Falling in love with Amsterdam is easy when you know where to go. After moving last summer from Los Angeles to Amsterdam to pursue a traveling lifestyle, Selena of Find Us Lost shares her favorite spots from her own adventures in the city.

Where to Stay

Budget – Under $120/night
Airbnb – there are endless gems to be found on Airbnb. If your priority is to stay within the main canals of Amsterdam, try finding a canal house near the 9 streets. For something more budget-friendly, neighborhoods like the Jordaan and De Pijp are also good picks within walking distance of anywhere within the city.

Mid-range – $150-300/night
The Hoxton Hotel – set inside a row of classic Amsterdam canal houses that previously housed the Mayor of Amsterdam, the Hoxton is a design-lover’s dream. The hotel hosts weekly events and features a trendy bar that you simply won’t want to leave.

Sir Albert Hotel – positioned just outside Amsterdam’s city center, Sir Albert Hotel combines modern comfort with historic details. This boutique “contemporary chic” hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the trendy neighborhood of De Pijp and the outdoor Albert Cuypmarket.

Splurge – $300-$500/night
The Dylan Amsterdam – located in one of the most desirable parts of the city, Amsterdam’s 9 Streets, the Dylan is a sophisticated take on Dutch luxury housed inside a traditional canal house. Their ‘Restaurant Vinkeles’ also boasts a Michelin star.

Conservatorium Hotel – walking into this hotel is in experience in itself – the tall ceiling is glass, and housed inside the courtyard of a former music conservatory. It’s directly across from the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, so you won’t need to go far to experience some of the best cultural sites in Amsterdam.

What to Do

Entertainment
Canal Rides – There’s no better way to see the city and learn about its history than cruising through Amsterdam’s picturesque canals. Most companies let you bring your own food and drinks, so grab a bottle of wine and some cheese for a perfect afternoon boat ride.

The Concertgebouw – this luxurious concert hall organizes live music performances weekly. It’s world-renowned for acoustics and often hosts free lunchtime concerts, so check the schedule in advance to plan out a day to visit.

Red Light District – besides being home to the world famous red-curtained brothels, the Red Light District is one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam. For the walking best tour of the area, start at the Oude Kerk (Old Church) and just wander.

Culture
EYE Film Museum – You can take a free ferry to the North side of Amsterdam to visit this newly built museum, which features exhibitions and films. Their café also has a beautiful view overlooking the water.

Rijksmuseum – The Rijksmuseum is the best place to view paintings and works from the Dutch Masters. It’s a large museum with new collections on display every few months, so don’t be surprised if you end up spending a few hours there.

Van Gogh Museum –The Van Gogh Museum is a multi-story building which hosts the world’s largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s artwork. It’s situated just across from the Rijksmuseum, so remember to buy a combo ticket if you plan on visiting both.

Anne Frank Huis – The newly renovated Anne Frank Huis takes you on an informative and fascinating tour through the house in which the Frank’s hid during the Holocust. Book tickets in advance, because you’ll often find a line out the door.

Outdoors
Vondelpark – bike, walk, or picnic at this park below Amsterdam’s canal district filled with bridges and the occasional café. On a sunny day you’ll find many locals spending a lazy afternoon in this park.

Hortus Botanicus. One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, the Hortus Botanicus is home to a variety of greenhouses and a beautiful outdoor garden. Grab lunch nearby at De Plantage afterwards, a local restaurant inspired by the garden district.

Where to Shop
Things I like Things I Love – a trendy clothing boutique featuring vintage picks and a small collection of home goods. There are three locations around the city so it’s not hard to find one nearby.

Gerard Doustraat – this street in De Pijp neighborhood of Amsterdam has some of the best boutique clothing stores and gift shops in the city. Highlights include jewelry and home goods store Anna + Nina and clothing boutique Felice Home of Brands.

The 9 Streets – filled with trendy shops and restaurants and the occasional vintage store, this neighborhood is a must-see in Amsterdam. For unique home finds, visit De Weldaad.

Albert Cuypmarket – open every day except Sunday, this outdoor market has everything from clothes and shoes, to flowers and home goods. Don’t forget to grab a warm stroopwafel (Dutch caramel-filled waffle cookie) for a pick-me-up between stalls.

Where to Eat

Best Eats under $10
Foodhallen – can’t decide what to eat? The Foodhallen has everything from Vietnamese spring rolls to traditional Dutch bitterballen. Don’t miss the Yuzu cake from Petit Gâteau.

Pluk – Pluk is a trendy café in the city center that’s perfect for an afternoon cup of coffee or sandwich. Browse their selection of gift items for sale while you wait for a table.

De Carrousel – head here for traditional Dutch pannenkoeken (think open-faced crepe). They come in sweet and savory flavors. I recommend ending your meal with a plate of poffertjes.

Cozy Brunch Spots
The Avocado Show – this newly opened all-avocado concept made headlines around the world for their innovative dishes. I suggest the avocado ice cream for a post-lunch treat.

Sweet Cup Roastery – This cozy, family-run café nearby the musemplein is the perfect spot to grab a latte and croissant. Their coffee beans are hand-roasted by the owners daily. Don’t forget to say hi to ‘Sjef’, their resident basset hound.

