Asian-Inspired Dishes You Can Cook at Home

Not only is cooking at home healthier (sayonara, excess salt), but it’s wallet-friendly too, and more than a few recipes are easy to recreate with the help from some basic ingredients. Asian spices are aromatic and taste wonderful but every additional teaspoon of flavor can be overwhelming. When cooked at home, we can tweak recipes to our personal tastes and preferences. You only need some spices, vegetables, rice, noodles, and protein. Some of the usual suspects in Asian-inspired dishes include coconut milk, ginger, chili, peanut, and lemongrass, to make endless possibilities and combinations. Here are a few of my favorites.

 

Coconut Curry Chicken

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What You’ll Need:

Boneless, skinless chicken breast
Vegetable oil
Curry powder
Onion
Garlic, crushed
Coconut milk
Diced tomato
Tomato sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
Salt and pepper for flavor

 

Tomatoes, curry, and coconut blend together perfectly to create a semi-spicy and fragrant sauce for this curry recipe. Although the step-by-step recipe is meant for the stove top, laziness got the best of me and I dumped everything into my crockpot (after cooking the chicken first!) and let it slow cook for double the time. White rice is a perfect accompaniment but it also worked well with fresh noodles.

 

Full recipe: https://salu-salo.com/coconut-curry-chicken/

 

Tom Yum Soup

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What You’ll Need:

Shrimp
Tomatoes
Limes
Thai chilies
Mushrooms
Lemongrass
Kaffir lime leaves
Galangal root
Fish sauce
Sugar: 1 teaspoon

 

Yum is right. Hailing from Thailand, Tom Yum Soup is composed of a spicy, citrus broth filled with herbs, vegetables, and shrimp. Make the broth more flavorful by starting with a base of seafood broth or half broth and half water (we won’t tell!).

 

Full recipe: https://www.eatingthaifood.com/easy-thai-tom-yum-soup-recipe-sour-spicy-soup/

 

Stir-Fry Sauce

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What You’ll Need:

Soy sauce
Sugar
Sesame oil
Rice wine or sherry
Oyster sauce
Ground pepper
Cornstarch

Thanks to Chinese culture, Westerners have adopted the super easy, tasty, and convenient way to get more vegetables and lean protein in our diets by stir-frying. Use up any old veggies, but you can make your recipe more special by including bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, or other ingredients typical in Asian cuisine. Cook the protein for a few minutes on high heat first, add the vegetables and cook for a few more minutes before adding the sauce. Here is an easy sauce recipe that will take your dish from good to great and only requires whisking the ingredients together before using or storing.

 

Full Recipe: http://jeanetteshealthyliving.com/the-best-stir-fry-sauce-recipe/

Poke Bowl

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What You’ll Need:

Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Grated, fresh ginger root
Green onions
Roasted macadamia nuts
Dried seaweed
Red pepper flakes
Kosher salt

 

The spices used in this raw fish salad originate from Asian countries. Hailing from Hawaii, poke is traditionally made with cubed chunks of raw tuna, seaweed, salt, nuts, soy sauce and sesame oil. Japanese spices are commonly used but can be substituted with Korean spices for a slightly different final product (that pairs nicely with a bit of kimchi).

 

Full Recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/254946/chef-johns-hawaiian-style-ahi-poke/

Spring Rolls

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What You’ll Need:

Shrimp, deveined
Cucumber
Carrots
Buckwheat or Rice noodles
Iceberg lettuce
Fresh cilantro
Fresh mint
Avocado oil
Soy sauce
Rice paper wraps
salt
Plain peanut butter
Chili garlic paste
Cornstarch

Originally made in China and called a “spring” roll because they were made for Spring festivals using in-season vegetables, they are now a favorite dish across the continent served year-round and filled with a plethora of ingredients. This recipe is inspired by Vietnamese cuisine and uses peanut butter in the dipping sauce.

Full Recipe: https://www.watchwhatueat.com/vietnamese-healthy-spring-rolls/

5 Places to See in Bali Besides the Beach

Named the world’s best tourist des­ti­na­tion by TripAd­vi­sor in 2017, Bali, the famed island of the gods, is a living postcard. A 95-mile-wide strip of land located in the Indian Ocean, its mere mention evokes thoughts of a beach bum’s paradise. But Bali is so much more than sun, sea, and salty breezes. It’s a cocktail of culture—a stirring and foreign blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Animism. From the Ubud Monkey Forest to Goa Gajah, here are the top five non-beach destinations that’ll get you into a tropical state of mind.

 

Ubud Monkey Forest

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A crab-eating macaque pulls her baby’s tail at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal, Bali| Photo: D.Meutia via Flickr

This cool and dense swath of jungle houses 750 long-tailed Balinese macaques, who swing through the shade, laze along pathways, and feast on sweet potatoes, bananas, papaya leaves, and coconuts. They may be considered sacred because of Hanuman—the Hindu monkey god from the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic poem—or through their association with the area’s three temples.

