10 Things you should know in your 20s

1. Learn How to Manage Your Budget: Most women start taking care of their own finances at this age. Learning how to manage a budget for rent, groceries, utilities, while also setting aside a little “fun money” and a little savings can be difficult. I’ve found that tracking your monthly income and all your ancillary costs can help you better understand what you’re spending so you know what you’re able to save. There are actually several apps to help you keep track of that. This is also a time to think ahead and start your 401K. If you work for a company that offers this type of plan, be sure to ask your HR department to help you set it up.
   
   
2. Interview Like a Boss: Your 20s are a prime time to start your career and interviewing well is a key component to that process.  Even if you don’t land a job right away, if you are a good interviewer it can make a big impact since companies will often remember you months (or even years) ahead when another position arises.  Interviews are also important for networking purposes and building relationships across the business world. The bottom line? Take advantage of every interview now as it made lead to opportunities in the future! 
   
   
3. Keep Your Skin Young: While your skin might look great right now (this is what we call your “post-acne and pre-wrinkles era”), this period can determine what your skin will look like in your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. To keep wrinkles and damaged skin at bay, it’s important to always wear sunscreen...Yup—always! That means during winter, too. Educate yourself on SPF numbers and what they mean, and make it an everyday process to lather protection to keep your youthful glow. Another “must” is washing your face every night. Going to bed with your makeup on not only clogs pores; it dulls your complexion and can cause dryness or wrinkles. No thank you!
   
   
4. Cherish Your Friendships: These years are usually filled with a lot of dating, a lot of love, along with a lot of time mending broken hearts. It’s important to realize that guys will come and go, but a solid group of girlfriends will be there to help you through it all—forever.  Even when you do find the one you’ll spend the rest of your life with; remember that your friends will be the support system you need through the good and the bad. The lesson here? Don’t forego important friendships in lieu of a relationship… Create balance. Good friends are hard to find, and if you ask me, losing a bestie is harder than losing a guy.
   
   
5. Dress to Impress: At this point in our lives, we have fully grown into our bodies…which means there are no more excuses for trying to squeeze into that mini skirt you wore senior year of high school. It’s time to accept your body and all of its beautifully unique assets by dressing accordingly. Your 20s are a time to experiment and learn what works best for your body type. Find out what kind of jeans are the right fit for your figure, what size dress is most appropriate for your shape, and embrace what you are working with… Accepting your shape will help you look and feel your best. Plus confidence is key for any 20-something who is about to take on the world :-)
   
   
6. Don’t Make the Same Mistake Twice: People often say that your 20s are a time to make mistakes. But what’s important about this is not the act of actually making the mistake itself, but rather learning from the lessons these mistakes teach us. Whether it’s a slip up in a relationship or at your job, don’t get down on yourself that it happened… Instead, take it as a lesson learned and promise yourself it won’t happen again.  
   
   
7. Speak Up for Yourself: As you begin to take on your independence in your 20s, it’s important to learn when to stand up for yourself.  Get yourself the raise you deserve, tell your friend when she’s treating you poorly, let that barista at Starbucks know when she gave you the wrong drink. If you never say anything, nothing will ever change, and those negative things will build up. Remember that you’re a strong, beautiful and independent woman, and speaking up for yourself is important in leading the life you desire. 
   
   
8. Take a Compliment: As we talked about before, confidence is the key to taking on the world as a 20-something. Part of that confidence is knowing how to take a compliment. When someone tells you you’re beautiful, accept it and say thank you (and maybe even blush a little). Accepting a compliment unveils your confidence and comfort in your own skin, which is an attractive quality for a woman… That kind of self-assuredness can do anything from land you the perfect job to the man of your dreams.
   
   
9. You Don’t Always Have to be Right: With the confidence that comes in our 20s, sometimes it’s hard to know when to set your stubbornness aside. It takes a lot of biting your tongue to learn this lesson, but you don’t always have to be right. You will come across situations where it’s incredibly hard to do, particularly when you know you’re right. But sometimes it’s best to save your relationship with that person (especially if it’s in the work place) than to hold the upper hand. Your 20s are a time to learn when it’s okay to stand up for yourself, but also understand the moments when you just need to back away.
   
