Since the dawn of mankind, humanity has learned that a great way to attract fortune and positive vibes is to carry good luck amulets which have been infused with good intentions. Talismans and amulets are powerful images we can use to invite blessings and ward us off from ill will, and one of the most popular is the evil eye bracelet.
Here are some incredible facts that will make you want to add an evil eye bracelet to your jewelry collection:
Why should I wear an Evil Eye bracelet?
A common belief is that our eyes can transmit either good or bad energy towards the things we look at, and bad emotions such as jealousy or ill-wishes can cause a lot of harm when they reach other people or things.Many Mediterranean and native cultures believe our eyes have incredible and often undiscovered powers, and some civilizations would often consume the eyes of their loved ones or even their enemies, hoping their strength would be passed on to their own bodies.
An Evil Eye bracelet is a perfect protection against these bad intentions. This talisman shows a small eye that stares back at the person looking at you, casting a protective aura around you.
What’s the best Evil Eye bracelet for me?
It all depends on your personality and style. Discover your match for 2016:
- For a young and adventurous girl: an Evil Eye bracelet with an adjustable red string cord.
- For a classy business woman: a gold filled Evil Eye stretch bracelet.
- For an elegant, fashion-forward woman: a sterling silver Evil Eye bracelet with a Hamsa Hand.
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]]>Some legends and beliefs still surround these materials, and we’ve gathered a few of them so you can know more about your favorite stones. Here are some great myths behind 4 popular gemstones!
Agates are the official birthstones of September, and they can be found in many colors and patterns. In Roma and Persia, these stones were used to protect the harvests; while in later cultures, they were believed to protect against skin and blood diseases.
Agates have been considered popular healers during centuries, since it can reduce inflammations, sharpens physical strength and reduces stress. It’s also known for aiding communication and increasing self confidence in its wearer.
Quartz, known as rock crystals, are beautiful gems that can be found in many different hues and shapes across the world. Although it’s quite a popular and common element, its unique appearance made it a favorite amongst shamans and ancient cultures, which believed these stones were actually made of frozen water that came from the gods.
Many different myths surround these stones according to each country, and it has been believed that they can provide clairvoyance, connect with other worlds, summon the elements, and protect or heal its wearer.
The amethyst is the official birthstone of February, and it’s known for having a beautiful and impressive purple shade. The name of this stone derives from a character from Greek mythology called Amethysta, a servant of goddess Artemis, whom was attacked by an enraged Dionysus and asked for the deity’s aid as the god unleashed his tigers to strike her. Artemis took pity on the woman, turning her into a stone to save her, and Dionysus, embarrassed by his actions, cried upon it, turning it purple.
Several other civilizations have valued this stone since then. It was considered a symbol of celibacy by the Christians, they were used as protective amulets during the Renaissance, and they were employed focusing mental skills and inducing the power of prediction.
This beautiful gem with green and blue hues was first discovered in the 13th century, and it received its name due to a misguided belief that it came from Turkey. Ancient cultures considered that its blueish tone gave it supernatural properties which served for protecting and bringing fortune to its wearer.
Some native civilizations have linked the turquoise to deities, since it reflected the color of the sky, and they were believed to connect the spiritual and physical world. In certain cultures, these gemstones were also useful for preventing injuries and improving athletic skills.
When worn in a bracelet, it’s believed that this gemstone can prevent or sooth pain, and also produce happiness and peace of mind.
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To help you out, we’ve gathered some essential tips for a healthier heart that can assist you in the prevention of heart failure and cardiovascular problems.
Want to prevent heart diseases? A great way to avoid unpleasant situations and make sure your heart is working properly, is to keep your numbers in check. Measure regularly your good and bad cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, body mass index and waistline; and compare them to the “normal” levels stablished by a qualified doctor.
This standard can change according to your location, age and genetic risk, so make sure you consult a specialist so you can know your heart. Keep in mind that any change to these levels can increase your risk of developing a heart disease, so make sure you always monitor them.
A stressful life paves a guaranteed path to heart afflictions, so one of the first steps you should take for keeping your heart healthy is to reduce your levels of anxiety. A great way of achieving that is to practice fun or relaxing activities regularly, such as yoga, meditation, dancing, or a hobby that allows you to clear your mind and entertain yourself.
Choosing activities that also involve mental or physical faculties, such as making puzzles, knitting, sports, walking your pets, etc., are also great for providing relief and keeping your mind sharp.
Enjoying a cigarette? Leading a sedentary life? Eating too much fat food? Every time you indulge in unhealthy habits you increase your risk of heart disease, since they rise your blood pressure and clog your arteries.
Don’t postpone quitting! Give up on any potentially damaging activity as soon as possible, and replace them for less problematic options.
Want a healthier heart? The key is to keep moving your body! Losing calories is the perfect way to make sure your heart is fit and strong. It’s generally recommended to exercise for a minimum of 2.5 hours per week, but if you’re not into long workouts you can simply alter your routine to stay healthy without too much hassle.
Walk to the store or your workplace, take the stairs instead of using the elevator, play with your kids in the park, dance as you do your chores, stretch your body regularly, etc.
A healthy diet is essential for a healthier heart, but there are too many myths going around, making it confusing and difficult to plan a proper regimen. Cutting back on some foods and adding more of others are the keys for avoiding heart diseases:
Also remember that how you eat is just as important as what you eat: drink enough water and move after you eat so you keep your metabolism active.
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Gemstones have been a girl’s best friends for centuries! Every fashion lover out there knows the importance of precious stones, and they’ve represented different things for each culture.
A while ago we studied some myths that surrounded 4 popular gemstones: the agate, the quartz, the amethyst and the turquoise. Now, we’re discovering the meaning behind 4 other jewels.
Read on and discover part II of our article about great myths behind 4 popular gemstones!
This beautiful precious stone is a favorite of many. The word “opal” derives from the Sanskrit word “upala”, which means “precious stone”, and it’s famous for an iridescent color that gives it an otherworldly charm and glimmer.
This stone can be found in different shades, from an almost colorless shade to yellow, orange, blue, brown or even black hues.
The opal became a favored stone amongst ancient cultures, since it was believed to increase consciousness as well as help heal afflictions of the eyes.
