Why Snow Days Should Still Be a Day of Unexpected Self-Care

I hope everyone’s keeping cozy out there. With so much of the country stuck in a serious cold snap, this is your gentle reminder to bundle up, sip something warm, and take care of yourself.

As an elder millennial, I still remember the pure magic of a snow day and the thrill of cancelled classes, the wide-open freedom of an unexpected day off, and the choice between building a snow fort or sledding down the largest hill you could find. These days, remote work and virtual school tend to fill what used to be a totally responsibility-free day, but I still try to hold onto a little of that snow-day whimsy. A fresh blanket of snow just begs for hot chocolate and a mid-afternoon rewatch of a comfort movie, right?

Some things that I indulged in this snowy, winter weekend:

Started watching this, finished reading this, and started reading this, put together new bar stools for our kitchen island, and tried out a few of my new Sephora finds (already impressed with this and this) that were impulse buys along with a last-minute Trader Joe’s run (the viral dumpling bake, did not disappoint)!

So whether you’re having a true snow day or just a work-from-home day that feels a little softer around the edges, I hope you’re wrapped in fuzzy socks or your favorite sweater, with a warm drink within reach.

Ask Clara:

"What's the best way to take a self-care day?"

Pleasure and Play in Relationships: 5 Fun Date Ideas to Boost Connection and Intimacy

If there’s one underrated secret to long-term relationship health, it’s this: joy isn’t extra credit — it’s the glue. And I don’t just mean big romantic moments (though those are great). I mean the everyday stuff: play, pleasure, silliness, flirting, inside jokes, laughing so hard you can’t breathe. That kind of joy is protective.

Relationship research backs this up. The Gottman Institute (aka the gold standard for couples research) emphasizes that thriving couples don’t only manage conflict well, they also keep fondness, admiration, and friendship alive and consistently “turn toward” each other in small moments of connection (what they call bids). Those moments can absolutely be playful or affectionate — and they add up.

There’s also solid psychology behind why play matters. Positive emotions like joy can broaden how we think and respond — making us more open, creative, and resilient, which is huge when life gets stressful. This is the basis of the broaden-and-build theory: positive emotions help build long-term resources, including stronger social bonds.

Need inspiration? Here are 5 fun, thoughtful date ideas that build play (without requiring a 3-hour reservation):

1. “Yes, Night”: one person plans 3 mini activities, the other can’t say no

2. Bookstore + coffee date: pick a book for each other based on vibes

3. Cook something new together (bonus points for messy homemade pasta)

4. Neighborhood photo walk: take silly pics + stop for a treat

5. At-home spa + gratitude swap: face masks + “3 things I love about you lately”

Because yes — talk through the hard stuff. But also: make room for joy. Your relationship deserves more than surviving — it deserves to feel good.

Ask Clara:

"How do I talk to my partner about goal setting?"

Skin Longevity vs. Anti-Aging: Why the Language Shift Matters

If you’ve noticed beauty brands suddenly swapping “anti-aging” for “skin longevity,” you’re not imagining things; it’s all the rage, and honestly, as a beauty editor, I kind of love the shift.

For decades, anti-aging messaging has been all about fighting time: Erase wrinkles! Reverse damage! Look younger at all costs! But the idea behind skin longevity is way more supportive (and way less shame-y). It focuses on keeping your skin healthy, resilient, and functioning well in the long term, rather than treating aging as a problem to fix.

This language shift matters because aging is normal. It’s also a privilege. Allure famously stopped using the term “anti-aging” years ago, pointing out that the phrase subtly frames aging like something negative! And in 2026, so far, the trend reporting, longevity-focused skincare is increasingly about prevention and supporting skin cells, not just “treating” the signs of aging after the fact.

What does “skin longevity” actually look like in real life? It’s the stuff dermatologists have been preaching forever, just in a cooler font: daily sunscreen, barrier support, and evidence-backed ingredients. The American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes sun protection to prevent premature aging (and skin cancer), which is basically longevity 101. Some researchshows that topical retinoids like tretinoin can improve signs of skin aging by supporting collagen balance.

So no, skin longevity isn’t about pretending wrinkles won’t happen. It’s about asking: How do I want my skin to age? And how can I support it, as I do the rest of my health?

Ask Clara:

"How do I keep my skin hydrated?"

Lifting Weights for Longevity: The Strength Training Benefits Women Need to Know

Remember when there was the myth that lifting would bulk you up, and endless cardio was the way to “be your healthiest” Well, take a look at any of the weight racks at your local gym, and you’ll  notice more women trading endless cardio for the squat rack lately, you’re not imagining it — strength training is having a moment, and honestly? It’s one of the healthiest “trends” we’ve seen in years.

Here’s the deal: strength training isn’t just about aesthetics (though yes, feeling strong in your body is a vibe). It’s about longevity; staying mobile, steady, and independent as we age. Research consistently links muscle-strengthening activity with a lower risk of early death and chronic disease, with some studies showing the biggest benefit at roughly an hour per week of resistance training.

