Fun

HOW I DECIDED WHAT COMMUNITIES TO JOIN ON VINA

/ Elizabeth Kate / 1 Comment

As an online community manager for an engineering company and for my own personal community, Vivi e impara, I strongly believe in the power of community to connect people and share knowledge. At VINA, this is something that can be done very well!

According to the State of Community Management 2018 Report, communities are impacting the way we live and the work around us. The research is compelling:

  1. Communities are change agents: Community programs impact multiple functions, stakeholders, and departments in organizations. They have immense potential to be agents of change by efficiently dispersing knowledge and information across organizations and their markets.
  2. Communities create transformational value: Community programs show an average ROI that exceeds 2,000%. They enable behavior changes that directly impact profitability and revenue generation, while also having an overwhelmingly positive impact on brand and cultural sentiment.
  3. Community teams are underfunded: Community professionals are burnt out due to increasing success and workloads without the accompanying increase in resources and support. This is limiting impact.

As a VINA Ambassador & VINA Society Writer, and an active member of The Community Roundtable network, I’ve used VINA to connect with women with similar interests as mine. I’m active in many communities, including bloggers, dog owners, foodies, and yoga, to name a few. While chatting with new vinas on the app, I’m able to find something in common with them. And if not, then I’ve met someone different from me that I can learn from.

Just this past week I connected with a fellow yogi. In the introduction on the app it says, “Share your favorite spot to shavasana! Then how about trying each other’s favorite yoga studios together?” This quick introduction not only helps new vinas find a cool new yoga studio, but also suggests an activity to bring women closer together based on mutual interests and understanding. Now, what’s better than that?

I’m grateful that VINA is supporting the diverse interests and skill sets that we as women represent. VINA challenges and recognizes us and celebrates what we have in common and what makes us different.

Download the Hey! VINA app today and find out for yourself! Join a few communities and realize just how beautiful it is to bring us all a little closer together. 

HOW TO BECOME A YOUTUBE STAR

/ Sarah G. / Leave a comment

Nowadays, we all use YouTube for one reason or another, whether it be to binge watch videos or find that tutorial on whatever it was we don’t know how to do. Either way, this site has become more than just an online video library. Now it’s a way for people to not only make their name known, but make money while doing so. Here’s what you need to know in order to start and sustain your very own successful YouTube channel.

1. WHAT’S THE GOAL OF YOUR VIDEOS/CHANNEL?

Before even thinking of picking up a camera and attempting to figure out how it works, you have to decide what exactly your content is going to be about. Do you want to help or inspire other vinas? Are you vlogging about your life? Or do you have a unique talent or skill that you would like to share with the world? In any case, if you know what your content will be about then you are more likely to capture and hold the attention of the audience you are trying to hit.

2. MAKE VIDEOS

When posting to and starting a channel it is obvious that you would need to post videos, but how often is key. In the beginning of your YouTube career you will have to be extra regular on when you post and how much you post. Beginner YouTubers have to post more videos and make sure they are posting everyday, or every week, or every month, to insure that their new content gets seen by viewers. As you gain more popularity you wont have to post as often, because by then you will have a regular group of followers, but until then post post post!

3. KEEP UP WITH YOUR GROWING AUDIENCE

It is VERY important that, not only in the beginning, but throughout your YouTube Career you are communicating and interacting with your followers. When they comment, take the opportunity to start a conversation. When they want more of something, be aware of it, and make more of what they like. Probably most important though, is to watch the behavior of your fans. Are they watching videos to the end? Are they liking or disliking videos? Which videos get the most views? Keeping up with the behavior of your viewers is crucial so that you are aware of what works and what doesn’t.

Following these tips can start you down the right path. As long as you’re willing to put in the work, it’ll pay off.

It’s always easier to do new things when you have a team to back you up, so find your vina team on Hey! VINA today!

5 MANTRAS TO SAY TO YOURSELF DAILY

/ Sheena Meng / Leave a comment

WHAT IS A MANTRA?

