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5 Beauty Upgrades To Try in 2017

written by Sidney Walker

2016 was a hectic year, but now it’s 2017’s turn to shine. Last year was the year the Kardashian look started to lose its edge a little bit, and people began looking for something else. In this article I’m going to run though my top-five beauty tips to get you started – it may be February, but it’s still not too late to make resolutions for the other eleven months of the year!

#5. Switch Up Your Hair With Crazy-Curls and Braids

Last year was all about soft, gentle, Hollywood golden-era curls but that’s already old-hat. Go wild this year, with big blow-dry curls! Also coming back in, in a big way, are braids. Time to dust off your braiding skills that you left off in middle-school, because braiding is officially back in. Hit up the fishtail for a modern look, or go for something a little more playful with braided pigtails.

 

#4. Re-Vamp the Your Look with coole glasees and jewlery – With This Year’s Vintage Clothing Trends

The vintage-boom shows no sign of slowing down – going by what we’ve seen so far this year we should expect to see a revival in Vivienne Westwood, post-punk aesthetics and contrast denim styles. Hit up your local charity or thrift stores to find bargains or if you’re looking for a curated selection of vintage clothing find a retro-store or flea-market. If you’re willing to spend a little bit more, people are increasingly starting to shop online for the best vintage clothes – a quick google search for ‘vintage clothing online shop’ is your friend here!

 

 

 

 

3#. Get Out There and Run

It’s probably not news to you, but getting out there and running can not only do wonders for your mood, general health and well-being but also your beauty regime! More and more studies show that by working up a sweat you actually cleanse your pores of harmful oils and toxins, giving your face a radiant – and healthy – glow. Those very same oils and toxins are known to be one of the principal causes of pimples and blackheads! How about that?

#2. Working out? Maybe It’s Time to Switch Anti-Perspirant

Whether you’re out and about, running up a storm or hitting the gym, it’s super important to have a good deodorant in the wings to stay fresh. If you’re still using that dollar-store anti-perspirant maybe it’s time to change it up. I personally use Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant and it’s made all the difference since I’ve switched over – none of those white patches or unsightly sweat stains to speak of! Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant offers 48 hours of odor and wetness protection plus added skincare benefits of Dove ¼ moisturizers and NutriumMoisture for softer, smoother underarms.

 

#1. Arts and Crafts Nails

We saw this really come into its own all over instagram and elsewhere in 2016, and it’s set to explode this year! Stones, beads – even googly eyes have made appearances. My advice? Get creative with it and try to think of something cute and funny that hasn’t been done yet – hit up that 90’s nostalgia and theme each nail after a Nickelodeon character, or maybe pick up some shells off the beach and play around with it (make sure you give them a good cleaning first!).

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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HabitsMillennial TipsSelf Improvement

What To Do When You Feel Lost In Your Twenties?

written by Guest Post

 

Our twenties are an adventurous and exciting time in our lives. It is the time to take risks and explore new things, but also it is the time when we transition into adulthood. We already thought we were adults from the time we were eighteen, but now we actually have the responsibilities of adults. Yikes! That can be scary, especially when you are not ready for it. We start to feel lost and unsure because we get to a certain age, and we are not where we wanted to be.

Have you lost track of your goals? Do you feel lost or sidetracked from the vision you once had for your life.

Life goals can change, and many times they do. You might have had a concrete vision for your live at 18, but college can certainly change that. You go in with one major in mind and graduate with a totally different one. It’s okay to change your mind, but then you need to change your vision,

3 Simple Ways To Get Over Feeling Lost

1. Re-evaluate

Re-evaluate your life goals and write them down. They probably have changed since you were 18, but have you taken the time to write them down or create a vision board? It helps to visualize our goals and hold ourselves accountable of them. Holding ourselves accountable means that we should never settle for mediocrity. If you don’t like where we are in life or in your job, actively try to better the situation or leave it.

