Category: Lists and Tips

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Lists and Tips Womens wellness

Staying safe during the Holidays!

Graphic by Khala Clarke

 

This year has been a rocky one for all of us due to COVID-19 and now that the holidays are getting closer we want to do everything we can to slow down the spread! Here are some tips on how to stay safe during the holidays!

 

  1. Wash your hands frequently/use hand sanitizer:

 

Make sure you are washing your hands frequently especially when you are about to have a meal. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds! Also carrying around hand sanitizer comes in handy as well.

  1. Properly wear your mask when out and about!:

 

It is very important to properly wear your mask. Your mask should always be covering both your mouth and nose as seen on the illustration to the left!

  1. Stay 6 feet apart/maintain your distance: 

 

Try not to host large gatherings in your home. But if you do plan on hosting something remember to stay at least 6 feet apart and wear your mask! If a family member or a friend is sick, please advise them to stay home. 

   

  1. Clean/disinfect items that you frequently touch: 

 

Take some time out of your day to disinfect a couple of items that you frequently touch.

For example  phones, laptops, keyboards, remotes, doorknobs, etc….

 

 

 

If you or a loved one believes that your symptoms are related to covid-19 please go get tested as soon as possible! Even if you think it’s just the regular flu going around since it is flu season It’s better to get tested just in case. There are a couple of places that are offering free testing make sure to look into that if needed. Happy Holidays!

 

 

Author: Daisy Elizalde 

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Empower Women Entertainment Lists and Tips Mariposa Sisters picks

Song Recommendations: Body Positivity/Self-love

Photo courtesy of Canva

The music industry can be a harsh place for women. They deal with so much criticism from the moment they step foot into the world of fame. Here are 4 female artists that advocate for body positivity/self-love in their songs.Just take a look at the lyrics seen below!

 

1. Lizzo: “Scuse me”

Lyrics: “Scuse me while I feel myself

Look up in the mirror oh I’m having visions

Feeling like a million, ooh, I can get it”

 

 

2. Meghan Trainor: “Me Too”

Lyrics: “I thank god everyday

That I woke up feelin’ this way

And I can’t help lovin’ myself, nuh-uh

If I was you i’d wanna be me too”

 

 

3. Beyonce: “Pretty Hurts”

Lyrics: “Pretty hurts

We shine the light on whatever’s worse

Perfection is a disease of a nation”

 

 

4. Alessia Cara: “Scars to Your Beautiful”

Lyrics: “You should know you’re beautiful just the way you are

And you don’t need to change a thing, the world could change its heart

No scars to your beautiful, we’re stars and we’re beautiful”

 

Author: Daisy Elizalde

 

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Beauty Empower Women Lists and Tips Mariposa Sisters picks Womens wellness

5 Health & Beauty Businesses Owned by Black Women

Graphic by Khala Clarke. Photo courtesy of Canva

Shontay Lundy, Founder & Creator, Black Girl Sunscreen

Shontay Lundy began with the dream of Black women having a sunscreen brand that caters to the needs of melanated skin. Sunscreen has a reputation for leaving a white cast on darker skin tones and therefore its use has been neglected by Black people. Knowing this, Lundy hit the Miami scene in 2016 with the launch of Black Girl Sunscreen. Launching her sunscreen brand was risky – she was going up against the longstanding belief that Black people don’t need to wear sunscreen. Much to her surprise, there were many other Black women looking for sunscreen. Black Girl Sunscreen now has a full time spot in Target’s sunscreen section and is the company’s only independently Black-owned brand. 

 

 

 

Bea Dixon, CEO & Founder, Honey Pot Co.

What kickstarted the Honey Pot Co.’s creation was Dixon’s struggle to get reliefs from bacterial vaginosis. She had a dream one night, where an ancestor came to her and gave her the gift of healing herself. The Honey Pot Co. is a natural  feminine care line. Their products range from tampons and pads to panty sprays, lubricants, and more. All of these products are made by women, for women. Honey Pot Co.’s products are made without chemicals, toxins, fragrances, and anything synthetic. They are sold online and in major retailers such as Target, Walmart, Urban Outfitters, and more.

 

 

Trinity Mouzan, Founder, Golde

In 2017, Golde was co-founded in Brooklyn, NY with a mission of bringing good vibes to the wellness industry. Golde is an independently owned company that makes superfood-boosted health and beauty essentials. Their products range from tumeric blends to face masks. 

