Tag Archives: things to stop criticizing yourself for

12 Things You Absolutely Need to Stop Criticizing Yourself For

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? The sorry truth of the matter is that us ladies are far more likely to tear ourselves down than we are to compliment ourselves. It’s just in our nature.

In fact, the average woman criticizes herself a whopping eight times a day, according to a recent survey by Weight Watchers. That’s a whole load of negativity that, frankly, none of us need to deal with. Make no mistakes: Being self-critical is ridiculously unhealthy. What’s more, we knock ourselves for the silliest little things; it’s pretty laughable. Here are 12 things that you absolutely need to stop criticizing yourself for.

1. Having Squinty Eyes in Basically Every Picture

things you need to stop criticizing yourself for

Ugh, we’ve all been there, right? You’re out on the town and the phone cameras are a-snapping. At the time, you imagine that you’ll look nothing short of Beyonce-esque in each picture. Then, the next morning, you wake to find an onslaught of squinty-eyed pictures you’ve been tagged in. It’s annoying, but it’s so not the end of the world.

2. Not Getting Enough Likes on Instagram — #NotFair

Instagram is like a game that nobody ever wins. Trying out a million filters (okay, I’m being slightly hyperbolic there) before settling on the perfect one is a waste of time. It doesn’t matter. You’ll be lucky to get a mere 10 likes. Just remember that it’s all fake anyway. This is something we should never actually criticize ourselves for.

3. Never Being Able to Get Your Eyeliner Even

You’re not alone in this one. Every makeup-loving lady knows this struggle. Trying to put liquid eyeliner on and make sure that it’s even is basically mission impossible. No matter what you do, one side will always be more heavily made up than the other. Look at it this way: Variety is the spice of life. Kinda.

4. Having Massively Noticeable Pores

Why on earth do we criticize ourselves for this one? Here’s a secret you may not know just yet: Pores are 100% natural. We all have them! I know — it’s shocking, right? Mentally beating yourself up because your pores are noticeable is just plain ridiculous on so many levels.

5. Joining the Gym (and Never Once Going!)

yoga

Now that the new year is upon us, many of you guys will have started a new gym membership. Have you dared to enter the place yet, though? Us either. Let’s face it: Going to the gym each day is seriously hard… Plus, there are many ways you can work out at home.

6. That You’re Not as Funny as Other Ladies

You may not be on par with Amy Schumer’s level of hilarity, but give yourself a break. Unless it’s your sole dream to be a comedian, it really doesn’t matter how funny you are. If all else fails, crack out a few dad jokes. Everyone loves dad jokes. It’s so not worth criticizing ourselves for this one.

7. Being Less Than a Domestic Goddess

So, you don’t do the laundry every single day or even Hoover more than once a month. Who cares? Your home is exactly that: yours. If you don’t feel like doing the housework, you shouldn’t have to!

8. Eating a Meal for Two… All by Yourself

stop criticizing yourself

When you’re hungry, you’ve gotta eat. You may not have the appetite of a petite bird, but who does? Sometimes, a little gluttony is good for your soul.

9. Getting Lipstick on Your Teeth and Not Noticing

The embarrassment of getting lipstick on your teeth is all too real, isn’t it? Oh, the shame of it! Talk about first world problems. For some reason, we ladies seem to think that this tiny mishap is a deeper sign that we don’t quite have our lives together yet. It’s not. Wipe that stuff off your teeth and move on.

10. Saying Something Genuinely Stupid at Work

I don’t know about you, but sometimes my mouth switches to autopilot and starts speaking before my brain has even engaged. So what if you’ve just revealed that you thought Africa was a country, eh? It’s awkward, but you’ve gotta cut yourself some slack. Everyone says dumb stuff now and then.

11. Failing to Wear Heels Without Screaming in Agony

comfortable shoes

All the most glamorous ladies seem to strut around in high heels as though it doesn’t feel like you’re walking on needles. You don’t get how they do it. Wearing high heels is a special form of torture that no woman needs to put herself through. Don’t stress your little head out if you can’t do it.

12. Drinking That Extra Glass of Wine

Let’s face it, sometimes, we all overindulge. If saying a big, fat “yes” to that extra glass of wine is your biggest problem in life, I’d say you’re doing just fine. Drink up and enjoy the experience for once — minus that niggling voice in your head moaning about it.

Central Europe’s Enchanting Christmas Markets

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go”…

Stalls selling toys, crafts, specialty food and hot beverages are appearing across the globe, but few places have mastered the art quite like central Europe. Germany and its surrounding countries (primarily Austria, northeast France, and Switzerland) are also where this Advent tradition began. During this most magical time of the year, make the holiday spirit your shopping partner by visiting one of these beautiful Christmas markets!