Dignita Restaurant – at Dignita, all dishes are made from scratch and their airy space is perfect for a lazy brunch. All the restaurant’s profits support “Not For Sale”, an international organization supporting victims of human trafficking.

Dinner
De Luwte – a popular choice for locals, De Luwte has a small menu that packs big flavor. Their offerings are rotated often and the atmosphere is intimate and cozy.

Buffet van Odette – situated on the corner overlooking Prinsengracht canal, Buffet van Odette serves fresh seasonal dishes and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I suggest reserving a table outside for dinner with a view of the canal.

De Kas – De Kas serves Mediterranean dishes with organic ingredients that come directly from the garden surrounding the restaurant. The space itself is a garden conservatory with lots of light, so it’s the ideal spot on a sunny day.

Drinks, please
Brouwerij ‘t IJ – located next to a windmill, this brewery with lots of outdoor seating is ideal for some tasty craft beer and bar snacks.

Vyne – Vyne is a small wine bar with a variety of wines by the glass. If you’re feeling indecisive, order the wine flight.

Café ZILT – this whiskey café has a wide selection of specialty craft beer and whiskey. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about their spirits, and the warm interior makes for an excellent spot to spend time with friends.

Hiding in Plain Sight – a cozy, intimate bar with leather couches and award-winning cocktails. Reservations are recommended if you’re visiting on a weekend.

If Amsterdam wasn’t on your list before, I hope this guide has convinced you to add it to your list. Now all you need is a bike…

The post Amsterdam City Guide appeared first on The Everygirl.

Shiseido

Express Smoothing Eye Mask, $65

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Barr-Co.

Fine Handmade Bath Salts, $32

Your brother told her he was quitting school the same week your Dad ran over her hydrangeas with the lawn mower. This liquid calm-down bath covers what her glass of wine cannot.

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Feed

Woman on a Mission Tote, $25

The best thing about this tote is that each bag purchased provides 10 school meals to children around the world. Two gifts in one.

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Kai & Co

Mother's Day Gift Box, $39

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Williams-Sonoma

Mom Mug, $10

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The Created Co.

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Subscription to Mag, $20

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Cluse

Leather Strap Watch, $99

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Smith & Hawken

Indoor/Outdoor Herb Grow Kit, $24

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Smith & Hawken

Copper Garden Tool Set, $25

These beautiful tools are perfect for the experienced gardener or even a novice who just received an indoor herb kit (hint, hint).

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Nordstrom

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Magnolia Market

White Hobnail Jar, $10

Fill it with your own flower arrangement or some updated cooking utensils - she'll be looking for reasons to use this jar year-round.

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Anthropologie

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Bloom That

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The post 15+ Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day appeared first on The Everygirl.

What did we learn from this video? That Taraji kicks ass? Well, no, because we already knew that. But it did remind us of all the incredible things this woman can teach us. Here are a few of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from THE Cookie Lyon.

Lesson #1: Success doesn’t care where you came from.

Source: GIPHY

“As a little girl growing up in the hood I watched a lot of TV to escape. Variety comedy style shows were always my safe haven! … Never was cast on one so I created my own!” –excerpted from an Instagram caption 

Taraji was born in Washington, D.C., and she’s been vocal about the fact that her childhood wasn’t ideal. After fighting her way through college, Taraji was then in an abusive relationship with the father of her son. Despite these nightmares, Taraji knew what she wanted, and she did what she had to do to get it.

Lesson #2: Number of lives changed > number of awards. 

“I go for people’s hearts. I go for the masses. I’m more interested in how many lives I can change with this gift God gave me. So if that happens to bring along an award or a trophy, thank you, but that’s not why I do what I do.” –to CNN

While Taraji is no stranger to award shows, she has an excellent perspective when it comes to fulfillment and motivations. Even though most of us will never be up for an Oscar, it’s important to remember that no measure of physical accolade can amount to the fulfillment and meaning that comes from doing impactful work (whatever it may be).

Lesson #3: Becoming a parent doesn’t mean the end of your dreams.

Source: GIPHY

“I walked across that stage with my son on my hip, and I collected my diploma.” –Goalcast

Taraji became pregnant with her son while she was in college, but it didn’t stop her from graduating with her degree or making her dreams come true. At age 26, she packed up her and her son to move to California, where she wanted to make it as an actress. Despite the naysayers and the odds stacked against her, make it she did.

Lesson #4: It’s crucial to talk about the important issues.

Source: GIPHY

“The fear is here for a reason. If we don’t talk about it, then we’re gonna be a world full of scared people.” –to E! Online, in reference to fearing covering tough topics on screen

One of the biggest storylines on Empire’s first season revolved around a homophobic father learning that his son was gay. Taraji said she was alarmed when she first read the script, because she didn’t know if it would be a good career move to involve herself with a show that could be perceived as praising homophobia. That’s when she realized that talking about difficult topics is not only important, but it is absolutely necessary. Snaps to Taraji for showing the world that actors are way more than pretty faces, they are voices of change as well.

Lesson #5: Age is just a number – not an accurate depiction of ability.

Source: GIPHY

“I will be 46 this year. I am just touching the surface. I am just getting started.” –Goalcast

Like I said before, Taraji was 26 when she first moved to California, and she just turned 46 this past fall. Although people told her she was too old to try to make it in the entertainment industry, she continually shows us that women in their 40s can kick just as much ass as anyone else.

