This 30-Minute Dance-Hybrid Workout Is Perfect for Busy People

Feb 19, 2018

Real talk: We love to squeeze in weekly workouts, but with busy work and personal schedules, it can be tough to make a trip to the gym actually happen. So when we heard about Equinox’s quick new class, we were intrigued, to say the least. After trying the sweat sesh firsthand and catching up with class founder Nicole Petitto, we think this program is the perfect fitness solution for the gal on-the-go. Scroll down to learn why.

The class, named “The Muse,” is designed to be a quick and effective workout that keeps your body in continuous motion for 30 minutes. Through the use of hand-held spheres, it provides aerobic exercise that uses both the upper and lower body to help build muscle in an upbeat environment. “The Muse experience doesn’t only challenge your physical endurance, but challenges you mentally, moving you through choreography in just enough repetitions to keep you mentally engaged before learning the next new movement pattern,” says Petitto.

The program is a unique barre-and-dance hybrid, designed specifically to reap the benefits of both types of workouts. “The program idea was born based on the desire to offer a ‘true’ cardio workout in the barre space that would seamlessly bridge the gap between barre and dance conditioning,” Petitto explains. After maneuvering around the room for half an hour, our heart rates were up (but not in a just-ran-a-few-miles kinda way). We felt stronger and confident and had some fun in the process. “The circular movement patterns integrated throughout the choreography and the overall flow feel so incredible in the body and bring joy into the movement,” Petitto says. After 30 minutes, we felt more energized and ready to tackle the day — without dealing with guilt for being away from our desks for too long.

While adding The Muse to our new 2018 workout #goals is a must, we had to ask the trainer what her secret to workout success was (outside of taking this class, obvi). “Keep things interesting by trying something new every 4-6 months,” she tells us. “So often we gravitate to one or two of our favorite workouts and/or instructors… experiencing a class taught by a different coach rather than your go-to instructor is always a great way to connect to the class and movements in an entirely different way.” Consider The Muse our way of taking her expert advice.

To try the class for yourself, head on over to Equinox to get your free trial.

Are you excited to give “The Muse” a try? Tell us @BritandCo, then follow us on Pinterest for more workout inspo.

(Photos via Equinox)

15 Tasty Mediterranean Diet Ingredients You Should Always Have For Quick, Healthy Meals

The Mediterranean diet is perfect for those seeking fresh, healthy meals, all in the name of feeling better and living longer. Stocking your kitchen with Mediterranean staples is the easiest way to guarantee you always something to grub or snack on – support your goals with these 15 Mediterranean must-haves you can use for the best Mediterranean recipes!

Scroll on for 15 Mediterranean diet ingredients you should always keep in your kitchen to craft delicious dishes.

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1. Olive oil

The heart of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that promote heart health and reduce inflammation. Its versatile flavor makes it perfect for cooking, dressing salads, or drizzling over veggies.

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2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and K, plus lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Fresh, roasted, or in sauces, they’re a staple ingredient in countless Mediterranean dishes!

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3. Spinach

This nutrient-dense leafy green is loaded with iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach is perfect for salads, sautés, or as a nutrient boost in soups and pasta!

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4. Eggplant

Eggplant is high in fiber and low in calories, making it great for digestion and weight management. Its meaty texture makes it a favorite in dishes like ratatouille or baba ghanoush.

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5. Zucchini

This versatile squash is rich in vitamins A and C and works well in everything from grilled veggie platters to savory breads. It’s a light, hydrating ingredient that complements hearty Mediterranean flavors.

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6. Cucumber

Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are hydrating and rich in vitamin K. They’re a must-have for salads like Greek salad and tzatziki sauce!

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7. Bell pepper

Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, bell peppers add color, crunch, and sweetness to dishes. They’re perfect for roasting, stuffing, or slicing fresh into salads. They're even tasty when eaten by themselves.

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8. Dates

Dates – AKA the tastiest natural "candies" – are natural energy boosters, rich in fiber, potassium, and natural sugars. They’re a sweet addition to desserts or snacks and pair beautifully with nuts and cheese!

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9. Whole wheat bread

A source of complex carbs and fiber, whole wheat bread keeps you full and provides steady energy. It’s perfect for dipping into olive oil and balsamic or serving alongside some hearty Mediterranean soups.

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10. Chickpeas

Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, chickpeas are pretty much a Mediterranean diet superstar. Use them in hummus, stews, or salads for a satisfying, healthy boost.

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11. Lentils

Lentils are protein-packed legumes that are also high in iron and fiber. They’re ideal for soups, salads, and as a hearty meat alternative in Mediterranean cooking.

