Lifestyle
Hacks To Regain Confidence When You Need It Most
Published
5 years agoon
There are days when it can be hard to believe in yourself or when you feel doubtful. This can be a result of stress, a bad day or maybe there’s just no reason why you feel that way. Whatever the reason, we can go through periods where our self confidence is down. Lucky for us, there are things we can do to regain confidence. Here are some hacks you can try when you’re feeling down and need to perk up.
Get Energized
One of the reasons why you feel low is due to lack of energy. You can easily remedy this by taking a catnap to refresh yourself or by getting yourself energized through physical activity. Put some music on and get moving. If you don’t feel the beat, get out of the house or office and go for a short walk. 15-20 minutes of walking should be enough to reenergize you and get the creative juices flowing.
Make A List of Your Strengths
Need an easy confidence booster without leaving your chair? Spend 15 minutes and make a list of your strengths. Reflect on all the good and positive about yourself. Write down your strengths, goals, ambitions or passion. You can make a 5-star review of yourself so it’s like you’re selling yourself. After you have 2-3 paragraphs, read it out loud. The act of reading it aloud to yourself will help solidify the idea to your brain and make it more real.
Surround Yourself With Inspiring People
Build your self confidence by constantly surrounding yourself with people who inspire you or believe in you. If you have negative people around you, stay away from them or let them go. Spending time with people who uplift you will make you feel positive and help you regain confidence.
Celebrate Your Wins
What better way to feel self confident than by celebrating your victories? Every time something good happens to you or you’ve achieved something, take time to celebrate these wins and give yourself a pat on the back. Take it a step further by making this a ritual. Every Sunday before you go to sleep, think about all you have accomplished last week no matter how small it is. This habit is great for positive reinforcement.
Talk To Yourself
People who talk to themselves are smarter, have better memory, focused and perform better. According to the documentary The Human Brain, we say 300-1,000 words to ourselves per minute. The Navy SEALS and Special Forces use the power of self-talk to regain confidence and as a way to get through tough times.
Dress for Success
You’ve probably heard that you should dress for the job you want to have not the one you currently have. This is a good piece of advice for people who want a job promotion or those that just want a self-confidence boost. Wearing nice clothes can change how other people look at you and how you look at yourself.
Make Eye Contact
Eye contact during conversations means that you’re interested and respect the other person’s time. It also shows the other party that you’re trusting and transparent. Don’t forget to slip in a smile here and there so that you don’t look intense and to look around the room so that you’re not staring at one person.
Stand Straight
Optimizing your posture by sitting or standing straight is a great and easy way to regain confidence. By sitting or standing straighter, lifting up your chin and puffing out your chest, you will feel better immediately. When you need to feel self-confidence, try this trick to feel more empowered. When people see that you are self-confident, their perception of you will change.
Be Prepared
When you want to feel confident when the spotlight is on you, you have to be prepared. If you have an important presentation, prepare by practicing for it. If there’s a competition coming up, train harder. If you have a big date, visualize it going great over and over again. Need to make an important sales call? Review your notes repeatedly. When you see somebody brimming with self-confidence, you can be sure that a lot of preparation happened behind the scenes.
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Lifestyle
Lesbian Bars Were Dying. Now They’re Making a Comeback
Published
2 weeks agoon
May 29, 2025The buzz on the headlines these past few years makes it impossible not to notice: “Only 21 lesbian bars remain in America,” or “The rise and fall of America’s lesbian bars,” and “Why lesbian bars are disappearing.”
The once-thriving niche of lesbian bars has indeed dwindled. The ones that remain have become clandestine tourist destinations littered around the heartland. These last bastions of the lesbian community are now few and far between.
However, we see a glimmer of hope with recent developments. It could be that grassroots campaigns are poised to save lesbian bars from the brink.
Let’s back up a little.
The origin of lesbian bars
If you’re a fan of Moulin Rouge (or French history, I guess), you might know a bit about the inception of the modern lesbian bar. Artist Toulouse Lautrec often chronicled the lesbian nightlife in turn-of-the-century France. Bars like Le Rat Mort were owned and frequented by lesbians.
