If we have learned anything from some of our favorite YouTube channels it’s that you are never tool old for “Story Time.” Here is a short list of some of our favorite YouTube story tellers we like to pretend that we are friends with. 

1.  Rosé Roundtable

The best stories are told over drinks. The greatest stories are told over Rosé.  So we were sold before we even saw the first roundtable but we are happy to say that this isn’t just a love for Rosé talking or an obsession with the Saldana sisters. The show is raw and honest and features amazing guests who just get added to our list of YouTubers to love.  Watch An Episode. 

2. Talking in Circle

We have been obsessed with Laura Miller the host of Talking in Circles for a long time. Her authentic personality won us over in her other YouTube show Raw Vegan Not Gross. With her return to YouTube via Talking in Circles we get more of the personality and we also get a little bit of authentic story telling from her and her amazing guests. More importantly each show honestly explores the often ignored topic of mental health. The season just wrapped up but that is perfect for the binge watchers of the world.  Watch an episode. 

3. Evelyn From The Internets

We sincerely believe we are friends with Evelyn and it is not because we are on a first name basis with the YouTuber. It is the combination of relatable story telling, the honesty and the intellecutual stamina that has wooed us. Evelyn From The Internets will keep you laughing even if she is just offering up a simple review or telling you about the weirdest pick up line that she has heard.  Watch the episode that won us over and even appeared on Beyonce’s Tour. 

Ju’lia Samuels, editor-in-chief of Worthy Magazine, shares her six honest tips to consider before turning your hobby into your career. 

We are in a very unique time that I am enjoying witnessing and being encouraged by. It helps me feel a little less reckless for thinking that I could start a magazine when I was fresh out of college with less than a handful of magazine jobs under my belt. I’ve learned a lot and I am still learning. I am always shocked when people ask for a little advice when they are starting a company. I get a lot of people looking for tips on starting magazines, communication companies and lifestyle brands mostly just to give you an idea. The conversation always starts off with what the person feels is a disclaimer: 

“Ok so this is something I really enjoy doing and……” 

And in that moment without realizing it, they already have my excitement and sympathy. I tend to lean towards cheering their idea on. I do that because I remember when I use to talk about starting Worthy. People were real quick to hit me with the “Oh that’s nice,” and keep it moving on to what they really wanted to talk to me about. 
I listen and offer subtle advice. I can honestly admit it is because I like seeing people take the leap of faith. The act encourages me as well. Is that horrible? Anyway, with that being said, I wanted to write something that was a little less subtle but still sincerely honest. 
So here are a few tips that I don’t usually get to share: 

 1. Are you willing to sacrifice the love and enjoyment of your hobby for stress and hard work? 

Sometimes, I think we forget that the joys of a hobby is that there is no pressure. So it is so easy to enjoy. It normally helps us relax. But turning something you enjoy into work is not going to look like an image off The Every Girl Website all the time. It may look more like your senior year of college the night before your final exam in a subject that you are already struggling in. 

2. You might end up being your own best company. 

Lonely nights and a lot of independent projects. Are you ready to trust yourself? There is a certain boldness and honestly loneliness that comes with declaring yourself your own boss.  

3. Planning all of the details is not required.

4. Your sense of time changes

 We often compare our beginning to another person’s middle point or beyond. Or we look at those really unique companies that experienced equally unique successes without knowing the details of their real journey. You often find out on your journey (if your new career is in the same genre as the person you are comparing yourself to) that the person was well connected or had unique resources or eventually compiled a resourceful contact list. But we end up constructing our timeline based off someone else’s experiences. NEVER insult your goals that way. You are not like anyone else and neither are your experiences. Once you realize that, your sense of time changes. It may take years to develop your company. Do you love your idea enough to give it that much of your time? 

5. Thicken your skin. 

You will have to become a little more subtle and selective with who and how you collect advice. Sometimes the worse thing you can do is lay out your entire idea and plan to your desired mentor. I learned the hard way that sometimes the worse question you can ask a person is for a quick solution to something that took them years to develop. So don’t be offended when people outright limit how much they tell you. We are kind of in an era of people saying that they charge fees for those “Can I pick your brain,” kind of conversations. 

6. Do not spend too much time monitoring what other people (in your field) are doing. 
These are just a few things to consider that I don’t think you get to hear over those “coffee meetings” that people love to request. You might get more information out of a phone call than over coffee. I know that is kind of how I am. Driving to a middle point to meet a person is not always ideal when you are keeping crazy hours for your craft.