The Arabians believed opals were stones that had fallen from heaven, while later on it was mistakenly accused of being a bad luck gemstone if it wasn’t your birthstone. Nowadays, however, it’s one of the most popular gemstones in the world.
One of the oldest precious stones in the world, pearls have been used as decorations and enhancements in many different crafts. Pearls are special gemstones, since they derive from living creatures, and their name derives from the Latin word “perna”, which means “leg”.
Since they’ve been used by so many cultures, pearls play important roles in many different mythologies and carry a wide array of meanings.
For ancient Chinese cultures, black pearls came from dragons, while in Japanese folklore they were believed to be the tears of mythical creatures, or, in Greek mythology, the tears of the gods.
According to Persians and Polynesians, pearls were born after a rainbow touched the earth. However, one of the most beautiful legends surrounding these unique gems comes from Hindu folklore, in which pearls were considered raindrops that had fallen from the moon into the sea.
In recent years, pearls have been linked to purity, innocence and perfection, and they’re one of the favorite gemstones of brides.
Known as the “blood stone”, this precious gem has been used in jewelry for centuries. Its name comes from the Greek word for “blood” due to its reddish-brown color. However, the hematite can be found in different hues, from silver to dark gray or black.
Due to its similarities with the color of blood, the hematite has been used in many cultures to cure blood disorders.
Native Americans also used paint made with hematite as a way of gaining invincibility, since this popular gemstone is believed to provide protection and strengthening the mind as well as the heart of the person that wears it.
A very unique gemstone, the Cubic Zirconia is a synthetically manufactured jewel that resembles diamonds. Perhaps one of the most recently discovered gems in our list, the Cubic Zirconia was discovered in the 30s, yet they started being used in the 70s.
Due to its short life, this gemstone has fewer myths than older jewels such as pearls. Still, nowadays they’re believed to attract confidence, strength and prosperity to its wearer; and they’re great for those born in the month of April.
Sources:
Badali Jewelry. Gemstone Meanings. http://badalijewelry.com/Gemstone-Meanings.html
Crystal Meanings. Hematite. http://meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/hematite/ / Opal. http://meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/opal/ /
Crystal Vaults. Opal Meaning and Uses. http://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/opal
Emily Gems. Hematite meaning and properties. https://crystal-cure.com/hematite.html / Pearls. https://crystal-cure.com/pearl.html
Gemstone Buzz. Synthetic Cubic Zirconia. http://www.gemstonebuzz.com/meaning/synthetic-cubic-zirconia
HubPages. The Meanings and Myths of Pearls. http://monarch13.hubpages.com/hub/pearl-myth
Opals. Opal Myths and Legends. http://www.opals.info/opal-myths.php
]]>Keep reading and discover the 10 best fashion gift ideas for Mother’s Day 2015 that will help you give her the greatest present and celebrate this important date!
It doesn’t matter if she’s in her twenties or in her late fifties: every woman loves to look great at all times! Luckily for you, this year is perfect for celebrating every mother’s beauty with the perfect combination of old-times nostalgia and a modernized spin on timeless trends.
Here are some great fashion gift ideas for Mother’s Day 2015 that every mom will love:
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In 2014, creators rediscovered the rebellious style of the 90s, flaunting it with crop tops and grunge-inspired looks. But in 2015 most collections look even further back, drawing inspiration from the bohemian flair of the 70s.
To help you discover the best way to incorporate this decade’s look into your everyday life, we’re taking a look at the best 70’s fashion trends making a comeback for Spring 2015!
When looking back at the 70’s most of us think about flowing dresses, floral crowns, long hair and the overall hippie look, and although some of these trends are coming back during this new season, designers have also discovered that this decade had a lot to offer.
Here are some of the trends that you can easily incorporate into your wardrobe by giving them the perfect modern spin. Here are the best 70’s fashion trends making a comeback for Spring 2015:
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Jewelry and fashion has also been inspired by them, with a wide variety of animal patterns as well as animal pendants that represent the abilities and features of these creatures.
Today, we take a look at one of the most popular jewelry trends from the latest years: discover some of the animal amulets and their meaning!
Talismans that represent animals have been prevalent in different cultures for centuries. In many societies popular pets such as cats and dogs, wild creatures like tigers or wolves, and even unpleasant creatures such as insects, were considered omens, representations of gods, or could bestow special skills to their wearers.
The meaning can vary from one place to another. In Egypt, for example, scarab beetles represent rebirth, while in certain cultures these small fellows can represent security and a grounded mind. In China animals are important members of the zodiac and represent different personalities, while in places such as India many of the deities have animalistic features.
Every animal has a different connotation and importance, and it’s common to wear them as a way of showing admiration or adopting their abilities.
Here’s the meaning behind some of the most popular animal amulets:
So you’re a fan of animal amulets? Want to add them to your outfit and still look great in the process? Luckily for you, this spring/summer season is the perfect time to enjoy this chic trend, combining it with the fashionable 70s and bohemian style.
Here are some tips on how to wear animal amulets you should definitely keep in mind:
Since sunlight, music and fashion are the perfect companions, it’s the best moment for checking out the trends and giving you some great tips on what to wear if you’ll be enjoying a spring/summer concert. Here are the festival season fashion trends for 2015 you should definitely know!
It’s time to show some skin and enjoy the sunlight and the freshness of the season! During the latest years, musical festivals have become a fashion event on their own, recognized by hippie looks inspired by ethnicity and the joy of the warm season.
For 2015, some of the more common trends will disappear, while we’ll see more looks inspired by the 70s. Here are some of the festival season fashion trends for 2015 you shouldn’t miss out:
Is your outfit ready? Then it’s time to add the final touches to your look: dashing hair, romantic makeup and a few details to perfect the bohemian style. Just like with this year’s spring/summer fashion, 2015’s festival season beauty trends are inspired by the freshness and carelessness of the 70’s.
Here are the festival season beauty trends for 2015 you should definitely try:
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]]>It’s the perfect occasion for comfortable outfits and chic accessories, and today we are giving you the scoop on what to take on your trip, as well as some great ideas on what to wear! Here are the fashion essentials for Easter weekend 2015!
