This Could Be The Best Motivation To Exercise

Photographed by Jens Ingvarsson.

The best workout motivation might not be accountability partners or compliments, but punishments. Shape reports that a recent study found punishment, rather than positive reinforcement, to be the best incentive for participants.

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Participants in the study were asked to play a game in which they either listened to clicking noises and identified which ear they heard the noise from, or they saw lights on a computer screen and labeled which side of the screen had more flashes. For every question answered correctly, they were given a token. For every question answered incorrectly, tokens were taken away. Shape explains the “scientists did indeed find that both methods helped improve performance. However, punishment was far more effective than reward — two to three times more incentivizing, in fact.”

Related: Master This Move: Stir The Pot

Shape noted that you can apply this to your workout routine by setting up small incentives or punishments for yourself by deciding what “you'd personally hate to lose — like watching Game of Thrones on time so you can gossip about it at the office the next day”

Just be aware, as sports psychologist and therapist at Saint Francis University, Ariane Machin, PhD, explains, "An individual needs to be thoughtful about what they are using as 'punishers' because they don't want to become demoralized or discouraged.” So as long as your punishers don’t make you feel worse, this could be just the trick to get in gear.

Related: How Quitting The Gym Changed My Body For The Better

Click through to Shape for more about exercise incentives. (Shape)


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9 NYC Memoirs Giving Carrie Bradshaw A Run For Her Money

Earlier this week in The New York Times, authors Leslie Jamison and Benjamin Moser debated whether someone should reach a certain age before writing a memoir. Arguing on behalf of Team Youth, Jamison writes, "Of course someone will look back at his first broken heart with a different perspective at the age of 40, or 60, or 80...The narratives we tell about our own lives are constantly in flux; our perspectives at each age are differently valuable. What age gains in remove it loses in immediacy: The younger version of a story gets told at closer proximity, with more fine-grain texture and less aerial perspective."

We agree. While there's certainly something to be gained from self-reflection through an older, more mature lens, we've seen that young writers are more than capable of producing powerful autobiographical work.

Need proof? These nine New York women make it clear that experience doesn't only come with age — and that sometimes, the moments that make for the greatest stories are best recounted well before you're 40.

And The Heart Says Whatever by Emily Gould
A truthful account of being a 20-something in a city that forces you to become an adult — even if you aren't ready. There's honesty about working in the digital age (before it became a completely over-saturated industry), failed relationships, and how New York not only changes you, but changes with you.

Brain On Fire: My Month Of Madness by Susannah Cahalan
A haunting reminder that one day you can be a normal, hard-partying 20-something, and the next you can be hospitalized with no recollection of how you ended up there. Diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, Cahalan catalogues her struggle and recovery in a way that is not just frightening, but also frighteningly honest.

Not That Kind Of Girl by Lena Dunham
Sharp, witty writings from the woman who redefined what it's like to be a young New Yorker, Dunham's stories of struggling with her weight, combatting obsessive-compulsive disorder, and overcoming a college rape will have you laughing, crying, and wondering how she knows exactly what you're going through, too.

Hypocrite In A Pouffy White Dress: Tales Of Growing Up Groovy And Clueless by Susan Jane Gilman
Gilman takes you back in time to the Upper West Side of the '70s, sharing what it was really like to grow up in a city where anything can happen, and how struggles (like divorce and religious discovery) eventually shape you into the powerful feminist you hope to be.

Dear Diary by Lesley Arfin
Born out of Lesley Arfin's Vice column of the same name, this memoir describes how a rebellious Long Island teen became a fixture of the city's downtown "It" crowd, with friends like Chloë Sevigny and Jesse Pearson — and a raging heroin addiction. The book is filled with self-discovery and reflection, and is proof that you can royally fuck up your 20s and still come out on top.

Spinster: Making A Life Of One's Own by Kate Bolick
Feeling sad about being single? Bolick's Samantha Jones-esque memoir celebrates the power of being a party of "one," especially in a city like New York. Throughout her own journey of finding "the one," she pulls inspiration from "famous singles" such as Edith Wharton and Maeve Brennan to help her rediscover her "self" — no relationship required.

Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel
When your 10-year-long struggle with depression becomes too much to handle, where do you turn? For Wurtzel, the proof was in the pudding Prozac. The lead-up to her medication is jam-packed with recipes for disaster: obsessing over an illness, embarking on sexual escapades while enrolled at Harvard, and longing for too much attention from her family and friends.

The Long Goodbye: A Memoir by Meghan O'Rourke
The loss of a parent is never easy to overcome, but O'Rourke's personal account of her mother's death sheds light on the mourning process, particularly as a young woman. Her story illuminates moments and feelings we never want to discuss, things that we are all bound to face at some point in our lives, such as loneliness, sadness, and the fear of the unknown.

