Becca Evans is a lifestyle and entertainment writer based in Los Angeles. With a background in communications, film, copywriting and editorial writing, Becca loves telling stories about everything from sports and personality tests to local history and travel.
One of the biggest shifts in quarantine is how small our worlds have become. Because of this, more and more of it is contained within the screens we carry with us at all times. Many of our friends are only available to us through these screens- we use them to keep up with each other, share our lives, feel connected. But our phones aren’t solely for connection. I once heard a friend refer to the constant string of distractions and noise that stream into our brains from our devices as novocaine— a numbing agent. The amount of time I’ve spent addicted to my phone in quarantine, constantly stimulated and consuming and yet never learning or gaining anything from it, terrifies me.
Looking at my phone has become such a reflex; it’s the first thing I do when I don’t know what to do. I don’t want my phone to be my whole world. I want to remember that I have a physical body that exists in physical spaces, that I can experience things in reality instead of through a screen even when my options are more limited now than they have been in the past. Using a phone to catch up with a loved one or check in on the world is certainly a blessing. But if you’ve found yourself reaching for it without thinking, as a distraction from your life, you might enjoy a list of easy alternatives.
Here’s a list of fifty things you can do instead of looking at your phone if you feel like you’re battling phone addiction.
Eavesdrop on a conversation and see if you learn anything interesting.
Write down the characteristics of birds you see and try to identify them later.
Pick a flower or two and press them in a book.
Make a quick 5-item list of things you’re grateful for at this exact moment,
Practice drawing your favorite animal until you get it perfect.
Call a friend on a whim.
Stretch.
Do five minutes of deep breathing.
If you have a pet, spend a few minutes playing with them or brushing them or just showing them some affection.
Take any cups, dishes, or finished beverages out of your room.
Pick up a book you bought six months ago and haven’t gotten a chance to read yet.
Write a letter to a friend just because.
Make a collage out of anything interesting you find in today’s paper.
Clear out a junk drawer.
Plan a fancy meal for yourself.
Pick a short mantra and meditate on it for 5 minutes.
Paint your nails.
Look through any physical photos in your house and reminisce.
Write a quick summary of your week so far and keep it in a place where you can keep adding to it.
Write down a story about someone you love. If it feels right, consider mailing it to them.
Sketch a quick self portrait.
Rearrange the furniture in your room.
Spend 5 minutes writing about something that’s been troubling you and see if you feel better afterwards.
Write down 5 goals you have for the next month or year. Keep it someplace where you won’t forget about it.
Make a list of 10 places in the world you want to visit.
Open up your fridge and try to invent a meal out of what you have.
Write down your 5 favorite places in the world with a few reasons for each.
Make a physical list of friends’ birthdays so you can remember them easier.
Go through your closet until you find a piece of clothing you love but forgot about.
Pick up a craft or hobby you haven’t had time for in a while.
Plan 5 nice things to do for yourself this week, whether it’s picking up spa supplies at the store or ordering a yummy meal for delivery.
Think up five compliments you could give a loved one or significant other and resolve to share them with that person over the next week.
Make a cup of tea and let your mind wander as you drink it.
Look through your books and pick one to mail to a friend you think would enjoy it.
See how many plants and trees in your yard you can identify by name. Look up any you don’t know afterwards.
Pick 5 pieces of clothing out of your closet to donate.
Talk to your plants.
Pull up a video of any dance and try your best to learn it.
Write down 5 or 10 memories you treasure from the previous year. Add to this list again whenever you can until you have a good account of the happiness you felt last year.
Try on things in your closet you haven’t worn very much this year and try to make interesting outfits out of them.
Start making a list of gift ideas for holidays and birthdays that normally sneak up on you.
Make your bed, declutter your bedside table, or rearrange the pillows on your couch.
Put on an album you’ve been meaning to listen to.
Write down 10 bullet points about what your dream home would look like. See if there are any of them you could incorporate into your current home (get a window-box herb garden, buy one new piece of furniture, look up DIY solutions, etc).
Stare at the clouds and count the shapes you can see in them.
Look up a tutorial on how to do a makeup or hairstyle you’ve always liked and try it out.
Write down 5 things you admire about yourself and 5 things you could improve on.
Write down 5 interesting icebreakers to ask the next time you’re on a group call or Zoom with friends.
Let your mind go blank and reminisce about someone you love or something you loved doing for a few moments.
When looking at our phone is our default, a small action that is the easiest thing to do at any given time, we start to forget all the other possibilities for that moment that exist. Being present can often feel threatening, especially when our current reality has so much hardship in it that’s hard to ignore. But our imagination, creativity, and happiness are muscles that need to be stretched, and though it may be hard at first to re-train them we’ll often feel better afterwards. I hope you can come back to this list and pick a new item whenever your instinct is to open social media or indulge phone addiction. I hope that it helps you feel more present and alive and helps you remember the gift that is turning your attention and focus away from distractions for a few moments.
In this year it’s often been hard to see the passing of time or check off any benchmarks; many of our days have all looked the same for months, which can make it difficult to see progress or set goals or even just feel time passing. Despite all of these challenges, the New Year can still offer the perfect opportunity both literally and symbolically to start over fresh; it’s a chance to wave goodbye to this past year and look toward the future with intention and hope. If you’re looking for a new goal or meditation to take on for the coming year, why not start by looking at your Enneagram? Your Enneagram type can offer so many insights into your deeper needs and outlook, and that makes it a great tool for creating intentions for yourself.
Enneagram Type 1s tend to have a need for completion and can think of their goals, ambitions and daily lives in somewhat rigid terms. This tendency to check off boxes can make you feel uncomfortable in grey areas where there’s no clear end date or benchmarks, but these grey areas can have a lot to offer. Try making some more subjective goals this year, whether it’s learning an instrument or getting outside more or being more open in communication and see that even goals that don’t fit into boxes can add value to your life.
Type 2: Be Upfront About Your Expectations.
A lot of times as an Enneagram Type 2, you’ll hear that your fatal flaw is that you care too much about others and don’t speak up enough about your own needs. This is completely true and something you should always watch out for; Type 2s are often quite sacrificial and this can be a strength and a weakness. However, what’s often forgotten when we talk about Type 2s is that there’s another dimension to their selfless acts. You think of others often, but truthfully you’ve probably noted when someone doesn’t do the same for you more than once. 2s gauge how much they are loved by how others reciprocate their affection, as do many of us, but they rarely make this expectation known. 2s might shy away from letting their loved ones know about these expectations out of a fear of looking selfish or high maintenance. While this is admirable, being upfront about your own needs, and your expectations, is truly a gift you can give others as well as your self. It can help your loved ones to care for you more effectively and precisely.
3. Define Your Own Image of Success.
Enneagram Type 3s have a super-powered ability to excel wherever they find themselves, but often have a tendency to define success on others’ terms. Spend some time thinking about what your best self would look like to you and only you and reflect on what you would be doing if you had only yourself to impress. Would anything be different? See where that line of thought leads you and notice the places it contrasts goals or images you’ve pursued in the past.
4. Embrace Your Connections As Well As Your Individuality.
Thoughtful, intense, and deeply individualistic, Type 4s have a need to separate themselves from everyone else and demonstrate their uniqueness. The emphasis on individuality can also leave you feeling isolated. Meditate on the ways you are similar to others, even if it feels threatening at first. Finding common ground with others doesn’t make you less special and it might help you feel less alone in challenging times.
5. Prioritize Needs Other Than Self-Preservation
As an Enneagram Type 5, you have a deep passion for accruing knowledge and storing it for later. This can also be your approach to other resources, including your time and energy. 5s tend to approach the world from a place of self-protection, worrying that others might try to take something away from them. This new year, try thinking about what you have to gain from the world instead. If you haven’t prioritized physical experiences as much as mental ones, try making a pact to visit a beautiful path or trail once a week or start doing yoga. If you’ve been neglecting your relationships, try investing in them and see if they leave you with more than you had instead of less.
6. Strive To Look Beyond Your First Impressions.
Because you often seek security above everything, you can have a tendency towards thinking in black and white and trying to label things as good or bad right away. This is handy for survival but not always necessary- open yourself up to learn more about a person or situation before forming a snap judgement and notice that you do often have time to come to more informed conclusions instead of running with your first instinct.
