Gut Check — Was It a Stomach Bug or Something You Ate? 

Gut troubles are distinct. There’s the feeling of your stomach turning, the cold sweat, the sudden wave of nausea and the urgent, nonnegotiable dash to the bathroom. Then, you start to question everything. Was it the leftover chicken you had for lunch or the unwashed apple this morning? Maybe it’s the same bug that’s been making its way through your coworkers? While a stomach bug vs food poisoning may feel the same, the culprits behind your misery, their timelines and even how you prevent them are fundamentally different. What Is a Stomach Bug?  A stomach bug, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is an infection or inflammation of the intestines. It’s caused by a virus, so antibiotics will not be an effective treatment. Its nickname “stomach flu” is a misnomer because it’s typically caused by the norovirus, not the influenza virus. Moreover, the flu is a respiratory illness with different symptoms.  The most common viral culprits of a stomach bug are norovirus and rotavirus. It’s extremely contagious and spreads through microscopic particles from an infected person’s stool or vomit.  You can get it if you touch a contaminated doorknob, share utensils with someone who is sick or take care of an infected family member. The fast transmission is why outbreaks spread fast in well-populated places where people interact in close quarters, such as dormitories, cruise ships and hotels.  What Is Food Poisoning?  Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating food contaminated with infectious organisms — like bacteria, parasites and viruses — and the toxins they produce. Common culprits and their typical sources include: Salmonella in raw eggs or poultry E. coli in undercooked ground beef and contaminated leafy greens Listeria in deli meats and soft cheeses This is a widespread issue. The federal government estimates that one in six Americans experiences food poisoning each year. That’s around 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually.  Stomach Bug vs. Food Poisoning at a Glance Here are the key features of these stomach troubles for quick comparison.  FactorStomach BugFood PoisoningOnset timeTypically, 12-48 hours after exposure to the virusOften, within 30 minutes to eight hours after eating contaminated foodPrimary causeContagious virus, most commonly norovirus or rotavirusBacteria, viruses or toxins in foodKey symptomsWatery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea are prominent. Vomiting is possible, but may be less violent. A low-grade fever can occur. Sudden and often violent vomiting is a hallmark symptom. Diarrhea can also be severe and sometimes bloody. A high fever is more common.Typical durationSymptoms usually last for 2-7 days.Most cases resolve within 1-2 days, though some can be more severe.  How to Manage Your Symptom Here are tips to manage your gut troubles from the comfort of your home.  Staying Hydrated When you're suffering from vomiting and diarrhea, your body is losing much more than just water. It’s also expelling electrolytes, which are essential for powering your nerves and muscles. It’s why dehydration is one of the primary reasons why people feel so terrible during a stomach illness and the top cause for hospitalization.  Give your stomach a break. Take one or two small sips every 15 minutes to ensure a slow, steady intake of fluids. Some of your best bets for rehydration include:  Water Ice chips Oral rehydration solutions Clear broths Diluted sports drinks  Avoid liquids that are not on this list. Sugary drinks can make diarrhea worse, caffeine can contribute to dehydration, alcohol can further inflame your stomach, and dairy can be difficult to digest.  Re-Evaluating the BRAT Diet The BRAT diet — which stands for banana, rice, applesauce and toast — identifies the go-to foods for an upset stomach. While they won’t improve nausea, they provide sufficient nutrients when you’re struggling to keep anything down and are easy to digest.  The BRAT diet is great for the first to second day of stomach bug and food poisoning, but you don’t need to restrict your recovery meals to it. You can eat easy-to-digest foods, like brothy soups, crackers, boiled potatoes and oatmeal. These can also help you recuperate faster by providing more nutrients.  Finding Relief for Stomach Pain Consider nonmedical remedies. Place a heating pad on your abdomen to relax cramping muscles or sip peppermint or ginger tea, which have natural anti-nausea properties. If you feel “backed up” or constipated, over-the-counter aids can be an option. Laxatives can improve bowel movement within 30 minutes to six hours after taking them.  When to Call a Doctor for Your Symptoms It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health. If you’re experiencing these red flags, it may be time to go to a hospital: Inability to keep liquids down: When to seek help for frequent vomiting varies — after more than two days of struggling to keep anything down for adults, 24 hours for children under two and 12 hours for infants.  Signs of severe dehydration: These include little to no urination, dark-colored urine, extreme thirst, dizziness when standing and a dry mouth.  High fever: A temperature of over 102° Fahrenheit could indicate a more serious infection that your body needs help fighting.  Bloody stool or vomit: This is never normal and could signal severe inflammation or internal injury that requires immediate medical assessment.  Prevention Tips You Can Use Today Take control and reduce the risk of future stomach illness.  Preventing a Stomach Bug  Rigorous handwashing is the single most effective defense against stomach infections. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom or before preparing food. Clean high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs and faucets, regularly. Use a bleach-based cleaner if someone in your home is sick.  Preventing Food Poisoning Never use the same cutting board for raw chicken and fresh salad ingredients without thoroughly washing it first to prevent cross-contamination. Also, always cook food to their proper internal temperature. You can use a food thermometer for accuracy.  Keep food out of the “danger zone” — between 40° Fahrenheit and 140° Fahrenheit — because bacteria multiply quickly in these temperatures. To avoid this, never leave perishable food out for more than two hours.  On the Road to Recovery Knowing if your gut troubles came from a contagious bug or a bad meal will help you understand what happened and how to move forward. Hydrate diligently and get plenty of rest. Implement the prevention tips to avoid a repeat experience. Above all, listen to your body. Give it time to heal, and know that it’s okay to seek professional help when you need it. 

A few years ago, a therapist paused mid-session and asked, “Has anyone ever assessed you for adult ADHD?” I laughed. ADHD? I was in my 30s, had degrees, deadlines and a career. I wasn’t some prepubescent kid bouncing off the walls or failing out of school. I was “high functioning.” I was also chronically overwhelmed, permanently behind and constantly blaming myself. The question sent me down a path of adult ADHD testing, self-assessments and eventually a diagnosis that changed how I see my entire life.  If you’ve ever wondered whether your brain is wired differently — and what adult ADHD treatment actually looks like — this is what I’ve learned. What Adult ADHD Is — and Isn’t Adult ADHD is seen as a mental health disorder among adults that includes persistent problems with paying attention, being impulsive and hyperactive at times. It’s most often seen through unstable relationships, inconsistent work quality and low self-esteem.  I wasn’t bouncing off the ceiling, but I made rash decisions and took impulsive actions, which often affected my quality of life. Because I didn’t feel settled, I often felt stressed and restless, which would manifest in rage outbursts. Running late was my state of being, and it upset me completely, even if I was only a few minutes late. It turns out that later-life ADHD isn’t just a childhood disorder that someone “didn’t grow out of.” It’s estimated that 4.4% of adults may have ADHD. It’s also not a sign that you are unintelligent, lazy, a failure or flawed.  The biggest shift was realizing that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, and my brain regulates attention, motivation and impulse control differently, resulting in neurodivergent learning and behavior. Once I understood that, the shame began to loosen its grip.  Time blindness is a common challenge to people with ADHD Signs I Missed for Decades The clues were everywhere, and you might have seen them in your life too. Perhaps you had specific behavioral traits you thought were peculiar, but they turned out to be an arrow pointing toward an unusual diagnosis. Some patterns you may have seen include: Time blindness: Are you late for everything? My lateness wasn't due to a lack of care, but rather a consistent misjudgment of how long tasks would take. Hyperfocus: Can you focus for five hours straight, but forget to eat? Yet, you forget important emails for days. Rejection sensitivity: A short reply from someone could spiral me into hours of overthinking. Do little things set you off? Chronically overwhelmed: Even simple administrative tasks feel like climbing Mt. Everest. Cross-talking: I tend to blurt things out before thinking. My brain is so busy, I struggle to wait my turn in conversations. Inconsistent performance: I breeze through one article, but have to drag myself to complete relatively easy work on another day. The core issue isn't a lack of discipline, but rather a challenge with executive function, which feels like a permanent merry-go-round. If you suspect that you may have adult ADHD, the screening tool — Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist — developed with the WHO can help point you in the right direction.  