KseniyaS, Author at Sparks and Roses

9 Midnight Snack Foods To Help You Fall Asleep

We’ve all heard about foods and drinks that make it hard to fall asleep—caffeine, alcohol, and sugar included. But did you know that some foods can actually help you catch some zzz’s? If you regularly struggle to fall asleep, try snacking on one of these sleep superfoods before bed to see if they help you get some much-needed shuteye!

Turkey

Ah, the source of the famous post-American-Thanksgiving snooze. Turkey is rich in tryptophan, an amino acid which helps produce melatonin, the sleep hormone. Additionally, some studies indicate that eating protein before bed can help you to sleep better.

Chamomile Tea

This common sleep remedy isn’t just an old-wives tale—it’s actually proven to help with sleep! Chamomile tea contains apigenin, an antioxidant that can help you sleep. Additionally, drinking anything warm before bed—milk, tea, or even warm water—can promote feelings of calm and comfort, making it easier to fall asleep.

Kiwi

Eating fruit before bed might sound strange, but in the case of kiwi, the benefits outweigh the weirdness. Kiwis are rich in the chemical serotonin, which helps to regulate sleep. In one study, people that ate kiwi before bed fell asleep 42% faster than those who didn’t.

Tart Cherries

Since we’re on the fruit train, why not try tart cherries before bed? They’re another melatonin-heavy food and can regulate your circadian rhythm. If you’re not into eating a handful of cherries late at night, you can simply drink their juice instead.

Salmon

Salmon before bed sounds gross, right? Thankfully, you don’t have to eat it minutes before your head hits the pillow to get the benefit. Salmon and other fatty fish contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which can regulate your body’s natural serotonin levels and improve sleep.

Almonds

Almonds also promote melatonin, which can help improve sleep quality. They also contain magnesium, which can help reduce insomnia, and they reduce stress hormones, making sleep more restful.

Lettuce

Ever feel like a midnight snack with a little crunch? Turns out lettuce is rich in lactucarium, a nutrient that may help you feel more relaxed and sleepy. Steep a few leaves in hot water (with a little milk and honey, of course!) for a calming evening tea.

Tofu

If you’re not into meat, tofu is another protein source that can promote healthy sleep. It also contains high amounts of calcium and isoflavones, which can help increase serotonin levels.

Dark Chocolate

Finally, a midnight snack we actually want to eat! Dark chocolate contains magnesium, so it can help boost your sleep. Just don’t go too crazy with your snacking—dark chocolate does also contain some caffeine, and you don’t want to wake yourself up while you’re enjoying your tasty treat!

The Key To Great Sleep Might Be in Your Pantry

If you struggle to sleep, try a few sleep-promoting foods before bed to support your body’s natural wind-down cycle and help you rest deeply all night long. Just remember to stay away from foods and habits that will keep you up, like caffeine, blue light, and stress.

Update Your Home—No Renovation Required!—With These 6 Tips

Whether you’re moving into an outdated home or just looking to refresh your current space, there are tons of changes you can make to brighten up your favorite rooms and make your home more cozy. Try these 6 simple tips to redesign your home and make it your own!

Paint, Paint, Paint

There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to instantly transform any space. And it doesn’t have to be on the walls—painting kitchen cabinets, doors, bathroom tile, or furniture like dressers and sideboards can make a huge difference in the feel of your home. You can even repaint your home’s exterior for a full-on home facelift!

The key with choosing paint colors is to find something cohesive that will blend the rooms of your home together. If you like bold colors, pick a palette of a few favorites that pop in every room. If you’re more neutral, choose a few quiet shades and a subtle accent color to peek throughout your home. You’d be surprised how a crisp white paint can brighten a room or a moody jewel tone can amp up the coziness!

Switch Out Light Fixtures

If your home has any larger fixtures, like chandeliers, vanity lights, or hanging lamps, try switching them out with something new for a fresh, modern vibe. This simple swap is inexpensive, easy, and impactful. Plus, it allows you to infuse your home with some of your personal style and character!