Lesson #6: Hard work pays off.

Source: GIPHY

“You can’t sit on the sofa and pray for the turkey. Turkey’s not gonna come up to the door and say ‘Hey, shoot me and put me on the table.’ You pray for God to put you in the position to get the turkey, and then you work for the turkey, and that’s how you get a Thanksgiving dinner.” –to CNN

I’m gonna let that one speak for itself. Thanks, Taraji, for motivating me to go get myself a turkey.

Catch Taraji P. Henson on “Empire,” Wednesday nights at 9/8c, and be sure to grab a copy of her book, Around the Way Girl, available now.

The post 6 Life Lessons from Taraji P. Henson appeared first on The Everygirl.

1.  A summer book club? Yes, please.

I don’t know about you, but for me, summer means long, luxurious hours spent with the best beach reads — the ones that make your heart race and that you literally can’t put down. When you find that kismet book that absorbs you completely in a new world, you want to share it with anyone and everyone. Enter Talbots’ summer book club — a “give a book, get a book” underground lending library out of your local Talbots stores.

Every time you enter a Talbots store this summer, bring your latest favorite read to drop off for someone else to enjoy and pick up a new story to get lost in. You can even personalize the experience by adding a bookplate to the inside cover with all the reasons you fell in love with the story — like the recommendations at your local bookstore, only way more fabulous. Happy reading!

(P.S. While you’re in store, be sure to check out the adorable outfit our Editorial Intern, Grace, is repping above).

2.  We launched a new video series, We Need to Talk, and the first episode is out now (gasp). 

We’re talking dating deal breakers, from the “high rise lifestyle” (oh boy) to whether or not he can get with your friends. Don’t miss it.

3.  A week on an $140 per hour salary.

This woman makes roughly $340,000 annually and her grocery bill is somehow still cheaper than mine WHAT ON EARTH.

4.  The House-approved Health Care Bill labels sexual assault as a “pre-existing condition” and more you need to know.

Also considered pre-existing conditions: C-sections, postpartum depression, and domestic violence. Feeling nervous? Here’s how to get in touch with your senator and make your feelings heard.

5.  The 90s movies that need to be remade right now.

The Witches is legit the scariest movie I’ve ever seen.

6.  Stephen Hawking says we have 100 years to leave earth or we’re toast.

Start building your bunkers. Or just binge Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. 

7.  Justin Trudeau loves his socks and can you just adopt America already, sir? Great, thanks.

But remember that time that Trudeau thought falling down stairs was a funny joke? #neverforget

8.  What your drink order says about your personality… #importantwork

Go ahead and order that tequila because, Cinco de Mayo, y’all.

The post The Underground Book Club You Didn’t Know Existed appeared first on The Everygirl.

Here, we chat with Clare about the decision to buy in Logan Square, how she and her husband tackled the decorating process, and her tips for city dwellers looking to make the leap with more permanent real estate.

Name: Clare Kalimuthu, Facilities/Events Coordinator, Wolverine Trading
Age: 29
Square Footage: 1,400
Rent or Own: Own
City: Chicago, IL

How long have you been in Chicago? What drew you here initially and why have you stayed?

I have been in Chicago since attending the University of Illinois Chicago — about 10 years! I am originally from the southwest suburbs and always have dreamed of living in the city.

Living in a big city, you obviously had the choice between renting/owning. What influenced your decision to buy?

Since first moving to the city, I’ve rented in a lot of different areas. I have lived in University Village, Streeterville, Noble Square, and now Logan Square. We always wanted to buy, but we were waiting for the right time. After we got married, we saved and waited to find the perfect place that we both loved. We also felt it was worth it to buy due to the costs of renting in the city.

Tell us about your hunt for the perfect home — what was on your wish list? What compromises did you have to make? Any non-negotiables?

After renting so many different apartments in different neighborhoods, my husband and I were ready to look to buy. We really wanted to buy a place that was brand new, where we could pick out our own finishes. We looked at a few previously owned places that were within our budget — but they just weren’t for us. We would have had to do a lot of changes to make it “home.” We looked daily for new places and noticed there was a condo being built in Logan Square where you could pick your own finishes that was within our budget, and we were sold! I love that we were able to create our condo exactly how we wanted.

What do you love most about your neighborhood?

We are right next to the 606 trail, which is good for walking our dog, Stevie. There are also a lot of great new restaurants that were built in the area, and it is really up-and-coming. We are close to public transportation as well, which works for us because we both work in the Loop.

What was the design process like? Any design advice for couples looking to move in together?

I have always loved a black-and-white scheme. My mom and sister, who also love interior design, inspired me and helped with my decorating as well. I did a lot of research on different finishes while the condo was being built, in addition to different decorating schemes. I knew right away I wanted white cabinets in every room and dark floors (which I now somewhat regret, due to having to vacuum so much every day because of our dog!). I would describe my style as a modern yet vintage; we have a lot of modern décor in our place but we also have a lot of vintage posters and small antiques from my friend Molly’s store, Rara Avis.