Man Repeller: Seeking Love. Finding Overalls. by Leandra Medine
What do you do when your choice of outfits might be the reason you're still single? You embark on a feminist conquest and create one of the most influential (and most read) blogs of our generation. Medine, the original Man Repeller, talks her conservative Jewish upbringing on the Upper East Side, when she first fell for fashion, and how she finally wooed her now husband, all while wearing clothes that men hate (but women love).

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Gwyneth Paltrow's New Business Involves Frosting Shots

Photo: David Fisher/REX USA

Goop lovers, get ready: Gwyneth Paltrow has some amazing new snacks for you! Just in time for summer, the actress, in partnership with noted celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson and Anderson's CEO, Maria Baum, is launching food take-out company 3 Green Hearts, Hamptons Magazine reports.

The company will sell healthy, organic meals to-go out of Anderson's East Hampton and Water Mill studios, and while many of the tasty sounding offerings are just what you would expect from the healthy-lifestyle loving Paltrow — made-that-day juices, quinoa, and kale ravioli — others are a bit more unexpected. Like FROSTING SHOTS. (You read that right.)

Tracy Anderson told Hamptons Magazine, "I'm a major foodie so there's also going to be frosting shots, but the frosting is going to be made without all of the processed things that really hurt us. I've figured out how to make the best cookies that have no gluten, no soy, no dairy, no nuts, no eggs — all the main allergens. It's also about me being able to settle the inflammation fire that is in so many bodies." 

Anderson tells the magazine that the entrepreneurial ladies plan to offer 3 Green Hearts cuisine at other Tracy Anderson Studios locations in the future, and also hope to eventually evolve the brand to also include green cleaning products and beauty products that are paraben-free.

All of which sounds well and good, but in the meantime: You had us at frosting shots. Cheers!

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Landon, Help! What's The 411 On Flatforms?

Courtesy of ASOS.

Amelia writes: "Help! I'm currently in the middle of a Spice Girls obsession revival and I want to pull of the platform boot. But, with summer approaching, knee-high anythings are not exactly ideal. Can you help me find a hot weather-proof alternative so my legs (and feet) don't schvitz?"

Flatforms have their pros and cons. They're really cute, they're leg-lengthening, and they serve as the perfect median between a wedge and a sandal. But, if you've ever owned a pair, you're familiar with their sometimes dangerous, ankle-threatening tendencies, despite them being "flat."

Fashion forward? Yes. Practical? Yes — if you pick them correctly. The slip-on route is an ankle sprain waiting to happen and something completely flat-footed will make you walk all funny. Take a look at the shape of the wedge. Is it so flat that you could frost a cake with it? Or, does it pitch upwards at the front? Go for the latter so you can strut — not Frankenstein stomp — to where you need to go. Your Achilles tendons will thank you.

And, make sure there's a strap on the back. This not only prevents them from slipping off, but it'll aid in keeping the shoe and your ankle stepping in perfect unison. Also, keep the materials light. No one wants to carry five pound weights on the bottom of their feet.

This pair from ASOS combines my favorite colors (black and blue) and my favorite materials (satin and leather). They're A) as comfortable as they look, B) fit the flatform requirements listed above, and C) they're only $90. A flatform should mold to the bottom of your foot — not work against it. We're not living in the Middle Ages, for Pete's sake.

I hope this helps. See you next Saturday.

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Seriously Inspiring New Ways To Pull Off Flash Tattoos

We first caught wind of the Flash Tattoo trend last summer, when stylish girls started donning the temporary tats to the beach in place of real bling — you know, as one does. Since then, the metallic tats have turned into a beauty phenomenon, seen on everyone from big-name bloggers to our girl Queen Bey. The shiny designs also became all the rage at music festivals like Coachella, adding an instant hippie-chic vibe to every ensemble.

Like most trends, this one reached a saturation point. But, since we're not ready to let go just yet, we’re determined to find new, innovative ways to wear it for summer 2015 — and it looks like we're not the only ones. The possibilities are endless — and good old Instagram (you may have heard of it?) is proof.

After hours of patrolling the ‘gram, we were sufficiently in awe of all the pretty ways you can wear these tats. And, we found 17 rad Flash styles worthy of gracing your precious skin. (Note: What did people do before social media? #RealTalk.)    

So, whether you’re feeling so over flash tats or you’re still all about them, we’d be willing to bet you’ll feel more than tempted to try out some new styles after you see these fresh takes on the 2k14 trend. 

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Flash Tattoos recently collaborated with Rainforest Partnership to bring us its newest collection, Illia, which was inspired by the "beauty and magic of the rainforest" and features vibrant, in-your-face pops of color. Your choices: Go big and bedazzle your back with butterflies for your next beach trip, or be subtle and add a single neon feather or bracelet — whatever your style, it’s for an amazing cause.

Bored of your basic mono nail hues? Upgrade your mani game by adding these chic, mini-chevron accent designs from the Dakota collection to one, or all, of your nails. Depending on your base shade, you can achieve both edgy and super-girly looks — whatever floats your boat.