Replace Cabinet Hardware

Old cabinet hardware can instantly date a kitchen or bathroom. But swapping them out with sleeker handles (or going completely hardware-free!) can easily refresh your kitchen or bathroom. Pair new hardware with freshly painted cabinets for a transformative new look!

Get Some New Blinds or Curtains

If you’re stuck with stuffy old curtains or crinkly plastic blinds, it might be time for an upgrade. Install some fresh curtain rods or hooks and buy some light, airy curtains to make your home feel more warm and inviting.

Rethink Your Layout

This life hack costs absolutely nothing, and it’s a fun exercise in creativity! Have you ever thought about changing which room you sleep in? Or moving your couch to a different area of the living room? Even—wait for it!—turning your spare bedroom into a workout space?

There are many ways you can change up your home’s current layout, from swapping rooms to simply shifting around furniture. Without buying a thing, you can create new room combinations that can revive your home.

Recover Your Furniture

OK, this one takes a little sewing know-how, but if you’ve got a knack for DIY projects, it’s a fun one to try! Sewing new covers for old furniture isn’t as complicated as you’d think—really! Just search for a pattern online—and they allow you to completely customize old furniture. Tired of that stained, dirty old tan couch? Liven it up with a fresh fabric cover in your favorite shade.

In Just a Few Days, Your Home Could Feel Totally Different

It doesn’t take much to revitalize an old space. With a few trips to the hardware store, a couple of thoughtful purchases, and a little elbow grease, you can transform your home into a space you adore!

4 First Date Warning Signs To Watch Out For

Let’s face it—first dates are complicated. Not only are you trying to figure out if you’re attracted to one another, if you have anything in common, and if your personalities and life goals could someday intertwine, but you’re also trying to figure out if the person sitting across the table from you is really who they seem to be.

Too many of us end up investing in relationships that are toxic, abusive, fake, or frustrating. Next time you’re on a first date, watch out for these 4 warning signs that might point to an unhealthy relationship from the start.

They Seem To Be Your Perfect Match

Do they agree with everything you say? Do you have all the same hobbies, like the same food, and cheer for the same teams? You might think a partner like that is too good to be true…and you might be right.

Sure, there might be a few people out there who love pineapple on their pizza just like you, but your date’s willingness to agree to everything you say could be a way for them to hide sharing anything about themselves. If you find your date is similar to you to the point of being almost strange, proceed with caution. It might just be coincidence or good luck, but it could be a sign your date is attempting to force intimacy with you.

They Won’t Discuss the Past

First dates are all about the future, right? But your past is a part of who you are, for good or for bad! If your date is unwilling to share things about their past, including their previous relationships, family, or upbringing, it could be a sign they’re hiding some bad behavior.

If they are uncomfortable when you discuss your past (even if you’re not!), it’s another red flag. This could be a sign they’ll be overly jealous of your past flames or your friends in the months or years to come.

They Won’t Stop Discussing the Past

Sure, you want to know if they’ve ever been in a serious relationship before. But are they harping on and on about their first love? If so, they might still be navigating unresolved feelings from an old relationship, and you should stay away—you’re only going to get your heart broken if you step between two people with history.

If they can’t stop saying bad things about an old partner, it’s another red flag. After all, they barely know you! Sharing excessive criticism of someone they used to love shows that they might be narcissistic, self-involved, or immature.

They Keep Checking Their Phone

It might seem obvious, but then again, most of us are willing to overlook a lot in the name of love! If your date keeps constantly checking their phone, responding to texts or calls, or just generally acts distracted during your time together, it’s a good idea to make your first date your last date.

These behaviors indicate a lack of interest and commitment in your potential relationship. After all, they might even be checking their dating profile or texting other potential dates while they get drinks with you! You deserve to be someone’s first choice, and if they can’t see that, they’re not worth your time.

Your Perfect Partner Is Out There

Don’t settle for a bad date just to be with someone. If you see warning signs, get out—and trust that the next one might be the one!