Sit down on a Sunday afternoon and really re-evaluate where you are in life and where you would like to be. Make a list of what things will help you get to your goals and what you need to be doing to get there. We can feel lost because we get so overwhelmed and stressed out with our daily lives that we don’t take a moment to re-access. You might be exhausted working day in and day out in jobs that you don’t care for to make ends meet, but in the midst of it all you lose sight on what you truly want to do. It’s okay to temporarily work menial jobs, but set out a time each day to actively work towards something else. It will help you stay in track.

2. Explore New Things

Maybe you feel lost because you just don’t love what you do anymore. You were once passionate about it, but now it doesn’t bring you happiness like it once did. We grow and change as we get older so this is possible, but that doesn’t mean we should settle with doing what does not make us happy. We are still so young and full of possibilities in our twenties, so find something else!

  1. Read- Read print, physical books, and read online. There is so much information out there and it only does us a disservice to not indulge in it. Some of my favorite books are Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, and I want to read Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes.
  2. Volunteer- A huge part of the beauty of humanity is giving. Most of us are so privileged here in the US because we have a plethora of resources here at our disposal that sometimes we take for granted ( I can only speak for the residents of the US). It’s so important to volunteer, and you might find something that you are deeply passionate about.
  3. Travel- Take risks and explore a new place besides your home town. It’s important to get out of this bubble we live in, and go to different countries,  see different cultures and hear different languages. We can get lost because we get caught in the monotony of our environment. Change it up! Seeing life from a different perspective might give you a refreshed vision for your own life.
  4. Blog- Blogging is a great way to meet new people from all over the world. It’s a chance to create an online presence for yourself and express your ideas. Whether you want to make a business out of it or do it for fun it’s a way of expression, which is always important. As a young person it is an amazing creative outlet, and I think it is worth exploring.

3. Hustle

Success does not get handed to you in a pretty package. That package is usually tainted with hard work, dedication, commitment, and focus. You have to hustle to make it happen, and trust me the path might be strenuous but the end result will feel magnificent. Do you feel yourself getting lazy or unmotivated? Re-evaluate and get out of that. Mediocrity in my book will not make you successful or set you apart from the rest. You have to be hungry. If you think you are working hard towards your goals then you are on the right track, but if you are in that lazy group then it’s time to hustle.

My solution to get out of feeling lost in your twenties is to allow yourself to reevaluate and redefine your passions in life, so you can indulge in a career that brings you happiness.

 

Written by Shaina McGregor

Guest Blogger Bio:

I’m Shaina- a city girl studying dance in the Fordham/ Ailey BFA Program. I created a lifestyle blog, The Mindful Rise, to empower young artists, college students, and Millennials that through hard work, a positive mindset, and smart financial habits we can become successful.

Author’s Blog: www.themindfulrise.com

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/themindfulrise/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shaina.mcgregor/

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/shaina_mcgregor/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/_shainamcgregor/

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ExpectingHomeMillennial TipsSelf Improvement

Is Your Home Safe For A Newborn

written by Sidney Walker
Baby on the Way – Is the house safe?
As your pregnancy progresses, the nesting instinct may kick in. This instinct relates to making preparations to welcome your little one into life. While it does relate to decorating the nursery and stocking up on everything from diapers to baby clothes, it also relates to creating a safe, healthy environment for your child. You may glance around your home and think that it is a safe place to live, but there are hidden dangers that can be difficult to recognize. More than that, a baby’s immune system generally is weaker than an adult’s, and the baby will be more susceptible to getting sick when exposed to certain things. With this in mind, there are a few steps that you can take to prepare your home for your baby’s arrival.

Schedule a Radon Gas Test Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that is found naturally in many environments. Most commonly it can come from ground soil, but it can also enter the home through well water. Radon is known to cause lung cancer, and children may be more prone to becoming ill when exposed to this gas. You can easily request a radon test to learn more about its possible presence in the home.Think About the Presence of Lead
Lead is another naturally-occurring substance that was once used in paints for walls, toys and other items. Lead poisoning occurs when the substance enters the body. Because lead is not removed from the body, it can build up over time to make the person increasingly sicker. Symptoms can include everything from a stomach ache and headache to muscle weakness, seizures and more. A law went into effect in 1978 that prohibited its use in paint and manufacturing, but some older homes as well as older toys or items produced in other countries may contain lead. It is wise to have an older home and older toys inspected for lead. With newer items, read the labels to ensure that the products do not contain lead.