Read more posts over at Ju’lia Catherine A Worthy Lifestyle Journal 

We love items that serve multiple purposes. Here are a few items that we have our eye on. 
MPG Sport style-driven silhouettes combine high performance technology and fabrics that carry you from the office to the airport, vacation destinations, outdoor adventures and everywhere in-between, which is why they are on our radar

Utility Hooded Backpack

Fashionable yet functional—this unisex backpack features a unique, stow-away hood, detailed dual entry and water resistant fabric. Perfect for city commuting and outdoor activities alike.
Retail: $130

Link to buy: http://mpgsport.com/p-1095-utility-hooded-backpack.aspx

Angela Roi, a New York based ethical luxury handbag brand, is introducing what is being described as “the best vegan wallet.” 

   Olivia Wallet is the most premium quality, extremely durable vegan wallet with modern classic aesthetic. The highly functional Olivia Wallet is meticulously hand cut and carefully crafted by skilled artisans. 
                                                                                                
Songa Designs provides jobs to more than 150 women in Rwanda, which enables them to buy things like land or health insurance and even send their children to school for the first time. Supporting socially conscious companies and making a difference never goes out of style. We are in love with LINDONA NECKLACE, which retails for $48.00. We love that Songa Designs are bold and colorful statement pieces that can go with almost anything. 

Before you grab that morning cup of coffee on an empty stomach, that lunchtime slice of pizza, or indulge in a steak dinner or ice cream while watching TV, understand that what you eat and when you eat it can lead to stomach upset. It can also trigger more severe issues in your gut. On the flip side, there are some foods that when eaten at certain times of day may soothe already existing stomach issues or may even prevent stomach ailments from occurring down the line. We spoke with Dr. Gina Sam Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York who offers insights on what and when to eat certain foods for a healthy gut. 
Best Bets for Morning

Yogurt

It’s important to start the day with a healthy breakfast that factors in stomach health. Probiotics found in Greek yogurt is ideal as it regulates the growth of harmful bacteria that grown in the digestive tract. Probiotics also keep colon lining healthy as it breaks through gastric acid and gets to the colon. In 2015 a study published in the The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology showed that yogurt might improve intestinal function for those with inflammatory bowel disease. Those who are lactose intolerant can enjoy lactose free yogurt. 

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great bet for breakfast and can be topped with blueberries another gut friendly food. Oatmeal doesn’t cause acid reflux. It soothes any morning stomach upset and regulates bowel movements. 
Fresh Fruit 
Honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon are great options for those sensitive to reflux. Bananas help restore potassium, electrolytes and normal bowel function, especially if you have diarrhea. Bananas are also high in fiber, which is great for digestion. 

 The Lunchtime Lowdown

Salads

Eating leafy greens daily is a great for digestion. Lunchtime salads that include grilled salmon; chicken or turkey won’t cause reflux and will be easily digestible throughout the afternoon. If you are sensitive to acid then you will want to avoid onions or tomatoes and for some even the seeds in cucumbers can trigger a bout of stomach cramping. Be careful with lemon juice and vinegar in salad dressings, which can promote reflux. Try adding fennel with arugula and baby spinach along with parsley. Parsley is known to help digestion and settles the stomach. 

Kimchi
This delicious Korean coleslaw is made primarily with cabbage, which promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. Also cabbage helps to eliminate waste regulating bowl movements. Home made sauerkraut is also a delicious option but be mindful if you are sensitive to spicy foods. This is why it is best to make your own so you can regulate the amount of spice. 
Mediterranean Plates

Lunchtime is optimal for grilled veggies, legumes such as lentils with olive oil along with grilled fish or chicken. Preparing a plate of various whole grains, cauliflower, carrots, figs and pears are all great sources of fiber for the mid day. 
A Digestible Dinner
You really want to focus on ease of digestion at dinnertime. Foods that are high fat can overwhelm the stomach, resulting in acid reflux and heartburn. Steatorrhea or pale colored stool is excess fat in the feces. People with IBS fare better when they avoid high fat foods. That said here are some options for a healthy gut. 

Grilled Fish

Cold-water fish such as salmon, halibut, or tuna when grilled in olive oil are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which can address any inflammation in the digestive tract. According to a 2014 study featured in the World Journal of Clinical Cases, omega-3’s were sites as being beneficial to those with ulcerative colitis. 