We went back and forth a few times during the design process. We went to the tile and cabinet store together and picked out a few finishes, but I wasn’t happy with our choices, so of course, we went back. It is also quite hard for me to make up my mind so I went back and forth with the contractors on what finishes I wanted, which I’m sure they were annoyed with! I showed my husband a lot of my ideas that I found through Pinterest and other blogs and he felt good about the choices, as well. There are definitely some things I wish I did differently, but we now know for our next place one day what we would change! My advice for other couples looking to move in together is to make sure you both agree on finishes as well as décor. You’ll both have to compromise in order to enjoy your home together.

How did you stick to a budget for decor and furnishings?

I did a lot of online shopping and waited for a lot of promotional codes. We definitely wanted the place to look nice and spent more money on bigger pieces, but we were very cost-conscious while buying. We spread out larger purchases across a long period of time. I bought a few items before we even moved in and really didn’t get everything until a few months ago. It took about a year-and-a-half to have everything really decorated.

Were there any areas/pieces of your home you splurged on?

Some items we spent more money on than others were the couch in our living room (which still wasn’t even that expensive compared to other couches we looked at), our furniture on our rooftop, and we did spend a lot on desk and daybed in our guest room. My husband needed a nice desk for his work, and we have a lot of guests that stay over, so we wanted a nice bed for them. We really tried to not spend too much on most of our furniture and décor.

What advice do you have for someone looking to purchase a home in the city? 

Definitely look at more than one mortgage company and different real estate websites. Do your research on what you can afford. Do your best to negotiate on pricing of a home and check mortgage rates as often as you can. Also, if you’re buying new, make sure you do your research on the builder beforehand. It’s a little risky having a builder that you didn’t choose building your home and having to trust that they will do everything you want correctly. It’s also a good idea to ask other people you know for advice on buying. My dad and his family are all contractors with Castletown Homes in Lemont, and they were able to help me understand the whole process. My dad even did the walk through with us. I would also do a lot of research on the finishes and appliances you choose, as well. I didn’t really look into a lot about marble and just picked it for my bathroom without realizing how high maintenance it is! It is beautiful, though!

What advice would you give your 23-year-old self?

Save more. I didn’t save anything until later on, and it is definitely something I regret (but I did enjoy some great times in the city with that money!).

Clare Kalimuthu Is The Everygirl…

Favorite place to brunch in Chicago? 
I love Breakfast Club in my old neighborhood, Noble Square. It’s a cute pink and white restaurant and I love their eggs benedict, while my husband loves their breakfast burrito! I also recently went to Blue Door Kitchen in the Gold Coast where my sister lives and it was amazing and has the cutest outside area.

Guilty pleasure?  
I love Sour Patch Kids and McDonald’s cheeseburgers! EEK!

I wish I knew how to…
be a great cook and cook amazing meals. I also wish I was crafty and could do more DIY projects!

If you could have lunch with any woman, who would it be and what would you order? 
If I could eat lunch with any woman it would be with my grandma one last time. She loved coming to the city and getting lunch with me, my sister, and my mom. She loved going to RM and Nordstrom’s café. I definitely miss those times and her advice on things ? She also was a great decorator and loved to go antique shopping in the city!

Product Sources

Kitchen
Bar Stools, Overstock
Kitchen Rug, Caitlin Wilson Textiles
Dining Table, World Market
Dining Chairs, World Market
Kitchen Chandelier, West Elm

Living Room
Couch, Interior Define
Rug, Overstock
Bar Cart, West Elm
Media Console, Walmart
Coffee Table, Urban Outfitters, Sold out
Marble Side Tables, West Elm
Fuzzy Stools, Target
Floor Lamp, Target
Ghost Chair, Amazon
Floor  Mirror, West Elm

Master Bedroom
Bed, Amazon
Side Tables, Lamp Plus
Dresser, West Elm
Bedding, Pottery Barn
Floor plant in living room and bedroom, Wayfair, Sold out 

The post Tour a Sophisticated and Serene Chicago High Rise appeared first on The Everygirl.

“Two years?!” She incredulously blinked. “You spent two years at a job you didn’t like? Wow.”

Her response then had me taken aback. In today’s day and age of chasing a passion, creating the job you want and never-settling-for-second-best, was it really all that strange that someone could spend two years at a job they hated?

There are lessons we learn only when up against the hard edge of working purely for paycheck(s).

Sure, I was miserable working away under fluorescent lighting and felt boxed in by the grey-felted walls of my cubicle, but looking back I see with welcome clarity how that job served foundational purpose in my career. While I can definitely understand the drive to prioritize a job that resonates with your inner-self, I think it can be just as important to dig in when maybe you don’t want to. There are lessons we learn only when up against the hard edge of working purely for paycheck(s).

Here are just a few of them:

You find out what you do and don’t like.

This might seem obvious, but working a job you don’t like creates momentum for finding out what you do. And sticking it out just a little bit longer than you’d prefer can help ensure that when you leave, it won’t be an emotional decision. You’ll be moving toward what you want more of, not simply escaping what you can’t bear.

Are there certain parts of your day that you enjoy over others? (Lunch time and quitting time don’t count.) Pay attention to what those tasks reveal about your skill set. In your down time, where does your mind go? What are you most often doing when you’re not preoccupied with the clock?

