Yes the thought does count, but a thoughtful and useful gift counts even more.
5 Affordable Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Women
Gift Ideas for that special lady in your life
Can’t figure out what to get your wife or girlfriend for Valentine’s Day? Here are some fail proof Valentine’s Days gift ideas that fits any budget.
Tip: Start with a budget and work around that.
Don’t have money for a fancy dinner- then make it.
Don’t have money for a full bouquet of roses, buy just one or go to Home Depot and buy a nice plant.
1. Bathtub Tray
Perfect for an at home spa day. Add other gifts like bath balms and a nice loofah.
2. Jewelry Box
A jewelry box is a fantastic Valentine’s day gift idea. Just make sure the recipient has jewelry to place inside of it.
Tip: TJMaxx is a great place to go or Amazon if you are on a time crunch.
3. An Online Club
You can format it to your budget. Choose for a couple of months or for the whole year. The great thing about this is that it is the gift that keeps on giving.
Birchbox- awesome beauty products and makeup
4. Ouai Gift Set
Ouai is a current cult favorite. Their hair products are sheek and of high quality.
5. Yoga Mat
For your Yoga Enthusiast or Spouse that wants to get into Yoga. Yoga matts are also perfect for stretching in the house and meditating.
10 ways to keep your New Year Resolutions
The New Year is a great symbol of starting something new or pressing restart to something you are determined to re-do. It’s like the big “Monday” of the year. Most New Year Resolutions are actually great goals, i.e. “Get Healthier”, “Stop Smoking”, “Start a new hobby”…So why wouldn’t you want to do them?
According to U.S. News, approximately 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February. Why? Because most resolutions are made unpractically and without an execution plan.
Here are 10 ways to keep your New Year Resolutions to Yourself
1. Keep it practical
Don’t set goals that are impossible to achieve. For instance, “I’m going to lose 15 lbs by February.” This is not a practical goal. Not because of the weight and time frame, but because of the fact that you are trying to lose something that you many have no idea how to track. How do you know if you are losing fat vs. gaining muscle vs. what is water weight?
What is a more practical goal: “I am going to workout three days a week for 1 hour and bring my heart rate up to my Target Heart Rate.” Now this is something that you can track.
Unless you are a trainer, have a trainer or nutritionist, know how to measure your BMI, there is no way for you to scientifically and accurately tell if you are losing Body Fat.
Be practical when writing your goals (practical and optimistic are NOT the same thing).
2. Set ways to get there
Don’t just write a goal and leave it there. Write how you are going to accomplish your New Year Resolution.
I am going to read 30 minutes a day. Well how are you going to do that? – “Instead of watching a TV show before bed, I am going to read” or “I am going to wake up 30 minutes earlier to read” or “I am going to read during lunch.”
3. Check-in with yourself
After you start committing to your goal, look for ways to enhance or improve it.
Maybe you noticed that reading before bed is not the best time, because you are too tired. Maybe you realized that you like this one workout class or gym better than another one. Look for ways to enhance. Do not stay stagnant.
4. Give Yourself Motivation
Motivate yourself! If you you go to the gym 3 times a week, treat yourself to new workout pants or start saving towards something you truly want.
As children, most of our parents would reward us for our accomplishments. For instance, if you received straight A’s you might have received a toy that you really wanted. This was built into our socialization process, making this cause and effect action still valid.
5. Make sure you are doing it for you
Make sure your New Year Resolution is for you and not for someone else. Now your goal can start from somewhere, like a your spouse asking you to do something, but you still have to find the core of why you want to do it…these are double edged resolutions.
Here are some examples of double edged resolutions:
-You are reading a book because you want to be apart of a book club; so, you can spend more time with your friends.
-You want to get healthier because you want to be around longer for your family.
-You want to save more money; so you can go on that trip.
6. Be open about what you are doing
We all need a support system. Be open about what you are doing and if someone is judgemental that is their issue.
Now you don’t have to do the above, but one thing I have learned, there will usually be a naysayer or two, but be honest. Explaining it to them, will help you keep yourself on track.
