You’ve got the exercise part down, and you’re smashing your workouts. But did you know recovery (rehydrating, replenishing lost nutrients, and feeding those muscles) is huge part of making sure you’re getting the most out of your fitness routine? Rachel Berman, a registered dietician, says “a 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein has been proven to be really efficient for replenishing amino acids and repairing the muscle that’s been broken down during strength training.” Exercise exhausts your muscles, but protein and carbs can replenish the lost stores of energy you’ve used up while kicking butt.

You also need to reduce inflammation from any muscles you may have damaged while making them stronger, which is why Elizabeth Jarrard, another dietician, suggests including foods that are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. So carbs, protein, lots of antioxidants and a little fat? Got it. Recover like a pro with these post-workout foods. Here’s what to eat after a workout:

1.  Eggs

You don’t need me to tell you that eggs are a versatile and protein-packed snack. The easiest way to enjoy them post-workout is by keeping a stash of hardboiled eggs in the fridge and just eating them at your leisure. They are also good on salads or toasts. Scrambled, hardboiled, and poached are a little healthier than their fried brethren, but your make them however you like. You can even throw them in a pancake recipe (just be sure to add some fruit so you can say you got one of your five a day).

2.  Greek Yogurt

Besides just sticking a spoon into a tub of greek yogurt, you can also add berries, nuts, or oats and making it an even better, protein packed snack. My favorite oat-and-yogurt combo is overnight oats. Just throw in some frozen fruit and refrigerate for a delicious next day post-workout snack.

3.  Watermelon

Great to just snack on all by itself, watermelon is hydrating and delicious. You can also blend it into a smooth if you want your recovery on the go.

4.  Chocolate Milk

This herald from your childhood is actually a really great post-workout drink. It combines protein, a little fat, and also sugars to help your muscles bounce back. Enjoy it all by itself, or throw it in a blender with bananas and peanut butter for a seriously protein packed smoothie.

5.  Sweet Potato

You don’t have to spend a lot of time heating up your sweet potato. Sure, they are delicious roasted with some herbs and spices, but you can also just throw one in the microwave. Slice it into wedges, stuff it with cheese or mash it up as a side dish. Versatile and healthy, you really can’t go wrong with sweet potatoes.

6.  Quinoa

Did you know you can actually eat quinoa for breakfast? I didn’t. It’s another grain similar to oats that you can heat up, flavor with peanut butter or cinnamon, and pack with fruit for a great breakfast treat. Or you can throw it in salads with some nuts for a protein packed meal lunch.

7.  Turkey

Another versatile protein, turkey can be added to salads, pasta, sandwiches, wraps – the list goes on. Try rolling turkey slices in lettuce and enjoy in wraps with spicy mustard or place turkey in a whole-wheat pita and garnish with avocado and tomato salsa. Sorted.

8.  Peanut Butter

I saved the best for last. Peanut butter is everyone’s favorite snack, and it’s a great source of protein. You can spread it on a bagel, on top of pancakes, stir into oatmeal, throw in a smoothie, or dunk apples or bananas into it. The list of ways to enjoy peanut butter is truly endless.

If you’re a vegan, don’t disappear, we leave no man or woman left behind in the quest for physical fitness! Some of these snacks are vegan friendly, but there are also entire vegan meals that are great for post-workout recovery. And if you’re a carnivore, you can just throw some protein into these meals too. Versatile, and good for the entire family. Enjoy!

Anyone with ovaries (and sympathetic partners) will know the frustration, pain, and potential tantrums that are associated with a period. Curled up in a ball crying one minute, pacing and in pain the next, the time the month is a rollercoaster of emotions and sensations. Whether you have one or all of the symptoms, I feel for you. And I know that pain meds are not always the way (or the only way) to combat the worst of them. So next time you’re about to get hit, try these natural remedies to fight PMS and period cramps!

1.  Drink a cup of tea

Not only does the warmth help loosen the cramping muscles, but many believe that certain types of infusions can help with PMS and cramps, including cinnamon, fennel, ginger, peppermint, chamomile, and raspberry.

2.  Stretch it out

I used to hate when my gym teacher would tell me that gentle exercise would help with my painful period cramps, when all I wanted to do was curl up in a ball and definitely did not want to run laps around the field. But she was actually right; a lot of PMS symptoms ease up with gentle movement. Exercise gives us endorphins, and endorphins make us happy, according to Elle Woods. And you don’t have to do laps to reap the benefits, as yoga is a great, gentle way to combat mood swings, bloating, and cramps, and more!

3.  Turn up the heat

There’s a reason they sell heat packs for the belly and back for this time of the month. The warmth is soothing, whether you’re drinking a cup of tea, applying direct heat with a hot water bottle, or soaking in a bath. Loosen up those muscles, increase blood flow, and relax!