Strictly for prayer and built from Majegan, Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal is the main temple, built for Shiva the destroyer. The widow-witch Rangda flanks its main staircase. The second temple, Pura Beji, features holy water to cleanse the body and soul before worshipping Gangga, the goddess of the river Ganges, and the third temple is Pura Prajapati.

Dedicated to the “lord of all creatures”, it’s surrounded by 115 tree species, including the Banyan, whose leaves are used in cremation ceremonies, and the Pule Bandak, which embodies the spirit of the forest and is used to make traditional masks. “They’re only used inside the temple,” says Emily Perry, a yogini, acupuncturist, and herbalist in Santa Cruz, California.  “An auspicious day is chosen and the Pemangku asks permission of the tree’s spirit to cut a small piece of its wood. The spirit thus remains embodied in the mask.”

 

Mount Batur

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A side view of Mount Batur in Kintamani, Bali | Photo: Castio T. Lauren via Flickr

One of Bali’s four sacred Mountains, Mount Batur is believed to be home of Dewi Danu, the goddess of water. “An active volcano, Mount Batur is a giant bowl. Sitting in the heart of a nine-mile crater, its bottom half is submerged by turquoise waters and a set of volcanic cones juts out of its middle. It’s also covered with bubbling hot springs that cascade over its lower slopes. Sound spectacular? It is. Famous for its sunrise trek, hikers climb for two hours in the pitch black, bumper to bumper over steep, slippery rubble. Once they reach the top, the thick blanket of darkness is replaced by glistening orange and golden rays, bursting from the silhouette of Mount Agung.

 

Goa Gajah

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The entrance of Goa Gajah sanctuary near Ubud, Bali | Photo: Húpàn Lǎo via Flickr

Not far outside of the city of Ubud is a Buddhist-Hindu archeological site known as Goa Gajah, or, the “Elephant Cave”.  Visitors are forgiven for finding this name confusing—there were never any elephants in Bali. The temple’s name might actually come from the nearby Petanu River, which at one time was known as the Elephant River. Or it may be named after Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings.

Built around the 11th century,  the site is actually thought to have been a place of meditation and spiritual cleansing, where religious offerings were left. Buddhist monks carved the cave’s face into a demon with bulging eyes staring over the doorway that acts as its screaming mouth. This Hellmouth is surrounded by a sea of rolling flames and smaller sculptures of gods and demons—which were meant to ward off evil rather than invite it.

In front of the barely-lit cave, there are two square bathing pools, featuring six women pouring water out of jars into a central bath. To its left, there’s a statue of Hārītī, a child-devouring ogress who’s said to have been converted from her cannibalistic habits by Buddha. Inside the T-shaped cave lies the fragmentary remains of a triple lingga, the phallic symbol of the Hindu god Shiva, and its female counterpart, the yoni.

 

Bali Bird and Reptile Park

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A Great White Pelican floats on a lake in Bali Bird Park | Photo courtesy of Ashish Gautam via Flickr

Travel from the misty cloud forest of Borneo to the tropical grasslands of the African Savanna at the Bali Bird and Reptile Park. Walk side-by-side with flamingos, cassowaries, crested-cranes, and storks. Listen to the songs of 1,000 birds from 250 species, including the vulnerable Pesquet’s Parrot from New Guinea and the all-but-vanished Bali Mynah. Handfeed pelicans, who have the longest bill of any bird in the world, and rainbow-colored lories. Snap photos with macaws, cockatoos, wreathed hornbills, and a breeding pair of Eclectus Parrots, who’ll perch on your shoulders.

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A water monitor basks on a log | Photo: Cuatrok77 via Flickr

The park’s reptile section includes a serpent cave that holds King Cobras, Mambas, Vipers, and a 26-foot Reticulated Python—one of the largest snakes in captivity. Pet salamanders, water monitors, iguanas, and turtles, or marvel at Komodo dragons: giant monitor lizards that are direct descendants of the dinosaurs that lived nearly 100 million years ago.

 

Ubud Art Market

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Pasar Seni Ubud, an artisan market in the center of Ubud, Bali | Photo: Nicola Lemmon

Featured in the movie Eat Pray Love, the Ubud Art Market is located at the corner of the Ubud Monkey Forest and Jalan Saya Ubud, the main street that runs right through the center of town. It’s a two-story labyrinth of stalls bursting with basket bags, cotton sarongs, silver jewelry, batik fabrics, garuda sculptures, and Kamasan-style paintings.

Open from 6 am to 6 pm, the merchants negotiate with tourists for a living. “To get the best prices, hit the markets as early as physically possible, and ask for the “harga pagi”, i.e., the morning price,” says Geneva Vanderzeil, the author of DIY Fashionista. If you’re finding a steal instead of a deal, head to the stalls upstairs, where you’ll find the same products at a lower price.

