 Think about the best moments of your life.
You might describe the “best times of your life” as happy ones. In being human we do our best to avoid unintentional negative feelings which include: fear, pain, sadness and the like. With that, we have become conditioned to believe that happiness is the only emotion that we should feel. All of our actions are enacted upon with the hope of achieving happiness for ourselves. No matter what we are doing, the intent is to produce feelings associated with happiness, whatever that may entail. Dr. Rottenberg, a professor in the psychology department at the University of South Florida, studies moods. In an article he wrote, titled “Mood and Emotion in Major Depression”, Dr. Rottenberg makes the distinction between mood and emotions stating that, “Emotions are quick-moving reactions that occur when organisms encounter meaningful stimuli that call for adaptive responses. Emotional reactions typically involve coordinated changes in feeling state, behavior, and physiology, and last seconds or minutes.” And that, “Moods, by contrast, exert their clearest effects on feeling states and cognitions (as opposed to behavior and phys- iology) and last hours or days.” Furthermore, in an interview conducted with Dr. Rottenberg he made a powerful point in saying that, “From a societal perspective we need to become more aware of the things that are affecting or influencing people’s moods, because moods then influence everything about a person, they influence how they think and how they behave and even what’s going on inside their body.” With that, it is both evident and crucial that we gain an understanding and an appreciation for all of the moods and emotions that we may experience. We often do what we can to avoid feelings that aren't positive, yet in being human we have been given the gift to experience an array of moods. The reason why we are all seeking happiness in our lives is because we have gained an appreciation for it in the midst of all other moods that we have experienced. Imagine living a life that only consisted of being happy, our human experience would be drastically different and unbearably mundane if we knew of nothing more than being happy. Ways to appreciate all your emotions:
Having the ability to experience different moods and emotions makes our lives more intriguing,the key is to understanding those emotions and consequent moods and seeking a professional, when we are feeling completely overwhelmed by them. Author: Marella Porter, junior at the University of South Florida, studies mass communications with a focus in broadcast news. Along with maintaining memberships within various campus organizations, she enjoys writing, along with being an intern for Slayed Magazine Online, she also contributes to Elite Daily. Marella's long term goal is to become a television anchor. Connect with Marella on LinkedIn.
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 Would you rather be enjoying the sun and the beach than making that 15 minute drive to the gym every day? Here are some quick and easy ways to keep fit without having to travel to the gym. Time is of the essence! 1. Push ups to start and end your day Starting your day and ending your day with push ups or press ups not only tone your arms and chest muscles, but it also increases your blood flow and elevate your energy levels as well as metabolism levels. It only takes about 5-10 minutes each time and allows you to start and end your day feeling accomplished. If you have more time, consider a morning run with your friends, explore your neighborhood and take in the morning sun! Start with a semi-challenging number then increase it weekly. 2. Sit ups while watching TV This is the Cristiano Ronaldo secret to getting his sculpted six-pack. All of us watch television shows here and there, but instead of just staring at the TV advertisements, doing 20 to 30 sit-ups each time one comes on will surely help keep our abdominals activated and in shape for the summer. Remember to do proper stretches and a light warm-up of jumping jacks before your show starts! 3. Bike or walk to your destinations instead Instead of driving, taking taxi or bus, why not try walking to your destination instead. My friends and I once walked to several surrounding parks after walking to the mall! It felt good to get out and move and we enjoyed exploring together. Make sure to do some light stretching before walking for long periods, or take short breaks to stretch. 4. Stretch/Yoga while you're on the phone, watching TV or cooking dinner Something many competitive athletes do every day is getting stretches in here and there. Here’s how multitasking can be good in keeping you flexible and fit. Stretching and light yoga helps increase blood flow to your muscles and also helps you stay nice and loose.You can also download a health app to guide your exercises. Apps like Nike+ fitness training which has timed exercises to your desired level or Lorna Jane Fitness to simply track your activity progress to keep you motivated can be downloaded for free in the iTunes appstore. All you need is your phone and some spare time. 5. Do household chores with a little umph! Getting in daily chores, like vacuuming, mopping and sweeping done while moving to up-beat music can burn tons of calories. These sound easy but once you get down to it, you'll understand why we shouldn’t take chores lightly.. 6. Plan a fitness event with your friend Summer and holiday break do should not mean a break from your active life. Why not try something new for the summer? Go for a kickboxing or spin session at your nearby gym. There’s probably a charity fundraiser or marathon event taking place soon. Google it! Sign up with your friends and slay those extra inches away. 7. Take the stairs instead Taking the stairs instead of the elevator will burn off some extra calories and raise your heartbeat enough to make your body feel it. If you work or live where there are stairs, try challenging yourself for 2-3 weeks of just taking the stairs and see if you don’t notice a positive psychical and mental change. Follow these ways and you’ll be waking up happier, healthier and fitter – without sacrificing too much time and effort! Author: As a former national swimmer from Singapore, Bryan Chiew has spent a lot of his life travelling to different countries to compete and visit on holiday. He spends time going to the gym to keep fit, taking care of his appearance and enjoying new food. As a writer, Bryan has only just begun, and assures there will be more great articles coming!