7. Embrace The Mundane
The Enthusiasts of the Enneagram, Type 7s love nothing more than the freedom to fly from one exciting experience to the next. While this means there’s rarely a dull moment, this impulse to speed past moments that are slow or uncomfortable (or boring!) can mean you might miss out on some experiences worth having. See how it feels to sit in moments that aren’t incredible or ineffable but are just simple or quiet or nice; if you treasure them, consider how you approach or prioritize experiences accordingly.
8. Consider the Value of Empathy in Your Relationships
If you’re an Enneagram Type 8, you’ve likely prided yourself on calling others out for their B.S. in the past. 8s can see themselves as the ones who call things as they see them which can cause them to view others who hedge or speak vaguely as “fake.” Yes, honesty and candor are important and admirable traits, but the best path forward might not always require these at full power. Sometimes, it can be better to let someone go uninterrogated for any number of reasons where confronting them might not be kind or constructive. There’s a difference between acting fake and acting with kindness and empathy, and some situations might call for a less blunt approach.
9. Create and Protect Your Boundaries
Type 9s are called Mediators for a reason. You’re extremely talented at accommodating others and repressing any parts of yourself that could cause conflict; this makes you an excellent friend but can often put you in situations where others ask too much of you without thinking. Because 9s are so used to becoming what they need to be for others, they can grow numb to the voice inside stating their own needs— try to make it a priority to listen to and stand up for this voice when it asks for space, time, or the option to say no. Setting boundaries with others can be scary, but your needs are as valid as anyone else’s.
The New Year is always a great opportunity to evaluate where we’ve come from and look toward the future, conceiving of a better, more realized version of ourselves. This could be the perfect time to hear what the Enneagram is trying to tell you and use it to inform another year of growth, learning and evolution.
If you’re a lover of astrology, you’ll know that one of its greatest strengths is the extra perspective it can give you on your friends and loved ones. This is never of more practical use than it is when you find yourself buying a present and need all the information you can get to settle on the perfect gift. A person’s astrological sign can help illuminate so much about your closest friends and loved ones and highlight the things that they’ll truly appreciate about a gift.
Aquarius
Eclectic and independent, Aquarians have a knack for marching to the beat of their own drummer. They’re anti-authority and individuality, meaning they tend to express themselves by picking up hobbies and interests that are a bit off the beaten path. This means there are no hard and fast rules when finding gifts for this astrological sign; something that speaks to their tastes or specific interests will go a long way. That being said, here are a few gifts an Aquarius might be tickled to find under the tree.
For an Aquarius, there’s nothing like the gift of a new fixation. An out-of-pocket, self-contained hobby like this will give them the perfect excuse to disappear into their own world for a few moments.
Aquarians love to keep their spaces eclectic to reflect their personalities, and aesthetic taste tends to be a big part of their lives. This simple but beautiful glass lamp is sure to suit them (and their room) perfectly.
Pisces
Pisces tend to be among the more emotional and spiritual signs, flowing through the depths of their emotions as easily as a fish in water. Pisces are deeply creative and empathic, which means they can be sensitive to other peoples’ moods and have a hard time setting boundaries. A great gift for Pisces’ astrological sign is anything that gives them an excuse to check out of reality for a few moments, or check in for a bout of creativity. Anything self-care related will be a welcome treat for a Pisces, as will any excuse for them to express themselves creatively.
Because Pisces tend to be sensitive, they need a lot of restorative self-care to remain balanced. This set of masks should keep them stocked with excuses to have spa nights for a while.
Aries
Arguably the fieriest of the fire signs, the ram is known for being passionate, direct, and confident. Aries have a strong desire to lead and an allergy to compromise; they aren’t as averse to conflict as many other signs are. Competitors by nature, any game, sport or challenge you throw their way, as well as anything that furthers one of their passions make great gifts for this astrological sign.
Aries might be the type most likely to watch a movie and say that the villain “had a point;” chances are, they’ve been perceived as the villain a time or two because of their direct nature and penchant for conflict and they can probably relate. They’ll love this game for letting them unleash a little chaos in a way that’s fun for everyone!
Aries’ tend to be ruled by their passions which make them powerful friends and good leaders, but it can also mean they have a hard time seeing their impulses and desires from a bigger perspective. This passion planner can help them channel their energy and curtail their impulses to create a more effective direction for themselves.
Taurus
Known for being down-to-earth and pragmatic, Tauruses also have a deep love for comfort and beauty in their spaces. Tauruses project comfiness everywhere they choose to nest, and it’s evident in everything from their curated blanket and teacup collections to their art and snacks. If you want to give a this astrological sign a gift, think of things that will enhance their favorite place: their home.
A mini zen garden like this one can make a great addition to a Taurus’ decor and give them an excuse to spend a long moment getting it to look just the way they like it.
Gemini
Vibrant and curious, Geminis are known for their sense of humor and a tendency to bounce between hobbies and fascinations at a rate that their friends might describe as “dizzying.” Governed by the communication planet Mercury, Geminis love nothing more than to amass knowledge and then diffuse it (or dump it, as the case may be) all over their chosen loved ones. If you love a Gemini, you know they aren’t discrete about their interests. Whether it’s an obsession with a movie from the 80s, Shakespearian sonnets or a specific dog on the Internet, let the things they talk about obsessively guide you to the perfect gift for this astrological sign.
Geminis love knowledge but they also love picking up way way more books than they could ever read. With these floating shelves, you can help them turn these books into a lovely home aesthetic and prevent an impending book avalanche.
Geminis love nothing more than adding more information to their hoarde; whether it’s tongue-in-cheek or sincere, a book like this one is sure to genuinely thrill the knowledge-loving Gemini.
Cancer
Emotionally deep, sensitive and highly self-protective, Cancers enjoy creating safe, comfortable spaces for themselves and tend to be loving and generous with those that are close to them. Gifts for this astrological sign that lean into their deeper emotional need for softness and comfort will certainly make your favorite Cancer feel loved.
Give your favorite hard-shelled Cancer the chance to access their soft, sentimental side by pressing their favorite flower and putting it in this gorgeous frame.
Most Cancers would never turn down an extra candle; this one is sure to keep their space feeling cozy and calm.
Leo
Confident and bold, Leos love luxury and feeling like the life of the party. Very rarely will a Leo balk at being “too much” or “over the top;” Leos don’t tend to see the point in doing anything small! When you’re buying a gift for this astrological sign, you should use the same philosophy and don’t shy away from going big and dramatic.
If the Leo you love has really been missing tearing up their favorite karaoke bar this year, this is the perfect gift to get them back in the saddle, recreating the experience of performing in their home!
Virgo
Virgos can be specific, tending to fill their lives with rules and favorite rituals. Pragmatic and precise, this astrological sign enjoys gifts that fit into their routine or, even better, make things easier on them. Anything that makes life more convenient will make the perfect present for a Virgo.
Chances are, your Virgo has been keeping a to-read list as long as you’ve known them— pay homage to their inner bookworm with a candle that smells like their dream library.
Tending to a bonsai tree requires patience, discipline, and precision, all of which are a Virgo’s strong suits. Your loved one will adore watching this tree grow under their careful guidance.
Libra
Charismatic, fun-loving and flamboyant, Libras love nothing more than a fun time with good company. Anything that makes life more enjoyable for a Libra, whether it’s a riveting piece of entertainment, luxurious self-care, or something that’ll make a great story at a party, will make for a gift they’ll remember for years to come.
Because Libras love to be social, it’s important to them to look their best. The gift of skincare for this astrological sign will be the perfect way to jumpstart their new year, and what Libra doesn’t love a little self-care?
Libras have a deep love for art of all kinds and love to be great at everything they do; learning to play an instrument like the simple ukulele and getting to produce beautiful music of their own will be a welcome gift, and one that you’ll likely start to see making an appearance in their social media.
