Culture – EcoSalon

Screw the Taboo: Older Women are Unapologetically Dating Younger Men

Abbie Stutzer — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 17:27:44 +0000

iStock/gollykim

Women have not always felt free to date whomever they’ve wanted. Society, personal obligation, fear…You name the reason and a woman somewhere at some time probably felt like she had to choose a certain partner because of one outside or internal reason or another.

Society and older women

As a society, we’ve villanized older women who like younger men, more so than their male counterparts, says Laura Bilotta, a dating coach and matchmaker in Toronto.

“Women shouldn’t have to feel a stigma when it comes to dating younger men. As long as everyone is a consenting adult and they aren’t abusing their power, there is nothing wrong with a May/December romance.”

Thankfully, though, many of these “walls” are coming down, and women, in general, fell freer to date whoever they want.

The polls

A 2017 poll from Seeking Arrangement found that 42 percent of women date younger men because of their increased energy; 23 percent date younger men because women think their male mates look up to them; 18 percent of women date younger men because they are in shape; 12 percent date younger men because these men are not intimidated by the older woman’s success; and 5 percent of older women say they date younger men because the women are looking for carefree fun.

Although this poll doesn’t come from an incredibly reputable source, and the poll only had 6,237 respondents, its findings were not surprising to interviewees.

The reasons behind the numbers

Generally, older women who date younger men have already been married, says Bilotta.

“[They] were unsatisfied in their previous relationship [and] want someone young and exciting in their life,” adds Bilotta. “I hear from women on their second time around that older men stop taking care of themselves and don’t have the energy to keep up with them.”

Bilotta also says that women who’ve gone through a divorce want a certain level of control over their lives and relationships. “Being older in the relationship means they have the experience and therefore the upper hand.”

David Ezell, CEO of Darien Wellness, says society is coming to terms with the idea of intergenerational relationships, too. “Our culture is much more comfortable with older men and younger women,” adds Ezell. “If you have any doubts, look at the hundreds of movies where that is the case. In most cases, either party is looking for someone outside of their age group who can bring a level of experience and maturity (for the men) and energy, excitability and optimism (for the women).”

Ezell also says he thinks the above information applies to younger women and older men, as well as same-sex couples.

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Welcome Spring With Stella McCartney’s ‘Stella Peony’ Fragrance

Abbie Stutzer — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 05:44:48 +0000

Image via Stella McCartney Facebook page

Although winter is still very much upon us, it’s hard to not let one’s mind daydream about the floral scents and warmer days spring brings.

One way to help trick the mind into “thinking” warm is by indulging in a few spring fragrances. One fragrance is Stella McCartney’s Stella Peony.

Making the old new again

Although Stella Peony isn’t a totally new fragrance—it’s a re-launch—it’s new incarnation launched on January 6, 2018.

Stella Peony is filled with fresh, peppery florals and amber. The fragrance gets its amber scent via ambergris, a modern and environmentally-friendly alternative to amber.

Stella Peony also features patchouli. The patchouli in the fragrance is sustainably sourced from local farming projects in Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. These projects ensure that “farmers get greater revenues”; they also help keep the “end product… ethical,” states Stella McCartney’s fragrance product description.

The relaunched perfume also features a new package that’s certified by The Forest Stewardship Council, and comes in a redesigned bottle.

Making a fragrance

McCartney loves creating fragrances that allow the masculine and feminine to collide. The designer also creates simple fragrances sans multiple scent layers. These “scent layers” often can overpower or overwhelm the person wearing the perfume. A scent should complement “who you are and how you smell,” says McCartney.

McCartney thinks that memory is the key to creating a fragrance that’s unique. During a recent Byrdie interview, the designer told a story about how the family’s McCartney Rose, yes… an actual family rose, inspired the scent profile for the original Stella fragrance.

A quality promise

McCartney admits that sometimes she cares “too” much about the fragrances she creates. But she can’t help but go “all in” because for her, fragrance creation is personal.

After all, McCartney asked her sister Mary to take the fragrance campaign photos, and worked with close friend Arizona Muse, model. Muse is the face of the Stella Peony campaign. “Stella Peony just came about in a very effortless kind of lovely, gentle manner,” adds McCartney. “And I think when it’s all women, I think people can feel it. I think they feel it’s real.”