4.  Change up your diet

According to the folks over at Healthy World People: “Getting more magnesium can also ease the pain of cramps. Magnesium helps regulate nerve and muscle functioning, among other tasks. It’s found in foods such as dry almonds and boiled spinach. You also want to avoid foods and drinks that typically cause bloating and water retention. Some culprits include alcohol, carbonated beverages, caffeine and salty foods.” So put down the caffeinated cup of coffee, and pick up a magnesium rich banana if you’re feeling the pain.

5.  Apply some pressure

We all have acupressure points throughout our body that, when gently pressed, can have a whole host of physical and mental benefits. There are pressure points to boost your mood, to ease headaches, and also to help relieve your period cramps. Adjust pressure as needed!

6.  Add herbs to your diet

Remember those wonderful herbs I told you to throw into some boiling water? You can throw them into your meals too, so that they have a lasting effect on your diet and not just a one-time benefit. Cinnamon and ginger are easy to incorporate into oatmeal, chilli recipes, pancakes, and more!

7.  Use apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar seems to be the cure for anything that ails you. Not only can you use it as sunburn relief and to shorten the suffering of colds, you can also use it to lessen your cramps. One spoonful of vinegar in warm water before a meal works best, according to Natural Mavens.

8.  Oil up!

Essential oils are definitely part of the “alternative” medicine line, but take it from me, they are seriously effective at boosting your mood, relaxing you in times of stress, or helping you focus. You can add a few drops of essential oils to a diffuser, to a bath, or to a carrier oil like almond or coconut to rub/massage into the skin. All three are effective ways to combat PMS symptoms like mood swings and cramping. And the five best oils to use during your time of the month? Lavender (calming), Eucalyptus (anti-inflammatory), Rose (hormone regulation), Ylang-Ylang (antidepressant), and Chamomile (relaxing).

9.  Use flower power

According to Bach Flower advice site, “Bach flower essences are extracts from flowers which have a positive effect on emotional imbalances and mood swings such as fear, dejection, lack of self-confidence, stress and worrying.” Similar to essential oils, Bach Flower Essences are a natural way to regulate your emotions. So when you feel the rollercoaster begin, you could reach for Bach Flowers instead of the painkillers (they even have a specific mix for PMS symptoms!)

10.  Get your OM on

Meditation is good for your brain, your body, and your mood. It has so many health benefits, like reducing stress and anxiety, and helping you process emotions and breathe better. The only downside is learning how to sit still. Doing meditation before, during, and after your period will help you stay centered, more serene, and a whole let less grumpy.

Looking for a new way to budget? There are tons of how-to articles online, and just as many apps available on your phone’s app store. Budgeting does not have to be difficult, dull, or dramatic; you no longer have to cry over your coffee bill, or that extra trip to the movies. In this day and age, budgeting is as modern (or archaic) as you want it to be, so let’s get started and see how you can create the budget that works best for you.

1.  Make it realistic.

A budget is only good if it actually works with (and for) your lifestyle. So trying to make your finances fit around a specific template, even if that template looks really good on paper, is just not going to work. Student loans, car payments, medical bills; some of us have some tricky finances to budget around. And some of us have habits we just can’t kick, like that daily latte or the expensive ballet barre class we just can’t miss. So instead of setting lofty savings goals, try figuring out where you spend the most money, and seeing how you can make your budget work around your goals.

2.  Make it personal.

Again, a budget will only work for you if you make it your own. Templates are a great start, but if you are trying to stick to some arbitrary goal for spending – like only buying $25 worth of coffee a month with a Starbucks addiction – it just won’t happen for you. And failing in any area of your budget regularly won’t make you want to stick to the plan, either. Instead, work around your needs and wants, and make your budget something to strive for; it has to be personal, not perfect.

3.  Make it something you want to stick to.

There should always be some gold at the end of the rainbow. Maybe your budget includes some savings for your next vacation. Or an upgrade to your home. Maybe your budget allows for your caffeine fix, or your blockbuster habit. Maybe your budget changes depending on what you have planned for the month. Regardless, when you make your budget realistic and personal, remember to work in a reward somewhere too. “No pain no gain” should not be the motto for your budget.

4.  Make it feel good.

Not only should you try and work a reward into your budget, you should also make the process rewarding, too. If it feels like homework, or too much work, you aren’t likely to keep up with it. Make the process feel as good (or as painless) as the budget itself. Seeing your savings account rack up is a good way to reward yourself for sticking with the plan. So however you are tracking your budget, make sure you can see the benefits stacking up, whether that’s a vacation fund or more dollars in your bank account (or shoes, those work too).