Many of us will be heading back to our hometowns or travelling to a tropical paradise to enjoy the holidays with our families and friends, and although we couldn’t be more excited about the idea of enjoying a few stress-free days, there’s no denying that the preparation for the trip is definitely a very hectic time!
To help you out, we took the time to check the main spring fashion trends and tell you exactly what to take on your trip. Here are the fashion essentials for Easter weekend that you must have on your suitcase:
Easter is a time for leisure and fun. Since you’ll probably be going to a few meetings with your loved ones, and considering the slightly warmer weather, you should concentrate on taking just a few versatile items that you can combine in different ways to create chic and fresh outfits.
Here are some fashionable spring essentials you should definitely place on your suitcase:
It’s always difficult to pick which shoes to take with you when you’re going on a trip. For Easter weekend, you’ll want to stay comfortable and fresh, while also prepared for any meeting which requires a little more glamour.
Here are some chic spring essentials that will help you look great whether you’re going to the beach with your family, or meeting your friends for a few drinks:
The perfect way to add glamour to your outfit is through the proper accessories. While Easter weekend is a great time for laidback outfits, you can still give it a chic spin using the proper complements, and for this season the trends are celebrating anything that looks vintage or has an ethnic inspiration.
These are the essential spring accessories that will help you create the best outfits on this Easter weekend:
As the new season begins, it’s only right to check out which trends we can add to our wardrobes so we can look stylish and fresh while enjoying the warmer months. Since Pantone is the global authority when it comes to colors, we’re bringing you the full report on the hues that dominated the runways, and will soon flood the market in every department: from home decoration to fashion!
Pantone’s Spring/Summer 2015 Color Palette
The new season is here, and designers have decided to welcome it with a color palette inspired by nature and inviting relaxation. With hues inspired by tropical places, the 70’s folkloric style and with an evident ethnic influence, it’s definitely the perfect time to enjoy soft pastels, bright colors and earthy shades.
Spring/Summer 2015 – Blue-Greens
Celebrating the spirit of nature, Pantone has included a wide range of blues and greens to their Spring/Summer 2015 color palette report. From relaxing shades of blue to vibrant greens, everyone can find the perfect hue to complement their style.
Here are the Spring/Summer 2015 Blues:
Tired of all those watery shades? Here are the Spring/Summer 2015 Greens:
Spring/Summer 2015 – Sunny and Floral Colors
Fun, feminine and versatile, some of the colors of this year’s Spring/Summer 2015 palette have also been inspired by the kind nature of the season, with designers finding their muse in the playful shades of the sunlight and the flowers.
Here are the vibrant Spring/Summer 2015 Sunny Colors:
Looking for something a little more feminine? Some of the hues carry the freshness of the spring! Here are the Spring/Summer 2015 Floral Colors:
Spring/Summer 2015 – Neutrals
Like every season, the Spring/Summer 2015 runways also included a few hues that are easy to combine with almost every other shade. For the warmer months, designers chose to add a few icy and metallic touches that will create balance by complementing the more colorful hues.
These are the Spring/Summer 2015 neutrals:
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]]>To help you prepare the perfect ensembles for the new season, we give you the scoop on the top fashion trends for spring 2015! Discover the clothes, the accessories and the beauty that you’ll definitely want to add to your look!
Get ready to look your best with a bohemian, yet elegant, style! Prepare to look back in time, and let yourself be inspired by psychedelic designs and colorful patterns.
Here are the main clothing trends for Spring 2015:
To complement your spring style, you’ll need to balance elegance with a more bohemian look with 70s, ethnic and Asian inspiration. It’s the perfect season to try something new, or rescue a few items from your parents’ closet!
Here are the main accessories trends for Spring 2015:
How to give your look the finishing touch it needs? Through the perfect hairstyle and makeup, of course!
Here are the top beauty trends for Spring 2015:
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Originally an exclusive event which celebrated Irish lineage, St. Patrick’s Day has turned into a worldwide festivity. This March 17th, many will go out fully clad in green: clothing, accessories, makeup…it’s all about the color of shamrocks!
Whether you look good in green, or simply want to join the fun with glamour, this year we’ve gathered a few fashion and beauty ideas for St. Patrick’s Day 2015 that will help you celebrate the day with style!
Although it’s a popular tradition to simply dress in green from head-to-toe to join the celebrations of the day, it’s also true that not everyone will look great wearing this color, and many will prefer something a little more subdued before looking like a leprechaun.
If you want to follow the trends of the year and add a touch of green to your outfit, these fashion ideas might help you out:
When we think about getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day, we usually focus almost entirely on our outfits. However, a great way of adding a touch of lucky green to our looks is through some makeup or nail art.
Here are some great trends that will work perfectly to celebrate this year’s St. Patrick’s Day:
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If you consider yourself a true fashionista, then you’ll definitely want to know the top 5 famous jewelry lovers. Check them out!
Madonna is not only a legendary pop artist, she has also given fashion lovers some of the most iconic anthems such as “Vogue” and “Material Girl”. Never afraid to push the boundaries, Madonna has walked the Red Carpets wearing all types of jewelry: from classic earrings studded with large diamonds, to bohemian sterling silver Hamsa Hand necklaces.
Madonna has also inspired some accessories collections, and even ventured into fashion and jewelry design alongside her daughter.
Another singer with a soft spot for accessories, Mariah Carey owns quite a large jewelry collection, and she’s not afraid to flaunt it during any occasion. A fan of sparkly, large and eye-catching items, Carey has even designed some collections on her own.
Although we don’t know much about it, Carey’s collection might even rival that of other artists in the list, since even her ex-husband gave up on presenting her with more jewelry, since she already had too much.
Actresses are also inclined to fall for beautiful jewels! In the late 20s, German actress Marlene Dietrich conquered Hollywood with a unique and strong attitude. Although she became known for almost masculine roles, Dietrich, like most women, loved a good piece of jewelry.
As she collected more accessories, she began incorporating them into her roles. She loved her jewels so much, she would not take them off, even while she cooked!
Joan Crawford also adored jewelry, and was known for collecting a wide range of large accessories with precious and semi-precious stones. However, the artist was a fan of sapphires, and even received the nickname of “Joan Blue”, due to the color of her favorite gemstone.
