10 Things You Should Never Say To Someone Who's Asexual

Asexuality is a sexual orientation — thought to describe about 1% of the population — that refers to people who do not experience sexual attraction. Some folks on the asexual spectrum may experience low...

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Parents Find Heart-Wrenching Note From 6-Year-Old Son Who Passed Away From Brain Infection

Every parent's worst nightmare is to lose his or her child, so it's no surprise the world is feeling for Amber Shoemake right now. Her six year old son, Leland, passed away last Friday from an amoebic...

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The Candida Diet: 8 Foods To Eat + 8 To Avoid While Healing Your Gut

There is a universe living inside of you — and you might not even know it. Your gut contains around 100 trillion bacteria. Compared to your 10 trillion human cells, you are actually 10 times more...

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What This Father Did At His Daughter's Wedding Moved Her Stepfather To Tears

It's 2015. We all (hopefully!) know that families come in all shapes and sizes. A group of people no longer needs to consist of a mother, a father, a daughter, a son, and a dog, all enclosed by a white...

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14 Things You Need To Know Today (September 30)

1. Using her own career stats, Emma Watson proved that sexism exists in Hollywood. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Watson commented on the lack of equal gender representation in the film...

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3 Habits That Are Ruining Your Relationship + What To Do About Them

How often have you had the experience of falling in love and believing that you have found your soul mate , only to have the relationship fall apart — in three months, six months, a year, or 20 years?...

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7 Fun Ways To Save Money On Clothes (That You've Never Tried)

We all know the benefits of recycling, but upcycling takes the concept one step further by turning used materials into higher-value objects. Think: reworking a soda bottle into a simple planter or a colander...

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Pete Evans: Why Paleo Is Still Right For Me

I’ve been living the paleo way for just over four years and I can honestly say this lifestyle helps me feel more energized, focused, balanced, and productive with every month that passes. Paleo is right...

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11 Smoothie Bowls To Take Your Breakfast Up A Notch

The concept of a smoothie bowl is a simple one. (Hint: It's exactly what it sounds like.) What makes smoothie bowls special is that they're topped with fun ingredients, made slightly thicker than the...

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"I Thought About Leaving My Baby In A Garbage Can." What It's REALLY Like To Have Postpartum Depression

In our new Realtalk series, we're sharing personal stories about fertility and family planning. We hope they offer support and inspire honest conversation about an incredibly tough topic. Seven years...

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5 Yoga Poses To Bring Focus To Your Morning

Taking some time first thing in the morning to quiet your mind and open your body is a beautiful way to set yourself up for an amazing day. It helps you show up for yourself and the people in your life...

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I'm A Nun & Sometimes I Don't Have Time For Prayer

We know that prayer is integral to our lives and faith. As a Catholic sister, I set aside time in the morning and evening in order to be quiet and be open to listening to and talking with God. But sometimes...

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How To Parent When You Have Kids With Opposite Personalities

Siblings might look alike — but that doesn't mean they'll act the same. In fact, studies have shown that it's actually more common for siblings to have different personalities than similar ones. One reason...

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The 80/20 Rule: What It Is + Why You Should Apply It To Your Beauty Routine

Even with a strict nutritional diet, everyone needs a cheat day or a favorite cheat food. Ice cream, anyone? That’s my kryptonite. Cheating once in a while makes dieting easier and more enjoyable, and...

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My Journey With MS: Ann Romney Shares 12 Ways She Learned To Cope In The Public Eye

When I was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998, I heard only bits and pieces of what my doctor was telling me. It was such an unexpected blow that my mind was preoccupied asking questions...

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21 Signs You've Found A Great Workout Buddy

There are a lot of obstacles to getting a good workout in. Some people have a hard time getting out of bed! Other hurdles include finding motivation, switching up workouts, and remaining consistent. There...

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How To Build The Ultimate Plant-Based Salad Bowl

Eating salad is a great way to pack lots of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, enzymes, and fiber into your diet. But salad can be a very broad term. Salads aren't always healthy — especially...

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What I Tell Every Yoga Teacher Who Wants To Advance To The Next Level

After several hours of sequencing and sun salutations, you are a 200-hour registered yoga teacher. Your eyes have been opened! You’ve studied the asanas and the alignment points. Your friends are psyched...

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15 Things You Need To Know Today (September 30)

1. U sing her own career stats, Emma Watson proved that sexism exists in Hollywood. In a recent interview with The Guardian , Watson commented on the lack of equal gender representation in the film industry,...

