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6 Perfect Self-Gifts For Any Enneagram Type 2

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | 6 Gifts to Buy Yourself This Week if You're an Enneagram Type 2

Made up of nine archetypes, the Enneagram is a personality test that can reveal so much about a person’s perspective, needs, desires, and preconceived notions about the world. If you don’t know your type, here’s an easy rundown of each of them and a test to determine your own. Nicknamed “the Helper,” Enneagram Type 2 is notorious for putting others before themselves and minimizing their own needs for the good of their loved ones. Type 2s make amazing friends; they’re often the first to remember a milestone, expend emotional energy to make someone happy, lend a hand when it’s needed or have an extra snack on hand.

While so many of the 2’s characteristics are good things, their drive to look after others can become harmful. If a 2 isn’t careful about self care they can start to believe that they’re only as valuable as their last good deed or take it immensely to heart when their more grandiose gestures aren’t reciprocated. Type 2s are more susceptible to negative self talk than some other types; when they forget to check in with their own self worth, they can start to believe that nobody really wants them around and can start trying to”earn” their place in relationships by overcompensating and spending more emotional energy than they can spare.

Enneagram Type 2s have a tendency to minimize their own struggles, so much so that their loved ones might not even realize anything is wrong at all. As a 2, some of the most important work you can do is affirming that you matter even when you’re not contributing anything. Getting comfortable taking up space in your relationships rather than avoiding ever “being a burden” might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s crucial in your journey to actualization.

Here are a few ideas for a gift to get yourself as a reminder that you’re worth it!

A Succulent Subscription Service

6 Gifts to Buy Yourself This Week if You're an Enneagram Type 2

You’ve got an abundance of nurturing energy; why not invest some of it in yourself and in a few live plants? Services like Succulent Studios will send you two curated 8-week-old succulents every month that you can plant around your home for a burst of fresh life. Gardening is some of the best alone time there is, so you’ll also be cultivating your connection with your inner self while investing love in your new plants.

Miles Kimball Month-By-Month Card Organizer

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As an Enneagram Type 2, you care about your friends like it’s your job. You like to keep up with your loved ones’ milestones. Whether they’re happy ones like birthdays and achievements or losses that require kindness and support, you want to be the first one to remember and offer a kind word. Keep track of the cards you plan on sending months in advance with this organizer.

Affirmators! Affirmation Cards

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It’s easy for Enneagram Type 2s to feel like they’re only valid when they’re in service to someone else; because they’re so focused on the needs of others, it can be hard for them to care about or recognize their own needs. Spend a little time each day forcing yourself to think about yourself and your own desires. Good self love is the only path to loving others well.

elago M2 Phone Stand

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If this quarantine has had you scheduling weekly calls with your BFFS, and your friends, and your acquaintances, and your acquaintances’ acquaintances, you’ve probably experienced a fair amount of phone arm fatigue. Take things easy on yourself while you check in with your friends and use this hands-free stand instead!

Sponsor An Animal

6 Gifts to Buy Yourself This Week if You're an Enneagram Type 2

Enneagram Type 2s tend to feel a lot of responsibility for the happiness and wellbeing of others, often carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. That can be especially challenging in a time like this, when so many people are going through difficulties and hardships. If you’ve started feeling overwhelmed by all the problems in the world you can’t solve, making an investment in an animal’s future might be the perfect solution. It gives you the opportunity to know that you’ve made a definitive difference in the world for one of its more vulnerable residents. Programs like the Wildlife Alliance Fund allow you to sponsor animals like slow lorises, pangolins and elephants that have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. You receive a certificate, photo and fact sheet about your animal, plus you get quarterly updates on how your animal is doing!

If you’d like to sponsor an animal a bit closer to home, pet rescues all over the country have options to support shelter pets while they wait for their forever home. Kitten Rescue LA even has a wing for special needs cats who live there full time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, making a small, concrete contribution to improve an animal’s life might be the exact pick-me-up you need.

As a Type 2 on the Enneagram, you live your life a bit more vulnerable than some other types, and this year has probably been a unique challenge for your empathetic side. Taking a few moments to do something that makes you happy is a radical act, and one that will pay off in spades as it gives you more energy, empathy, and love to go around.

If you want to learn more about the Enneagram and how it can help lead you to better self-love and deeper self-knowledge, here are a few books that can help you learn more.

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9 of Our Favorite Fall Candles to Make Your Spaces Cozy

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | 7 of Our Favorite Fall Candles to Make Your Spaces Cozy

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. The relief of a fall breeze after months of summer heat is always a gift; the appearance of seasonal spices and long sleeves remind us that change has a lot to offer us. It marks a time of transition; as leaves fall from the trees around us it prompts us to ask ourselves which things we’ve been holding onto that we should release before the beginning of a new year. If you live in the South or West, you might be accustomed to fall being more of a mindset than a weather change. Here in Los Angeles the temperatures are still high as we enter October, but that doesn’t mean I can’t start celebrating all the things I love about this season. One of the biggest lessons of quarantine is how much control we have over our own experience, even when external circumstances don’t comply to our desires. If you love the fall as much as I do, enjoying autumn can be as simple as creating the experience of fall in your home. I’ve spoken before about the power that scents have in our lives; they have a deep connection to our memories and can have a profound impact on our moods. By simply lighting a candle you can signal to yourself that autumn, and all the reflection and change that come with it, are here. Here are 9 fall candles to help you harness the perfect flannel-and-cider moment for yourself, even if you’re still facing a heatwave outside.

1. Spiced Pumpkin from P.F. Candle Co

If to you fall means a ride to the pumpkin patch or fresh pumpkin pie, this scent will be a great addition for your home. Sweet and complex without being overpowering, the Spiced Pumpkin candle is the best way to ring in the Fall for any pumpkin lover.

2. Apple Cider from Brooklyn Candle Studio

Fresh with undertones of mulled spices, Apple Cider from Brooklyn Candle Co will set the tone for a quiet night in with a book and a blanket. It radiates warmth and comfort and everything good about the season for gathering around fires with mugs in hand.

3. Sweater Weather from Bath & Body Works

If you’ve never been one for sweets but love the dusky, cozy weather that comes with fall, Sweater Weather is the scent for you. With deep, woody scents of juniper and eucalyptus, this candle inspires the wonder of a walk in the woods or a warm campfire.

4. Spiced Pumpkin Latte from Voluspa

This complex combination of spices and sweet cream will have your home smelling like your favorite small-town coffee shop. Read a book or sip your coffee while the vibrant scents enrich your morning and brighten your day.

5. Autumn Nights from Evil Queen

With a rich mixture of apple pie and spices, this candle will make you feel like you just jumped into the perfect pile of leaves. This Autumn Nights’ scent is seasonal with hints of cinnamon but it isn’t too heavy, creating a light but unmistakeable air of fall throughout your home.

6. Grandma’s Kitchen from Homesick

If your favorite part of fall is the approach of holidays and lots and lots of baking, this candle will add a sweet touch. Burn this candle anytime you want your house to smell like you just took a pie out of the oven.