“The last office I worked in, people would judge me because I would bring in my own food prep. They took what I looked like and what I was eating and automatically made their own assumptions about me. One day someone had made a joke about my size and my food. I told the woman why I was eating healthy -because of my uncle’s battle with colon cancer, because of my grandmothers battles with breast and ovarian cancer…and she never bothered (picked on) me again.”- Ana
7. Be your own biggest cheerleader
If you are doing your Resolution..be proud of yourself! Give yourself a pat on the back. Not in a narcissistic way, but in a motivational way. Tell yourself how proud you are of YOU!
It all starts with you.
8. Motivate yourself
Investigate the why of your New Year Resolution. – I want to start dressing nicer. Why? Because I forgot how much I enjoy fashion.
I want to start working out 3 times a week. Why? To improve my health so I can run around with my kids and also teach them a healthy lifestyle.
I want to read 30 minutes a day. Why? I want to keep learning.
9. Don’t give up
There may be days where you would rather watch a movie and not read, eat saturated fats, or splurge on that jacket, but don’t give up! Go to that why and find your reason to keep going because….
10. Don’t lie to yourself
Never lie to yourself. Never break promises to yourself. How does it feel when you lie to your significant other or family member? Not to good right? Well lying to yourself doesn’t feel very good either, but some people are so used to doing so that they are hardened to this feeling. When you lie to yourself you are disrespecting yourself just as you would if you lied to someone else.
If you find that you have fallen off the track, it is never too late to press the restart button. You don’t have to wait for New Year or a Monday (or Sunday) to start a goal. You can start right now, in this very moment. *Set yourself up for success, by reassessing how to achieve your resolution.
The Best Christmas Movies
The Best Christmas Movies
Editor
12-19-2018
We asked our viewers what the best Christmas Movies are. There were a ton of answers and a lot of great movies suggested… So, grab your family, some snacks and the best seat on the couch and get ready to be entertained. Here are the best Christmas Movies of all times (movies listed are family friendly).
1. Home alone
2. Grinch
3. Elf
4. Love Actually
5. National Lampoon Christmas Vacation
6. Prancer
7. It’s A Wonderful Life
8. Jack Frost
9. Princess Switch
10. The Polar Express
11. Snow Buddies
12. A Christmas Story
13. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
14. Eight Crazy Nights
15. Miracle on 34th Street
16. Deck the halls
17. Nightmare before Christmas
18. Peanuts Christmas
19. Rudolph
20. Frosty the Snow Man
21. One Magic Christmas
22. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
23. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Top Christmas Gifts 2018
We asked Instagram what was their Top Request Gifts for 2018 and here are (some) of the responses. Please note that these are Christmas Gifts for Adults.
1. Money
We are not sure why giving money has such a bad rap. It is actually the most requested, because the receiver can do anything that they want with it, rather than having to purchase from a certain store. Let’s be real, most of the “gifts” that we receive for Christmas end up going into the corner or re-gifted.
“I do not care if it $5.00 or $10.00, sometimes money is the best gift and the most unwasteful.” -Ana Editor-In-Chief.
2. To be around Family
For those who do not live close to their family, this is the season to where the void is felt the most. Help them out by giving them an early Christmas present that will help them travel. Yes it is non-traditional, but worth it.
“Sometimes the way to be with your family is the best gift.” -Ana
3. To travel
For someone that is looking to give a gift to a travel bug…give them a gift card to an airline, that way they have to use it for traveling.
“Find out what airline they like to use or what airline goes to the place that is on their list.”- Ana
4. Good Health
For your health enthusiast friend or family member, give them a gift card to a health store or even gift them vitamins.
“Vitamins and health supplements are not cheap. I would love to find multi-vitamins in my stocking.” -Ana
5. More time with my Spouse
For those couples that are super busy, give your significant other a gift card or tickets that includes…you. For example a gift card to a restaurant, tickets to a concert or a couples massage.
“Tickets to a basketball game is something my husband loves.” -Ana
6. Tickets
Concert tickets to your friend’s or family member’s favorite band, ect. is a great gift. Just make sure you get two; so, they can bring a friend. Also, if you weren’t planning on going with them, then let them know with a note that they can bring whomever they want, that way they do not feel pressured.