5.  Make yourself accountable.

So many budgets fail because we don’t keep ourselves accountable. In reality, we know that setting some spending limits here and there (or everywhere) will be good for our bank account, but in practice? It’s so easy to forget the budget and swipe that card. So find a way to make yourself accountable. Whether it’s telling your partner that you’ve created a budget (and asking them to hold you to it), or setting notifications on your phone that alert you to spending or budget goals, it’s important that you not only make the budget but you stick to it too.

6.  Make it easy to follow.

I have a friend who uses spreadsheets (yes, multiple) to help her work out her monthly budget. If you’re sharing with a partner, you could use Google Docs (they also have a spreadsheet format). There are also so many apps that help you budget these days. Most ask you to link your credit and bank cards so they can check your spending against whatever you’ve plotted out, which can be handy if you want real-time notifications. Other apps allow you to pull money out of your account on a regular basis and send it straight into a savings account, so you don’t have to monitor money yourself or try and figure out how much you should shave off your check month-to-month. Knowing that whatever happens, you have a lump sum coming out of your account on a weekly/bi-weekly/monthly basis, whether you like it or not, is a really good incentive for behaving when it comes to spending.

Makeup can go bad. I’m sure on some level we all know this, but some of us would rather hang on to our favorite shade of lipstick or that perfect gel eyeliner pen far longer than is healthy. All makeup has a shelf-life, and it varies from product to product.

Two helpful tips for detecting old makeup? The first one is to look for the PAO symbol, which stands for “Period After Opening”. It tells you, in months or years, how long until you should stop using the product. Can’t find the PAO symbol? If your product has changed shade, texture, or smell, it’s a good idea to stop using it. Still can’t decide if you should put down the mascara wand and step away from the makeup bag? Here are the makeup expiration dates you need to know.

Cleanser

Throw Away After: 1 year

This is where the magic starts, skin wise, and you’ll be happy to know that your cleanser can last up to a year. This is definitely a product that should have a PAO (period after opening) symbol on it, but just keep an eye out for discoloration, change of texture, or bad packaging, and you should be able to get your money’s worth from your cleanser!

Foundation and Concealer

Throw Away After: 6 months – 1 year

Depending on whether you use a liquid or powder, you can get a lot of use out of your foundation and concealer. Liquid versions can last anywhere from six months to a year, but buying a pump version can make it last a little longer as the makeup isn’t exposed to the air or as much bacteria. Powder versions can actually last up to two years as their surface doesn’t encourage bacteria to grow, but you should still make sure you clean your brushes regularly!

Mascara

Throw Away After: 3-6 months

Whatever you do, do not pump the mascara wand back into the tube to coat it with more mascara. This just lets more air in, which dries out the mascara and accelerates the rate that the mascara will “go bad”. Depending on use, mascara should be thrown out anywhere from three to six months after you open the tube – you’ll notice clumping on the brush and in the formula. Do not add water, just move on.

Eyeliner

Throw Away After: 6 months

Liquid eyeliner follows the same rules as liquid concealer, because they use similar agents to keep the formula in it’s liquid form and bacteria-free. Changes in texture, color, smell? Throw it out. The pencils last longer, because you need to sharpen them often to keep that nice line. So keep the pencil sharp and the lid on tight and your pencil could last up to a year (same applies to eyebrow pencils).

Related Post: How To Clean Makeup Brushes The Right Way

Lipstick

Throw Away After: 1-2 years

Lipsticks contain hydrating agents that should keep them fresh and easy to apply for up to two years – as long as you keep the lid on. Don’t leave lipstick out, as they will begin to dry out. Cosmopolitan actually advises minimizing contact with your lips by using a brush as an applicator, as this will minimize the bacteria you transfer back and forth onto the makeup. Cleaning with makeup wipes or a spritz of alcohol will also keep your lipstick clean and make it last longer.

Eyeshadow and Blush

Throw Away After: 6 months – 2 years

Cream eyeshadows are subject to the same issues as liquid foundation – the stuff that keeps them easy to apply also makes them susceptible to bacteria build-up and drying out. That said, your powder eyeshadows and blushes can last up to two years – hurray! Just don’t expose the powder to the air for longer than necessary – broken or cracked lids mean you need to throw them away.

Natural Products

Throw Away After: 3-6 months

If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or are just trying to avoid makeup with unpronounceable ingredients, just be warned that natural products have a shorter shelf-life! They have less of the preservatives that keep them fresh, so they will dry out or “go bad” quicker than other brands.