It is a word, sound or sentence that is said over and over again to help with concentration or to provide positive affirmation.

HOW CAN A MANTRA HELP

It can help produce positive thoughts, feelings, and energies in your mind and body and help you de-stress.

DEVELOPING YOUR MANTRA

  • You want to find a quiet space with minimal distractions for yourself. Add candles, incense, or essential oils.
  • What is your intention? Peace, health, success, or a spiritual connection?
  • Sit in a comfortable position. Keep your back straight and upright.
  • Clear your mind, close your eyes, and breathe through your nose and out of your mouth.
  • Choose your mantra:
  1. I feel beautiful, I am beautiful
  2. I am free to be myself
  3. I am healthy and strong
  4. I have the power to create change
  5. I accept myself for who I am

Looking for friends to develop your mantra with? Start swiping on Hey! VINA today!

CAREER LESSONS FROM THE BOLD TYPE

/ Lindsay Bartels / Leave a comment

The Bold Type is a Freeform TV show that follows three millennial women that work at a Cosmopolitan-type magazine called Scarlet. While the show has a few inaccuracies as to what it would be like working at a magazine of that size, the show has a number of moments that could be considered career lessons for the aspiring professional woman.

The Bold Type follows three best friends: Sutton, Jane, and Kat. The three girls couldn’t be more different in personalities and job titles. Sutton starts off as an assistant, Jane is a writer, and Kat is the Social Media Director. Each of the girls face unique career challenges when it comes to their positions and where they fit in with the rest of the staff. Here are a few things we could learn from Kat, Jane and Sutton:

**If you haven’t watched the show before, you might want to stop here because there are spoilers ahead** 

YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO ADVANCE IN YOUR CAREER

Kat is an excellent example to young women everywhere because she quickly advances to become Scarlet’s youngest director ever. It doesn’t matter that Kat was young, she excelled at her job and was recognized for it. Take a chance, you aren’t too young to make an impression. Your age shouldn’t matter.

Tbt GIF by The Bold Type - Find & Share on GIPHY
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IF YOU’RE UNHAPPY WHERE YOU ARE, MOVE ON

Sutton’s transformation in The Bold Type is something to aspire to. She starts out as a green-juice fetching assistant but has a deep passion for fashion. She recognized that she was unhappy in her current position and took a major leap to put herself out there and she ended up making the move to the fashion department. It didn’t happen overnight, but she knew what she wanted and she went for it… and it paid off! Now she’s living her best life and killing it as a fashion assistant.

Tbt GIF by The Bold Type - Find & Share on GIPHY
via GIPHY

SOMETIMES FAILURE IS THE BEST THING FOR YOU

In season two, Jane takes a leap of her own and leaves her comfortable niche at Scarlet to write for a cutting-edge online news source. It ends up being a disaster and Scarlet won’t take her back. Instead of letting this failure consume her, she becomes a badass freelance writer and makes a name for herself on her own. If you can, try to turn the bad into the good. If you let it, failure can often lead you to where you’re supposed to be.

Season 2 GIF by The Bold Type - Find & Share on GIPHY
Via GIPHY

LOOK TO YOUR SUPERIORS FOR GUIDANCE

The trio of best friends has an oddly close relationship with the editor-in-chief, Jacqueline. Unlike Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada, Jacqueline is approachable and kind to her staff members. The girls make a point to lean on Jacqueline and look to her for guidance when they need it. It almost never hurts to ask a superior for advice. It can help you advance your career and you can end up building a relationship with them.

via GIPHY

WHY THE BOLD TYPE IS IMPORTANT

Even though television shows like The Bold Type and Younger are cute and fun, they are extremely important for our generation. These shows highlight badass women who are focused on their careers while balancing a social and dating life. No longer are female characters required to chase boys and make poor decisions while putting their aspirations on the back burner.

Times are changing.

