4 Successful People Share Their Biggest Email Hacks

A few weeks ago, Joe Pinkser of The Atlantic divided American workers into two categories: Those who constantly need to achieve Inbox Zero — deleting newsletters and e-sales at the drop of a hat—and those who’ll let that “unread” number climb into the thousands, even tens of thousands. While those are two extremes, there are ways to feel more in control of your inbox no matter who you are. Below, four successful women (slash email masters) share their tried-and-true tips for everything inbox-related:

1. Anjelika Temple, Creative Director at Brit + Co

As someone who can’t stand a full inbox, Anjelika Temple starts every morning by going through her mail. But then, rather than staying glued to her inbox like so many of us do, she only checks in a few times throughout the day.

“Though it’s natural to constantly be checking your email, set aside a few 15-minute time slots each day to tackle your inbox,” Temple says. “Respond thoughtfully to a few emails in that time, and move on. That way you won’t be totally stressed at the end or beginning of each day.”

When you do tackle your email, Temple says to avoid marking emails that require action as “unread,” as doing so will only leave you more overwhelmed. “For a while I was using my inbox as a to-do list and found it stressful, so I changed things up,” she says. “Using your unread section as a to-do list is overwhelming, because you will never feel like anything is done.” As a remedy, Temple suggests adding action items to a separate to-do list.

2. Aly Silverio, Founder of Jawbreaking

As the woman in charge of an independent clothing company, Aly Silverio controls three different email accounts: her personal account, the business account, and the customer service account. With three inboxes to manage, how does she stay sane?

First and foremost, Silverio says she utilizes Apple Mail to keep the three accounts separate from each other. Within each individual account, she makes folders for different topics, such as “collaborations” and “gifting.” She also adds the people she communicates with most — i.e. the people in her office — to her VIP list, so she’ll never miss a message from them.

Though replying to emails is a big part of Silverio’s day-to-day job, she knows it can wait and advises against responding to most mail while on the go. “I don’t like to reply from my phone because I’m scared of typos or the email not sending properly,” Silverio says. “If it’s important or urgent, I’ll reply straight from my phone. If I know I can’t reply at that moment, I definitely flag it so I can get back to it later when I’m at a computer.”

3. Breanna DiGiammarino, Category Lead at Indiegogo Life

Sometimes it’s easiest to let your webmail provider organize your inbox for you. Take it from Breanna DiGiammarino, who uses the Gmail Priority Inbox tool to focus on only the most important emails that come her way. By analyzing what emails you read and reply to most often, Priority Inbox separates mail into three categories: Important and Unread, Starred (anything you’ve marked for later review) and Everything Else.

Tools like Priority Inbox help DiGiammarino stay organized and make time for what’s truly important—which might not always include answering email. “The key to productivity is prioritization,” she says. “I identify the most valuable things I can do each day and structure my time around those tasks. Sometimes email is part of that work, and sometimes it is not.”

Even if checking email isn’t at the top of her to-do list, DiGiammarino says she often goes back to her inbox at the end of the day or week to follow up on her lower priority threads, both professional and personal. “I try to respond to every personal email I receive because you never know when cultivating a relationship will lead to an interesting conversation, a business partner, or even a new employee,” she explains.

4. Caroline Ghosn, Founder and CEO of Levo

One of the best things we can do when we feel like we’re drowning in unanswered emails is take a step back and breathe, Caroline Ghosn says.

“We live in a world that is out of control from a pace and quantity perspective, with an ever-quickening expectation around responsiveness. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed!” she says. “Take a step back and prioritize from most important to least important. We are often distracted by false urgencies at the expense of doing what is most important first. It is always worth doing what is most important first.”

This post was originally posted on Levo League by Heather Finn.

Ever dream of globetrotting the world while getting paid? That's not a rhetorical question. Now you can turn your wanderlust into real cash with Ramada by Wyndham. The global hotel brand is on the hunt for its next "CEO," AKA Chief Eats Officer, a dream role for anyone who loves food and travel and well, a paycheck. One lucky adventurer will be paid $15,000 to travel to Ramada’s most coveted destinations, curate a list of must-eats, and share their travel highlights on social media. Learn how to enter below!