7. Smoky Cinnamon Special from P.F. Candle Co

If you love cinnamon but find most cinnamon candles to be overpowering, Smoky Cinnamon Surprise is the perfect candle to gift yourself with this fall. Warm and subtle, this scent will make you feel your coziest all day long.

8. Apple Orchard from Homesick

One of the best parts of fall is all the outdoor activities in the brisk autumn air. Nothing says fall like picking fresh apples off of a tree, and this candle brings those sweet, crisp undertones into your home.

9. Leaves from Bath & Body Works

A seasonal favorite, Leaves summons all the scents from a dreamy fall afternoon. Glowing apple and amber undertones will make your environment feel calm and earthy no matter what challenges you face.

The fall is such a special time each year, but it’s particularly important his year. In a year that’s often felt repetitive, without many changes to punctuate the days, fall signals that new things are still coming and that holidays will soon be here. If you’ve been looking for ways to embrace the change in seasons, or even just create a cozy, comforting environment for yourself, fall candles can be a great place to start.

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Reflections on Disney Night at Dancing with the Stars: Who’s Stood Out and Why

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Carrie Ann's DWTS Diary

Disney Night is a Dancing with the Stars fan favorite, and it’s one of my favorites as well. I want to give a huge shout out to the production crew and creative team at DWTS, the hair and makeup team and every single person who worked to create the magic of Disney right in our DWTS ballroom. All the Disney princesses were taken by the dancers, so I chose to make up my own princess. I decided to wear pink because it’s the color of the heart chakra, and everything I do right now comes from my heart. The makeup for this episode was beyond anything we’ve ever seen in the past— Carole Baskin and her partner Pasha brought The Lion King to life with a very special flair. Sadly, Carole is not moving on to the next round, but I want to say that I have a lot of respect for her coming on the show and doing something so outside of her realm while spreading the word about her mission of saving big cats. I’m thankful for the production numbers she brought to the show, which will live on in DWTS history for many years to come. My favorite will always be the Viennese Waltz she and Pasha performed last week to Tom Jones’ “What’s New Pussycat?”

Carrie Ann Inaba Dancing with the Stars
Let the magic begin!

In week three, all the couples seem to have found their stride. In past seasons, there have been a lot of elements that could help distract from any flaws in couples’ performances. We’d have fantastic production numbers with backing dancers that would frame the couple and sometimes this would help to mask the couple’s weaknesses. This year, with no backing dancers, we get to focus on the growth of the actual contestants themselves. For me that’s what DWTS is all about.

When I think about the growth I saw this episode, Johnny Weir is the first name that comes to my mind. Johnny is a two-time Olympic skater who’s trained his whole life to do something that is very similar to dance but is not quite dance. His challenge this season has been to learn to use his feet for dancing instead of skating. Johnny has brought so many strengths to this competition; we already know that he knows how to perform, we know he has lyricism. But now we’re watching him make the challenging transition from skating to dancing and I believe we saw his work pay off in this episode He’s traded in his skating feet and finally found his hardwood floor feet, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Carrie Ann Inaba Dancing With The Stars
A friendly clash between co-hosts

Another breakthrough I saw was in Jeannie and Brandon’s performance to ″Married Life″ from Up. When a celebrity truly learns to trust their pro partner, and the couple finds its energetic balance, that’s when the magic starts to happen. During their ballroom dance I saw this balance and connection manifest for the two of them. I spoke of balance a lot this episode because week three is when the couples start to really become partners. The first two weeks of Dancing with the Stars are always a process for the newcomers to find their bearings, but this year even the pros had to reorient themselves. Our dancers are used to performing to a live audience. Now that the only audience in the house is the three judges, there’s been a dynamic shift. In previous seasons, the audience might go crazy for a couple’s number, even if the technique was wrong. The dancers might have had a hard time listening to our notes while they were receiving such a positive reaction from the crowd. This year, our feedback is the only input the dancers receive, and it’s made for an interesting dynamic between the judges and the dancers.

While I’m talking about balance, I have to acknowledge the growth I saw in another one of our couples: Vernon and Peta. There’s a huge height difference between them which can be a major obstacle for some couples, but their quickstep to “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast showed that they’ve not only found a balance between their heights but found balance in their energies as well. That is the goal for every couple, to first find their balance with each other and create a connection so they can dance as one, and then to start building off of that structure. We should start to see even more “wow” moments as the couples deepen their trust for each other and keep building their partnerships.

I want to congratulate all of our couples; I respect them for all the hard work they’ve been putting in.

Carrie Ann Inaba Dancing with the Stars
Princess for a night

Disney Night is such a special night for us, and I feel so fortunate to be on a show that makes time to celebrate the wonder and magic that Disney represents. So many of us grew up with these fairy tales, these heartwarming stories, and all of us can benefit from taking a moment to believe in the magic and whimsy from our childhood. In bringing these stories to life, from Moana to Up to Disney’s upcoming film Soul, I really believe Dancing with the Stars is uplifting our audience and I’ll always feel that it’s important work. Throughout history, dance has always been a source of escapism and joy during difficult times, and that’s exactly what the world needs now. I want to thank my team for helping me be a part of the magic by putting together such a fun look, from the crown to the dress to all my glittering jewelry. I’d like to thank my designer, Steven Khalil, for the perfect fairytale dress, and Dena Kemp and Lafonn for the gorgeous jewelry. To find out more about this episode’s look you can read my Getting-Ready Diary on People.com. Now it’s time to get back to work on The Talk; you can join me there Monday through Friday at 1pm, or streaming online at CBS.com. Be sure to keep following our journey on Dancing With The Stars on ABC every Monday at 8pm, because it’s only getting better from here.

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6 Ideas From Carrie Ann Inaba for Making a Vision Board That Resonates

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Carrie Ann Inaba's Ideas For Making A Vision Board That Resonates

Contrary to what the common conception might be, vision boards aren’t about magically getting your wishes granted, or expecting the perfect house, career or love interest fall into your life as soon as you put up a picture. Like all intention setting, making a vision board is an act of focusing your desires.

How are you ever going to get what you want if you don’t even know what that looks like? You might want success in your career, but does that look like climbing the ladder at your current company, going back to school, changing fields entirely? You want to be happier, but will this come from reconnecting with old friends, discovering a new hobby, focusing on a creative project that’s fallen by the wayside, making more time for self care? When we make a conscious commitment to putting our desires and needs into visual language, when we express ourselves by picking one image out of millions that feels the most correct to our inner selves, we are making a statement. We are telling ourselves what is most important to us, and we are creating a reminder to respect and honor those choices every time we pass by the vision board in our home.

When it comes to setting our intentions, there’s no wrong way to do it. The most important element will always be what feels right to you. However, here are a few ideas that might help you create a vision board if you’re new to the practice or looking for a new approach.