Grilled Chicken with Couscous or Brown Rice

Chicken another lean meat that offers protein and is easy to digest goes great with couscous or brown rice especially if you tend to get acid reflux after late meals. Another option for a side dish is guacamole or avocado slices with lime. Artichokes also feed the good bacteria in your gut as does asparagus and lentils.
Stomach Friendly Snacking
When it comes to snacking there are several options you can reach for. Granny smith apples with almond butter, baby carrots and hummus, hallowed out cucumber and cottage cheese, kale and zucchini chips and assorted nuts (not peanuts) are all healthy and good for the gut. You know your body best. Pay close attention to what agrees with you at varying times of the day and if you notice changes in how you take to certain foods see your doctor. 
 
About Dr. Gina Sam: 
Dr. Gina Sam, MD/MPH is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York. She is the Director of the Mount Sinai Gastrointestinal Motility Center specializing in achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux, functional disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis, and anorectal disorders including pelvic floor dyssnergia and fecal incontinence.

In addition, she does practice General Gastroenterology including colon cancer screening with colonoscopy. She also has a special interest in Women’s Health Issues.
Dr. Sam graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine with her medical degree and her Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health in 2003. She has established the Mount Sinai Gastrointestinal Motility Center at Mount Sinai Medical Center providing a multidisciplinary approach to motility and Functional gastrointestinal disorders. 

Image Courtesy of Traditional Medicinals

Turn your everyday rituals into a magical experience 
Transform your bathroom into your own personal oasis to wash away your stress and awaken your own inner goddess. The stress of our everyday responsibilities can make it easy to believe that the path to peace and happiness has to be just as elaborate and difficult to acquire. But we wanted to remind you that some of the simplest things can be transformed into a luxurious treat. You have the right to make every experience no matter how small as magical as possible. 

According to Traditional Medicinals, bathing is actually an ancient therapeutic practice called balneotherapy. Romans recognized the importance of water therapy and even provided public bath houses for citizens. Ayurvedic healers use steams, baths, and cold water plunges to maintain health based on your constitution–also known as doshas—and promote circulation.* Almost all ancient cultures prescribe therapeutic bathing rituals to promote overall wellness and calm the skin, our body’s largest organ.

So we wanted to share a few recipes that stood out to us from some of our favorite accounts to follow. 

“I think every women, especially every black women, have the tool to manifest pleasure for themselves. These baths are pleasure tools, they heal me and remind me daily that my body is divine,” Ayana Flewellen owner of Dovie’s said. 

Ayana’s bath rituals always brighten up our Instagram feed. Vibrant sunflowers dance across her bath water and immediately capture our attention. We needed to know more.

Images from Ayana’s Instagram

One of her go-to recipes for a relaxing bath includes fresh sunflowers, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, lavender, and ylang ylang oil poured directly into the bath. 

“This is an abundance bath, the apple cider vinegar is clearing it pulls toxins from the body. The coconut oil moisturizes skin. Ylang ylang is a divine feminine oil, and lavender brings about calm,” Ayana shared. 

Another recipe that is sure to make you feel like you can take on the world comes from Traditional Medicinals. Their recipe comes with instructions for five servings to get you through the work week.

Image Courtesy of Traditional Medicinals

Materials:
5 six-ounce jars

Labels

Big mixing bowl

Spoon for mixing
Ingredients:

½ cup baking soda

½ cup sweet almond oil (or healthy oil of choice, like jojoba or sesame oil)

½ cup dried calendula petals

1 cup dried rose petals

1 cup coarsely ground, Kosher sea salt

1 cup Epsom salt

4-6 drops of lavender essential oil

1 drop of Moroccan blue chamomile oil
Instructions:
Start by blending the dry ingredients together in the large bowl, then slowly pour in the almond and essential oils while stirring.

Add the mixture to the jars, and label them with their ingredients and the date crafted.

Add a couple of tablespoons to each bath to enjoy a deep state of calm.
Whether you go with an old fashioned bubble bath, use bath bombs or these recipes. Make sure that you make time to create your own experiences. 

W Fort Lauderdale and yogi Cristal Gould, are inviting guests to take “The Journey” to the hotel property’s terrace for a masquerade yoga experience on Friday, October 28th from 7-11 p.m.

The magical and mystical evening will be kicked off under the stars with an hour flow session and a live art activation with Anya Nadal and Alvaro Santamaria. The tone will be set with music styling by DJ Midas and sound hearings by Rich Gausman as the sunsets. Tickets are priced at $25 for entry to the event and $5 for valet parking. To book tickets, visit wyoga.eventbrite.com.