From tens to hundreds of stalls and known by a variety of names, it seems that each village and city in central Europe has its own special Christmas market. A few features to expect at each, however, are the seasonal traditions from mulled wine to roasted chestnuts to sausages and a wide assortment of pastries. Expect lots of beautiful architecture but little to no commercial products since most merchandise is traditional and/or locally made.

Exploring Europe has never been easier, but those who can’t travel abroad have many European-inspired markets across the US. Still, there is nothing like the real thing; so if this year is out, turn on your favorite Christmas classics and begin planning now for 2017!

Nuremberg, Germany

christmas markets

One of the oldest and most popular German markets has been lighting up the Nuremberg Main Market Square since the 1600s. Its sheer size is enough to attract residents and tourists, but visitors return for the unique memories. A local favorite is the Zwetschgenmännle, meaning Prune Men, which are figurines made from real prunes. Meander the stalls while eating a roll filled with spiced Nuremberg sausages, which are small but pack a tasty punch. Also keep an eye out for the event’s very own Christmas angel, the Christkind. Dressed in white and gold, and topped with a gold crown, the Christkind opens the event each year with a speech, then walks through the market taking pictures with visitors a few times every week.

Market: Christkindlesmarkt

Dates: 11/25/2016 – 12/24/2016

Dresden, Germany

christmas markets

Older than the Nuremberg market is the Dresden Striezelmarkt, which dates back to the 1400s. Many of the decorations, scented delicacies, carols, and toys may remind you of other markets, but the Stollen cake (made with dried and/or candied fruit), the multitude of wooden ornaments, and the 14-meter Christmas pyramid are unique to this part of the country. What should you do when it’s time to leave the Striezelmarkt? Why not visit all of the other Christmas markets that also take place in and around Dresden?

Market: Striezelmarkt

Dates: 11/24/2016 – 12/24/2016

Cologne, Germany

In true German fashion, Cologne hosts a few different markets, but two of the most notable are the Cologne Cathedral Market, which enjoys the 768-year-old cathedral as its backdrop, and in Heimat der Heinzel, otherwise known as “House of the Gnomes.” The former may be the most popular market in Cologne, boasting 160 wooden stalls full of eye-catching wares; and the latter market is the largest, complete with an ice skating rink and the chance of seeing the very gnomes that the event is designed around.

Market: Cologne Cathedral Christmas MarketHeimat der Heinzel

Dates: 11/21/2016 – 12/23/2016 for both

Vienna, Austria

christmas markets

Deciding which country celebrates Christmas with more style and spirit is a matter of personal preference, and a lot can be said in favor of Austria. Perhaps it’s due to location, but one of the largest markets sits in front of the capital’s city hall. The Wiener Christkindlmarkt has a lot going on from 150 stalls to the Gothic architecture behind the scenes, as well as an ice rink for skating and curling.

Market: Wiener Christkindlmarkt

Dates: 11/11/2016 – 12/26/2016

Salzburg, Austria

Each market in Salzburg is visit-worthy, but the largest Christkindlmarkt is in front of the city’s cathedral where it has taken place since the 15th century (even before the 17th-century cathedral was built). Visitors are encouraged to mill about and enjoy the lights, stars, songs, and treats; but keep an eye out for the Christmas spirits! If you’ve been naughty this year, beware Krampus who is the yin to St. Nicholas’s yang. Both the Christkind angels and Krampus demons run around the market figuratively rewarding the good or punishing the naughty, respectively.

Market: Salzburg Christkindlmarkt

Dates: 11/17/2016 – 12/26/2016

Montreux, Switzerland

Nestled along Lake Geneva are 160 chalets decorated for the holiday season from late November to Christmas Eve. Singing, music, and laughter fill the air, as does the aroma of steaming and spiced cuisine; but the biggest reasons visitors travel to Montreux is the natural beauty. Here you have the lake and surrounding mountains, the Le Train du Père Noël (Santa’s Train) that travels over 6,500 feet up the mountain to Santa’s house, and a glimpse of the Big Man himself as he travels on his sleigh over the market and lake Geneva.

Market: Marché de Noël

Dates: 11/24/2016 – 12/24/2016

Strasbourg, France

christmas markets

Is it possible that I saved the best for last? I suppose that’s up for debate, but this northeastern city in France (located on the France-Germany border) also enjoys the nickname as “the capital of Christmas.” The Christkindelsmärik (the baby Jesus market) has been returning every year since 1570, making it also the official first in Europe. Set against one of the main squares and the Roman Gothic Strasbourg cathedral, the Christkindelsmärik has an atmosphere all its own complete with traditional takes on holiday favorites and some of the best that the region has to offer. A couple names to know include Kouglof (a sweet brioche bread) and vin chaud (the French version of hot mulled wine).

Market: Christkindelsmärik

Dates: 11/25/2016 – 12/24/2016