Divide Your Vision Board Into Different Sections

When it comes to vision boards you can be as general or specific as you want, but sometimes it’s helpful to focus on your desires one area at a time. Devote sections to any piece of your life where you want to see growth or change. Personal life, relationships and family goals, career, health and wellness, travel, a move you’re considering; anything that’s on your mind has a place on the board. You can decide the sections beforehand, or find your way to them organically while you’re choosing images. Consider including a section on your vision board for your creative or artistic projects, even if you’re not in a creative field. Everyone has creativity, and everyone can benefit from fostering that side of themselves.

Make a Board for a Milestone, or Any Time You Get Stuck

The beginning of the year is a great time to create a vision board; it’s an inflection point in our lives, a time to reflect on the past 365 days and to think about our hopes moving forward. I make a vision board to start each year as an act of intentionality, but you certainly don’t have to wait for January to start thinking about what you want. I always say: If you feel stuck, either clean out a drawer or make a vision board. If you feel caught in a rut, or things have started to feel stuck and stagnant, taking a moment to think deeply about what you truly want can be a great way to figure out what’s getting in your way.

Include What You’re Grateful For

One of the easiest ways to figure out where we want to go is by looking at all the things we love about where we already are. Noting the elements that are important in your life or things that are already working well, like your relationships, passions, or lifestyle, can help you see areas where you want to invite more growth and expansion and help guide your vision for the future. Be sure to infuse some gratitude into your vision board to balance out the desire.

Look More For Vibes Than Specifics

With a practice that’s so visual, it can be easy to get caught up in the details, worrying about getting the exact right picture of an object or location. Instead of stressing about getting the color right on your dream house, try to focus on the bigger picture, the feelings that each image emits. Look for visuals that resonate abstracts: love, peace, comfort, success, belonging.

Do What Feels Right to You

The most important part of this process is just listening to yourself and doing what you want. Whether you want to pick through old magazines or search online for images related to different words and print them up, there’s no wrong way to make a vision board. The goal is to make something that resonates with you and you alone, encouraging you and focusing your vision.

So many people in life don’t have the luxury to step outside of the everyday, to look around and examine what they really want. So many of us stay locked in survival mode, forced to focus on the decisions right in front of us and not the bigger ones that mandate so much more of our lives. Building in time to reflect on where we want to go is the only way to move from where we are; devoting thought and intention into your future with a tool like a vision board is a great way to build your intuition and keep you mindful of the things you really want.

A good vision board helps you formulate your ideas for what you want out of your life. Every time you pass by it, it can serve as a gentle reminder not to get caught up in the small picture and everyday choices, but to focus on bigger desires as well.

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14 Instagram Accounts to Follow for Body Positivity

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | 14 Accounts to Follow for Body Positivity

Representation matters— when one type, shape, size, or skin tone is painted as the norm, it’s easy for us to feel inadequate for not fitting into it. For so long we’ve been held captive by unrealistic standards in the media, but in the transition to social media it’s only gotten more toxic. Especially in quarantine, social media is one of our biggest windows to the outside world; it can color our perspective and impact what we spend the most time thinking about. If you spend all day seeing images of bodies edited to unrealistic standards, it could end up making you feel bad about yourself. On the other hand, if you take care to fill your feed with positive voices, diverse bodies and lots of love, that’s what will fill your head. We should be able to strive for health and wellness without hating the way we look or our bodies’ natural shapes and quirks. Here are 14 Instagram accounts that promote body positivity and self love to help shield you from online toxicity.

1. Enam Asiama

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MY ONLY SUNSHINE, YOU’LL NEVER KNOW DEAR, HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU ALL! 🌻🌻Thank you all for the constant love and support for all I post. As I approach a new year in my lifetime, I am feeling all the vibes and transformation as I grow into this confident and assured womxn. What a better way to represent the beauties of the world and my mood as we say goodbye to #Summer , than with a picture in a Sunflower field (my fave)! This was taken a couple weeks ago, where I had a road trip with my sisters to visit @realflowerpetalconfetti with my sisters! It’ll be back next year, for a short period of time, so be sure to visit! Happy Sunday/Happy #Carnival my loves– remember life is too short to constantly be at war with yourself! 📸 @en_asiama Hair Design by @ginaknightwigdesign •☆• #ewurajaja #therealflowerpetalconfetticompany #nhc #BritishSummer #makeup #style #motd #instadaily #instaphoto #weekend #happiness #fatgirljoy #fatgirlmagic #explorepage #summerbody #sunflower #body #curvygirlsrock #plussize #model #BlackGirlMagic #photography #beauty #universodamaquiagem_oficial #nature #flowers

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A strong voice for inclusivity, Enam Asiama works every day to promote a definition of beauty that includes people of all shapes, sizes, races, and orientations. She’s a model and a plus-size advocate devoted to using her platform to show her own joy, beauty and radical self love.

2. Grace F Victory

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⁣ Are you burnt out? I BLOODY AM!!!! 🙃⁣ ⁣ Over the last few weeks I’ve seen a slow decline in energy, in patience and in my positive attitude. I feel tired all the time (not related to my pregnancy FYI) and every morning I am filled with dread about the upcoming day. I’m bored, unmotivated and completely uninspired. I don’t want to be online, I don’t want to speak to anyone and I feel like I’m running on empty 😳😂⁣ ⁣ These are the many signs of being burnt out. I saw it coming and I tried to retreat and take a step back, but with impending deadlines and my insatiable need to get.shit.done it just didn’t happen. ⁣ ⁣ Anyway! Here are 10 signs you are becoming burnt out (or you already are burnt out) and it’s time to rest, reset and recharge. The to do lists can wait, your WhatsApp messages can wait – EVERYTHING CAN WAIT. ⁣ ⁣ 🌿✨⁣ – your energy is depleted⁣ – you’re irritable and impatient⁣ – you have little to no motivation ⁣ – you are constantly “on” (always thinking, always doing)⁣ – you are negative and pessimistic⁣ – you aren’t practising self care⁣ – you’re suffering with physical ailments (headaches, sore feet & stomach issues)⁣ – you’re barely sleeping or sleeping all the time⁣ – you could burst into tears at any moment⁣ – your work isn’t to the standard it used to be⁣ ⁣ If you can relate, now is the time to put yourself & re-evaluate. Schedule in relaxation time and rest, disconnect from all the stimulation and stressors, be honest about your workload and what you can manage, do more of the things that enliven you and make you happy 🤍⁣ ⁣ #wellbeing #burnout #stress #mentalhealth #wellness⁣

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Grace Victory makes honesty and vulnerability a priority on her feed, sharing body positivity, candor about plus-size styling, and, lately, her thoughts on the ways that her body changes with pregnancy. She’s also the founder of How To Heal Holistically, an account focused on helping people see the little mental adjustments they can make to be happier and healthier.

3. Stephanie Yeboah

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As a teen, I hated it when people looked me in the eye. I didn’t like being looked or stared at. I hated speaking in front of people. I hated taking photos and more than anything, I hated any form of video/moving image of me. Cut to 31 year old me changing clothes in the middle of the streets of London for photoshoots and doing little video bits here and there. I absolutely love it now, and if teen Steph were here now I’d tell here that the freedom you feel when you no longer allow the words and actions of meaningless people to hurt you is like no other. You always deserved a chance to smile, and now you can! I’m slowly but surely beginning to feel quite comfortable on film, and it would definitely be something I’d love to peruse in the future – can you imagine me presenting Blind Date?! Omg I’d be FERAL. 😂 Suit – @asos

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Whether it’s for her immaculately designed outfits or for her uplifting, empowering sense of body confidence and positivity, you’ll always be grateful for Stephanie Yeboah’s content to show up in your feed.