So next time you crack open that new bottle of foundation or dash your brush through that perfect compact powder, make note of the date, and maybe take a look through the rest of your makeup bag for the products you really need to part with.

Related Post: How To Do Cat Eye Eyeliner | Beauty School

Bras can be heaven or hell, depending on the fit. They are either your bosom buddy, the icing on your amazing outfit, and the most comfortable thing you’re wearing, or you just can’t wait to take them off the minute you get home. We’ve all been there.

Here are 10 bra struggles every woman can relate to:

1.  When the straps keep sliding down.

It doesn’t matter what outfit you’re wearing, if your straps won’t stay up it’s the most frustrating thing in the world. Either you have to keep reaching under your collar to hike them back up, which just looks awkward as you try to maneuver down your sleeve for the missing strap, or you have to keep pushing the strap back up onto your shoulder as it plays peekaboo under sleeves or sleeveless dresses. Either way, you’re annoyed, and you feel like everyone else is looking at you and your wayward straps. Why won’t they stay put?

2.  When the straps dig into your shoulders.

If they aren’t constantly making an escape from your shoulders, they are making welts as they dig into your skin. There seems to be no happy medium for a bra from hell. You start getting shoulder pain from the straps as they make grooves, and you know the minute you loosen them, the bra will no longer fit (bye bye straps). And constantly having to hold the straps off your poor aching shoulders? Also not a good look.

3.  When the cups are working against you, not with you.

Sadly, this depends on size, style, and store. Finding a cup that will provide the right amount of coverage can seem like an uphill battle. You’re either spilling out, not covered on the sides, padded so your breasts are up by your chin, or could fit another bra inside your bra (those cups are not supportive).

4.  When you’re faced with the “no bra will work with this outfit” conundrum.

There is always that one gorgeous dress that no bra seems to work with. The entire bra can somehow be seen from all angles, whether you wear a regular bra, racer back, or strapless. Then you have to decide to go braless, or risk the adhesive. Will the dress hold up under scrutiny (or at all)? Only time will tell.

5.  When your strapless bra just won’t stay up.

It doesn’t matter how many hooks deep these bras go, they will never stay where they’re supposed to. At the most inconvenient moment, they will begin to slide down, stopping somewhere in the region of your belly button, if you’re lucky. Don’t even get me started on the adhesive ones. One drop of sweat and those bad boys are long gone. Usually when you’re dancing in a strapless, backless dress and need a little support. Don’t expect any from these bras, you’ll just get your heart broken.

Related: Finding A Supportive Strapless Bra: 6 Do’s and Don’t’s

6.  When you have one bra that fits, but it always shows through your outfits.

It’s the bra that fits the best, but it’s too fabulous for it’s own good. It won’t stay hidden under tops, whether it’s too dark for your t-shirts or the cups make indents in your dress or sweater. It’s a nuisance, but you just can’t part with it. Why? It’s cute. It fits well. And it probably cost you an entire paycheck.

7.  When underwire attacks.

No woman is safe from the underwire. If it isn’t leaving half-moon indents on your chest, or being forced to push your breasts up to unreasonable standards, it has somehow managed to break free from the fabric and is stabbing you. You can’t fix it. It’ll just have to go.

8.  When you try on a dozen different bras and none of them fit.

Bra shopping can be a nightmare experience. Even if you think you know your size, if you try on five different styles in the same size, they will all fit you differently (and maybe even poorly). That’s if you’re lucky to find your size. If you’re one of the more popular sizes, chances are you won’t be able to find your bra in anything but nude. And if you’re one of the larger sizes, they may not even stock your size at all. Fair? Not even close.

9.  When you realize that the bra you just bought cost more money than a whole outfit.

For the amount of fabric that we’re paying for, you’d think we’d be buying a really nice dress. Or a fancy meal. But no, we’re paying for uncomfortable padded straps and lace that doesn’t fit properly. That we will probably have to replace in a few months, because our size will fluctuate once more. Bra struggles.

10.  When your sports bra isn’t there to support you.

Ah, the sports bra. Finding the right sports bra is no easy feat, especially if you wear a D cup or larger. To wear a bra under the sports bra, or not? To double up on sports bras, or not? If you have big boobs, you’ve likely struggled with bouncing, soreness, pain and discomfort during and after a workout. Who wants to deal with that at the gym? No one.

Related: How To Choose The Right Sports Bra

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Finding someone to inspire you in today’s cubicle culture can be quite the mission, especially if you aren’t happy in your current role. How do you stay motivated, and still grow in your role, when you’re fetching coffee and making copies? Ideally, you find a mentor. Someone who has been through what you have, knows how to make the best of the situation, and isn’t afraid to tell you that hard truths. Here’s how to find a mentor.

