Author: sofiakarliner

IT’S TIME TO REPLACE THE FRIENDSHIP BRACELET WITH THESE 4 NEW TRENDS

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Not to be a hater, but we’re kind of over friendship bracelets. Arm parties are arguably a thing of the past. This year, it’s all about minimal, modern, and tasteful pieces. Sharing an essential closet or accessory item with your bestie is truly a token of great friendship – so how about replacing the bracelets with one of our picks below?

EARRINGS

Purchase a pair of cheap (or fancy!) minimal studs and each wear one. Mismatched earrings are in, and will serve as little reminders of your bestie every day!

TATTOOS

It’s not for everyone, but it certainly is trendy. Get a cute little heart outline or something more personal tatted somewhere you and your bestie can see it. Go small and simple, and find a design you both really love.

PURSES

These Pop & Suki bags are customizable – so why not get “BFF” printed on them together? You can each get a color that suits your style, while still being matchy-matchy!

PHONE CASES

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via Sonix

Nothing says we’re besties like matching phone cases. Since we all spend about 80% of time looking at our phones, it only makes sense that fashionable besties want matching tech ware!

Have more ideas? Comment below and share with a vina, old or new.

SELF CARE DIY PROJECTS TO MAKE YOUR FRIENDS OR KEEP FOR YOURSELF

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‘Tis always the season for self care, and we’ve got some easy life hacks for all of you DIY divas out there. Here are some excellent products you can create for yourself or for a vina in need.

HOMEMADE BATH BOMBS

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You’ll Need:
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup citric acid
  • 1/2 cup Epsom salts
  • 1 tsp. water
  • 2 tsp. essential oil
  • 3 tsp. oil (olive oil)
  • Food coloring (any color you want)
  • Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Jar
  • Dried or fresh flower petals
  • Bath bomb mold
Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients in two separate bowls, mix dry and wet together by slowly adding your liquid to your dry bowl and mixing until it is all absorbed. Put your creation into cookie molds and let it dry for 1-2 days. Voila! You’ll have enough bath bombs to keep for yourself and give away to a vina or two!

CRYSTAL SHAKRA NECKLACES

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You’ll need:
  • A crystal or gemstone that makes you feel at peace with yourself
  • Flexible wire
  • A chain
Go into a nearby crystal store and let your intuition draw you to a specific pile or ask for help to find the shakra that you need. My go-to is always the rose quartz. It’s the heart shakra, so when you touch it or are near it your heart gets a little bit warmer. Plus, it’s pink!  Next, get wrap your wire around the crystal to secure it, make a loop at the top and string your chain through the loop. Sling it around your neck or gift it to a vina for some grounding and positive energy vibes!

AROMA MISTS

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(Photo courtesy of Helloglow.co)

Stressed? Can’t sleep? Smell is actually one of the most amazing things you can do for tension and insomnia! It’s incredibly easy to mix up one of these bad boys so that you can get in the right amount of Zs for your health and tone down the stress headache.
You’ll need:
  • Essential oil
  • Spray bottle
  • Water
Keep a bottle at your desk for an emergency puff or spray around your bed before getting under the covers. Theres enough essential oil in one purchase that you can make multiple mists for yourself and your vinas. You won’t regret it!

MIRROR MESSAGES

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We all need a little encouragement in the morning or when we’re feeling particularly self-depricating. Give yourself a pat on the back with messages like “you can do it!” “You are beautiful” or “this too shall pass” in removable marker.
You’ll need:
  • Dry erase markers and your mirror! (That’s it!)
Make a date of it with a vina and look up encouraging messages online. Change it up every month or so to keep the self love fresh!
Self care doesn’t have to be expensive, and you don’t need a reason to prioritize your health. So get crafting and treat yourself and your vinas!
(Featured Image courtesy of The Huffington Post)

HOW TO DEAL WITH HEARTBREAK OVER A CELEBRITY CRUSH

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Celeb crushes are rough. In my not-so-professional opinion they are much rougher than crushes on people you actually know. There is a consistent tinge of heartbreak right from the get-go, and none of the flirtatious excitement that accompanies admiring someone in your actual life. No matter how hard-core your day dreaming skills are, there is a distant knowledge that you will probably never meet this person in real life, and that they will continue breathing and dating and living without the knowledge that you (their soulmate, obviously) exists. There may also be a bit of resonant guilt about the fact that you probably know a lot about them without having met them, and gloom at the idea that if you do ever meet, you’ll either have to lie or hope that they accept you for the crazy fan that you are. Regardless, there is a tinge of helplessness that accompanies the admiration of a celebrity crush. So, how do you break out of this heartbreak?