Decameron Club Caribbean Runaway Bay, Ramada Jamaica

From Thailand to Turkey and Seoul to Santa Barbara, the CEO trip will include up to seven global destinations in a three-week itinerary next spring. With hotels in 75 countries around the world, Ramada by Wyndham is perfect for travelers looking for that bucket-list experience!

Hunan, China, Ramada by Wyndham Chenzhou Dongjiang Lake

For a chance to be the next “CEO,” travel and food enthusiasts can visit Ramada.com/CEO by October 22 and submit a short, 1-3 minute video through TikTok (tag @RamadabyWyndham, #RamadaCEO) or email makemeceo@ramada.com that shows your passion for travel and discovering amazing eats.

Prize Details:

  • $15,000 reward, including a $10,000 travel stipend to cover airfare and travel expenses, plus $5,000 cash
  • Paid hotel accommodations for up to 21 nights at Ramada properties around the world
  • A Wyndham Rewards® Diamond membership for one year

Ramada Resort by Wyndham, Bodrum, Türkiye

How to Apply

To apply, post a public video on TikTok explaining why you are the best candidate for the job, tagging @RamadabyWyndham, using the hashtag #RamadaCEO, and following @RamadabyWyndham on TikTok.

Your TikTok account must be publicly viewable for the duration of the contest (through November 2024). Alternatively, you can email your video submission to makemeceo@ramada.com.

All video submissions must be between one and three minutes in length and should include your country of residence.

If applying via email, be sure to provide the handles for your active and public personal social media accounts.

All entries must be submitted and received by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 22, 2024.

Additional Qualifications Include:

  • Applicants must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Availability to travel for up to three weeks between April 1, 2025, and June 30, 2025.
  • Active and proficient on various social media platforms (TikTok and Instagram preferred).
  • At least 21 years old with a valid passport through December 2025.
  • Self-confessed travel lover and foodie.
  • Comfortable working remotely and on deadline.

Ramada by Wyndham will select the winning CEO on or around the week of November 14, 2024. No purchase is necessary to enter. For more details, including official rules, visit www.ramada.com/ceo. Good luck!

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Now that we're fully into Scorpio season, it's time to really dig in deep — especially when it comes to this week's horoscope. Scorpio loves to delve deep, explore hidden truths, and face necessary changes with honesty. However, embracing change in life requires courage and is seldom easy. Often, we endure considerable discomfort before reaching the point of saying, “No more!” or “I’m ready!”

Wanna know more about what that means for your week ahead? Read your horoscope for your sun and rising zodiac signs below!

Weekly Astrology Forecast For November 3-10

jasmin chew

This week, we can draw strength and inspiration from the planetary movements. As mentioned last week, intense energies are in play, and global events may be volatile, possibly even violent. The U.S. elections are this week, adding to the tension. It’s wise to exercise caution and avoid confrontations where possible. Stay grounded and focused on making a positive impact.

In your personal life, channel this intense energy into actions that improve your life and those around you. Mars, the planet of action, opposes Pluto, the planet of transformation. This opposition will repeat on January 3 and April 26 in 2025. The coming five months may be challenging, but they also offer an opportunity for a paradigm shift toward living in alignment with your true self. The key to navigating this period successfully is to stay grounded, centered, and resolute. If feelings of weakness, indecision, or doubt arise, take a step back, recenter yourself, and restore your balance. Activities such as meditation, walks, nutritious meals, dancing, creating art, or listening to music can all be helpful.

Taylor Thompson

On November 3, Venus, the planet of love, opposes Jupiter, the planet of abundance and joy. This beautiful opposition encourages us to nurture what we love. There may be a heightened desire to socialize and indulge in life’s pleasures. If you've managed your finances well, this can be a chance to celebrate. However, if finances are tight, avoid extravagance and instead find joy in life’s simpler pleasures. Spend time connecting with your playful side by dancing, playing games, or taking a walk in nature. Spend quality time with children or animals. Whatever you do, just find a way to more fully embrace your life right now.

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Also on November 3, Mars enters Leo, where it will remain until June 17. This transit includes a retrograde period from December 6 to April 19, when Mars will dip back into Cancer from January 7 to April 29. With Mars in Leo, we’re encouraged to be bold leaders in our lives, a theme that aligns with the Mars-Pluto opposition. Embracing change and stepping into authenticity takes courage. Professionally, it's time to take charge and lead — even if your “team” is just yourself! When making decisions, tap into your heart for guidance.