Wondering Why You’re So Tired? It Could Be One of These 5 Reasons

Tiredness after waking up early to catch a flight or at the end of a long day is completely normal. But if you find you’re chronically tired no matter how much sleep you get, there might be something more serious going on.

Chronic fatigue can occur because of several different things, including medical conditions, diet, and other lifestyle factors. If you’re struggling with constant tiredness, keep reading to find out what might be causing it.

You’re Only Getting Low Quality Sleep

Maybe you’re laying in bed for a solid 8 hours a night, but are you actually sleeping? Many things, including insomnia, checking your phone in bed, alcohol and caffeine intake, and eating before bed can make your nighttime hours less than restful. If you’re struggling to sleep well, try experimenting with your diet and evening activities to see if they make an impact on your quality of sleep.

You’re Too Stressed

Ever feel like your mind is racing at night? Not only does chronic stress make it difficult to fall—and stay—asleep, but it can actually change your brain, making you feel exhausted no matter how much sleep you get.

Learning to manage stress through exercise, fulfilling activities, or lifestyle changes including career or relationship change can help you regain energy and calm your busy mind.

Anxiety or depression can also cause fatigue. If you’re chronically stressed and worried something deeper might be going on, it could be a good time to talk to a mental health professional about your concerns.

Your Diet Has Nutritional Deficiencies

What we eat has a huge bearing on how we feel throughout the day—so it makes sense that an unbalanced diet could make us feel tired and sluggish. Deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin C as well as nutrients like iron and magnesium have all been shown to cause tiredness. If you think vitamin deficiency might be the culprit, try taking multivitamins for a few weeks to see if you experience an energy boost.

Taking vitamins can’t solve all the problems with a poor diet, however. Diets low in protein and high in processed sugar can not only cause weight gain and high blood sugar, they can also cause fatigue, depression, and insomnia. Nourish your body with energy-rich foods like lean protein and legumes supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables for a diet that keeps you healthy and active all day long.

You Have Sleep Apnea or Another Medical Condition

Sleep apnea, in which your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep, can obviously cause you to get poor sleep. But there are many medical conditions you might not even know you have that could also cause you to sleep poorly or feel exhausted during the day.

Mental health conditions can cause tiredness, as can hypothyroidism, some types of cancers, and diseases like kidney disease and diabetes. If you’re not feeling right but can’t pinpoint an obvious cause, getting tested for some common medical conditions might help you determine what’s going on.

You’re Drinking All the Wrong Things

What you drink has a counterintuitive impact on your energy level. For example, too much caffeine can actually cause exhaustion, not energy, and drinking alcohol can tire you out too, even though for a few hours it might make you feel like the life of the party.

The best energy drink? Water! Staying hydrated can combat the effects of dehydrating beverages like coffee and alcohol, and it can help boost your energy levels and improve your concentration.

If You’re Concerned About Chronic Tiredness, Talk To a Medical Professional

Chronic exhaustion isn’t normal. If it’s plaguing you, talk to a professional about it so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.

How to Make Your Kids Smarter

Be honest—haven’t you dreamed your kid will grow up and have some prestigious career, like a doctor, lawyer, or maybe even the president? Many parents are obsessed with helping their kids become more intelligent, but can parents really make a difference? Smarts aren’t all about genetics; resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to try new things play a big role, too. Try these 6 tips to help support your child’s development and raise a smart, successful kid.

Read, Read, Read

Reading with your kids is one of the best ways to boost their brain development. Whether you’ve got an infant or a young adult, try to read with them, not to them. Encourage them to interact with the story, whether it’s opening and closing flaps in a board book or allowing them to read a page or two as you go along.

Don’t Fix All Their Problems

When your child is hurting, you want nothing more than to swoop in and save the day. Hurt and bleeding? You’ve got a bandage handy. Trouble with friends at school? You’ve got their teacher on speedial.