Scorpio
Known for being mysterious, dramatic and intense, it can be intimidating to figure out what to get a Scorpio. Their passions run deep, and they’ve got an acerbic side that might frighten away more distant acquaintances. At their hearts, though, Scorpios love anything that keeps them enthralled or helps them stand out in a crowd. A gift that shows this astrological sign that you know who they are deep down will mean the world.
As one of the most tactile signs, Scorpios love experiences that utilize their senses— a set of bath salts that smell incredible while soothing skin and muscles will become their go-to stress reliever.
Sagittarius
Optimistic, free-wheeling and spontaneous, Sagittarians love to live in the moment and have fun no matter what they’re doing. Your Sagittarius friend is probably known for their brash sense of humor and aversion to planning anything ever. When thinking about astrological gifts for this sign, try to lean into their fun-loving side and their attraction to travel and exploration.
Even if their travel plans might have gotten scrubbed this year, your Sagittarius likely has a long list of places to visit and a phone full of memories from previous trips. A thoughtful gift like this will allow them to keep track of where they’ve been and always keep their eye fixed on their next adventure.
Spontaneous as they are, Sagittarians always rate at the top of the “Most Likely To Wreck Their Phones” list. This waterproof case not only protects your favorite archer’s phone from everyday wear and tear but will come in handy the next time they want to jam out in the shower or take a video from inside the pool because “it’ll look so cool.”
Capricorn
Goal-oriented, driven and organized to a tee, Capricorns don’t know any other way to go through life than “with a plan.” The best gifts for our astrological goat friends are ones that help them make order out of chaos (organizers, planners, or even a complimentary deep-clean for their apartment) or ones that encourage them to take a break at least once in this lifetime.
If you’ve got a Capricorn who loves their sign and astrology in general, they’ll love this planner that folds all that information together. Your Capricorn will feel like this book, complete with its prompts for inner reflection and big-picture planning, is speaking directly to them.
Capricorns work hard, which means they also rest hard. Caps tend to take the term “off the clock” seriously; when they’ve completed their daily tasks you’re likely to find them in full hibernation mode. This tasty sampler of teas will make a great companion for them while they curl up with some fuzzy blankets and the dumbest TV show they can find.
Using astrology can be a great way to guide yourself to the perfect gift for everyone on your list, from the eclectic Aquarians to the regimented Capricorns. I hope these tips help you treat your loved ones and maybe learn something new about them in the process.
Maybe one of your friends just got a new tattoo that they love and it’s sparked some envy. Maybe a talented tattoo artist’s posts have caught your eye while scrolling through Instagram. If you’ve been thinking about getting a tattoo for the first time, or even if you have a few tattoos already, the process of getting a tattoo can be intimidating. We talked to a few tattoo artists to get their perspectives on what you should expect when booking an appointment, from coming up with original tattoo ideas to what you should bring to a consultation. Tattoos may be permanent, but they’re also supposed to be fun; with these ideas and words of advice, your next tattoo will be a breeze.
Whether you’ve got a detailed vision for your tattoo or you’re still looking for ideas, it’s important to pick an artist whose style resonates with you. Janice Savonen, a Denver-based tattoo artist, says Instagram is extremely helpful for this exact purpose; you can spend time online just scrolling through artists’ pages to start identifying what you like. “The ideal scenario is that people have already looked at my portfolio or are pretty well versed in the work I’ve done, as that can give them an idea of what to expect,” she says. For instance, Janice’s style involves an illustrative aesthetic and tends to feature plants, animals and nature, so many clients seek her out for these themes. “Liking the style of the person you’re choosing more so than anything seems to be really important.”
If you’re new to tattoos, it can be helpful to start identifying the subjects and art styles that you like. Emrah Ozan, an artist based in Brooklyn, recommends trawling Instagram for inspiration. “Instagram is the most accessible way today to quickly find artists and to see their style. I would recommend finding some good studios to follow, and then start doing some research on the style that you’re most attracted to.”
Working with a tattoo artist is always both a conversation and a collaboration. Bringing reference photos to the table, either of a subject, an image, or a style you like, is a great way to help your artist know more about what you’re looking for. Carrie Metz-Caporusso, a tattoo artist based in Ann Arbor, says she prefers not to see photos of another tattoo artist’s work so it doesn’t compromise the uniqueness of her own creations. “I always ask for 4 things. The subject matter, the size in inches, the location and a photograph of the location,” she says.
“Consultations are pretty cool because I can get a look at someone and get an essence of what they’re already decorating themselves with.”
Janice says she likes clients to bring in photos of her work that they like to help her come up with the perfect tattoo idea. “I do have a few different styles, and pictures are great references for me to understand visually what they’re interested in.”
Janice finds that often, in-person tattoo consultations can be a great place for the artist and the client to collaborate on an idea. “Consultations are pretty cool because I can get a look at someone and get an essence of what they’re already decorating themselves with.” She says when clients are flexible, a conversation with them and a few key questions can help her hone in on a meaningful tattoo idea. “Do you like a certain type of flower? Or maybe I’ll play with astrology a little bit. If they’re not into that, I’ll ask what they’re up to or where they live or what they care about and get a feel for who they are to give me access points.”
If you’re struggling to come up with an idea for your tattoo, Carrie says she always recommends a bit of self reflection. “Think about what is unique to you. What represents who you are? For example, I have people who want dedication tattoos for a loved one who passed and they come to me with birth dates and death dates. There’s nothing wrong with this concept, but I encourage them to tell me what they think about when they remember their loved one. Was it a fun trip? A favorite song? That way I can come up with a unique design that’s special to them.”
Emrah says that the more he’s able to talk with his clients about the things they like, the easier it is to create a work they’ll enjoy. “[Bringing in references] helps me understand the direction for the design,” he says. “Often clients are unsure of the placement, so knowing the other elements can help me give a good suggestion on where it would fit best.”
If you’re getting your first tattoo, or even considering adding another to your collection, it can feel paralyzing to need to find an idea that’s “important” enough. Janice would argue that the very fact that you’re drawn to an image means it’s worth getting. “I love telling stories through art; [tattoos are] my favorite form. However, I really value when people don’t know why they’re getting the tattoo and just love it for the sake of what it is. Choosing it connects them to something bigger than they really understand and sometimes once you get the tattoo it slowly creates that meaning for you. It’s like you grow with the tattoo and the tattoo grows with you and slowly it decodes itself no matter what. When I’ve gotten tattoos, the meanings changed, or sometimes the meaning’s irrelevant because it’s more a time capsule of where you’re at.”
“I really value when people don’t know why they’re getting the tattoo and just love it for the sake of what it is.”
Janice says that it can be really freeing just to submit to the process instead of worrying about having the “perfect” tattoo idea. “It’s a huge form of letting go. When you get a tattoo you’re surrendering; it’s almost like a surrender to your body. I think it’s self expression but it’s also a transcendence. You’re transitioning. On a cellular, metaphysical way you’re changing your body too.”
Carrie adds that as long as you’re following your intuition, you’re going to have a good experience. “You know what you like best so lean into who you are and you’ll never have a regrettable tattoo.”
When you hire a tattoo artist, their role isn’t just to copy an image onto your skin; you’re hiring them not only for their style, but for their expertise as well. Tattoo artists can help you translate your ideas into body art, which is harder than you might think. “It’s really important that it’s a conversation because there are some things that I can’t do,” Janice says. “There are certain things that just don’t make sense in tattoos; drawings don’t automatically translate. It has to be a dialogue. When someone says ‘I love your art, I trust you,’ when they’re flexible, it allows me more room to be creative and apply the skills and passion and excitement.” She says it’s ideal when a client comes to her with a few key elements and lets her make suggestions about how to incorporate them. They might say they like mammals and flowers and Janice might recommend a pairing of a bear and a peony, with some decorations.
Alexey Trofimov, based out of Brooklyn, says that after he works with a client on a tattoo idea and they agree on references, the client won’t see his final design until the day of the session. “As practice shows,” he says, “when a client has a design, he begins to doubt it and always tries to change something.” He says this can interfere with the process and even result in a cancellation because a client can’t stop overthinking the design.
“The outcome of the tattoo isn’t just the image; it’s warrior training in a way.”