The scale is fairly short, with 18 questions that help you rate where you fall in the ADHD spectrum. It’s not a diagnosis, but it helps you spot patterns and make sense of it. Dive deeper into the signs of adult ADHD with this explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xItHMIF6yZ4 My Experience With Adult ADHD Testing Taking the test felt intimidating at first. I was so used to pass-fail tests, but this isn’t one of those. There are no wrong or right answers. In reality, it involves a detailed clinical interview with a trained mental health professional, completing a questionnaire about your childhood and adult behavior, screening for symptoms like anxiety, depression and other co-occurring mental health challenges and looking for patterns that can bring understanding. My clinician explained that my symptoms must have been present in childhood, but I didn’t know what they were, and everyone else didn’t see them for what they were. If you’re wondering whether you should seek help, here’s a quick checklist I wish I had asked myself earlier: Do you struggle with organization despite your best efforts? Do you frequently underestimate how long tasks take? Do you feel intense frustration at “simple” tasks? Have these patterns been present since childhood? Are these issues affecting work, relationships or daily life? If you answer “yes” to several, it may be worth discussing adult ADHD testing with a mental health professional. Medication can be a helpful tool to manage ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD Treatment: What Actually Helps Unlike the 80s, when kids were chucked onto high doses of sedatives, like Ritalin, until they zombied out, today’s approach is much more balanced. It involves behavioral strategies, some medication or a combination of both. I didn’t want to talk about prescription meds at first, as I wanted to “solve it naturally.” Eventually, I learned that getting help isn’t about fixing or silencing a broken brain — it’s about supporting how my mind functions with the following steps. Behavioral Strategies These changes were foundational:  External structure: Timers, alarms and visual calendars became nonnegotiable. Task chunking: I stopped writing “clean house” on my list and started writing “wash dishes” or “vacuum living room” because I needed specifics to focus on. Body doubling: Working quietly alongside someone increases my focus dramatically. I love using online co-working spaces that let me focus with a “work buddy.” Environmental design: Fewer visual distractions means I don’t hit mental detours so often. I also learned that sleep, exercise and protein intake matter more than I realized. Small physiological shifts improve my focus in ways I didn’t expect. Sadly, it’s been a sugar-free journey since my diagnosis, as I don’t do well with the high-energy fuel that amps me up into overdrive. However, by really considering what goes on my plate, I have begun to reclaim a healthier and happier me. Medication Conversations Stimulant and non-stimulant prescriptions commonly used in adult ADHD treatment have some risks and benefits, so it took a detailed discussion with my psychiatrist, but I eventually agreed to try low doses of atomoxetine under medical supervision. The effects weren’t instant, dramatic or euphoric, but it created a subtle shift that made tasks feel less sticky and starting new things easier. My mind could finally quiet down and relax. A script didn’t change my personality. It gave me a little more space between impulse and action. That space made behavioral strategies easier to use.  To supplement the prescription meds, I also considered some nootropics and natural stimulants when I must focus during crunch deadlines, such as caffeine and ginkgo biloba, which are beneficial for those with ADHD. 5 Myths I Used to Believe About Adult ADHD I sometimes feel ashamed of the preconceived ideas I held about mental health challenges like ADHD. Perhaps you’ve had these too. Myth 1 — ADHD is only for hyper little boys: Many adults, especially women, present with inattentive symptoms that are easier to miss than the typical “bounce off the walls” that the media tends to focus on. Myth 2 — You can’t have ADHD if you did well in school: High intelligence can mask executive function challenges for years. Myth 3 — ADHD equals laziness: Being lazy is a choice. ADHD involves neurological regulation differences. Myth 4 — Everyone is “a little ADHD”: Everyone forgets things sometimes. Persistent impairment across life domains is different. Myth 5 — A diagnosis will limit me: For me, evaluation expanded my options. It clarified why some strategies never worked. Understanding your ADHD can help you befriend your diagnosis. Does and Adult ADHD Confirmation Change Your Life? It does, but not overnight. An assessment didn’t magically organize my desk or clear my inbox. It changed the story I told myself, as I realized I wasn’t lazy or unfocused. I stopped calling myself unreliable and started designing systems that worked with my brain instead of against it. It also improved my relationships. Explaining rejection sensitivity and time blindness gave context to behaviors that once looked careless. FAQ Can adult ADHD develop later in life? Usually, symptoms were already present in childhood, but many adults aren’t diagnosed until later because the signs are subtle and misattributed. Is adult ADHD the same as childhood ADHD? The core features are similar, but hyperactivity often becomes internal restlessness rather than physical movement. Can I manage adult ADHD without medication? Some people rely solely on behavioral strategies. Others benefit from chemical management. Treatment plans are individualized. Is adult ADHD linked to other conditions? Anxiety, depression and autism spectrum conditions commonly co-occur. What’s the first step if I suspect adult ADHD? Start with a licensed mental health professional who has experience with adult ADHD testing. Remember that diagnosis takes time. Living With My Brain Instead of Fighting It Getting diagnosed with adult ADHD didn’t erase my struggles, but it gave them context. I still hyperfocus, misjudge time and feel emotional intensity. The difference is that I understand why, and I have the tools to manage now. Adult ADHD treatment isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about learning how your brain works and building support around it. If ADHD hits you late, you’re not behind. You’re just finally getting answers. 

Fall boots bridge the gap between warm-weather style and cold-season practicality. You want footwear that handles cooler temperatures, shifting weather and longer days on your feet without sacrificing polish. From ankle boots to taller silhouettes, the right pair supports your wardrobe through changing layers, varied textures and the return of everyday routines. These fall and Chelsea boots are ready to warm up your wardrobe this year without freezing your bank balance. 1. Soda Glove — Ankle Boot With Lug Sole Pull-on boots have a tendency to fit snuggly, but these lug sole boots are a winner with a variety of sizes, including wide-sized options, colors and prices. The boot features an elasticated gore to allow freedom of movement when worn for long hours. Chelsea boots have a down-to-earth energy that’s fantastic for any look. The imitation suede is long-wearing and ideal for those chilly days when the ground is a little cold or wet. It’s a classic, affordable addition to your fall wardrobe.  Get Soda Glove on Amazon 2. MUCCCUTE Knee High Boots Not all fall boots are short anklets, and this tall boot is perfect to match long maxi skirts and for that country estate look when worn over tights. It’s available in black or brown, with plain or rhinestone finishes available.  The little extra blink will light up dreary wintery days. The square toe and chunky heel are sure to keep your feet comfortable if you’re running around. Get MUCCCUTE boots on Amazon 3. DaeRainy Tall Rain Boots Whether it’s rain, sleet or damp ground from melted snow, these boots will keep you walking confidently as you putter about the garden or race your dogs at the park. The flexible PVC material is comfortable and keeps your feet dry.  The chunky sole features anti-slip lines, and it’s available in several colors and a few half-sizes for a perfect fit. Match it over your jeans or cause a stir with a maxi skirt.  Get DaeRainy boots on Amazon 4. ziitop Women's Combat Ankle Boots Combat boots are always a favorite, but the plaid lining of these is a winner for a softer, more feminine look. The rounded toe ensures comfort, and the grippy sole will keep you steady on any terrain, whether you’re adventuring with friends or hopping out at the grocery store.  The boots are available in four shades, two with plaid lining, and in the most common sizes, including half-sizes. However, if you have larger feet, you may struggle to find the right size. Get ziitop boots on Amazon 5. DREAM PAIRS Women's Winter Snow Boots No need to hit the alpine slopes to wear these fashionable mid-calf boots. They are ideal for cold days, with a quality faux-fur lining and Thinsulate Insulation, and the waterproof upper keeps your toes toasty and dry.  It’s available in white or gray and features a bungee lace-up, and the well-gripped soles provide support on slippery surfaces like iced parking lots. Unfortunately, there are limited sizes available, so if you are well over six feet tall and have larger footsies, you’ll have to keep looking. Get DREAM PAIRS boots on Amazon 6. MaxMuxun Chelsea Booties These classic Chelsea anklets are a quick fit with the zipper design — slip them on and head out. While the thin sole may require you to avoid stepping in puddles, the cushioned interior keeps you comfortable while shopping or lounging at home. It’s available in several colors and half-sizes for wider feet.  