The actress would also stack and layer rings and bracelets with large colorful stones, creating an extravagant but glamorous look that would become her personal signature.
Undoubtedly the most well-known famous jewelry lover, the gorgeous Elizabeth Taylor expressed her passion for accessories throughout her life, and even managed to own an amazing collection of beautiful items which could rival even those from the Royal Crown. Amongst them, people could find tiaras, bracelets, necklaces and rings, most of which were, unsurprisingly, gifts from lovers and admirers.
Her collection consisted mostly of jewelry with large gemstones, such as emeralds and diamonds; and also a wide amount of pearl necklaces, earrings and bracelets, including the largest pearl accessory in history, known as La Peregrina.
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Check it out!
From the Grammys to the Academy Awards, there was definitely a widespread sense of glamour taking hold of the Red Carpets. Many of the ensembles opted for a surprising simplicity, with body hugging dresses which embraced every curve, but were long enough to look elegant for the occasions.
Sharp cuts, straight lines, geometrical cut-outs, and solid fabrics were very present this season, contrasting with the ethereal quality of the sheer gowns we saw on previous years.
To complement the simplicity of the outfits, celebrities enjoyed a season of taking risks with their jewelry and accessories. From the long drop earrings and eye-catching belts of the Golden Globes, to the return of the colorful statement necklaces at the Academy Awards, it’s the perfect time to add an extravagant touch to your outfits.
Sometimes the gowns themselves seemed to incorporate accessories, such as Lupita Nyong’o’s surprising ensemble with 6000 pearls. If you want to incorporate the celebrity glow to your wardrobe, just make sure you opt for large accessories with eye-catching beads or designs in white or silver. You don’t have to wear a full pearl gown, but you can definitely incorporate a layered pearl necklace and call it a day!
The perfect complement to a bodycon ensemble is an eye-catching cut-out that reveals some skin, and during this year’s Awards Season the trend took shape with plunging and revealing necklines which left little to the imagination.
The trend was perfect for adding sensuality to otherwise simple ensembles, while also giving celebrities the opportunity of playing with statement accessories, such as necklaces with eye-catching gemstones and long drop earrings.
While we did see some colorful outfits in the Red Carpets of the Golden Globes and SAG Awards, most of the ceremonies were surprisingly simple when it came to colors. Gowns in basic white or black were everywhere, but the favorites were definitely metallic dresses in striking silver, or romantic embroidered gowns in blush hues.
If you’re not a fan of wearing clothing in these colors, you can still incorporate them to your ensembles through accessories: silver accents or rose gold jewelry are perfect for staying trendy and chic. Just add a sterling silver evil eye bracelet to your outfit and you’ll be ready to go!
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On the last Tuesday of this month, people are encouraged to spread conscience about the importance of these activities, and we’re joining the campaign to help you discover what you should know about helping your animal companions.
Read on!
Although many people consider themselves animal lovers, most of them know little about how to take care of their pets or help other animals in need. One of the most important problems animal face nowadays is being able to survive in a world ruled by humans.
Domestic animals like dogs and cats have little chances of surviving when they’re left on their own in cities, and since they have quicker reproductive cycles, the number of feral animals can only increase as time goes by. These animals end up dying in the streets, or live for a certain time in shelters, where they’re eventually put down to make room for other wild animals.
The only solution is to encourage adoption, yet there are simply not enough homes for welcoming these pets, which is why controlling the population through spaying and neutering is vital. However, these practices are usually surrounded by myths, for example:
In the end, spaying or neutering your pet is the most responsible choice, since it ensures your animal won’t contribute to overpopulation, your animal will reduce chances of developing cancer and other infections, and it will help decrease behavioral problems such as spraying and aggression.
So you’ve decided to spay or neuter your pet –now what? Well, now that you’ve given the first step towards de-sexing your animal, it’s time to take the right measures to ensure the procedure is not traumatic or dangerous for your animal.
Here are some tips for spaying and neutering your pet:
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Today, we take a look back before this weekend’s ceremony, and tell you the top fashion facts from the Oscars you might not know!
Sometimes the best fashion can’t be found directly at the Red Carpet but at the movies themselves. Since 1948, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences began recognizing the hard work of costume designers with a Best Costume Design award.
Talented designers like Irene Sharaff, Chales LeMaire, Jean Louis, Dorothi Jeakins and Collen Atwood, have all been honored with this award throughout the years, yet the costume designer with most Oscar nominations is legendary Edith Head.
Head participated in many films, designed for celebrities such as Mae West, Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman and Audrey Hepburn; received 35 nominations throughout her life, and finally won 8 Academy Awards, becoming the designer with most Oscars until today.
Although the Oscars are known nowadays for being a fashion show on its own, the extravagant ceremony we now recognize is quite different from the initial event held in 1929, when it was only a private dinner with an audience of barely 200 people.
It wasn’t until 1943 when the iconic jeweler Harry Winston began the trend of wearing luxurious accessories at the Red Carpet, as he designed diamond jewelry for actress Jennifer Jones. This game-changing piece forced celebrities to aim higher, and soon afterwards big names from the fashion world were attached to the actresses’ gowns until today.
What’s a dress without the proper accessory? Beautiful jewelry is a must-have at any Red Carpet, especially during the Oscars, when celebrities should shine brighter than ever, since it’s the most important event for the stars.
With so many diamonds, it’s not surprising that the cost of some of these accessories is unbelievably high. So: what’s the most expensive Oscars jewelry of all times?
The cost of the highest-valued Oscars accessory is $20 million, and it’s probably one of the most well-known pieces of jewelry in the world: it’s the sapphire and blue-diamond necklace inspired by the “Heart of the Ocean” featured in the iconic movie Titanic (1997). The jewel was worn to the ceremony by actress Gloria Stuart, whom played the older version of Rose and was nominated as Best Supporting Actress.
Beautiful flowing gowns are an essential part of the Oscars, and you can find designs for all tastes: from simple unicolor dresses to delicately embroidered ensembles. Yet, have you ever wondered how much one of them could cost? Well, according to the available information, Oscar dresses can be found in a range between a few thousands of dollars to even millions.