FIND YOUR GIRL SQUAD ON VINA

Want to find your own Jane, Sutton and Kat? Swipe on Hey! VINA and make some new connections today. Your girl-squad is waiting for you!

https://giphy.com/embed/3ohs4wL0EtChmUNJfO

via GIPHY

VIVA LA VEGAN!

/ mianicollecosta / Leave a comment

WHAT IS VEGANISM?

Vegan is defined as abstaining from all animal products in your daily diet. In other words, any bi-product of an animal such as milk, cheese or chicken. So I’m sorry vinas, no more half & half in your iced coffees or butter filled croissants from the local bakery.

BACKGROUND

Countless studies and documentaries have been produced to convey to the public why intaking certain foods and drinks on an everyday basis is unhealthy. For example, “What the Health” is a documentary on Netflix that addresses how the meat industry lies about how and where animals are raised. Not to mention either how the bi-product of the animal is altered. Thinking about how poorly chickens are raised is concerning and quite disturbing. Not all baby chicks are running freely in grass and consuming natural nourishment, but instead trapped in tight cages. Considering even a small amount of knowledge regarding the food industry and major food corporations can open eyes and mouths to what is really nourishing for our bodies.

WHY GO VEGAN?

Going vegan and reducing the amount of animal product intake can help with heart problems, tiredness, and overall health. Dairy is especially fattening and can cause stomach issues to some. For example, lactose intolerance is no longer uncommon and rather more apparent than ever. In addition, getting the proper nutrition you need from protein and healthy fats can come from many alternatives to meat and dairy. Below are some suggestions.

WHAT TO EAT

Here’s a very short list of items you can still enjoy while being vegan! Always remember to check labels and keep your eyes peeled for yummy treats in the grocery store, at local markets, or in the latest newsletter from your favorite place to shop!

FOOD

Tofu, tempeh, pasta, rice, beans, lettuce, chips, potatoes, fruit, veggies, nuts, dark chocolate, vegan cake and cookies

DRINKS

Milk (almond, coconut, nut, cashew, rice, soy), coffee (hallelujah!), juice, kombucha

OVERVIEW

Contrary to popular belief, going vegan is very affordable and easy. Fruits and vegetables are a comfortable price while tofu and tempeh are significantly cheaper than red steak or chicken drumsticks. There are always ways to spice things up and switch tastes around by adding, for example, different sauces to your tofu. Don’t get discouraged about running out of recipes or ideas. With plenty of resources online and convenient videos, making vegan dishes can be very fun, while also tasting yummy without maxing out your credit card.

Educate yourself, take time to see what foods are out there, and get to shopping! Mix up your life with adding a splash of coconut milk to your coffee while saving one precious cow at a time. Now that’s what I call a-moo-zing!

xo,

Mia Costa

To find your fellow vegan vinas, join the Vegetarian and Vegan Community on Hey! VINA. Swap recipes and plan some vegan dinner nights in or out with the girlies today!

WHY MY MOM IS MY BEST VINA

/ csdutoit / Leave a comment

The shops are now filled with beautiful floral arrangements, unique mug designs are on the shelves and pamper packages are a dime a dozen. Yep, it’s time for Mother’s Day!

Yes, many people say, ‘you shouldn’t just tell your mom how much you love her once a year,’ (kind of like the Valentine’s Day critics), and I do agree to some extent. However, now everything is mom-themed and for a change it’s not hard to find a key ring that says ‘World’s Best Mom’. That’s what I aim to show my mom this year, that not only is she my world’s BEST MOM, but she’s also my best vina. What follow are 5 reasons why my mom is my best vina, so here they are:

DISTANCE, WHO CARES? NOTHING CHANGES

Candice and her mom
Me and my mom 🙂

In a world today where young adults aim to travel and experience the world, we often find ourselves away from home for long periods of time. In my case, I moved around the country, but not once would my mom miss a thing. When we talk, she doesn’t miss a single beat. It was as if she’d been staying next door to me the entire time, and I just sat in her lounge and unwound after the crazy days at the office.