Janice says one of the more interesting parts of working as a tattoo artist is that you don’t know exactly what the end result will look like; there’s a magic in the capturing of that moment. She says this is what differentiates it from many other art forms. “When you’re tattooing, you’re holding that space with a person and energetically you’re connecting.” The fact that the art manifests itself in that moment, as a collaboration between a client and an artist, only adds to its value. “You can never fully know what the tattoo is going to look like until the day of, and it’s painful, it forces you to meditate and get through it. The outcome of the tattoo isn’t just the image; it’s warrior training in a way.”
Tattoo artists can also have an expertise when it comes to placing tattoos in a way that elevates your body instead of distracting from it. “I’ve spent a lot of years training,” Janice says. “I’ve taken a lot of figure modeling classes and I’ve figure modeled myself and understanding those angles and those flows and ways to accentuate the body is really cool because a tattoo can make you feel really sexy and confident, and it can change how you see your body.” She especially loves to do bigger, more flowing designs on thighs. “In my personal experience I wouldn’t want to put a small tattoo on someone’s thigh because it’s such a big beautiful area and that’s really a fantastic opportunity to flow.”
“You know what you like best so lean into who you are and you’ll never have a regrettable tattoo.”
Emrah says that whether his clients’ tattoos are spontaneous or commemorative, he can see the impact it makes on their self esteem. “I find that tattoos increase people’s body positivity, and that no matter the reason behind it, they end up leaving the session very happy.”
Carrie’s newest pursuit is using tattoos to emphasize and celebrate parts of the body that we are often encouraged to hide or downplay. “I’ve mocked up a bunch of adornments around fat rolls.” She says the idea is to “encourage people to use tattoos as a tool for loving their bodies as they are now. Tattooing has helped me love my body and I want to help spread that love to others. I’ve only ever seen tattoos that ‘enhance’ a thin or muscular body type; I’d love for people to start looking at their current bodies as something worthy of decoration.”
They always say it’s better to give than receive, and it’s never as true as it is around the holidays when you’re able to give your partner a gift that really means something to them. But what if you feel nervous that you can’t think of a creative gift idea? Sometimes we just experience a bit of a block when it comes to coming up with gift ideas, but there are so many things that can help us come up with the perfect gift. For instance, knowing someone’s love language can help you know what’s most important to them and allow you to tailor a creative gift that fits. Here are a few gift ideas for each love language no matter what your budget is. If you don’t know your partner’s love language, you can (sneakily!) get them to take the free test here, or read more about each language to see which one fits their personality the best.
Quality Time
People with this love language treasure, above all else, when the people in their lives set aside time for them whether it’s a walk, a thoughtful conversation over coffee, or even watching a good movie. A creative gift for someone who speaks in quality time will focus on something the two of you can do together; a new game, craft or puzzle you thought they’d like that you can both work on, a class for the two of you, a box set of a show you both love, two copies of a book you’re both interested in so you can talk about it together. The best gift for them is a promise of a meaningful moment, so something that involves you as well as them will always impress them. If you have a tighter budget and more time, you can translate this same sentiment into an experience that costs nothing; plan a walking or driving tour of the places in your town where you two have memories, create a scavenger hunt where the “clues” are all related to your relationship, even set aside time to learn something from them or watch a movie or show that they love but you’ve never gotten into.
Words of Affirmation
People who speak Words of Affirmation as their love language find it hard to feel truly loved or appreciated unless they’re told so verbally. To people with other languages, it can seem like they’re being intentionally opaque when they say they don’t know how you feel despite your actions that would seem to prove it, but this is truly how they see the world and receive love. When it comes to words of affirmation, specificity is important. “I love you” is obviously a great start, but this type thrives when they hear the specific things you love about them and the reasons you’re glad they’re in your life. You might have seen variations on homemade (or personalized) books called “All The Reasons I Love You;” this is a sweet gift idea for anyone but will be especially meaningful for people who speak in Words of Affirmation. If you’re more on the creative side, a gift in the form of a song, poem, or letter might be a great way to show that you care but even sitting down and writing a list of your favorite things about them is sure to make them smile.
Physical Touch
For people with this love language, affectionate touches, hugs and kisses help them to feel cared for throughout the day. There are subtle ways to play into this love language with a gift; a comfy blanket big enough for two, a big hammock to share, time set aside for a cozy movie night. Something they might really appreciate is a fully committed “massage night,” with oils, scrubs, candles, and maybe even soothing spa music to complete the experience.
Gift Giving
This love language can seem really vague when you’re trying to buy a creative gift for a holiday, but it actually gives you a lot to work with! People who value gift giving don’t just want any material possession; they really value gifts that demonstrate how much thought the giver put into it. Because of this, a handmade gift will mean just as much to them as anything you buy in a store. When you’re picking a gift for a person with this love language, think about the things they care about the most, or the things you love about them, or your favorite memories of them, as each of these will wield so many great gift ideas. Give them something that will elevate their hobby, make note of something they mentioned they needed in passing, or even turn a memento from a past date, like a polaroid, ticket stub, or pressed flower into a sweet memento for them by framing it or incorporating it into a craft. As long as it comes from the heart with intentionality, you can’t go wrong.
Acts of Service
It might not seem particularly romantic to other types, but people who speak in Acts of Service can’t think of anything sweeter than taking something stressful off their plate. This might be the only type for whom “love coupons” might genuinely be a good idea; the promise of a clean house at the end of a long day, washing up after a meal, or taking the car to get washed will mean more to them than almost anything else. If you’ve noticed there’s a particular task they dread such as cleaning the house or grocery shopping, consider getting a service that can take it off of their hands and watch them start glowing from the inside out.
Giving the perfect gift rarely means that you have to break the bank; giving is an act that comes from the heart and is informed by your connection to another person. Using a tool like love languages can help you figure out what your loved one needs the most to give them something that blows them away every time.
The Enneagram test can be a great way to find out more about yourself and others, and it can be especially useful during gift-giving seasons. Considering the deeper levels of your loved ones’ personalities can be helpful if you’re feeling stumped on the gift front. A person’s Enneagram type can help you understand what’s most important to them, what they need the most, or what would bring them true joy this season which can be just as helpful as considering their interests and other passions. If you’re not sure of your loved ones’ Enneagram you can read more about the system here or have them take the free test here.
Read on for the best gifts for each Enneagram Type.
Type 1
Organized, thorough and lovers of structure, Type 1s won’t stop until everything is sorted, straightened, and ordered to perfection. For Type 1s, consider gifts that play to their Type A side, like fun planners and organizers, or encourage them to take a day off (for once) with gifts that soothe and calm.
If there’s any Enneagram type that tends toward tight back and neck muscles, it’s definitely Type 1. Give your beloved 1 the gift of a quick massage break, although they’re more likely to just use this heating pad while they continue to configure their spreadsheets. Either way, their chiropractors will thank you!
If your Enneagram Type 1 is true to form, they likely already have a planner for the coming year. In fact, they might have three. However, this one might have a bit more to offer everyone’s favorite Perfectionist. Type 1s are used to having everything together, planning and organizing life to a tee; this strength can also leave them with a blind spot towards bigger picture or more nebulous issues, whether they’re emotional, interpersonal, or just hard to deal with. This Legend planner will allow your Type 1 not only to keep tabs on their everyday nitty gritty, but help remind them to check in with their more abstract needs like happiness, mindfulness, social connection and general wellbeing as well. Having their emotional needs formatted in the same way as the rest of their to-do list might empower your loved one to tackle them as well as they tackle everything else.
Type 2
The Helpers of the Enneagram, Type 2s tend to put others before themselves, instinctively tending to their loved ones’ needs. The most important thing for any 2 is to feel reciprocity— to be reassured that their love for others is returned towards them. Because of this, 2s appreciate a hand-picked, personal gift potentially more than any other type.
This customizable book lets you write the way you feel about your loved one on every page; write the whole thing like yourself or pass it around a friend group and help your Type 2 feel truly loved and appreciated.
When it comes to Type 2s, it really is the thought that counts. By giving them a jar of little affirmations or words of love, you’re giving them a literal cache of love to tap into whenever they’re feeling low or uncertain.