 

 

 

 

 

Melissa Butler, CEO & Founder, The Lip Bar 

In 2012, Butler started The Lip Bar to challenge beauty standards. She didn’t want to conform to the way society was telling women how they should look. Butler began to experiment with making lipsticks in her kitchen. She sought out to make a brand that won’t compromise user health and aimed to change the ways people think about beauty products. After failing to strike a deal with one of the sharks on Shark Tank, Butler landed a spot on Target’s shelves. The Lip Bar is now in over 450 Target stores around the country and the brand even has its own storefront in Detroit, MI. The Lip Bar is a vegan and cruelty-free brand that encourages users to challenge beauty standards, and reminds people that they are definitely enough!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharon Chuter, CEO & Founder, Uoma Beauty 

Born in Nigeria, Sharon Chuter has tackled the lack of color ranges in makeup brands and has been very hands-on with creating a brand that features a wide range in order to cater to all shades. She uses her African heritage in combination with her radiant spirit to deliver a product that is inclusive and well loved by its users. Uoma Beauty is characterized by instant payoff, loves all skin types, and delivers maximum pleasure to all the senses. 

 

 

Author: Alaina Newman

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

Black Girl Sunscreen

https://www.blackgirlsunscreen.com/about/

https://www.businessinsider.com/meet-shontay-lundy-founder-of-black-girl-sunscreen-2020-9

Honey Pot Co.

https://thehoneypot.co/pages/about 

Golde

https://golde.co/pages/meet-our-founder 

The Lip Bar

https://thelipbar.com/pages/our-story

Uoma Beauty

https://uomabeauty.com/pages/about-uoma?gclid=CjwKCAiA7939BRBMEiwA-hX5J3SY05rMGjRB8WGRMjGxdpKaOQS4u9CI0rLFsgTnRkHJhP0Rfps_uBoCo0QQAvD_BwE 

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Empower Women Entertainment Lists and Tips Mariposa Sisters picks Women empowering women

Song Recommendations: Let’s feel empowered together!

Photo courtesy of Canva

Looking for some new song recommendations? Or just want to listen to something upbeat while doing those daily activities? Well look no more Mariposa Sisters has your back! Here are 7 female artists with songs that will leave you feeling empowered for the rest of the day! Just take a look at the lyrics seen below. You should consider giving all 7 songs a listen and you just might end up adding these to your playlist.

 

Katy perry 

Fingerprints :

 

Wanna break the stereotype 

Fist in the air

I’m not going down without a fight

It’s my life

And I’m not sitting on the sidelines

 

Beyonce

Run the world :

 

You can’t hold me

(you can’t hold me)

I work my 9 to 5

Better cut my check

This goes out to all

The women gettin’ it

In, get on your grind

 

Billie Eilish

You should see me in a crown :

 

You should see me in a crown

I’m gonna run this nothin town

Watch me make ‘em bow

One by one by one

 

No doubt 

Just a Girl :

 

Oh, I’m just a girl, take

a good look at me

Just your typical prototype 

Oh, I’ve had it up to here

Oh, am I making myself clear?

 

Twice 

Breakthrough (this is the English translation) :

 

Heading for an ideal future

I’m prepared to overcome any obstacles

Time is infinite but you can never turn it back

This story of “me” only happens once

No matter what people say 

Shake it off, I’m going my way

Say say, don’t give up!

Say say, don’t give up!

Till the day I can be proud of myself

 

Doja Cat

Boss Bi*** :

 

Big up yourself cause you know they won’t

I chew, chew, chew, cause they hope I choke

I’m a bi***, I’m a boss

I’m a bi***, I’m a boss

Ima shine like gloss

 

Lesley Gore

You don’t own me :

 

Im free and i love to be free

To live my life the way i want

To say and do whatever i please

And don’t tell me what to do

 

 

Author: Daisy Elizalde

Categories
Empower Women Lists and Tips Womens wellness

How to De-Stress During These Stressful Times

This past week has been a stressful one for everyone. Sometimes we don’t know how to handle large amounts of stress that comes upon  us. We might try avoiding what is making us feel so stressed out but that only leads to headaches that won’t go away. Here are three ways to get rid of those stress headaches!

 

 

1. Take a break from watching the news. You might be getting stressed over everything that is going on. So try not to use your electronics for long periods. Setup certain times to do something else other than just being on social media all the time. Talk to your friends and family, take a nap, or watch a show/listen to music that you find relaxing. Do something to get your mind off of whatever is stressing you out.