SHE’S SEEN IT ALL

Being with my mom, I get to be my most natural self. No being the ‘perfect wife’ or the ‘star employee.’ When I’m with her I get to be my introverted self, with dreams of a simpler life. I can share my true feelings, emotions and thoughts with her and I can tell her all my secrets, knowing it won’t be circling through a few other ears a week later. Plus she’s seen it all. Every phase I have ever gone through, every colour I’ve died my hair and every broken memory. (OMG… I’m trying not to cry here!)

SHE UNDERSTANDS

Another reason my mom is my best vina is the judgement-free zone that she and I have with each other. Like I mentioned before, she knows the deepest secrets I have. She listens to me when I need to rant or cry over an argument with my husband, and she never passes judgement on me or anyone. (Except she obviously takes my side deep down…)

MOM’S ADVICE IS PROBABLY THE BEST ADVICE

Candice, her mom, and her brother
Christmas gang

When we’re young, we don’t always want to admit that mom knows best, but when we get older we learn that it is indeed so. When we do ask mom for advice, she is also most likely to give you the best outsider perceptive as she probably understands your background, history and why it is that you’re having a dilemma in the first place.

MOM IS MY NUMBER ONE FAN

 I could decide tomorrow that I was packing up my life as we know it and am going to travel the world as a backpacker or go live off the grid in a small deserted town, and one thing will always be for sure is that she will support me in whatever I decide to put my mind to. She would obviously question everything, but it is only out of love and to make sure I am doing it with the right mind and for the right reasons.

No relationship is perfect, but if it were, just imagine how boring life would be…

T.V. SHOWS TO WATCH WITH YOUR VINA

/ Nicole Mathew / Leave a comment

Television is so hot right now, and there are a bunch of shows you simply must watch with your vina, either on cable or Netflix/Hulu/Amazon (you know, for those cord cutters like me). Here’s a list of my top bingeable treats; there’s truly something for everyone to revel in – regardless of the platform you prefer. 

SCANDAL

If you haven’t watched this show before, what are you waiting for? It truly has it all – an all-star cast, excellent writing, and so much more. The show follows Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), AKA badass woman at the helm of Washington, D.C. and the Oval Office through her powerful connections, both professional and personal. This series is empowering and full of drama – as if you could ask for anything more! Netflix has the entire series just waiting for you to binge. Grab your best friend, pull an Olivia Pope (pour some red wine and get your popcorn ready), and savor the saga that has captivated viewers since its conception.

THE UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT

If you’re in the mood for something silly and fun, hop on Netflix and give this a watch. Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) is a woman who finds herself in New York City after she’s rescued from a cult in the Midwest. Written by Tina Fey (who also guest stars on occasion), this comedy is sure to make you smile but also give you some hardcore feels. Watch hilarity ensue while Kimmy and her friends navigate life in the big city – it will be easy to see why this show was nominated for several awards. The series wrapped earlier this year, so you have plenty of episodes to enjoy with your vinas!

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THIS IS US

Grab the tissues and lean on your vina because this one can be a tearjerker. This series follows a set of triplets and their family throughout the course of their lives. Weaved like a delicate fabric, the story is complex and intriguing. I won’t give away too much, but I will say – you will be instantly attached to this family from the jump. The cast is electric (hello, Mandy Moore of 90s pop fame and Milo Ventimiglia from one of my very faves, Gilmore Girls!), the story is fantastic, and I guarantee it will leave you feeling ALL THE FEELINGS. Season 3 just finished, but if you have Hulu or cable (NBC), you’re in luck – get caught up on the entire series before Season 4 premieres next fall!