1. MAKE A LIST

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Jot down what attracts you to this person: A celebrity crush says a lot about you. Not in that you are an obsessive freak, everyone has celebs that they secretly adore, but in that you are drawn to this person for a reason. As it is with most attraction, you are attracted to things about others that you want for yourself.  What is it that you are needing in your life that this person provides? Can you find it in other ways? Can you look for it in other people? Take this as a learning opportunity!

2. DON’T COMPARE:

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It’s not a good call to obsessively compare people in your life with this person, especially prospective romantic partners: No one is going to be as perfect as your celebrity crush. Why? Because you are only seeing the part of them that they and their PR people are revealing to the world. Everyone has flaws and mannerisms that are not constantly publicized. Fall for the reality and messiness of people, and how they interact with YOU.

3. DON’T CHANGE:

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It can be tempting to try and make yourself more like your celebrity crush’s significant others, whether it be in looks or personality. Making yourself someone else’s type NEVER works. Be yourself, and you will attract similar people for your authenticity. No two people are the same, and no one has a limited type.

4. RIDE IT OUT:

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Sometimes its fun to just kick back and daydream. So, as long as it isn’t limiting you from living in the real world, go for it!
Who is your celeb crushes? Ask your new friends on Hey! VINA and Comment below.

HOW TO FIND YOUR GIRL GANG AT YOUR SUMMER JOB

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Summer is right around the corner, and *gasp* so are seasonal temp jobs and internships. Making a good impression is obviously important in the professional sense, but what about social impressions? It’s equally necessary but often overlooked to make some close friends at work, whether it be for professional support, networking, or just plain old friendship! Here’s how to form your girl gang at your summer job.

WALK TO THE BUS/TRAIN/HOME

Ask, “Are you going this way?” if you leave the building at the same time as a coworker. There’s a high chance they will be, and you can let your guard down a bit more as you chat. Make it a routine, and soon enough you’ll be waiting for each other by the door!

GO FOR DRINKS

If you’re free after work, and of age, ask a colleague or two whether they’d like to grab a drink nearby. This is a super casual way of moving the relationship towards the friendship zone, and you’ll most likely have a good humored time! If you don’t drink, grab coffee, tea, or any other form of preferred beverage.

CASUALLY MENTION YOUR PERSONAL LIFE

You don’t have to bare your soul to do this. Just drop a non-work related comment about your rent, sister, dog, or S/O. There’s a good chance that they’ll cling to the chance to switch up conversation topics, or talk about something other than work. They may even respond in kind with their own advice or personal information. As time goes on and you feel more comfortable you can disclose more private information, but keep it light at first!

START A GROUP CHAT

Once you feel more comfortable with your work vinas, start a group chat with the message “drinks?” or a funny meme or photo, it could even be to comment on something from work. This creates the feeling of a “girl gang” and will make work a lot more bearable when you occasionally receive a cute or funny text from someone who just gets it. 

LAUGH A LOT

A couple of giggles go a long way in the beginning stages of friendship. Keep the jokes or witty sarcastic comments coming and watch your relationship blossom.

Any experience with workplace friendships? Tag a vina and comment below!

(Featured image via The Every Girl) 

WTF IS SOUL COLLAGE

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Soul Collage® is a process created by Seena Frost in the late 1980s. It’s basically a combination of tarot and collage. You collage your own set of cards that are representative of different aspects of your soul and personality. It is a nurturing and intuitive experience that allows you to get more in touch with yourself, your needs, and your creativity. So how do you get started?

DO IT YOURSELF

Light a candle, set up a productive space, and get to work. Take your time flipping through your magazines and images- you will know when an image or card composition feels “right.” Trust your instincts. Sometimes you will make cards that are based on a specific agenda, such as a companion card for an animal you feel connected to or a community card that is centered around a good friend. Other times you will find that you are drawn to images without intention. Lean in to this feeling and allow yourself to form a card without considering meaning, it will come later.  Look online to figure out how to do your own readings.

GO TO A SESSION

If you want some assistance getting started, there are soul collage groups and workshops in most major cities, and even in less populated areas! Do a quick online search to find a workshop near you. Bring a vina for a bonding session and watch it turn into a deep connected ritual between the two of you!