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Is Love At First Kiss A Thing? Watch These Blindfolded Strangers Try It Out

Is love literally blind? That's the question filmmaker Jordan Orom wanted to answer — so he asked eight blindfolded strangers to kiss each other after a brief introduction. Maybe love at first kiss...

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A Woman Posted A Photo Of A Sonogram On Facebook & It's Going Viral. Here's Why

Actually ... it's none of your business. On September 20, writer Emily Bingham posted a photo of a sonogram to her Facebook — but, as it turns out, it's wasn't actually hers. It was just a random ultrasound...

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These Edible Blobs Could Mean The End Of Plastic Water Bottles

We all know that plastic water bottles are bad for the environment , but sometimes they're the most convenient option. That's where Ooho blobs come in. These small pods of water are encased in an edible...

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I Tested 7 Natural Ways To Fall Asleep. Here's What ACTUALLY Worked

For most of my life, I've had a hard time falling asleep. My mind seems to light up with random thoughts, worries, and stresses as soon as my head hits the pillow. There was a phase when I relied heavily...

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What You REALLY Need To Know About Female Viagra

Flibanserin, also known as pink Viagra, was approved by the FDA in late August. Although decades of research has been funneled into male sexual dysfunction, the female libido has been mostly relegated...

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How I Lost 70 Pounds In 6 Months In Prison

Growing up as a first-generation American on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, I was exposed to poverty and drug use at a young age. As a child, I dodged junkies shooting up heroin in the cramped hallways...

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Why I Decided To Share My Nude Pictures

This isn't easy for me. In fact, it's deeply personal. It's the most vulnerable I can be, but in a way, I'm glad you can see me for exactly who I am: strong, confident, worthy, loved. I love my body,...

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What Monogamous People Can Learn From The Polyamorous Community

You may not think someone who lives a polyamorous lifestyle has much in common with someone who's monogamous. I’m a sex-positive counselor and relationship coach who works with people who live alternative...

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Better Than Botox: 5 Ways To Naturally Restore Your Skin (Without Injections!)

Botox has become so popular that even twentysomethings are holding Botox parties and lining up for injections. Listen, I get it ... all of us want soft, smooth, wrinkle-free skin. But here’s the problem:...

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Why This Doctor Wants You To Consider A Starch-Based Diet

I get it. There are so many different camps offering conflicting dietary recommendations that some days it seems like you might as well just say WTF, and go for that big bacon burger with extra-large...

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The Surprising Reasons You Get Puffy Eyes & Dark Circles (And 5 Quick Fixes)

One of the most common questions I get asked by many patients is what they can do about the dark, puffy circles and bags under their eyes. Women spend more time and money buying concealers than they do...

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15 People Who Will Inspire You To Drop Everything And Pursue Your Passion

These 15 entrepreneurs have taken risks and turned their passions into engaging careers with the help of the Internet. Using services such as Squarespace , which helps people build beautiful blogs, websites,...

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5 Tips For Perfect Posture When You Sit (Photo)

There's not one perfect way to sit — everyone's body is a little different, so a "perfect" posture will likely vary from person-to-person. Though there are some general rules we all could follow to be...

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7 Things You Should Do Every Day For Your Boobs

How often do you think about the health of your breasts? I mean, really think about them? I don’t mean wondering if they’re too small, too big, too saggy, or too lopsided, or if you’re showing too much...

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How To Deal With Anyone In Your Life Who Annoys You

You consider yourself to be a pretty level-headed person. After all, it's not like everyone annoys you. In fact, most people are perfectly lovely! But there is that one person, the individual who makes...

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I Tested 7 Natural Ways Fall Asleep. Here's What ACTUALLY Worked

For most of my life, I've had a hard time falling asleep. My mind seems to light up with random thoughts, worries, and stresses as soon as my head hits the pillow. There was a phase when I relied heavily...

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15-Minute Dinner: Creamy Polenta Bowl (Vegan + Gluten-Free)

I love food — eating it, cooking it, and writing about it are kind of my jam. But by the time I get home from work in the evening, the last thing I want to do is spend an hour in the kitchen. My perfect...

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One-Pot Meal: Hearty + Healing Lentil Soup

I started making myself this hearty lentil soup as a healthy answer to my comfort food cravings. I reached for lentils, kale, and sweet potatoes because they’re a tasty trilogy of superfoods and chock-full...

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11 Things You Need To Know Today (September 29)

1. Michelle Obama announces #62MillionGirls campaign to help fight global education inequality. At New York's Global Citizen Festival this weekend, the first lady launched a new campaign to ensure equal...