Type 3
Type 3s are social chameleons, dynamic and able to shift to capture the attention of any group of people. They’re hard working and achievement-oriented and love to be looked up to. A great gift for a Type 3 will help them accomplish their objectives and look good doing it.
Your 3 friend might be the only person on earth who could actually use this gift; they’ll love noting future benchmarks, writing down goals to surpass, and maybe even scribbling in the date of their eventual inauguration because, let’s face it, they’re going to run the world someday.
Type 4
Deep, emotionally intense, and individualistic, Enneagram Type 4s thrive on creating an existence all their own that’s tailored to their passions and interests. When you’re thinking about a gift for a Type 4, look at their creative outlets and passions and customize your gift to those, or look for other ways to give them a deeper experience in their day-to-day: an interesting book of memoirs, a deck of meditation cards, or even some incense.
Type 4s can spend a lot of time in their own heads or in the clouds and because of this they can often neglect their own self-care. By introducing a fun and captivating element like tarot you might actually trick your 4 into developing better patterns for wellness in their lives!
Type 4s tend to be introspective and creative by nature, meaning that most of them enjoy writing whether it’s journaling, fiction or song lyrics. Give your Type 4 the gift of always feeling inspired when they sit down to write with this gorgeous fountain pen.
Type 5
Enneagram Type 5s have a driving need to be self reliant, self dependent, and collect as much knowledge as they possibly can. You can never go wrong when gifting a book to a Type 5, as long as it’s in a subject you know they’re interested in. The quickest way to a 5’s heart is through their interests. And, you know, not making them talk too much.
In general, Type 5s read a lot, and not just for pleasure. One of their biggest strategies to life is collecting as much knowledge and information as possible, which will make a book log like this one the perfect companion.
Type 5s can be incredibly friendly and kind, but they also ~definitely~ have a reputation for needing a lot of personal space. This little phone accessory is the perfect joking-but-also-a-little-serious gift.
Type 6
Loyal, perceptive and security conscious, Type 6s on the Enneagram have a driving need to feel safe which can often lead to them being overly suspicious basically any new thing. Type 6s have their heads on a swivel but they’ll always look out for the people they care about. 6s could always use a dose of positivity to offset their natural skepticism, which means that anything that helps them boost healthy habits or remind them of the things they love can make the perfect gift.
Type 6s tend to prefer to bounce around between thoughts rather than following them one at a time. They usually prefer to pick up and put down tasks at a seemingly random rate that would send a few more linear types into conniptions if they were to ever witness it. A notepad like this will help the Type 6 in your life keep track of all the things they can’t be bothered to remember and make everyone’s life a little better.
This deck of cards with different meditations to do before bed will be a game changer for any Type 6 who spends their evenings thinking about everything they have to do the next day and whether someone they spoke to two weeks ago is mad at them.
Type 7
An Enneagram Type 7 at rest is a rare thing to see as this type usually spends their time chasing freedom, happiness, and fun. The best thing you can offer a 7 is either a dose of excitement, like the promise of an experience sometime in the future or a new game they’ve had their eye on, or an opportunity to rest, which they badly need even if they won’t admit it.
This innovation broke the Internet when it first came out, offering users the relief of actually putting their phones to bed when they’re ready to turn in for the night. 7s are one of the worst types for endlessly scrolling and catching the fear of missing out, so a fun and cute way to pursue a little mindfulness might be the perfect gift.
Because Type 7s spend so much time getting excited about their next project or outing or pursuit, it can become easy for them to forget about or discount the amazing experiences they’ve already had. Make it easier than ever for your “never a dull moment” friend to bask in the good times with these beautiful photo string lights.
Type 8
Known as The Challenger, Type 8s never back down from a fight. They’re bold, outspoken, charismatic and often have a passion for justice. These types tend to dominate at any game you can come up with, making a fun new board (or drinking!) game the perfect addition to their collection.
“People who love to argue” might as well be the official description of Enneagram Type 8s; they’ll love the chance to be the devil’s advocate in an environment that encourages it and allows them to have fun.
8s love to be direct and tackle their problems head on; a fun list like this one will only help them on their quest.
Type 9
Type 9s are the mediators of the Enneagram; they tend to be empathic, understanding, and great listeners. Self-care will always be a struggle for the majority of Type 9s as they have a tendency to give too much to others who ask for things from them. The best gift for a Type 9 is an excuse to hole up somewhere and restore themselves so think “comfort and good vibes” when shopping for one.
Sometimes Type 9s might need a reminder that their most important relationship is the one they have with themselves. A fun, no-pressure way to explore more of their own likes, dislikes and opinions and track the way they grow and evolve could be a great gift to give.
A salt lamp can really help increase the energy in a room, making it more comfortable and soothing; this lamp makes a great addition to any 9’s inner sanctum.
We all know that it’s easier to buy a gift for someone the more you know about them; using a person’s Enneagram type as a guide to gift-giving can show us new needs or passions in their lives we might not have thought of. Whether your friend is an outgoing Type 8, a reclusive Type 5 or a caring Type 2, something on this list is sure to delight them in this season of giving.
The holidays look different for each of us this year. Whether you’re unable to make it home for a normal celebration or you’ve been cooped up with your family for months, this holiday season is likely to be one with more tension and stress than normal. As much as our families and loved ones can be a source of comfort, support and love in this difficult year, it’s also crucial to remember what you owe to yourself, tending to your own needs and making space for your boundaries. Your Enneagram type can help you know what needs and stressors you should look out for this holiday season; while one type might need to check in more often with their loved ones, another type might need to affirm that alone time is healthy. The holidays are a time for community and family, but it’s never more important to honor yourself and your own needs. Here’s how to take care of yourself based on your Enneagram type.
If you’re unsure of your Enneagram type, you can take the free test here. To learn more about each type, read our breakdown here .
Type 1: The Reformer
As a Type 1 on the Enneagram, you’re devoted to doing things right, no matter the cost to yourself. People often rely on you as a source of consistency and order; those traits will be especially appreciated this year. Be aware that the lack of control you’re feeling about the world at large might manifest itself in even small things this holiday season and be gracious with yourself and others when little things don’t go according to plan. Things will not be perfect and normal this year, and it’s not your responsibility to make them so! Try to view setbacks in their proper proportion and remind yourself that the important things, like your loved ones and anything else you’re thankful for, are far more important than the entrée being out exactly on time or the Zoom call functioning with no lags. Things don’t have to be perfect to be valuable, and that’s a big lesson this year has held for us all.
Type 2: The Helper
More than any other Enneagram Type, 2s can feel called on or expected to pitch in, cover the gaps, and make sure everything is handled during the holidays. 2s often feel responsible for others’ emotions, which can be especially hazardous at such a high-intensity time. Manage your expectations for yourself; everyone is stressed and emotional this year, and some of it is for cosmic reasons you didn’t cause and can’t be expected to fix. Manage your expectations for others as well; some traditions might not look the same this year, and your loved ones might not be as available as other years. When you need something, make sure to give it to yourself, whether it’s five minutes to take a breath or asking for help. Remember that it doesn’t make you a bad person if you aren’t able to be there for everyone at the capacity you’re used to; you deserve rest as much as anyone else.
Type 3: The Achiever
Type 3s are incredibly adept at putting their best, most impressive foot forward in any situation. You can become so used to shifting and appearing successful that you can do it even around the people who love you the most. Time with your loved ones is an opportunity that you might not be taking advantage of; it’s an opportunity to feel loved and supported regardless of your accomplishments or appearance. What if you spent this holiday season soaking up the love and respect that exist naturally for you in this space without you having to earn it? Reflect on what it means to you, and see what it feels like to rely on this love and support a little more.
Type 4: The Romantic
You’re used to living life with your emotions on the surface, remaining deeply connected to your inner self at all times. This year, this trait might leave you vulnerable to a lot of free-flying stress and emotional overflow from other people. The deeper issues you have with the people around you stay more on your mind than they do for other Enneagram types, which can make it hard to compartmentalize minor tensions now from your longer-term, deeper conflicts with others. Try to remember this and give yourself ample time and space to react to obstacles; try to give those around you the benefit of the doubt when you can and give yourself permission to disengage when you can’t.
