise in concierge IV therapy to get in on the treatment’s touted benefits (more below). Read on for the lowdown on everything IV therapy and what happened when I tested it out for myself. 

      What is IV therapy?
      Whether you’ve seen it on Grey’s Anatomy or experienced it yourself, you’re probably already familiar with IV therapy in a hospital setting: A nurse hooks you up to a bag of fluids via a needle to administer saline or medication. IV therapy in the recreational wellness sense isn’t much different. It’s a method of infusing vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream to boost hydration, energy, immunity, or anti-aging. The wave of IV therapy as we know it today is a sought-after service served in health centers. I would describe it as “a high-end spa meets a modern doctor’s office. ”
      Feeling rundown? A vitamin B-Complex (aka B12) drip might be just what you need. Have a hangover? There’s a solution (literally) to rehydrate your body and lessen symptoms. Most clinics that offer IV drip services allow you to choose from a menu of individual drip ingredients and formulated drip blends to customize your IV based on your needs. It’s much like ordering à la carte or pre-fixe at a restaurant. The most common infusions? Vitamin B-Complex (energy-boosting), vitamin C (immune defense), glutathione (the “it” antioxidant), and NAD+ (energy and repair-enhancing, AKA Hailey and Kendall’s go-to).
      Whatever “cocktail” of nutrients you choose, fans of IV therapy say it revs up your body’s performance. Let’s just say it’s the latest wellness routine must-have, next to a lymphatic massage and journaling. But it comes with a hefty price tag: One drip session can set you back anywhere from over $100 to upwards of $1,000, depending on your location and the type of vitamins you receive.

      What are the benefits?
      Said to counteract fatigue, reduce signs of aging, and lower inflammation, it’s no wonder wellness girlies are drinking the IV therapy Kool-Aid. There are other supposed benefits of the relatively quick, albeit pricey, infusions. These include boosting the body’s natural defenses, giving your skin a youthful glow, increasing mental clarity, minimizing hangovers, and combatting jet lag.
      The difference between getting vitamins through IV therapy and oral supplements is that you absorb more nutrients. “A vitamin taken by mouth gets broken down in the stomach and digestive tract and is limited on how much can be absorbed (50%),” Dena Westphalen, PharmD, a clinical pharmacist, told Healthline. “If the vitamin is given through an IV, it’s absorbed at a much higher percentage (90%).”
      So you’re absorbing more nutrients—and absorbing them in less time—than if you were taking an oral supplement. “IV therapy is a more efficient way to resolve nutrient, fluid, or electrolyte deficiencies than oral supplementation,” explained Andrea Paul, MD, a physician and medical advisor for Illuminate Labs. “It may take days to resolve an electrolyte imbalance through oral supplementation, but the condition can be normalized in an hour or less with IV drip therapy.”

       
      Are there any risks?
      While the perks make IV therapy sound like a magic cure-all, take them with a grain of salt and do your research. Consult with your general practitioner about whether the service is right for you. And if you maintain a balanced, healthy diet and follow your doctor’s orders, you’re likely getting all the nutrients you need—sans needles and fancy treatments. 
      There isn’t hard evidence to prove the advantages of IV therapy, and it’s not FDA-approved. So, it’s especially important to get clearance from your doctor and proceed with caution if you get the green light. “The risks of IV drip therapy are not particularly high, but choosing the right provider is important,” advised Dr. Paul. “It’s important to ensure that the company or individual administering the IV drip therapy is medically credentialed because there are risks to this type of therapy (i.e., nerve damage is possible from improper administration of an IV).”
      There is also the risk of more severe side effects depending on the nutrients used. “For example, magnesium is an electrolyte that’s directly involved in cardiac function,” Dr. Paul warned. “If too much magnesium were administered via IV, a patient could experience heart palpitations or cardiac arrest.” If you have kidney or heart issues or venous insufficiency, Dr. Paul said you might be advised to avoid undergoing IV therapy. 