This phenomenon spread to other areas of high society in the early 20th century. In Weimar Germany, lesbian entrepreneur Elsa Conrad owned multiple such bars. Bars for women were a rarity in the US at the time, but the upper-crust Cafe des Beaux-Arts, which operated in New York from 1911 to 1921, is cited as an early example.
Prohibition and its aftermath
When we talk about the modern history of lesbian bars, the clock usually starts after Prohibition’s repeal in 1933. Bars like Roselle Inn in Chicago and Mona’s in San Francisco opened shortly thereafter.
It’s worth noting, however, that lesbian bars truly started to pop up during Prohibition. Where women had previously been legally discouraged from drinking, the total prohibition of alcohol was ironically an expanding force. Women could drink freely in speakeasies, and even own them.
The lesbian bars that sprang up after Prohibition were the offspring of the lesbian speakeasies that came before, such as Eve’s Hangout, which was shut down after a 1926 police raid.
The golden age of lesbian bars
Lesbian bars and communities continued to grow, aided by the growth of cities and economic prosperity that followed World War II. Bars of this era still faced plenty of threats. Gay activity was still criminalized, organized crime was eager to capitalize, and internal debates split the community in twain.
In the ‘50s, de facto segregation and economic inequality kept many Black lesbians out of major lesbian bars. So did rigid attitudes about lesbian coupling built around butch/femme (or stud/femme) binaries.
Gay rights!
The first lesbian political organization, the Daughters of Bilitis, was formed in 1955. This was an early motion in the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement, which shone a national spotlight on lesbian and gay communities.
As the movement grew throughout the ‘60s, so did identification with/interest in lesbianism. As lesbian feminism developed in the ‘70s, lesbian bars became activist spaces in addition to social ones. By the ‘80s, there were over 200 lesbian bars nationwide.
There’s just one problem, and it’s a problem that emerges any time social spaces become political ones: politics create conflict. Divisions bubbled over who should and shouldn’t be included in lesbian spaces, from trans women to straight “political lesbians.” This fed into the damaging notion that “lesbian” itself was an exclusionary term.
The slow, painful fall
These divisions persisted, but lesbian bars remained fairly prevalent throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. New movements led to new expansions. The Combahee River Collective helped open doors for lesbians of color. The community was ravaged by the AIDS crisis, but activism on that front helped bring the broader LGBT community together. By the mid-’90s, the Lesbian Avengers were bringing lesbian issues to the forefront of the community.
So, what did kill the lesbian bar? 9/11? The recession? Is it somehow Ellen’s fault?
The truth is, there was no one incident that sent lesbian bars into freefall. The more society as a whole accepted lesbians, the more patronage for these tight-knit neighborhood bars dwindled.
Meanwhile, over the course of the ‘00s, people kind of stopped meeting each other in person. The social role that lesbian bars once played could now be fulfilled much more accessibly by online forums, and later social media.
Statistics show that interest in the “lesbian” label itself may have declined in the ‘00s and ‘10s as well. Post-lesbian discourse has tended to frame the label as too exclusive. While the broader LGBTQ+ community experienced substantial growth in the 21st century, the lesbian community didn’t share in the majority of those gains.
The ravages of COVID-19
Articles about the dramatic decline in lesbian bars started to pop up in the late ‘10s. In 2019, it was estimated that only 15 such bars remained; in fact, there were 21. A string of closings occurred throughout the 2010s as business dwindled and rents increased.
When COVID hit, activists like Erica Rose and Elina Street sounded the alarm. Rose and Street initiated the Lesbian Bar Project, a fundraising campaign aimed at preserving the remaining bars.
Lincoln, NE’s Panic Bar closed in November 2020. In Philly, Toasted Walnut shuttered in February 2021. Even as the Lesbian Bar Project and other campaigns shone a national light on the issue, it seemed like the institution was quickly becoming a thing of the past.
But wait, there’s more?
A confluence of factors led to increasingly dire conditions for the country’s remaining lesbian bars. Pandemic-era restrictions were the final straw for many. But then, something shifted.