And for women, lifting heavier matters. As estrogen declines with age (hello, perimenopause), we naturally lose muscle and bone density faster. Strength training helps counter that by supporting bone health, protecting joints, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing fall risk.

So why the “lifting heavier” wave now? Because women are finally being told the truth: you won’t “get bulky” overnight — but you will get stronger, more resilient, and better equipped for the long game.

In other words: lifting isn’t just fitness. It’s future-you care.

Ask Clara:

"How do I start a strength training routine? "

What Is a Dopamine Menu? How to Create One for Better Motivation and Mood

On days that feel like, mehhh, I love to go on Pinterest and get a fix of inspiration and a mix of motivational quotes, makeup brands, the random and unnecessary Amazon household gadget ad, and a few odds and ends, but a trend I’ve seen a lot of lately, the Dopamine Menu.

Basically, if your brain has ever been like “I want to feel better, but I don’t know what to dooooo”, let me introduce you to the dopamine menu.

A dopamine menu (sometimes called a “dopamenu”) is basically a personal list of feel-good activities you can pick from when you’re low-energy, overwhelmed, or sliding into doomscrolling mode. It’s inspired by the fact that dopamine is a neurotransmitter tied to motivation, reward, and pleasure — and it plays a role in how we seek out what feels good.

The concept was popularized in ADHD circles (shoutout to Jessica McCabe from How to ADHD), and it’s often described as a practical way to reduce decision fatigue and make it easier to choose supportive habits. By intentionally selecting activities that “boost dopamine levels” in healthy ways. And with some experts describing dopamine menus as essentially a rebrand of behavioral activation — aka strategies that help you do what’s good for you even when motivation is missing.

To build your own, think in menu categories:

• Appetizers (5–10 min): quick walk, playlist, stretch

• Mains (30–90 min): workout class, creative project, coffee date

• Sides (do alongside tasks): candle, lo-fi music, body doubling

• Desserts (fun but limited): TikTok, online shopping, reality TV

The goal isn’t “productivity.” It’s having a grab-and-go toolkit for joy — so future-you doesn’t have to think so hard.

Ask Clara:

"What are small ways to boost my mood?"

Emotional Labor 101. Why It's Exhausting-and How to Share The Load

Let’s talk about emotional labor, because if you’ve ever felt like the “project manager” of your relationship (or your household, friend group, family…honestly, society), you’re not alone. And yes: it’s exhausting.

At its core, emotional labor is the mental and emotional work involved in managing feelings, needs, and harmony — whether that’s remembering everyone’s birthdays, checking in on your partner’s mood, anticipating what needs to be done, smoothing over awkward moments, or being the one who always says, “We need to talk.” Emotional labor can be draining, especially when it’s constant and goes unrecognized.

And here’s the part that makes people quietly rage-clean their kitchens: emotional labor is often invisible. Or how one partner (often women) tends to carry the “mental load,” which can lead to relationship burnout and resentment over time.

So how do you share the load without turning it into a fight?

Start by making the invisible visible. Literally list out the “stuff you track” — appointments, groceries, social plans, emotional check-ins, family obligations. Then have an honest convo about ownership, not “helping.” (Because “helping” implies it’s your job.) The Fair Play method by Eve Rodsky is a popular framework for this — it encourages couples to divide responsibilities so each person fully owns tasks from start to finish (planning included).

Remember that emotional labor isn’t weakness — it’s work. And relationships feel so much better when the work is shared.

Ask Clara:

"How to have healthy conversations?"

Cycle-Synced Movement: How to Match Your Workouts to Your Energy Levels

Let’s talk about cycle-synced movement—aka the permission slip so many of us need to stop forcing the same workout energy every single day of the month. Because if you’ve ever thought, “Why does my usual strength training feel easy one week and like I’m moving through molasses the next?”…you’re not imagining it.

Your menstrual cycle affects fluctuating hormones (mainly estrogen and progesterone), and those shifts can influence how you feel—energy, mood, motivation, even recovery. The good news: you can use this info to work with your body, not against it. (And no, it’s not an excuse to cancel workouts forever—just a smarter strategy.)

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Menstrual phase (your period): Think gentle + restorative. Walking, stretching, yoga, mobility work. And if cramps are a thing, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that exercise can help with period pain.

Follicular phase (after your period): Many people feel more energetic as estrogen rises. This can be a great time for strength training, HIIT, and trying new goals, and research suggests performance may be stronger in this part of the cycle for some athletes.

Ovulation: Often the “peak energy” window—go for your hardest workouts if you’re feeling it.

Luteal phase (post-ovulation): Your body may lean toward slower recovery and more fatigue as progesterone rises. Some experts suggest moderate-intensity training here, and research shows some performance measures may dip late luteal for certain people.

Cycle syncing isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about body awareness and adjusting intensity so movement feels supportive, not punishing.