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‘Wonder Woman 2’ is Tackling Sexual Harassment

Abbie Stutzer — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 18:22:54 +0000

iStock/sensorspot

In the summer of 2017, audiences responded well to “Wonder Woman”, the feature-length film starring Gal Gadot. Thanks to audience numbers, and the film’s powerhouse female lead and director, Hollywood greenlit “Wonder Woman 2”.

We can only imagine how amazing the second film will be. But we’re currently thrilled that the superhero flick is the first to follow new anti-sexual-harassment guidelines.

The PGA and sexual harassment

The Producers Guild of America (PGA) announced its Anti-Sexual Harassment Task Force and list of guidelines in mid-January.

The Task Force was originally founded in October “in conjunction with its decision to permanently ban Harvey Weinstein from its membership,” reports Teen Vogue. Although PGA membership is voluntary, which makes the Organization’s guidelines voluntary, “Wonder Woman 2’s” participation is important.

The new guidelines

The sexual harassment guidelines will ensure that Hollywood “productions comply with federal and state laws about harassment, provide in-person anti-sexual harassment training to all cast and crew members, and offer a system for people to report any incidents of sexual harassment,” adds Teen Vogue.

And if sexual harassment does happen on a job, the guidelines outline “clear recommendations for reporting incidents,” reports Nerdist.

It’s exciting a film about female power is the first to implement these guidelines. However, it’s important that this film is the first for another reason, too.

Brett Ratner

Six women accused Brett Ratner, producer of “Wonder Woman”, of sexual harassment or assault in November 2017. Although Ratner denied the allegations, Gadot wasn’t having it.

Gadot showed support for the accusers by stating that she would not “reprise her role in ‘Wonder Woman 2’ if the producer [Ratner] remained attached to the franchise in any way,” Teen Vogue adds. “… Gal has since confirmed that Brett would not be producing ‘Wonder Woman 2’.”

Always evolving

However, the PGA’s Guidelines aren’t set in stone. So, the organization will likely change its Guidelines as the “industry explores new approaches to this problem [sexual harassment] and as new resources become available”. The PGA also adds it will continue to work with TIME’S UP and the industry commission chaired by Anita Hill.

You can read the PGA’s Guidelines here.

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This Organization is Helping Black Women Maintain Their Health

Abbie Stutzer — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 18:19:57 +0000

Image via GirlTrek Facebook

Sometimes we all need a reminder that a simple walk around the neighborhood is good for our health, and connects us with our community.

Walk it off

GirlTrek is the largest public health nonprofit that supports African-American women and girls in the United States.

GirlTrek was founded by T. Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison.

Dixon began thinking of a bare-bones version of the organization while teaching high school history in Atlanta, Georgia in the early 2000s, reports Glamour. While teaching, she discovered the following statistic:

“Half of all black girls in America born after the year 2000 would be diagnosed with Type II diabetes in their lifetime unless a change was made to activity levels,” reports Glamour.

Garrison liked the idea of the organization, but felt that the only way this particular health crisis could be addressed was if Garrison got the girls’ mothers involved on a national level.

Making an organization

When the duo first formed GirlTrek, the organization was essentially a “local hiking club,” reports Glamour. Now, though, the organization has “more than 100,000 participants” who pound “the pavement in chapters across the country,” adds Glamour.

The organization’s overall mission is the following.

“[We will] heal our bodies, inspire our daughters, and reclaim the streets of our neighborhoods.”

Taking it to the TED level

Dixon and Garrison eventually transformed their grand idea into a TED talk. The Talk happened in April 2017. It focused on the fact that most healthy living programs are too focused on women getting the “perfect” beach-ready bikini body. In the Talk, the women also focused on how fitness solutions focus on “superficial solutions that ‘dont acknowledge systematic racism’,” explains Garrison.

It just takes 30 minutes

That’s right. The women of GirlTrek only ask that women and girls stick to one 30 minute walk a day.

This seemingly small amount of exercise can do wonders for people and the communities they live in.

“We knew 30 minutes of walking was radical for a woman with two jobs, who has kids, whose husband may or may not be in the home because he may or may not be affected by systemic or racial injustice and violence,” says Garrison.

Thankfully, GirlTrek is planning on expanding their organization’s reach; they’d like to get one million women walking.

“We want to create a new culture of healthy communities, and we need a critical mass,” says Garrison.