   
10. Don’t Lose the Child in You:  I have to say, through all of these points, my #1 thing to remember is to never lose sight of yourself. You grow up a lot in your 20s, but you’re still young enough to have fun and bring out the little bit of kid that’s still left in you. You’ll have plenty of time to continue to grow up, settle down, have children, and worry about spending too much money. But your 20s are only a stepping-stone to that point. So go have a crazy night out with your girlfriends, get set up on a blind date, buy that expensive pair of shoes you can’t really afford, be weird and goofy, and go on adventures! These are the memories you’ll cherish when you look back on these years.
    
    
    
    
    I hope these little bits of advice inspire you take on your 20s full-throttle.  Don’t hold back on all the opportunities these years will bring, and you’ll find these are some of the best times of your life. Stay strong, stay beautiful, stay confident but most importantly stay YOU.
    
    
    
    
    

    

    
    
    
    X.O.X.O
    Chechang LOVE
    
    
    Always remember YOLO :)

LIFE with APPLE and LEMON

LIFE with APPLE
While an apple a day might keep the doctor away, it may be the perfect substitute for your morning java too!

In addition to drinking a glass of hot lemon water in the morning, our dear girl began eating a sliced up apple with breakfast. And believe it or not, she felt as awake and energized as she did post-coffee. What!?

We looked into the matter and sure enough, it’s been said that the fructose (a natural sugar) in apples can provide an energy boost equivalent to that of coffee. Crazy, right? Additionally, apples have carbs, which are used to fuel the body and due to their high fiber content, the body absorbs the sugar slowly, thus providing your bod with a steady stream of energy (sans sugar coma) as opposed to a sudden jolt of java. (To read more about this topic, check out the sources list at the very bottom of this post!)

Even if you can’t forgo your morning latte, it’s never a bad idea to include an apple in your daily diet routine. There’s a reason that old “apple a day” saying is around—apples are just plain good for you!

If you’re looking to give up coffee this year, we highly recommend giving our apple-a-day trick a try. While you won’t feel that instant coffee buzz, you will be energized and properly fueled to kick start your day on a healthy note.

Personally, I usually have a big cup of green tea in the mornings along with an apple. It always gets me going!

LIFE with LEMON
Lemon and water are a match made in heaven... I've started drinking it every day and feel more energized than ever. After learning about the slew of health benefits associated with drinking water and freshly squeezed lemon juice, I decided to make it a part of my daily diet. Lemons are packed with natural vitamins and minerals that are key to your inner and outer beauty regime as well as your general health.

Here are three reasons why you should pair hot water with lemons ladies:

• It's a natural energizer! It hydrates and oxygenates the body so it feels revitalized and refreshed.
• It's cleansing. According to NaturalNews.com, the citric acid in lemons helps maximize enzyme function, which stimulates the liver and aids in detoxification.
• It aids in digestion. Not only will this killer combination relive indigestion, it will also help flush you out.

First Date :)

1. Picking the venue. 
If you are given the task of selecting a restaurant or activity, pick something that isn't too over-the-top or expensive. Opt for a something reasonably priced. When it comes to restaurants, pick a place with a wide variety of menu options. (You never know what your mystery man palate requires...he might be vegan or allergic to shellfish!)

2. Meeting up. 
Ideally, the guy should pick you up from your home and drive you to the destination of the date. However, if this is not possible, meet at the location and don't be a second late. It's also a good idea to give a confirmation call the day before the date to make sure everyone is on the same page. This way you can avoid any confusion.

3. At the dining table. 
Throughout the date, sit up straight and maintain good posture. Slouching and leaning on your elbows is considered rude and unladylike. Use your best table manners throughout the meal (I'll do a blog on restaurant dining etiquette soon!). And absolutely, positively do not look at your cellphone. It communicates boredom and disinterest.

4. The conversation. 
Ask questions about your date and listen. It's in bad taste to talk about yourself the entire time. (Remember that episode of Sex & the City when Carrie nervously blabs on about herself to Aidan throughout their entire date? Don't do that.) When in doubt, ask him a question. If you're afraid the conversation will be dull, catch up on current events and pop culture as fallback topics. A few areas of conversation to avoid include politics, religion, money, previous relationships, deep dark secrets and the economy. Most importantly, never be critical in conversation or bad mouth anyone.

