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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5 Athleisure Looks Perfect for Working Out (or Not): Friday Finds

Jamie Duncan — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 08:00:16 +0000

iStock/bogdankosanovic

This week’s edit features five handpicked pieces of gear that are perfect for working out…or doing whatever the heck you feel like at the moment. Not only do each of these items stand on their own, but you could also mix and match every one of these garments and accessories together, creating several beautiful outfits.

1. Sleek Silver Jacket

Talk about a gorgeous, wear anywhere (and everywhere) piece! This amazing jacket is on trend with its iridescent silver exterior, offers a super flattering peplum silhouette, and can easily be dressed up or down. Featuring a removable hood and meta lux zipper, you could even get away with this at work on casual Friday. Transition seamlessly from studio to street, and pair this beauty with all your favorite staples. Loving this look with white monochrome ensemble, but feel free to mix things up with pop of color, or even your favorite jeans. Priced at $116.

2. X-Factor Sports Bra

Yes, yes, yes, a sports bra totally made our list, especially since it’s a practical (and usually way more comfortable) swap for your regular bra. This one features delicate straps and details, but stays put with a nicely sized band around the chest. Pair it with leggings or yoga pants and your favorite loose-fitting tanks or crops for working out. For wear outside the gym, pair the strappy sports bra with anything where you won’t mind straps showing, or when you’re in need of extra coverage. Sheer or lace tops, open back sweaters, or a flowing kimono would all working nicely. Priced at $44.

3. Quick Change Tank

At first glance, this tank doesn’t even look like your typical gym gear, and that’s because it’s suited for both working out and weekend romps. The trapeze shape and shark bite silhouette give off a casual, relaxed vibe that’s great for wearing with leggings, jeans, and shorts. However, tie the flowing side pieces together behind your back or around your midsection, and you’ll have a top you can down dog in without having a shirt dangling in your face. Whenever the mood strikes, change the look of this top quickly and easily. Priced at $29.

4. Zen Garden Yoga Pants

From Yoga Democracy, makers of vibrant, lively, and patterned leggings that are also super sustainable (like, fabric derived from post-consumer plastic sustainable), you’ll appreciate the whimsy of the brand’s pants if you’re into quirky patterns, florals, and wanderlust themes. This particular pair features a flowing, Asian-inspired print that wraps from waist to ankle. But there’s no need to worry about the dyeing process used to create all those eye-popping colors, because it’s completely non-toxic and eco-friendly. Pair them with a cute cropped hoodie and sneakers for a studio to street look. Priced at $75.

5. On Your Feet Shoes

There are some athletic brands that you come to know and trust, and vegan-friendly Vivobarefoot is def one of them. These shoes came across my desk and, girl, am I glad they did! The Primus Lite is the brand’s version of the “lightest movement shoe possible” and follows the “natural shape of the foot with the least possible interference of natural movement.” Second to brand name is what really caught my eye, and that’s the minimalist aesthetic. The silhouette and style are popular, for sure, and they’ll look great with all of your go-to casual looks. A quick “white sneaker outfits” search on Google will offer loads of inspiration and ideas on how to style these in a way that’s both trendy and practical. Priced at $135.

*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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Tea Towels: the Un-Paper Towel Workhorse of the Kitchen

Jen Wallace — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 08:00:14 +0000

iStock/chikaphotograph

Don’t get it twisted, tea towels are the handiest kitchen must have around.

Tea towels are one of those ubiquitous must-haves in the kitchen that most of us probably don’t think about until we need one, but tea towels are the workhorses of the kitchen. Not only can they be used to dry dishes, but they also have a multitude of uses in the kitchen.

Cleaning up spills
Covering rising dough
Lining baskets filled with bread or fruit
Teapot cozy
Potholders
Absorbent surface for drying greens
Apron stand in
Keep mixing bowls steady and cutting boards from sliding

In addition, tea towels may not seem that sexy, but they are a critical part in controlling the havoc that paper towels and other throwaway paper products exact on our environment. Reusable towels are a cost-effective way to deal with spills and kitchen cleanup. It’s also possible to find towels made from eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, linen, and bamboo.

Tea towels also make awesome host or housewarming gifts as evidenced by the aforementioned usefulness, but they also easily personalized to your giftees decor and/or interests. Believe it or not, it’s possible to find towels decorated with everything from hand-embroidered flowers to screen printed song lyrics.

Whether you are in the market for some more tea towels, or need some onhand housewarming and host gifts, read on to discover some fun tea towels.

Fun & Eco-friendly Tea Towels

1. Cat Tea Towel

Pay attention cat people, here is a towel just for you. Made from organic cotton and screenprinted with eco-friendly inks.

2. Shop Local

This towel offers a reminder to shop local and support your local farmers and businesses. Keep it your hood.

3. Linen Towels

For simplicity’s sake, consider using plain linen towels. Linen fabric is made from flax and is an eco-friendly alternative to other types of textiles.

4. Kitchen Conversion Towel

It’s already a well-established fact that kitchen towels are handy, but this towel takes the cake. It features all sorts of recipe conversions, like dry and liquid measurements, temperature conversions, and more.

5. Etiquette Towel

In the same vein, this towel breaks down some of the most important rules of etiquette. This just might be a good gift for the passive-aggressive among you.

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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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Start Perfecting Your Vegan Burger Recipe Now

Abbie Stutzer — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 18:23:56 +0000

Get ready for grill season.

This vegan burger recipe looks pretty great.

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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

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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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A Quick Makeup Tutorial for Valentine’s Day

Abbie Stutzer — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 09:00:59 +0000

This makeup tutorial will allow you to go from work to your Valentine’s Day date.

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