4. Jessamyn Stanley

Jessamyn Stanley is working hard to defy the stereotype that fitness equals thinness. If you’re a yoga fan, you’re going to want to follow her; she runs a practice called The Underbelly and hosts online classes for all body types and experience levels, sometimes even hosting Q&As afterwards to make sure folks get the most out of her teaching.

5. Alex Light

Alex Light’s content focuses on dismantling many of the things we’ve been taught to believe about our bodies, from championing intuitive eating to normalizing hip dips. Alex’s body positivity is a remedy to the “thinspiration” that can pop up on our timelines; she’s here to remind you that hating your body is almost never just about losing a couple of pounds.

6. Sonny Turner

A style icon and champion for diversity and extended sizing, Sonny is a great person to follow for a daily dose of body positivity, fashion advice, and beautiful photos.

7. Jules Von Hep

Jules Von Hep wants you to know that body positivity is for men too, and that unrealistic beauty standards don’t just affect women. With regular posts about authenticity and kindness, this celebrity tanning expert is trying to make the world a better, softer place.

8. Chessie King

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AD My brain told me I looked silly because I was taller than everyone ⁣ Mumma told me my height was elegant & it was a gift to be my height⁣ ⁣ My brain told me I wanted my legs to look like the girls’ in the magazines⁣ Mumma told me to write down all the things my legs helped me do – I remember listing out dancing, skipping, jumping, cycling, swimming, roller blading ⁣ Mumma & her body spent 9 months creating me. She didn’t bring me into this world for me to speak unkindly to my body or try to change it in every way I could⁣ ⁣ She did everything she could to help me accept my body & see it for more than just it’s exterior ⁣layer ⁣ In 2004, @Dove set up their Self-Esteem Project to help support parents, carers, mentors & teachers to ensure the next generation grows up free from the burden of self-doubt. ⁣ ⁣ I was extremely lucky to be nurtured by a benevolent mother figure & fed off her infectious positivity from such a young age. The ‘Uniquely Me’ toolkit (linked in my stories) has been written by experts – jam packed full of advice, activities & exercises to help you & your children appreciate your bodies together.⁣ ⁣ One of the main catalysts for developing my body confidence was giving myself a daily body-ology lesson. Bringing it back to self-appreciation. ⁣ You can do it with me – each day identify 3 body functions & celebrate them.⁣ ⁣ Today I am thanking my hands for allowing me to paint⁣ ⁣ My legs for holding me up in a beautiful yoga class I did with Scrumma on zoom this morning ⁣ ⁣ & my immune cells for healing a deep cut I have on my foot (a friend once referred to them as the chief orchestrators of healing)⁣ ⁣ what 3 things are you celebrating today? #SelfEsteemAtHome #DoveSelfEsteemProject

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With her striking vulnerability, kindness, and humor, Chessie King’s content encourages you to be thankful for and love your body using her own relationship with her body as an example.

9. Megan Crabbe

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This jumpsuit doesn’t fit quite the same as it did last year. The way I see it, I could either: A. Allow my brain to fall into a spiral of self-blame, fuelled by a lifetime of fatphobic conditioning that tells us weight gain must ALWAYS be bad, ugly, unhealthy, and a moral failing that should be fixed immediately. Or… B. Choose myself over a piece of fabric. Recognise the “shit, what should I do about this?” thoughts for what they are: conditioning that takes daily practice not to fall into. Acknowledge that bodily changes are completely natural, and it’s perfectly okay for things like ageing, changes in routine, or global pandemics to result in things looking a little different. Thank my body for carrying me through those things. Then continue to listen to her, feed her intuitively, move her in ways that feel good, and accept whatever comes from taking care of her in that way. Oh, and also dress her in clothes with buttons that don’t go straight to struggle city as soon as we sit down. I choose option B. I choose myself over the piece of fabric, every time. 💜 • [Image description: two photos of Megan sitting on a cream and purple sofa (at Gemma’s house, obviously), wearing a pink leaf print jumpsuit that’s definitely a little tight round the middle. She’s wearing her pastel hair tied up in a bun with a real flower tucked into it. She’s smiling widely]

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Megan Crabbe, aka Bodyposipanda, has been on the forefront of the bosy positivity movement on Instagram for years, showing followers that you can have a full, happy life post eating-disorder. She’s here to give you a daily dose of joy and acceptance, whether it’s by showing off an immaculately composed outfit or having a quick dance party with her sister.

10. Jada Sezer

An actor and a model, Jada Sezer is honest about her journey with mental health and her fight for more size inclusivity, serving up incredible selfies while encouraging followers to embrace their own worth.

11. Callie Thorpe & The Confidence Corner

While Callie Thorpe is a plus-sized advocate who works to challenge fatphobia and toxic beauty standards, she’s also so much more. Much of her content works to center her joys and passions, making space for her followers to feel safe and loved as well. She also runs The Confidence Corner, an account that encourages women to love and embrace their bodies and pursue physical and mental wellness.

12. Allison Kimmey

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I felt this needed a repost as we might be getting out some clothes as the seasons change only to find they might not fit the same as they did last season. A thread on why that’s okay: • ✋🏼stop scrolling✋🏼 Let’s talk. Some of your clothes might not be fitting the same way that they used to…so I made this photo series all about it. Our bodies change every day, and especially during this time, it’s important to be kind to yourself. That same body is doing everything she can to help you survive something you’ve never been through before. So: thank her, allow her room to grow and find something comfortable that she can thrive in. Anyone ever experienced this, or going through it now? Just do you babes! Xoxo Allie

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Allison Kimmey’s bio reads “the self love mama you always needed.” Her content aims to make you feel at home and loved in your own body, assuring you that you don’t have to change anything about yourself to be worthy of respect.

13. i_weigh

I Weigh began as an initiative by actress and advocate Jameela Jamil encouraging women to measure their weight in accomplishments and relationships instead of pounds. Jamil has been vocal in addressing influencer accounts who make money encouraging their followers to look more like them; she famously took a stand against the Kardashians for advertising appetite-suppressing lollipops and shakes. I Weigh’s mission is to combat accounts that tell their followers that the only way to be happy is to buy a certain product or look a certain way, instead promoting messages of body positivity, self acceptance, and inclusion.