Ask Clara:

"How to exercise based on my menstrual cycle?"

Is It Hormonal? Common Hormonal Skin Changes and How to Manage Them

If your skin has ever felt like it’s going through a personality change (dry one week, breaking out the next, suddenly sensitive for no reason?) — hi, welcome to the very real world of hormonal skin changes. And no, you’re not being dramatic. Your hormones truly have that much influence over what’s happening on your face.

Here’s the deal: hormones like androgens, estrogen, and progesterone can impact things like oil production, inflammation, pigmentation, and even how well your skin holds onto moisture.

For example, androgens (a group of hormones that includes testosterone) can increase the size and activity of your oil glands, which means more sebum, clogged pores, and breakouts — especially around the jawline and chin. The American Academy of Dermatology explains how androgen shifts can contribute to acne and oiliness, and how hormonal acne is linked to sebum overproduction.

On the flip side, estrogen tends to support skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity. Research has shown estrogen can help stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production—aka, the things that keep skin looking plump and dewy. So when estrogen dips (hello, PMS or perimenopause), skin can feel drier, duller, or just… more reactive.

And then there’s pregnancy, when hormones can trigger melasma (dark facial patches), increased pigmentation, and other changes. ACOG notes that melasma is common during pregnancy and emphasizes sun protection to prevent it from worsening.

Bottom line? Hormonal skin shifts are normal — but if changes feel extreme, persistent, or painful, it’s worth seeing a dermatologist. Your skin isn’t “acting up.” It’s communicating.

Ask Clara:

"How do I treat hormonal acne?"

Deep Cleaning My Office: The January Reset That Helped Me Feel More Clear and Calm

So I kicked off this month by deep-cleaning and reorganizing my office/guest room… and wow, it has been a journey. On one hand, I feel super energized, like YES, fresh start, clean slate, new chapter energy! But on the other hand…my neurodivergent brain is also doing that thing where it’s like, “Wait, but the chaos is organized.”

Like, truly, I am the human version of those “cleaning out your closet” memes. I need my stacks. I know what pile everything is in. And somehow it makes perfect sense to me!

Luckily, I have my personal cheat code visiting this week: my mom. (AKA: the most organized person I know.) She’s been helping me stay focused, keeping me motivated as the donation piles grow, and gently talking me down from a spiral after we realized I’ve basically purchased every pen that has ever existed in the stationery aisle.

But instead of feeling guilty about any of it, I’ve actually found this January reset to feel more intentional than usual, like I’m not just cleaning to clean; I’m clearing space for what’s next.

A few things I’m trying to keep in mind as I reorganize:

• Taking breaks is part of the process. It genuinely helps reset my brain when the piles start to feel like they’re swallowing me alive.

• A mini mindset shift: when I donate something I once loved (books, sweaters, craft supplies I swore I’d use), I remind myself it might be exactly what someone else has been looking for — like “OMG this is perfect!” energy.

• Letting myself feel proud of the small wins. An organized drawer! A cleared-out corner! It’s wild how one clean spot can make a whole space feel different, and honestly, it’s kind of inspiring me to dream about a full room refresh. But, you know — one step at a time.

All of this has me thinking: it’s always a good time to take stock of what makes your daily life feel easier and more supportive — whether that’s resting more, resetting your space, or just taking better care of your mind.

And really, the little changes can make a big difference.

Ask Clara:

"What are some helpful tips to stay on top of my goals?"

Skin Barrier Basics: How to Repair Winter-Stressed Skin Without Overdoing It

If your skin has been acting dramatic lately — tight, flaky, red, stinging when you apply literally anything — welcome to winter skin barrier season.  And I promise: you don’t need to overhaul your entire routine to fix it. In fact, the fastest way to repair a stressed barrier is usually to do less, not more.

Think of your skin barrier like a cozy coat for your face. Winter wind, indoor heat, and long hot showers can strip that “coat,” leading to more water loss and irritation. Experts recommend focusing on gentle cleansing, restoring moisture, and sealing it in (aka preventing transepidermal water loss).

So, for the next 2–3 weeks, simplify:

• Use a gentle cleanser (no scrubs, no acids, no “deep clean”)

• Moisturize on damp skin

• Pause harsh actives if your skin is burning or peeling

Now for the best part, current product picks that genuinely support barrier repair:

Barrier-friendly moisturizers (the heroes)

• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (soothing, protective)

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or Healing Ointment(ceramides + barrier sealing magic)

• Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream (especially if you’re irritated)

• The Inkey List Omega Water Cream Moisturizer(rich but elegant)

• Tower 28 SOS Daily Barrier Recovery Cream (sensitive-skin fave)

Pro tip:

Look for products with the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance if your skin is extra reactive.

Winter skin doesn’t always need a 12-step routine; it needs comfort, consistency, and a little barrier TLC.

Ask Clara:

"What are some of the best ways to stay hydrated?"