So, what’s the most expensive Oscars dress ever?
Surprisingly, it was Jennifer Lawrence’s 2013 Oscars dress. The beautiful strapless rose gown was designed by Dior Couture, and it has an estimated value of more than $4 million. The dress became famous after the actress tripped in it on her way to pick up the award for Best Actress, a tiny accident that actually gave the dress some extra promotion, increasing its value.
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As you might know by now, each Chinese year is ruled by an animal from the Chinese zodiac as well as an element (metal, fire, water, etc.), and for the 2015 Chinese New Year the ruler will be the Wooden Goat.
Want to learn more about it? Then here are some of the things you certainly should know about this amazing tradition!
Since the Chinese zodiac functions yearly, children born from February 19, 2015 to February 7, 2016 will be ruled by the Green Wooden Goat, this year’s sign. This also means people born under the Goat sign in previous years will have a good year ahead of them, as well as those whose signs and elements are compatible with the Goat.
The Goat, also known as the Sheep or Ram; is the 8th sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Those born under the Goat sign tend to be dreamers, intellectuals and introverts, and they have surprising artistic abilities, often exceling on any labor which requires craftsmanship and creativity.
However, business is not the Goat’s strength, and their sensitivity can turn them into anxious, indecisive and overly delicate people. Celebrities and artists such as Mark Twain, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts and Claire Danes, are amongst those born under the Goat sign.
The lucky signs for the Goats are:
The Wood element represents benevolence, so Wooden Goats tend to be kindhearted people whom love taking care of others around them.
Want to know if you’ll have a good year under the rule of the Wooden Goat? Then you should probably check out your compatibility with this sign:
Although your luck throughout the year could only be determined considering each day, month and year; you can guess part of your fortune according to your sign and element. If you were born under an incompatible sign or element to that of the Wooden Horse, then -according to popular belief- it’s very likely you’ll have to face a few bumps in the road throughout 2015.
In China the New Year is a very important holiday celebrated with a Spring Festival. During these festivities, every place is decorated with good-luck amulets, and people engage in group activities such as dances, family meals and even gift exchanges.
If you’re not Chinese, yet still want to celebrate, you can follow some of these ideas:
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To help you out, we tell you all about the best bridal fashion trends for Spring/Summer 2015 you might want to try for your own wedding!
Although choosing a dress with an impressive front is essential to cause a perfect great impression amongst your guests and family, the fact is most of them will stare at your back during most of the ceremony. For too long designers have forgotten this part of the dress, but luckily not anymore!
During the latest seasons, designers have opted for creating wonderfully detailed backs, and for Spring/Summer 2015 the trend consists in exposing your back with sheer fabrics and delicate floral lace. If you prefer something a little more demure, lace sleeves will also look great without revealing too much.
If you want to add a touch of timeless elegance to your ensemble, then picking a dress with a high-neck collar is the way to go! Whether it’s in a halter neck or achieved through a high-neck lace cape, this trend is perfect for adding a touch of old-time charm to your overall look.
For a great alternative, check out the off-the-shoulders trends below.
The Spring/Summer 2015 season relies heavily on old-fashioned glamour, so it’s not surprising that bridal fashion includes the most elegant decoration of all: pearls! Floral embroidery with this material is the main trend for the season, and a great way of adding elegance to your look.
If you dislike embellishments, you can simply modify the trend and just wear a beautiful layered pearl necklace, or a couple of pearl stud earrings to complete your ensemble.
Looking for something that helps you stay fresh and comfortable during the warmest months of the year without wearing an extremely short dress? Then it’s the perfect time for soft materials that can create volume while also looking charming and romantic!
Beautiful layered tulle skirts combined with details in lace and embroidery are perfect for creating an ethereal yet comfortable look without sacrificing elegance despite the heat. It’s the perfect timeless look that will fit any bride, giving her the perfect royal look most women crave for their wedding!
As we mentioned before, high-neck collars are extremely popular for this season, yet the favorite trend for Spring/Summer is actually the off-the-shoulders look. This is perfect way of adding a wonderfully romantic and feminine look to your wedding dress.
Whether it has a sweetheart-neckline or beautiful low sleeves, the advantage of the off-the-shoulders trend is perfect for adding some texture and movement to your dress, while also centering the attention to your face, giving you the chance of trying an impressive hairstyle paired with a beautiful set of drop earrings.
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Here are some of the best St. Valentine’s Day traditions from around the world you might want to know!
While the British also celebrate Valentine’s Day with candies and thoughtful gifts, some unique and curious traditions take place in each corner of the country. In some places, children are in charge of performing special songs and rewarded with small gifts; in others it’s traditional to bake buns with seeds or raisins, as a way of prompting fertility, and in regions of Norfolk, they believe in a Santa Clause-like character known as Jack Valentine, whom leaves presents for kids.
However, the most popular tradition is to write poems and verses for loved ones, as a way of honoring the work of British writers, whom penned some of the most iconic romantic poems of all times.
Sending a card to your better half is a common custom in most countries, but in Denmark, these items are quite unique. Originally, they were transparent cards that showed a picture of the lover when placed in the sun, while nowadays they tend to be regular cards, but with a more colorful and extravagant design.
Denmark is also known for its gaekkebrev, or joking letter. In this tradition, men write a funny rhyme to their loved ones, and leave only a clue of what their name is. If the recipient guesses the name of the sender correctly, she is then rewarded with a gift.
Unlike the rest of the world, Chinese people celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month with the Festival of the Double Sevens or Seven Sister’s Festival. In this event, Chinese couples and single people visit the Temple of the Matchmaker to pray for prosperity and happiness, while young unmarried maidens pray for maturity and for acquiring domestic skills.
The festival also include small customs that can help with fertility, such as decorating an ox’s horn with flowers, or women washing their hair to make it look fresh for the event.
Although it’s not a celebration of Valentine’s Day per se, this humorous tradition has become increasingly popular as an alternative for those who want to escape from the February 14th celebrations. Celebrated during the same day as Valentine’s Day by some, or on February 15th by others, this worldwide holiday induces those who are not in a relationship to engage in solo activities for their own amusement.