If you practice yoga or meditate, focus on keeping your heart chakra open and clear, as it connects our higher and lower selves. During the retrograde months when Mars is in Cancer, practice kindness and address family matters with compassion, offering an opportunity for healing any ancestral wounds.

Yury Oliveira

If you need motivation, a harmonious trine between the Sun and Saturn early in the week encourages discipline and responsibility. Saturn’s influence reminds us that navigating the Mars-Pluto opposition requires self-control and effort. This alignment can also help fine-tune your approach to routines and hard work.

Toward the end of the week, Venus squares Neptune. While this transit can bring confusion or illusion, it also calls for increased compassion and understanding of others' perspectives. Let go of control and expectations, be flexible, and embrace creative expression, whether through art, journaling, or simply staying grounded.

Read Your Weekly Horoscope For Your Sun & Rising Signs

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Your horizons are expanding, with opportunities to travel or learning something new. Don't have time for a big getaway?Shorter day trips may bring fresh experiences outside of your day-to-day reality. No matter how long your visit, be sure to document your journey, whether through journaling or photography. An added bonus could be to spend some time with your siblings or reconnect with your family this week, too! The whole point is to just connect with your community and the world around you.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Are you feeling financially secure? Now is a great time to consult a financial planner and develop a solid plan that brings peace of mind. You wanna seek ways to create stability in case of unforeseen changes — nothing's worse than getting caught off guard by a surprise vet bill or other unexpected expenses. Like a bamboo forest, if you create a solid base, you'll be able to sway with the wind to remain flexible. You may even find valuable lessons in how your elders managed their own security, so don't be afraid to ask trusted loved ones for advice. Emulate their experiences, or go the opposite direction to create your own stability.

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Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

This week, discipline at work will pay off. Even if you're feeling frustrated or burnt out, staying on schedule and focusing on details will yield substantial rewards and recognition from your superiors. Don’t get distracted by anything outside the task at hand...no matter how tempting the TikTok doomscrolling gets. Just approach your work with a joyful attitude — hard work is more rewarding when paired with genuine delight.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Are you prioritizing self-care? This week is perfect for recharging at home and embracing healthy habits. Tap into your creativity. Practice discipline by eating well and exercising more regularly (and yes, your Hot Girl Walk counts). Find your perfect skincare routine before it gets too cold. As winter approaches, building these habits now will benefit you in the coming months — especially when the nights get longer and motivation gets increasingly harder to find. And if you're looking for some accountability buddies, share your knowledge about a healthy lifestyle with your loved ones.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

With Mars in your sign, courage will come more easily this week. It's a fantastic time to take on leadership roles and bring joy to those around you whenever you can. The lighthearted attitude you have now will inspire others, so shine on! If new ideas arise, share them with confidence, overcoming any shyness you might feel because your thoughts matter and can make a major impact! Stay grounded, though — effective leaders inspire others without letting ego interfere and you don't wanna isolate anyone.

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Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Did you successfully achieve work-life balance last week? Continue those efforts, as distractions may persist — and you really don't wanna fall back into old habits and end up struggling with burnout. Outside of the office, relationships might require extra attention, but don't sacrifice your equanimity to others. You can show love and respect to other people without forgetting about yourself in the process. So, prioritize routines that sustain you — especially as winter approaches — because balance remains essential to building resilience and strength.

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

This week offers chances for you to travel and expand your horizons, Libra! It's important to keep an open mind and practice compassion toward others. Your willingness to understand and support people — especially your friends — will be met with kindness in return. And if they're being a little...annoying? Just remember how truly magnanimous you can be! The energy you put out will be reflected right back to you in the end. Stay positive!