See, the pandemic may have kept us apart from each other, but it also reminded us how much we miss sharing a space. As restrictions were lifted, grassroots movements started to form dedicated to providing new, in-person social spaces for lesbians.
The lesbian bar revival
As the tireless work of the Lesbian Bar Project kept the remaining bars afloat, social groups and pop-ups started to form across the country. Lesbian Social Detroit. SHELiFE in Miami. Sip City Mixer here in Philly.
These groups coordinate regular events that go beyond the narrow scope of a bar: picnics, beach parties, sporting events. At the same time, they reflect a growing, vibrant, and (contrary to the popular stereotype) inclusive lesbian community nationwide.
As You Are in DC began as a pop-up series, but has now set up a permanent home. The Sports Bra, the first women’s sports bar, is now open in Portland, where another lesbian bar (Doc Marie’s) is opening just this week.
You can thank Lesbian Bar Project for their tireless work keeping remaining lesbian bars alive. You can also thank the internet which, once thought a detriment to the lesbian label, has now invited a new generation of lesbians to flourish.
Looking ahead, more of these pop-ups are trying to set up brick-and-mortar locations. Dave’s Lesbian Bar in Queens is fundraising at its monthly events; so is Hot Donna’s in LA.
Thanks to a renewed focus on community organizing and mutual aid, things are finally looking up for the humble lesbian bar.
Coffee enthusiasts come in all shapes and sizes. Data in the U.S. alone shows that coffee consumption remains high. A 2024 report shows about 73 percent of Americans drink coffee daily. There’s something for everyone, from cappuccino lovers and bean enthusiasts to those craving a quick, affordable caffeine fix. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, partner, or your own home coffee bar, you’re bound to find something great from our list!
1. Airscape Coffee Canister
Photo Credit: Amazon
Airtight canisters are best for storing coffee to maintain its quality. If your loved one appreciates the quality of their coffee, the Airscape coffee canister is an excellent choice.
Made from food-grade stainless steel, the airtight canister is durable and stylish. The patented inner plunger lid with a two-way valve forces excess oxygen out of the canister and locks out excess humidity. Plus, it is available in various sizes. It’s perfect for storing coffee, as well as other dry goods like tea, sugar, flour, and spices.
The Airscape Coffee Canister is available in medium and large sizes and six colors.
2. Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck Kettle
Photo Credit: Amazon
This is our top pick for electric gooseneck kettles. Its precise, angled spout is perfect for making pour-over coffee, perhaps with the Kalita Wave Dripper or the Chemex. Its technical details are fine-tuned: The temperature control is adjustable by five-degree increments, and its rounded handle is easy to maneuver. It has a matte black finish, so it doesn’t pick up fingerprints like stainless steel. And with its shapely design and small footprint, it looks lovely sitting on a kitchen counter.
3. Hario V60 Dripper
Photo Credit: Amazon
Brewing with a pour-over is a beloved ritual for coffee lovers. The Hario V60 Ceramic Dripper is one of the most affordable and reliable options and is my favorite.
The ceramic model costs $26.53, but there are also copper, glass, stainless steel, and plastic versions. The affordable filters ensure a clean and delicious brew. While the V60 requires some skill and precision, it’s not too difficult to master. The process encourages mindfulness, making each cup worth the effort.
4. Workhorse Grinder
Photo Credit: NY Times
The lightweight Timemore Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder is our favorite model under $100. Our testers appreciated its impressively smooth and speedy grinding action. The handle comes off, so this grinder is easy to store or travel with—excellent for outdoorsy coffee devotees who don’t want to sacrifice fresh grounds. They can dial in the coarseness and chop through about three tablespoons of coffee at a time.
5. Moka Express – Squid Game
Photo Credit: Bialetti
Bialetti and Netflix team up to launch a unique, brightly colored Capsule Collection that celebrates the popularity of the Korean series Squid Game. The vibrant, playful colors, geometric details, and “Game Over” writing enhance the iconic coffee maker, making it an essential companion throughout the game to achieve victory and win the prize.
So, what are you waiting for? Surprise your friend who’s crazy about Squid Game with the limited-edition Moka Express coffee maker.