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12. Farro

Rice, who?! This ancient grain is a powerhouse of fiber, protein, and magnesium. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it perfect for salads or side dishes!

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13. Garlic

Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and immune booster packed with flavor. It’s a foundational ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, enhancing everything from sauces to roasted veggies.

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14. Olives

Olives are a great source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E. They add a salty, tangy punch to salads, tapenades, or as a simple snack! We could eat a whole jar, TBH.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

15. Honey

A natural sweetener rich in antioxidants, honey is widely used in Mediterranean desserts and dressings. Its floral flavor and health benefits make it a pantry essential, plus it goes great with hot teas and coffee!

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Uh Oh, Starbucks Just Cut 10+ Drinks From Their Permanent Menu

The great Starbucks vibe switch appears to be in full swing as the coffee chain plans to eliminate a “significant number” of drinks and food items from their menu. Citing an “overly complex” menu, CEO Brian Niccol called for a “roughly 30% reduction” to Starbucks’ offerings.

Starbucks has already cut a good amount of items they once claimed would be on their permanent menu, like the Iced Energy drinks and Oleato olive oil beverages. There are over 10 more drinks that'll be gone by March of 2025.

Could your go-to Starbucks order be nixed? Read on for more details.

Starbucks

In a January earnings call, Niccol noted that both of Starbucks’ beverage and food offerings would be impacted.

The first items to be slashed from the menu are all beverages, according to a Starbucks statement.

Starbucks

This bold move is just another bullet point on the list of changes Starbucks has made over the last months in lieu of their Back to Starbucks initiative.

The chain also recently announced a new policy on free refills and brought back the beloved condiment bars so customers can add their own creamer and sugar. Plus, baristas will start writing on cups again, just like the good old days.

Starbucks

Additionally, their latest menu drop that hit stores on January 3 introduced a never-before-seen drink, the cortado, and completely transformed the process for ordering and preparing matcha beverages.

These changes are likely in motion due to Starbucks’ track record of declining sales over the past year.

Starbucks

These are the drinks that are being removed from the Starbucks menu:

Iced Matcha Lemonade
Espresso Frappuccino
Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino
Java Chip Frappuccino
White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino
Frappuccino Crème Blended Beverages
White Hot Chocolate
Royal English Breakfast Latte
Honey Almondmilk Flat White

Starbucks

According to Starbucks, these menu cuts will take effect on March 4.

Starbucks

Starbucks customers and employees are equally relieved yet up in arms about the coming menu cuts. Some sounded off in this Reddit thread detailing the changes:

“I for one am so pleased,” one person commented. “The menu right now is just chaos.”

“Good! As a 9 year partner, the less the better!” another person said. “I remember when people would just order their drinks without all these complications. Those were the days.”

“Finally, they're going to try and prioritize in-store customers over the mobile orders that aren't even there,” one more person wrote. “That should've been built-in since day one!”

Starbucks

While plenty of people were elated about the news, many more were concerned about their menu faves being gone forever.

“Just don’t cut my overpriced egg bites,” someone pleaded.

“This is probably the end of my Spinach Feta Wrap and I just can’t handle the thought of losing it,” another said.

“If they discontinue the lemon loaf I will riot,” one more person noted.

Starbucks

We'll keep you posted about any more potential Starbucks menu cuts as soon as we know. Until then, we'll be manifesting that the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso isn't affected. 👀

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This post has been updated.

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14 Surprisingly Fun Things You Can Buy With Your HSA And FSA Dollars

HSA isn’t just for prescriptions and doctor’s visits – there’s actually a ton of things you can buy with your savings. Blue light glasses and sunscreen are commonly HSA eligible, but a lot of people don’t know you can also finesse fancy spa visits and life-changing massage guns (I’m looking at you, Theragun) with their HSA dollars. Some of these items are also FSA eligible, so if you’ve got some funds to use before they expire at the end of the year, you’ve come to the right place!

Your HSA funds can do way more than you think. Check out these 14 unexpectedly fun health-related finds to help you step up your self-care!

What is HSA?

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

HSA stands for Health Savings Account, a type of savings account that lets you set aside funds to pay for qualified medical expenses. HSAs are often available as a part of health insurance plans, though banks and credit unions offer them, too.

What can I buy with an HSA?

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You can buy a lot more with your HSA funds than you think: menstrual products, over-the-counter medicines, sunscreen, and travel to and from medical appointments are just some of the things you can buy with an HSA.

Is HSA worth it?

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Whether an HSA is worth it is really dependent on your needs. There are some nice advantages associated with it, though. You may be able to lower your out of pocket costs for medical needs. Plus, the funds are not taxed, so you may be able to save more. Unlike an FSA (Flexible Spending Account), HSA funds roll over year-over-year, so you don't have to worry about it expiring.