Partner these with a relaxed slack suit or skinny jeans for an understated look that’s undeniably feminine. The faux-fur interior is cozy and will keep you from getting cold feet.  Get MaxMuxun Boots on Amazon 7. Charles Albert Modern Cowboy Distressed Boot Step out in style with these typical Western boots with pull-up tabs. The foot section is quite narrow, so ensure you get a shoe horn to help you pull on the heel without jamming your fingers. Size up if you have a wider foot or prefer a looser fit. Choose from white, black, red and several shades of brown in synthetic rubber for easy maintenance.  These are ideal for work, fun and vintage fashion. Wear them with jeans, short A-line dresses with pleats, skirts or longer midi dresses. Get Charles Albert cowboy boots on Amazon 8. DREAM PAIRS Platform Mini Boots If you work in a cold area and struggle with cold toes, these genuine suede platform mini boots are perfect. The memory foam insole is lightweight, and the pull-on tab makes slipping into the faux-fur interior easy.  These boots are perfect for wider feet, as they are available in half-sizes and in extra-wide fits to ensure premium comfort. Match them with lounge wear at home or jeans and winter corduroy pants for a relaxed look indoors and outdoors.  Get DREAM PAIRS mini boots on Amazon 9. Athlefit Women's Chelsea Boots If you love stitching and a classic finish, these Chelsea boots are enduring in quality and potential. The lug sole and rounded toes ensure comfort and foot health. The elastic gore allows the ankle to move, and the pull-tab helps you fit these boots. It’s available in black, brown, dark brown and khaki colors in various sizes and half-sizes.  The durable soles are anti-slip, which is a must for rainy or freeze-thaw days when balance is a fickle friend. Wear them to work, parties, outings and clubs.  Get Athlefit Chelsea Boots on Amazon 10. ziitop Women Platform Chelsea Boots If you love boots but detest socks, these elastic top, wide platform Chelseas are perfect. The elastic side panels are warm and keep your ankle as comfortable and warm as your feet. The chunky heel and elevated soles will keep you dry, while the rugged sole has enough grip to keep you on your feet in any weather.  They are available in nuede suede, black PU and black suede with half-sizes for improved fit. Wear them with pants, mini skirts or midi dresses and rock the “rebel” look while keeping it classy. Get ziitop platform Chelsea boots on Amazon 11. N.N.G Women Over the Knee Boots Make the most of your knees with these fall boots. While long boots are traditionally winter wear, the elegant, sheer finish works well with tights, jeans, miniskirts and more. The slinky zipper helps you fit these boots comfortably, while the synthetic suede helps keep cold wind off your legs without hiding them in long pants.  The chunky heel improves comfort and balance, while the increased insulation keeps the leg part up without adding thickness or wrinkling. They are available in various sizes and half-sizes and several shades of brown, white and black.  Get N.N.G. knee boots on Amazon 12. GLOBALWIN Women's Mid-Calf Dress Boots The cushioned footbed and soft lining offer comfort and warmth, while the stylish, classy motorbike design with bold buckles makes a fashion statement. Match them with an oversized sweater and tights or tuck them under a maxi skirt for dramatic flair.  The grippy soles offer stability over rough or slippery terrain, and you can get the optimal fit with the range of sizes and half-sizes. It’s available in brown and black, and the inside zipper helps with fitment.  Get GLOBALWIN dress boots on Amazon 13. UBFEN Genuine Suede Chelsea Ankle Boots If you abhor heels, this flat-soled Chelsea is perfect for comfort and autumn warmth. The soft fleece lining complements the genuine suede outer and rubber sole that keeps it dry on snowy days. The pull tab helps your fit, while the elastic gore lets your foot enjoy some freedom.  It’s available in full and half sizes and five colors. They’re a perfect match for ripped-bottom jeans, a dress or leggings for a casual look.  Get UBFEN suede Chelsea boots on Amazon 14. Skechers Women's Lovely Vibe Fall in Bloom Boots Skechers is synonymous with comfort, and these Chelsea-style anklets are must-have fashion pieces. The black, mushroom or chocolate-tone boots are made from synthetic leather, so they’re waterproof, while the outer zip and inner elastic gore make them a dream to put on.  The pull tab helps with slipping your heel in, while the air-cooled memory foam sole keeps your feet happy, even if you’re running around all day. Wear this with anything.  Get Sketchers Fall in Bloom boots on Amazon Learn how to style your Chelsea boots with the pros: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-UnPoPtTEA&t=52s More Questions What Styles of Fall Boots Are Most Versatile? Ankle boots top the list. They work with jeans, dresses and skirts, making them easy to wear from early fall through cooler weeks. What Materials Work Best for Fall Weather? Leather and suede are popular, but treated or waterproof finishes better handle light rain and temperature changes. How Should Fall Boots Fit With Thicker Socks? Aim for a snug fit with a little room in the toe box so heavier socks don’t make the boots feel tight or restrictive. These Boots Were Made for Walking Fall boots put your whole look together. One strong pair can carry you from crisp mornings to long evenings without missing a beat. Choose styles that feel good, work hard and still look sharp. When the boots are right, getting dressed stops being a chore and starts feeling fun again.

Homemade face masks offer an easy and accessible way to enhance skin health using familiar ingredients. Since you can make these masks using whole foods, they fit seamlessly into a wellness-oriented lifestyle. They encourage you to take a moment for yourself and transform skincare into a cherished ritual. Most importantly, they help you maintain awareness of what you apply to your skin. Why Bother With DIY? Natural face masks provide nourishment to the skin with straightforward, plant-based ingredients that are both recognizable and trustworthy. They serve as a great alternative to commercial beauty products, which frequently include harsh additives and unnecessary chemicals.  For instance, you can use ingredients such as honey, yogurt and avocado to moisturize your skin. In addition to their skincare advantages, homemade masks save you money, require simple preparation and allow you to customize them for various skin types. You can adjust each recipe according to your skin’s specific needs while maintaining complete control over the ingredients. The process of making them can also be quite grounding, transforming skincare into a small, mindful ritual. They are economical, utilizing everyday kitchen staples and are more environmentally friendly as they eliminate the need for single-use packaging. These masks offer a straightforward method to care for your skin while being gentler on the planet. Experts valued the Beauty Facial Mask market at USD 8,032.87 million in 2025. They project that it will grow at a CAGR of 5.78% from 2025 to 2034. Homemade Face Masks for Dry Skin Dry skin benefits most from masks that focus on replenishing moisture, reinforcing the skin barrier and restoring long-lasting comfort. 1. Avocado and Honey Face Mask This mask focuses on restoring comfort by combining healthy fats with natural hydration support. Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado 1 tablespoon honey Avocado provides lipids that help reinforce the skin barrier, while honey attracts moisture and helps the skin retain it. After mashing the avocado and mixing in the honey, apply the blend evenly while avoiding the eye area. Once left on for 15 to 20 minutes, rinsing with lukewarm water reveals skin that feels softer and more balanced. 2. Smoothing and Soothing Mask When dry skin also feels rough, gentle exfoliation can help improve texture. This mask combines cooling and soothing ingredients with mild exfoliation. Ingredients: 1/2 seedless cucumber 1/4 cup milk 1 tablespoon Manuka honey 1 tablespoon brown sugar Cucumber calms the skin and supports hydration, while honey helps maintain a balanced moisture level. Brown sugar removes dead skin cells without harsh abrasion. After blending the cucumber and mixing in the remaining ingredients, apply the mask using small circular motions. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing and finishing with toner and moisturizer. Homemade Face Masks for Acne Acne-prone skin responds best to masks that calm inflammation, balance bacteria and cleanse pores without stripping the skin's natural oils. 1. Oatmeal and Honey Mask This mask addresses both concerns while remaining gentle. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon ground oatmeal 1 tablespoon plain or Greek yogurt 1 to 2 teaspoons raw honey Yogurt introduces natural probiotics that help balance skin bacteria, while oatmeal soothes irritation and itchiness. Honey provides antibacterial support and helps prevent dryness. Once mixed into a smooth paste, apply the mask using gentle circular motions. After 15 to 20 minutes, rinsing with cool water helps soothe the skin. 2. Acne-Fighting Pomegranate Peel Scrub Pomegranate peel contains antioxidants and compounds that support the healing of acne. Ingredients: 2 teaspoons pomegranate peel powder Rosewater Once dried and ground into a powder, it becomes a powerful spot treatment. Mixing the powder with rosewater creates a soothing paste. Applied directly to blemishes, this treatment supports inflammation control and bacterial balance. Leaving it on for 5 to 10 minutes is sufficient. You can repeat this process once or twice weekly as needed. Homemade Face Masks for Oily Skin Oily skin needs masks that absorb excess sebum, refine pores and restore balance without triggering dehydration. 