Nowadays, people are encouraged to dress in dark colors and visit countries where Valentine’s Day is not celebrated on that day, such as Brazil; or work as a volunteer to help others during the date.
In many Asian countries Valentine’s Day is celebrated a little differently than in the US. In places like Japan and Korea, on February 14th it’s men who receive chocolate and gifts from women. These items are usually homemade, since it’s believed that something crafted by the sender will embody true love.
A month later, on March 14th, men are expected to return the favor and send chocolate and gifts to the women who presented it to them on Valentine’s Day. This is known as the White Day, and has become a very popular custom since the 60s.
In Korea, Black Day is also celebrated. This event is exclusively for those who have no romantic relationships, as it’s traditional that single friends get together and consume jajang noodles, which have a black color.
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Whether you’re celebrating your wedding anniversary around this date, or if you’re storing this information for the future, we give you a comprehensive list of the traditional gifts you should consider. Here are the symbols, the gemstones and the flowers that represent each year of married bliss!
Since the days of the Roman Empire, it has been traditional for couples to give presents to each other to commemorate the anniversary of their marriage. Although it’s more common to celebrate each 10-year interval, numerous dates and contemporary items have been added to the traditional wedding anniversary gifts, and it’s become customary for friends and family members to deliver gifts to the couple.
Each year, an item from a different material must be received by the lovers, representing the strengthening evolution of their relationship. Here are the essential symbols that represent each year of marriage:
Year |
Traditional material |
Modern material |
1 |
Paper (novelty, fragility) |
Clock |
2 |
Cotton (unity, strength, softness, flexibility) |
China |
3 |
Crystal |
|
4 |
Fruits and flowers (renewal, blossoming) or linen and silk |
Appliances |
5 |
Wood (strength, wisdom) |
Silverware |
6 |
Candy (sweetness, rekindled passion) or Iron (strength, good luck) |
Wood |
7 |
Desk set |
|
8 |
Linens and lace |
|
9 |
Pottery or willow (sculpting due to experience, emerging beauty), copper |
Leather |
10 |
Tin (longevity) or Aluminum |
Diamond |
11 |
Steel (permanence) |
Fashion jewelry |
12 |
||
13 |
Lace (perfect love) |
Textiles |
14 |
Ivory (purity, romance, fidelity) |
Gold |
15 |
Watches |
|
16 |
|
Silver hollowware |
17 |
|
Furniture |
18 |
|
Porcelain |
19 |
|
Bronze |
20 |
China (beauty, elegance, fragility) |
Silver or platinum |
21 |
|
Brass or nickel |
22 |
|
Copper |
23 |
|
Silver plate |
24 |
Musical instruments |
|
25 |
||
30 |
Diamond |
|
35 |
Jade |
|
40 |
Ruby (love, passion) |
Ruby |
45 |
Sapphire (admiration) |
Sapphire |
50 |
||
55 |
Emerald |
Emerald |
60 |
Diamond or yellow diamond |
Diamond |
65 |
Blue sapphire |
|
70 |
Platinum |
Diamond or gold |
75 |
Diamond or gold |
|
80 |
Oak |
Diamond or pearls |
85 |
Moonstone or wine |
Wife’s birthstone |
90 |
Stone |
Marble, granite |
As you might know, jewelry and flowers are the ultimate gifts for representing romance. If you’re considering a gift for celebrating your wedding anniversary with your loved one, then adding one of these items might be the perfect way to convey your love.
Here are the gemstones and flowers that represent each year:
Year |
Gemstone |
Flower |
1 |
Mother of pearl |
Carnation |
2 |
Garnet |
Lily of the Valley |
3 |
Moonstone |
|
4 |
Blue topaz |
Hydrangea |
5 |
Rose quartz |
Daisy |
6 |
Calla |
|
7 |
Freesia |
|
8 |
Tourmaline |
|
9 |
Lapis Lazuli |
Bird of paradise |
10 |
Crystal or green tourmaline |
Daffodil |
11 |
Tulip |
|
12 |
Jade |
Peony |
13 |
Citrine |
|
14 |
Dahlia |
|
15 |
Rhodolite |
|
20 |
Emerald |
Aster |
25 |
Tsavorite |
|
28 |
Amethyst |
|
30 |
Lily |
|
40 |
Ruby |
|
50 |
Yellow rose or violet |
|
60 |
Diamond |
|
65 |
Sapphire |
|
100 |
10 Carat Diamond |
|
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Flowers are especially cherished, since giving them to a loved one is considered universally as one of the most romantic gestures in the world. But did you know the color and shape of each type of flower can convey a different message to the person who receives it?
Thinking about sending a bouquet to your better half? Read on, and discover the meaning behind the 5 most popular Valentine’s Day flowers!
Daisies are sweet plants, similar to sunflowers, with lovely bright hues. Their lively look represents beauty, cheerfulness and innocence, so it’s perfect for someone with a happy personality, and Gerbera Daisies are particularly popular due to their large shape.
Although white is the most well-known color, representing purity, they can also be found in yellow, which conveys joyfulness; and pink or red, which signifies love.
Is your better half an extremely elegant and classy person? The perfect flower to convey just that is the lily. Although they can be expensive, lilies are sophisticated flowers which will look great on a Valentine’s Day bouquet –although be careful if you’re giving it to a pet owner! It’s extremely toxic to cats!
The white lily is the most popular, as it represents purity and class, while another esteemed variety is the Alstroemeria, a Peruvian lily with striking hues and eye-catching petals. Colorful lilies can also represent fertility and sexuality, so keep it in mind when planning your bouquet.
Cute and perky! Carnations are lovely small flowers with ruffled petals that have grown in popularity due to their wide variety of colors and affordability. Carnations are perfect for representing a new love or a deep admiration towards the recipient.
These cute flowers can be multicolored, and according to its different hues they can also symbolize different things:
Also, keep in mind that a striped carnation signifies rejection, so skip them if you don’t want to send the wrong message.
Looking for something exotic but elegant and affordable? Tulips are lovely flowers typical from the Netherlands, with six petals that can be found in a wide array of different hues, meaning you can always find the perfect color to fit your lover’s personality.