*Featured photo: Nicola Lemmon

5 Easy Sustainable Choices You Can Make Now

Living a mindful life isn’t as complicated as it sounds; it’s really rather a matter of simple choices and small changes. Here’s a list of baby steps to reduce your carbon footprint and show your love for the planet.

1. Pick up trash

Walking to work, on your way through the parking lot, anywhere you spot it, just toss it. Done. You’ve earned eco-karma.

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Photo by: flickr/Bart Everson under license CC BY 2.0

 


 

2. Turn off H2o

When brushing your teeth, turn off the tap. Doing that twice a day will save 200 gallons of water a month!

 

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Photo by: flickr/Joe Shlabotnick under license CC BY 2.0

 


 

3. Buy 100% recycled paper

It looks and feels the same. Every 20 cases of recycled paper you buy saves 17 trees, 7000 gallons of water, 390 gallons of oil and 4100 kWh of energy.

 

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Photo by: flickr/MTSOfan under license CC BY-ND-SA 2.0

 


 

4. Shop vintage

Textile production sadly has one of the largest carbon footprints. CO2 emissions, greenhouse gases, kWh of electricity can all be greatly reduced by reusing fabrics, and clothing instead of disposing and buying new.

 

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Photo by: flickr/Brad.K under license CC BY 2.0

 


 

5. Buy local vegetables

Whenever possible, patronize local agriculture either by participating in a vegetable co-op, or shopping at your local farmer’s market. Co-ops offer great variety because they deliver what’s in season, and that means you get to experiment with what’s in season. It also means keeping a local economy and naturally better-tasting vegetables.

 

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Photo by: flickr/Allen Sheffeld under license CC BY 2.0

The Signs of Overtraining: When it Might be Time to Tone Down Your Workouts

Getting into the habit of making fitness a regular part of your lifestyle is crucial to your overall health. I, for instance, need something to counterbalance all of the pizza I eat. Alas, as the old adage goes, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Another adage I appreciate is, “Pizza is delicious for breakfast.” (We’ll cover that one another time.) Is there really such a thing as too much exercise? Absolutely. In fact, over-exercising can have serious consequences both mentally and physically. If you experience any of the signs of overtraining, it might be time to take a step back and reexamine your habits.

Remember that when it comes to your fitness, equally as important as (if not more important than) training is rest and recovery. Without it, your training routine is a moot point. Here are some red flags to look out for when it comes to overtraining.

overtraining

1. You are Overly Fatigued and Even Sluggish

Make no mistake about it: There’s a big difference between being tired from a butt-kicking workout, and being exhausted all the time regardless of how much you sleep. The latter should grab your attention. If you are training too much or too hard, your parasympathetic nervous system could be fried, and this ignites a chain reaction in your hormones: less testosterone, more cortisol (the stress hormone), a harder time maintaining or losing body fat (more on that later), and finally, soul-crushing fatigue.

If you think this might apply to you, know this: One day of rest or active recovery isn’t the answer. You need to think about a more general scale-back across the board.

2. Your Body Constantly Aches

I love when I have an extra tough session in the gym, and I’m sore for the next couple days. I know I did something my body wasn’t used to. Success! But if you’re always achy, sore, or experiencing any other kind of joint or muscle pains, something’s not right. We work out to feel amazing — not to be miserable on the daily. If your training is generally making your body hurt, try taking things down a couple notches.

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3. You’re Depressed or Experience Mood Swings

Putting your hormones under too much of the wrong kind of stress can be a recipe for disaster. As with other hormonal disruptions, depression, mood swings, personality changes, anxiety, menstrual problems, and even reduced sexual desire are not uncommon.

4. You’re Insanely Thirsty All The Time

When I say this, I mean that no matter what or how much you drink, you’re still thirsty. This could be a sign of overtraining because when your body enters this state, it starts to use its own muscle for protein — called a “catabolic state.” And this can lead to dehydration. Continue to drink plenty of water, but also importantly, ask yourself if you’re pushing your body too hard.

5. You Feel Worse After a Workout — Not Better

Fitness releases endorphins, and endorphins make you happy. I’m sure by now you’ve experienced that post-workout high, where you’re exhausted but feel oh-so-amazing. If you’re not experiencing this feeling fairly regularly, something might need tweaking. While every workout can’t be perfect, if you feel moody or uncomfortable post-training more often than not, ease up a little.

signs of overtraining

6. You’re Putting On Unhealthy Weight

Like I mentioned earlier, exercising has all kinds of effects on your hormones; and when you overtrain, your hormones aren’t so happy. Additionally, if you’re currently in a calorie deficit because you’re trying to lose body fat, you might have even more trouble on your hands.

The aforementioned testosterone decrease and cortisol increase affect more than your energy. You can experience a whole host of problems, including trouble with your metabolism, insulin resistance, protein synthesis, and appetite.

This could mean that no matter how hard you train or how carefully you eat, you still look “soft” or “out of shape.” (Obviously, all shapes and sizes are beautiful; but we’re talking about your health here.)