14. Sarah Frances Young

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It’s okay if during this pandemic you: 🦠Gained weight. 🦠Ate more. 🦠Ate more of certain foods. 🦠Did less exercise. 🦠Reverted to not so great coping mechanisms. We are literally living in a PANDEMIC. We experienced most of our countries being locked down for several months. This is not life as normal. If you’ve gained weight, it’s really really fine. If your body shape or size has changed, that is a-okay. If you ate more because your routine changed and there wasn’t much to do or you were seeking comfort, or whatever reason, it’s absolutely fine. If you have been less active than you usually would be, please don’t feel negatively towards yourself for that. During this pandemic I haven’t worked because of my vulnerabilities. And we didn’t go anywhere for 6 months except to grab coffees at the Costa drive thru when that opened. The most exciting thing for us was the delivery of fresh bread and gooey brownies, and so I ate a lot more bakery products than I normally would – and that’s OKAY. I didn’t have any routine or structure and so my exercise also increased. A lot. And at first it was liberating because my ME/CFS symptoms were almost unnoticeable and I felt free to be active. But the exercise became quite driven and compulsive. Because that’s what happens when you can’t go anywhere or do anything except to exercise and the world is a scary place and you have no structure or routine and it’s the thing you fall back into as a coping mechanism or just because it got a hold of you. And if you reverted back to an unhealthy mechanism then that’s okay and understandable. Don’t beat yourself up for it. Just recognise that it’s time to turn it around and get back on track again. It’s a global pandemic. We are all coping in different ways and doing our best. Take notice of when you’re coping strategies are unhealthy and try to find better ways to cope – but don’t beat yourself up for it. Accept it, and try to change it. And if your body has changed, then roll with it. Your body is doing just fine. #bodypositive #bodyacceptance #selflove #selfcare #bodypositivity #bopo #health #mentalhealth #edrecovery #mentalwellness #mentalwellbeing #bodyappreciation

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A body positive feminist with a chronic illness, Sarah Frances Young puts her daily struggles and triumphs on display with the hopes that it will encourage similar vulnerability and self acceptance in others.

More and more, our online presence is becoming melded with our real lives. So easily we can become submerged in attitudes, expectations and standards that cause us to feel like we’re not good enough. If you feel worse after getting off of Instagram then you did when you got on, try adding a few of these body positivity accounts— you might find that the regular encouragement and love can really make a difference.

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Getting Unruly: A Conversation With the Founder of the Internet’s Newest Plus-Size Fashion Haven

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Getting Unruly: A Look Inside The Internet's Newest Plus-Size Fashion Haven

The header at the top of Unruly’s website declares itself “your everything guide to plus-size fashion.” Furnished with plus-size finds from every brand fit to wear plus styling tips, outfit ideas and a powerful culture of love, confidence, and inclusion, this claim is more than fair. Unruly started as Maggie Griswold’s dream for a place (and an Instagram account) where plus-size style could thrive, a home for anyone who’s ever had a hard time shopping for their body type at the mall.

Maggie believed that her commitment to creating bold, interesting looks even when plus-size options were few and far between combined with years of trawling shopping sites as a fashion writer put her in the perfect position to start creating a community for plus-size folks to feel and look their best. In August of 2019, Maggie reached out to one of her oldest friends, Lindsey Lanquist, to help the site grow and thrive; since then they’ve created a name for themselves in the plus-size space with their expert commitment, stunning aesthetic and undeniable sense of humor.

We sat down with Maggie to ask her a few questions about her inspirations and influences, as well as her hopes and ambitions for Unruly.

CAC: Where did the idea for Unruly come from?

Maggie: The idea for Unruly came from several different aspects of my life. One, years of not being able to find clothes in my size in my favorite stores. Two, the lack of representation of plus-size folks in digital media. Three, working as a fashion writer and having to deep dive into the Internet just to find a few trendy plus-size pieces.

Those who are deemed “unruly” by a fat-shaming society deserve a place to find solace, friendship, and fashion—and I could (I hoped) provide that.

What if there could be an online community where plus-size folks could find their ideal wardrobes (without having to worry whether or not an item was available in their size), ideas on how to actually wear these pieces, and a community amongst other people who have had similar battles with fashion? Those who are deemed “unruly” by a fat-shaming society deserve a place to find solace, friendship, and fashion—and I could (I hoped) provide that.

CAC: Can you describe what your journey has looked like as a plus-size person who is passionate about clothing and personal style?

Maggie: The availability of trends in extended sizing has played a huge role in how my style has developed through the years. I can still remember shopping at Urban Outfitters as a teen, where I’d always seek out the oversized looks. Typically, the “one-size-fits-all” pieces were some of the few items in the store that ever fit me—and I still look for clothes that “run large” in reviews or are meant to be oversized. It was the only way I could shop at most retailers growing up, so I guess the habit just kind of stuck.

With more and more brands launching plus-size collections, it’s been great—though it’s taken far too long—and we see so many new trends available in sizes larger than a 12 or 14. Obviously, the numbers pale in comparison to what’s available in sizes 0 through 12, but it’s a small win I’m willing to take (for now).

I knew there had to be other plus-size folks who wanted a place where they could find anything they wanted to wear in one place—so I made it.

Unfortunately, a lot of the damage has already been done to those of us who grew up with fewer options. I still shop for a size larger than I am—even if a piece is available in my size. I guess I’ve just been conditioned to believe that nothing will ever fit me. I’m hoping that my work with Unruly helps to keep others from ever feeling this way.

CAC: Have you ever felt excluded from mainstream brands or fashion trends due to the sizes and shapes they market towards?

Maggie: When brands don’t carry my size in a trend or an article of clothing I really, really love, I used to just… give up. That sounds kind of sad, but I didn’t want to spend hours searching for something everyone else could pick up in any store. That’s one of the reasons I started Unruly—to help people find actual trends in their size. And not just one piece, either. Curated shopping guides filled with as many pieces I could find in as many sizes I could find.

Huge brands saying they’re adding inclusive sizing and then releasing a collection of 10 pieces (out of, say, hundreds on their site) just doesn’t cut it. I knew there had to be other plus-size folks who wanted a place where they could find anything they wanted to wear in one place—so I made it.

CAC: Do you have any practical advice for plus-sized folks who are struggling to find their style or feel attractive within the limitations of mainstream fashion sizing?

Maggie: Until we erase fatphobia from society—or, since it’s nearly impossible to eradicate something so pervasive, at least create a kinder society that isn’t so focused on thinness equalling beauty—the best advice I can give is to find other fat friends. I love all my skinny friends to death, but the experiences are different. If someone knows how it feels to walk into a store and find nothing in their size, there’s a bond there. It’s a sad bond, but a bond nonetheless. So if you surround yourself with people who have the same battles, you can lift each other up in a way others can’t.

CAC: How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic, and has it evolved at all as you’ve been working on Unruly?

Maggie: I wish I had a tried-and-true aesthetic. I really do. I like too many different styles of clothing to stick with one. I will say that I’m fond of the oversized look (as I mentioned before), but also find myself leaning into trends in a different way than I have before. Maybe it’s because of the widening availability of sizes, or maybe it’s because I work as a fashion writer. Either way, I really enjoy keeping up with street style and the latest trends more than I used to.

Since working with Unruly, I pay so much more attention to which brands actually carry plus-sizes and which pretend to be inclusive. A lot of places will carry up to an XXL or XL and call it “extended sizing,” which is, quite frankly, insulting. It’s changed the way I shop, too— now I tend to only give my money to brands that carry an abundance of sizes.