It’s tough, but taking a step back and allowing your child to problem solve actually helps them in the long run. Problem solving teaches resilience and creativity, two important qualities that are characteristic of successful adults. Next time your kid comes home complaining about the kids on the bus, discuss the situation with them and encourage them to find a solution on their own.

Encourage Them To Journal

Emotional intelligence, or the ability to recognize and manage emotions in yourself and others, is a hallmark characteristic of successful people. It’s even more important than a high IQ! Journaling is one way to develop emotional intelligence from a young age, since it helps kids perceive and come to terms with their emotions.

Feed Them “Brain Food”

A healthy diet nourishes your child’s body and mind. Studies show that the best brain foods are just what you’d expect—whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and proteins like eggs and nuts are all great choices, as are salmon, yogurt, and beans.

Exercise With Them

OK, you’re not necessarily going to take your kid to the gym, but playful exercise, like going to the playground, playing tag, or enrolling them in sports can actually boost brain cells. If you’re struggling to get your kid interested in exercise, make it a family affair—go on a family hike or take a bike ride together.

Allow Independent Play

Today’s parents favor highly structured activities over unstructured play. But sending your kid outside without an agenda helps them to become more creative and curious. Instead of plying them with toys, educational television, or flash cards, try letting them explore for themselves.

In Case No One’s Told You Yet, You’re Doing Great

Your kid might not be the smartest, the most athletic, or the funniest in the class, but they’re your perfect kiddo. Don’t be too hard on them, or on yourself—remember, you don’t have to be perfect to be the perfect parent for your kids.

Telling First Date Conversation Starters

You might think you don’t really need to prepare for a first date—after all, it’s not exactly an interview! Or is it?

Not to scare you, but first dates are kind of a big deal. Nobody likes to waste time on a relationship that’s going nowhere—and a good first date can help you pinpoint whether you might click or whether it’s better to move on.

Keep reading for our favorite first date conversation starters that really help you get to know your date.

Ask About Where They’re From

Who knows, maybe you’re from the state or town! Depending on their answer, this question can spark great conversation—maybe you’ve been to the same parks, museums, or restaurants. If it turns out you’ve never even heard of where they grew up, their answer is still valuable—after all, their home probably has a huge bearing on how they see the world. Did they grow up in a small town, or in the middle of a city? Did they like it or hate it? Do they want to move back someday? You can learn a lot about your date by learning where they’re from.

Discuss Hobbies

You might love old rom coms, but is it important to you that your partner does too? Generally, it’s more important to find out if your date has hobbies than if they share the same ones as you—although shared hobbies are a great topic of conversation on a first date! If you spend a lot of time exercising, cooking, or going out with friends, you want to know that your date will either come along or be busy with their own activities.

Talk About Their Relationships

We don’t mean that kind of relationship, although discussing past partners can be helpful on a first date, particularly if you or your date is divorced or has kids. But discussing your date’s friends, family, and even coworkers can help you get a sense for who they really are.

Are they close with others? Do they invest in their relationships? Or do they blame difficulties with their family or friends on others? Your relationships say a lot about you, and your date is no exception—if they seem unable to build or maintain healthy relationships, then they might not be the best choice for a romantic partner either.

Bring Up Dealbreakers

Is spirituality super important to you? Kids? Living close to family? If you’ve got dealbreakers, don’t be afraid to bring them up on a first date. It might end some relationships before they start, but it’s important to be honest and put your goals and desires first. Don’t wait until you’ve fallen in love to talk about the future, which will put you in the awful position of choosing between your goals and your love. See if your goals align from the start, and let the relationship bloom from there.

Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on a First Date

Dating is tough, and nerves don’t help. If your first date wasn’t the instant connection you were hoping for but you think there might be something there, don’t give up. But be bold enough to step away from dates you’re really not clicking with. Your perfect match is out there somewhere!