5. Ordering. 
Be considerate of what you order. Just because you're on a date doesn't give you a free pass to order the most expensive thing on the menu. Instead, pick something at midrange price point. If you're still unsure, take a cue from your date: Ask him what he is ordering and pick something of equivalent or lesser value. If your date orders an appetizer or starter salad, follow suit and order something to start with as well. That way, you will be eating at the same time and can avoid the awkward "Do I dig in?" or "I don't want to sit here and watch you eat." This same rule of thumb goes for cocktails as well. If you decide to order an alcoholic drink, keep it to a minimum as they can get pricy and you definitely should not get drunk. Let your date learn about you in a sober state. Lastly, order items that are easy to eat and do not require your hands (no sandwiches, burgers, spaghetti etc.). I also suggest staying away from foods with excessive herbs and leafy greens. It's not worth risking the embarrassment living through 45 minutes of an intimate dinner with oregano lodged between your front teeth. Finally, take it easy on the garlic and onions too.

6. Eating. 
Put your knife to work! As you make your way through your meal, cut each bite into a manageable size to avoid looking like a hungry baby bird. Don't cut it up into pieces first and then eat, instead cut as you go. If you do not finish your meal, do not take it to go. Doggie bags are considered passè on a first date. (I wish I had known this when I started dating!)


5. Bill. 
A gentleman should always pay the bill. It may sound old-fashioned, but it's proper etiquette. The best way to navigate the bill is to subtly offer to pay. It's important to make sure your date is aware you didn't go on the date just for a free meal. The best way to do this is to reach for your purse when the bill comes to the table. Most likely your date will tell you not to worry about it and will take care of paying. If he doesn't stop you, don't be hurt. At this point, just split the bill. It should be noted that some guys find it insulting when you offer to pay so this is definitely something you need to feel out. Personally, I suggest sticking with the "subtle offer" since it's the best way to gauge the situation.

6. The goodbye. 
Some dates go really well and the chemistry is on point, while others fail to impress. I suppose the silver lining of a bad date is that you walk away with a great story... Needless to say, for most, "the goodbye" is the most puzzling part of the entire date. By the end you should have a pretty good idea whether or not there will be another date. If you're hoping to rendezvous again, give him a warm hug, thank him for dinner and imply that you'd love to do it again soon. Save your kisses for date #2 (unless he is a cheek kisser). Otherwise, if you can't get away from him fast enough, shake his hand, thank him for dinner and leave it at that.


I hope you ladies find this helpful!

INEXPENSIVE WORKOUT

I'm not living in the lap of luxury so I need to know whats the cheaper way, how to stay fit. Going in the gym is way more expensive than buying a treadmill. So here are some tip to stay fit. 

1. Start training.
Use your backyard to do your exercise and how about your room, living room or even your kitchen . well not enough space is not a problem. You can have a simple exercise in just 1m x 1m.

Sign up for a 5k race, a half marathon, or, if you’re really serious, a marathon. It will give you a reason to get outside and run—which is free! Even better—choose a race that donates it’s proceeds to charity and you will be running for a great cause. If you can’t afford the entry fee, reach out to friends and family for donations to help sponsor you. You will be getting in shape and spread good karma at the same time.

2. Watch workout DVDs or YouTube.
This trick may not be new, but it sure it a great bang for your buck. The best thing about a set of workout DVDs is once you buy them, you have basically invested in a 24-hour gym in your very own home. You might need to pick up a few free weights and a yoga mat, but it’s well worth it. 

Try watching Exercise from YouTube. You can check out Youtube workout videos for free.

3. Use your phone.
Never underestimate the power of a smart phone—they can do almost anything! While you may use yours primarily for texting, instagramming and emailing, you can actually download some apps that will help you to stay healthy too. Moves is an app that tracks your steps each day and lets you know how active you are. 

4. Make a challenge.
Starting up challenges within your office, group of friends, or family is a great way to keep you motivated to stay fit throughout the day. Go ahead and encourage your group to try a 30-day crunch challenge: on the first day, do 20 crunches at some point during your day, and increase the number of crunches by 5 every day until you are at 150 crunches on day 30. You will have toned abs before you know it.
Kick start a walking contest within your company and compete with departments to see who can walk the most over an entire month. Adding a little friendly competition into your fitness routine is a fun way to stay motivated and be active.
Challenge your family to play sports with you like Badminton, tennis, basketball etc.

5. Write it down.
Another trick that I’ve found helps me stay fit is putting my goals and achievements down on paper. When I have a big vacation or a special event coming up, I make a workout calendar and hang it up somewhere I see it every day. I mark a check for the days that I workout, which makes me want to get as many checks as possible. Some people also find it helpful to keep a food journal. Writing down everything you eat during the day can help to gain insight about the types of food you are eating and how much of it.