Glamour adds that the organization is “targeting the 50 most high-need communities in the rural South and Midwest”. This area is also known as “the obesity belt”; it’s acquired this name because it doesn’t have many healthy food options

The organization also is looking toward the future.

GirlTrek is launching Black Girl Healing; this program will “train women as fitness instructors and nutrition specialists,” adds Glamour. These women will then “lead free classes in parks, healing circles on college campuses, and grocery store walks”.

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19 Ways to Celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day

Jen Wallace — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 18:18:24 +0000

iStock/Linda Raymond

Recent events have made it more evident than ever that we should be celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness Day–and not only on one day of the year, but every day! Kindness begins with just one person and you can jumpstart the effort on February 17th, which is National Random Acts of Kindness Day.

National Random Acts of Kindness Day was established by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK). Founded in 1995, RAK is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring everyone to practice and spread kindness. “Ultimately, we’re here for the kind-hearted do-gooders who are looking to spread kindness where they can,” is how the Foundation describes itself.

The goal of National Random Acts of Kindness Day is to highlight the importance of bringing more kindness into the world and our lives. You can get involved by becoming a kindness ambassador, also known RAKtivists (Random Acts of Kindness activist). If you need a little inspiration, read on for some random acts you can perform to help celebrate the RAK holiday and to promote kindness every day of the year.

And if you need some convincing about why practicing kindness is important, watch this video that explains the science behind being kind.

Ideas to Celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day

1. Make a pot of soup for a friend or loved one for no reason.

2. Find a Little Free Library and drop off some books.

3. Give the bounty of your garden away!

4. Send “Just Thinking About You” cards for no special reason–other than to let loved ones know that you care.

5. Pick up litter in your neighborhood or town.

6. Offer to buy the coffee of the person in line behind you.

7. Volunteer for an animal shelter.

8. Offer compliments to friends, loved ones, and even strangers.

9. Take in your neighbor’s refuse and recycling bins.

10. Try to smile more. A smile can help improve both your mood as well as a stranger’s.

11. Let someone get in front of you in line.

12. Make a point of holding the door for those behind you.

13. Buy school supplies and donate them to your local public school for those children who may need them.

14. Tip your server really well on your next meal out.

15. Offer to watch your friend’s pet the next time she goes away.

16. Leave inspirational bookmarks in random books at the library.

17. Post positive affirmations on post-it notes and leave them around in public places.

18. Purchase gift cards with small amounts on them and leave them at places like gas pumps with a note of explanation.

19. Volunteer at a local food bank.

Related on EcoSalon

7 Ways to Celebrate World Kindness Day (November 13th!)
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The Evolution of Kindness: Can Being the ‘Nice Guy’ Save the Planet?

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The Evolution of Kindness: Can Being the ‘Nice Guy’ Save Us?

Jill Ettinger — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 08:00:10 +0000

iStock/weerapatkiatdumrong

Okay, first things first. The planet doesn’t really need saving. It’s us…and the fellow earthlings our destructive habits impact, that need to be “saved.” But in all our efforts to do that, have we lost sight of just how important kindness is?

It’s hard not to be passionate. It’s part of being human. For some of us, that means fighting for democracy, the environment, animals, food sovereignty, or women’s issues. For others, that means fighting for profit, control, power. These desired outcomes are about as opposite as it can get. We find ourselves taking sides. Choosing to see others who don’t share our worldview as the enemy—wrong, misinformed, or worse, “unevolved.” But isn’t the truth that we’re all right? That those seemingly impossible and selfish worldviews are just as evolved as ours, even if they are the complete opposite?

Author and spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle notes that whatever we fight, we strengthen. What we resist, persists. But how can we not fight against injustice? What does sitting idly by do for the soul? What would I really say to someone like Donald Trump if we were trapped in an elevator together (you know, after I kicked the shit out of him)? We’re all lovers and fighters; it’s not an either/or situation.

The more we look for them, the easier it is to see the battles all around us waiting to be fought. The digital age has us constantly negotiating causes, calls to action, and tragedies that fuel us with contempt while we’re scrolling through Facebook just trying to kill time. And even though there’s only a “like” option, most of us “dislike” much of what we’re seeing.

It’s a world out of balance.

To one extreme, we can try to avoid conflict. We can barricade ourselves with manufactured bliss, and do our best to dodge adversity. But that’s not always rational or doable. Conflict exists. But we don’t have to charge toward it, either.