Too many digital media outlets are so focused on making money that they forget what readers—especially online readers—actually want and need.

CAC: What is the biggest thing you hope that Unruly accomplishes?

Maggie: One of the biggest things I hope Unruly accomplishes is something we’ve already started to see a little—and that’s being a go-to resource to plus-size folks. Whether they’re people who love fashion and want ideas on how to shop and style the latest trends or people who just want a pair of jeans that will fit them properly, we want to be able to give everyone a place to find it all. And not only that, but provide a sense of community as well. People who get it, and can commiserate (or laugh) with you.

Too many digital media outlets are so focused on making money that they forget what readers—especially online readers—actually want and need. There are so many places to find information and so many ways to find clothes, but our goal is to make Unruly a stand-out addition to the Internet that’s actually helpful and adds value.

CAC: Are there any influencers or brands you would point plus-size readers to if they’re looking for tips for styling and curating their wardrobes?

Maggie: There are so many amazing plus-size influencers out there. There are some, though, who really got me into plus-size fashion, and inspired me long before I even started Unruly: Jessica Torres (@thisisjessicatorres), Nicolette Mason (@nicolettemason), Kellie Brown (@itsmekellieb), and Alex Michael May (@alexmichaelmay). I kind of consider those to be the OG plus-size influencers, and I’m so grateful to have had them on my Instagram feed for the past several years.

When it comes to brands, there are far more than there used to be. We all love fast fashion, and brands like ASOS and Fashion Nova have a lot of trendier pieces that aren’t expensive. Sustainable brands like Reformation and Christy Dawn (which just released their extended sizing) are great options, too, if you want something a little better for the planet. Honestly, though, you can find some really great pieces from brands like Anthropologie and Madewell, along with Target and Walmart. There are more collections added each day, and it’s truly a heartening thing to see.

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from the archives 💥🌝

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For plus-size finds from top brands, hints and tips for styling, and so much more, you can visit Unruly’s website or follow them on Instagram.

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Carrie Ann’s DWTS Diary: A Day in the Life of a Talking, Dancing Judge

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Carrie Ann's DWTS Diary: A Day in the Life of a Talking, Dancing Judge

I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to be on two shows I love so much at once, to help spread a bit of positivity and happiness during this challenging time. Now that both of my shows are back on the air, it means that one day a week I’m filming both shows back to back. I’m thankful we had a very special Tuesday episode of Dancing With The Stars this week so that I could spend Monday focusing on the season premiere of The Talk, but when Tuesday rolled around it was time to start up my old double schedule again.

A quiet moment to start the day

I start my day at 6 a.m. My first step is always to make myself a cup of coffee with almond creamer. I feed my two cats and three dogs; my oldest dog, Peanut, gets fed by hand. Next, I make myself a shake with either blueberries or peaches with vanilla, protein and a lot of greens to give me energy and keep my system optimized for the day ahead. I take a probiotic and drink a glass of lemon water (I know I should drink the lemon water before anything else, but the plain truth is that my coffee comes first!). Next I take a shower. While I’m showering I do a few exercises: 25 lunges on each side, 25 tricep pushups, and some dancer stretches. After my shower I use my neti pot to keep my nasal passages clear, which is especially important during COVID, and then I put on moisturizer. I throw on my favorite comfy sweats and head off to The Talk.

Peanut and I starting our morning

My call time is usually between 7 and 7:30— the first task of the day is always getting tested for COVID-19. Between 7:30 and 9 a.m. I’m in hair and makeup, where my team works on me while I eat my breakfast and read the updates on the stories we’ll be covering. At 9 I record my voiceovers for The Talk, then I meet with my producer (the first of many meetings of the day) to discuss our daily topics and do research. This season, we hold the meeting on Zoom for a more COVID-friendly environment. Next I meet with the guest producers to discuss the day’s guests and then I head into a script meeting to read the latest scripts for the show. Finally, there’s a group meeting where we all get ready for the live show and we do our cheer— this year the theme is “Speak Up and Be Heard.”

One thing you wouldn’t expect to have changed during COVID-19 is the order that we take the stage. I usually prefer to be onstage earlier to be able to prepare myself and feel the space. However, it’s now safest for me to enter last, a change we’re more than happy to oblige in the name of safety. Then, finally, we go live at 10 a.m.

The Talk has experienced a few obstacles in the first week of filming, but it’s nothing our amazing team couldn’t handle. Sharon is unfortunately still quarantined for another week— she’s doing well after being exposed to COVID, and you can learn more details by tuning into The Talk. Eve is broadcasting from London but our team has done an incredible job making it feel like she’s still in the studio. More than once I’d forget she wasn’t really there until I turned to look at her and remembered she’s appearing via screen.

Once we wrap on The Talk at noon, I run back to my dressing room, grab my keys, water, phone, and a pair of flats, and make the half-hour trek over the mountain from CBS’ Studio City lot to the CBS lot in Beverly Hills. On the way I put on one of my favorite playlists to get myself pumped up for Dancing With The Stars. When I arrive I take my second COVID test of the day via nasal swab, get my temperature checked and fill out a questionnaire for symptoms.

My daily COVID test

I have my first meeting for Dancing With The Stars at 12:30; we go over the show order, who’s dancing, and the judges’ comments order. Then it’s back to hair and makeup. This season I’ve decided to have a lot more fun and play around with wardrobe and wigs— if you want to know more, you can read my complete style blog at People.com. It’s an honor to be featured and I’ve had a blast. As I’m getting ready I take some time to review my notes on the couples from the previous week, how I thought they performed, and what my score was for each couple. I write it all down in my book so I have a point of reference once we start shooting.

My team and I decided that this week was going to be golden; my dress was sequined gold complemented by my second blonde wig, and my newly Emmy award-winning makeup artist Marylin (I’m so proud of her so I’m taking the opportunity to brag for her) completed our choices with a very cool look.

All gold everything!

I try to get a nice lunch while I’m prepping to keep my energy and immunity up; yesterday I had vegetarian sausage and salad along with a peach and orange vanilla protein shake with an immunity booster. At 4 p.m. we do final looks and by 4:30 I’m headed to the stage to do the step and repeat, where we take pictures and do a bit of social media. We get into the studio around 10 minutes before we go live.

The judges prepare to take the stage

I feel very blessed to be able to work with people I care about. Bruno and I are like brother and sister at this point, and Derek has always been a part of the family and has been doing an incredible job so far. When we get to our seats I check my paddles, double check my notes, and make sure my pen is working. Before we go live I always say a prayer: to have the courage to speak my truth and to do so with love and compassion in my heart, to uplift others, and that nobody gets hurt. I take a deep breath, and then we’re live!

I love waiting to see what Tyra is going to wear. Last night she had one wardrobe change and two outfits, and I have to say I’m loving this added element of fashion on the show. It feels like every week we’re going to the Met Gala. It’s inspired me to have a lot more fun as well, as I wrote about last week.