Lastly, where are you prone to jealousy? I once heard it said that, “a brain surgeon isn’t jealous when an architect wins an award.” Meaning, when you’re focused on what you like, you’re not threatened by others pursuing their own goals. Do you find a certain career sparks competitiveness that could be mistaken for jealousy? These are all questions we need to answer at some point in our lives, so if you have a job (beloved or not) that pays the bills while answering them, then you’re better off than you realize.

Source: The Everygirl

You learn what skills are universal.

Certain ideas span all fields. Any job is about contributing to society, seeing a need and solving it via product, service or skill. Regardless if you’re in a position that contributes in the way most ideal to you, you can still garner wisdom to be applied later on down the line (or in a future interview when the dream job comes calling).

When you’re in a job you love, you’re not always keen to see how and where you can grow.

For example, there’s always a balance between personal and professional. Do you know how to sense it? There’s always a need to monitor employee morale. Are you watching how this is modeled, positively or negatively? A company can’t survive if it’s spending more than it profits. Are you learning how to gauge a good return on investment (ROI)?

When you’re in a job you love, you’re not always keen to see how and where you can grow. The opposite is true when in a job you loathe. Take the time to gain knowledge now that could set you ahead in the future.

You have opportunity to learn from those older than you.

Especially true while in more formal, corporate jobs, getting the opportunity to work and collaborate with those established in their careers is a win most startups can’t compete with.

As workplaces become increasingly remote and solopreneur a common buzzword, we shouldn’t deny ourselves the experience of engaging with diverse coworkers when we can. Maybe the company mission or job particulars don’t necessarily align, but similar to the point above, there’s a work ethic in older generations we can learn from and implement today, in whatever industry.

How did your manager, supervisor or even officemate get to where they are now? How do they see younger people capitalizing on strengths and fortifying against weaknesses? Certain character traits will stand the test of time. Even if in a field you may never be in again, see that as all the more reason to learn from someone whose path you’ve crossed now.

Source: The Dash of Darling

You remember life isn’t about a job.

For awhile I dreaded the question, “What do you do?” So much so, I’m now extra sensitive about posing this question to others.

You have a choice when you’re at a job you dislike: You can either let it embitter you and chip away at your confidence, or you can simply acknowledge it’s your current situation — not a “key performance indicator” of your worth as a person.

In the end, a job is always a job. No matter how much we strive to live a life of leisure or develop a career that never feels like a day of work.

It’s easy to let accolades or Instagram bios do the talking for us, but a silver lining of a bad job is that it retrains our focus to see beyond the 9-5. It allows us to better connect with people, too, because we’re personally aware of how a career isn’t always synonymous with a hobby, an interest or a talent; we’re granted the ability to encourage that in someone else and to live life on our own terms, outside of the office.

In the end, a job is always a job. No matter how much we strive to live a life of leisure or develop a career that “never feels like a day of work,” there are components to every position that will be less than ideal. In a market where we can tailor anything to become anyone, it’s still hard to fabricate the power of an intentional spirit.

To be a person who can thrive when down, who sees initiative as opportunity and who can find value where others only see obstacles… well. There’s a person with the mark of success.

What have you learned from a “less than ideal” job?

The post Why You Should Work a Job You Hate (at Least for a Little While) appeared first on The Everygirl.

Too Cool For School Egg Mellow Cream

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SKINFOOD Wash Off Black Sugar Mask

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Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask

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SON & PARK Beauty Water

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Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream

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Dr. Jart Water Replenishment Cotton Sheet Mask

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NEOGEN Real Flower Cleansing Water Rose

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belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

This refreshing gel-cream hydrates the skin and minimizes the appearance of pores.

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Blackehead O2 Bubble Pore Pack

This purifying mask features oxygen and active charcoal. The combination foams up on the skin and cleanse pores.

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Herb Tea Pure Calming Mask

This sheet mask is like a calming cup of tea for your skin.

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All-In-One Snail Repair Cream

Snail extract is an extremely popular ingredient K-beauty skincare products. This snail cream improves the appearance of fine lines, and helps reduce the appearance of acne scarring and blemishes.

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This post originally appeared on She Finds on May 1, 2017.

The post 11 Cult-Favorite Korean Skincare Products appeared first on The Everygirl.

Join The Everygirl co-founders, Danielle Moss and Alaina Kaczmarski — in partnership with Kendall-Jackson — for a Sonoma-style wine tasting complete with three tasting stations and delicious food pairings!

You’ll sample three fabulous wine varietals, take tasting notes, and snap tons of beautiful Instagram photos. Don’t miss out on this amazing chance to meet new friends in your city! And yes, there’s a photo booth!

Tickets for our Houston event are only $25, including wine and food for the evening. Dress code is cute and casual.

100% of all ticket sales will benefit LiveYourDream.org, a fantastic organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through grants and programs leading to social and economic empowerment.

Purchase a ticket to attend our Houston Event on May 18th here! 

Join us in Charleston and Boston later this summer! If you’re in Houston or the surrounding area and would like to attend our event, sign up here!

Save The Date!

Houston, TX
Thursday, May 18th
5226 Elm, 6:30 p.m.

Charleston, SC
Thursday, June 22nd
Details to come

Boston, MA
Thursday, August 17th
Details to come

The post You’re Invited: Sonoma in the City Wine Tasting Events appeared first on The Everygirl.