Make a statement by using the black-and-gold "pendants" from the Zahra collection to create your own customized hand jewelry — you’ll never look cooler hailing a cab.

Heading to paradise? Impress fellow beachgoers with these beautiful metallic elephants — they look better in pairs.

To put it simply, celebrity hairstylist and co-owner of Nine Zero One Salon Riawna Capri just gets us. Not only are we obsessed with her new boho home, but Capri takes cool to a whole new level by sporting a full-on flash sleeve. P.S. How gorgeous is her smile?!

Have a fancy event coming up? Add a hint o' glam and highlight your manicure with these silver triangles from the Dakota collection.

British beauty guru and author of The Glam Guide Fleur de Force demonstrates how to accentuate your jewelry with silver and gold tats.

If you’re feelin’ flashy, try replacing your usual earrings with a temp tat like this one from the fabulous Josephine collection.

Fashion blogger and frequent Flash Tat wearer Natalia T. makes us question why we haven’t been donning delicate silver dots on our wrists all our lives.

Tiny gold feathers and stars can make your day of typing away that much more fun. We can’t get enough of this look.

Spice things up with a partially hidden tat — it'll be your sexy little secret.

We're impressed by how effortlessly blogger Andrea Chong flaunts a thick gold cuff band on her upper arm — it adds a subtle touch of bohemian, yet sophisticated glimmer to her otherwise minimalistic outfit.

We’ll be the first to tell you that you don’t have to go flash-wild to make a noticeable statement. This look is still eye-catching, but in a rad, understated way.

Mixing black and gold offers an edgy vibe, especially when it's in unexpected places. Rock this style with some stilettos, and you’ll look — and feel — ready to take the world by storm.

Heading to a summer wedding? This low-key, ultra-feminine look is speaking to us in all the right ways. Try a floral pattern from the Isabella or Sheebani collections — worn alone or mixed with other jewels, you’ll be sure to turn heads.

Killer heels? Check. Gold cuff band? Double check. Simplicity won’t go unnoticed, people — especially when paired with statement shoes.

Take your accessorizing up a notch by mixing delicate hints of gold, black, and silver tats with your existing hand candy.

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Meet Fangirl of the Day: Bre

Read original article here: Meet Fangirl of the Day: Bre

Name of Fangirl: Bre

What is her Fangirl interest?

Star Wars and Marvel

Why did you decide to shine the spotlight on this Fangirl?

I love these stories so much and I’ve always been into the movies and I think I qualify as a Fangirl!

How does this Fangirl express her fandom?

T-shirts galore and lots of facts; whether about the movie production, the characters, the cast, the weapons, or anything else, I’ve got interesting facts I can throw at you if/when you ask.

What is her favorite quote or personal motto?

“Never tell me the odds” and “Doth mother know you weareth her drapes?”

What is her favorite Fangirl item that she cannot live without?

Lightsaber collection

This article originated from Her Universe Blog -

Before Pantone Color Chips, There Was This 300-Year-Old Book

Photo: Aix-en-Provence, bibliothèque Méjanes, Ms 1389 (1228).

The announcement of the Pantone Color of the Year has become something of an annual phenomenon. As the recognized authority on color and color trends, Pantone doesn’t simply suggest you keep your eyes peeled for Radiant Orchid, Emerald, or Marsala for the next 12 months, it practically guarantees that you’ll be seeing the shade everywhere — on cars, bed sheets, nail polishes, back-to-school supplies, you name it. But as instrumental as the company has become since its launch in 1963, someone else was doing the job nearly 300 years before. And he did it all by hand.

The 1692 Dutch book, listed in French records as Traité des couleurs servant à la peinture à l’eau, was brought to the public’s attention about a year ago by Dutch historian Erik Kwakkel. Loosely translated, the title means “color treated for water-based paint,” which hints at the handiwork inside by author A. Boogert. As Kwakkel explains, this one-of-a-kind book was created to demonstrate how watercolors could be manipulated to change shade when different measurements of water were added to the mixture. Boogert filled his approximately 800 pages with every example imaginable.

Photo: Aix-en-Provence, bibliothèque Méjanes, Ms 1389 (1228).

Beyond being informational, the images from the book are stunning and addictive to flip through. They resemble page after page of Pantone color chips, except without the household name. But this manuscript wasn't a means of referencing fashion trends or your next lipstick shade (as far as we know). Kwakkel reports that the purpose of this book was likely educational. "In the 17th century, an age known as the Golden Age of Dutch Painting, this manual would have hit the right spot." Of course, we can't help but think how relevant this work still is today, no matter how advanced our printing techniques have become. (On the other hand, in 800 pages, did the author ever name a color Marsala?) 

The book is currently housed at Bibliothèque Méjanes in Aix-en-Provence, and more of Kwakkel's translation can be found here.

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