Look for Mold
Mold grows naturally in environments that are moist and dark, and it is commonly found in home bathrooms, laundry rooms and other areas. You can remove this type of mold on your own by thoroughly cleaning the spaces. Another type of mold, known as black mold, may be even more dangerous to have. It may develop most commonly through water leaks and other issues, and it can grow on everything from drywall to cabinetry, carpeting and more. Black mold should be professionally removed because of how damaging it can be to your health. A great idea is to request a mold inspection to learn more about its potential presence in your home.

Improve Fire Safety
A fire can begin from a wide range of factors, and these range from lightning to cooking activities, electrical shortages and more. You can try to identify potential fire hazards, such as frayed electrical cords or outlets that spark, and you can repair or replace these now. You can also check the batteries in your fire alarms and install additional fire alarms in bedrooms and hallways. Ensure that you have a fire extinguisher on all levels of the home and that you know how to use this device. You may wish to call out a professional to assess your home’s fire prevention status and perhaps install fire protection systems.

Childproof Your Home
Childproofing your home can begin before you baby arrives. While your baby may not be mobile for many months, this process can take time to complete, and your baby may occupy all of your time once he or she is here. Install outlet covers, cabinet door and drawer closures, baby gates and more throughout the home. Keep cords from blinds up high where little hands cannot reach them. Turn the temperature setting on your hot water heater down to reduce the risk of scalding. Look for sharp objects or corners, breakable objects and smaller items that could be choking hazards, and take proper steps to make these safe or to remove them.

Bringing a child into the home is likely going to be one of the most monumental and memorable events in your life. You understandably want to do everything possible to keep your child safe and healthy.

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AtlantaHabitsMillennial TipsSelf Improvement

How To Find The Right Sportswear.

written by Sidney Walker

 

There are few things that can help you to feel more comfortable when you are physically active than the sportswear that you choose to wear. Certainly, you want to choose sportswear that you find to be stylish, but there are other factors to consider that can impact your comfort, your health and well-being and your ability to move freely. Whether you are interested in walking, running and biking or you have water-based activities like swimming, canoeing or rafting in mind, it is important to make a great decision about your sportswear.

Think About Weather Conditions

Many of the activities that you may be looking for sportswear for may be outdoor activities, so it is important to choose weather-appropriate clothing. Protective clothes may have a wind barrier that can minimize chapping and that can keep the chill of the wind off of you. Some may be lightweight and suitable for use in warmer, sunny weather. Some items even have built-in UV protection. During warm or hot weather conditions, look for clothing that is lightweight and that wicks sweat away. During cooler weather conditions, think about dressing in layers so that clothing can be removed as your body warms up. The under-layer should wick away sweat.

Consider the Need for Waterproof Apparel
There are many instances when waterproof apparel may be needed. When rafting or canoeing, you may get soaked, so choosing waterproof clothing is a smart idea. This can keep the chill of the water off of your body. When you are participating in other outdoor activities, such as walking, running, biking or hiking, you may get wet from a rain shower. If you plan to go out on a rainy day, a waterproof hat and jacket are a smart idea. If the weather is warm, any material that wicks away moisture and that is lightweight is a good idea.

Choose Clothes That Allow Free Movement
Each activity will require you to do different types of movements in a repetitive fashion. Many of these activities require full body movement, but some may increase friction in different areas. For example, hiking, running and walking may increase friction on your thighs. Canoeing and rafting may increase friction on the upper body and may require more range of motion with the shoulders and arms. Some people prefer tighter clothing that will not rub and cause chafing in these areas. Others prefer looser items because they feel less hindered with their movements. While this is a personal preference, you may consider moving around while trying on different clothes to ensure that you can move around comfortably and without feeling hindered. Keep in mind that clothing should stay put while moving around with some activities. For example, when swimming, you want your swimsuit to cling to your body rather than ride up. Form-fitting suits are often better with swimming.