1. Activated Charcoal Mask Oily skin results from excess sebum production and clogged pores. Activated charcoal works by drawing oil and impurities from deep within the skin. Bentonite clay enhances this effect by absorbing excess shine. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon bentonite clay 1 tablespoon activated charcoal 2 tablespoons water Rosehip or grapeseed oil is optional After mixing the ingredients into a smooth paste, you can add a few drops of oil to achieve a balanced consistency. Apply evenly, focusing on areas prone to oil. Rinse after 10 to 15 minutes to reveal a cleaner finish. 2. Tomato and Oatmeal Mask This homemade face mask helps calm inflammation while managing excess oil. It is ideal for oily or congestion-prone skin. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties. And oatmeal gently exfoliates and helps absorb surface oil without irritating the skin. Ingredients: 1 ripe tomato, mashed 1 tablespoon oatmeal Mash the tomato until smooth, then mix in the oatmeal to form an even paste. Apply the mask evenly to clean skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat the skin dry. Homemade Face Masks for Glowing Skin Glow-focused masks aim to brighten the complexion, improve texture and enhance natural radiance through gentle nourishment. 1. Carrot, Yogurt and Honey Face Mask A glowing complexion reflects hydration and nourishment. This mask combines ingredients that brighten and soften the skin. Plus, yogurt and honey are excellent sources of AHA, which can help address acne problems and exfoliate the skin. Ingredients: 1 teaspoon carrot juice 1 tablespoon plain yogurt 1 teaspoon honey Carrot juice provides beta-carotene, while yogurt improves moisture levels. Honey supports smoothness and comfort. After mixing into a smooth paste, apply evenly and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinsing with lukewarm water reveals immediate radiance. 2. Blemish-Fighting Milk Mask This mask blends antibacterial and exfoliating benefits.  Ingredients: 2 tablespoons raw honey 2 tablespoons nutmeg 2 teaspoons milk Honey helps reduce acne-causing bacteria, while nutmeg gently exfoliates the skin. Milk softens the skin and improves texture. After combining the ingredients into a thin paste, apply evenly and wait 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with a gentle moisturizer. Ultimately, skin serves as more than a physical barrier — it is essential for overall health, emotional wellness, and social connections. Simple Rituals for Healthy Skin Homemade face masks encourage consistency through simplicity. They support skin health without overwhelming routines. Because they rely on whole ingredients, they fit easily into wellness-focused habits. Small rituals practiced often bring lasting results. Listening to your skin helps guide each choice. Over time, care rooted in intention creates visible balance.

The goal is nourishment without standing over the stove.  Jump to Easy Dinner Ideas Quick-Cook Hamburger and Fries Nourishing Naan Plate Tasty Paella Pan Flash Fish Bake Clever Leftover Fritter Feast Casual Quiche-Style “Bread” Amazing One-Pan Asparagus and Fish Lazy Lasagne Pie-in-a-Pot Perfect Pan Pizza More About Easy Dinner Ideas Dinner doesn’t have to feel like a chore or a test of your patience. If you hate cooking or think you don’t know how, the goal isn’t to become more inspired — it’s to make meals easier to pull together when you’re tired, hungry and short on time. Easy healthy dinner ideas are only a pot or an air fryer away from becoming tasty fare. Dinner ideas begin with keeping a few reliable staples on hand and knowing how to turn them into something decent with minimal effort.  With the right basics in your fridge or pantry, you can plate a meal that feels intentional, not desperate or like leftovers. Focus on low-effort recipes built around ingredients you’ll actually use, minimal prep and forgiving steps. Relax, slip into something comfortable and forget about complex techniques or measurements — these meal ideas require nothing more than a few basics and a practical approach. Let’s get dinner on the table without overthinking or ordering takeout again.  1 Quick-Cook Hamburger and Fries Everybody loves a good burger, and while takeout is easy, it’s not always as nutritious as your own version. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be an hour’s chore to prep a good bun with a deliciously meaty patty and throw some fries in the air fryer. Whether you make your own patties or buy fresh from your local butchery, you can easily prepare and grill or fry them.  Saucy secret: Cook your potato fries in the microwave for 10-15 minutes before dropping them in the air fryer for easy results and that soft inner, crispy outer taste your family loves. 2 Nourishing Naan Plate If you have a few cultural markets near you, naan or roti is a likely feature that you should stock up on for easy meals during the week. Both freeze well and heat easily — place them straight from frozen in the sandwich maker and toast. Pair it with a saucy meat or bean dish, which you can prepare in bulk over the weekend and freeze in portions for easy heat-and-eat when you really don’t feel like cooking.  When you have guests over, simply freshen the dish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a few sprigs of fresh coriander from your windowsill, and nobody will guess it’s frozen fare. 3 Tasty Paella Pan Paella is a traditional Mexican and Spanish dish, but it feels very geared toward modern living, where leftovers are treasures to discover after a long day at work. Save leftover rice, meat strips and bacon. Combine everything in a large pan with a delicious jar sauce or mix your own with fresh spices, coconut cream and tomato paste. Add some fresh seafood, such as shrimp or oysters, once the meat is heated through, as this cooks more quickly.  “My favorite easy, yet nutritious dinners are one-pot/sheet pan meals. Not only are they simple to make regardless of your cooking skills, but they’re also a quick and easy clean up afterwards,” says Shelley Balls, MDA, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian and nutritionist for Flawless Bloom, bringing hope to those who prefer making less mess and enjoying an easy meal.  4 Flash Fish Bake Fish is surprisingly easy to prepare. Remember to defrost your fillets in the morning by placing them in the fridge. Place an aluminum foil sheet in a baking sheet or line a large pan with it. Gently melt butter straight in the pan on the stovetop. Lightly seal the fish, add salt, smoked paprika and your preferred herbs. Flip onto a slice of lemon and place in the oven to cook through to taste. Serve with a simple green salad. 5 Clever Leftover Fritter Feast Mélanie, a French family-food mentor, food blogger and creator of The Table Reset — a French-inspired program launching in early 2026 that helps parents simplify mealtimes and reduce the overwhelm around planning, cooking, and feeding their families — says, “When dinner feels like a chore, everything becomes harder. But when you approach it with a bit of intention and a few simple habits, even the easiest recipe becomes achievable.” Elevate leftover food to brain-healthy status with B-vitamin-rich choices, such as beans, leafy greens and seeds, by creating a simple fritter batter and quickly frying in wholesome butter. Just bash the veggies up with a potato masher and add an egg, some spices, a little flour and a handful of good quality grated cheese. Once the batter is the same consistency as toothpaste, you’re ready to fry spoonfuls. Serve with sliced tomatoes, fresh fruit and a few breadsticks.  6 Casual Quiche-Style “Bread” This is an outstanding recipe to make when you have leftover green veggies like zucchini, spinach, scallions and other tasty alternatives like mushrooms, turnips and celery.  Roughly chop the vegetables and place them in a pot of boiling water to steam for a few minutes, until they are soft. Mix several eggs with a half cup of half-and-half, along with spices and herbs. Add vegetables and grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese to taste, and place in a baking dish. Sprinkle more cheese on top and bake until it is cooked through.  For a classic-style quiche, you can use this recipe:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prqy0OwLX0o&t=77s 7 Amazing One-Pan Asparagus and Fish This one is a keeper if you have leftover rice. Simply mix the rice with some finely chopped vegetables like chilli peppers, sugar peas and carrots. Add a little hot water and vegetable stock. Let it thicken and add a handful of grated cheese.  In a pan, place a white fish fillet and layer asparagus or green beans next to it with some butter and spices. Bake until the fish is done and serve on a bed of tasty rice.  8 Lazy Lasagne Usually, lasagne takes hours of prep work with sauces and layers of pasta sheets, cheese and filling. This no-bake version is ideal for the “lazy” chef. Simply prepare a saucy mix of mushrooms, chopped vegetables like zucchini, dried onion flakes, green peppers and your choice of deli meat.  Use a packet sauce or make your own with herbs, spices, a little sugar and vinegar. Let it thicken slightly. Then break your pasta sheets into strips. It’s easier if you presoak them and cut them with a scissor, but you can also break dry ones by hand. Place the pasta into the sauce and let it simmer over a low heat until the pasta is cooked. Top with grated cheese and serve.  