Should I max my HSA?

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Maxing out your HSA to your account's annual maximum amount via monthly contributions can be beneficial if your goals are to save money and limit out of pocket costs for medical care. You can also opt to invest some of your HSA funds, which can be a smart decision for saving for things like family planning or retirement.

Amazon

Sunscreen

Per Cigna, sunscreen counts as a reimbursable HSA purchase. SPF is super important for skin cancer prevention, plus wearing it regularly can reduce signs of aging – a win-win!

Amazon

Hatch Alarm Clock

The famed Hatch Restore alarm clock is both HSA and FSA eligible. It's a superb tool for going to bed soundly and waking up feeling refreshed as ever!

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Period Underwear

Menstrual care and feminine hygiene products are also HSA eligible. Cigna says this category may include tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges, and similar items, like period underwear!

Amazon

Theragun

This luxurious massage gun is both FSA and HSA eligible! It's truly life-changing for relieving muscle soreness and tightness. Therabody's other devices like the Theragun PRO Plus, Theragun Sense, and Theragun Relief are also eligible.

Amazon

Oura Ring

This fitness tracker ring is FSA and HSA eligible – it can help you keep tabs on your sleep, activity, stress, heart rate and more.

Amazon

Breathing Strips

According to Cigna, breathing strips are HSA eligible, plus you don't need a doctor's prescription for reimbursement.

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Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are HSA eligible and reimbursable with a medical diagnosis. This model in particular cleans way better than a regular toothbrush, expertly supporting your oral health.

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Essential Oils

Essential oils are HSA-covered with a medical diagnosis. Certain oils can help relieve stress, anxiety, physical pain, and nausea, and aid in better sleep.

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Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizers of any kind are also surprisingly HSA eligible. We love these sprays from Touchland because they're cute, easily portable, and smell delicious.

Amazon

Humidifiers

Humidifiers are indeed HSA eligible – the moisture they put out into the surrounding air can relieve respiratory issues, common colds, and even reduce snoring.

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Air Purifiers

Similarly, air purifiers are eligible because they can help remove airborne contaminants and viruses that cause allergies and disease.

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Spa Trips

In the case you're prescribed a lovely visit to a spa or resort by a physician for medical treatment, the only part that's covered by HSA are the services you receive while you're there. The cost of transportation is not eligible for reimbursement.

Amazon

Blue Light Glasses

Blue light glasses are covered by HSA; lenses like these block out blue light from screens which helps prevent eye strain and fatigue.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Yikes, Blake Lively Just Broke Her Silence On That Viral Magazine Cover: "Sexist"

Blake Lively is speaking out amid her legal battle with Justin Baldoni. On February 21, The Hollywood Reporter released a story discussing how much Justin's Baha'i faith played a role in the environment on set, but the artwork on the cover started just as much conversation as the story itself. And Blake Lively's explaining why THR should be "ashamed" of such an "extremely offensive" cover.

Here's what Blake Lively had to say about that The Hollywood Reporter magazine cover with Justin Baldoni.

Blake Lively calls out "sexist" magazine cover portraying her with Justin Baldoni.

The Hollywood Reporter cover features artwork of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, with Justin holding a copy of It Ends With Us and Blake preparing to launch a phone at Justin with a slingshot. Other details of the feud can be seen in the cover, from pink flower petals (like on the movie poster) to Blake's husband Ryan Reynolds dressed up as Nicepool (a Deadpool & Wolverine character allegedly making fun of Justin).

On February 22, a spokesperson for Blake Lively told Us Weekly in a statement that "The Hollywood Reporter should be ashamed of itself."

“The framing in this picture is outrageously insulting as it plays into every sexist trope about women who dare file a workplace complaint, turning them into the aggressor, and suggesting they deserve the retaliation that comes their way,” they continue. “In addition, the story is extremely offensive as it incredibly seems to explain away documented examples of sexual harassment and retaliation by calling them ‘cultural misunderstandings.’”

Blake Lively's team has already spoken out after Justin Baldoni's lawyer called her claims of sexual harassment "outrageous."

On January 6, Blake's legal team reinforced that "this is not a ‘feud’ arising from ‘creative differences’ or a ‘he said/she said’ situation,” they said in a statement to People. “A classic tactic to distract from allegations of this type of misconduct is to ‘blame the victim’ by suggesting that they invited the conduct, brought it on themselves, misunderstood the intentions, or even lied. Another classic tactic is to reverse the victim and offender, and suggest that the offender is actually the victim. These concepts normalize and trivialize allegations of serious misconduct."

Check out our first Yap City podcast episode to hear more about the Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni legal battle.