      My experience 
      I’m someone who cringes at just the sight of needles. (I have to look away whenever I get my blood drawn.) So, I never thought I would voluntarily get poked with one. But what can I say? I’ll pretty much try anything in the name of wellness. I visited Restore Hyper Wellness to get my IV drip on and see what all the hype was about. After completing some paperwork on my medical history, I met with their in-house nurse. They took my vital signs and went over the menu of vitamin infusions.
      After I virtually met with their nurse practitioner to review my medical history, I was given the thumbs up to start my IV therapy experience. I chose “The Defender,” which included glutathione, trace elements, vitamin D, lysine, vitamin C, and vitamin B-Complex. After a quick (and nearly painless) prick, I was on my way to immunity bliss. Twenty minutes into my treatment, I noticed a deep relaxation from head to toe. (The comfy set-up, complete with pillows and leg compression boots, didn’t hurt.) After an hour, my IV drip was complete. 

      Final verdict
      My final verdict: I was on the tail-end of a cold when I received “The Defender.” While I didn’t notice any difference right after the session, I woke up the next day feeling renewed and energized. The brain fog and fatigue I felt less than 24 hours ago from the bug I caught? Completely gone. Although I can’t say for sure it was the drip that escorted the unwelcome symptoms away, I’d do it all over again to speed up the recovery process—placebo or not.
      As for whether it’s worth a consistent spot in my wellness routine? For now, I’ll get my vitamin fix from food sources. I’ll prioritize keeping my body healthy with nutrients from food over depending on IV therapy. But if I was a celeb with all the treatments and money at my disposal? You bet I would get daily treatments, à la Hailey or Kendall. For the sake of wellness, of course.  

      Please consult a doctor or a mental health professional before beginning any treatments. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

      Zendaya Swears by 5 Wellness Hacks—And I Tried Them All More

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      How I Finally Achieved Radical Self-Love, and You Can Too

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      Apologies in advance, but I’m going to start things off on a cynical note. I’ve always been suspicious of self-love as a concept—not just because it’s felt elusive for most of my life, but more so as a result of the role it’s taken on in our wellness-obsessed culture. With guided journals, aestheticized card decks, and beauty bundles marketed as tools for self-love, we’ve reached an oversaturation of self-love monetization.
      I’m not surprised. It’s the fate for just about every wellness buzzword out there. For me, to actually experience the confidence, acceptance, and self-actualization that self-love promises, it took stepping away from the glitz and glam of the internet’s interpretation. I had to actually understand what self-love looked like and meant for me. 
      I believe self-love ebbs and flows. It’s a deeply personal exploration of learning to appreciate all that you bring into the world. I’m sharing the steps I took to go from a woman prone to self-critique to a woman who leans into radical self-love every day. This is how I made my new reality. And it’s a reminder that you have the ability, strength, and power to do exactly the same.

      Remember that self-love isn’t a destination
      Spoiler: Self-love isn’t miraculously waking up one day to discover that all the conflicts and struggles in your life have magically sorted themselves out. Experiencing self-love doesn’t take the right workout, the perfect relationship, a rigid diet, or devoted meditation practice. For me to experience self-love, I had to embrace the epiphany that I can practice right now. Self-love isn’t conditional. Everything in our lives doesn’t have to be perfectly sorted out to get there. (Newsflash: Life is, and will forever be, messy.)
      As someone in recovery from an eating disorder, I’m familiar with the culture-driven belief that my body had to look a certain way before I could love it. But in treatment, I was challenged to change my language from critical to accepting. Suddenly, the arms I had thought were too big became the strong, loving vehicles that allowed me to wrap my nearest and dearest in a hug. And the weight I had gained around my tummy transformed into a protective, comforting shelter. Radical self-love takes a shift in perspective and choosing to show up each day with this curiosity, appreciation, and commitment to your whole self.