Those are my top picks, but I have a few others I never miss with my friends:

  • The Santa Clarita Diet (Netflix Original) – so many LOLs + Drew Barrymore!!
  • Gilmore Girls – most of us have seen it once or twice, but a Netflix rewatch is always fun
  • Golden Girls – the entire series is now on Hulu
  • Catastrophe (Amazon Video) – even more LOLs

What are you and your vinas at Hey! VINA watching? Tell us below so we can add ‘em to our list!

8 ASTROLOGICAL FRIENDSHIP GOLD STARS 🌟 DO YOU MATCH?

/ Vicky S / Leave a comment

You’ve just matched with a new vina. Happy days! You’ve plenty in common and things are lookin’ pretty promising. But you may well be pondering, could this be your future bestie or will they be just another thank you, next-ie?

Well ponder no more!  The branch of astrology known as synastry, from the Greek word synastria, meaning favourable conjunction of the stars, is the study of relationship potential and compatibility. It can provide insight into whether your friendship has all the markings of a sweet match or whether you’re headed for, well, a pretty rough patch.

So, whether you’re just getting started on the friendship path or are 20 years in and still going strong, you may question – does your friendship have the legs to last?  Here are my top 5 friendship synastry gold stars and I’ve teamed up with insightful asteroid astrology researcher, Astrologer IQ, for his top 3 asteroid friendship synastry gold stars.

Psst- Don’t know your astrological placements? Or your Moon sign from your Jupiter sign? No stress! Head over to astro.com to find out more. You will require the date, time and place of birth for both you and your vina. Alternatively check out the Friendship synastry report.

TOP 5 PLANETARY FRIENDSHIP GOLD STARS

🌟1. Sun conjunct Ascendant – I know you.
This is the perfect match for mutual understanding of each other. You’re truly on the same wavelength. You support each other and can relate without the need for words. Chances are, you’ll feel like you’ve known each other a mighty long time, even if you’ve only just met. This is one of the best friendship synastry aspects for sure. Hold on to this vina, she’s a keeper!

🌟2. Mercury conjunct, sextile or trine Mercury – We think as one.
Mercury rules communication and how you prefer to communicate with others. With Mercury in harmony, you tend to think on the same wavelength. Conversation flows naturally and harmoniously. Misunderstandings are few and far between and excellent comradeship is pretty common.

🌟3. Moon conjunct, sextile or trine Moon– I feel you.
This vina just gets you. She understands what makes you happy and what makes you sad. She hears your heart in ways others simply don’t. She feels your lows and shares your highs. You’re on the same wavelength emotionally, and this sure feels good.

🌟4. Venus conjunct Jupiter – Sweetness and joy.
With a positively aspected Venus and Jupiter, you’ll bring sweetness and luck to each others’ lives. And a fair measure of smiles. You’ll enjoy sharing gifts with each other. Providing there are no major disharmonious aspects, this is a super aspect for friendships.

🌟5. Jupiter conjunct, sextile or trine Mars– Let’s make things happen.
If you’re wanting to achieve things with your vina, be it fun adventures, study or even business, the link of Jupiter and Mars blesses your friendship with the energy to achieve big. If the two signs are in conjunction,  it’s time to set your mutual sights high!

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TOP THREE ASTEROID FRIENDSHIP GOLD STARS

🌟1. ASTEROID VESTA sextile, trine or conjunct VESTA – True dedication.
If you are the type who cares about dedication in friendship, then this is one of the best aspects to have, as this triggers a feeling that both of you must be dedicated to one another and try to put the other’s needs ahead of your own during important moments for one another.

🌟2. ASTEROID PSYCHE or ALMA sextile, trine or conjunct your Vina’s PSYCHE or ALMA – Soul sister.
This is an aspect that helps create an inner “soul” level understanding of one another and due to this deep level of understanding strengthens the bonds of friendship.

🌟3. ASTEROID FORTUNE or TYCHE sextile, trine or conjunct your Vina’s FORTUNA or TYCHE – Lady luck.                                                                                                                                                    This aspect represents the good luck that arises from a strong friendship. This is the kind of aspect that helps two friends open a small business together and take it to dizzying heights. The very presence of a friend with such an aspect can bring good fortune.