1.  Find someone who is willing and happy to help.

This is the first hurdle to cross. It might seem obvious, but approaching someone who isn’t inclined to mentor you, even if they seem like the perfect candidate, is only going to waste both your time and energy. Find a likely person, and then politely approach them and ask them about their history and experience with mentoring others. They may already be an active mentor, or may not have the disposition (it does take a special sort of person to be a good mentor to others). Depending on their response, ask them if they would be able to mentor you.

2.  Find someone who believes in your development.

Once you know if the candidate is happy to mentor you, then you need to start asking them the important questions, like how active they’d like to be in the process. Ideally, the person you are asking to mentor you should inspire and challenge you – they shouldn’t be someone who is happy to see you coast and not succeed beyond your current capabilities. They should be pretty vocal in telling you how they’d like to help you reach your goals.

3.  Find someone who has time.

Again, this might seem like an obvious hurdle, but once you start talking to your candidate, you should (hopefully) be able to gauge whether or not they will be able to make time for you. This might happen in the first meeting, when you’ve asked them to be your mentor, or after a few not-so-successful attempts to meet up. Initially, they may be flattered that you asked, and excited to help you out, but not everyone is the master of their own calendar. After the first few meetings you should know whether or not your new mentor will be able to fit you into their schedule and you can plan from there (either scheduling future meetings, or finding a new mentor).

4.  Find someone above your position.

Looking for someone on your peer level, even if they’ve been in the position for a while, will not benefit you in the long run. Anyone that’s on your pay grade will only have experiences similar to yours, so you’re better off trying to find someone who has had more time in the working world than you. They’ll have more advice, more life lessons, and more to tell you, than someone who is on your level. So don’t just look around you, look above you, when you’re searching for a mentor.

5.  Find someone outside of your area.

Or, ideally, find someone who isn’t at your place of work (if you can). There are politics involved in every department, and you’ll be better off finding someone who lives outside the everyday drama of your area. They will have a different perspective, a different set of goals, and a different set of experiences. That nagging boss you have? They dealt with theirs, and they’ll tell you how. That difficult project? They saw the presentation, and they can give you feedback. Having someone who isn’t directly connected to your work is even better, because they can bring a totally new outlook to your everyday experiences, and a fresh set of eyes to your goals and objectives. They aren’t biased, don’t know your coworkers, and don’t care about office drama; basically they’re the perfect sounding board and motivational speaker.

Overall, finding a mentor involves searching for someone that you think you will be able to make a connection with. It doesn’t always have to feel comfortable, as some of the best mentors challenge us to step outside our comfort zones. And you don’t have to settle for just one mentor either. Multiple people inspiring, challenging, and driving you towards your goals can only be a good thing. So start your search for your next mentor, and you’ll begin to reap the benefits in your work life, and your personal life too!

If you’re living in the U.S., you usually don’t get a lot of maternity leave to spend with your new baby. Which means that not only do you have to learn the ropes of motherhood pretty quickly, if you’re a working woman you have to figure out how this life-changing little bundle of joy fits into your 9-5 schedule. I asked new mommas to give me some tips on how to deal with going back to work after having a baby!

1.  Scheduling, scheduling, scheduling

Whatever your job, re-entry is going to be difficult. You’re going to have to come up with a completely new schedule for you and your baby as you settle into the work and daycare routine. So give yourself a break (and some extra time) each morning to get ready for the day. You might need to change things daily for the first few days, to see what works best for you, your family, and your baby. Try (although it might be difficult) not to stress too much the first few weeks. It’ll get easier with practice.

2.  Sort out daycare

Something a new mommy taught me: in most states daycares require a child be present for a minimum of 2 days out of the week. With childcare being expensive, not having the flexibility can be an added stress, as well as having to deal with the new strain on the budget. And how do you pick a daycare? With all the options, it can be overwhelming, not to mention the fact that you have to trust your newborn to strangers. Getting recommendations from other moms is the best way to suss out the daycare option that will suit you, and hopefully their experience will relieve your worries somewhat.

3.  Get in front of your boss

If possible, it’s best to talk to your boss before you return, so you can both be on the same page. Otherwise, make a meeting as soon as possible when you return to figure out expectations, flexibility, and role changes. The needs of a new mom are different than other coworkers, and you’ll may have to figure out daycare and pumping around meetings and projects. Getting your boss in your corner as soon as you return is the easiest way to smooth your re-entry into the workforce. Roles also might have changed while you’ve been gone, and knowing the lay of the land beforehand will be a lot less stressful than finding out your team has been rearranged on your first day back.