When the show ends at 7pm, I go back to my dressing room and debrief with my hair and makeup team about what worked and what didn’t. We discuss looks for the following week and make a game plan. Sometimes after that I’ll meet with the press for another half an hour— not having a press line is another change we’ve made during COVID, so I talk to the press via Zoom.

After my time at Dancing With The Stars is over I drive home, wash my face, take off all my makeup, and hop in the shower to rinse off the day. I’m usually in bed by 10 or 10:30 so I can wake up the next day and do the whole thing over again! When both of my shows are on the air my schedule can be grueling, but at the same time I’m so grateful to be a part of two shows I’m truly proud of and I don’t take it for granted. Doing all this work while coping with my autoimmune conditions can be a challenge, but I think in some ways it’s a blessing. AI forces me to take better care of myself than I might do otherwise; because of my conditions I’m always making sure I get enough sleep, eat things that are good for me, and drink lots of water (although I could definitely be better at staying hydrated!).

Next week I’ll write about what it feels like to be the one to choose who stays or who goes on Dancing With The Stars. Thank you for tuning in to the Carrie Ann Conversations; I hope you’ll browse through our site and read a few other pieces while you’re here. I hope you enjoyed both of yesterday’s shows; it’s an honor to be able to bring them to you.

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Carrie Ann Inaba’s Thoughts On Net Worth

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Carrie Ann Inaba's Thoughts On Worth

How do we measure worth? It’s always amazed me how much we try to learn about ourselves by looking to the outside. We take cues from others, from friends and family and even celebrities, about what our lives should look like, how we should be spending our time, where we should find our happiness. It’s not a bad thing to have people in our lives whom we aspire to be like, but sometimes this can turn us deaf to the voice within. We all have natural instincts, a gravitational pull towards the things that make us feel the most like ourselves. We all have value and worth that’s as much an inherent part of us as our own skin, even if sometimes we forget to acknowledge it.

This year has been extraordinarily difficult for so many reasons, but one thing it has offered us is a chance to look at ourselves through the lens of our own happiness, our own contentment, our own satisfaction with life instead of having an audience to perform for. In everyday life we are always receiving so many cues and messages about what will make us worthy in the eyes of others, what we can do to please other people with our appearance, our job, our net worth, our output. The quiet of the pandemic has given us the opportunity to cut out all of those messages and just reflect: what gives my life meaning and value in my eyes? When we remove the need to seek validation from other people, we can find the path to our own true happiness— our true value to this world is to fall in love with being ourselves. This is the way that we offer the most to the world, as people who are happy and fulfilled and focused on caring for other people instead of worrying about how they see us.

Living through the pandemic has presented so many challenges, but we can also see it as a unique time to reset the way we organize our lives. Spend some time in self reflection. Follow your own instincts without consulting anybody and see how it feels. Believing in ourselves, listening to ourselves, defining our own “net worth,” can be such a bold act of self-restoration. We have so many voices influencing us every day, be it in person or through our devices. If your inner voice has become muted, spend some time cultivating it and rediscovering the things that make it grow louder. When we are loving ourselves and allowing that love to pour out of us into the world, when we live each moment to the fullest, that is where we find our true worth.

If you’re struggling to rediscover your own self worth, here are a few small steps that might help:

  • Wear a piece of clothing that you love but have never let yourself go out in before. See how much you shine when you dress exactly how you want.
  • Be honest with a loved one when they say or do something hurtful instead of just ignoring it to avoid making waves. You deserve the right to stand up for yourself as much as anyone else.
  • Make a list of places in your town you’ve always wanted to go with someone. Choose a few to see all by yourself because you deserve it.
  • Pick up a journal and write down five strengths you believe you have; spend time writing about why each one is important to you.
  • Decide to start a hobby or project you’ve been dreaming about for years; whether it’s learning guitar or starting an herb garden, I guarantee the hardest part is just deciding to take the first step!
  • Spend ten minutes a day of quiet time with yourself. Whether you’d like to spend it meditating, going for a walk or drive, or just staring out the window, the only rule is that you can’t put on a playlist, a tv show or a podcast as a buffer. See if you start to feel more comfortable and safer in your own company.
  • Anytime you feel disappointed or angry at yourself for a mistake, ask yourself if you would treat a friend of yours the same way if they had made the mistake. We often reserve our harshest words and perspectives for ourselves because we feel like, somehow, we are an exception to the rule that everyone has worth. Start treating yourself with the same care and understanding that you’d show a friend: you can recognize faults and the need for growth without injecting that knowledge with disdain and self-loathing.
  • Anytime you are disappointed in something about yourself, take time to appreciate one positive thing. You are more than just your faults. Make it a point to recognize things you’re good at, or even be thankful for the little things like your body’s ability to feel the warm sun or taste a delicious dessert.
  • Come up with a simple mantra that you connect with and repeat it whenever you feel disconnected from your self worth. This can be something as short as “I am loved, I am important, I am valuable,” or something more complex that speaks to you.

Our worth is inherent, but recognizing it is a practice that takes attentiveness and commitment. It’s vital as a healthy diet or an exercise routine because our self worth is as much a part of us as our physical bodies. By choosing to engage with our worth every day, we can start to build our relationship with our own worthiness until we no longer feel the need to validate it with external sources. I sincerely hope that one of these tips helps you recognize your own worth even when it’s hard, because I promise you are precious, valuable, and loved.

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Dancing with the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba on This Year’s Historic Premiere

Carrie Ann Inaba Dancing With The Stars

I really believe that the only way we can ever move forward is by adapting and evolving to the new while letting go of the old. That’s been one of the themes of this year for me; we can mourn the way things were but we also have to see the new world around us with open eyes and work to thrive within it. There was such clear evidence of this at the premiere of Dancing With The Stars‘ 29th season last night.

I feel especially honored to be one of two people (the other being my brother-judge Bruno Tonioli) who have been with the show for every single episode. I’ve been there for everything, from day one up to last night. I’ve seen so many historical moments on Dancing With The Stars, and last night’s premiere in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the biggest milestones of all.

One thing I’ve noticed about living in the pandemic is how much slower life is. It can feel like you’re walking through slush; things that we used to do without even thinking now cost us so much more time and energy. Making a TV show is no exception— our executive producer Andrew Llinares and our team of professionals and experts have been hard at work creating the protocols that allow us to return to your homes while remaining safe. As someone who has several autoimmune conditions (lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, fibromyalgia and, now, vasculitis) I definitely felt nervous in the days leading up to the premiere. What was it going to be like? Was it going to be safe? These fears have dissipated; all cast and crew are tested for COVID-19 daily, and we all have to show a negative test result to even reach the onstage screening process. As necessary and appreciated as our safety measures are, they’ve also created a new normal for our show. Interacting with coworkers through face masks and shields can make it hard to read expressions and difficult to hear and be understood. There have been new obstacles to overcome this year but I’m so proud of everyone at Dancing With The Stars for pulling together and working hard so that we could be a part of bringing America, and our DWTS family, some joy, love and entertainment during this difficult time.