7. A Designer Bag
8. Drunk Elephant
If you do not know what Drunk Elephant is, it is a skincare line. An instagram cult favorite. Instead of putting up a photo of the products, we will have a gif of two drunk elephants.
Photo is from Pexels.com, Gifs are from Gify.com
14 Things That Every Bride Should Know Before Her Wedding Day
When your wedding day comes it’s going to be quick and fast and you are going to want to be prepared. There may be a lot of last minute things that happen that will be out of your control, but the things you can control, you should be prepared for.
Here's 14 Things Every Bride Should Know Before Her Wedding Day.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask for money instead of a gift registry.
I know that this may be frowned upon, but weddings are expensive and if you don’t have money for a honeymoon, this is a great way to fund it.
Now a days, a lot of wedding registry gifts are something we already have or don’t need. Decades ago traditional couples would get married and move into a house together. The wedding registry was a terrific way for them to get things like mixing bowls. Now a days, couples already live together and the necessities are already purchased.
“Don’t plan your trip counting on wedding money from the honeymoon. It is financially wise to wait to see what funds that you will have (if you are counting on the wedding money) and then plan it according to your budget.” -Ana Editor-In-Chief
2. Wear comfortable shoes.
Even if your feet are not shown, it is tacky to exchange shoes. You will notice it in the picture for later. Just wear comfortable shoes.
“If you are going to wear flats, wear flats the whole night. My shoes were not the prettiest, but they were pretty and the heel was comfortable.” -Ana
3. Make sure you check your undergarments weeks before the wedding.
The correct undergarments can be hard to find. The last thing you want is to look in the mirror and see lines or see through fabric.
“It took me almost 4 weeks to find the correct undergarments for my dress. Don’t wait until the last minute or the day of to try your undergarments on.”- Ana
4. If you are doing your own makeup, make sure you practice and then take pictures with flash to see what they will look like.
If you hire makeup artist, always hire someone that is highly recommended because slow or unqualified makeup artists can make/break your day.
The timing of getting your hair and makeup done is important, especially if your whole makeup bridal party is getting it done too. If you have large bridal party, have all of your bridesmaids bring their foundation, that way the makeup artist do not have skin tone match them.
“With hair/makeup and photographers, I always advise to use someone that you know or comes highly recommended. Make sure you have at least 3 hair/makeup artist per 5 people. ” -Ana
5. Don’t get a facial right before the wedding.
Get it at least a week prior. You do not want any flare up or allergic reactions to happen for your wedding day.
“I would never try a facial for the first time right before my wedding. Get one a couple months prior to test it out. .” -Ana
6. Have someone set aside food from the cocktail hour for you to eat.
During your cocktail hour, you will be probably be taking pictures. You might completely miss it; so, have someone bring you food so you don’t go into the reception hungry. The reception you will sit down for a moment before everything starts and you will also be greeting guests.
“The first 2 hours of the reception goes by fast. That is usually the time the food is served. If you are planning to drink, plan to eat as well. “- Ana
7. Have some with pockets that is responsible, like your dad, brother etc. hold your phone and lipstick.
If your dad is walking you down the isle, his suit coat pockets are the perfect place to stash your essentials during the ceremony.
8. Assign tasks to people, even if you have a wedding planner.
Delegating is a must for you to enjoy your day. Have someone you trust check on things you may be nervous about.
“I wish I delegated more tasks. I will always be haunted by the 1000’s of flower petals that missed the ceremony floor. “- Ana
9. Pause and take in the day.
They day will go by so fast that everything will be hard to remember. Take in the moment and enjoy what the day actually means. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
“I had about 3 huge mishaps on the day of the wedding that I had to just let go of. I was already tired and stressed that if I decided to make those things the focus of my attention, I would have fell apart and the wedding would have been a disaster “- Ana
10. Accept that the day might not be all about you.
A lot of people with a lot of different personalities will be there. Do not let anything ruin your day.