4.  Catch up with your coworkers

Speaking of rearranging teams, it’s a good idea to set meetings with the people you work closely with to get updates on what’s been happening while you’ve been out. If people have been covering projects or teams for you, you’ll need to know the status of each, but it’s also handy to know if people have moved roles, been promoted, or switched teams. Better to find this out sooner rather than later, as having a bunch of very confused coworkers emailing you will only add clutter to your already full mailbox. You also might want to check what others are working on, to see if priorities in your area have shifted while you’ve been gone. The best way to get caught up is to jump in at the deep end!

5.  Seek out support

Another great way to get back into the swing of things at work is to find other women in a similar situation. Whether your employer has a group just for new parents, or you can find one on social media, through your community, or friends, finding other new moms and getting advice, tips, and support on dealing with the challenges of being a working mommy will make you feel a lot less alone in the struggle. You can also band together and share stories of the ridiculous things people have said to you since being pregnant (no, maternity leave is not a holiday, and no they don’t want to know about your labour horror story).

6.  Embrace the emotions

After being inseparable from your baby for the length of your maternity leave, the new found freedom is going to feel…odd. You’re going to feel happy for the space. Then guilty you feel happy. You’re going to miss your baby like crazy, and then feel guilty for getting distracted at work. You’re head is going to be everywhere, and your emotions will be all over the place. And that is totally okay. Every new mom feels like way, you aren’t alone. Which leads me to…

7.  Take your time

It’s all a lot to get used to. Motherhood, mixed with a career, and new responsibilities, and dealing with the lack of sleep on a new schedule. You’re going to forget stuff – like your computer at home when you snuck out of work early, or the bottles for daycare when you were running late. You’re doing fine. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert by day one, or even week one. Take your time, and try and enjoy the process. It’s all part of being a mom, right?

There’s one last thing to mention when it comes to returning to work after your baby: you don’t have to if you don’t want to. Remember, it’s your choice, so make sure it’s something you want to do, and then make your decision knowing that it’s yours and yours alone to make. Mothers come in all shapes, sizes, and life experiences. You do what works best for you, your family, and your baby, and never mind what the rest of the world has to say!

Some women are her. Some women want to be her. And some women wonder what time they must wake up in the morning to look so put together. Because really, how many women can truly say I woke up like this? We can’t all be Beyonce, and not all of us have incredible stylists. But I for one am inspired by those flawless females who take on the day looking suave and stylish. There are no life hacks for style, but there are a few ways that you too can join those elite femme fashionistas, inspired by one of my very own coworkers, who even on her busiest days always manages to look fierce, feminine, and flawless (and smile too)!

1.  They plan their outfits for the next day the night before.

This doesn’t mean you have to have every minute of your day planned out (although that might help with your scheduling stress) but it does mean having your outfit ready to go before you go to bed. You already know what you’re wearing, how it will look and feel, so you don’t need to do a deep dive into your wardrobe the next day and try to figure out what fits, what’s clean, and what will pair well with the shoes you’ve chosen. Having something planned for the next morning means you wake up ready to tackle the day, confident that if nothing else, your outfit will workout.

2.  They put their best-dressed self forward.

With purpose. Some women really do wake up at 5am so they can put in the time to look even more flawless than when they woke up. Whether it’s a complicated hair routine or lengthy makeup routine, the outcome is worth the effort. You don’t need to hand over tons of cash or overhaul your whole wardrobe to start looking more polished, but taking time over your look means you’ll feel more confident in the hours ahead, and confidence makes you shine.

You also need to take time to figure out what styles work for you, what pairs well, and what staples you can keep in your closet for easy ensemble creation. Putting in time before you actually need to whip up an outfit means less panic in the moment. Plus, waking up earlier means you have more hours in your day for productivity and butt kicking. Enough said.

Related Post: 7 Classy Ways To Style A Bralette

3.  They value comfort.

Those women who seem to look incredible in whatever they wear? It’s because they know what works for them, and they rock it. Whether that’s mini skirts, body con dresses or empire waistlines, the important two words to focus on are fit and flatter. What will fit you best, not only your look and style but your body shape? And what is going to be most flattering? Even if rompers are in, if you’re going to be self-conscious all day, pulling on the short fabric, it isn’t worth sacrificing your style for comfort. Emphasize your assets, but above all, wear the styles that you feel most comfortable in – not necessarily yoga pants all day every day, but don’t feel like you have to wear crop tops or dresses with cut-outs either.

4.  They always have a plan B.

“No pain no gain” is the rule of fashionista everywhere, but that doesn’t mean you should’t have a plan B. I am one of those women with a pile of shoes under my desk – some weren’t comfy, some were just to get me from snowy car to office building, and some are a pair to wear after work. You should always have a backup, and that means shoes, deodorant, makeup and even a spare outfit tucked away in your desk or your car, just in case. Coffee accidents happen. Makeup stains. Shoes break. But your style doesn’t have to suffer.