In general, tulips signify comfort and long-lasting feeling, but certain colors can transmit different things:
There’s not a more popular flower on Valentine’s Day than roses. A gorgeous bouquet of these handsome flowers is the ultimate and classic expression of romance, but although many have given these flowers to a loved one, most people don’t know about the unique meanings behind its different shades.
A red rose represents passion, but also respect, and some of the other shades can have even deeper meanings:
The amount and age of roses also has interesting symbolisms: a single flower means “I love you”, a full bouquet means gratitude; and giving rosebuds signifies youth, beauty and innocence.
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Today, we take a look at some essential tricks for losing weight effectively that will work like a charm for getting rid of those pesky extra pounds!
Managing your weight is not only a matter of beauty or fashion. Extra weight is actually dangerous for your overall health, since it increases risks in different health areas. Losing a few pounds can help you reduce the hazard of developing life-threatening diseases such as cancer, heart problems and diabetes.
Weight-loss is also essential for having a sharper and healthier mind. By simply making a few changes to your diet you’ll be improving your life quality, reducing your risk of developing depression, memory problems or feeling stressed.
Staying slim and fit is all about health benefits, so don’t postpone changing your routine anymore! We’ve all heard about eating smaller portions, healthier foods and exercising regularly, but there are also a few tricks that can help you lose weight effectively and without too much sacrifice:
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Today, we take a look at some of the amazing health properties of colors, and tell you what to wear to tackle some of the most common health issues.
Feeling blue or stressed? Picking the right hues for your outfit or environment is essential for keeping your mind and body well and strong. Different tones can modify your energy and induce your mind to fight against some everyday problems.
The trick is in the relationship between each color’s frequency, and how its light can affect your body. Each color has a different vibration that can alter your system as it enters the body, stimulating your brain and producing cellular and hormonal changes.
Here are some of the most common complications and the colors that can help you fight them:
Now that you know how to help your body work better with the health properties of colors, then it’s time to add them to your wardrobe and surroundings. Here are some ways of incorporating them to your life:
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To help you out, we’ve listed some of the best free apps for working women that you should definitely add to your phone or tablet. Here’s our top 6!
With so much work it can be difficult to find the right time to exercise and keep your body healthy. However, with Nike + Training Club, powered by the prestigious athletic wear brand, Nike, is the perfect add for the working woman who also cares about fitness.
With Nike + Training Club you can pick between many workouts with different durations and levels of difficulty, and you can exercise whenever and wherever you want. The app contains instructional videos, tips from prominent trainers, and lets you share your results with your friends.
Have you ever opened the fridge intending to prepare a meal, and found you’ve run out of one of the most essential ingredients? Being so busy can make you forget what you have available at home, yet Our Groceries Shopping List is a great app for keeping track of what’s in your storage.
With this app, you can add items from several categories, scan barcodes, place pictures for every product, and the best part is you can synchronize your list with every member of your family that downloads it. Perfect!
Thinking about trying a new recipe for you or your family? No time to check out complex cooking books? No problem! With Cookpad Recipes you can surf through meals suggested by ordinary people, follow simple instructions, see others trying the recipe, or even post your own!
You can choose from many different recipes, share them with others, and even discover the nutritional values of each meal.
Every working woman needs to keep track of all her personal and professional acquaintances, but paper cards are both easy to lose, and also increasingly infrequent. With CamCard Lite, you can scan your business cards to your tablet or phone, organize them in different categories, and have the app automatically recognize essential information such as email, phone number, website, etc.
Unfortunately, the free version of the app will only allow you to incorporate 2 cards per week, but it’s still a great way to keep your contacts properly organized.
Need to advance on your work, or to write a quick list or reminder for yourself? You can use Evernote to create everything: from to-do lists to long essays, and keep them organized with this very handy app, and read them wherever you are.
Evernote is a very complete and diverse app that allows you to save web articles, pictures, or even creating a schedule, and sharing it with others.
Whether you’re living alone or have a large family of your own, controlling your expenses and your budget might be one of the most important duties. With Goodbudget, you can consider your income and keep track of all of your transactions.
Easy to use and with an attractive design, Goodbudget also allows you to share your budget and data with other family members which download the app, making it perfect for controlling your family’s finances.
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To help you out, we give you some essential fashion tips that will teach you how to stack your bracelets according to your style. Check them out!
The layered-bracelets look has been a very popular trend during the latest seasons. Receiving inspiration from Indian stacked-bangles and adding a bohemian spirit to any outfit, layering bracelets is great for a casual of semi-formal event. But how to achieve it without overdoing it?
These fashion tips will help you stack your bracelets successfully:
By now you know the basics of stacking your bracelets and looking chic in the process, but the key to being successful is to convey your own character. Here are some ideas to stack your bracelets according to your style:
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Science, however, declares it’s not that bad to indulge every once in a while in this delightful sweet, and to help you dispel some myths, we tell you why you should eat chocolate! Here are 4 things you might not know about this delicious food:
Have you heard that myth about chocolate and acne? According to most beauty gurus, eating chocolate can produce breakouts, so it’s important not to consume it if you want smooth and beautiful skin.
Still, scientific studies have proven that there’s not a direct link between acne and chocolate consumption, and some dermatologists even indicate that your diet has nothing to do with it at all, although ingesting too many calories can definitely contribute to this skin problem, and each body reacts differently to food.
Giving candy and chocolate to children can produce a hyperactive behavior, right? Not necessarily! Although most people believe chocolate is packed with caffeine –an energy-boosting element-, the fact is that it’s not that high on caffeine, containing almost the same amount as decaffeinated coffee.
Although chocolate can effectively give you a small energy boost, it’s not enough to make you nervous or hyperactive, so don’t be afraid of having some.
Feeling worried or stressed? Don’t be afraid to munch on a sweet bar of chocolate! As it turns out, this food is great for getting rid of stress-producing hormones, since it’s packed with antioxidants, especially dark chocolate.
Chocolate also contains flavonols, which can boost blood flow towards the brain, helping you stay alert and focused. These effects are also long-term, helping you increase your cognitive abilities.
According to most people, chocolate increases your weight, and as we all know that has terrible effects on your heart’s health. Yet, science disagrees! The high amount of antioxidants in a bar of dark chocolate can actually lower your cholesterol and BMI (Body Mass Index) levels, and reduce your risk of experiencing a heart attack.