FORM A CLUB

Once you’ve learned how the whole process works, host collage sessions at your home and form a club! All you need is a bunch of card stock, magazines, and a calm spiritual environment. This can be a great community activity, and will bring you closer together with your vinas!
What do you think about soul collage? Tag a vina and comment below. 
(Featured Image via Polyvore)

WHAT IS YOUR GROUP CHAT PERSONA?

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Whether your group chat takes the form of texting, slacking, GroupMe or Facebook Messenger, the current era of mini chat rooms has promoted an oddly exclusive and cliquish platform for conversation. But IMO there are more ups than downs. I mean, in a virtual sense, you’re always hanging out with your friends. Interestingly enough, our personalities over GC do not necessarily correlate with our real life roles in our friend groups. Read on to find out what group chat persona you are, and which are your vinas.

THE LURKER

This is the friend who literally never says anything… ever. You know they get the notifications, you know that they must be reading it (right?). Sometimes it’s the number you don’t have, sometimes its one of your besties in your most intimate GC. You know she doesn’t hate you all…so what’s up?

THE MEME QUEEN

You know which friend this is. The comic who goes a step beyond tagging you in hilariously relatable content. I mean, its not her fault that all of the best memes apply to your whole squad!

THE LINK LADY

This friend always has a serious link for you to look at. Whenever she posts you already know that you’re going to be looking at an article about how the bees are dying, or a shockingly politically incorrect thing that some institution did. She keeps you informed and talking about the stuff that matters, so you’re only (kind of) annoyed.

THE GIGGLER

This friend highly resembles the lurker, but instead of saying nothing, she just comments “hahaha” to everything or “likes” your messages. She has a full presence, but contributes very little.

THE GOSSIP

This friend is the resident stalker. She screen shots texts, Facebook posts, Insta photos etc. with an acronym such as “lol” or “omg” and waits for the rest of the group to throw shade. She is the evil queen who never actually says anything evil, just lights the fuse and sits back to watch the explosion.
Tag a vina who will relate and comment below! 
(Featured Image via Mujer y Punto)

HOW TO THROW A LOW BUDGET PARTY IN NYC

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It’s not news that New York City is crazy expensive, but I was still shocked when, this year, as I was planning my birthday, I could not find a single way to get all my friends together without breaking my bank! After a little research and the wise and (seemingly obvious) solutions were presented to me by others, I have gathered some tips on how to celebrate in NYC without having to simultaneously throw yourself a going-away party because you can no longer afford rent.

YOUR FAVE BAR

Invite all your friends to a trendy bar and take over. The only downsides to this are that you can’t put up decorations and you never know how full it will be. But the upside is that you don’t have to rent out a place for a bajillion dollars. There are a bunch of cool bars that aren’t super popular, yet have a chic and classy (or whatever vibe you’re going for) feel to them. Plus, everyone only needs to spend as much money as they’re willing to, especially if there’s no cover!

A SUNNY PARK

When it’s nice out, head outside to WSP or Central Park, and throw a picnic party. Set up balloons or whatever cheap decorations please you. Make sure you grab a boombox and pop that bubbly! Do the whole potluck style so you’re not stuck with a large food budget!

YOUR ROOF (OR A FRIEND’S)

Roof parties are a thing for a reason. Basically everyone in NYC has an incredible view from their roof, and maybe even some choice furniture! If yours or a friend’s is accessible, hit it up for a cheap and easy celebration! Just like the picnic – make it potluck style (and BYOB).
Where do you like to celebrate in the city? Tag a vina and comment below!
(Featured image via @tealcheesecake)

DEFEATING BIRTHDAY DISAPPOINTMENT

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We’ve all been there: that place of soul crushing disappointment where your birthday expectations don’t meet up with your reality. The truth is, adult birthdays are a lot of responsibility. No parent is planning your bash or buying you a cake anymore.
Yet, somehow, we hold this unwavering belief that someone is going to plan our perfect day without us saying anything at all! Or we do plan things… and they always seem to go very, very wrong. Here are some tips for overcoming birthday disappointment.

MAKE IT HAPPEN

If you want a party… throw yourself a party! I can’t count the amount of times I’ve decided to hold low expectations and make zero plans in an attempt to avoid disappointment. Let’s just see what happens, blah blah blah, and then… surprise! Nothing happens. As adults we need to take our birthdays into our own hands. The key here is to not stress too much about people showing up or other nitty gritty details. Recruit a friend to be your party planner. Your vinas want to make your birthday great, but chances are no one is going to plan you a party unless you ask them to.