 More often than not, it seems that the struggles of terminally ill patients and patients locked in a losing battle with incurable diseases are genuine, but those struggling with the obstinate demon called ‘depression’ are ignored and hushed away! Sadly, people with depression attract labels that either indicates attention seeking behavior or a gimmick prone ‘states of mind’. ‘Depression’, ‘anxiety’,’ and bipolar’. are words used so often and in such loose contexts that they’ve lost their meaning, connotation and what they stand for. They stand for grave,perilous and agonizing states of mind. The statement that ‘they reflect the struggles, each day of the people who actually HAVE these ‘labels’ is actually an understatement. 1) No, I don’t mean to romanticize ‘depression’ but do not emotionally invest in people who tell you to ‘snap’ out of it or try to be more positive or even just ‘fuck it’. You definitely don’t need someone to be telling you what to do. Instead, believe in someone who believes in you and walks the path with you and, has the ability to visualize and feel the path that is yours. Differentiate between people who ‘empathize’ and ‘sympathize’. People leave, friends change, but those who truly love you will never leave your side, irrespective of what you’re going through. Simply put, believe in the God who believes in you! 2) Getting out of bed can be a herculean task each day. So pat yourself on the back every morning for making the effort to leave the secure confines of the bed and stepping out to face the big bad world while, keeping your head above water all through. 3) The lens of depression is not adjusted by the love of family and friends,unfortunately. Sometimes even their convincing cries of reaching out to you and telling you how much they love you sound so hollow. Try and count your blessings, then, and count your friends and family in. I know that is hard, especially when you see yourself becoming aloof from your social circle and drifting away.....get them aboard! They will surely bail you out during the darkest moments! 4) There is no harm in bringing out, the inner Britney or the inner Kanye in you and letting your hair down. You can count on music as being a live antidepressant and delectable soul food. Check out some fun YouTube tutorials on zumba, yoga or dance and try them out, even if you do it within the confines of your own room at home! 5) Get lot of rest and keep yourself hydrated. Keep a bottle of water or your favorite juices and drinks handy. Depression does affect physical well being, too, and it is important to keep your body healthy for overall wellness. The fighting spirit will come best from a fit body! P.S. Chocolate always helps! 6) Make a journal and maintain it consistently. Sometimes there's a lot brewing internally and tons of thoughts are constantly racing through your mind, or maybe even none at all. Either way, keeping a journal and writing regularly can be very therapeutic. It's also very insightful to go back and read past entries and reflect on how you have grown or changed. 7) Follow a ‘happy diet’. Everyday, do one small little thing that makes you happy. It can be as small as painting your to nails, organizing your drawer, watering the plants or stretching for 5 minutes. These baby steps may seem small, but they can actually be a huge step to helping with depression, trust me. A little goes a long way! 8) Most importantly, it’s OKAY to cry your heart out, even if you don't know exactly why you're crying. It’s OKAY to sometimes sleep too much or not sleep at all. It’s OKAY to feel too much or not feel anything at all. It’s OKAY to ask for help and go to therapy. Talking about depression doesn’t mean you’re weak. Don't let the societal stigma on mental health issues like depression stop you from conquering this battle. You’re a fighter; remember that! You are a warrior in battle with yet another life obstacle, the depression dragon. Remember back to a time before depression; remember what you were like. Be kind, be sensitive and be there for yourself first and for others, too. Acknowledge the fact that everybody around us is fighting a battle and celebrate the fact that you’re fighting the big, ominously obstinate demon and winning, each moment, each day, as you go about the mundane and the sublime rhythms of life! If you or someone you know struggle with depression, please know that we care! We want to help you, and we want to be here for you. Talk to a professional or email us at info@slayedmagazine.com and we will help direct you to the right resources. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. 