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Your “Dreamy” Weekly Horoscope Is Here For February 23-March 2!

The New Moon in Pisces on February 27 sets the stage for planting seeds of intention and initiating plans to achieve our goals and dreams.

As Mercury zips through the final degrees of Pisces this week, it crosses key milestones that can help manifest our aspirations. With so many planets in the dreamy sign of Pisces, we can harness this energy to create art, use our words to inspire, and elevate our spirits through music. However, we may also get lost in illusion or become distracted by ethereal influences. With the Sun, Saturn, Mercury, the North Node, and Neptune all in Pisces, it’s easy to drift. But with a little effort and focus, we can transform inspiration into practical form.

On February 23, Mercury, the planet of intellect, communication, and learning, trines Mars, the planet of action. Mars also moves direct in Cancer that day, motivating us to take initiative on projects we’ve been planning — or those simmering in our subconscious. Even if we don’t feel entirely ready to unveil our plans, this energy provides the boost we need to move forward.

On February 25, Mercury aligns with Saturn, the planet of responsibility, in a conjunction. This aspect enhances focus and determination.

On February 27, Mercury forms a sextile with Uranus, the planet of unpredictability and innovation. This alignment brings flashes of insight and inspiration, offering new ways to develop our ideas. Stay open to unexpected breakthroughs.

The week concludes with a deep connection to our dreams. The effort we put into establishing a practical path for our visions will be rewarded with clear affirmations as Mercury conjoins Neptune on March 2. Keep a journal handy and ensure your creative space is ready — you’ll want to capture what you’ve been imagining.

For personalized insights and to explore how these and other transits affect you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a Natal Reading.

Scroll to see your weekly horoscope for your sun & rising zodiac signs!

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Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Pay close attention to your dreams and sources of inspiration — your creative efforts could be quite lucrative. Allow yourself unstructured time to explore your creativity. This dreamy week may leave you feeling untethered, so stay productive by taking walks in nature or engaging in grounding rituals.

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Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Inspiration will come from interactions with your community. Brainstorm freely, planting the seeds of ideas just as you would in a garden. Be sure to nurture them with concrete actions to bring them to fruition. Keep track of the ideas that take root and those practical enough to follow through on as the week unfolds.

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Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

This week brings opportunities in your professional world and public life. Set your intentions for growth — new responsibilities may arise that are both exciting and fulfilling. Anchor your efforts in discipline and focus to achieve your goals. With a busy schedule ahead, remember to prioritize self-care.

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Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Surprise! You’ll be drawn to projects or activities outside your usual routine. A sense of restlessness may push you to expand your mind and explore new perspectives. Embrace opportunities for adventure, learning, and consciousness growth — you won't regret it.

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Leo (July 23 – August 22)

A newfound sense of empowerment is within reach. You likely already know what you want to accomplish—now is the time to take action. Focus on long-term goals and keep the bigger picture in mind. This is a favorable time to channel inspiration into tangible achievements.

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Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Relationships take center stage. Negotiating mutually beneficial agreements will have lasting effects. Contracts are favored this week. You may meet someone new and define the terms of your connection or reevaluate existing relationships. Strive for balance and reciprocity.

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Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Efficiency and organization are your key objectives this week. Logical, structured, and practical goals will lead to success. Critical thinking will illuminate the clearest path. Your energy will be high, making it a great time to establish healthy routines. Be mindful of overextending yourself—set boundaries.

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Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Your creativity is in full flow this week. Engage in fun, celebratory, and playful activities. Follow your passions and allow yourself to be inspired by relationships—especially those that defy societal norms. A meaningful exchange with a loved one could inspire personal growth.

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Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Trust your instincts. This is an excellent time to focus on your support system. Offer help to those in need, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance yourself. Be vulnerable and use the New Moon’s energy to set intentions for deeper connections with loved ones and a stronger relationship with your inner self. Your home and family are in focus.

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Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

Everyday responsibilities take center stage. Focus on communication in all forms. Tackle your to-do list efficiently—mundane tasks will be easier to complete. File your taxes, schedule health checkups, and reconnect with loved ones. Once obligations are handled, embrace creativity, freedom, and spontaneity.

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Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Your senses will be especially sharp this week. Spend time in nature or immerse yourself in whatever inspires you. Take steps to stay grounded and secure. Financial matters take priority, with opportunities to increase your income. Ensure you have a stable home base, even if it’s unconventional.

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Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

This is a week of reinvention. What aspects of yourself do you want to develop? Express yourself authentically and confidently. Act with courage, and you’ll find yourself noticed by superiors. With high energy levels, now is the time to refine your persona and make a lasting impression.

For more insights on how these and other planetary transit impact you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a personalized reading.

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