Long considered a cloak for self-conscious swimmers and beach dwellers—and just a rung or two higher on the style ladder than the common beach towel—the swimsuit cover-up is finally having its day in the sun. This resort staple is now a fashion statement in its own right. The latest incarnations are sultry and trendy, and definitely not restricted to the demure.

Want to stroll from boardwalk to lunch without returning to your hotel room to change? Wear a knit or sheer cover-up over your suit, add some pretty espadrilles and a floppy hat and you’re good to go. A maxi-dress version can transition you to pool party or dinner with little or no effort, even if you’ve got bikini strings peeking out; add a colorful bracelet, dangling earrings or sparkly sandals to dress it up if you like. Some cover-ups, such as beaded tunics and terry hoodies, are truly versatile. They may be worn sans swimsuit, as a cute stand-alone outfit, or coupled with shorts or leggings for a sporty about-town look, perfect for errands, day trips, or a post-beach stroll down Main Street. … //READ MORE

Yoga is a form of exercise with a spiritual aspect. But it also has major practical applications to the rest of your life. The way you feel in the physical poses translates directly into everything you do off of the mat. Being “centered” and “grounded” sounds very heady and vague until you actually feel centering and grounding in your body; then you get it. And you’ll be able to use it—and not just in your workouts.

You don’t have to be Super Yogi or do crazy, advanced poses to access these benefits: You’ll be able to feel and understand them the very first time you practice.

1. Your breath is a powerful tool. And it’s the simplest to use and the easiest to access. When you’re about to embark on something big, or scary or nerve-wracking, what do you do? You take a deep breath. It’s not just symbolic: Breathing in deeply and then exhaling just as deeply literally soothes your parasympathetic nervous system. It also sends freshly oxygenated blood to all your organs and tissues. If you make a little “h” noise in the back of your throat as you exhale, and try to keep that tone in your throat on the inhale, you’ll be creating additional heat in your system, which will help everything to soften and relax. … //READ MORE

Yes, we slather, dab, dot and rub many things on our precious faces in the name of beauty. Lotions, creams, ointments and serums all require nimble fingers—or at least a solid cotton ball—for application. But when’s the last time we sprayed a product on our face?

Get ready to take aim.

A few years ago, Evian (yes, the company known for its bottled spring water) introduced the first mineral-water facial spray. Touted as a refresher and toner, the product was marketed toward jet-setting women who wanted to stay hydrated during travel. Soon enough, well-heeled women everywhere were seen tucking these cute white-and-pink spray bottles in their carry-on bags before boarding the plane. … //READ MORE

You probably have a favorite flower. But are you aware that there’s a blossom that’s most suited for your unique astrological sign? Whether you’re a loyal and intuitive Pisces, an eccentric and thoughtful Aquarius or a courageous and outgoing Leo, your best blooms may very well be written in the stars.

Read on to find your perfect floral match. … //READ MORE

Never underestimate the va-va-bloom power of flowers. With seemingly magical powers, they add new life to a dull kitchen or cluttered desk—and, now, your closet. Indeed, there’s nothing like slipping into a fresh floral print for scentsational summer style. Bold bouquets, demure blooms and teensy petals are popping off sultry shifts and maxis, flirty rompers and chic tops. Here at Red Typewriter, we’re particularly smitten with vintage-inspired bathing suits in prints charming. Don’t consider yourself a “flower” girl? Have fun with the trend through accessories. Think scarves, handbags and sandals, or flower-shaped jewelry. Still not for you? Grab a pair of floral-print undies and call it a day, Sunshine. … //READ MORE

At the beginning of my weight-loss journey, I initially cut many of my favorite foods from my diet, simply because they were too high in calories. After a while, I realized it’s impossible to live in a dieting bubble; there’s always a party, a celebration or a craving to contend with. So, I began to rethink my strategy. Instead of compiling a list of “bad” foods, I embarked on a quest to lighten up what would normally be very calorie-laden dishes.

At first, I tried the age-old substitutes, like replacing oil and eggs with applesauce in baked goods. Sure, my cakes and muffins cooked. But they certainly didn’t taste very good. But I kept experimenting, and through the years, I’ve discovered some ingredient substitutions that are so effective no one would notice the difference. The key is finding alternatives with similar tastes and textures. With a little thoughtful planning, it’s possible to create flavorful recipes that are low-calorie, low-fat and incredibly tasty. … //READ MORE