 

 

2. Sometimes we might not have anyone around to talk with or will feel a little embarrassed to talk about certain topics. Instead, write down your thoughts. Get a notebook or even on your cell phone you can use the notes app already installed and write your thoughts down on certain things. Having your mind filled with many different thoughts at once causes stress and even headaches so writing these thoughts down helps so much. It is a way of getting your thoughts out of your head.

 

 

3. Get yourself outside! Go do some exercise and get that blood pumping. Feel the fresh air by going for a quick walk or run. What’s important is that your body is moving around. Make sure that you are exercising at least a couple of times a week that way you won’t feel so stressed out as much and it is also a way to help you maintain good health. So it will be a win-win situation.

 

 

Author: Daisy Elizalde

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Empower Women Lists and Tips Mariposa Sisters picks Women empowering women women in power

Influential Women You Should Be Following on Instagram

Photo courtesy of Canva

With nowhere to go, my time on social media has greatly increased over the past several months. I spend far too much time scrolling through Instagram and not enough time reading books and practicing self-care. However, I have made it my mission to fill my timeline with women who inspire me to do better. Here are three really awesome women that you need to be following.

 

AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez)

 

Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, better known as AOC, has made quite a name for herself over the past couple of years. She gained nation-wide recognition after winning the Democratic Party’s primary election for New York’s 14th congressional district in 2018. She beat Joe Crowley, who was a 10-term incumbent, off of a grassroots campaign and then beat Republican Anthony Pappas in the general election later that year. You can watch it all play out in the documentary Knock Down the House on Netflix. Since then, her social media following has grown exponentially. If you scroll through her Instagram account you’ll see that it’s filled with inspiring messages, both political and non-political. She fights for a wide range of progressive policies, and her inspiring speeches have a way of making you want to fight with her. 

 

Rachel Elizabeth Cargle

 

Rachel Elizabeth Cargle is a public academic, writer, and lecturer who focuses on “providing intellectual discourse, tools, and resources that explore the intersection of race and womanhood,” according to her website. As a woman of color herself, she saw a need for change and founded the Loveland Foundation, which is a non-profit that works to boost access to therapy for black women. She also created The Great Unlearn which is an online learning platform that highlights academics of color. It’s a place where people can go and become more educated about ways in which they can take action.  Cargle now uses her personal Instagram to encourage people to understand and speak out against racism in our society. Her posts are filled with inspiring words that every woman needs to hear.

 

Glennon Doyle

 

Author and philanthropist Glennon Doyle recently gained recognition after she published her third book Untamed. Her female-empowering memoir details the freedom she felt once she discovered she needed to stop listening to how the world told her to live and began living for herself. The inspirational read will definitely have you feeling like you can do absolutely anything. Doyle also created Together Rising, which is a non-profit organization that “transforms collective heartbreak into effective action.” From helping children in refugee camps to the opioid crisis, Doyle’s foundation has touched it all. Her Instagram is filled with inspiring quotes and life-lessons to give you that extra push when you’re feeling down. Lately, she’s been inspiring people around the world to vote, while also posting funny light-hearted videos of her and her wife Abby Wambach.

 

Author: Ashli Ellerman 

Categories
Empower Women Lists and Tips Women empowering women Womens wellness

5 Ways To Stay Motivated During Days That Feel Repetitive

Photo courtesy of Canva

For the past couple of months, many days have felt repetitive. Mostly because we’ve switched everything up to be online rather than in person as a way to social distance. So most of us spend all our time with our laptops and desks at home. Being at home all the time sometimes gets in the way of our work. Having our beds and electronics near us at all times is very tempting. It makes you want to skip out on that class or work meeting and just sleep or watch shows all day long. There are many days where finding the motivation to do something might be hard. When those days come don’t let your motivation go fight back! Here are 5 ways that can help you stay motivated during times when you feel your  motivation is slipping away.

 

1. Take a break to relax:

 

Sometimes all you need is a break, a breather, a minute for yourself. At least spend 5 mins or more a day doing something that you like. Having a lot of work to be done is stressful especially when all those deadlines start getting close. It’s good to take a break
in between finished projects that way when you start your next one you won’t feel so tired you’ll feel refreshed and will make fewer mistakes.