Type 5: The Investigator
This holiday might feel overwhelming for you because Enneagram Type 5s tend to have bigger, less flexible boundaries than other types; take the space you need but don’t shy away from the connections you can handle that will make your life better. Challenge yourself to tell the people in your life why you’re thankful for them, even if you’re scared it will leave you depleted. Emotional connections are important and taking the initiative might make you feel more in control and help show you that you don’t need to be so self-protective at all times. If you do find yourself needing space or time alone, make it clear to those around you that it’s not personal, just something you need to be your best self.
Type 6: The Loyalist
Type 6s always have their heads on a swivel, seeing potential bumps in the road miles before they happen. You know your loved ones and your holiday routines well; use this knowledge to think about potential stressors and make your peace with them ahead of time, making a plan if necessary. If you know you’re likely to have specific tensions with certain people, visualize a scenario with a positive outcome, like calmly changing the subject or breaking away from the situation before it escalates. Communication is key. Don’t get caught up in your head about what others expect or think of you; just ask!
Type 7: The Enthusiast
Your tendency as an Enneagram Type 7 is to speed through the parts of life that don’t enthrall you but this year has taught us more than most to appreciate time with loved ones for the gift that it is. See what you can value about the mundane this year. When there are quiet moments, spend a second reflecting on how special it is to hold them close instead of rushing on to the next topic or activity. See if these memories hold value even when they’re not exciting or novel, and reflect on what they mean to you.
Type 8: The Challenger
Have grace for others and practice empathy for yourself; people are stressed and tired and might make mistakes, and for once you might not need to hold them to your normal rigorous standards. Enneagram Type 8s are known for being blunt and honest but this year might be a time to practice holding your tongue if you notice that those around you seem more fragile or tired than normal. Use your innate protective instinct to watch out for your loved ones; your strength is always a gift but might be even more appreciated than usual this year.
Type 9: The Peacemaker
The holidays can be especially stressful for the mediators of the Enneagram; Type 9s are constantly finding themselves at the cool center of disagreements and conflicts year round, and the holidays can escalate this dynamic. People might try to make you responsible for their feelings, for settling arguments, or for listening to their grievances, but know that you never are. 9s can have a hard time exerting boundaries if there’s any risk of conflict and they’re also good at masking their negative emotions, making them extremely vulnerable at a time when everyone could use a good listener. It has never been more crucial to protect yourself; enforce your boundaries, even if this is sometimes awkward or not fully understood by your loved ones. You’re worth it.
No matter what your holiday looks like this year, there are bound to be factors that might trip up your weak spots, as well as ones that call to your strengths. Whether you’re calling in to a remote celebration, gathering with your household, celebrating alone this year or coping with setbacks or tragedy, this year will doubtless demand more of us than in the past. But the spirit of the holidays, the sense of gratitude and the appreciation for families, both blood and found, are things we need now more than ever. The year might demand more of us but there is a reward for rising to the challenge, working together and playing to our strengths; the Enneagram can be a great guiding tool for finding our way. I hope that wherever you find yourself this holiday, you’re able to make the best it can be and appreciate the strength within.
For centuries, reading tarot cards has been a way for people to connect with their intentions and deepen their intuition. A lot of people are drawn to tarot for the insights it can offer, but how does someone get started? Katelan Foisy, a Chicago-based writer, artist and occultist, has been reading tarot both professionally and personally for years. She knows better than anyone that reading tarot can be intimidating when you first start out, and she has some advice for the best experience.
Getting to Know Your Tarot Cards
Because the process of reading tarot is so personal to the individual, it’s important to have a deck that you feel connected to. “Look for the deck that speaks to you. Don’t look at the decks that are really popular.” Katelan says even if you’re shopping online, try to look closer at each deck to see what feels right to you. “Look at the way they’re drawn, the way they’re set up,” to find a deck that resonates. She says that more than once she bought or received a deck that was beautiful, but didn’t quite work for her. Katelan says that you can’t force it if you want to have accurate tarot readings. “It’s worth it to find the deck that works for you.”
When you first get a tarot deck, it’s important to make sure you’re attuned to it. Energy is a big part of tarot, and you want to make sure that you cleanse the cards of anyone else’s energy while getting used to them yourself. Katelan says that when you get a new deck, you should take some time to look through the cards and absorb the imagery. “Make sure you shuffle them really well; you can take some incense to get rid of any energy [from other people]. I wrap all my cards in scarves, and then I sleep with them under my pillow for three days. You’ll get some really strange dreams during that time, but it attunes your energy to the cards.”
Courtesy of Katelan Foisy, photo by Seth Kushner
When it comes to deciding where to read your tarot cards, Katelan says it should be wherever you feel most comfortable. When she reads cards professionally she’ll do it at a table, and the Bronx botanica she used to practice at had a table set up in an altar room, but her personal setup is less formal. “I am always sitting on the floor. I have these antique trays, and I like to pull cards on the trays if I’m doing a three card spread. If I’m doing a full spread I’ll do it on the couch or on the floor.”
Katelan also recommends learning more about the history of reading tarot to feel more connected and grounded in the practice. She points to its roots in the Romani culture, and in the Jewish New York tenements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. “You’ll always notice with the history of fortune telling and card reading and tea reading and all of that, there were often surges of interest in it when wars were occurring, when something was happening. Now, in the pandemic, people are looking for answers and for meaning in their own lives.”
How to Start Reading Tarot
There’s no one right way to read tarot cards. Everything from the questions you ask, your approach, your interpretation, and even the number of cards you pull is up to you. Katelan says it’s more helpful when you don’t ask a yes or no question. “You’re going to want to ask a question that digs in more. ‘Where are my blocks? What can I do to alleviate these blocks? What’s the best course of action to live my best life and align with my higher self?'”
As for the number of cards you pull, it depends on what you want to accomplish. You could start by simply pulling one card a day to get a message for that day’s energy and intentions. You could pull three cards for a “past, present, future” spread. For a fuller reading you could pull a Celtic Cross, a ten-card spread that captures your current moment and the factors surrounding it. Katelan says this spread “gives you the core issue, what the basis of the matter is, the people you’re surrounded by, and gives you some insight into your dreams and fears about it.”
When it comes to reading the cards themselves, Katelan says you’re going to want to have a website or book reference on hand to look for individual meanings. The cards are broken up into two categories: the major arcana and the minor arcana. The major arcana cards mostly feature archetypal subjects like the fool, the devil, the lover or the priestess, while minor arcana cards are the ones that come in suits of “pips:” the swords, coins (or pentacles), cups and wands. Katelan says “The major arcana is mostly about the psyche, so it’s whatever you’re thinking, the changes that are occurring around you.” The minor arcana are mundane, signifying the external issues that surround you. The coins or pentacles signify issues of family, money, or stability. Cups are associated with emotions and relationships (“or anything else you feel emotional about”). Wands are about taking actions. And swords? “People get really scared when they see a lot of swords in their spread, but swords are communication. It can be action oriented but it’s usually mental conflict. When someone’s overthinking you can guarantee the spread will be full of swords.”
Katelan says everyone reads their spread differently, but one common way is to start with the majors first. “Let me focus on what I’m internally going through first, then look at the minors to see the everyday actions I need to take or look out for.”
Courtesy of Katelan Foisy
She says that you could think about tarot like a little town in and of itself. “The majors are the places you would go for greater knowledge. Say you get the High Priestess; it’s indicating that you need to focus on your own intuition, focus on the greater mysteries. If you’re really feeling something, maybe take a couple of days to see if the feeling’s still there. Say you come to The Lovers. That’s a choice you have to make.” The Lovers card indicates that you’re going to be faced with leaving an aspect of your life behind to make room for something new. The minor arcanas can help inform these bigger insights. “Say you get a minor as the outcome [in this three card spread]. Say it’s the ten of coins. So you have the High Priestess that’s asking you to look at all the facts, take a few days to mull over it, follow your intuition. You have The Lovers, meaning if you make this choice you’ll leave one aspect of your life behind, and then the ten of coins is leading into stability.”