7. You’re Getting Sick More Frequently

Several factors can inhibit your immune system, and overtraining is one of them. Are you experiencing annoying coughs, a runny nose, congestion, or frequent headaches? An overenthusiastic fitness routine might be to blame. Pull back a little and see if your immune system goes back to normal.

4 Days in Chiang Mai, Thailand

In northern Thailand, you’ll find the intriguing city of Chiang Mai nestled among rolling hills. An hour by air from Bangkok, its counterpart in the south, Chiang Mai is the capital of Chiang Mai Province and former seat of the Kingdom of Lanna, which still influences its culture. It’s the opposite of Bangkok in many ways, offering a more relaxed pace and opportunity to catch your breath after the hustle and bustle of the southern capital. The welcoming spirit of its people, breathtaking scenery and spicy food have been drawing more and more visitors in recent years. We’ve put together a list of must-sees that will have you communing with elephants, tasting the food and saying a prayer in and around beautiful Chiang Mai.

Wat Pan Tao in the Old City

In the heart of the old city is Wat Pan Tao, a small wooden temple that stands out from the rest of the temples in the country for its simplicity and natural materials. A golden statue of Buddha floats above a pond near the monastery. Remember that when visiting a wat, you must remove your shoes and cover your shoulders, so bring along a scarf or long-sleeve shirt.

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Huen Phen Restaurant

Before you leave Chiang Mai, have lunch at Huen Phen, a famous restaurant that has been catering to locals, and now many tourists, since the 1960s. They specialize in traditional northern Thai food, called Lanna cuisine, that’s served in the Karan-style on a family-style tray. Pork is an important part of Lanna cuisine, so be sure to taste the larb khua moo, a heavy, dry-spiced curry made with minced pork, seasoned with cinnamon and cumin and garnished with shallots and crispy kaffir lime leaves. The best part: a delicious four-course meal comes out to about the equivalent of $6, including tip.

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Chiang Mai Eco-Village in the Karan Valley

From Chiang Mai, the Karan Valley is just a bouncing and bumpy SUV ride away. If you’re lucky, the driver might just blast some Britney Spears hits from a thumb drive as you pass rice patties, banana trees and lounging elephants. Lying low among the hills is the Chiang Mai Eco-Village, a rustic hotel made up of six bungalows and an open-air kitchen. What it lacks in luxury it makes up for in elephants, which you can see from the window of your hut each morning when you wake up. Join a tour to a nearby watering hole. A cool, crisp spring trickles from the steep hills and gathers in a natural pool of sorts. It’s a delight to watch elephants relish their baths after a hard day of work. Eco-Village visitors can also go bamboo rafting. Just beware of the carnivorous snakes that lie below the surface of the muddy water.

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How to Style Mixed Prints: A Guide for Beginners

Fashion is all about having fun, but the idea of mixing prints can leave style newbies feeling more than a little stressed. If you’re wondering how to wear leopard with polka dots or debating if plaid ever goes with florals, have no fear. We’re offering up some simple guidelines on how to style mixed prints like a pro.

5 Easy Ways to Style Mixed Prints

1. Keep Things in Proportion

mixed prints outfit

Mixing prints is a bit of a balancing act. You want to choose pieces that work together in perfect harmony without clashing or competing with one another. A no-fail formula is to pair a small print with a bold one. (Think broad stripes with dainty florals.) Essentially, the bold print will dominate and the smaller one will serve as more of an accent.

Try:

mixed prints pieces

J.Crew Silk Button-Up Shirt in Party Dot, $79.99
J.Crew Tie-Waist Short in Clip Dot, $55.99

2. Look for a Common Hue

floral mixed prints outfit

One of the simplest rules for mixing prints is looking for pieces with similar color palettes. Make sure both designs share at least one hue to guarantee a cohesive presentation, but don’t feel pressured to find exact matches. For example, you can mix and match a pastel shade of blue with a richer sapphire shade for a more intriguing combination.

Try:

mixed prints shirt and pants

J.Crew Button-Up Lace Top, $120
J.Crew X Abigail Borg Silk Wide-Leg Pant, $138

3. Play With Details

mixed prints outfit

When it comes to styling mixed prints, it’s important to use details to your advantage. If you’re searching for a piece that will work with a particularly bold print (like camo or all-over florals), you may want to choose a statement piece with sequin embellishments or perforated faux leather as an alternative to basic solids. These little details take an outfit to the next level without looking too busy or complicated.

Try:

pieces for a mixed prints outfit

J.Crew Sequin Floral Embroidered Cotton Jackie Cardigan, $98
J.Crew X Abigail Borg Tank Top, $98
J.Crew X Abigail Borg Silk Slip Skirt, $128

4. Invert the Colors

polka dot mixed prints outfit

Another helpful approach to mixing prints is choosing two styles with inverted color palettes. For example, style a white button-down blouse covered in navy dots with a navy skirt covered in white dots. It’s simple but oh so effective.