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

It’s time for deep personal insight and vulnerability in your relationships this week — as gritty as that may sound. Really though, embrace this opportunity for personal growth and release any power struggles you've got floating around right now. Instead, find contentment in everyday events, like the way the leaves fall in autumn, or how good your morning coffee is. Greet the intensity with these small joys and a resolve to achieve your goals. Oh, and your financial matters may finally find resolution — it's an excellent time to work toward stability and security.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Expressing love and devotion feels especially fulfilling for you this week, so soak in all those sweet vibes. You might feel overly generous and go overboard in your display of affection with your friends or S.O...just be mindful not to overindulge. Joyful connections with loved ones don’t need to be extravagant — small acts of kindness and creativity can be just as meaningful. So take your bestie out to lunch! Grab that book your partner's been meaning to buy for themselves! Remind the people you care about that you see them in all the small ways, too.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

This week really emphasizes health and routine for you, Capricorn. Even though mundane needs like this aren't always exciting, try channeling your energy into creating positive habits. Make and freeze meals to help ease you through the week. Get up a little earlier to listen to your favorite podcast on the treadmill. Grab a good book instead of your phone first thing in the morning. These minor changes can have a major impact for you! Also, acts of service and connecting with your spirituality will be rewarding during this more intense, Scorpio-driven period. Dig in and share your wisdom with others.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Your career is a source of security, so continue working toward financial stability during this time. Take responsibility for your own comfort and confidence, leaning on all the effort you've already put in. And don't worry about marching to the beat of anyone else's drum while you're at it — apply your originality to build a solid future that works for YOU. Use your creativity to establish balance, focus on your priorities, and resist external distractions. You've got this!

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

Are you thinking of refreshing your home? You have plenty of energy for home improvement projects, but make sure to plan well and communicate clearly with anyone you’ve hired — or asked — to help you. Whether going big or sticking to a modest update, prioritize organization to avoid stress and debt. You can create the home you want — you just need to make sure you know what you want, so you can go after it accordingly! This is gonna make your space feel more like a haven and less like a burden.

Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!

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In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

Margot Robbie has a son! The Barbieactress and her husband Tom Ackerley welcomed their first baby in early November after a very busy year (after all, she announced she'd star opposite Ryan Gosling again in an Ocean's Eleven prequeland boarded a Sims & Monopoly adaptation as producer).

The Sirens producer proved she has impeccable pregnancy style at Wimbledon and a red carpet, and I just know she's going to have amazing mom style too. Here's everything you need to know about this new family of three.

How many kids does Margot Robbie have?

www.instagram.com

Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley have one child, a son! A source confirmed to People that the couple had welcomed their baby boy on November 2.

People also confirmed Margot Robbie is expecting a baby in July, the same day images of the actress showing off her growing baby bump went viral on X (formerly Twitter). In the images, Margot's standing with Tom on a dock, wearing black trousers, a black blazer, and a white tee rolled up to rest above her stomach. Leave it to Margot Robbie to make chic pregnancy wear look effortless!

www.instagram.com

Margot Robbie later attended the L.A. premiere of My Old Ass — produced by Robbie and starring Aubrey Plaza — on September 9, 2024. The ever-elegant star rocked a muted, off-the-shoulder bodycon dress (hello, fall style inspo!) and some adorable strappy heels! Her simple hair, makeup, and jewelry allowed her most major accessory to shine here — her bump! This is the first time we've really seen Robbie since her Wimbledon appearance, and it's no surprise that her look absolutely did not disappoint.

Who is Margot Robbie's husband Tom Ackerley?

Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Margot Robbie married Tom Ackerley in 2016 after they met on the set of Suite Française in 2013. Tom is an actor (he appeared as an extra on the first three Harry Potter movies), and a film producer. The two also co-founded their production company LuckyChap Entertainment in 2014 and have worked on movies like I, Tonya,Promising Young Woman,Maid, and Saltburn.

What have Tom Ackerley and Margot Robbie said about their relationship?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley love spending time together, and Tom told The Sunday Times they spend "24 hours a day together."

"It’s seamless," he continues. "We don’t have a toggle on, toggle off. It’s all become one thing.”

“Being married is actually the most fun ever, life got way more fun somehow," Margot told Porter in 2018. "I have a responsibility being someone’s wife, I want to be better."

Margot has also been vocal about how frustrating it is to constantly be asked about children, telling Radio Times in 2019 that, "I'm so angry that there's this social contract," she says. "You're married, now have a baby. Don't presume. I'll do what I'm going to do."

What is Margot Robbie's baby name?

Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for FIJI Water

Margot and Tom haven't officially shared their baby's name yet, but we're all ears should they choose to do so.

How old is Margot Robbie?

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Margot Robbie just celebrated her 34th birthday on July 2. Tom Ackerley turned 34 on June 13, so there's only a one-month age gap between this celeb couple.