Helpful Parenting Books for Every Stage

Whether you’re the parent of a newborn, a middle schooler, or a full-blown adult, you know that parenting is fun, rewarding, and…tough. Half the time it feels like you don’t know what you’re doing, and once you finally get the hang of it, your kid changes!

No matter what age your kids are, it’s helpful to learn from those who have already gone through it. Parenting books can help you navigate picky eaters, encourage you during the endless teenage years, and remind you of all that you love about your wild and wonderful kids. Check out these parenting books for support at every stage.

Best Parenting Book for Supporting Childhood Development: The Whole-Brained Child

Do you ever wonder what’s going on in your little one’s brain? Learn the neuroscience behind tantrums, self control, and more—as well as how to handle them in a thoughtful, respectful way. This book helps you understand why your child exhibits challenging behavior and shows you how to respond to it in ways that actually work.

Best Parenting Book for Potty Training: Oh Crap! Potty Training

Let’s face it, potty training is kind of hilarious…so a potty-training guide that’s funny and informative is just what we need! This helpful guide outlines how to get past diapers without bribes, tricks, or tantrums.

Best Parenting Book for Conflict With Children: How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk

Every wonder why your kids just won’t listen? Arguing with kids is one of the most frustrating situations for any parent. This book helps teach parents how to manage their own emotions before they get out of control as well as how to deal with their kids’ emotions with empathy and patience. The key isn’t overpowering your kids or giving time outs, it’s effective listening and clear communication.

Best Parenting Book for Co-Parenting: Parenting Apart

If you’re divorced or separated, your primary concern is probably the impact your relationship with your ex will have on your kids. Parenting Apart helps teach parents how to thoughtfully support and nurture their kids during and after divorce, no matter how old they are. If you’re trying to navigate this difficult situation, wisdom from those on the other side can really help!

Best Parenting Book for Toddlers: No Bad Kids

Once your kids start saying “no,” it’s hard to recall that innocent newborn you snuggled just the other day. Where did your sweet, good-natured kid go? Janet Lansbury helps parents learn to handle difficult situations with patience and respect and to understand how pushing boundaries is a developmental milestone for all children.

Best Parenting Book for Siblings: Siblings Without Rivalry

Are you close with your siblings? Every parent dreams their children will grow up to be lifelong friends, but in many families, the dream falls short. If you’re looking to nurture the relationship of your children, give this book a shot for practical advice.

You Don’t Have To Parent Alone

No matter what your family situation looks like, help is available—from parenting books to family counselors to friends and loved ones. Parenting books can be a great first step towards getting support. Have you read any of these parenting books? Which was your favorite?

8 Cellulite Treatments that Actually Work

A lot of people have cellulite, but that might not stop you from cringing when you see its characteristic dimples on your legs, stomach, or butt. If you’re rocking your dimply thighs, congrats! But if you’re looking for a way to reduce the appearance of cellulite on your body, what should you try first?

There are hundreds of creams, procedures, and treatments out there promising to get rid of cellulite for good, but which cellulite treatments actually work? We’ve rounded up the top cellulite treatments recommended by dermatologists, so you can feel great in your skin again.

Laser Treatments

Contrary to what some people believe, cellulite isn’t caused by being overweight. In fact, most women have cellulite, no matter what their pant size is! Cellulite is caused by fat cells—which we all have!—pushing up against cords of connective tissue.

While decreasing the amount of fat in your body can help reduce the appearance of cellulite ( we’ll touch on this later), breaking up the tough connective tissue bands can too. That’s why most office procedures for treating cellulite aim to loosen and thicken skin cells.

Laser treatments involve inserting a laser under the skin which breaks apart the cords of connective tissue that cause cellulite’s characteristic cottage cheese-like appearance. Laser treatments reduce the appearance of cellulite in most people, and results can last for 6 months or more.

Acoustic Wave Therapy

Acoustic wave therapy works in a similar way to laser treatments, but it’s less invasive. That’s because acoustic waves are used to break apart tough connective tissue from outside the body. Your doctor will manually manipulate a device over the areas you’re hoping to reduce cellulite, and after a few treatments you should start to see results.