9 Pie-in-a-Pot  Making a pie can seem intimidating, but it’s surprisingly easy, and you don’t even need an oven. Simply buy a sheet of puffed pastry — or make your own — and roll it out. Place your cast-iron saucepan or pot on the sheet and cut the dough about an inch wider than the rim. Grease the pot and drop the pastry circle inside, layering it up against the sides.  Mix boiled and mashed potatoes, fried onions and mushrooms, spinach, cheese and your choice of meat, such as bacon strips, hotdog slices, shredded chicken breast or salami. Add whisked eggs, milk, corn or potato starch, spices and cheese and dump it all into the pot.  Place the lid on and “cook” it over a low heat until the crust is cooked through and the inside is firm. If you have an oven, you can also slide the cast-iron pot in and bake it for about half an hour until golden brown.  10 Perfect Pan Pizza This one is for the vegetarians in the house, and it’s super easy to make. You’ll need a plant-based wrap or roti — a cauliflower or pumpkin-type is perfect. Simply prepare your pizza topping with chopped peppers, olives, tomatoes and cheeses of your choice. Place the wrap in a large saucepan, and if it’s a thin base, you can layer cheese followed by a second wrap. Add a sauce of your choice, then your toppings, and finish with the cheese.   Heat over a low temperature until the cheese is nicely melted. Add some parmesan and return to heat. If you have an oven, you can pop it in for about eight minutes until the cheese browns under the grill.  More About Easy Dinner Ideas What Are Some Easy Dinner Ideas When Sick? When you are sick, stick to gentle, low-effort foods. Prepare soups, brothy noodles, toast with eggs, rice with simple protein or home-cooked frozen meals you can heat and eat. The goal is nourishment without standing over the stove.  What Are Easy Dinner Ideas for Someone Who Can’t Cook? Focus on assembly, not technique. Sheet-pan meals, rotisserie chicken with bagged salad, pasta with jarred sauce or wraps using deli protein and veggies all work well. If it only needs chopping or heating, it counts.  What Are Easy Dinner Ideas When Camping? Camping dinners should be simple and forgiving. Foil packets, hot dogs, canned chili, instant rice or pasta and pre-marinated protein are easy to manage. Fewer ingredients and one-pan meals make cleanup faster and stress lower. What Are Easy Dinner Ideas When Pregnant? Quick dinners during pregnancy should be balanced and easy to tolerate. Try eggs, rice bowls, pasta with veggies, smoothies or simple protein with carbs. Keep flavors mild and rely on familiar foods that don’t require long prep. What Are Easy Dinner Ideas When It’s Hot? When it’s hot, skip the oven and heavy meals. Salads with protein, wraps, cold noodle bowls, sandwiches or no-cook plates save you sweat-labor. Choose foods you can assemble quickly without heating the kitchen. Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas in No Time Cooking dinner doesn’t require hours at the hot stove. Keep a few reliable staples handy — pasta, rice, eggs, canned beans, jarred sauce, frozen vegetables and a flexible protein like chicken or tofu — giving you options on low-energy days. With the basics covered, dinner turns into assembling, not struggling. You don’t need elaborate recipes or perfect skills to feed yourself or your family well. A stocked kitchen and a handful of simple ideas help make weeknight meals feel manageable, not overwhelming.

Have you ever looked at a race sign-up and thought, how long is a 10k in miles? You’re not alone. It’s easy to feel excited about something without truly wrapping your head around what you’re getting yourself into. Discover what’s 10k in miles and expert training tips to get you strong on the finish line. We’ll cover the following topics: How Many Miles Is a 10k? What Is a Normal Time to Finish 10K? How Many Laps is a 6.2 Miles on the Track? Is It Possible to Run a 10K With No Experience? Frequently Asked Questions How Many Miles Is a 10k? 10k is 10 kilometers, which is 6.2 miles. If you’re a beginner, this is a doable distance, given that you commit to a training plan. Many people confuse 10k as the required steps daily. The truth is, the necessary 10k steps daily won’t be enough to finish a 10k. What Is a Normal Time to Finish 10K? The average time depends on your physical condition and fitness level. Here’s a standard benchmark for beginner, intermediate and advanced runners. Beginner: 90 minutes to 2 hours Intermediate and reasonably fit: 50 to 70 minutes Advanced: 43 to 50 minutes Your average time will also depend on several factors, such as age and sex. The average finish time increases as you age. If you’re experiencing concerns like plantar fasciitis, runner’s knee or shin splints, it’s best to consult your physician before running your 10k. How Many Laps is 6.2 Miles on the Track? 10K run in miles may seem short, but it equates to 25 laps around a track. Whether you’re training or racing around a track, remember that not all tracks are created equal. Sometimes, indoor ones are slightly smaller with 200 or 300-meter circumferences. Is It Possible to Run a 10K With No Experience? Yes, it’s possible. With a great pair of running shoes and the right mindset, everything is possible. Here’s the ultimate lowdown of acing your first 10k as a beginner. Focus on Nutrition Just as a car needs gas, your body requires food for peak performance. A runner’s diet consists of lean protein, fresh produce, fats and carbohydrates. Aim to get 60%-70% of calories from carbs and 15%-20% from fats and proteins. Carbs help store glycogen, which helps fuel your endurance. "It is important to fuel and hydrate around training sessions as you prepare for a 10K," says Jena Brown, RD, CSSD, sports dietitian and owner of Victorem Performance Nutrition in Brenham, Texas. "Eat a simple carbohydrate snack with 30 grams of carbohydrates 15-30 minutes before a training session. Fresh fruit such as a medium banana or 4 cups of cubed watermelon can boost energy for a higher quality workout and help replace electrolytes lost in sweat." Aim for 5K First Squeeze in a 5k in your training plan. It’s a reasonable goal without being too intimidating. According to Dr. Luke Nelson, Sports Medicine Australia’s running professional, you must run three to four times weekly for at least 30 minutes. Combine Running and Walking Brisk walking is an excellent addition to your training plan if you don’t have running experience. Dr. Luke suggests doing three 20-minute walks weekly for one to two weeks before diving into a walk/run program. Here’s his standard program: Week 1: Walk for one minute, jog for one minute and do 10 times Week 2: Walk for one minute, jog for two minutes and do seven times Week 3: Walk for one minute, jog for three minutes and do five times Week 4: Walk for one minute, jog for four minutes and do four times Week 5: 20-minute continuous run Do Warm Ups Don’t forget to do warm-ups throughout your training weeks. Perform dynamic stretches to improve your comfort and flexibility while running. Some exercises include heel-to-butt, hip rotation, leg swings, open and close gates and forward and side lunges. Start Slow Whether you’re training in a park or a track, avoid being intimidated by faster runners and the Strava posts of influencers. The fact that you’re training for your 10k is already a commendable feat.  Bring the Right Mindset Your mood drives your behavior, and this can translate into your performance. For extra encouragement, do a positive self-talk mid-training. Saying phrases like “I can” or “I will do it” can help boost your confidence.  Eat Before the Race Eat at least two hours before running to ensure food is digested as you run. "Eat a high carbohydrate meal 2 to 3 hours before a 10K with 2-3 grams of carbohydrate per kilogram of body weight and about 15 to 20 grams of protein," Brown recommends. "Include electrolytes in foods and beverages throughout the day. Drink to thirst or follow an individualized fluid replacement strategy during a 10K," she says. Frequently Asked Questions Now that you know what 10k in miles is, you may still have questions about other related topics. Discover the answers below. Is 10K in 30 Minutes Possible? A 30-minute finishing time is possible for highly competitive runners. For beginners, this is not ideal. For context, the female world record holder  — Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich — has a finishing time of 28:46 — just one minute and 14 seconds away from the 30-minute mark. Is Running a 10K in 60 Minutes Good? Yes, running a 10K in 60 minutes is considered a solid, above-average time for many recreational runners. It means you’re holding a 10-minute-per-mile pace (about 6:00 per km), which shows good endurance and consistent training.  For beginners, finishing a 10K at any pace is an achievement. For intermediate runners, breaking the 60-minute mark is often a common and meaningful milestone. Competitive runners may aim for faster times, but the “good” benchmark always depends on your fitness level, running history, age and goals. How Long Is a 10K in Minutes? There’s no single answer, because it depends entirely on your pace. The total time varies based on how fast you run or walk. Here are some common finish times: Elite runners: 27 to 35 minutes Recreational runners: 45 to 70 minutes Beginners or run/walkers: 60 to 90 minutes Walkers: 90 to 120 minutes How Long Is a 10K Race in Miles? Since there are 2,000 steps in a mile, 10k steps in miles is approximately 5 miles.  What Is a Really Good 10K Time? According to Running Level, a good 10k finish time for a man is 46:43, which is the average running time for men of all ages. For females, it’s 54:13. Ultimately, the ideal time is based on your age, gender and fitness level.  