What if we could accomplish more by simply surrendering to what it is we’re drawn to and still “fighting” for those causes, but while also doing it with kindness? After all, isn’t it our less-than-kind behaviors that have led us into wars, despots, dishonesty, and greed that got us into this planetary mess in the first place? It feels like something needs to change in how we negotiate adversity.

Still, no matter what the issues, or how we got here, Tolle says, “Always say “yes” to the present moment. “What could be more futile, more insane, than to create inner resistance to what already is?” That doesn’t mean we can’t change (or even “save”) the world, but there’s something in recognizing that in the big picture, it kind of doesn’t really matter. Unless what’s on the other side of life is that big old Judgement Day in the sky.

And what’s more, we can achieve more peace through kindness. Being unkind turns any issue into more than just the issue. Someone hits your car, for example. That’s a problem you’ll need to deal with. But if you come at the other driver screaming and shaking fists, you now have yet another issue to deal with spurred by your lack of kindness. They’re likely to respond with defensiveness or withdraw. We know that accidents happen. Sometimes that’s because someone is being totally negligent and completely at fault. They surely need to be held accountable, but it doesn’t mean we can’t be kind in that process.

Eleanor Roosevelt noted that what other people think of you is really none of your business. We’re all going to think what we want, whether it’s accurate or not. But being kind isn’t about doing it for the other person. It may not even be perceived as intended anyway. Being kind is our gift to ourselves. It allows us the opportunity to avoid conflict. It’s a surrender that seems vital in this modern world where there’s so much work to be done.

As Tolle says, “Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.”

Find Jill on Twitter and Instagram

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Telemedicine at Planned Parenthood Expands

Abbie Stutzer — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 10:00:08 +0000

Planned Parenthood could help patients seeking medical abortions with telemedicine.

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Another Sport is Plagued by Impossible Body Standards: #NowWhat

Abbie Stutzer — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 08:00:45 +0000

iStock/simonkr

Figure skating is a beautiful sport, but unfortunately, it’s plagued with an ugly problem.

Figure skating’s cold reality

Some professional figure skaters combat eating disorders.

For example, Akiko Suzuki, a Japanese professional figure skater, was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa after she attempted to lose weight to enhance her performance.

Suzuki’s battle with the mental illness started when her coach suggested she could lose one kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) to help her achieve better jumps. Unfortunately, Suzuki lost a third of her body weight.

“There were all these younger skaters coming along with good proportions, and I started wishing for longer legs. I got a real complex,” says Suzuki.

“But since there was no way I could grow, the only thing I could do something about was my weight.”

This isn’t a new issue

It’s not too surprising that eating disorders have always plagued professional figure skating. Often times, figure skaters feel pressure to size-down to make performing easier, and to appear more “aesthetically” pleasing. However, the issue seems to be peaking just in time for the 2018 Olympic Games.

According to the Independent, U.S. skater Gracie Gold says she’s taking a break to address psychological issues and an eating disorder. And Yulia Lipnitskaya, 19-year-old Sochi Olympics team gold medalist, quit skating after receiving treatment for anorexia.

“Anorexia is a disease of the 21st century,” says Lipnitskaya. “It is quite common. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to cope with it.”

Anyone can suffer from an eating disorder

Obviously, anyone can suffer from an eating disorder. We’ve covered these varied mental illnesses in the past, but feel the need to reiterate the following advice.

“Treatment for eating disorders is highly specialized and it is important to go to a trained professional,” says Dana Harron, clinical psychologist at Monarch Wellness & Psychotherapy.

“It is best to have a team comprised of a psychotherapist, a dietitian, a primary care doctor and perhaps a psychiatrist.”

Harron adds that websites, such as ED Referral and National Eating Disorders list professionals who specialize in eating disorder treatment.

“[And] If you already have a primary care doctor, they may be able to help you to find somebody who can work with you to establish healthier ways of relating to food and your body,” says Harron.

The post Another Sport is Plagued by Impossible Body Standards: #NowWhat appeared first on EcoSalon.

11 Travel Essentials That Aren’t Basic

Jamie Duncan — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 19:58:46 +0000

iStock/martin-dm

Feed your lust for local or global travel with products designed to comfort, challenge, and enhance your experiences. Whether you’re a travel novice or a seasoned wanderer, prefer to roam year-round or stick to an annual vacation ritual, everyone can benefit from our roundup of travel essentials that go beyond the basics.