Try:

polka dot mixed prints shirt and pants

J.Crew Drapey Tie-Neck Top in Polka Dot, $79.50
J.Crew Boyfriend Chino Pant in Polka Dot, $79.50

5. Stick With the Same Pattern

outfit using mixed prints

One of the biggest mistakes most people make when they begin styling mixed prints is looking for pieces that are too opposite. It’s actually fine (and oftentimes better) to choose designs that are similar. Pair two different floral pieces with one another to turn separates into a dress, or go for a mod look with stripes on stripes or gingham on gingham. Just stick to the rule of two when you’re first getting started so as not to overcomplicate things. (Don’t worry; you’ll graduate to Rebecca Bloomwood status soon enough.)

Try:

mixed patterns jackets

J.Crew Ruffle-Neck Bomber Jacket in Gingham, $64.99
J.Crew Relaxed Boy Shirt in Crinkle Gingham, $59.50

 

Do you regularly mix and match your prints, or are you a mixed prints rookie? Let us know your styling concerns and fashion tips in the comments section below!

Is a Fringe Haircut Right for You? 9 Things You Need to Consider

From Louise Brooks’ iconic blunt bangs to Alexa Chung’s curtain-style ‘do, there’s nothing quite like a fringe haircut to get us all in the mood for a makeover. But before you run off to the nearest salon with a photo of Zooey Deschanel, here are nine things you’ll want to consider before you make the chop.

To Chop or Not to Chop: What to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Fringe Haircut

1. Are you a wash-and-go kind of girl?

The first thing to know about bangs is that they’re very high-maintenance — especially at first. They may want to part in a weird spot, or they might cling to your forehead. At the bare minimum, you’ll likely need to blow them dry each time you shower, and you may even have to straighten them with a flat iron. In other words, bangs could put a serious crimp in your laidback beauty routine.

Try:

flat iron for a fringe haircut

Drybar The Tiny Tress Press, $49

2. How often do you visit the salon?

Bangs don’t actually grow faster than the rest of your hair, but it certainly seems like they do. If you want your bangs to look good and behave themselves, you’ll need to schedule regular trims from a professional. Plan on visiting a salon once every two or three weeks to keep your fringe in tip-top shape.

3. What’s your shampoo schedule?

We all know by now that we shouldn’t be washing our hair every day, but getting a fringe haircut can complicate things. Bangs are closer to the scalp and forehead, which means they’re naturally oilier and will need to be washed more frequently.

That doesn’t mean you have to shampoo on a daily basis. Instead, just rinse them in the sink to keep them looking fresh (or use dry shampoo when you’re short on time).

Try:

dry shampoo for fringe haircut

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, $23

4. Is your hair curly or straight?

A lot of people mistakenly assume fringe hairstyles only work on straight hair. Fortunately for all you Curly Sues out there, this assumption is a straight-up myth. Just make sure your stylist does a dry cut — you don’t want to end up with super-short bangs once your curls dry. Also, anti-frizz styling products and diffuser attachments will become your new BFFs.

Try:

curly hair cream for a fringe haircut

Kerastase Discipline Cream for Curly Hair, $32

5. Is your hair fine or thick?

lesley with a fringe haircut

Different hair textures require different types of bangs. Really fine hair (like mine, pictured above) is better suited to side bangs or wispier styles, while thicker hair can better accommodate a heavy, blunt fringe. Talk to your stylist to discuss your options, and work with your texture — not against it.

6. Do you work out?

Bangs are all fun and games until it’s time to break a sweat. That’s when those pretty face-framing strands become an absolute nightmare. If you exercise on the regular, then you’ll need a strategy for dealing with your fringe. Headbands and clips are obvious must-haves, but you’ll also want to consider the aftermath of these styling solutions. Your bangs will probably need to be re-styled after your workout sesh to keep them in proper shape themselves.

Try:

headbands for a fringe haircut
H&M 2-pack Hairbands, $5.99

7. Are bangs a commitment or a fling?

Hairstyle chameleons, listen up. If you’re pretty sure you’re going to sport your new fringe for just a season or two, you may want to steer clear of a blunt cut. Side-swept bangs are much easier to grow out, and they blend better with longer hair.

8. What’s your face shape?

Bangs can work with any face shape — as long as they’re the right type of bangs. The goal with most hairstyles is to make your face appear more oval. Round faces look great with thick, choppy bangs that create the look of angles, while angular heart- and diamond-shaped faces are softened by a side-swept fringe.

9. If you’ve had bangs before, did you like them?

Your previous experience with bangs is probably the single best indicator of how you’ll like a fringe haircut now. If you loved them before, then you’ll probably love them again. If you couldn’t wait for them to grow out, then it may be best to leave that Zooey Deschanel picture at home

Are you considering rocking a fringe haircut this fall? Let us know in the comments!