What Is a 5K in Miles? If you’re wondering how many miles is a 5k, it’s 3.1. Simply divide 10k’s 6.2 miles to two. Can I Walk a 10K in 2 Hours? Yes, walking a 10K in two hours is absolutely doable for most people. A 10K is 6.2 miles, and finishing in two hours means maintaining roughly a 19-20 minute per pile pace. That’s a comfortable walking speed for many beginners. If you’re newer to longer distances, a few practice walks beforehand can help you build confidence and avoid soreness on event day. With a steady pace, good shoes and a bit of preparation, finishing a 10K walk in two hours is very realistic. How Do I Train for a 10K? Expect to spend at least eight to 10 weeks of preparation. Use this guide as a benchmark: 10 run training for runners and walkers: 10 weeks of training for people who want to use the run/walk method. 10k run training for beginners: Eight weeks of training, with Mondays and Fridays as rest days 10 run training for advanced beginners: Eight weeks of training who can run 3 miles four to five days weekly Consult a fitness professional for a more personalized training plan. They can consider your unique needs and concerns, such as knee pain or shin splints when crafting a plan. No matter where you start, a good plan gradually increases your weekly mileage, includes at least one longer run and mixes in cross-training or rest days. This approach helps you gain endurance, stay consistent and show up on race day feeling confident, not exhausted.  What Types of Training Runs Should I Do? A balanced 10K plan usually includes a mix of run types that each serve a different purpose. Here are the key ones: Easy runs: These are slow, comfortable runs where you can hold a conversation. They build your aerobic base and help your body adapt without too much stress.  Long runs: Done once a week, these are slightly longer than your other runs and help build endurance so the 10K distance feels manageable. They’re typically run at an easy, steady pace. Speed work: Short bursts of faster running with recovery in between. Intervals improve your speed, running economy and ability to hold a quicker pace on race day. Tempo runs: A sustained, comfortably hard effort — usually a pace you can hold for 20-40 minutes. Tempo runs improve your stamina and help you get used to running faster for longer. Rest or cross-training days: Not technically runs, but essential. Activities like cycling, swimming or strength training reduce injury risk and keep your body balanced.  Mixing these runs throughout the week helps you build endurance, speed and confidence — all the ingredients you need for a strong 10K. How Important is Sleep During 10K Training? Sleep is crucial for effective 10K training. When you sleep, your body recovers from workouts, repairs muscles and restores energy. Without enough rest: You’re more prone to injuries like strains or shin splints. Your endurance and speed can decrease because your body hasn’t fully recovered. Your motivation and focus for training sessions can drop. For most runners, 7-9 hours of quality sleep a night is ideal. On days with harder workouts or long runs, your body may benefit from a bit of extra rest or even short naps. Think of sleep as part of your training — it’s just as important as the runs themselves. Prepare for Your 10K Run Hopefully, you feel more confident about tackling that 10k — or 6.2 miles. Embrace the process, listen to your body and have fun while you’re at it. Editor's note: This article was originally published on March 5, 2025 and was updated January 7, 2026 to provide readers with more updated information.

Let’s be real — as much as we want to make new friends, there’s always work, family, errands and other responsibilities to prioritize. With so much happening in our lives, striking up friendships in the coffee shop, a bookstore or the grocery aisle feels impossible. Thanks to technology and the Internet, friendship apps offer a shortcut, helping you cut through the awkward small talk and foster new, intentional connections. Discover apps to make friends, no matter how busy life gets. 1. Bumble BFF: For Finding Your New Bestie If you’ve ever tried looking for a date online, chances are you’re already familiar with Bumble — an app where a guy must respond to your chat within 24 hours or else the match will expire. Bumble BFF has a similar concept, allowing you to make friends online without the intention of pursuing a romantic relationship.  Here, you’ll create a profile with a few photos, bio and swipe right on people you think you’ll vibe with. The main difference is that anyone can start the conversation, regardless of gender. 2. Meetup: For Bonding Over Shared Activities Do you have niche interests that hamper your efforts to find new friends? Meetup is the ideal app for you. It’s one of the good apps to make friends who share your interests. Whether you like a specific anime genre, have an eclectic music taste or play a niche sport, you can find a buddy who’s down to nerd out with you.  Simply add your location and browse events by category. Choose from in-person or online meetups, depending on your preference. 3. Nextdoor: For Hyper-Local Connections Nextdoor is a neighborhood-based social network that connects you with individuals who live in your community. It’s ideal for you if you want to build a local support system, find a walking buddy or organize a block party. Whether you’re new to the community or looking to expand your local network, this app will help you connect to the latest happenings near you.  It’s the ideal app for introverts who want to borrow tools, sell secondhand items or find a babysitter. It’s not as straightforward as “Look, I need new friends,” but a way for you to naturally engage in your community. 4. Gofrendly: For Women Seeking Sisterhood Gofrendly is one of the best apps to make friends with women in your community. Whether you’re looking for someone to go coffee hopping with, join a book club with, or meet a fellow pet parent, this app matches you with potential besties based on shared activities, passions, and even your current life stage. Create an account, put the city where you live and include a short bio stating what you’re looking for. Here, you don’t engage in endless swiping but browse through a list of potential besties. 5. Peanut: For Moms Finding Their Village Peanut is a friendship app ideal for those navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood. Here, you can meet fellow moms, whether you’re pregnant, a first-time mom or juggling toddler tantrums. No matter your stage in life, there’s a community for you, ready to provide you with valuable advice.  Postpartum depression affects around one in seven women and can make one feel lonely — it’s great to have an app where you can instantly connect to a group that gets you. 6. Yubo: For Meeting New Friends All Over the World If you prefer video chats to text messaging, you must try Yubo. What makes it different from other apps is that it allows you to chat via live video, similar to FaceTime, without requiring you to share your contact information. This ensures that the person you’ve met online is not a poser. Additionally, it can help alleviate the jitters of a first-time meetup. 7. LMK: For Extroverts Who Like to Yap If video chatting sounds too much, LMK will become your newest favorite app. It’s a talk-based app that allows you to send voice messages, make calls, and chat with people, whether you’re in a one-on-one conversation or in a group. Yes, you can join a group of people who have the same interests as you. Therefore, if you’re in the mood to yap, you can just chat with a friend or a group!  The best part? Once you’re in a voice chat, a call timer will end unless you or your match extends it. Is It Common to Have Few or No Friends as an Adult? Yes, making friends as an adult can be a challenging experience. Among millennial adults, 27% reported having no close friends. There are several factors why you might not have enough friends: Shyness: For some, starting a conversation with others they don’t know can be challenging. Social anxiety: This is a feeling of fear in social situations, which can be paralyzing and hamper you from making new friends and trying new experiences. Preference for being alone: While there’s nothing wrong with loving alone time, it can prevent you from making new friends. Not knowing where to look: You may want to meet new people, but you don’t know where to look. Not prioritizing friendships: You may have friends and acquaintances, but you don’t keep in touch with them or make an effort to contact them or vice versa. How to Safely Meet Up With Someone You Met Online So, you met a few people online and are ready to meet them in person. While this sounds exciting, it’s essential to prioritize your safety. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before meeting newfound friends. Avoid sharing personal information: You don’t want strangers to know too much about you. Keep your location as general as possible and avoid sharing personal details, such as your birthday. Check your social media platforms: Adjust your social media settings to ensure you’re not revealing too much information to strangers, in case they search for you on different platforms. Choose a public place: Avoid meeting close to home and in an unfamiliar part of the city. Meet somewhere public, such as a coffee shop or mall, during the day or at a busy time in the evening. Explore These Apps to Make Friends You now have the tools — now it’s time to take action. Download these apps to find like-minded individuals. Soon enough, you’ll make new connections that’ll last a lifetime.