      Identify and stand up for your needs
      Radical self-love stems from concrete, intentional actions that support all areas of your well-being, happiness, and growth. Self-love requires a certain level of self-respect. And to achieve self-respect, we have to be mindful of the boundaries we set with others. Last week, I was chatting with my therapist about a relationship that was troubling me. I loved and cared for this person, but the effort and energy I put in left me feeling drained. She shared a revelatory phrase that I’ve since posted on my desk: “I can’t help them if it’s hurting me.”
      As women, we’ve been conditioned to believe that we have to put others’ needs first—always. But a crucial part of self-love is believing that your needs matter just as much as anyone else’s. Trust in your inherent worth and never sacrifice your well-being. While the nuances of our personal definitions of self-respect vary, this framework is important for shaping our relationship with ourselves. Spend time reflecting on what needs and boundaries look like for you. What practices, rituals, and routines will help you experience self-love each day? Write those down and take action to follow through.

      Bring more of your qualities into the world
      I was at dinner a few nights ago, and toward the end of the evening, we broke out a conversation card deck. It asked us to name a quality we want to bring more of into the world. I thought for a moment and realized that I’d been hiding my penchant for silliness and humor for too long. It took asking myself that question to truly realize that I’d been letting this part of myself lie dormant. I love to laugh, and there’s little else that brings me more joy than to see someone crack a smile because of something I said. 
      Unfortunately, up until this point, I had been harboring a long-held belief that I was supposed to be quiet, serious, and reserved to be taken seriously. But self-love told me to meet myself exactly where I was, exactly as I am. So ask yourself: Is there a truth about yourself that you’re keeping hidden to please others? Reflect on the ease and freedom you would feel to experience every day as your most authentic self. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

      Be open to the new realizations that come with self-love
      Stepping into self-love comes with a healthy dose of vulnerability and the courage to be wholly, authentically you. That will likely bring a lot of changes into your life. While we might default to resisting the discomfort of change, let it flow through you. It can be hard to shift the way you’ve always done things, but allowing these new rhythms into your life can help you experience more self-love each day.
      I track these changes in my journal and take note of when I’m tempted to resist this growth. Also, my partner is my accountability buddy when I’m tempted to choose critique if self-love feels like a challenge. It can be hard to slip into my workout gear when I’m having a bad body image day. But sharing how aligned and connected my body and mind feel post-workout helps me keep this habit. And when I’m not hungry but know that I need a nutrient-dense dinner, journaling about this conflict has helped me view cooking as a nourishing, loving act.

      Commit to the practice of self-love
      Self-love doesn’t happen overnight. It isn’t something that we can wait to start practicing when our lives are perfect. The best time to begin your self-love journey is today. Right now. So let these tips guide your way. Some days may be easier than others, but know that you’re always on the path of growing into a more loving and forgiving version of yourself. Self-love is a commitment. It’s something you can return to anytime you feel you’ve forgotten these tips. So start today, and embrace the inevitable twists and turns toward a kinder, gentler state of inner peace.

      Your Self-Care Routine Might Be Damaging
      Here’s why. More

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      9 inspiring Instagram accounts to follow ASAP

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 hour ago

      A curated guide of all the pioneering accounts to #follow
      Kintsugi@kintsugispace

      A multidimensional sacred wellness universe of products, services and education.
      Sheikha Asma Al Thani@atalthani

      The first record-setting Qatari woman to scale Mount Everest.
      Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi@nak

      The Minister of Culture and Youth in the UAE on paving the path for future generations.
      SKIMS@skims

      A solutions-oriented brand founded by Kim Kardashian to transform the shapewear industry.
      Pat McGrath@patmcgrathreal

      Changing the make-up landscape.
      Clinique La Prairie@cliniquelaprairie

      Pioneers in medical wellness, based in Switzerland.
      Mach & Mach@machandmach

      A new take on hero accessories.
      Aubade@aubadejewelry

      A carefully curated Kuwaiti fine jewellery boutique.
      MÔNOT@monotofficial

      The daring-meets-sophisticated label redefines contemporary glamour.