 By: Megan Gillen Self-empowerment the most important component to great self-esteem. Many women face troubles with each of these concepts in our beauty-obsessed world. However, it is safe to say that trans women struggle with self-esteem and self-empowerment the most. Trans women face some of the highest death rates in the world, and many of these deaths are due to suicide (source: avp.org). It is hard to forget the national news story of Leelah Alcorn, a young trans girl who committed suicide because of the way the world can react to trans women. In today’s times, self-empowerment for trans women is imperative to survival. I spoke to a friend of mine named Denny, who is a trans woman, about self-empowerment and how it impacts her daily life. As a trans woman, what does self-empowerment mean to you? ‘My self-empowerment comes from reclaiming my story. My transness is a huge factor of my identity. For me to openly say “Yes, I am a woman of transgender experience” is my way of saying “I know who I am best, therefore I will narrate my own journey.” For transgender people, self-empowerment is also a responsibility. If you do not put your needs first, whether that is coming out to yourself and the world, medically transitioning, or correcting legal documents, the world will sweep you off your feet and fight to let you ground yourself. Sometimes, I just have to do what I need to do. Significant or not, it will always be empowering in that it is my own personal choice.’ What are some things you do to keep yourself empowered? ‘I find existing is empowering in itself. With the amount of trans sisters who are killed every few weeks, staying alive and open about my transness is dangerous. But I learned to shift my mindset and see this as a wonderful yet painful privilege—to wake up every morning and continue on with my advocacy. In order to keep myself feeling empowered, I deal with my dysphoria strategically. I felt dysphoric about my face, so I got my ears pierced; I hated my hair, so I got a more feminine haircut; I wanted to medically transition, so I called my local doctor and started hormones. In short, I tackle the issues I have one by one. It’s frightfully easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of issues that comes with being trans, but I am lucky enough to be able to deal with them in this way. I learned patience from this.' You’ve had more experience with physically transitioning than some trans women. Do you have advice for these women and how they can feel empowered? ‘Yes! I actually started hormones at the age of 18, and in the first few months, I found myself getting frustrated. The changes that were happening were too slow paced for me. But I soon realized a few things: 1. A slow transition or a fast one, I am a woman regardless. 2. I am very young. Many of my trans sisters transition at mid-age. Everyone’s transness is different, however, they are all valid. Just because I transitioned earlier in my life does not mean my trans womanhood should have a higher value. We must destroy the idea that a “passing” trans woman carries a more “heroic” story than trans women who get clocked more often, because that means we are imposing cisgender beauty standards on transgender people. One thing I have learned is that gender is not about labeling as this, or looking like that, but more about comfort. Do whatever it takes to feel comfortable in your own home that is your body.’  From a small-town suburb two hours away from New York City, Megan Gillen loves to write about everything and anything. A poet with slam poetry experience, she also loves art history and is passionate about women’s and gender studies, coffee, and the television show Twin Peaks. Find her on Instagram.
 Image via Bailey Nelson, Instagram When it comes to dressing right for our body type, we tend to put most of the focus on the clothes we wear. We don the A-line dress when we want some volume in our hip area, we choose wide leg pants to show off our legs in the best possible light and we wear V-necks when we have a large bust.