Think About Undergarments
While you may spend a lot of time focusing on clothing and outerwear, undergarments are critical. Undergarments should be form-fitting and snug. Movement can be uncomfortable for both men and women in certain areas, and this movement can even lead to chafing and irritation. While cotton may be comfortable, it can also retain moisture and make your clothes feel heavy. Nylon may not retain moisture from sweating, rain and more as much, so it may be a preferred option.

Select the Right Footwear
Unless you are swimming, the footwear that you choose is also critical to comfort, health and even safety. Shoes should have the ideal amount of support and stability features for the activity. Some activities, such as hiking, may require more support than activities like walking on a sidewalk. Cushioning is also important, and it may be more important when hiking or running due to the impact these activities have on your joints. When canoeing and rafting, footwear may need to be protective as well as waterproof. Because you may need to get out of your watercraft and walk on natural surfaces from time to time, shoes that also have a gripping element are beneficial.

Finding the right clothing to wear for your activity may take time, but this is time well-spent. Your clothing choices can protect you from the elements and keep you comfortable. They can also promote healthy, safe body movements. As you shop for sportswear, keep these important points in mind.

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HabitsMillennial Career TipsMillennial TipsSelf Improvement

10 Ways To Kick The Procrastination Habit

written by Sidney Walker
Trying to realize our ambitions, even if we don’t always meet them, is preferable to not having the courage or motivation to take the risk. So not making any resolutions because we fear that we’ll break them is having a defeatist attitude, as we allow procrastination to become an insidious habit which stops us from leading more fulfilling lives.
The following offers 10 ways to kick the procrastination habit!
1. Personal values development.
Take the time to find out what you really want in life, what your personal values are. Do you want more time, more money, better health, greater self-esteem and confidence, more fulfilling relationships, a different career, set up a business? When we procrastinate it’s often because what we are planning to do is not really aligned with what we truly want. We may be scared of our skills (or perceived lack of) or fear ridicule from others.
2. Make health and high-energy levels a priority.
Without good health we are less likely to have the energy and dynamism needed to make positive changes in our lives and it’s easier (and necessary if you’re very ill) to procrastinate. So ensure that you have a nourishing diet, sleep well, exercise and meditate. Incidentally, it is thought that regular meditation helps delay the worst effects of the ageing process.
3. Visualize your life without procrastination.
See and feel the benefits in your life if you didn’t procrastinate. What could you do and achieve? Begin to act as if you’re not a procrastinator. Write down, draw, imagine your life as a film. Use affirmations to help you.
4. Banish the Gremlin.
That little voice which runs on auto in your head – that dismisses any idea that you might have. It says things like “I’m not in the mood” “I don’t have time” “I can’t do this”. Stop running on auto, replace the “should’s” “oughts” “have tos” with “want to” “desire”. You have a choice. Acknowledge your choices and banish the Gremlin. Again, using affirmations can help you replace the Gremlin with more positive alternatives.
5. Over commitment.
Saying “yes” to everything – often leaves you feeling tired and without the energy to focus on what is most important to you. This leads to procrastination as projects and tasks are dropped. Identify what is most important to you and only focus on those areas which will make the biggest difference to your life. It will enhance your focus and motivation.
6. Set personal and professional goals.
It’s hard to motivate yourself when you don’t have a good idea of what you want to accomplish. So when setting goals think about what you want to achieve in the short term and long term. Techniques for doing so include the SMART strategy. S = specific M = measurable A= Action R = Realistic T = Time based. Use goal setting software to help you in goal planning and setting.
7. Prioritize Your Goals.
Develop a plan or schedule to help you reach your goals. In doing so you will begin to identify whether some elements need to be included or enhanced or dropped completely. Also remember to be flexible, revisit your goals regularly and modify or drop if appropriate. Just because a goal is written down doesn’t mean that it is set in stone!
8. Divide and conquer.
Once you’ve prioritized your goals, divide them into smaller chunks. Sometimes we procrastinate because a project seems really large that the scale of it overwhelms us and puts us into a temporary form of paralysis – you don’t know where to start, so you don’t start at all! Approach each project – especially large ones – on a step by step basis.
9. Reward yourself.
Once you start to complete tasks, reward yourself by giving yourself something that you want. So instead of seeing a film before you complete a task, see it afterwards and make it a reward for you.
10. Just get started.
No excuses. Don’t wait until you’re “in the mood”. The mood never comes! It is a clever camouflage and a delaying tactic. What you resist persists! Start with what is easiest, so that you experience immediate success, which will give you the fuel and motivation to upgrade and take on larger projects.