6. East Fork Ceramic Mug
Photo Credit: East Fork Pottery
This sturdy, thoughtfully crafted ceramic mug has been my morning companion for a couple of years now, and I couldn’t love it any more than I already do. It went through a phase of viral popularity a while back, but they’re easier to find now. You might have to hop between the available colors, though, because they still do sell out.
The mug is made from robust ceramic that feels sturdy. It has a gently sloping grip big enough for most hands and feels smooth and balanced when you pick it up. Warmed by fresh coffee, the glaze kind of soothes your palm. It’s magical.
7. Instant Pot Milk Frother
Photo Credit: Instant Pot
Here’s another gift suggestion: The Instant Pot Milk Frother swiftly heats milk for lattes or creamy macchiatos with a spout designed for latte art. This versatile frother can also produce hot milk, which is made of two types: hot milk foam and trendy cold foam.
8. Snow Peak Ti-Double 450 Anodize Mug
Photo Credit: Snow Peak
This gift is perfect for friends or loved ones who enjoy camping adventures. Japanese outfitter Snow Peak offers a dizzying array of high-end outdoor apparel that’s popular with bougie car campers and dirtbag climbers alike. Still, the titanium cookware that first propelled the brand’s popularity in the U.S. remains the jewel in its crown.
Enter the Snow Peak Ti-Double 450 mug, which packs timeless style and durability into a double-walled mug that weighs only 115 grams. A pair of foldable handles welded onto the exterior provide extra protection from scalding hot liquids and a new selection of colors.
9. Ratio Six Coffee Maker
Photo Credit: Ratio
The Ratio Six Coffee Maker is the best SCA-certified option. It’s a dream machine for any pour-over enthusiast!
Crafted from durable materials like stainless steel and borosilicate glass, the Ratio Six is visually appealing and incredibly well-made. Its insulated carafe keeps coffee hot for up to an hour after brewing. Moreover, the filter basket features a heat shield to maintain the coffee’s temperature at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius) during brewing. The heat shield and the professional-quality spray head ensure even and consistent extraction every time.
10. Coffeeness Very Own Espresso Blend
Photo Credit: Amazon
Last but not the least, good coffee is the easiest gift to get for any coffee aficionado. This premium blend of direct-trade Brazilian coffee beans produces rich, bold, and complex espresso that’s ideal straight or paired with milk. Featuring notes of chocolate and hazelnut, our Espresso Blend is particularly low in acidity, making it easy on the stomach.
Conclusion
Our curated list is just a portion of unlimited gift ideas for your coffee-loving pal. From stylish storage solutions and precise brewing tools to unique and thoughtful gifts, you’ll find everything you need to satisfy your coffee cravings and those of your loved ones. So, explore our recommendations and discover the perfect additions to your coffee routine. Cheers to the perfect brew!
Lifestyle
Digital Nomads Flock To These 10 Amazing Tax-Free Cities
Published
4 months agoon
February 4, 2025The rise of remote work has paved the way for many to gain freedom to live and work from anywhere in the world. But for many work-from-home advocates, the right destination can also mean gaining financial benefits aside from having their dream lifestyle. This is where tax-free cities for digital nomads come in. Maximize your earnings, reduce business expenses, and enjoy a high-quality lifestyle when you relocate to the ten best tax-free cities:
The Benefits of Living in a Tax-Free City
If you are a digital nomad looking for a change of scenery, you’ll get the following benefits when you move to these destinations:
- Tax Savings: For entrepreneurs and remote workers, you’ll save on taxes when you move to any of the cities included in this list. Without paying income taxes, you can keep more of your earnings.
- Business-Friendly Incentives: Many tax-free cities offer favorable corporate policies, residency programs, and economic incentives. Not only will you have the opportunity to work in a setting that suits your lifestyle, but you’ll also reap financial benefits.
- Improved Financial Freedom: Lower tax burdens offer greater financial flexibility. This enables you to enjoy a higher standard of living, travel for leisure, and invest in your future without excessive government deductions.