      October’s – The Pioneer Issue – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @monot More

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      8 Secrets Healthy Women Always Use When Eating Out

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      As much as I like to (humbly) brag that I can make a mean breakfast burrito, cooking is not my forte. So my husband and I end up eating out more than I care to admit. As someone who has lived with Crohn’s disease (think: major gut issues) for the last seven years, eating healthy is not just a lifestyle choice. It’s the difference between feeling good and being chained to the porcelain throne. So out of necessity, I’ve become the queen of asking questions and requesting modifications whenever I dine at a restaurant. (Yes, I’m that person.) The moral of the story? You can eat out, enjoy your food (and your life), and still fuel your body with foods that make you feel your best. Read on for a cheat sheet of tips and tricks healthy women always use when eating out. 

      1. Do your research
      Whether you’re headed to Sunday brunch with the girls or a long-awaited first date, come prepared by doing a quick Google search to check out the restaurant in advance. Giving the menu a once-over will prevent those moments where you panic-order the fried chicken because everyone else did. It will also give you a chance to think about what food you would most enjoy and what would make you feel the best. This way, you’re less susceptible to mindlessly ordering the fries or pancake stack as you get hungry sitting at the restaurant.
      If you’ve been tasked with picking the dinner spot (even better), you can take it one step further and look into the practices of the restaurants you’re considering. Where do they source their ingredients from? Are they organic and sustainable? What’s their food philosophy? Then, narrow down your options based on what you value the most. 

      2. Don’t arrive at the restaurant hungry
      We’ve all been there: You get to the restaurant starving, and you can’t help but dive right into the bread basket or chips and salsa. To prevent repeating this all-too-familiar scenario, don’t skip out on your typical meals or snacks ahead of your meal out. Instead, do yourself a favor and eat well-balanced, nourishing meals of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and veggies throughout the day to keep you satisfied and your blood sugar stabilized. And before you head out, reach for a small bite consisting of protein and healthy fats, like veggies and hummus, an apple with almond or peanut butter, or a hard-boiled egg and a handful of almonds. 

      3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
      When I was first diagnosed with Crohn’s, I would always ask to be the last to order. I hoped the others I was dining with would be too enthralled in conversation to notice my endless list of questions and modifications. I’d hide behind my menu, worried about how others and the server would react to said requests. But over the years, I’ve learned to speak up confidently. More often than not, I’m met with patience and kindness when communicating my needs.
      So don’t be afraid to (politely) ask how a dish is made, how large the portions are, what types of oils and other ingredients they cook with, etc. And while you’re at it, don’t be afraid to ask if you can sub the mac and cheese or mashed potatoes for extra greens. The more knowledge you’re armed with, the better (read: healthier) choices you can make for yourself.

      4. Get in your veggies
      A good rule of thumb is to always make vegetables the star of your meal. But the healthiest women know they don’t have to miss out on their favorite foods like pasta, tacos, pizza, or burgers. Instead, they think about adding veggies to their meal. If you’re drooling over that cacio e pepe, don’t force yourself to get steamed chicken and broccoli instead. Order a starter salad and a side of broccoli so you get in some fiber and nutrients. Then, opt for the dish you would enjoy the most. (Food is meant to be pleasurable!)
      Most restaurants have a salad section or veggie side selections, making it a no-brainer to get some more veggies in. Whether you order a salad as an appetizer, double up on steamed spinach with your entree, or nurse a green juice throughout your meal, you’ll be adding in nutrients that digest better and make your body feel amazing.

      5. Ask for condiments on the side
      I hate to break it to you: Most sauces and dressings served at restaurants are laden with sugar, salt, artificial additives, and other hidden ingredients that may include common allergens like soy and gluten. If you’re ordering a salad to get in some more good-for-you nutrients, the added sugar or artificial ingredients in the dressing typically aren’t worth how they make you feel IMO. The good news is getting any sauces or dressings on the side gives you control over how much you use. You can also try asking for healthier alternatives, such as pesto, salsa, guacamole, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

      6. Listen to your body on portion size 
      News flash: Most dishes served at restaurants in the U.S. are at least twice the portion of what would satisfy us and fill us up. If you’ve been taught not to waste food since you were a kid and belonging to the clean plate club is all you’ve known, listen up. Many of us are in the habit of eating whatever is in front of us. So at restaurants with large portions, this means eating until we feel stuffed, uncomfortable, and even sick. Check in with your body frequently to identify when you’re feeling satisfied and no longer enjoying the food in front of you. 
      Another tip? Try ordering family style to share entrees, appetizers, or dessert when out to dinner with others. Or if you identify with Joey Tribbiani and sharing food is not in your vocabulary, consider asking for a to-go box before you start digging into your meal. Tomorrow’s lunch? Check. 