 

2. Plan out your week:

 

When everything is planned out and written down you are more likely to achieve your goals for the week. Buy a planner, a dry erase board calendar to put up on your wall, or even use your phone to set up reminders. Just write down everything you have to do for
the week. As a college student, I’ve noticed that when you plan out your week in advance it really helps with keeping up with everything. Sometimes just knowing what is coming ahead sets you on the right track.

 

3. Set goals for yourself:

 

Setting goals for yourself is a must. It can be a small task like cleaning your room at least once a week or a big task like finishing all your projects by the end of the month. Give yourself something to work with and things will go smoothly.

 

4. Make sure to eat well:

 

Make sure you are eating 3 proper meals a day! Sometimes we might skip a couple meals if we are busy. But skipping meals usually leads to making you feel lazy and not having enough energy to do anything. If you do plan on skipping a meal try having a light snack
instead. Having something in your body is always better than nothing. Remember to stay hydrated and do your best with cutting back on junk food!

 

5. Change your surroundings:

 

A change in your surroundings helps as well. When you do your work it’s probably in the same spot everyday. Try changing it up every now and then. For example, if you always do work in your bedroom, try moving to a different room in your home. If you have a back yard or maybe even front yard try doing your work outside. Pull up a chair and just work there once in a while just to get some fresh air. Certain changes are always nice.

 

 

Author: Daisy Elizalde

Categories
Lists and Tips Women empowering women Womens wellness

The changes that come in autumn

Graphic by Khala Clarke

The season of autumn brings many beautiful changes from the colorful leaves falling along the streets, to the cozy sweaters and pumpkin-flavored treats! We notice these new changes happening around us but rarely do we also take note of the changes happening within our bodies. Just like the seasons our bodies change right along with it. 

 

As summer comes to an end and we flow into fall we may see drastic changes in our bodies. Not all changes are bad changes, in fact most of the changes that happen in our body may be very beneficial. 

 

 

Sleep patterns 

Throughout the year it may seem like we’re moving faster and our bodies are always playing catch up, but during the fall it just seems as though the world around us slows down a bit. During the fall, the weather becomes a little cooler causing people to stay in more, take naps, and hit the snooze button before getting up to start the day. 

 

Even though you’ll be getting more sleep it may not leave you feeling the best because we’re taking more naps and sleeping in, this may mess with your sleeping patterns making you feel a bit sluggish or even lazy when you wake up. So yes, take naps and sleep in but set an alarm to keep you at your absolute best!

 

 

Sex Drive Increases

During the fall season you usually will start to hear people throwing around the phrase “cuddle weather”. You probably also hear others saying they either need a cuddle buddy or how much they love having one. The immense amount of love and affection comes with the season, so if you’re feeling extra frisky don’t worry it’s natural. 

 

Studies have shown that in autumn our testosterone and estrogen levels are at an all-time high. In autumn, you don’t only crave your favorite holiday treats but your body starts craving a lot more *wink wink. In the fall both women and men experience a rise in libido.  Studies have also shown that our levels of attractions rise! Apparently our shift in clothing makes women become more attractive. Even though we show more skin in the summer, being covered up in the fall is said to be more attractive and has said to be a turn on. 

 

 

Your feminine area may feel better 

If you’re  prone to having Yeast infections and the occasional UTI, your vaginal area will feel a lot better in not only the fall but the winter too. Shifting from the hot and humid weather the summer brings, to the dry and cooler temperatures that the fall brings will guarantee a healthier vagina. 

 

The low temperatures have been said to comfort the vagina and vulva which are the more sensitive areas of the feminine body. Believe it or not many women shave less during the fall as they are covered up more. This is also helpful as we don’t wear tight undies and bikinis which help our sensitive lady down below breath. 

 

To ensure a healthier vagina, try to get a little more comfortable this fall and wear more cotton underwear and less fitted clothing. Studies have shown wearing synthetic underwear and tight clothes increase your chances of infection.

 

These are just a few changes to help you get to know as well as understand your body this fall season. 

 

Author: Khala Clarke 

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Empower Women Entertainment Lists and Tips Mariposa Sisters picks

10 Motivating Girl-Power Anthems

Photo courtesy of Canva

In need of some female empowerment during this rough season of life? We’ve got you covered with this list of inspiring songs to add to your playlist. 

 

 

“This Girl is on Fire”- Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys sings about being free and bold in her hit song. The metaphorical line “This girl is on fire” reflects the singers’ feelings about being a woman in this, often times, unforgiving world.