11. Let go… if something happens have someone assigned to handle it. Let nothing ruin your day.
Have someone you trust handle all of the things that may come up. At the end of the day, the bride does have to entertain and greet her guest. You need to be front and center, not in the back handeling things.
12. Make sure you eat before the wedding.
Eat every meal. Do not skip a meal.
13. Do nothing the day of the wedding.
The only thing that you should plan on doing is arriving at your venue. If you have to go to the salon, make sure you have someone with you that can help you stay on track with time.
14. Practice moving in your dress.
Have a friend move around in the dress for you to emulate your spouse in your wedding dance. Practice walking around, so you don’t trip the day of.
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Critics say Ariana Grande’s funeral attire was disrespectful and We are not here for it
Lifestyle
Critics say Ariana Grande's Funeral Attire was Disrespectful and We are Not Here for it.
The Editors
09-03-2018
Ariana Grande wore a little black dress to Aretha Franklin’s Funeral and Critics are ripping apart this young woman for her attire.
We are disappointed to report that in 2018, people are picking apart and commenting on Ariana Grande’s attire at Aretha Franklin’s funeral. The controversy sparked shortly after the “controversial grab” by Aretha Franklin’s Funeral Bishop.
Coincidence? We think not.
What Ariana wore was an above the knee black dress and black stilettos. Critics are saying that this was inappropriate and disrespectful to wear to a funeral. We are guessing that Ariana didn’t read the Funeral Handbook (apparently there is one).
The headlines for this outrage have included the word funeral not church, but if the funeral was not held in a traditional church, would there be this much controversy? Are people hiding behind religion to chastise and judge her? Where is this “appropriateness” coming from?
In their defense, in many traditional churches women were historically not allowed behind the podium; so, I suppose we should be thankful that in 2018 a Woman was allowed to stand on the stage at all.
Now we are not sure why there was a late uproar over her attire. Maybe it was to produce an excuse for the demeaning way that the Bishop inappropriately grabbed her (there’s no excuse for him grabbing her and holding her) or the other looks that some of these men were giving this 25-year-old.
This is the old shaming the victim routine and we are not here for it.
Also note that this controversy happened within the same month that Serena Williams was banned from wearing her catsuit at the French Opening and the French tennis player, Alize Cornet, received a violation after changing her shirt on the court (she had a sports bra on).
So if you thought we have come far in Feminism Land, think again.
We have a lot of work to do.
How to get over an Ex
Asking Ana
The Millennial Relationship Guru
Breakups can seem like the hardest thing that you will ever deal with.
We can usually see it happening, but sometimes nothing can prepare us for the void that we may feel afterwards. Sometimes the process of how to get over an ex, can seem like a long and painful one.
Here are healthy ways to began the healing process and cope with a breakup.
1. Get support from your support system
Family and Friends are necessary in a time like this. You need to surround yourself with people that sincerely care about you. Use this time to catch up with your little brother or take that girls trip that you have been putting off because you were in a relationship. Have lunch with your mom or dad. Fill your void with love.
2. Listen to sad love songs
We psychologically find comfort when we realize that we are not alone. Love songs can remind us that we are not the only one having these problems. Listen to sad love songs, but keep a mix of empowerment songs within your love songs.
3. Start a hobby
You know those walls you never painted? Those scrapbooks you never filled. Maybe that yoga or martial arts class that you put off because you didn’t have the time? Become active and more social.
4. Start a journal
Writing can be the best therapy. Get a blank journal and began to write. Write about your relationship and the mistakes that were taken place. Write about what you would do in future relationships. Writing allows us to step back revaluate things. It can also provide another perspective.
5. Hang out with single people
If you haven’t hung around single people in a while, then begin to hang out with singles in a group setting. This will make the transition easier.
6. Give yourself time to process your feelings
Time does heal. Let yourself process your relationship and breakup. Begin to purge items that are reminders. You might also need to separate your social life from theirs by deleting them from social media and avoiding the places they frequent.
7. Speak to someone professionally
If you have built a life with someone and planned on spending all of your years with this individual, it is perfectly normal to feel lost. If you feel lost, speak to someone. It helps.