1. Travel Journal

Something I think should be on every nomad’s packing list is a travel journal. Capture the moment you experience a new place for the first time, write down how you felt, include a sketch, some photos, a clipping or a map, and you’ll have an irreplaceable memento from your adventures. Pop your journal and your favorite pen in your bag for a tangible way to experience the world around you. This listing is for three lined journals with plenty of room for all your sentiments. Priced at $30.

2. Insta Pic Camera

Excellent in tandem with the travel journal mentioned above, snap pics with your crew and the new friends you make along the way with instant results. Ready for sharing or for archiving in your scrapbook, photos will print directly from the Fujifilm Instax camera and deliver that nostalgic, filtered look. Not only that, but this handy little camera also comes equipped with a selfie mirror to ensure you’re all in place for the group photo op. Priced at $55.61.

3. Mini Resistance Bands

No gym on your trip? No problem! These compact, lightweight resistance bands made from one hundred percent natural latex allow you to do a full-body workout in the comfort of your hotel room. I can attest to just how awesome these are, too, since I use this exact set regularly. They’re especially great for lower body toning, come with a convenient carrying bag, and really have a very minimal footprint, which is perfect for traveling light. Priced at $9.99.

4. Handy Crossbody Bag

Every wanderer should own a mid-sized crossbody bag, and I think this one fits the bill perfectly. With a vegan leather option in a variety of colors, you’ll like the boho vibes this pretty geo print fabric purse is sending. The one shown here features an optional exterior pocket–a detail you should spring for in order to maximize space for your sightseeing adventures. Priced at $70.

5. Pretty Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses not only protect your eyes, but they also reduce glare like no other. A travel must-have, you’ll never look back after trying a polarized pair for yourself. Trendy and made in the USA, these Shwood shades are gorgeous and totally on trend. Plus, they come in a variety of colors to fit your style. Priced at $199.

6. Chin-Supporting Pillow

It’s been a hectic day, you board the plane, take off, and feel yourself drifting off to sleep only to have your head bob forward and jolt you awake. Sound familiar? Fortunately, there’s a pillow that promises a solution to that little problem. Great for flying, driving, and other means of travel, this neck pillow has been designed with chin support and a flattened section behind the neck for improved ergonomics and better shuteye. Priced at $29.97.

7. Invigorating Lip Treatment

Dehydrated lips need proper nourishment when traveling, especially during flights and extreme heat or cold weather. In addition to drinking more water, also give this vegetarian, cruelty-free, minty fresh, moisturizing gloss a try on your next trip. Although it’s a tad on the pricey side, it’s one of my all-time favorite lip treatments and totally worth the few extra bucks. Priced at $7.19.

8. Rolling Underseat Bag

As a very particular person who doesn’t like to live without certain items while traveling, a well-organized under-seat bag has a way of quelling my anxieties. Try this little beauty from Samsonite featuring rollers, a telescoping handle, plenty of compartments, a sewn-in back strap that slides over carry on luggage handles, and much more. It’s perfect for overnights, too! Priced at $79.99.

9. Universal Travel Adapter

This universal outlet adapter with USB ports is an international traveler’s delight. With the flick of a switch, you can change the adapter from charging your phone in Japan to boosting your kindle battery in New Zealand. For charging beauty items, like straighteners and blow dryers, you’ll want an adapter set that has a voltage converter like this one. Priced at $15.99.

10. Smartphone Tele Lens

Up your photo taking game while traveling without having to carry around a DSLR. This innovative lens works with a Moment case to help your phone capture professional photos of landscapes, people, and more. Best of all? Moment makes these for iPhone and Android models! Share your snaps with us on EcoSalon’s Facebook page. Priced at $99.99.

11. Traveling Yoga Mat

Never miss out on your morning yoga sesh while traveling again, thanks to this easy-to-pack, slip-resistant, eco-friendly yoga mat. Under two pounds, the lightweight, foldable mat won’t take up too much space in your luggage, plus it is machine washable, so you can rinse the germs away when you get back home. Priced at $46.79.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard’s Love is Next-Level

Abbie Stutzer — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 19:56:00 +0000

Would your partner do this?

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