When the air turns crisp and evenings call for blankets, a warm drink can make all the difference. These seven cozy drinks are easy to make at home, delicious and offer some liquid nutritional benefits to keep you feeling good all season. 1. Spicy Drink — Hot Apple Cider With Cinnamon Nothing says fall quite like hot apple cider, especially if you can pick your own fruit from a local orchard or market. Warming it with cinnamon sticks gives it a sweet-spiced aroma that feels like autumn in a cup. An apple a day does more than keep the doctor away — it also boosts you with antioxidants and vitamin C, and cinnamon helps to balance blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. To make it, you’ll need: 8-12 ounces Organic apple cider 1-2 whole cloves A pinch of ground allspice Half a cinnamon stick Brown sugar to taste Simply place the cloves, allspice and cinnamon in a coffee maker filter and substitute the water for apple cider. Let it heat and drip through the spices, sweetening with brown sugar before sipping the warm drink. 2. Healthy Refreshment — Hot Toddy This delicious hot beverage, popularly called Southern cough syrup, is a perfect drink and tonic after a busy day outdoors. It’s super easy to make and loaded with the benefits of lemon juice, honey, tea, cinnamon and bourbon or whiskey. One lemon contains almost 50% of your daily vitamin C requirements. To make it: Steep a tea bag for five minutes in boiling water. Remove tea, add honey and lemon juice to taste, a cap of bourbon and a cinnamon stick. 3. Traditional Variation — Mulled Cranberry Punch Enjoy this easier variation of German Glühwein, which is light on alcohol and can even be made nonalcoholic. Heat cranberry juice with a cinnamon stick, cloves, orange slices and a dash of nutmeg or allspice. Serve warm with a splash of red wine. Cranberry juice is fantastic for urinary tract health. It’s antiseptic and antifungal with antioxidant properties to boost your seasonal health. The spices are a natural immune kick, and the sweet taste is naturally soothing. 4. Classic Warm Drink — Creamy Eggnog Winter isn’t a festive time without eggnog shared with family and friends. With the egg whites and milk, it’s a surprisingly nutritious drink for wintertime and is loaded with 12 grams of protein and 330 mg of calcium per cup. It also has 20 grams of sugar, so take care with overindulging. An easy recipe for six servings requires the following ingredients: 16-24 oz milk 2 cups light cream Half a teaspoon of cinnamon Two whole cloves ¾ cup sugar 1¼  teaspoon of vanilla extract 6 large egg yolks 1¼  cups of rum ¼ teaspoon nutmeg To make it, simply heat the milk, cloves, cinnamon and a drop of vanilla. Whisk the yolks, then add the sugar and whisk further. Gently combine the yolk and milk mixtures. Cook until medium thick, then strain cloves and add cream, vanilla, rum and nutmeg. Chill overnight and serve. 5. Best for Kids — Hot Chocolate With Dark Cocoa Skip pre-mixed packets and make your own delicious drink with unsweetened dark cocoa, milk and a touch of maple syrup. Top with frothed milk and sprinkle cinnamon or cocoa powder over. Dark cocoa is rich in polyphenols, which lower inflammation and support heart health, while improving circulation. Thanks to natural compounds that increase serotonin, it’s also a good mood booster. 6. Nutritious Warm Drink — Protein Coffee Who knew that protein could mix with your morning brew and give you an extra kick to start your day? Simply brew your coffee, then mix one serving of your favorite protein powder — vanilla or chocolate works best — into your coffee before adding milk or a dairy alternative and a sweetener of your choice. Aside from the “fuller for longer” protein benefit, coffee is surprisingly good for you, boosting your heart health and staving off Parkinson’s. 7. Campfire Classic — Toasty Marshmallow Mule Satisfy your inner child with this zesty beverage next to the fireside. It’s super easy to make, and the final ingredient amounts depend on your taste. Simply place your wine or whiskey glasses ready with ice. Add about 1½ ounces of bourbon or whiskey, ½-ounce lemon juice, ¼-ounce maple syrup and mix. Toast two marshmallows over the fire and add them as a topping over the rim of your glasses. If you prefer, you can substitute bourbon with vodka. Warm-Up With Each Sip Cozy up this winter with these delicious, healthy and soothing warm drinks. They’ll do more than keep you toasty, as they’re packed with antioxidants, vitamins and feel-good flavors. Stock your pantry with simple spices, honey and seasonal produce so you can sip your way through autumn comfortably.

Whenever you search for eyeliner styles, one of the top results is matching these designs with different eye shapes. As a result, people are often conditioned to stick only with what supposedly works for them. That said, it can get you in a little bit of an eye makeup rut in the long run.  Eyeliner and Your Eye Shape There are eyeliner styles that work better for other eye shapes than others. It’s partly the reason why beginners or people trying to do their daily makeup are advised to identify what their type is. Here’s a general overview of what works best: Round eyes: Round eyes are known to have a prominent crease that goes along the shape of their eyes. It is circular in nature, which people recommend defining with an elongated cateye and a little shading.   Monolid eyes: Monolid eyes are an eye type that has little to no crease above the eyelashes. If there is a crease, it’s usually folded into itself. Most people recommend using the puppy eyeliner for this shape.  Hooded eyes: Hooded eyes are characterized by a fold on the upper eyelid, which is typically created due to excess skin from the eyebrow area. It tends to make the eyes seem more droopy, so most elongated liner can make you seem more awake.  Almond eyes: Almond eyes are known for being oval-shaped, seemingly having a naturally elongated look. They typically go well with just about any eyeliner style, but cateyes certainly standout.  Why You Should Have Fun with Your Eyeliner Styles It can be nice to have a staple eyeliner that you know will work for you every single time. However, it’s also worth being a little adventurous with the way you handle your makeup, especially if you personally feel like the repetitiveness is taking the fun out of it. It’s natural to want to enjoy doing your makeup and the end result that comes with it. While 34% of American women wear makeup to enhance certain features, there are also 26% who choose to do it for self-expression. Thus, you should try to get out of your comfort zone and try new styles.  Best Eyeliner Designs Branching out to new eyeliner styles can seem sketchy, especially if it’s your first time. Luckily, you can try to follow along with tutorials or just have a reference to zone in on. Here are some liquid eyeliner look ideas to try out.  1. The Classic Cat-eye Feline, feminine and flirty all at the same time— the cat-eye liner is a classic. To achieve this, you can usually start with a lick upward on the outer corner. From there, connect it the rest of your eye while maintaining the sharp swoop.  https://www.tiktok.com/@l_yuhann/video/7394053444736257298 2. The Puppy Liner The puppy eyeliner is quite popular in douyin and other Asian-styled makeup, associated with innocence and kindness. To create this, follow the outer corner of your eye and create a downturned eyeliner. You’re aiming for a soft and rounded edge when creating this line.  https://www.tiktok.com/@onigiri.nana/video/7430924085808450847 3. Siren Eyeliner Siren eyeliner, often dubbed fox-eye liner, is an alluring eyeliner style that focuses on drawing as much attention to the eyes as possible. It usually starts out with a sharp and thin cat-eye before adding a sharp liner to the inner corner. Some people tie everything together with a little bit of gel liner on the lower and upper lashline.  https://www.tiktok.com/@stxph.h/video/7120609545101036802?lang=en 4. Doe Eyes Eyeliner Doe eyes were a popular trend that was seen as the complete opposite of siren eyeliner. Rather than going for that sultry look, you’re aiming for gentle and princess-like. Some people start with a smaller version of the cateye, but the puppy liner works wonders, too. Line the eyes with white or nude eyeliner for an extra touch of innocence  https://www.tiktok.com/@hannahchengbradshaw/video/7301689371588185362 5. Reversed Winged Liner Reverse winged liner, sometimes known as reversed cat eye, is a growing trend on TikTok that features a smoky liner at the bottom of the eyelid. Most people usually use gel liner for this technique to create the smudged effect.  https://www.tiktok.com/@rachdeoliveira/video/7351661607061179650 6. Double-Winged Eyeliner The double-winged liner is a great introduction to graphic liner. It is characterized by two sharp wings on both the upper and lower parts of the eye’s outer corner. The negative space in between both can be filled in with concealer or glitter for extra definition.  