The entrance of Eden Day Spa in Boca Raton (213 East Palmetto Park Road) feels like it belongs to you. The intimate and inviting entrance beckons you to take in the sugar scrubs, lotions and oils that line the walls of the waiting area, creating a nest of comfort. The spa feels like home. You know that if you could fill your home with your favorite grooming products this is what it would like. There is a unique comfort at Eden Day Spa that assures you that you are in a spa and not a medical facility. Every detail reaffirms that you are about to be comforted. 

Eden Day Spa is one of the many locations that is participating in the highly-anticipated and worthy approved, Spa Week. Starting today until the 23rd of this month, spa treatments can be booked nationally for a flat rate, $50 directly on the Spa Week Website. 

“Taking care of your body today will slow down the aging clock of tomorrow,” Founder of Spa Week, Cheryl Reid shares, “Incorporating spa and wellness practices into your daily regimen will preserve your mental and spiritual wellbeing, help maintain your youthful appearance, aid in managing your stress levels, improve your energy and enhance your life.” 

Worthy Approved at Eden Day Spa

The magazine highly recommends the 50 Minute Sweet Cream Buttered Rum Body Bliss Back Buff + Body Massage is described as, “50 minutes of pure heaven with a delicious combo of a back buff and body massage. Golden brown sugar and premium aged rum combine with rice bran oil in this buttery-sweet body scrub that polishes away dry, rough patches in those hard-to-reach spots on your back, leaving your skin ultra soft and smooth. Following your decadent back buff, you will receive a body massage performed with a nourishing lotion scented with light velvety notes of sweet cream and infused with a blend of natural oils including Sweet Almond, Avocado and Sesame, that provide lasting softness and hydration.” The treatment provides attention to an often neglected and overworked part of your body, which is why we enjoyed it so much. 

Image from Kay Tita Web Site

If you are looking for an organization to donate to, Kay Tita a socially responsible organization whose focus is to maintain a balance between the economy and the Haitian ecosystems has compiled a list of organizations that your donations will go the furthest with. Kay Tita will also be traveling to Haiti on October 16th with the donations that the organization has collected to provide to the residents of Haiti. 

Haiti which is the third largest country in the Carribean was hit by a catastrophic category four hurricane (Hurricane Matthew) that has claimed the lives of 1,000 residents of Haiti.  

Image from Kay Tita Web Site

Kay Tita was created in 2010 after Haiti was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that killed more than 160,000 and displaced close to 1.5 million people.  The organization was created by David Pierre-Louis, a Seattle native, with Haitian roots who chose to name the organization after his mother, endearingly known by many as “Tita.”  David has converted his mother’s home into a multi-level community resource center. Kay Tita is working closely with the listed organizations and many more to assist in providing much needed items to the residents of Haiti. We will be adding to the list and providing additional information as it comes in. 

1. Sow A Seed

Sow a Seed is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit, volunteer-based organization that works with struggling orphanages in the Caribbean region, assisting them with food, shelter, education and healthcare. Founded and managed by a team of young Haitian-American professionals, Sow a Seed has been operating since 2004 with the financial support of leading foundations and corporations. The organization also benefits from individual donations.
2. Man Dodo Humanitarian Foundation INC

Man Dodo Humanitarian Foundation INC, a 501 (c)(3) registered Non-profit organization with volunteers from all over the United States and Haiti. The inspiration for Man Dodo Humanitarian Foundation came from the work that Evanne “Man Dodo” Lozama dedicated her life to helping make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate in Haiti.

An emphasis has been placed on feminine hygiene products being at the top of the list of desired donated items.  However you decide to donate, whether it is with your time, money or items it will all make a difference. We encourage you to research any organization, including the ones listed, that you decide to contribute to.

Image courtesy of Spa Week

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, Spa Week. From October 17th-23rd you can enjoy spa treatments (ranging from $100-$500) at an affordable flat rate ($50).  Available nationwide, Spa Week can be enjoyed anywhere. The accessible spa treatments advocate for so much more than elaborate luxury. The week is all about emphasizing the importance of self-care and inspiration. It is the perfect time to renew and reset our often overworked bodies.

“Incorporating spa and wellness practices into your daily regimen will preserve your mental and spiritual wellbeing, help maintain your youthful appearance, aid in managing your stress levels, improve your energy and enhance your life,” Founder of Spa Week, Cheryl Reid said. 

Keep an eye out for our Worthy Approved list of Spa Week treatments and locations.