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Carrie Ann's Dancing With The Stars Diary

At the end of the day, Dancing With The Stars is a family, and one of the beautiful things about this show is how it continues to grow, just like all families. Tom Bergeron, Erin Andrews, Brooke Burke, Samantha Harris, Lisa Canning, and now Tyra Banks; they’ll always be a part of our DWTS family. Last night we welcomed new members and had an old member back; Derek Hough returned to the ballroom with his record-breaking six victories under his belt and took his place at the judges’ table with Bruno and myself.

Last night was an evening of full of changes and firsts. For the first time in the show’s history we filmed without a live audience and without backup dancers; we all wondered what it would be like without their incredible energy and support in the room. In the minutes leading up to the show, Derek, Bruno and I could only talk about how badly we just wanted to get started, to finally see what it would feel like to give our first comments in this new environment. There were so many uncertainties heading into the first moment of the show, not knowing exactly what the tempo and energy of our new normal would be. But as soon as that first moment came and we were watching AJ McLean and Cheryl Burke hit the dance floor for their first number, it just felt like home. I felt so much joy to be back in the ballroom, doing what I love and seeing other people empowered to do what they love as well. Watching our celebrities try new things and take chances is always such a gift. It’s what makes Dancing With The Stars a truly magical place to be and it’s why I’m so proud to be a part of this show. Without a live audience this season, the connection between the judges and the competitors is going to be a lot more intimate and I expect the competition to get intense. I was impressed with the level of dancing last night; we have some incredible dancers and performers this year and I’m looking forward to a very competitive season.

There’s another change for this season that’s a bit smaller, and a lot more personal to me. As a new executive producer, Tyra Banks has been promising the audience that we’d be taking things to another level. For me, this translated to creating a new look for myself. During quarantine, like many people, I’ve had a lot of time to look within and get to know how I really want to express myself. I realized I’ve always been conservative on Dancing With The Stars; I’ve always avoided the spotlight and tried to blend in. I always felt that, as a judge, I was supposed to be in a supportive role, that I needed to downplay my looks and avoid drawing attention to myself in order to do my job. What I’ve realized is that it’s okay to fully express myself in all situations; I know now that I don’t have to make myself small to fit in. This season represents a real breakthrough for me; I’ve decided I want to have fun, dare to try new things and play around with my looks. I’m so thankful to DWTS for giving me an opportunity to express that.

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Carrie Ann's Dancing With The Stars Diary

I have a great team I want to thank for helping me find the perfect “me” for this week’s episode: Marylin Lee, Glenn Nutley and Rhonda Spies. I also have to give Lori Rozman credit for helping me build the amazing wig I wore last night, which was a really fun process that could fill a whole diary by itself. If you want to know more, you can read my getting-ready diary in PEOPLE.

I’m so excited for next week’s episode, and for an incredible season full of love, joy, inspiration, and talent. I’m so happy to have been a part of a historical show that is bringing joy and entertainment to people who could really use it now more than ever. I hope that everyone stays tuned for the rest of the season because it’s going to be a fun ride. Now that the premiere of Dancing With The Stars has come and gone, it’s time to focus on the season premiere of The Talk, which has had some changes of its own.

The changes we’ve seen on the set of DWTS mirror many you might be experiencing at home: we are all seeing a life that looks a bit different and presents us with challenges and obstacles that we’re not used to. I hope that together we are able to find new solutions, adapt and evolve so that we’re able to give ourselves a better chance at a future that’s happier and healthier for us all.

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7 Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | 7 Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

2020 has not been the easiest year for romance. With more time at home and less to do, it can be easy to fall into stagnancy with a partner, repeating the same activities and patterns day in and day out. Maintaining a sense of passion for life when we’re experiencing this much repetition has been hard enough; how are we supposed to maintain the excitement and electricity of our romantic relationships while our options for activities are so limited? Six months into quarantine, it’s easy to feel like you’ve run out of indoor date ideas and you don’t know what to do next.

Planning a fun evening in can be a great way to get excited about being with someone as well as show them that you appreciate them. You might have burned through your Netflix queue and usual takeout spots, but it’s still not impossible to show your date a unique night as long as you’re willing to get creative. Here are seven ideas for creating interesting, memorable dates that will show your special someone how much you care.

1. Powerpoint Night

You might have already heard about the “powerpoint party” trend that’s become so popular lately; essentially, each guest drafts up a powerpoint about something they’re interested in. A little-known historical figure they love, an argument about whether cats or dogs make better pets, or a how-to guide of an obscure skill; the only limit to the topics is the participants’ interest and passion. This party idea can also make for a great low-key date night; what better way to connect with someone than by letting them show off something they’re passionate about?

2. Cook A Meal Together

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

There’s always something intimate about cooking with someone and creating a meal for you both to enjoy. Whether you’re showing them how to cook an old family recipe or the two of you want to learn how to make something new from scratch, spending a few hours in the kitchen with a purpose and ending up with a nourishing meal for two can be a great idea for a memorable indoor date.

3. Take A Trip Down Memory Lane

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

Everyone seems to have a box full of old photos or an out-of-control collection of old mementos from faraway places— this is the perfect time to make something out of the chaos. Scrapbooking together as an indoor date can be a great excuse to reminisce about your favorite memories together, swap stories and maybe even share a few rare baby photos. By the end of this date you’ll both feel like you’ve gone on a trip through time, and you’ll have a finished product that you can revisit anytime.

4. Indoor Photoshoot Date

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

Pick up a disposable (or a Polaroid) camera and dedicate a day to filling up the reel. Create a photo booth in your home, picking out fun costumes and props from your belongings, and try to see who can capture the most interesting shot. You’ll have spent an entire evening without looking at your phones, and you’ll always have the photos to remember this indoor date.

5. Homemade Spa Day

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

Home spa remedies are definitely on the rise due to the pandemic, and there’s no reason that two people can’t get in on the fun. Turning your house into a luxury spa for the day can make for a perfect indoor date idea. Whether you want to dedicate an afternoon to luxurious foot soaks, treat each others’ cuticles, craft your own facials or even break out the massage oils, this date can be the perfect way to detox from stress and feel closer as a couple.

6. Teach Each Other A Skill

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

There’s nothing as satisfying or validating as being able to show someone else how to do something you’re good at. Plus, showing off something you’re confident in is a great way to engage your passionate side. Spend an afternoon teaching your date about something you love, whether it’s an art, a craft, or even a practical skill.

7. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

If you feel like you know the ins and outs of your home too well after months of social distancing, crafting a mini scavenger hunt can be a great way to inject a little spontaneity into your environment. You can choose to go the classic easter egg route, hiding little prizes, compliments, or homemade coupons in places throughout your home, or you can even create a National Treasure style mini-adventure for your partner by leaving them trails of puzzles and clues. An indoor scavenger hunt can be the perfect date to bring out some excitement and intrigue.

2020 might be the year that we all re-learn the lesson that it’s not about where you go but who you’re with. A creative indoor date idea might be the perfect way to remember how much fun you can have when you simply take the time to be present with someone you love, and approach each day with a bit of creativity and humor.