The key, of course, is to not overindulge and opt for moderation. If you consume a piece every day, you won’t feel tempted to stuff yourself with chocolate. That way, you’ll be able to reduce the risk of gaining weight and affecting your body.
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Need some tips on what to buy this year? Here are our gift ideas for Valentine’s Day 2015!
Looking for the perfect gift for your girlfriend, wife or best friend? For this Valentine’s Day, we’re thinking about a trendy yet simple item that conveys your feelings. Here are our top 5 gift ideas for Valentine’s Day 2015:
Guys are known for not paying too much attention to holidays, but that’s not always the case. Men like to be pampered too, and they appreciate practical gifts that target their basic needs. These 5 gift ideas for Valentine’s Day 2015 might help you out:
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Here are some essential tips for staying motivated during the New Year!
The first step for staying properly motivated during the New Year is to define what you’d like to achieve: a new job? A new relationship? Improving your fitness?... Write down your goals, and determine ways you can achieve them: taking classes, sending your CV to new places, meeting new people, etc.
Once you have an idea of what you want to achieve during the New Year, be honest with yourself and focus on those goals you can truly accomplish.
Most of us can easily determine what we want, and have a vague idea of how to achieve it. But when we start planning which steps we’ll take, we forget to keep in mind the problems we might have to face in the process.
Identify your obstacles: money, means, your drive, bad habits, etc. For each possible difficulty, try to think about two or three solutions. By taking into consideration all the spectrum of possibilities, it will be easier to get motivated and start taking the proper actions towards your goals.
The key to accomplish a goal is to take small progressive steps towards it. Simply define short-term goals for each day, week and month. Breaking down your goals into smaller actions will help you perceive them as viable, and it will make it easier for you to stay focused, giving you the boost you need to achieve them.
Goals are private dreams and desires, and many tend to keep them to themselves. If you need to stay motivated, break out of your shell and share your resolutions with others. A support system made of your closest friends and family members might help you feel better and stronger, and it can be great for when you’re facing an obstacle.
Sharing your goals with others might also help you get companions. Perhaps one of your friends shares your interests and will gladly join you in your quest!
Have you accomplished one of your goals? Reward yourself afterwards indulging in something you like: a dessert, an activity you love, organizing a meeting with your friends, etc. By congratulating yourself when you achieve a goal, you’ll train your body and mind to seek success.
Make sure you keep a record of your achievements and to share them with your closest pals, so you can stay constantly motivated.
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Today, we continue to tell you all about the top trendy amulets that have conquered the fashion world, as we take a look at the history and properties of the Turkish Evil Eye!
Discover it!
Also known as nazar, from the Arabic term for sight or seeing, the Turkish Evil Eye is a protective amulet, usually made of glass or stone, which depicts a large crystal blue eye within simple concentric circles. These images have been popular souvenirs for years, yet they’ve become an important part of the fashion world in later years.
The Turkish Evil Eye can also be found in small and delicate glass beads painted by hand. Under this presentation, it receives the name of nazar boncuğu, or evil eye bead. These can be added to cute bracelets and other popular jewelry.
The nazar has been found in many cultures from Egypt and Greece to Afghanistan, Iran, Bulgaria, and, of course, Turkey. The first recorded Turkish Evil Eye was found on a clay tablet from Mesopotamia, and it became a tradition amongst several Asian societies.
Although the creation of this amulet has become a worldwide activity, making an authentic Turkish Evil Eye is considered a highly valued art of more than 5000 years, and it’s a trade passed from artisans to their children.
The main property of the Turkish Evil Eye is to protect the wearer from a powerful glance which can produce different harms to the person. This is known as the evil eye curse, and it can appear when someone looks with jealousy or malice to another person. This can attract bad luck or even diverse calamities.
According to many cultures, if someone receives too much praise or admiration, it’s very likely that they’ll attract the consequences of the evil eye curse. These can reveal themselves as a sudden disease or progressive misfortune.
The Turkish Evil Eye amulet protects the person from these damages, since it stares right back at the person who inflicts the curse, and according to some, it helps the ill-wishes bounce back.
Although the most popular shade is in blue, the Turkish Evil Eye can also be found in different hues, and the color of the evil eye bead can also add some extra properties to each amulet:
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To help you out, we tell you the top 5 best foods to fight stress that will make you feel better without side effects. Check them out!
Green vegetables are great for giving your body magnesium, an essential substance that can help you avoid muscle tension, depression, anxiety and insomnia, some of the symptoms and causes of stress. Spinach is a great option, since only a cup of these tasty foods contains high levels of magnesium.
Spinach also contains multiple vitamins and minerals which help reduce stress hormones and relax your body, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
You might believe that fatty foods are not a heathy alternative for your relieving your stress, but dark chocolate is the perfect option for giving your mood a boost. Having a small piece of dark chocolate at least once a week will give your body magnesium and pack you with antioxidants.
Chocolate is also great for your heart, since it helps you lower your blood pressure, and it relieves depressive symptoms when you’re feeling down.
Teas contain powerful antioxidants which have the ability to calm your body and mind, making them the perfect alternative to unhealthy beverages like coffee or sodas, which can increase your anxiety when consumed in large quantities. Green and black tea also contain thiamine, a substance that can improve your attention and boost your mood.
If you’re trying to relax before going to bed, or to relax after a stressful event, you can also try some chamomile tea, a great calming brew.
Iron deficiency can cause fatigue and anxiety, especially in women, and for a wonderful iron supply, you can add nuts such as cashews, almonds, pistachios and walnuts to your diet. These foods are sources of healthy fats, making great snacks, and can complement baked meals.
Although some of them can be high in carbs, they’re great foods with many health properties, such as keeping your brain and heart strong and healthy.
Berries are known for providing your body with many antioxidants, substances that can reduce inflammation and sharpen your mind. However, blueberries are considered the best amongst them, since they also contain Vitamin C, which can lower the levels of cortisol, a stress-producing hormone.
These fruits can also help lower your blood pressure, and consuming them regularly can help you reduce symptoms of depression and insomnia.
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