You can also look at your spread as a whole, like a landscape, and glean meaning from interactions between the cards. Katelan says that the way the cards “interact” with each other in the spread can also give you information when you’re reading tarot. “If there are figures in the cards, are they looking towards each other or are they looking away from each other? That will indicate whether you’re stepping towards yourself or your goals or stepping away from them. For instance, if you’re thinking about switching jobs, and you go in for an interview. If two cards in their spread are facing each other, they’re thinking about you or you would be received well. If they’re facing away from each other, this might not be a good fit for you.”
Katelan describes how she’s used the cards’ combined meanings to glean a direction. She said at one point in her life, she found the Three of Cups guiding her to spend more time with her female friends. “That time in my life I had gone through a slew of really turbulent relationships. When I saw the three of cups along with two female cards, I think they were two queens, it was a sign I needed to focus on my relationships with women.”
Trust Your Instincts and Your Interpretation
Tarot is deeply subjective; reading the cards requires you to bring your own perspective and interpretation to each card’s meaning. Reading tarot is only as useful as the knowledge and intuition you bring, which is why Katelan suggests you spend a lot of time with your cards. “One of the things that people are going to want to do especially if they’ve never worked with a deck before is just to spend some time with them. There’s so much symbolism in them.” She says one way you can get to know your deck is by looking at just one or two cards a day, taking in the symbolism of each one, and writing down what you think their meaning is. “Then, look them up online or in a book and see if it coincides. A lot of times you’re going to pick up on things.”
Looking up the meaning of each card is crucial to reading, but so is being able to think about how the meanings apply to your own life. It might be confusing, as a beginner, if you’re asking your deck about the blocks you’re experiencing and you get a card like The Star. “You might say, ‘how is the Star card, a genuinely good card, my block?’ And that might mean that the person is only ever looking at the future hope of things but never taking actions to make it a reality.” The same thing goes if you see a more troubling card, like The Devil, in your future. Katelan says there’s no cause to worry about lurking evil. “The Devil card would be associated with Capricorn energy, so what you’re stepping into right now is the need to get out of your head and take action the way a Capricorn would work on something. Focus on your goals. The main thing is just looking at a lot of these interpretations and seeing how they fit into your life.”
Courtesy of Katelan Foisy, photo by Seth Kushner
Don’t Panic!
Like The Devil, there are a few other cards that might frighten someone when reading tarot for the first time. You might be worried about the possibility of pulling a “scary” card, but Katelan says these cards are less likely to spell danger and more likely to show you areas of your life that need care, or places where change is coming..
“The Death card, Devil card, Three of Swords, Ten of Swords, Eight of Swords, Nine of Swords, Five of Coins… People get really worried when they see those. For instance, the Five of Coins is two people shivering outside in the snow in front of a church with its lights on.” She says this is the wounded healer card, signifying that you’re spending too much energy trying to heal others when you should be healing yourself. “Obviously people get freaked out by the Devil card, but it’s not necessarily bad.” She says The Devil can indicate a vice or an unhealthy area in your life like a relationship or a thought process. “Someone who overthinks so much that they spend hours procrastinating because they’re worried about something and they don’t do it: for that the Devil card would come up. It’s not necessarily something horrible.”
There is one card that can be a bit more troubling, Katelan says. “The Tower card is rough, I’m gonna say. It’s rough. It always is for the good of the person, but it usually indicates that something they either believed or something they were building is going to crumble down. It says that you’re going to have this moment of truth but it’s not going to feel good. But,” she says, “it’s also not going to be forever and you’re going to move forward. Sometimes it could just mean a huge breakthrough. It’s not always super rough but it can be.” Every year Katelan pulls a card on her birthday to read the energy of the year ahead, and one year she knew she would pull The Tower before she even flipped the card. “It was the most turbulent year of my life,” she says. “Afterwards I understood why everything had to happen but I didn’t expect to have a year of crying.”
She says that her response when she pulls one of the more challenging cards is to pull more cards for more context and clarity. She tells a story about a client who got The Tower and knew it meant their marriage was failing. “We pulled more cards and we saw that this person’s career was about to take off, so it was good that it was all coming up now because it would have held them back. A lot of times when The Tower comes up it means something is holding you back that you need to let go. You may not want to but you need to, in order for something better to come along. That person ended up finding a partner that was great for them.” She says pulling more cards can also give you guidance on how to cope; pulling other cards to inform The Tower is how she pulled the Three of Cups that pointed her towards her female friends. These supporting cards can help give you a direction or guidance. For instance, “if you get the Ace of Swords it might be telling you to journal so it doesn’t get bottled up inside you.”
If You’re Not Ready for Tarot…
Not everyone is ready commit to purchasing a tarot deck, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use tarot’s lessons of intention setting and clarity. “If someone doesn’t want to go full into the tarot, they can go for oracle cards,” Katelan says. “They’re easy starters and a lot of people like them because they’ll give insight on what to focus on for the day.” She recommends the Rumi Oracle deck, which has cards with poetry and meditations on them for a daily message. For something more to-the-point, Katelan illustrated a deck of oracle cards called the Sibyls Oraculum. “It gives you a core issue and can be very matter-of-fact. It’s like your grandmother who tells you, ‘Yeah, you know what your problem is? This.'” If the imagery on some tarot cards is too intense for you, she recommends the The Wayhome Tarot and its beautiful, soothing illustrations.
The principal of reading tarot is looking for symbols and applying them to life, which means you can harness the same energy by seeing how symbols show up for you throughout your everyday. You can start to look up images that appear in your dreams and see if they give you any baring on your circumstances. Keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary in the course of your routine. “A sign can be anything,” Katelan says. “It can be a rose blooming in the winter. You can watch for certain animals and look up their symbolism. I know when I have to be more gentle with myself I’ll see deer everywhere. If someone needs to take hold of their time and restore their energy, they might see squirrels gathering nuts. If you’re worried about prosperity, look out for money on the ground. When you pick it up, thank the universe for your prosperity and all of a sudden you’ll start to see more money. Things will start to shift. It really is focusing on your surroundings and changing a little bit of the energy of that reality around you.”
No matter your approach to reading tarot, Katelan’s parting message is just not to get frustrated when you’re first starting out. Like any discipline, reading tarot takes time and intention. In time you can start to learn the cards and learn your preferences, maybe even picking up a favorite card or two along the way.
“The wheel of fortune has always been my favorite card,” she says. “I feel like it keeps me grounded because there are going to be times when everything’s fantastic and there’s going to be times where everything is awful, so remember that the wheel is turning.”
As someone who’s been vegetarian for almost two decades, I’m no stranger to the look of panic in hosts’ eyes when they hear about a dietary restriction. It’s easy to feel like holiday foods are off limits when you’re avoiding animal products; comfort foods can often be full of cream, dairy, and lard, all things that vegans have to stay far away from. But the truth is, whether it’s substituting a few ingredients in a family favorite or discovering something new and delicious, there’s a whole world full of festive and nourishing foods that are amenable to a vegan diet. For years now my long-suffering mom and I (but mostly my mom) have worked together to find fun, tasty vegan alternatives to slip into the traditional holiday fray, and the truth is there have never been more options! If you’re looking for easy ways to have a vegan (or vegan-friendly) Thanksgiving, check out a few of these products and recipes!
Vegan Recipe Substitutions
Vegan Spinach & Artichoke Potato Skins, Courtesy of Follow Your Heart
A simple substitution is all it takes to make many dishes vegan friendly. For many recipes that require butter, you can replace it with olive oil or Earth Balance’s vegan buttery spread. This can vegan-ize many of your favorite sides from mashed potatoes to brussels sprouts with no extra work included.
If your favorite Thanksgiving food requires cheese, many brands offer tasty vegan alternatives in almost any form you could need. Vegan brands Daiya and Follow Your Heart are available in most grocery stores. Both offer plant-based shredded and sliced cheese and even parmesan-style flakes that can enhance any queso, dip or baked good. When you’re shopping, be mindful of cheeses that are labelled lactose-free or casein-free but aren’t labelled vegan; these cheeses are usually made with real milk but are processed to make them safe for people with lactose allergies.