TREAT YO’ SELF

Take yourself shopping and buy yourself a present. Plan a nice dinner for yourself and your vinas, or (if you can) take the day off of work and treat yourself to a spa day. Eat a lot of birthday cake! You don’t need a huge bash to make yourself feel special. When you let the world know that you are celebrating, it will rally and celebrate with you.

DON’T BE PASSIVE

Don’t tell people your birthday doesn’t matter to you if it does. They will (surprise) actually think it doesn’t matter. Or even if they see through you, they won’t know what you want from them. Tell people what you want! You don’t have to be demanding or greedy, just clearly mention what you hope to gain from the day. Disappointment is not a softer blow when you don’t speak up, but it is more likely to happen.

JOURNAL

Write a journal entry on your birthday! Reflect on the past year and the year to come. Make resolutions. Your birthday can be a lot more therapeutic and productive than New Years when it comes to starting fresh. Regardless of the celebration (or lack thereof) you will still get meaning out of your special day.

BIRTHDAY WEEK

Spend the whole week celebrating. This is helpful because not so much hangs on one day or gathering. You don’t have to have a whole bunch of activities planned, but enjoy the whole week in a cloud of birthday specialness.
What do you do to enjoy your birthday? Tag a vina and comment below! 
(Featured Image via Pintrest)

HOW SHARING CAN IMPROVE YOUR HAPPINESS, YOUR BANK ACCOUNT AND THE ENVIRONMENT

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Sharing clothes is amazing. If you’re a vina who doesn’t like to do it, here’s a few reasons why you should.

IT’S SOCIAL

Sharing can actually bring you closer to your friends. Once you and a vina or two come up with a pact to share, it can be fun to head over and try on each other’s clothes! Put on mini fashion shows for each other and remember to be respectful of their wishes and belongings!

IT’S SUSTAINABLE

Fast fashion is literally murdering our environment. We are conditioned to want more, to buy new styles every month, as the stuff we own “goes out of fashion”. But clothing is versatile! Select based on quality and wow yourself with how much you can do with only a few pieces. If you’re feeling really ambitious, try the 30×30 challenge and wear only 30 clothing items (including shoes and accessories!) for 30 days. You’ll be surprised with how many different outfits you can compose.

IT’S RELAXING

 Studies show that owning less stuff makes you happier! Hit up the new documentary “Minimalism” (on Netflix), if you don’t believe me. Once you declutter your closet you have more room in your house and in your head! And you don’t have to worry about new upcoming events because you have your vinas to borrow from!

IT’S FREE

The best part is that sharing is completely free! I am constantly shocked by how much money I spend on clothes. An article of clothing every so often ads up quickly! Do yourself and your bank account a favor by bringing that number down.
What do you think about sharing, and how do you like to orchestrate it? Tag a vina and comment below. 
(Featured Image via Duchess Dior) 

SPRING PICK UP LINES TO USE ON NEW VINAS

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FUNNY

Spin off of the classic cheesy pick up lines in a platonic and ironic way. This shows your future vina that you are easy going and humorous, and if they share your humor, you already have common ground!

Examples include:
  • Is your name wi-fi? Cause I’m feeling a connection
  • Girl, I wish I could rearrange the alphabet and have U and I go bowling.
  • We have so much in common, you’re a person, I’m a person, you breathe, I breathe…its like we were destined to be friends.
  • You smell great! What perfume do you use? (it’s funny because you’ll be DMing, so you obvi can’t smell each other)

RESEARCH BASED

Look at their photo and bio and pick out something you have common ground with. Added bonus for something that inspires an activity!
Examples include:
  •  “Hey, you like basketball? Did you see the game last night”
  • “OMG you look amazing in that cardigan! Can we go shopping together sometime?”

PHOTOS

A picture is worth more than a thousand words. Well placed images and memes are always a perfect ice breaker. Send your fave and get an instant “lol” back. Your future vina will know immediately that you can put a smile on their face. What better way to start a friendship?

Examples include:
  • Starting the conversation with a picture of Ice Breaker mints
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  • Combining your research with a prime meme about a TV show, book sports team etc.
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  • Ending the conversation with an card like so:

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What are your ideas for the perfect spring pick up line? Tag a vina and comment below! 
(Featured Image via @thesartorialist)