5.  They know how to use accessories to create a statement.

Something I’ve always noticed about the most incredible fashionistas? They always have an accent piece. Yes, some women wear multiple patterns at once, bright color layered on bright color, but they always have that one piece that pops and brings together their whole outfit. Purse, ring, necklace, shoes, belt – find something to build your outfit around. It makes all the difference.

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You don’t have to live a high-pressure lifestyle to want to add more polish to your life. Personal style is an important form of self-care and it can directly affect your mood, confidence, and level of happiness. I for one know I’ll feel good tomorrow when I rock an outfit I’ve taken time to put together and know I look awesome in!

Children are tiny adults; from a young age, they are a sponge, soaking up everything they see and hear around them. I choose to see this as an inherently positive thing, as it means we can inspire them to be curious, creative, thoughtful, kind, and caring humans from the start. Part of this curiosity and creativity can begin in the kitchen. Not only does it allow you to bond with your child at almost any age, it will give children a healthy relationship with food, and a way for them to be independent and appreciate the food they eat. Let’s get cooking!

1.  Teach them about food

As kids, their diets can be fussy. From what I remember, my sister used to exist on chicken nuggets and egg yolks. But knowing there are other textures, flavors, and colors of food out there will only help you all find food to feed the family. Sure, your kid might not like peas. But what if they love the taste of hummus after mashing chickpeas? Or avocados after making guacamole? Those are two different snacks you never thought you could get your kids to eat. If you can veer away from the restaurant menu of fries, burgers, and cheesy pasta and introduce some variety early on, you’ll all be happy.

2.  Teach them to feed themselves

When kids go off to college, it’s typical that most of them don’t know how to do much more than boil water or make toast. Aren’t we setting them up for failure, even if they are on a self-catered meal plan? Teaching your children how to prep and make food that’s healthy and that they enjoy eating sets them up for a life of good meals and quick fixes that will stop them from having to reach for the delivery menu or instant mac every night. Good foundations create good habits.

3.  Teach them to love food

I always felt very proud when I knew that I had helped make the food that appeared on the table for the family meal, even if I just wielded the potato masher or stirred the sauce. If you get kids involved early, in even the basic parts of meal prep, you can stir up their enthusiasm and curiosity for food. They’ll want to help you, so start with simple tasks (stirring, measuring) and work your way up to some of the more intricate details of cooking (cutting, grating, boiling).

4.  Teach them fine motor skills

This may seem basic, but you can actually help develop your kids fine motor skills in the kitchen without having them be your sous chef. Stuff like buttering toast, measuring out ingredients, using a plastic knife to cut soft vegetables like lettuce, or stirring a bowl all help your kids develop their motor skills. And there is little to no danger involved with these activities, so you can learn and play together stress free!

5.  Teach them self-confidence

Cooking is such an easy way to build a kid’s confidence. Sure, cooking fails are a thing (not as much as with baking, where every part of the recipe matters) but kids don’t have to ace a five-course meal to be able to reap the benefits of a job well done. No matter how much you help and cheer on the sidelines, they are going to take credit for that meal. Whether you turn the stove off and on, or do half the work for them, that meal? They made it. So stand back parents, and hand them the whisk. The pancake batter is all theirs this morning (and you have the task of making a masterpiece of the of them on the stove).

6.  Teach (or encourage) creativity

The kitchen might seem like an odd place to encourage creativity, but having children play with flavors, colors, and textures is just the beginning. If they have a favorite meal, have them help you make it in, even if they just help in small ways. Get them involved with taste testing in particular. Maybe even have them suggest ways in which you can change the recipe, and have them help with the adjustments. Remember, their taste buds are different, so adding an odd vegetable here and there might seem gross to you but delicious to them. See where you can stash vegetables, and let the recipe making begin!

Teaching kids to cook early on not only helps them with math and fractions (hello measuring cups) and gives them a taste of responsibility (pushing buttons and wielding a knife), it also gets them interested in food, healthy eating, and what their putting their bodies. And all you need to start is a step-stool so your kids can see over the counter. Start cooking with your kids today and see them grow in confidence and ability!

According to The Bra Recyclers, the average woman owns six bras, but only wears two. And 8 out of 10 of us are wearing the wrong size. If you’re like me, you have a few favorite bras that you like to wear the most, and others that sit in your drawers, unworn and unloved. Maybe your bra size changed and they just don’t fit right, or maybe your style changed and you’re long overdue for a few new bras.