Savannah: A Spellbinding Getaway

I lived in Georgia for a number of years, and one of the best parts about it was having so many unique destinations nearby to visit on my weekends off. All throughout the Peach State, North and South Carolina, and into Florida are beautiful cities bursting with history, culture, and that Southern Charm for which the region has come to be known throughout the world. Savannah–where you’ll find majestic oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, cobblestone streets from decades past, and horse-drawn carriages, all throughout a grid of historical and architecturally-fascinating buildings–is the oldest, and possibly most classic city in Georgia.

It’s a perfect place for a quick getaway this season, not to mention, the weather is perfect right now for a city where it’s best to blow around wherever the winds take you.

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Image via Pixabay under license CC0

While putting this together, I enlisted the help of a good friend of mine, Mike, who happens to still live in the area. He’s always had such wonderful, interesting stories to tell of his adventures. He shared his first trip to Savannah with me:

“[It] involved the ‘best walking tour ever’ created by a close friend of mine. This ‘tour’ revolved around a clover shaped pattern centered on a pirate themed t-shirt store that sold dollar pints. We’d get a pint for each hand, go off on our merry way, find adventure, loop back, get more pints, repeat; you get the picture. Objectively, it was not the best tour. As memory serves, it was a fantastic evening.”

I have gathered from his tales and my own experiences that there is no wrong way to do Savannah. Mike was kind enough to provide me with some tried and true suggestions before I returned to the historic district of Savannah, GA.

 

SEE

Bonaventure Cemetery is the most famous cemetery in Savannah and is over 200 years old and 100 acres in size, according to the Bonaventure Historical Society. Here, you can take in the sights of unique Gothic headstones and grave markers, some above very prominent individuals in history. Stopping by here is a must; it is absolutely gorgeous. Half of the graveyard is simply (while not simple at all) works of sculpted art so ornate you may forget you’re in a cemetery. The famous Bird Girl statue from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil was once a huge tourist draw to the cemetery (although it is no longer here). Stop by the visitor center on your way in for maps and all the information you need.

Bonaventure Cemetery – 330 Bonaventure Road, Savannah GA 31404

Photo courtesy of Bonaventure Historical Society
Image courtesy of Bonaventure Historical Society

You’ll find that there are plenty of tours to choose from–some walking, some in horse-drawn carriages–that will regale you with stories of the spirits that roam the city. A unique one is the World Famous Hearse Tour, which will take you around town in a real hearse, through cemeteries and historic districts, telling spooky tales to ensure the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Don’t worry, they promise on their website to keep it funny and lighthearted.

Hearse Ghost Tours – 412 E Duffy St, Savannah, GA 31401

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Image courtesy of Hearse Ghost Tours

Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar, located near River Street, is a great way to start the evening. There’s lots of food, drinks, and limitless energy, coming from both the crowd and the pianists.

Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar – 314 Williamson St, Savannah, GA 31401

 

EAT

As far as food is concerned, Bay Street and River Street both have plenty of dining options to choose from. While they definitely cater to tourists, they’re no slouches when it comes to food.

As for ‘secret’ spots, there aren’t many Savannah places that stay secret for long. You can find so many good things to eat in this city, and it’s one of those locales where you have your choice of price ranges, cuisines, and at the drop of a hat, can wander in any direction and find something tasty.

crab legs
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Tubby’s Tank House is a seafood restaurant that is considered ‘real’ Savannah. If you’re planning on having shrimp, crab, oysters, etc., Tubby’s is a great option. They have a giant deck overlooking the marina at the mouth of the river, providing a relaxing view while you dine on the waterfront.

Tubby’s Tank House River Street – 115 E. River St., Savannah, GA 31401

tubbys tank house restaurant
Image courtesy of Live Oak Restaurant Group

World Famous Clary’s Cafe – skip the celebrity cathedral of butter and check out this nostalgic cafe for crab eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, grits, and more. Another southern staple you can get here: sweet tea. Nowhere is sweet tea done as well as it’s done in the South.

Clary’s Café, 404 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 31401

biscuits and gravy
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

For those with a sweet tooth, check out Lulu’s Chocolate Bar – a dessert restaurant, all items made from scratch, that also serves drinks and martinis (in chocolate variations, of course).

Lulu’s Chocolate Bar -42 MLK Jr. Blvd., Savannah, GA 31401

Also, Savannah’s Candy Kitchen – because pralines; no need for further explanation. Keep in mind, you’re now in the part of the country where pecans are referred to as PEE-cans.

Savannah’s Candy Kitchen – 225 E River St, Savannah, GA 31401

 

IMBIBE

Moon River Brewing Company is known for good food and craft beers like “Yoga Pants,” a pilsner with fruit aromas, and “Taterlicious!” an amber ale made with sweet potatoes. According to their site, Moon River is also regarded as one of the most haunted in the city and is Savannah’s only haunted brewery.

Moon River Brewing Company21 W Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401

beer glasses
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Molly MacPherson’s. Go there. Mention Kevin Barry’s (Irish Pub). Start a fight. Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub has the East Coast’s largest selection of single malt scotch whiskey, according to their site. Try the Shepherd’s Pie, a traditional Scottish dish, or the fish and chips, a favorite among return patrons.