And don’t forget that taking advantage of the great outdoors is a great way to get moving without spending a dime. Go hiking, swimming, running or biking—or even taking a long walk with your girlfriend will help you to log in some exercise.

My favorite way to stay fit on a budget is popping in a workout DVD. What’s yours?

Tips to Improve Your Focus By: LC

Let’s face it: There are bound to be days where your brain just doesn't want to cooperate. You try to write a blog post…you hop on Pinterest instead. You need to respond to important emails…you end up Instagramming. With endless outlets for distraction in our modern world, it seems that staying on task is becoming more challenging by the minute. For those times that concentration is just not on your side, there are (luckily) a few tricks you can try to get your mind back on track. Below are 10 tips that will keep you refreshed and feeling productive…

1. Take a walk. 
   There are so many benefits that can come from simply taking a walk when you’ve hit a mental speed bump. I have recommended walking the block as a way to stay active in the office. But in addition to burning a few calories, going for a stroll can leave you feeling refreshed and ready to get back to the task at hand.
2. Turn on the tunes. 
   According to Everyday Health, taking a little break to listen to music can actually help your body produce chemicals that can boost your mood. If you’re feeling tired and sluggish, throw on your headphones and listen to a pump up song that will make you feel upbeat. If you’re feeling stressed and down, listen to something soothing. Just make sure the music doesn’t distract you further—limit it to one or two songs. 
3. Socialize.
   It’s easy to get carried away with socializing when you’re in need of a break. But if you have been studying alone for hours or haven’t stepped away from your desk all day, having a little social interaction might be what you need to get back on track. Call your family when you’re walking the block (two birds with one stone!). Or chat around the water cooler with your coworkers. Taking a few minutes to engage with actual people—not computers—will have you feeling more focused when you go back to your desk.
4. Hydrate.
   Drinking enough water throughout the day is key if you want to think clearly for hours on end. In reverse, being dehydrated will leave you with a headache and make you feel groggy. If you get bored of water, add a few pieces of fresh fruit to your h2o or sip on herbal tea. Need further convincing? A recent study from King’s College in London revealed that being thirsty can decrease productivity by 10 percent and even weaken hand/eye coordination. Drink up, ladies!
5. Soak up the sun.
   If you’re feeling unfocused and sleepy, you may just need a little vitamin D, otherwise known as sunshine. According to an article on Refinery29, sunlight stops the production of melatonin and even a little exposure to natural light can prevent you from feeling tired. Spend your lunch break eating by a window or take an outdoor study break for a dose of mental clarity. 
6. Make a to-do list.
   Getting your tasks organized and prioritized is one of the best ways to focus your energy into projects that matter. But while writing down all of your to-dos is a great strategy, what’s more important is to write down goals that are realistic. If you have a long day ahead of you, I suggest making two different to-do lists: The first should be all of the tasks that must get done that day, and the second can be longer term objectives that you might be able to tackle once everything else has been completed. This will help you to zero-in on what you should really be focusing on.
7. Turn it off.
   Simple as this: If you need to get something done on your computer, turn off your phone for a few hours. If you’re cramming for finals but you keep seeing emails pop up on your laptop, put your computer on sleep and move it to another room. This out-of-sight-out-of-mind trick totally works… According to Forbes, knowing when to turn certain distractions off will instantly recharge you. And, trust me, there will always be time to see the latest photo on Facebook or text your friends back. 
8. Choose super foods.
   I am a big fan of super foods like berries, walnuts, spinach and avocados. Not only can they make yourhair silky and your skin clear, they are also proven to help your brain perform memory tasks and cognitive functioning. Huffington Post reports that going on a “brain diet” by eating these super foods can improve blood flow to the brain and regulate your blood pressure. When you feel like you’re hitting a mental block, grab a handful of blueberries or whip up a spinach salad. (Major bonus for all you latte lovers: Coffee makes it on the list of mental super foods!)
9. Create an inspiring space.
   Personally, I need my surroundings to be beautiful and inviting in order to be inspired to work. Feeling stir crazy and uninspired is a recipe for becoming entirely unfocused. If you work in a cubicle, set a colorful bouquet of flowers atop your desk and pin photos to your walls. Likewise, if you are trying to log in a productive day of studying, opt for a library with a view or go to a quaint coffee shop. 
10. Stretch.
    Stretching your body will promote blood flow to your brain and limbs, which will help you to concentrate. Even alternating between standing and sitting during the day helps to keep your body alert. Try swapping out your desk chair with an exercise ball or investing in a standing desk.

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