Many of us are guilty of throwing our old bras away, but did you know you can actually donate your new or gently used bras, instead of just trashing them? With donation, drop-off, and mail in options, it’s easier than ever to give your bras a second life by sending them to a bra recycling organization. These organizations are always looking for bra donations and are happy to take your new and gently worn bras (just be sure to wash them first!)

Here are the best places to donate your old bras:

The Bra Recyclers

The couple that runs this clothing recycling company believes in recycling, reusing, or repurposing bras. The partner with organizations to distribute bras to women and girls in need. And if the bras can’t be worn again, they make sure they are repurposed, so they don’t end up in landfills. They partner with ambassadors all over the world to recycle bras, and also support over 80 non profit organizations that benefit women and girls escaping domestic violence, drug addiction, human trafficking and breast cancer survivors. If you want to work with the Bra Recyclers, you can visit one of their drop off locations, or mail in your new or gently used bras.

Free the Girls

This international non profit believes in creating economic opportunities for those who have been victims of sex trafficking. They partner with reintegration programs that help to restore health and social well-being to the women involved, while also allowing these same women to start their own businesses selling bras in their local second-hand clothing markets. They can work and still go to school and spend time with their families, creating their own, hopeful futures. Donate your old bras here, or drop-off your bras here.

Your local lingerie store

Many local lingerie stores are happy to accept your gently worn bra donations. Stores like Busted In Detroit and A Sophisticated Pair partner regularly with local organizations and shelters to give bras to women in need. As an added bonus, lingerie specialty stores like these are dedicated to helping you find the perfect fitting bra, so they offer bra fittings and expert bra shopping advice that you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re short on time, they’ll save you time and money by selecting the best bras for you so you don’t have to try on 100 different bras. Best of all, you’ll leave with a fabulous lingerie wardrobe and your donations will help a woman feel more confident and supported in her daily life.

Related: When Is The Best Time Of The Year To Buy Lingerie?

Charlotte Padded Bra 6901 in Dusty Rose/Black, Wild Pink/Black, Icy Blue/Black, Purple Wine, Red/Black

Donate Your Bra

A non profit organization, Donate Your Bra is a distribution center that sends out donations to cancer survivors. They send items out to shelters, breast cancer survivor support groups, and charities all over the world. Do you have olds bras, lingerie, and swimsuits that you’re holding on to, hoping that they’ll come back into fashion, or maybe fit again? Give them to a good cause instead! Donate your bras, lingerie, swimming suits, and cancer survivor items to Bras For A Cause.

Smalls For All

A Scottish charity that collects and distributes underwear (bras included) to help women and children in Africa by providing them with, you guessed it, underwear. They give new underwear to those living in slums, orphanages, camps, schools, and hospitals. To ensure the underwear makes it to the people who need it most, they partner with a number of organizations, and you can track donation progress here. As for the bras, the new and gently used bras that are collected are sent to developing countries to help women their earn an income by selling the bras. Old or broken bras get recycled and the women raised help towards running the service. Donate your bras here!

Uplift Project

This project understands that some women just don’t have access to bras, as they are either unobtainable or not affordable. They collect new and secondhand bras and send them wherever they are needed. They want to give dignity back to women who want access to a simple item of clothing: a bra. Whether they are nursing mothers, mastectomy survivors, or average women, this project works with all of them. They are a registered charity that works with countries and organizations across the world to donate bras. Help them out here.

Related: Should You Get Rid Of Your Old Bras Or Fix Them?

Parfait Casey Plunge Molded Bra 2801 in Blue

Against Breast Cancer

This recycling venture raises funds for research. They work with textile recovery partners so that instead of going to landfills, they go to second homes in developing countries where producing bras locally is too expensive. Their network of bra banks raise funds for breast cancer research, and all you have to do is find a bra bank near you, or donate money to the cause!

Your local shelter

Sometimes, it’s hard to feel the cause and effect of your donations, and wanting to see the difference you’re making is totally normal. If you want to make a difference close to home, contact local domestic violence and homeless shelters to see if they have a need for donations. Think about all of the clothes you usually donate: do bras pop up on that list? They haven’t for me in the past, but now I know that donations don’t just stop at clothes.

Before doing this research, I was one of the culprits of bra trashing; in a recent move, I know that a bunch of my bras were thrown out or given to Goodwill, instead of sent on to these incredible organizations. Hopefully the next time you want to upgrade your bra selection and downsize your closet, you look up one of these programs to donate your bras to!

Related: Bra Shopping Guide: Tips For Buying New Bras

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Parfait Elissa Contour Underwire Strapless Bra P5011 | Parfait Elissa Bikini P5013 in Black

Where do you donate your old bras? Please share with us in the comments below!