Gravy is a Thanksgiving necessity, and luckily there are plenty of ways to make it vegan-friendly! A popular vegan substitute has always been the tried and truemushroom gravy. If you’re not the biggest fan of the taste of mushrooms, though, you still have meatless gravy options! For a ready-made alternative, Road’s End Organics and Tofurky both offer rich, savory gravy with no animal by-products. If you prefer to make your own gravy, Imagine No-Chicken broth can make the perfect base. Simply mix some corn starch with cold water and slowly mix it into a boiling pot of the broth until it reaches your preferred thickness and you’ve got gravy that’s just as tasty as the original.
Vegan Stuffing
Vegan Stuffing by Kat Boytsova, Courtesy of Delish
You can make vegan stuffing from almost any stuffing mix (as long as it doesn’t already have meat or dairy in it) by mixing it with vegetable stock and vegan butter. If you want it to be even closer to the original, you can use Imagine’s No-Chicken Brothin place of vegetable stock.
Tofurky Roast With Chipotle Maple Glaze, Courtesy of Tofurky
As a vegetarian I held off for years on trying Tofurky and now I am filled with regret because every product they make is tasty, perfectly seasoned, and filling. Tofurky’s range of products can provide a protein to fit any Thanksgiving menu you have. Tofurky’s most popular Thanksgiving offerings are roasts filled with either wild rice or vegan gravy and each make a perfect vegan Thanksgiving centerpiece. If you ‘d prefer a ham-style protein, they’ve got you covered as well with an ale glazed ham roast.
If you’re looking for a more neutral protein base to season yourself, seitan, Gardein strips or Quorn fillets are all chicken-adjacent in flavor and texture and can be prepared to fit perfectly into your Thanksgiving plans. Likewise, Nature’s Primeoffers soy proteins that can be flavored for any dish and come in a variety of sizes to fit your purposes.
If you’re looking for a more extensive entree, My Quiet Kitchen has a recipe for a seitan loafyou can make using tofu, some seasonings, and a food processor.
If the holidays always get you in the mood for a pot pie, you don’t have to abstain just because you’re vegan. Raised Gluten Free and Alpha Pot Pie both make tasty, flaky plant-based pot pies that will look good in any Thanksgiving spread.
If you’ve mourned the loss of biscuits after cutting out dairy, Minimalist Baker’s recipe for vegan biscuitswill be a lifesaver. This recipe remains permanently at the top of my metaphorical recipe box. It always produces tasty, flaky biscuits that can keep for weeks in the freezer. Just remember not to let your vegan butter reach room temperature while you’re preparing them!
Mac and cheese was always one of my favorite sides growing up; luckily, going vegan didn’t mean having to say goodbye. Annie’s, Amy’s, Daiya, Sweet EarthandField Roast each have their variations on vegan mac and cheese, meaning you’ll never have to miss out on this iconic side.
If you can never get enough potato in your life, I Love Vegan’s recipe for duchess potatoes, made with creamy non-dairy milk and chives, will make the perfect upgrade to your Thanksgiving table.
For an easy ready-made dessert, Daiya’s vegan cheesecakes are always a crowd favorite. Trader Joe’s cinnamon rolls are also 100% vegan!
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without pumpkin pie, and luckily you won’t have to miss out with this beautiful vegan version from Delish. Many store-bought pie crusts aren’t vegan because of their lard content, but Trader Joe’s frozen crusts are totally vegan-friendly and can save you the labor of making a crust from scratch. You won’t even have to skimp on the topping, thanks to Reddi Wip’s almond milk-based whipped cream.
Eating plant-based doesn’t have to be a hassle, and it certainly doesn’t need to add any extra stress to your holidays. Keeping a few of these substitutions and recipes in your back pocket is an easy way to make sure everyone’s taken care of at Thanksgiving; you might even end up starting a new family tradition! Whether you fall in love with seitan as a protein or realize dairy-free dessert is the way to go, there’s a vegan Thanksgiving food out there for everyone.
You might think of personality tests as a way to find deeper meaning within, or learn more about those closest to you. While these are both true, your Myers Briggs type isn’t just useful for learning more about yourself; equally importantly, it can also help you find the perfect winter accessory to add to your collection this year. That’s right; for every virtue, vice, or deep-seated strength your Myers Briggs type can reveal about you, it can also show you the hat, scarf, or other winter accessory that is calling to the deepest part of your psyche. I love the Myers Briggs not just as a tool for deeper understanding, but also as a way to have a little fun, and I hope you feel the same!
So, without further ado, here’s the winter accessory you should seriously consider adding to your collection this year based on your personality type.
Sensitive, spontaneous and unique, you love your music as much as you love a quiet walk in the snow. These earmuffs will keep you warm while you’re carefully curating the soundtrack to your life.
As an INFP type on the Myers Briggs, you’ve got a rich inner world and are happiest with some time and space to yourself. Nothing will manifest the feeling of being in your own cozy little space better than a gigantic fluffy scarf like this one.
Spend hours getting excited about how nobody knows what you could have in your secret scarf pocket and stashing random things in it. Realize hours later that, while you have a pack of gum, a cool rock you found, and a magic trick of some kind, you forgot to actually bring your money, phone, or any form of ID. Do not allow this to ruin your moment.
Is having an electric blanket for your car overkill? Only if you’ve got something against being warm and cozy. As a Myers Briggs type, ENFJs are nurturing, organized, and not afraid to go big when it comes to comfort. Plus, you’ll be more than happy to share when your loved ones inevitably want to get in on the car coziness.
You’re as passionate as you are committed to your personal style, which means that if you’re staying inside until spring then at least it’s going to be cute.
As an ISTJ type on the Myers Briggs, you have never once been disappointed to receive socks as a gift. That’s because you see socks as the treasure that they are: lifesaving, toe warming comforts that help you get through the day. These thick, warm wool socks in different patterns will be the perfect addition to your winter sock collection.
You’d rather freeze to death than get involved in whatever thermostat politics there are in your house or workplace; luckily now there’s another option! The perfect solution for even the most noncommittal of ISTPs, this little space heater can be there when you need it and is small enough to put away whenever you don’t.
In the Myers Briggs, ESFJs are highly passionate and detail oriented; there’s no one who appreciates a matching set like you. You love finding a concept and executing it almost as much as you like it when things match, and with this set you’re going to make this winter be the most perfect winter yet.
You are serious about your resting time; when it’s time for you to clock out you can’t wait to throw on your comfiest sweats and hibernate. Upgrade your normal loungewear for the chilly months with these fleece-lined joggers.
As an ENTJ type on the Myers Briggs, you like to keep your tech close, whether it’s to document your friends having fun or respond to a work email in record time. These gloves keep you in the know while also saving you from frostbite.
Thoughtful and responsible, if there’s a simple way to make life easier, you want to know about it. You’ll love the relief of having this device to give you a little warmth whenever you need it, and you can give your (less well prepared) friends’ phones a charge at the same time!
Whether it’s planning weekend ski trips, salting the driveway or fixing the boiler, you’re the Myers Briggs type who keeps things running in the winter and you certainly can’t do that without a hot cup of coffee available to you at all times. This mug will keep your beverage warm for hours and you can take it with you wherever your missions call you.
If you’re going to defend the title of Ultimate Snowball Fight Champion that you’ve held your entire life, you’re going to need a good pair of waterproof gloves on your side.
ESFPs have a knack for style and always find themselves attracted to the classics. This elegant faux fur piece will have you channeling Audrey well into the New Year.
Because your Myers Briggs type is known as The Investigator, you might think this recommendation is a reference to your Sherlock Holmes roots. Actually, it’s because I know how much you hate being bothered by strangers, and these massive ear flaps give you all the plausibility you need to pretend you can’t hear anyone who tries to speak to you against your will while you’re out grocery shopping.
These charging thermal socks will be sure to come in handy the next time you underestimate a hike or go on an impromptu camping trip, keeping you warm the entire time you insist you’re reading the trail markers correctly.
While your Myers Briggs type can tell you so many important things about your deepest, truest self, it doesn’t always have to be serious! Some days your four letters might point you towards a struggle to overcome or a trait to appreciate, but they can also be used to highlight the fun things as well. I hope that today the Myers Briggs has brought you closer to the perfect winter accessory for you.
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