If you have any of these gold stars with your vina (the more the merrier), the chances are that you’ve found a great friendship match. But watch this space – my next blog will feature red flag planetary and asteroid friendship synastry aspects of hidden enemies.

& While you’re at it, find your astrological match over at Hey! VINA!

WHY YOU SHOULD PLAN A GIRLS WEEKEND THIS SPRING

/ Jenna Mohammed / Leave a comment

Not that you absolutely need a handful of reasons to ever plan a girls weekend, but the process alone can be daunting. When you get past the hard parts — like gathering your closest vinas, deciding where to go and setting a budget — the rest should be smooth sailing. In case you need a little nudge in the right direction, here are five reasons this spring is the perfect time to plan that long awaited, much needed girls weekend away!

RECONNECT

Day-to-day life can get crazy, and it’s easy to lose contact with your friends during the week. So planning a girls weekend will make for a perfect opportunity to catch up with your vinas. Nothing is better than having time for long conversations about your goals, dreams, and what’s new with who. Part of getting together for the weekend with your best friends is all about the deep and meaningful conversations!

UNWIND

You work hard, and you deserve some time away from your job. There is so much bliss in having to do absolutely nothing, even if it’s just for a couple of days. Take a journal with you and record your mood on your mini-vacation. Share it with your vinas and reflect on how it compares to your mood during the week. You’ll see just how important it is to plan a weekend away once in awhile to unwind and relax!

DISCOVER

Planning a girls weekend away this spring entails shopping trips and dining out. Maybe you’ll discover a favorite restaurant or even a tourist attraction. Discovery doesn’t stop there, though. A trip like this will allow you to experience new things and learn about yourself and the relationships with the ones around you!

EXCITEMENT

Excitement is all around when you go away from home. Whether that be from the anticipation or from an activity on your trip. Regardless, even a few days away will satisfy your urge for adventure and fun!

MEMORIES

The most important reason of all — the lasting memories you’ll make with your vinas. It will be a trip you never forget and you’ll forever be reminiscing about the wild adventures and amazing experiences’ you all shared. You’ll have pictures to look back on and smile upon great moments with your girl friends.

Looking for new ladies to take a girls trip with? Check out Hey! VINA and find some adventure-loving vinas today!

HOW TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH YOUR VINAS

/ csdutoit / Leave a comment

Look, I truly will use any excuse to plan something with my vinas, so this month, my excuse is Earth Day! Here’s what the Earth Day website has to say about the festivities.

The idea for a national day to focus on the environment came to Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, he realized that if he could infuse that energy with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution, it would force environmental protection onto the national political agenda. Senator Nelson announced the idea for a “national teach-in on the environment” to the national media; persuaded Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, to serve as his co-chair, and recruited Denis Hayes from Harvard as national coordinator. Hayes built a national staff of 85 to promote events across the land. April 22, falling between Spring Break and Final Exams, was selected as the date.

So get ready to get your hands dirty this Earth Day with your vinas by planning one of these eco-friendly activities:

PLANT TREES IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Research any tree-planting non-profit organizations in your area and find out or even help them plan a tree-planter event for Earth Day.

REARRANGE YOUR KITCHEN TO IMPLEMENT RECYCLING TECHNIQUES

Pack your vinas in the car and go to your nearest shopping center with a various home-ware stores — it’s time to give your kitchen a makeover with the main focus being to make your kitchen usage more sustainable e.g. buying recycle bins to replace your current dustbin.

START A WALK CLUB

If your vinas are close enough, start a walk club where you all walk together to the shop to do some grocery shopping instead of using the car.

BEACH CLEAN-UP DAY

Time to get your tan on and make a point of cleaning up your local beach while you’re at it. It’s not hard and your small act will make all the difference!

What are you planning to with your vinas this Earth day? If you need someone to make some awesome plans with, check out Hey! VINA today!