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McDonald’s Introduces Its First Ever Organic Beef Hamburger

Starting this October, McDonald’s is launching its first ever hamburger made with organic beef. The new burger, named the “McB”, will appear in about 1,500 German and Austrian locations from October 1 to November 18.

The new sandwich will come with a number of upscale (though not organic) accouterments including Edam cheese, Lollo Bionda lettuce, and a sunflower seed bun. Another burger, the “Long McB”, will also contain organic beef, along with arugula, cheese, red onion, tomato, and a spicy sauce.

McDonald’s is attempting to appease a more health conscious consumer to compete in the same space as healthier fast food giants like Chipotle, reports QUARTZ. The fast food chain often tests new brand ideas in smaller markets before introducing them across the board, so this could mean a new era of organic offerings—and quite possibly change the face of the organic beef industry.

According to Eater:

That McDonald’s chose to offer organic beef burgers in Germany means both that the company sees potential for a demand for such an offering, and that the size of Germany’s organic beef output can meet McDonald’s purchasing needs. Though it’s growing at a rapid pace, currently, the U.S. organic beef market only accounts for about three percent of total meat production. If McDonald’s decided to introduce an organic burger in the U.S., the increased demand for organic beef would change the face of farming throughout North America.

This is similar to how the chain’s increased demand for cage-free eggs has the power to increase the output of cage-free eggs nationwide. The company uses a reported 2 billion shell and liquid eggs per year—or around 4 percent of the eggs produced in the U.S. Currently, less than 10 percent of eggs produced in the U.S. are cage-free, which is why the mega-food chain will need a decade for the shift, according to an article in The New York Times.

The chain has made a number of new moves to win back consumers. Recently, it announced that it’s committed to serving chicken raised without the use of medically important antibiotics, and will cut antibiotics in chicken from U.S. supply chains within the next two years.

Related on Organic Authority

McDonald’s to Cut Antibiotics in Chicken from its U.S. Supply Chains

McDonald’s Announces It’s Making the Transition to Cage-Free Eggs

McDonalds Collects $1.5 Billion in Profits While Its Employees Collect Federal Aid

Image: Ryan

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Vegan Salted Caramel Recipe With Coconut Sugar and Coconut Milk

When you think of caramel, you’re mind likely jumps to that sweet, gooey, refined sugar treat. Not exactly part of a healthy diet. Well, things just changed. This salted caramel recipe is vegan and free from refined white sugar as well. But don’t think that because it’s healthier it stints on taste. With the help of coconut milk, coconut sugar, and a touch of vanilla and salt, it retains all the iconic flavors of salted caramel, only without the setbacks.

Salted caramel is a delicious combination of what seems to be the world’s most offensive dietary vices: butter, sugar, heavy cream, and salt. What could possibly replace such ingredients, especially when each one plays such an important role in making salted caramel the scrumptious stunner it is? While this recipe is healthier than dairy-based caramel, it’s still a treat meant to be consumed infrequently. But it is a treat you can feel a lot better about.

This caramel recipe pairs well with chopped fruit, cupcakes, muffins, ice cream, cookies, and especially when your sweet tooth kicks in, you can enjoy it simply with a spoon. Enjoy!

Salted Caramel Recipe

Serves 8

Ingredients

• ½ cup coconut sugar
• ½ cup cold water
• ½ cup coconut milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Directions

In a pan over medium heat, add the coconut sugar and water. Stir until it begins to boil. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes while stirring. Add in coconut milk and stir until well combined. Turn down the heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Pour into a glass jar and seal. Store in the refrigerator.

Related on Organic Authority

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Liquid Caramel Image from Shutterstock

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4 Savory Fresh Fig Recipes You Have to Try for Meatless Monday

Fig season is well underway, so take advantage of this early autumn fruit crop. Figs are so fantastically versatile, as they have a very complex floral and honeyed sweetness. When using them in savory dishes, many opt for a pairing with pork, but for Meatless Monday, we have a host of completely vegetarian fig dishes you’ll love. The secret is in finding the right savory pairing to help figs shine, and that’s exactly what we’ve done in assembling these tasty fresh fig recipes.

Goat cheese is the perfect foil for figs’ sweetness in this pearl barley risotto recipe (scroll down for the English version!) Soft goat cheese, parmesan, and white wine all add the umami flavor that allow figs to shine in this savory dish.