Here are few ways to keep your friends close when you feel like you’re in different places:

1. Remember what brought you together

It probably goes without saying, but remembering why you became friends in the first place goes a long way toward making your friendship last. Talking about the history you have together, like your inside jokes and past experiences, can help you feel close when you’re in different places and might not be able to see each other as often as you’d like. That’s why finding opportunities to reminisce, laugh, and even cringe about old stories and memories is so important!

Source: Berry Curly

2. Make time for new memories

It’s always fun to remember the past but any relationship, including a friendship, won’t last unless you set aside time to make new memories. Trying out a new activity together a great way to stay up-to-date on each other’s lives while getting in some much needed leisure time. Being spontaneous probably wont work as well as it used to, so planning ahead helps make sure that your time together doesn’t get sidelined by other commitments or responsibilities.

Be vulnerable. Talk about your struggles, celebrate your successes, and share your hopes for the future. Authenticity will bridge the gap between your different situations in life.

Of course, making new memories isn’t just about doing things together, although that certainly helps. It’s also about having meaningful conversations that bring you closer together. Social media definitely makes it easier to stay in touch (especially for long-distance friendships). But it also makes it harder to have real conversations and it’s not always a substitute for quality time.

Regardless of whether you’re able to catch up in person or over the phone, focus on having conversations about what’s really going on in your life. Be vulnerable. Talk about your struggles, celebrate your successes, and share your hopes for the future. This kind of authenticity will help you better understand what the other person is going through and bridge the gap between your different situations in life.

3. Label your limits

Finding time to connect isn’t the only issue. There are plenty of other obstacles that make it difficult to maintain a friendship when you’re in different life stages. Maybe one of you has kids to juggle while the other is balancing regular travel for work. It’s also more than likely that finances will influence the kinds of activities you’re able to do together or even how often you’re able to see each other.

While it helps to be accommodating and flexible, it’s equally important to be upfront about how much you’re realistically able to bend and to be realistic about what you can expect from your friend. Not only is this the starting point for finding solutions or compromises (like outings that are less expensive), it helps avoid misunderstandings or conflicts (like a friend assuming you don’t want to see them when you turn down dinner plans because finances are tight). It also never hurts to take initiative and suggest an idea or alternative that takes your friend’s situation into account. This kind of thoughtfulness is often deeply appreciated.

Source: Fashion & Beauty Inc.

4. Be prepared to be surprised

When you’re in different life stages, it’s really common to make assumptions about what the other person is going through. The problem is, more often than not, our assumptions end up being wrong. They can also hold us back from dealing with situations and lead to even more distance between friends. Say one of your friends has a tendency to talk at length about her kids whenever you get together. And as much as you love her babies, you find it difficult to get a word in edgewise (and there’s only so much you can contribute on the topics of diaper genies or preschool waitlists). You might worry that she’ll be upset if you (gently) bring up your desire to talk about something (or anything) else. She might be. But she almost might be thrilled to talk about your recent vacation and welcome a bit of an escape! Instead of jumping to conclusions, keep assumptions in check (and check-in with your friends when you’re not totally sure where they stand).

Source: Hello Fashion Blog

5. Avoid social comparisons

We’ve all compared ourselves to our friends from time to time. But when you’re in a different life stage, it’s possible to get carried away with trying to determine who is doing “better” or who seems further ahead. This is especially true when you’re the friend who feels behind. As uncomfortable as it is, jealousy is a completely normal reaction.

However, getting caught up in social comparisons can get in the way of your friendship and take away from the life stage you’re actually going through. Instead of noticing all the ways you feel behind or being overly self-critical, remember that everyone deals with their share of ups and downs. You never really know what someone is struggling with, even a close friend. And you don’t know how challenging an experience (even a positive or welcome one) can be until you’ve gone through it yourself.

Instead of noticing all the ways you feel behind or being overly self-critical, remember that everyone deals with their share of ups and downs. You never really know what someone is struggling with, even a close friend.

6. Change your perspective

If you’re feeling upset about how hard it is to keep a friendship going when you’re in different places, it can help to focus on the advantages of your current life stage. Like having the flexibility to do what you want and the ability to be spontaneous, or feeling grateful for knowing the value of a dollar.

Tweaking your take on the situation as a whole is another option. As hard as it is, going through this can sometimes be helpful, in that it gives you a glimpse of a different life stage. Whether you’re thinking about moving in with your partner, getting married, accepting a promotion, or having a child, watching a friend go through a similar experience can sometimes help you decide whether it’s something you’re ready for.

Source: Francesca’s

7. Make new friends (and keep the old!)

Ultimately, it’s really common and (even expected) that friendships will change or drift as we go through transitions in life. And so in addition to adjusting the terms of your old friendship (like what you talk about or the kinds of activities you’re able do together), you might decide to branch out and make new friends who are in a similar stage as you (like single friends, new mom friends, or work friends). Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to give up on your old friendships! It also doesn’t mean that you’ve done something wrong or that you’re being a “bad” friend.

Staying friends when you’re in different life stages or reach milestones at different times isn’t easy. That’s why there’s something really special about those long-term friendships that last with the help of a little renegotiating and a lot of patience and understanding!

How have you kept up your friendships when going through transitions or different life stages?