 

Standout lyrics: “Oh, we got our feet on the ground/ And we’re not burning it down/ Oh, got our head in the clouds/ And we’re not coming down”

 

 

“Fight song”- Rachel Platten

This empowering track is sure to get any girl feeling inspired. Rachel Platten encourages, not only herself, but other women to believe in themselves and be strong.

 

Standout lyrics: “This is my fight song/Take back my life song/Prove I’m alright song”

 

 

“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”- Kelly Clarkson

This confidence anthem is not only empowering, but also encourages women who are healing from heartbreak that “What doesn’t kill you… makes you stronger.”

 

Standout lyrics: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger/Stand a little taller/ Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone/ What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter/Footsteps even lighter/ Doesn’t mean I’m over ’cause you’re gone

 

 

“Run the World (Girls)”- Beyonce

Queen B reminds everyone who’s really in charge with her hit song. The upbeat track will have you singing along with it’s repetitive statement “Who run the world? Girls”

 

Standout lyrics: “My persuasion can build a nation/ Endless power, with our love we can devour”

 

 

“The Man”- Taylor Swift

Taylor swift reflects on the double standard between men and women and how different life would be if she were a man.

 

Standout lyrics: “I’m so sick of running as fast as I can/ Wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man/ And I’m so sick of them coming at me again/ ‘Cause if I was a man, then I’d be the man”

 

 

“God is a Woman”- Ariana Grande

Mega-star Ariana Grande sings about female sexual liberation in her hit single. She makes a bold statement with her metaphorical idea that “God is a woman.” 

 

Standout lyrics: “When all is said and done/ You’ll believe God is a woman”

 

 

“Rare”- Selena Gomez

This self-empowerment anthem is all about showing yourself some love when it seems like no one else is. Selena Gomez’s inspiring lyrics remind women that they are uniquely wonderful and special.

 

Standout lyrics: “It feels like you don’t care/ Why don’t you recognize I’m so rare?”

 

 

“Good as Hell”- Lizzo

Lizzo reminds girls they don’t need a man to feel good about themselves in her upbeat hit. She emphasizes the fact that focusing on yourself will change your life.

 

Standout lyrics: “You know you a star, you can touch the sky/ I know that it’s hard, but you have to try”

 

 

“Beautiful”- Christina Aguilera

This timeless classic touches the soul and encourages women to realize the importance of their inner beauty. Christina Aguilera belts lyrics about accepting herself despite what people might say.

 

Standout lyrics: “I am beautiful/ In every single way/ Yes words can’t bring me down, oh no/ So don’t you bring me down today”

 

 

“Man! I Feel Like A Woman”- Shania Twain

Last but certainly not least, Shania Twain’s hit song might be the most notable girl-power anthem on this list. Twain sings about letting loose and having fun as a reminder to all women that it’s ok to be yourself.

 

Standout lyrics: “Color my hair, do what I dare/ Oh-oh-oh, I wanna be free/ Yeah, to feel the way I feel/ Man! I feel like a woman!

 

Author: Ashli Ellerman

Categories
Beauty Lists and Tips Mariposa Sisters picks Women empowering women

Eden Beauty Glam

Photo courtesy of Eden Beauty Glam

Women around the world come in all different shapes and sizes, but sometimes that doesn’t seem to be reflected in the fashion industry. According to a Glamour article, “plus-size women represent 68% of shoppers,” so why is it that when we go shopping, the majority of what we see are clothes made for girls who are a size two?

 

A recent Forbes article called for the fashion industry to stop treating plus-size women as different from smaller-sized women. Women in the article said they didn’t want to see anymore “online-only collections” and wanted more “models who represent a diversity of shapes.”

 

Women’s clothing boutique Eden Beauty Glam is a great example of a company that provides for women of all shapes and sizes.

 

Eden Beauty Glam’s “About Us” page reads: “Fashion can mean so many things to different people. We aren’t all the same, so, of course, our styles of clothing and accessories are different. Each individual can choose to dress down or fancy but only you get to decide what that means.”

 

The clothing site is owned by a woman of color who has incorporated a wide variety of items within the online boutique. There is basic apparel, such as blouses, bottoms, and dresses, but then there are also many accessories, including jewelry, sunglasses, and hats. And, they even have cute little masks to combat the current pandemic.

 

**We have a 10% off code for you to use at Eden Beauty Glam. Click the link to search the site for your perfect outfit!

 

Author: Ashli Ellerman