Weight Loss

While your weight doesn’t cause cellulite, losing weight can minimize its appearance. That’s because you’ll have less fat pushing up against your connective tissue, making cellulite less pronounced.

Vacuum-Assisted Precise Tissue Release

This cellulite treatment isn’t for the faint of heart, but for some people, it reduces the appearance of cellulite for up to 3 years! If you get vacuum-assisted precise tissue release, your dermatologist will use small blades to cut your connective tissue, releasing them.

Exercise

Losing weight through exercise is a one-two punch for cellulite—losing weight decreases the amount of fat in your body, and exercise increases your muscle mass, which can make your skin look more toned and firm. By doing targeted exercises for cellulite-prone areas, you can build muscle in your butt, thighs, and stomach, reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Subcision

Subcision is similar to laser treatment in that it involves inserting something small under the skin that breaks up thick tissue. Instead of a laser, subcism uses a small needle to break apart tissue. Subcism reduces the appearance of cellulite for most people for 2 years or more!

Cellulite Creams and Lotions

While every so-called cellulite cream isn’t equally effective, if you’re looking for an everyday cream that will minimize cellulite, look for creams containing 0.3% retinol or caffeine. Caffeine creams can dehydrate your skin’s fat cells, which makes them smaller and less visible. Retinol products can thicken the skin by promoting collagen production, and it’s harder to see cellulite on thicker skin.

Collagen

As mentioned above, collagen is important in keeping skin tight and firm. Some people find that taking collagen supplements can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

No one needs to be ashamed of cellulite—it’s entirely normal, and most people have it. If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of your cellulite, give one of these treatments a try!

Top 9 Must-See Mysterious Places in the World

Are you looking for a vacation with a little less beach and a little more…intrigue? Then look no further than one of these mysterious destinations for your next getaway. Whether you’re searching for unexplainable phenomenon or cities rife with local legend, you’re certain to take a trip you’ll never forget.

Easter Island, Chile

Nobody knows why the statues on Easter Island were carved by the Rapa Nui people, but theories range from funeral momentos to the marking of freshwater resources. Whatever the purpose, the carvers were dedicated—there’s almost 1,000 of these statues populating the island, each standing about 13 feet tall.

Bermuda Triangle

OK, so you can’t exactly “visit” the Bermuda Triangle—and you wouldn’t want to, seeing as dozens of planes and ships have mysteriously disappeared while traveling through this area. But you can travel to its outskirts, from Miami to Turks and Caicos to Bermuda itself. Enjoy a sunny beach vacation while reveling in the mystery that surrounds these bright blue seas.

Area 51, U.S.

If you’re headed to Las Vegas, you might as well try and sneak your way into Area 51 while you’re nearby. After all, who knows what you might find—evidence of UFOs, confirmation of government conspiracy theories, and a time travel machine are all guesses as to what’s hidden in this top-secret desert compound.

Crooked Forest, Poland

If you’re into unexplained natural phenomena, then the Crooked Forest has to be high on your list of mysterious places to visit. This small copse of pine trees bursts out of the ground in a strangely curvy formation, and so far scientists aren’t able to explain why.

Lake Hillier, Australia

No, it’s not photo edited, the water of Lake Hillier really is the color of hot pink bubble gum! But why? Nobody knows! This large inland lake sits right next to the Pacific Ocean, which, as you would expect, is deeply blue in color. So why is Lake Hillier pink? Algae? Bacteria? Extra terrestrial influences? It’s impossible to say for now, but locals don’t seem too worried—they swim among Lake Hillier’s thriving fish population without a care!

Stonehenge, England

Chances are you’ve heard of Stonehenge, but you really can’t appreciate the vastness of these mysterious stones until you’ve seen them in person. While most historians agree the purpose of Stonehenge was to act as a burial ground and temple for the ancient people living in the area, how it was constructed remains a mystery.