      7. Drink more water
      Healthy women consider H20 their BFF, so first things first when you get seated at the table: Order a tall glass of water and keep ’em coming. Staying hydrated throughout your meal can also help slow down your eating. This allows you to check in with your hunger and fullness cues to prevent overeating. If you decide to have an alcoholic bevvy with your meal, adopt healthier ways to knock it back. Sip mindfully to fully enjoy the drink. Opt for a cocktail with fresher ingredients instead of sugars and syrups. And don’t forget about your trusty glass of water.

      8. Eat mindfully 
      Let’s face it: With the hustle of everyday life, we’re inundated with distractions. Between work emails, TikTok, and the latest Netflix binge, it’s easy to rush through meals without so much as a pause. The next time you’re dining out, make it a point to use all of your senses to eat with intention. Take in how your food looks (yes, eating with your eyes is a real thing), its aroma, textures, flavors, and how it makes you feel. It’ll force you to slow down, be present, and savor the experience with your friends or date. If you find it difficult to practice mindful eating, put your utensil down every few bites to develop an awareness of your food and the moment. Trust me: Your digestion will thank you. 

      10 Hacks Healthy Women Always Use While Grocery Shopping More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Fall Is the Perfect Time To Manifest Your Dream Life–Here’s Why

      by

      Fall is finally upon us. After the unprecedented heat waves that many of us experienced this summer, it is an especially welcome shift. Of course, there’s another reason fall is such an exciting time. And, no, it doesn’t have to do with pumpkin spice. Fall is an incredible time of year to activate your manifestation practice, get clear about everything you want in life, and start making it all happen.
      If you are unfamiliar, manifestation is a practice that allows you to visualize and set intentions for what you want to draw into your life. It also allows you to initiate the energy and actions that will attract it to you. Technically, there is no “wrong” time to start a manifestation practice, but there are windows throughout the year that present more fertile ground to plant your seeds. Whether you’re a newbie or looking to boost your practice, here’s why you should dedicate extra time and energy this season.

      Why is fall the best time of year for manifestation?
       
      There’s a lot of “fresh start” energy
      Don’t wait until the new year to envision what you want and call it into your life. Fall is ripe with back-to-school energy, even if you’re not in school. It signifies a “return to the norm” after summer. Just as kids return to school after months apart from friends, adults adjust from a vacation mindset back to work mode.
      In general, it’s a time when people feel refreshed, reinvigorated, and ready for whatever comes next. It’s the perfect time to dream up what you want to get out of the year ahead. Plus, it just so happens that dreaming up what you want is the first step to manifestation. Just like you would start each school year thinking about what you want to accomplish, tap into your creative energy and write out goals. Piece together vision boards. Meditate on what kind of life you’d like to build for yourself in the months ahead.

      Fall forces you to go inward
      As summer weather brings us rooftop happy hours and beach days, fall weather ushers us inside for more rest, relaxation, and alone time. With more time spent indoors, it’s the perfect time to mentally go inward as well. When you take the time to get quiet, you can get clearer about what you want in life. Additionally, you can map out some of the steps that will help you get there. So next time you find yourself curled up on the couch with your favorite hot beverage in hand, consider using that time to reconnect with yourself. Meditate or journal about your core values, how you want to show up in the world, or what small steps you can take to get the life you want. 