The post How to Maintain a Friendship When You’re in Different Life Stages appeared first on The Everygirl.

1. Roasted Radish Chips

Recipe by Clean Eating Veggie Girl

2. Healthy No-Bake Trail Mix Cookies

Recipe by The Big Man’s World

3. Coconut Apricot Energy Balls

Recipe by Happy Healthy Mamma 

4. Homemade Healthy Salted Caramel Popcorn

Recipe by Fit Mitten Kitchen 

5. Spring Vegetable Party Platter

Recipe by Love and Lemons 

6. Green Goddess Hummus

Recipe by Cookie and Kate

7. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Trail Mix

Recipe by The Healthy Maven

8. Toasted Coconut Cashew Mango Granola

Recipe by Tutti Dolci 

9. Creamy Roasted Radish Dip

Recipe by The Kitchn

10. Vegan Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

Recipe by Minimalist Baker

11. Loaded Spring Guacamole

Recipe by Spices in My DNA 

12. Snickerdoodle Bites

Recipe by Tone It Up

13. Mango Green Tea Pops

Recipe by Minimalist Baker

14. Spinach Artichoke Dip

Recipe by The Mostly Vegan

15. Fruit Salad with Honey Yogurt Sauce

Recipe by Gimme Delicious

16. Apricot Oatmeal Cookies

Recipe by Amy’s Healthy Baking

17. White Bean Hummus with Artichokes & Garlic

Recipe by The Cheerful Kitchen

18. Homemade Lime Tortilla Chips

Recipe by Isabel Eats

19. Avocado Peanut Butter Brownie

Recipe by Tone It Up

20. Jerusalem Artichoke Chips

Recipe by Kiddielicious Kitchen

The post 20 Healthy Snacks That Won’t Leave You Hungry appeared first on The Everygirl.

There’s a certain kind of woman who walks the streets of Chicago, New York, LA, Austin, DC, and every other city and town around the world. She’s constantly busy kicking ass, taking names, and making her dreams come true.

She’s you… and me too. The only thing that slows me down (well, other than my addiction to queso and margaritas) is my tote bag – the same massive black hole I’ve been carrying since college. That’s why when I heard about the new Bartaile bag, I was ecstatic. Not only can it be worn three different ways (tote, backpack, or messenger), but its organized compartments are perfect for staying on top of every aspect of your day – from work to the gym, from happy hour to dinner, and from a lakefront walk back to work again. It’s the ultimate do-it-all carry-all, and the exact investment piece of which this post-grad has been dreaming. But of course, even the best investments require careful consideration, so I needed to talk to someone who already had it. Enter Katie Kett.

As a lifestyle and wedding photographer based in Chicago, Katie’s life is never boring. I recently caught up with her to follow her around for a workday, and we were able to chat about all things photography, life, and travel – and of course, that beautiful bag!

Katie’s day begins early. Around 6am, she wakes up with her husband and sweet dog Riley and gets straight to work. After a few hours of answering emails and beginning edits, though, it’s time to really hit the ground running around town, Bartaile bag in tow.

Reason #1 : The Ultimate Organizational Tool

Packing her bag the night before saves precious time in the morning, but the real lifesaver is the Bartaile bag’s thoughtfully created compartments.The outside pocket allows her to easily access important items like wallet, keys and cell phone, so she never ends up having to unload the entire contents of her bag in search of her debit card (a real thing that happens to me on a daily basis). The main compartment is big enough to fit everything she needs (even gym shoes) PLUS it has separate interior pockets for chargers, lip gloss, and hair ties. (Side note: I’ve bought approximately 27,000 hair ties in my life, yet I can’t ever seem to find JUST ONE, so I can’t appreciate this feature enough).

Reason #2: No Laptop Case Necessary

But the real star of the show here is the padded laptop compartment. It keeps her computer safe in the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s city streets and high traffic commutes, whether on foot, her bike, or the train, and it’s clear that this busy lady does all of the above.

Reason #3 : Wear It However You Want

“I love that you can wear this bag in a variety of ways,” she told me. “The backpack is probably my favorite and the most practical for me, but the ability to hold it in front of you on the El to keep things a bit more secure or cross body for easy access when traveling is awesome.”

After we ran from client meetings, a shoot and over to Soho House for some co-working, I couldn’t help but marvel at Katie’s attitude. She loves what she does, but she loves the people for whom she does it even more.

“My photography focuses on relationships and the connection between people, so it is important that couples feel comfortable with me. After working with them, I feel like we are good friends.”

Reason #4: So. Much. Storage.

Speaking of her vast clientele, Katie asked if I wanted to join her for a quick workout class before a networking event with some new clients and friends that night. I said I’d need to stop home to change, but Katie just laughed. She assured me that once I had my own Bartaile bag, I’d never find myself with that need again. Gym sneakers and a water bottle are tucked away in her main compartment, ready to go for the 6pm class. There goes my excuse to ever skip the gym after work again, I think to myself.

Reason #5 : It Transitions Seamlessly

After our workout and quick showers, we were greeted at the networking event with appetizers and cocktails. I usually hope these events have a coat check where I can hide my bulky work bag out of plain sight, but the Bartaile C12 bag transitioned seamlessly, and looks perfect with Katie’s all black ensemble.