Molly MacPherson’s – 311 W Congress St, Savannah, GA 31401

molly macphersons pub
Image courtesy of Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pubs

Vinnie Van Go Go’s Pizza for late night cravings – right in the middle of Bay Street and staffed almost entirely by SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) students, they will make you a heavenly slice. You’ll eat it right outside, standing, because its a busy joint. Cash only, of course.

Vinnie Van Go Go’s – 317 West Bryan Street, Savannah GA, 31401

savannah-collage-of-art-design-171121_1280
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

 

STAY

Elegant antique décor, luxurious amenities, and Southern charm await guests at the Marshall House in the Historic District. According to their site, ghosts have been seen in the hallways and foyers over the years, but they assure you that there’s nothing to be afraid of. Situated in a great location, the hotel is walking distance to River Street, a 200-yr old area filled with restaurants and shops, and just four blocks from Chippewa Square Park, the site of Forrest Gump’s bus bench from the 1994 film. The actual bench itself can be seen at the Savannah History Museum just 15 minutes away.

savannah river boat
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

The 10 Life Struggles in Your 20s That Make You Stronger

Whoever said your 20s are the “best years of your life” was a complete psychopath. Between having a mere few cents to your name, dealing with horrible bosses, and trying to figure out the right way to do laundry, there’s hardly a minute to spare. Far from the blissful frolic people would have you believe, this time of your life is when you have to fight the hardest. Here are 10 of the life struggles that actually make you stronger.

10 Life Struggles You Learn From

1. Getting Your First “Real” Job

You’re fresh out of college and ready to take the professional world by storm. You’re pretty sure your stellar humanities degree is going to be enough to win you a top management position. You picture yourself climb the ranks quicker than King Kong climbed the Empire State Building. There’s just one problem – you’re fighting off thousands of graduates with degrees just like yours and experience just like yours. Damn it.

Getting your first “real” job is a baptism of fire. You accept less than you’re worth, work more hours than you should, and still go home feeling like you could have done more. Plus, since you spent the last few years sleeping until noon and casually writing assignments in your pajamas, it’s all way harder than you expected.

woman sitting at desk experiencing life struggles

2. Or an Internship That Pays Peanuts

Oh, and just because you have a great degree doesn’t mean you’re going to get a killer grad job. Nope, you might have to settle for an internship instead. If you’re looking to get into a career everybody wants (media, arts, or sports), the chances are you’re going to need to work your butt off to get there on a salary of… well, let’s not bring the mood down by talking about that right now.

3. Having Your Heart Broken

Heartbreak hurts. There wouldn’t be a million songs written about the pain of love lost if that weren’t the truth. When you first experience this feeling, it may seem as though your entire world is falling down around you. It’s utterly devastating. Unless you’re remarkably lucky, at some point during your 20s, you will experience the sheer, unadulterated agony of having your heart broken. No matter how many Adele tunes you blast, it’s going to hurt.

Luckily, that feeling won’t last forever. Sure, dealing with rejection and heartache will be hard, but it will also make you realize your worth and value. Once you’ve gone through (what you thought was) the worst thing that could possibly happen to you, you’ll find that you’re battle-ready to face pretty much anything. Bring it.

woman sad about breakup having life struggles

4. Living on Next to Nothing

Money, money, money… In your 20s, you have none of it. It doesn’t quite seem fair. As a child, you were lead to believe that if you worked hard, studied a whole lot, and put in the extra hours, you’d be rewarded with your dream job and an endless supply of dollar bills. What a joke. Right now, you’re filing away money off vouchers like you’re on an episode of Extreme Couponing… not because you enjoy the sport of it but because it’s literally the only way you can afford to eat this month.

5. Dating the Wrong Person

We’ve all been there. You meet the perfect person – in a bar, on Tinder, in the queue at the grocery store – it doesn’t matter where. You hit it off immediately. You start dating and really think there’s a good chance they could be the one. In fact, you believe in this myth so badly that you ignore all their glaring flaws.

Whether they are sleazy and always checking out other ladies or lazy and always asking you for some spare cash, you let it slide. Your friends tell you this person is a waste of time. You ignore them. You’re in a little bubble of bliss and nobody out there’s going to pop it. And then, one day, it pops all by itself and you see the person you’ve just spent years of your life with was completely wrong for you.

6. Getting Hangovers From Hell

Remember the days when you could down four tequilas in a bar and still wake up fresh as a daisy? Yeah, well, those days are over. Your 20s see the start of the two-day hangover. Forget having a few drinks on a Saturday night and feeling 100% at work on Monday. It’s not going to happen. These days, if you fancy painting the town red, you’ve got to plan ahead. That means making sure you have absolutely nothing to do for two days after.

friends drinking cocktails

7. Having Fewer Friends Than Ever

In your college years, you had a massive group of friends. You hardly had to spend a moment on your own. If you fancied some company, you could simply text one of the many and ask them to head out for coffee or to see a film. That lively social life you once knew so well is a faint memory of times gone by.