What most women forget however, is that accessories have as much of a hand in accentuating our shape, so we must give as much attention to them as to our clothes. Whether you want to make your bust look smaller or your ankles thinner, the right accessories can help you do that, so that you can look your best while adding a new twist to the clothes you wear. There are several ways accessories can help make your body shape shine and the following are a few tips on how you can get things started… Jewelry Jewelry works wonders. If you have a large bust and you want to minimize it, then layer delicate necklaces with small pendants to fill that area with tiny details. On the other hand, if you want to create the illusion of a bigger bust then a statement necklace will help you do so. When it comes to your hands the same idea goes. Stack thin rings on your fingers and wear delicate bracelets when you want to create the illusion of thin wrists and fingers, while chunky accessories will create the illusion of a thicker frame. Glasses The face is the first thing people will look at so you want to show it off to your advantage. There is a wide variety of sunglasses and reading glasses for women of different body shapes, you just have to understand the shape of your face and determine the frame that suits you best. If you have a square shaped face for example, then you should go for more rounded frames and if your face is more rounded then strong squared frames will suit you best. Belts When the stomach area is a bit of a problem for you, then be careful of the belts you wear. Thick belts will make you look bulkier in your stomach area. On the other hand, if you want to create a thicker waist, tying a thin belt around your waist is a great way of accentuating it. Shoes The same idea goes for shoes. If you want to create the illusion of thicker ankles, then go for chunky platforms that have been so on trend this season and you can even rock sneakers with a skirt or a dress. When the opposite is the case and you want to create as much of a thin area around your ankles then thin straps and heels is the way to go. Handbags Unless you want to come across as carrying a haversack, if you have a petite frame you should avoid accessorizing with hold all bags. When it comes to a heavier frame, choosing bags that are structured, rather than shopper bags will create the illusion of a sleeker and more elegant presence.  By: Brianna Strickland
Sometimes I wear makeup, and when I do, I like to keep it natural-looking and low key. Before applying makeup, you may want to cleanse your face. Make sure your face is clean to give you a blank canvas to work with. Here’s how to do natural, everyday makeup. PRIME YOUR FACE Now this part is optional, but I highly recommend a primer. Primers are used as a barrier between your skin and the makeup. I’m pretty sure there are primers for all skin types, but they’re highly important for a person who has an oily face. This helps the makeup set better. For instance, I have combination/oily skin and I apply a mattifying primer to control my oil. I apply two primers: one to my entire face and the second one to my t-zone areas. So primer can be a great tool. BROWS Brows are the most important part because they define your features. While allowing your primer to set in, it’s a great time to fill in your brows if you need too. I use a dark brown eye pencil, eyebrow powder, a concealer that’s lighter and the same skin tone as me. The trick is to keep your natural shape, using the eyebrow pencil to lightly outline. Then fill in and use a q-tip to get any excess. Use the concealer right under and right above your eyebrows. This helps them pop! COVERAGE For light, everyday coverage, I recommend a BB cream. A BB cream is a beauty balm that you can wear instead of regular foundation. Most brands advertise that not only does it act as foundation, but also as an anti-aging cream. You can use either a brush or a beauty blender to apply your coverage evenly. If you don’t think a BB cream will work out for you, then feel free to wear your regular foundation or look into CC cream. CONCEAL With concealing, I recommend using a concealer that’s a few shades lighter than your complexion. You would want to conceal the places on your face where light naturally hits with a lighter concealer. This will give you a nice glow. To quickly conceal blemishes or pimples, find the right concealer brush .They are usually small with soft bristles. EYES For a more natural look, I don’t wear eyeshadows, but if you want to wear eyeshadow, then feel free too. To keep it natural, use neutral colors that go with your complexion. I’ll apply my favorite mascara to my top and bottom lashes. Keep it simple. LIPS Nudes and nude-ish pinks are complimentary with a natural makeup look. Use a lip stain or lipstick that is matte and close to your skin tone. Brown lip liners come in handy with helping the nude colors pop. Lastly, apply a setting powder and a setting spray to finish everything off. This will keep your makeup set for the rest of the day. And there you have it!  by Emily Catherine Hughes I don’t wear makeup. I'm not knocking anyone who does, but