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Winter ‘Do Rescue: Weatherproof Hairstyles

Mother nature wages war on us during these colder months and despite all of the magic of the season, it can be somewhat of a horror story in the beauty department when we can’t get our tresses to keep up with the bad bouts of weather. Whether it’s wet, windy, or snowing outside, you will absolutely benefit from having a few protective styling tricks up those cozy sleeves. We’re pouring in some of our favorite weatherproof hairstyles below, and they are exactly the kind of stunning-do’s that won’t leave your locks suffering another gloomy day!

 

Upside-Down Dutch Braid Bun

braidbun

Keeping hair out of the face and tucked away securely is the surefire way to avoid a windy mess. An upside down Dutch braid gives the classic sock bun a gorgeous detail and added thickness. Section off the top half of hair and clip it out of the way while you make the braid. Part the remaining bottom half of your hair evenly down the middle and Dutch braid. Secure braid and gather it up with the rest of the hair into a high ponytail. Grabbing the ends of the ponytail, hold the pony over your head and place a donut bun maker (or an old sock) shortly below the ends. Fold hair around the donut, moving down the ponytail until it’s laying comfortable on top of your head in a bun. Tuck loose pieces away with a bobby pin.

 

Low Ponytail

lowpony

Sleek and sophisticated, the low ponytail is foolproof when it comes to bad weather. An added bonus of this gorgeous hairstyle is that it draws attention to those beautiful fall faces and outfits. Leave out any face framing bangs or pieces of hair out and pull the rest of the hair back to the nape of the neck into a low pony, securing with an elastic band. Grab a small piece from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic band to conceal it. Secure with a bobby pin.

 

French-fishtail Double Braid

pigtails

Ladies, did you hear? Pigtails are back in style and we’re totally fangirling over it! Everyone knows that when it comes to protective styling, braids reign supreme. Part hair evenly and make a loose French braid. Once you get halfway down the hair past the ear, use the remaining hair to make a fishtail braid. Secure with an elastic band.

 

Baby Half-Up

halfup

This playful hairstyle will keep fly-aways at bay while looking super stylish and trendy.  Section off the front sides of your crown and bring it to the top of your head, making a small ponytail. Secure with an elastic band. Pulling it tight, divide the ponytail in half and drape the sections along both sides of the hair. Use a curling iron or wand, make loose waves with each section and the remaining hair to frame the face for a more youthful look.

 

Tousled High Pony

highpony

The best way to deal with crazy windy weather is to play up the messy look altogether! This no fuss slicked-back pony will keep you looking cute and frustration free all day long, no matter which was the wind blows. Starting with already loose waves, simply gather and brush hair into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic band. Tug on the ponytail and scrunch hair with a curl-enhancing mouse for added texture.

 

Pull Through Braid

pullthroughbraid

This braid is the perfect switch from the traditional braids and up-dos we’re used to because it packs on the drama while still looking elegant and being completely durable. Guaranteed weatherproof, this braid looks even more stunning on longer hair so you may want to pull your extensions out for this one! To get started, you will need a handful of elastic bands (around 8-10) and a clip to keep hair out of the way while you work. Watch this simple tutorial below to learn how:

SWEAT by BW: Better Posture Workout

Better posture is a hot topic in the fitness world these days: just look around and you will find a myriad of posture-adjusting tools and sitting devices available on the market.  Chiropractors and physical therapists are filling their practices with clients suffering from orthopedic pain from the ravages of years of poor posture and all the muscular imbalances that come along with it. Our modern lifestyle is one of the primary culprits for the sad state of our postures; long periods of sitting, driving, and TV-watching leave us with flaccid glutes, tight hip flexors, and slumping shoulders.

The answer to the question of what strategies are effective in combatting this state is multi-layered.  The most common strategy that most people site is the age old aphorism: sit up straight!  Unfortunately, this is the equivalent of yelling at muscles in an attempt to make them stronger; it simply doesn’t work that way.  Another strategy is to use special tools and devices that are supposed to magically re-align posture and fix imbalanced muscles.  This strategy may have some merit in the small windows in which the device is being used but it still begs the question of how we maintain this posture when we’re not sitting in our magic devices.

This is where we can’t avoid the simple and obvious truth that exercise, once again, is the answer.  Unless muscles are re-trained through hundreds of reps of appropriate exercises, they are likely going to keep sleeping on the job.  Whether we realize it or not, every poor posture we maintain throughout the day is us training our muscles to be weak and tight.  Unless we give some powerful feedback in the opposite direction, we are more than likely doomed to a lifetime of poor posture.

The question of what muscles need to strengthened and what muscles need to be stretched is a complex one.  Below, we’ve narrowed down the major themes of postural re-alignment and given you the nuts and bolts of how to get your tired muscles up and firing again.  Whether your goal is to reduce chronic pain or to have a strong balanced posture, these go-to moves will you have you on your way to walking tall!