Top 10 Amazing Tax-Free Cities for Digital Nomads
1. Dubai, UAE
Photo Credit: Aleksandar Pasaric on Pexels
Emerging as one of the most attractive destinations for digital nomads, Dubai has a zero personal income tax policy and a thriving business environment. As part of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai offers a state-of-the-art infrastructure, fast internet, and a well-connected global hub with flights to the world’s major cities. The city’s Virtual Working Program grants digital nomads a one-year residency visa that lets them live in Dubai while working for an overseas company.
2. Bermuda
Famous for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, the British Territory of Bermuda makes working remotely even better as it doesn’t impose income taxes. Its digital nomad visa has no income requirement but will ask to see your financial status. This is to prove that you can support yourself on the island without having a job there. It also allows foreign workers to live and work for up to one year. The abundance of outdoor activities, reliable internet, and plenty of co-working spaces provide an excellent balance of work and play.
3. Croatia
An increasingly popular destination for digital nomads, Croatia is a favorite destination for digital nomads. While it isn’t entirely tax-free, its tax policies and dedicated digital nomad visa exempt you from income tax on foreign-earned income. Remote workers who qualify for this country’s Digital Nomad Residence Permit can enjoy this benefit. In addition, Croatia’s low cost of living allows you to enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle while working remotely.
4. Antigua and Barbuda
Photo Credit: Julia Volk on Pexels
A beautiful Caribbean nation, Antigua and Barbuda offers zero personal income tax for digital nomads. This twin-island nation has stunning beaches, warm weather, and a welcoming expat community that makes it an ideal place if you’re looking to embrace the island life. It introduced the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) visa to attract more remote workers. This allows you to live and work for up to two years without paying local income taxes.
5. Panama
Thanks to its territorial tax system, Panama is now a popular destination for digital nomads and entrepreneurs looking to enjoy foreign-earned income that isn’t taxed. Its various visa options include the Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers, which lets you live and work for up to 18 months. It requires proof of employment or self-employment with a minimum income of $36,000. This nation offers modern infrastructure, high-speed internet, and an active expat community.
6. Grenada
Earning the moniker “Spice Isle” of the Caribbean, Grenada offers zero personal income tax for digital nomads. It has business-friendly policies, breath-taking landscapes, and a relaxed lifestyle, ideal for remote workers looking for financial and individual freedom. In lieu of a dedicated digital nomad visa, you can take advantage of its long-stay visa options or explore its Citizenship by Investment Program, which gives you the chance to obtain permanent residency.
7. Montserrat
Another tax-free Caribbean hideaway, Montserrat, is a favorite of many digital nomads thanks to its zero personal income tax. Its lush landscape, volcanic scenery, and friendly local community offer superb work-life balance away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its digital nomad visa, the Montserrat Remote Work Stamp, lets you live and work in Montserrat for up to 12 months. All you need to do is provide proof of employment with an annual income of at least $70,000.
8. Barbados
Photo Credit: Blue Ox Studio on Pexels
Having positioned itself as a top destination for remote workers, Barbados offers zero personal income tax by introducing its Barbados Welcome Stamp. This visa lets you live and work in Barbados for up to 12 months, making it an excellent option for those looking for financial and lifestyle benefits. To qualify for the Welcome Stamp, you must earn at least $50,000 annually and provide proof of remote employment or self-employment. Its hassle-free application process lets you enjoy the duty-free import of personal belongings and many other benefits.
9. Anguilla
A dream destination for many digital nomads, Anguilla is another tax-free Caribbean paradise. It offers no personal income, capital gains, or corporate tax for individuals. It introduced the Work From Anguilla program to attract more location-independent professionals. This grants them a 12-month remote work visa and access to high-speed internet, modern infrastructure, and a relaxed, safe environment. Its pristine beaches, low population density, and welcoming community make it the perfect place for productivity and leisure.
10. Uruguay
Another South American hub for digital nomads, Uruguay offers a territorial tax system that does not impose a tax on foreign-earned income. In addition to letting you enjoy a stable and high-quality lifestyle, Uruguay provides a five-year tax holiday on foreign income, an appealing offer for long-term stays. Uruguay’s excellent infrastructure, reliable internet, and active expat community let you establish legal residency via the country’s Straightforward Residency Program.
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