Door to Hell, Turkmenistan

Conspiracy theorists, this one’s for you! The Door to Hell, also known as Darvaza Crater, opened up in Turkmenistan in the last century. It’s a huge hole in the ground filled with flames that continuously burn. How it was created, and why it’s been burning for the last 50 years or so, remains a mystery!

Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

If you’ve ever heard of the seven wonders of the ancient world, then you might be familiar with the Great Pyramid of Giza. Sadly, it’s the only remaining ancient wonder, but it still manages to dazzle and astound viewers across the globe. Historians can’t figure out how this massive pyramid was built without modern tools or technology, but theories abound.

Roanoke Island, U.S.

For the spookiest mystery of all, consider visiting Roanoke Island in North Carolina. Early pilgrims settled here, but the entire colony mysteriously disappeared after a few decades, leaving just one clue—the word “Croatoan” carved into a tree. What happened to them, and whether their ghosts still remain in the area, is endlessly debated.

Next time you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, try one of these mysterious getaways. You’ll be sure to have a trip you’ll never forget!

How To Determine Your Personal Style and Always Look Your Best

Have you ever looked back at a photo of yourself and wondered why in the world you were wearing that? Or have you ever impulsively bought an article of clothing only to donate it with the tags still on because it just didn’t look like you?

With new trends going viral every month and the world of online shopping at your fingertips, it can be easy to mindlessly make clothing purchases you don’t even like. That’s why it’s helpful to determine your personal style—not only will you prevent yourself from buying clothes that don’t look good on you, you’ll stay true to yourself and achieve a timeless look that others will envy.

If you’re not sure what your personal style is, use these 5 tips to figure it out.

Tip #1: Go Through Your Closet

If your closet is cluttered but you feel like you have nothing to wear, it might be time for a fashion refresh. Sort through your existing items and pick out the pieces that you love (if you have any!). Lay them all out and look at them together. What do you love about them? Do they have similar colors, fits, or vibes?

Tip #2: Find Celebrity Style Inspiration

The internet can hurt or help your sense of personal style. On the one hand, social media can influence you to try fleeting trends you later regret. On the other hand, you gain endless access to style inspiration from people you admire.

Hop on visual-heavy social media, like Pinterest or Instagram, and search for a celebrity whose style you like. Keep in mind, you’re not just looking for outfits you think are cool—ask yourself, could you actually imagine wearing that? Once you’ve found a few you really connect with, bookmark their page and return to it when shopping or trying to make a fashion decision.

Tip #3: Make a Mood Board

Celebrity fashion inspiration: check! Next, take a few photos of your inspo’s everyday outfits and create a mood board. Note what colors, styles, or jewelry pops up as you sort through your favorites. How do these items make you feel? Once you’ve put together something visual, take a photo of it so you’ll have it handy to reference next time you go shopping.

Tip #4: Don’t Make Hasty Judgments

When you’re trying out a new look, it’s easy to get insecure. The first time you wear sneakers with a dress, statement earrings, or bold colors, you might want to run back inside and change before anyone sees you. But just because those items haven’t been a part of your look before doesn’t mean they don’t suit your style now.

If you’re nervous trying out a new look, wear it once or twice at home before heading out. Don’t give up on it on your first try—stick with it until you start to feel more comfortable.

Tip #5: Don’t Make Hasty Purchases

The best way to determine your personal style is to reflect on the pieces you’re dying to have, like that deep plunging one-piece swimsuit you’re still drooling over, or the baggy jeans you’ve been debating about for months. The pieces that stick in your head long after you tried them on are the ones you really love.

What’s the catch? You can only figure out which pieces these are by waiting to make purchases. If you’re trying to figure out your personal style, impulse buying is not your friend. Next time you’re shopping online or at the store, check out some pieces you’re interested in and then leave. If you find yourself thinking about them day after day, they probably point to your personal aesthetic.

Finding your personal style is a journey, and it can change over time. By developing a sense of confidence and ownership over your appearance, you’ll create a unique personal style to be proud of.