 

Back Plank

The plank is a well-known staple in the fitness world but many have yet to experiment with the back plank.  Once you feel the amazing benefits of this simple drill you may find the back plank making its way to the top of your exercise list!

  • Place two benches several feet apart
  • Begin by lying with the upper back and shoulders on one bench and place your feet and the back of your lower legs on the other so that you are facing the ceiling
  • Your hips should be bridged up so that your body is in one straight line from your feet to your shoulders
  • Keep your abdominals tight and squeeze your glutes continuously to maintain this straight posture against gravity
  • Complete three sets, holding for 30-60 seconds each time
  • Rest as needed in between holds

For an added challenge, place a weight (dumbbell for comfort) on the hips while holding for all sets and reps

 

Wall Press

Used to train elite gymnasts to maintain healthy, well-functioning shoulders, the wall press is a simple and powerful drill to get those slumping shoulders standing upright again!

  • Sit with your back against wall and the soles of your feet facing each other in the butterfly position
  • Attempt to press the entire back of your torso and arms at 90 degrees into the wall with as much pressure as possible
  • Keep your abs in to push your low/mid back to the wall
  • While maintaining continuous pressure against the wall, press your hands overhead until your elbows are locked
  • Return your arms to 90 degrees with equal pressure
  • The presses should be done at a 5-seconds-up, 1 second hold, and 5-seconds-down tempo, with constant pressure
  • This exercise is very difficult if you maintain a lot of pressure against the wall. Shake your arms to release tension whenever necessary
  • Complete ten total repetitions

 

Superman + Up Dog Complex

The Superman + Up-Dog Complex is a one-stop-shop for spinal health and back strength and control.

  • Lay face down on the floor
  • Keep your arms straight overhead and your legs straight
  • Brace your abdominals and lift your arms and legs as high as possible by squeezing your butt and upper back
  • Hold this position with as much tension and height of your limbs as possible
  • When the hold time expires, place your hands flat on the floor under your shoulders, then press your shoulders up until your arms are fully extended and your back is arched, creating the Up-Dog position
  • Rotate these two exercises on a ten-second count for each for 5 rounds total
  • As your strength increases, try extending the hold time period of each exercise by five seconds each round.

 

Couch Stretch

This drill addresses the most common orthopedic dysfunction rampant in our society. Tight hip flexors and psoas muscles are the result of years of seated postures and poor posture.  Get those hips sitting in a more balanced position with this simple drill and your back will thank you.

  • Place one foot on a bench with instep against the edge of bench
  • Place other foot out in front at a 90-degree angle at the knee with your foot flat on floor
  • Start with your hands on the floor on the inside of your front leg
  • With your abs, butt, and ribcage locked, slowly start crawling your hands and torso toward an upright position
  • Stop when a mildly uncomfortable stretch is felt in the front of your hip and/or the middle of your thigh
  • Hold the point of tension while breathing through your belly with long deliberate breaths
  • As the tension decreases, explore more range while maintaining core tension and slow breathing
  • Complete two to three rounds of holding for 90 seconds on each leg

 

Floor-Lying with Diaphragm-Breathing

The magic of a hard surface is something you will come to appreciate the more time you give to this simple, effective breathing drill.  It’s also a great way to clear some mental clutter from a stressful day.  Breath deeply and enjoy!

  • Find a comfortable but flat surface
  • Lay down face up with as much of the back of your entire body in contact with the floor
  • Place one hand on the lower abdomen
  • Breath in to make your hand (the one on your abdomen) rise first before your chest rises
  • Count the in-breath for eight seconds and the out breath for ten seconds, if possible
  • Continue this rhythmic, deep breathing for three to five minutes

 

10 Beauty Tutorials For Affordable Makeup

There’s nothing quite as great as splurging on a high-end beauty item. Exception: when you save money on a drugstore brand and it looks just about as good as the high-end item. So if you’re looking to work your beauty into a budget-conscious life, here are several beauty tutorials that show you how to make the most of affordable beauty products.

 

Drugstore and Affordable Makeup Tutorial

Amy-Rose Walker

 

In this tutorial, Amy-Rose shows you how to use primer, cream contour, highlighter, fake eyelashes, and lots more. In it, you’ll learn some of the “fancy” makeup tricks like contouring and highlighting using products that won’t break the bank as Walker makes use of common brands like Maybelline.

 

Full Face Drugstore Makeup Tutorial & Affordable Brushes

KathleenLights

KathleenLights makes use of common, affordable brands like NYX, Rimmel, and E.l.f. By the time she’s done, she has a flawless, classic look with gorgeous nude shades and an attractive double cat eye, proving the perfect look is still within reach when you’re working with a budget.

 

Cheap Makeup Tutorial

Zabrena

The theme of this tutorial is “nothing over $5” and the products mentioned all come from a 5 Below store. Beyond money-saving tips, this tutorial also points out which products wore best throughout the day, so you’ll learn how to save time in your makeup routine, too.