 

 

 

 

 

Do any of the above and you’ll be well on your way to Kicking the Procrastination Habit. And if you’re procrastinating over doing any of the above :.), then remember that life is the biggest deadline of all!

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Self Improvement

10 inspirational quotes than can improve yourself

written by Sidney Walker

It might take a little coffee or probably a few rounds of beer or any other booze you could get your hands on when it comes to relaxing after a hard day’s work. Well, yeah I’m guilty about that one as well, unless I’m caught dead wearing a lampshade over my head after a few rounds of vodkaÖ half-naked! Okay, bad example and I apologize to everyone reading this after getting nightmares about me in that state of drunken stupor.

Just don’t ask how it happened, please.

But what’s really interesting is that how do people go through the usual part of life when faced with vein-popping stress? I mean, the new age thing like Zen or yoga is one of the good things and it actually works. Is there room for the intellectual side of people who can actually smell the roses-in-a-can while on the move? It kind of had me thinking that there really must be something in this ‘mind-over-matter’ thing.

Humor is indeed the best medicine there is whenever you are. I mean anyone can pay good money to listen to a comedian just to make you wet your pants after laughing so hard. Despite of what’s been happening, and to those who has gone though the ordeal, it’s better to just laugh while facing the troubles with a clear mind than anger with a clouded vision. One of my favorite celebrities of all time may have to be Woody Allen. Now this is one guy who gives you the in-your-face bluntness that he pulls out with gusto, even without even trying. You can talk just about anything with a man, and he’s bound to mock the subject and you’ll end up laughing rather than being upset about it.

Woody Allen has this to say:

1. “Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons.” It sounds good to me, I mean the practicality of all things does involve money but it doesn’t have to take an arm and a leg to get it.

2. “I believe there is something out there watching us. Unfortunately, it’s the government.” ‘Nuff said.

3. “There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?” This happens to be one of the classic ones. I mean the issue about life’s little problems isn’t all that bad, until ‘he’ shows up.

Sure, relationships can get complicated, or does have its complications that probably any author about relationships is bound to discover it soon. We follow what our heart desires, unless you’re talking about the heart as in the heart that pump blood throughout your body.

4. “Love is the answer, but while you’re waiting for the answer, sex raises some pretty interesting questions.” And if you want more, just keep on asking!

5. “A fast word about oral contraception. I asked a girl to go to bed with me, she said ‘no’.” It sounds, ‘practical’, I think.

And when it comes to everyday life, he really knows how to make the best out of every possible scenario, and it doesn’t involve a lawsuit if he strikes a nerve.

6. “Basically my wife was immature. I’d be at home in the bath and she’d come in and sink my boats.” I never had a boat in my bathtub before. Just staring at it while soaking in hot water makes me seasick already.

7. “I am not afraid of death, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” If it rains, it pours.

8. “I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.” It could get worse when you’re guzzling on beerÖ or mouthwash, and it happened to me once!

9. “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” At least he doesn’t smite us with lightning, and I’m thankful for that.

And despite of what may happen to all of us in the next ten, twenty, or even thirty years, I guess we all have to see things in a different kind of light and not just perspective. I can’t seem to imagine life without any piece of wisdom that could guide us. Whether we’re religious or not, it takes more courage to accept your fears and learn how to deal with them is all that matters when it comes to even just getting along.

And to sum things up, here is the last nugget of wisdom to go byÖ however, whenever, and wherever we may be.

10. “The talent for being happy is appreciating and liking what you have, instead of what you don’t have.”

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