When you’re in your early 20’s, pretty much any purchase over $40 is a major life decision. But what I learned after spending this day with Katie is that you’re paying for so much more than a bag. The C12’s high quality fabric is durable, stylish, and functional (not to mention it looks amazing with the lux gold hardware), but the real value comes with the peace of mind it offers.

Investing in something knowing that my belongings are secure and can go with me everywhere from a workout class to an after work happy hour, is definitely worth skipping my Starbucks latte for a month or two.

This post is sponsored by Bartaile but the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.

The post Why I Ditched My Tote for This Bag (and I’ll Never Go Back) appeared first on The Everygirl.

Unfortunately, I’m also one of those people who can hold a serious grudge (if it wasn’t so depressing, it’d be a real talent), and paired with repressing all negative emotion… well, let’s just say it’s not the healthiest way to live.

Enter my decision to learn how to argue, or *professor voice* conduct a successful round of conflict resolution. Obviously, I can’t be left to my own devices in this field, so I consulted my (very wise) sister-in-law, Amy, who has actually used conflict resolution in her real life… and lived to tell about it. Here’s the deal:

1. Pick your battles

Conflict resolution isn’t about griping over every single thing that has ever had the audacity to disrupt your universe — you’ll drive yourself (and everyone else) crazy. Use this method on things that stick with you — arguments that you’re still stewing over four days later, fights that make you cry and scream into your pillow, sarcastic jibes that are cutting you up three weeks in.

Ask yourself ‘is this worth it?’ If the answer to that is no, then anonymously forgive them and move forward.

It’s also important to recognize where the other person or people involved are in their lives. If your friend’s father just had a heart attack, it’s SO NOT the time to bring up that biting comment she said that really hurt you. She’s not in a place to hear that. Part of being a good friend — and a good maestro of conflict resolution — is acknowledging that.

Ask yourself “is this worth it?” If the answer to that is no, as Amy says, “anonymously forgive them and move forward.”

2. Get it all out on paper

Grab your spiral-bound and a sturdy biro (a keyboard works too) and expel everything you’re feeling into the universe. Amy calls this “knowing thyself.” The point is to understand why something bothered you — why the situation felt wrong or off and why you reacted the way you did. It allows you to process through what you’re thinking and feeling on your own terms and timeline.

3. Talk to a third party you trust

Find someone who is not involved in the situation and (ideally) doesn’t know the other party and give them the whole story… no editing. Make sure it’s someone that will call you on your B.S. and not just tell you what you want to hear. It’s important to bounce the situation off of someone, because it may alleviate the issue just to talk through it all. Hearing the words out loud may make you go all “ugh, I guess that wasn’t as big of a deal as I thought” and then you can laugh the whole thing off like a damn boss.

It’s important to bounce the situation off of someone, because it may alleviate the issue just to talk through it all.

If that’s not the case, it’s still important to talk through what happened before approaching the actual person (or people) involved in the conflict. It will help you feel more secure, centered, and calm.

4. Initiate contact with the person (or people) involved in the conflict

Amy advises this is best done by text or email — keep it short and sweet and don’t bare your soul, or else you’ll end up in a text war and that is never good. However, it’s important to give the other person a head’s up (try simply, “hey, can we meetup to talk?”) so you don’t blindside them at another social event by going all “YOU HURT ME” on their ass.

5. Have the conversation

This is the hard (but necessary!) part. And I know, I know, it makes me shudder in fear too. But think about the alternative — letting the hate grudge fester over the weeks and months until it poisons your entire friendship. Yeah, not ideal.

Try to meet at a place where you’ll have something to do with your hands (a coffee shop is good, neutral territory), because for some reason that always makes these kinds of situations easier. Get into it by describing the situation from your point of view. Amy’s advice here? Don’t get too flowery or descriptive. You’ll end up filling the awkward space with things you didn’t mean to say and that can charge up the whole thing all over again.

6. Listen to the other person’s perspective

Be courteous — don’t interrupt! Let them explain their side of the situation, just like you had the opportunity to explain yours.

In the best case scenario, the other party is not defensive and provides an explanation that soothes your wounds. Most conflicts are just a misunderstanding by one or both parties involved. Pat yourself on the back, your conflict resolution was a success and you and your friend can now go on living your rad lives.

In the worst case scenario, the other party confirms your suspicion and doesn’t provide an alternate explanation or show understanding to you. What do you do here? Stay calm. Try not to get defensive (that never helps — seriously). Understand that you don’t have to provide a “neat” resolution for them, or agree with what they’re saying and ignore your own feelings. Simply agree to disagree and end the conversation. At least now, the boundaries have been set, and you both know this is an area where you won’t agree. It’s up to you to assess whether or not that area is large enough or important enough to affect your relationship moving forward.

7. Move on with your life

Either the conflict has been resolved or you’ve agreed to disagree — in either case, it’s time to move on. You’ve been authentic with each other, and that’s something to be seriously proud of. Being true to your own emotions and opening up to others when they hurt you is intense and difficult. But you did it! Get some self-care in, eat some ice cream, and take a little mental break. You deserve it.

How do you argue? Do you find conflict resolution helpful? Tell us in the comments below!

The post How to Argue (in a Healthy Way) appeared first on The Everygirl.