      It’s the most mystical time of year
      You are probably familiar with fall holidays like Halloween and Día de los Muertos. However, you might not know that some of their origins can actually be traced to a Celtic festival called Samhain, which marks the end of the harvest season. Halloween, Día de los Muertos, and Samhain all embrace the belief that fall signifies a “thinning of the veil” between the physical and spiritual world. (There’s a reason the Sanderson Sisters can only come back on Halloween.) In fact, during Samhain, people often wore costumes to try to evade the more mischievous sprites. (Yes, that’s where the tradition of Halloween costumes comes from).
      No matter your religious or spiritual beliefs, many worldly traditions acknowledge a strong connection to spirituality this time of year. Tap into that energy (even just for fun!) to open your mind a bit more to the possibility of miracles and magic in your manifestation practice. You are co-creating with the universe, after all. If there’s a time of year when the universe can hear you a little more clearly, all the better.

      Fall is the time to reap your bounty
      Another reason the Samhain holiday is so applicable to manifestation is that it blends mysticism with something far more tangible: the harvest. Samhain is a celebration of the bountiful summer, which allows the community to prepare for the long winter. Manifestation might seem like it’s all about looking forward, but a key part that is commonly forgotten is to also feel gratitude for how far you’ve already come. Checking in with yourself about how life feels in the moment can help you find clarity on what exactly it is you’re looking to change. It can help you find what you might already have that you want more of.
      When you take the time to appreciate what you have already been able to harvest in your life, however small, it opens you up to see more of the good in things. For example, if you want to manifest a relationship, feel gratitude for the love you already have. If you want more financial success, feel gratitude for being able to pay your bills or buy the $5 PSL. It will attract more of that thing to you. So take a cue from harvest season and appreciate your bounty–AKA your already amazing life.

      Ready to start manifesting? Start here:
      You deserve the life that calls to you. And with all the energy backing you this season, I hope you get everything your heart is reaching for and more. You’ve gathered all the ingredients from summer, and you’re ready to put it to work. If I’ve managed to convince you that this is the best time to start your manifestation practice (it is!), you might be wondering how to begin. You can check out our 101 Guide to Manifestation, manifestation journal prompts, or daily habits to manifest your goals, but here are some of my favorite tips for getting started:

      Take a brief account of where you are currently. Make a list of what is working, what might not be working, and what you’d like to invite into your life.
      List out your goals through journaling, or if you’re more visual, through scrapbooking or vision boarding. I feel like physically writing or cutting and pasting images helps make your list feel more real.
      When you make your list, meditate on the ways you can become the person you will be. Try to personify that person in your day-to-day, which will help shift your energy into accepting everything that is headed your way.
      Take baby steps forward. Maybe it’s reaching out for an informational interview about a career change you’re considering. Perhaps it’s an internal action, like talking with a therapist to work on feeling worthy of whatever it is you desire.
      Trust that you’ve got this. You are working toward your dreams, and that’s an incredible feat on its own. If you’re able to keep moving in the direction of your desires, you will get there. Trust. And remember, setbacks can sometimes be steps forward in disguise.

      The Everygirl’s Guide to Manifestation More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      How I got my job as… Founder of a leading online luxury destination platform

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
      This week we chat with Martha Waslen, founder of DayAway, a leading online destination platform for guests to discover and book curated luxury daytime experiences in the UAE. Designed for both travellers and residents, the unique platform offers a variety of restorative daytime escapes including wellness and dining experiences.
      As a leading technology and lifestyle leader, Waslen has collaborated with luxurious hotels in the region to give users the ultimate rejuvenating package.
      Emirates Woman sat down with the brand’s founder to find out more about her career and how she found inspiration to create this enticing luxury destination platform in the region.
      What was your favourite subject at school?
      Any class that involved debate. I think my mind must be physiologically wired to play Devil’s Advocate because I always love to consider different perspectives of the same debate, which is why I should have maybe been a lawyer.
      What was your first job?
      My very first job was working as a lifeguard at a country club in high school. Hardly anyone ever went in the pool, and I spent most days just lounging poolside. It was the best job ever.