 

Last Minute Affordable Party Makeup Tutorial

Kaushal Beauty

If you’re on a tight budget and need a stunning look for that upcoming party, you’ll want to give this tutorial a look. If you can follow these steps, your results will be a sharp, sculpted look that’s easy on your wallet.

 

Easy Affordable Makeup Tutorial on Brown/Dark Skin

Toni Olaoye

Different skin tones come with different color and product considerations, so this tutorial is great is you’re looking for drugstore brands that work well with darker skin. This tutorial will get you a bright, highlighted look with a stunning cat eye.

 

Easy + Affordable Back to School Makeup

NikkieTutorials

This tutorial is for a soft, natural makeup look making it perfect for anyone who wants to make a stunning first impression, not just for going back to school.

 

Affordable Makeup Tutorial

Patricia Bright

If you’re calculating your budget down to the pennies, you’ll love this tutorial that breaks down how affordable makeup can be by the day. You’ll find accessible products like L’Oreal True Match. With affordability and ease in mind, this keeps the product list down to 10 items.

 

Full Face Drugstore vs. High-End Makeup Tutorial

Christen Dominique

Given that all these tutorials thus far feature drugstore brands, you may be wondering just how these match up to the high-end products. This tutorial provides a side-by-side comparison of drugstore makeup and more expensive products. Spoiler alert: there’s far less of a difference than you’d think.

Full Face Using Only Five Affordable Products

Denitslava Makeup

Sick of beauty tutorials that have dozens of products mentioned for a single application? This tutorial keeps the cost down by only using five products, all affordable drugstore brands like L’Oreal and Rimmel. It’s kept simple by using concealer, powder, a sculpt and contour kit, mascara, and lipstick only.

 

Everything $1 Tutorial

Bronte Jones

Keep it dollar store cheap with this tutorial. Everything mentioned was found for a buck at Shop Miss A including product steals from brands like Malibu and L.A. Colors. Even with products at this price point, you can achieve a smooth, highlighted look.

Traveling Light: 11 Tips to Pack Efficiently

Whether you’re flying across the country for a backpacking trip, or planning a scenic drive to a nearby state, effectively packing is essential to saving both time and money. There a several foolproof ways to condense the clutter and ensure an effortless trip by traveling light. Use these tips before packing next time to enjoy a more organized adventure free of checked bags and lost luggage.

Bring only essential toiletries

Most likely, it’s not absolutely necessary to tote that primer, concealer, bronzer, moisturizer, lip liner, and eyebrow pen. Especially if your trip involves a lot of outdoor activities, stick to the bare minimums such as face wash, dry shampoo, chapstick, deodorant, and hand sanitizer. Makeup essentials like mascara and liquid eyeliner usually fit easily with a quick game of Tetris. Remember, if you’re staying in a hotel, they’ll almost always have whatever you need.

toiletries hotel

Roll your clothes

You’d be amazed how much fits in a carry-on bag with a little maneuvering. Tightly rolling or folding clothes optimizes space. If you’re curious, there’s a whole culture of light packers on Youtube that can tutor you on the easiest ways to condense enough for even a long-term backpacking trip.

Wear bulkiest shoes on the way

Obviously, wearing your Danner’s hiking boots on the plane may not be the most comfortable experience given the ever-shrinking legroom in economy seating, but packing your flats or flip flops will free up enough room to make it worth the trouble.

boots airport

Layer clothes

Wearing your biggest sweater over a tank and t-shirt during transit can free up a lot of space and come in handy when the plane is set at 55 degrees during the journey. This works with socks and leggings too.

waiting at airport tablet

Freshen and reuse clothes

Packing only one or two pairs of pants can be intimidating unless you bring a travel-size container of laundry detergent in case of emergency. Usually, though, two pairs of jeans will be sufficient for a short-term trip. Some even argue that the less often you wash your jeans, the better they’ll fit.

ripped jeans sneakers

Treat purses and bags like Russian nesting dolls

Most planes allow you one carry-on bag and a personal item such as a purse, but if you want variety, throw a few wallet-sized purses in your carry-on or larger purse.

purse

Invest in a sturdy backpack

You probably don’t want to grievously cradle your backpack like an infant through a foreign airport after the zipper busts, spilling souvenirs everywhere. Invest in a reliable daypack or backpack that’ll serve you once you get to your destination too, preferably one with a drawstring.

woman airport backpack

Pack solid colors

Packing universal colors, like navy and black, limits how many outfits you need to bring. Pack durable tops that’ll go with anything, including jewelry.

black and white outfit

Limit technology wherever possible

If you’re bringing a DSLR camera, limit yourself to one battery, charger, and essential lenses. Use your smartphone for things like clocks, compasses, and weather maps. Make sure to bring a portable charger for this reason.

electronics

Take advantage of pockets

Don’t be afraid to stuff that pair of socks in a side pocket. It might seem counterintuitive to the order of things, but utilizing space efficiently sometimes means getting creative.

Use Spacemaker bags

For longer trips, using vacuum storage bags to pack bulky sweaters and jackets frees up significant space for other necessities.
suitcases airport