https://www.tiktok.com/@scortezzbeauty/video/7427836963085880583 7. Bat Wing Liner A subtle bat wing liner is viewed as the cateye for hooded eyeliners, as it still creates that little flick when you’re looking straight with your eyes open. That said, people with other eyeshapes can also try creating that thick and creative shape.  https://www.tiktok.com/@princxssglitterhead/video/7280899632102673707 8. Floating Eyeliner Floating eyeliner is another graphic eyeliner style that can be fun. Rather than connecting the lines to the eyes themselves, they’re drawn above, below, or around the eyes instead. They can come in dashes, dots, and so many more shapes.  https://www.tiktok.com/@glamgio_nyc/video/7478736376993811754 How to Try Out Other Eyeliner Styles Eyeliner styles can be a joy, but perfecting them takes practice. Here’s a quick guide that you can use for any eyeliner style you desire: Stencil with eyeshadow: Eyeshadow can be great way of trying on an eyeliner style without committing to it just yet. Choose brown for a more subtle look before getting the black out. If the design isn’t resonating, dissolve it with micellar water and go from there.  Experiment with colors: Brown and black eyeliners are some of the most basic colors. Consider going bold and bright with other colors like red, blue and purple. If you want to stand out, neon hues like yellow and green are the way to go.  Accentuate with the rest of your makeup: Any kind of eyeliner design can always seem odd at first without the right eyeshadow and lashes to back it up. Make sure you have your base and eyemakeup to accompany your eyeliner-experimenting journey.  Get Experimental with Eyeliner Styles  Eyeliner styles can be so fun and creative when you allow them to be. Forget your eye shape once in a while and just wear what design really draws you in. The sooner you see makeup as a way of self-fulfillment and expression, the better. Share your favorite eyeliner style with us on our social media pages! 

Breast cancer is usually associated with women. It might surprise you to know that male breasts, like their female counterparts, have breast tissue that can lead to them developing cancer, but it’s true. Because men have way less breast tissue, it’s rare compared to in women, but male breast cancer can and does happen. Why? Because cancer is not sexist — it can invade cells in almost any of your body parts, whether you’re a man or woman, and spread to others.  Here are some things you should know about men and breast cancer. 1. Common Breast Cancers in Men About 1% of all breast cancers diagnosed in the United States involve males. General ignorance surrounding male breast cancer often causes delays in diagnosis and treatment, with 40% of breast cancer in men only diagnosed at stage III or stage IV, meaning poorer prognosis. As a man, you risk developing two common types of breast cancer more often than others.   Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) The most prevalent male breast cancer, as in women, is IDC. This breast cancer form starts in your ducts before growing into other breast tissue, often first spreading to your lymph nodes. Invasive cells can spread from there, metastasizing to different body areas. IDC is the most common type of breast cancer, with doctors diagnosing it in about 80% of patient cases.  Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) DCIS is a noninvasive breast disease that, if you delay treatment, can result in an invasive cancer. If the cancer cells are only visible in your breast duct lining without spreading to other breast tissue, your chances of a complete recovery with treatment are very good. 2. Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men Just like women check their breasts for abnormal signs, so should you as a man. You know what “normal” is for your body, so give yourself the once-over in the shower or before you dress for work. If you notice any of the following signs, keep close tabs on the changes and seek medical advice if they don’t revert to normal within days. Some common symptoms of male breast cancer include: A change in the look or shape of one of your nipples. It may invert or you may notice a rash or some discoloration. Compare it to your other one as cancer will usually develop on one side first. A difference in the shape or size of your chest on one side. A swelling or lump in your armpit or chest. Ulcer-like sores or dimpling developing on your chest. A liquid discharge from a nipple, often including blood. If you notice any of the above, don’t immediately assume you have cancer, but don’t ignore abnormalities either. Sometimes other conditions can cause chest lumps and swelling. If they’re abnormal, have your doctor evaluate them. Should you have developed breast cancer, early treatment invariably means a better prognosis.  3. Treating Male Breast Cancer  Unlike initial treatment for female breast cancer conditions, oncologists will generally schedule surgery to remove the cancerous breast tissue before starting with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Let’s face it, a woman will likely be happier avoiding a partial or full mastectomy than you, as a man, would be to receive chest surgery that could remove a malignant tumor immediately.  With female breast cancers, oncologists often utilize chemotherapy to shrink any cancerous tumors, which hopefully removes them altogether. They may then schedule a few rounds of radiation therapy as a preventive measure, reducing the chances of any recurrence. If surgery is necessary, the initial chemotherapy would shrink the tumor, making it easier to operate without the potential need for major cosmetic repair or replacement.  In men, smaller chest areas limit the regional spread of cancer, potentially increasing the chances of quicker metastases to other body areas. For this reason, along with potential later diagnosis, your specialist often will view surgery as the most effective option. 4. Survival Rates in Men With Breast Cancer  If you receive a diagnosis and start treatment within the first, second or third breast cancer stages, as a man, you’ll be happy to know that you’re a lot more likely to survive than to succumb to it. So is male breast cancer deadly? Undoubtedly so. The five-year breast cancer survival rates for men range from 97% in localized stage I to 86% in regional stage II. However, if you reach the latter stage IV, this rate falls substantially to only 31% due to metastases.  It’s imperative that, if you notice any of the male breast cancer symptoms, you act immediately and visit your doctor for further analysis. Due to the general public misconception that men don’t get breast cancer, too many males pass away from the disease than is necessary. Men with breast cancer have a 19% higher mortality rate than women, with survival rates not showing any real improvement in the last 30 years. The bottom line is that males don’t pay as much attention to breast cancer symptoms as their female counterparts. 5. Factors Contributing to Breast Cancer in Men Experts see several factors as increasing the risks of men developing breast cancer. Take note of the following and apply them to yourself or a loved one’s personal situation.  Age: The risks of contracting male breast cancer increase with age, and most diagnoses occur in men in their 60s. Weight: If you’re overweight or obese, you likely have more estrogen in your body. Higher estrogen levels contribute to a higher risk of breast cancer in men. Genetics:  Men with blood relatives who had or have breast cancer in their family history stand a greater chance of developing the disease. DNA changes passed from parents to children may also increase your risk.  Liver disease: Liver cirrhosis and certain other conditions can alter your body’s hormonal balance and contribute to increased chances of breast cancer. Hormone therapy: Taking estrogen-related medication — often used in treating prostate cancer — could create male breast cancer-related risks. Testicular issues: An orchiectomy, or testicular removal surgery, or orchitis — inflamed testicles — can increase your risk of breast cancer. Klinefelter syndrome, a condition present at birth, affects testicular growth and causes hormone imbalances, which can increase the risk of male breast cancer. Male Breast Cancer is Real and Potentially Dangerous Although not common, you can get breast cancer as a man. It’s essential to realize this and understand that, like breast cancers that develop in women, the most effective treatments happen when you catch the cancer early. Watch out for the warning signs, especially as you reach an advanced age, and you’ll ensure you address any cancer early without allowing it to spread elsewhere!