Image by Emily Monaco

Goat cheese can also work well with figs in this savory fruit salad recipe. In this case, figs aren’t the only sweet component to the dish. Cantaloupe, peaches, and blackberries can also find their place on this plate — basically anything that still looks beautiful on your farmstand stalls! Combine the fresh fruit with a very flavorful extra-virgin olive oil, fresh basil leaves from the garden, and the best goat cheese you can find, and this platter is ready to share.

Couscous, halloumi and fig image via Shutterstock

Halloumi is another cheese that goes very well with figs. This salad is great if you’ve still got the grill outside; the grilled halloumi and fig combination can either be served alone as in this salad, or on top of a cooked grain, such as couscous, for a more complete and filling meal.

Image: Myrtle Glen Farm

If you can find green figs, they’re the perfect contrast to the blackberry base of this pizza recipe. While blackberries and figs might make this recipe sound like a dessert, the caramelized onion sauce definitely kicks it into savory territory. As-is, the recipe is entirely vegan, though you can definitely add a touch of your favorite cheese to the top for even more flavor.

Related on Organic Authority

Vegan, Gluten-Free Brownie Recipe with Dates, Figs and Coconut Three Ways

Superfood Spotlight: Fantastic Figs

4 Deliciously Sweet Fresh Fig Recipes You Have to Try

Fig and goat cheese risotto image via Shutterstock

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How to Wash Your Face After a Hardcore Workout

For most of us, our post-workout glow consists of blotchy skin, frizzy hair, and morphing into a smelly fountain of sweat—not to mention a scroll of skin issues that make us feel like we’re in high school again. And while you’ve known how to wash your face for eons, making a few simple tweaks to your routine can help keep “gym face” to a minimum.

Here’s how to wash your face post-workout so your skin doesn’t retaliate:

1. Take off your makeup

Especially if you’re squeezing in a sweat sesh during your workday, it’s easy to fall into the trap of working out with your makeup on. However, the makeup and sweat can cause a buildup of excess oil and clog your pores big-time. Even something as simple as using a face wipe beforehand can make all the difference in how your skin handles your workout.

2. Wear a sweatband

If you tend to break out on your forehead after a workout, it’s likely to do with your hair products: When you sweat, the oils from your ‘do can drip down and clog your pores. Put the kibosh on these pesky breakouts by wearing a sweatband. It’ll be like the ’80s all over again.

3. Be gentle

Post-workout, use a gentle face wash that contains soothing ingredients like tea tree oil, probiotics, fruit acids, or chamomile extract. Wash your face right away so the bacteria, dirt and oil from your sweat sesh doesn’t clog your pores and make your skin look blech.

4. Wash with lukewarm water

The lower temperature will help you cool down. Plus, the hotter the water, the more your skin will dry out.

5. Pat your face dry

Rubbing your skin with a towel can leave it irritated. Instead, pat your skin dry and spritz yourself with a soothing face mist to calm your skin even more.

6. Cool off

Washing your face after exercising is uber-important, but you should hold off on using your moisturizer or makeup until after your skin has cooled down completely: Post-workout, your oil glands have a tendency to secrete, so if you put your skin care products on right away, you run the risk of clogging your pores. But don’t fret: It’ll only take about 10 minutes or so to cool, after which you can get back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Related on Organic Authority

6 Skin Problems that Come with Working Out

Does Working Out Matter If You’re Not Eating Right?

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Exercise image via Shutterstock

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4 Nasty Reasons It’s Time for a New Mattress

Here’s an icky stat for you: According to a survey completed by UK mattress company, Dreams, an estimated tens of thousands of people sleep on a mattress that’s over 40 years old—meanwhile, it’s recommended a new mattress be purchased every eight years. (Cue “Psycho Strings”.)

The survey estimates that 8 million mattresses in the country need to be replaced, and it’s likely America’s not far behind. Surveys from the Better Sleep Council have found that even though 97 percent of Americans consider sleep essential to quality of life, the role a mattress plays in that equation is not top of mind.

You’re less likely to buy a new mattress if your current one “seems fine,” but what you should actually be concerned about are the mattress issues you can’t see—starting with how dirty it is. According to Dreams, the average eight-year-old mattress contains more than 10 pounds of dead skin cells. Just imagine the nastiness that’s lurking in the 40-year-old ones!

If it’s been a while since you’ve upgraded to a new mattress, here are just some of the gross things you could be sharing a bed with (you know, besides your husband’s feet, ha!):

1. Creepy critters

Dust mites lurv old mattresses and feasting on the dead skin cells they contain, with a typical mattress containing up to 10 million mites. (Shudders.) For some, this can cause hardcore allergy flare-ups. To lower your risk, vacuum your mattress on a weekly basis.