whenever I experiment with eyeliner, I tend to resemble Darth Maul or Robert Smith of The Cure. I kid — though it can be entertaining to experiment with the sexy, smudged, eyeliner regimen. I’ve also dyed and chopped my dark, blond curls more times than I can count. Here are some great tips on conveying your confidence to the world, without using products. Stand up straight This Mom-ism is one of the most simple, yet brilliant smidgens of advice that I've tried. It projects self-assurance — and truly, when your body is properly aligned, it positively affects your mindset as well. So stand straight up and Slay that shit! Shoulders down & back This is an especially significant tip if you, like me, possess the gift of “linebacker shoulders.” While I’ve come to appreciate my elegant scapula bones after years of self-consciousness, I still constantly remind myself to keep them positioned so I don’t appear to be folding in on myself; head will follow shoulders like a sheep to shepherdess, so not only is this practice aesthetically attractive, but it will save you from necessary chiropractic care down the road. Maintain healthy eye contact Don’t shy away from gazing into another's optical spheres! Maintaining eye contact during conversation not only implies you’re engaged in what they’ve got to say, but it also allows you to experience a kaleidoscope-array of human beauty in the form of eyeball-irises. Speak with conviction Confidence, my loves! Speaking with a strong persuasion or belief in what you say adds credibility to whatever it is you are speaking about. Speak clearly and relax, this is your terrain! Explore & Experiment Humans are a naturally curious species. Nothing excites us more than to learn and act on what we know. Be like the boldness of a Sharpie and ask out that dream crush you’ve had your eye on, or take that leap of faith and start that project you've been thinking about. The world is your playground! Compose a bucket (or, as I refer to mine, “f*ck it”) list and start crossing items off the list as you accomplish them. The more goals you reach, the more confidence you’ll feel because you are accomplishing the things you truly want to achieve!  Author: Emily Catherine Hughes is a Gilmore Girls enthusiast who spends her time journalist-ing, blogging and working on a screenplay she hopes to have finished by her twenty-first birthday. Visit her website here.
 We all love parties and the very idea of hosting or attending one gives us a feeling of excitement. And of course, we all want to look picture perfect. That flawless look gives us a feeling of confidence and also helps us impress others.
The magic behind creating that gorgeous face starts from your dressing table. However, there are a few things to remember. The rule of thumb that every person who wears makeup should know is to focus either on your eyes, or your lips, but not on both of them together. Now, let’s take a look at what you need to do to get that party-ready appearance. Preparation: Get your clothes, accessories, shoes, and everything that you need laid out a week in advance. Once you've decided on what you are going to wear, use this as a pointer and start focusing on your makeup and hairdo. When you put all this together, you'll get an idea of your look, and will be able to select your makeup accordingly. For a Fresh Look: Start by washing your face with a face wash you regularly use, and rub a cube of ice on your skin for a period of 5-10 minutes with short intervals. Now dab some cleansing milk on a cotton ball and wipe your face with it. After you’ve finished cleaning your face apply your moisturizer sparingly, making sure you don’t make your face greasy. For the Base: Choose a foundation close to your skin's complexion. Now, apply your foundation carefully with a sponge or foundation brush. Blend the foundation into the skin and try not to re-apply, as it would make your makeup look cakey. You could use a darker shade of foundation on the broader parts of your face. Next, use your brush to apply shimmer powder on your face over the foundation. The look on your face at this very moment should be exciting, now that the party-ready look has started coming on. :) Now, blush your cheeks adding color gradually. Use some blush on the sides of the forehead and chin as well. Put on a broad smile while applying your blush; this gives a very realistic look to your face when you actually smile at the party. Tip: Avoid liquid foundations at parties where you are bound to sweat, or your makeup would go runny. For Your Eyes: Well, it’s similar to the normal routine, and you should be used to it if you are a person who uses eye makeup. You first start with the primer and blend it into your skin. Next, chose an eye-shadow that will go with your dress, making your choice based on a color that you want to highlight on your outfit. Now, define your eyes with eyeliner, making use of short strokes. Next, apply 2-3 coats of mascara on the tips of your lashes. Finally, define your eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil. Tip: Smokey eyes look great at parties. For Your Lips: If you are going in for well-defined eyes, you might want to be subtle on