      What brought you to Dubai?
      Dubai is such a beautiful and vibrant city, and we are very excited about the opportunity for our business to grow throughout the UAE and to meet with our incredible hotel and lifestyle partners who have helped make the hospitality scene in Dubai what it is today.
      What inspired you to launch DayAway? Talk us through the concept.
      We launched DayAway as a platform to connect luxury 5-star hotels to the growing experience economy through revolutionary software that allows hotels to maximise revenue from their underutilized facility spaces. Since our launch in May 2021, we’ve expanded to five countries and will soon offer a wide range of experiences curated by private yacht companies, helicopter operators, luxury retail boutiques, and award-winning cocktail bars and restaurants as well. We’re on our way to being the leading online destination for booking luxury experiences worldwide. We will be announcing a range of B2B software solutions to a global network of hospitality & travel brands in the coming months, and an innovative Web3 framework for our partners to expand their brand presence using blockchain, NFTs and metaverse technology.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      As the CEO of a tech startup, I wear many hats. My role includes everything from strategizing about how we will scale our tech globally across multiple travel and hospitality verticals, to spell-checking copy on our website and responding to customer service emails. Fortunately, I have an incredible team of rockstar developers, marketers and business development managers that allow me to focus most of my time on planning for the future of our business.
      Talk us through your daily routine.
      I have two young toddlers, so my mornings start very early and are usually filled with a mix of getting the kids ready for school while simultaneously preparing for early morning calls with partners and investors based in the US (which is the evening their time). The rest of my days are filled with exciting meetings, calls, coffees, and lunches with decision-makers from a wide range of industries – from travel and hospitality to Web3 and venture capital. As much as I’m able, I still love to pick up my kids from school in the late afternoons and be home to tuck them into bed before starting calls again with partners in the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      The path for entrepreneurs is a rocky one, filled with all kinds of challenges, but I always keep the Tony Robbins quote in mind that “success is 80 percent psychological and 20 percent skill.” If you stay positive, and mentally tough, incredible things are possible.
      What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
      I’ve received so many great pieces of advice and have been fortunate to have incredible role models and mentors. Some of the best advice I’ve received was to read a book called The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. Lessons from that book are a daily reminder not to be intimidated by big goals, but to break them down into smaller, more achievable goals. Everything is possible if you work towards your dreams, bit by bit, day by day. Don’t let your highs get too high or your lows get too low – just stay on course, don’t get discouraged and keep accumulating small wins along the way. One day you’ll wake up, look back, and be amazed by everything you’ve achieved.
      And what is the worst?
      In the early days of DayAway, I was advised by a few prospective investors to just focus on the Web2 side of our business, and not distract myself with Web3 integrations. They thought our Web2 business was “good and profitable enough” and that we didn’t need to complicate the platform by integrating blockchain technology. What I don’t think they realise is that any tech company they’re investing in that isn’t considering how blockchain can help their business grow community, and ease unnecessary operational frictions, is already out of date.
      What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
      The biggest challenge has been overcoming my own self-doubt, and my own illusions about what I was – and more importantly, what I was not capable of achieving. You really don’t know what you’re capable of until you try, and when you push yourself to what you believe is your absolute limit, I think many people realise that those limits they thought they had don’t really exist. There are no limits.
      What are the future plans for your brand?
      We are so excited about the future of DayAway and the innovative tech solutions we’ll be announcing in the coming months, including white label solutions that allow our partners to sell experiences directly to their customers on a global level, software that for the first time ever will allow travel agents to make commissions on booking experiences for their clients, and of course building a bridge to bring millions of people into the world of Web3. anyway has recently announced the launch of our Founder’s Key NFT. Commemorating our transition into Web3, the Founder’s Key is the first blockchain-enabled membership and loyalty program of its kind that unlocks exclusive access and benefits to luxury experiences worldwide. The Founder’s Key, along with future DayAway NFT collections and metaverse experiences, will build the foundation for what we hope will be the wider tokenisation of memberships and loyalty programs in hospitality and travel.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied  More