Bed bugs are another creepy crawly to watch out for, especially if your mattress is old. If you wake up with mosquito-like bites, rust-colored stains on your sheets, or you spot them in your mattress seams, throw out the mattress and buy a new one, stat.

2. Bacteria and mould

Over time, your mattress can become a breeding ground for various bacteria and fungi, some of which can cause serious, antibiotic-resistant infections. If your bedroom is perpetually damp, mold spores can also accumulate, which can cause allergic reactions. You may want to air out and vacuum your mattress on the reg, as well as invest in a dehumidifier.

3. Sketchy chemicals

It’s not yet confirmed whether certain chemicals used in mattress manufacturing are harmful to your health: Some feel the chemicals slowly release toxins over time, while others feel the tiny amounts used may not be a cause for concern. But really, why take the chance? When shopping for a new mattress, invest in an organic wool or cotton mattress for that extra peace of mind.

4. Lost support

Sometimes mattresses lose their oomph in obvious ways, like squeaky springs or cavernous dents, but other times the changes might not be so obvious. This can lead to uncomfortable, sleepless nights, not to mention hardcore neck and back pain. If you find your wellbeing is taking a nosedive, it’s time to say sayonara.

When looking for a new mattress, take note:

• Define the mattress of your dreams. Is the bed you crash on at your sister’s like sleeping on a cloud? Did you wake up so refreshed at the hotel last weekend you skipped out of the room? Find out the types and brands of mattresses you’ve loved in the past, and use this info as the criteria for buying your new one.
• Set a budget. Look into mattress prices online so you’re more prepared when you head to the mattress store. Also, find out when each store tends to bust out their best sale and clearance promotions to get the most bang for your buck.
• Bring your sig-o. Since the pressure of the mattress changes when you’re both lying on it, mattress shopping is definitely a team sport.
• Don’t pay attention to the firmness labels. One brand’s extra-firm won’t be the same as another’s. And just because a mattress is known as the best on the market doesn’t mean it will be the best for you.
• Spend at least 15 minutes on each mattress. Once you’ve chosen your finalists, spend at least 15 minutes on each mattress, testing them with your go-to sleep positions and taking note of how you feel.

Related on Organic Authority

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Sleep Better: Create a Healthy Organic Bedroom

Tired woman image via Shutterstock

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Top Decorating Styles Demystified

For many of us, home decor just happens. Choosing decorating styles just isn’t a priority, but free furniture sure is.

That first apartment was filled with a thrifted, gifted, and sifted modge podge we gleaned from family, friends, and Craigslist. Then, one day we decide to actually exert some control over our space and decorate. It doesn’t matter whether that impetus is moving into a new home, or because you get tired of your college-era furniture.

But what if you’re ready to make a change, but not sure how to get started?

Well, there’s good news. The starting point is pretty simple: you decide among the decorating styles and go with the ones which you most identify. This will give you a frame of reference from which to begin your decor transformation and add furniture, finishes, and flourishes.

Are you not exactly sure what decorating style best describes your taste? Read on for a breakdown of some of the most popular decorating styles.

Top Decorating Styles Broken Down

Contemporary

Image: Couch via Shutterstock

Contemporary is the style of now and is sort of the absence of all of the other decorating styles. It’s about comfort with somewhat of more of an emphasis on function over form. Neutral colors with pops of color predominate.

Modern

Image: Modern Room via Shutterstock

Minimal design is the defining trait of modern style. Streamlined furniture, minimal furnishings, and neutral colors are other staples. Modern interiors are very uncluttered and there’s an emphasis on form and function. Modern is different from contemporary, as it is fixed in time from when it was first seen in the mid-twentieth-century.

Shabby/Cottage/Vintage Chic

Image: Shabby Chic via Shutterstock

This style places an emphasis on repurposing and features distressed furniture pieces with lots of character. It’s a casual, charming, and comfortable style that looks “lived-in.”

French Country

Image: Interior Design via Shutterstock

French country reflects a laid-back European-style that also has an emphasis on distressed pieces and repurposing, but with a definite nod to the old world. Furniture pieces will be in the European as opposed to American styles.

Scandinavian

Image: Breakfast via Shutterstock

Of course everyone thinks of IKEA when thinking of Scandinavian style and that’s not actually too far off the mark. Scandinavian style can be defined as a minimalist style that takes both form and function into account. White and neutral colors are key, as are clean lines and uncluttered interiors.