your lips. First, use a lip liner pencil to shape your lips. Try to go in for one that is of the same shade, or lighter, than the lipstick you plan to use. Then apply some color to your lips with the help of a brush. If you plan to reapply it for a darker shade, blot the lipstick with tissue and then apply it once again. Finally, add a coat of gloss on your lips. Tip: Applying the gloss only to the center of your lower lip will help them look fuller and sexier. For Your Nails: First, clean your nails thoroughly. Try getting a manicure at the salon, or look up some tips for a home manicure. Once your hands and nails are soft and clean, file them to give your nails a proper shape. Next, apply a coat of colorless nail polish as a base coat and let it dry, and then add two coats of any colored nail polish of your choice, giving a gap of 10 minutes in-between. To create that glossy finish, add another coat of the colorless nail polish and let it dry. Tip: Go in a for a color that matches your clutch, shoes or belt for a trendy look. ;) Now that you’ve got a look to die for, team it up with a gorgeous outfit and accessories that enhance your glamor. While you walk out there, carry the look with your head held high, a smile on your lips and a sparkle in your eye. Now that you are at the party, stop worrying about your look and have a blast! :) Author Bio: Pauline Youngblood is the founder and president of Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics. We offers high quality minerals cosmetics that enable you to show-off a fresh and vitalized look. We help to give the desired make up effects and keep the skin health and revitalized with Natural Creme Powder Makeup Foundation. Recently, I’ve discovered the world of subscription boxes and they’re so much fun! It’s great to get a box full of surprise goodies in the mail each month! If you’re like me and are constantly trying out new products, these are fantastic—you get new products,mostly sample or travel sized (which are perfect for switching out), every month so you get to try tons of different products. There are SO MANY different beauty product subscription boxes and this list is to help you decide which ones you’d like to try out!
To Subscribe: www.testtube.newbeauty.com
 Images Courtesy of Bernarr Merriett Bleach...one sniff and you’re practically seeing stars. Now, we can all agree that it is less than ideal for your hair; brittleness, discoloration, and extreme dryness are all scary possibilities and a big bummer for those wanting to lighten up. But before planning for pretty pastels, first keep in mind that this endeavor is a sacrifice and causes a permanent change in your hair. With that being said, here are some of the most important things to know about bleaching hair and what to do to make it as smooth a journey as possible. Damage: First and foremost, no matter what, your hair will be damaged. A big mistake many make is underestimating the power of bleach and its effects on stripping hair of its natural pigment. Bleach goes inside the hair shaft and breaks down pigment molecules into smaller molecules that simply wash your hair color right down the drain. You will also lose important fatty acids that help keep hair strong. The damage is permanent after just one try and every time after only weakens hair more. This process can be very intense, so if your hair has already been colored or processed, bleaching should be an absolute no go. This news may suck, but the consequences can be absolutely devastating.
 Time: A huge misconception is how long it actually takes to achieve the bleach blonde or platinum look; it takes hours, sometimes even days. Stylists will do it in sessions to keep from over traumatizing hair. For people with darker hair, the blonde will often come out as an orangey color in the beginning before transitioning to a blonde. Don’t expect to be in and out in an hour, it takes multiple shots at getting the right shade. Patience truly is a virtue!
 Reality: Don’t expect to look like your fave celeb! Shades and tones work differently on different people. Although magazine clippings and Pinterest pins you bring to your stylist are excellent inspiration, the reality is that you probably won’t get the exact shade and hue you’re looking at. Don’t attach yourself to ideas and make sure to really listen to what your stylist says will be best. They know hair better than you do and their word is absolutely sacred!
 TLC: Make sure to treat your hair like it is made of gold once the process is complete. A lot of people will go back to washing, brushing and pinning their hair like before, but this only worsens the already inevitable damage. Bleaching hair is an investment and should be treated like your most prized pair of shoes. Moisturizing products such as Aveda’s Damage Ready Intensive Restructuring Treatment and color strengthening products like Color Lustre’s line of praise given shampoo and conditioner are going to make a world of difference following a bleaching. These products may be a little pricey but bleached locks are an investment and should be handled with great care.
By: Gioia McGuire |
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