Whether they’ve relocated for work, moved back home, or just grown distant over the years, the people you once held so dear are no longer around. On the bright side, the small handful of friends you do have are the best. That’s what really matters.

8. Everybody Growing Up

From weddings to baby showers, what’s left of your social calendar is feeling a little too grown-up for your liking. You thought things would always stay the same, that people would just carry on muddling along and leading happy, string-free lives. Oh, how wrong you were! Suddenly, it feels like all your friends are rushing to settle down, have kids, and put a ring on it. It’s a huge change.

9. Moving Back in With Your Parents

As your finances get tighter and rent soars, you might see only one way out. You’re not alone. In 2016, CBS News reported that a massive 40% of young people (between the ages of 18 and 35) were living at home with their parents. It’s the new normal. However, that doesn’t make taking that giant leap backward any easier.

Finding yourself back in your pre-college bedroom with a curfew when you’re in your 20s is a humbling experience. Luckily, this move won’t last forever. When you save up some cash and move back out, it will feel like you’ve got a whole new lease of life.

woman having life struggles moving back in with her parents

10. Figuring Out Who You Are

You thought you’d have it all figured out by now, right? Yeah, well, so did the rest of us. If you’ve made it deep into your 20s and still have absolutely zero clue who you are or what you’re doing, you’re not alone. One of the hardest things about this age is you spend most of your time wondering if you’re making the right decisions or royally screwing things up.

Don’t panic. There’s still time to find out the answers to all the above and more. Research shows that our young brains develop well into our 20s. You’ve still got time to learn, grow, and change your mind… quite literally. While it may be something of a roller coaster right now, try to sit back and enjoy the ride.

The Best Spicy Food Restaurants in the US

Raise your hand if you’re always ordering the spiciest dish on a restaurant’s menu. Sure, your friends may look at you in horror while they munch on their, shall we say, bland dish? But spicy food lovers know the joy of the stages to tasting spice. First you get the flavor, then you get layers of flavor, and then you get the heat.  Plus, according to a study from the University of Vermont, consumption of red hot chili peppers is associated with a 13 percent reduction in total mortality. So really, you’re being healthy when you order that craft beer brewed with ghost peppers. Here are five restaurants in the U.S. that will help satisfy your thirst for spicy food.

 

When in Nashville, make it spicy chicken at Hattie B’s

Nashville is known for its iconic hot chicken, basically, your traditional buttermilk-fried chicken doused in hot sauce. You should order it from Hattie B’s. The no-frills restaurant knows its spice. While they do serve a mild chicken for your friends that can’t stand the heat, you’re going to want to order their five-alarm fried chicken, “Shut the Cluck Up.” Don’t forget the side of mac and cheese.

hattie Bs spicy food
Photo: Jimmy Emerson, DVM via Flickr

 

Drink your spice in North Carolina

You’ve heard of ghost chili peppers, probably even tried them, but have you had them in a beer? Charlotte, North Carolina-based Ass Clown Brewing has two spicy brews you’re going to want to try: the Go Reap Yourself IPA, made with Carolina Reaper peppers, and a Ghost Chili IPA, made with ghost peppers.

 

When in NYC or San Francisco, try Mission Chinese

Eating at one of Mission Chinese Food’s locations (Brooklyn, Manhattan, San Francisco) is like throwing your very own spice party. The food is based loosely on Szechuan cuisine from southwestern China, which, on its own, is known for bringing the heat, but Mission Chinese Food takes it to another level by incorporating classics from around the world. It was one of the favorite NYC restaurants of the late Anthony Bourdain. Order the Chongquing Chicken Wings.

mission chinese spicy food
Photo: Foodie Buddha via Flickr

 

Spice up your BBQ at Big Bad Wolf’s House of Barbecue

Don’t be scared by the dive bar exterior. Baltimore’s Big Bad Wolf’s House of Barbeque is one of the city’s hidden gems, and it has some of the best BBQ in the country. Douse whatever you order in their sauces that range from mild to “Hot Enough for the Devil,” for a sweet and spicy taste you’ll never forget.

 

Some like it hot at Torchy’s Tacos in Texas

Every August, Texas-based Torchy Tacos rolls out a special “Some Like Hot” menu, and every year, people flee from the spicy tacos. (OK, we can’t confirm this, but the tacos seem to get hotter each year.) Even if you don’t hit up the place in August, though, the casual taco joint brings the spice during the rest of the year with classic options like “The Brush Fire: American Jerk Chicken,” with grilled jalapeños, mango, sour cream, and cilantro, with diablo sauce that will have you reaching for a glass of milk.

torch's tacos spicy food
Photo: Michelle Lee via Flickr

A lifestyle magazine inspired by author Sylvia Day