Coastal

Image: White Chair via Shutterstock

Coastal as a style had its roots in vacation decor, but it has emerged as a mainstay among home decorating styles. And while there are certainly elements that give a nod to coastal living, the goal is to create a calm, comforting, and inviting space and not a kitschy seaside-themed space.

Eclectic/Bohemian

Image: Anthropologie

Eclectic, or bohemian decor, combines bits and pieces of many other styles and is about creating a creative space. It features lots of patterns, textiles, pillows, and exotic touches. The boho home is packed full of visually appealing colors and textures.

Industrial Chic

Image: Workspace via Shutterstock

This style is a blend of the utilitarian style of iron, and other metals, with the warmth of aged woods and worn textures. It’s another subset of modern design.

Classic/Traditional

Image: Ethan Allen

The classic American style features simple and tailored lines and furniture styles, as well as muted and neutral colors. Symmetrical groupings and high-quality fabrics and simple patterns are also important.

Which decorating styles resonate with you? Let us know on our Facebook page!

Related on Organic Authority

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5 Tips for Decorating on a Budget of $50 (or Less)

9 DIY Decor Projects Under $15 for Decorating on a Budget

Image: Modern Living Room via Shutterstock

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Personalized Beauty Takes Your Makeup to a Whole New Level (How to DIY)

Still haven’t found the perfect shade of foundation for your skin? The eye shadow that looks killer on your best friend not quite right on you? Or maybe you are searching for that ever elusive just-right lip shade. All you need is some DIY know-how to your very own personalized beauty.

How often has this happened: You see an exciting new makeup item in a magazine, department store, on your co-worker. You purchase said product for yourself. Product looks too bright, bland, or just plain off on your skin. What the heck is going on?

Makeup is like fashion. What works on one may not be right on another. Still, how does that woman in the juice shop get her skin to glow like that day after day? It could be her green juice but, she may also be creating her own custom makeup blends.

Personalizing your beauty products not only ramps up your daily use items, but makes them unique and custom built for you. It’s also a great way to salvage a beauty buy you don’t exactly love, or match your lip color to your favorite new nail polish.

Here’s how personalized beauty works: You use your current makeup, the stuff you use each and every day, but you give it a boost with other makeup products. Forget heavy contouring, layering, or perpetually searching for that new product. Likely, all you need is a few essentials.

How to DIY Personalized Beauty

Fixing Foundation: Foundation is tricky. You’ve read all about choosing the right shade for your skin tone and skin type. You have the right tools and application down to a science. It covers and evens. What it doesn’t do is give that J Lo glow you are looking for, right? What you need is highlighter. Blend a bit (just a dab on the tip of your finger) with your foundation before applying to skin. Apply as usual. Stand back and bask in the glow that is your complexion. RMS Living Luminizer works best on lighter skin tones, Kjaer Weis Radiance is perfect for medium or darker skin tones.

Custom Skin Tone: Ok, so maybe you haven’t found the right shade of foundation for your skin. Sometimes it is tricky. If you feel you fall somewhere between two shades, don’t be afraid to meld the two together. Sometimes a bit of custom mixology is all it takes.

Eye Popping Color: Whether you are going for sultry or bright, custom eye shadow is easy and lends a whole new look to the face. Cream shadows are best for blending. Choose your two faves and go for it. Again, adding a little luminzer brightens your look. If you are truly more of a powder gal, combine two (or more!) Haut Cosmetics loose minerals in a separate container and give a shake.

Lippy Cocktail: Two is almost always better than one where lip products are concerned. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I used a lip product solo. There are so many ways to go here, it kind of depends on your mood. For daily use, it is hard to beat a good lip balm/gloss combo. Balm keeps lips hydrated and soft, and somehow manages to keep lip gloss in place. Balm is also great worn under lipstick for a softer feel and less dramatic look. Then there is the lip crayon worn under gloss technique for shiny, rich color. Or try patting luminizer over your lip color for a hit of sheen. The possibilities are endless.

Skin and Hair Medley: Personalized beauty doesn’t only apply to makeup. A drop of two of facial oil added to your daily moisturizer means you don’t have to buy a new product for dry weather. Yarok Feed Your Ends leave in conditioner and Feed Your Shine serum play nicely together for soft, shiny hair.

Play around with customizing your own shades and product combos. Add in a few new essentials and have some fun with it. You’ll end up with custom beauty all your own. And probably never go back to single tone products again.

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DIY Plumping Lip Gloss Recipe

Image of woman applying makeup via Shutterstock

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