We're sending all the best wishes to Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley! Check out Hilary Duff Officially Gave Birth To Baby #4! for more adorable baby news.

This post has been updated.

Don't get me wrong, tacky holiday decorations can be a lot of fun, from ugly sweater parties to Griswold-style outdoor lights. I love strolling the neighborhood for the most OTT holiday houses and thinking creatively what I'll wear to my friend Marie's annual corny Christmas party. I'm here for all the intentional tacky decor.... just not in my home. Tacky can also mean plastic and wasteful and just well hard to look at if you're going for any sort of non-tacky decor aesthetic. If you want to invest in more natural holiday decor this year (fresh pine wreaths, linen tree skirts, beeswax candles), steer clear of these tacky holiday decorations!

Super-Sized Yard Decor

Wayfair

Fionnula Bumble Lighted Display

As much as my kiddo loves these over-the-top inflatables and animated light-up figures, I have to say no to the super-sized lawn ornaments, like Santa riding a motorcycle, enormous snowmen, or this Bumble Lighted Display from the movie classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." They can be pricey and take up a ton of storage, but for those who love them the more the merrier!

Christmas Light Explosions

Shutterstock

Covering every square inch of your house, trees, and yard with twinkling, multicolored lights or flashing LEDs can look chaotic and well crazy. It's an art form to get it right, but when done well it can bring holiday cheer to the block. When done wrong, well, it's sort of a waste of time and money.

Tinsel Snot

Amazon

Amazon Christmas Icicle Tinsel

Is tinsel making a comeback? Please say it isn't so. It not only looks tacky IMHO, but it makes it harder to recycle your natural tree. (Our Girl Scout chapter picks up our trees the day after Christmas for recycling - but not if there's tinsel on it!). Anyway, if you have nostalgia feels for tinsel, go for it sparingly and avoid this drippy snot look. We want to see that pretty tree!

Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Tipsy Elves

Tipsy Elves Women's Ugly Christmas Sweater

Ugly Christmas sweaters are intentionally tacky, but what's with all the stores capitalizing on them? I liked it back when you could get creative and DIY your holiday sweater, but now you can find racks full of garish colors, clashing patterns, and glittery appliqués. Maybe we can rein it in this year?

Overly Trad Decor

Wayfair

Faux Lighted Wreath

The angels, the harps, the bells, the Merry Christmas sign, oh my! Overly trad Christmas decor can make a home feel dated. Sure, if you have some childhood favorites, toss them into the mix of modern-day neutral holiday decor, like natural linens, fresh garland, and naturally scented candles.

Metallic Garland

Amazon

Amazon Metallic Garland

Can we just skip the metallic garland this year? It's wasteful, it's hard to wrap and unwrap around your tree (so much so you just want to toss it in the trash after), and it just makes your tree look like a blast from the past.

According to Stanford University's Waste Reduction, Recycling, Composting and Solid Waste Program, household waste increases by more than 25 percent during the holidays with additional waste like packaging, wrapping paper, and one-use decorations contributing an additional 1 million tons of landfill trash each week from Thanksgiving to New Year's. Better alternatives? Satin ribbons, dried orange slices, cranberry garlands, and felt garlands that you won't throw away. Even the classic construction paper chain link would be an upgrade!

Corny Theme Pillows

Amazon

Christmas Theme Pillows

I'm on the fence about the Buffalo plaid too, but it's a classic pattern (we just see it everywhere now). The pillows on the other hand are a little much, no?

Chair Covers

Amazon

Christmas Chair Covers

Why do we need these? Maybe just tie a velvet ribbon with mistletoe or add Scandi-style sheepskin to your chairs and call it a holiday.

Christmas Character Themes

Amazon

Grinch's Christmas Tree Decorations

The Grinch's green isn't quite Christmas green, putting it even higher on the tacky spectrum. Anything with characters says tacky to me and sort of distorts the meaning of the holidays.

Bathroom Decorations

Amazon

Christmas Theme Bathroom Decorations

If you want to make your guests giggle, this tacky set will do the trick.

Porch Banners

Amazon

Christmas Porch Banners

Loud and proud!

Kitschy Tea Towels

Amazon

Amazon Christmas Towels

The jokes just don't quite hit the way they should. Also, the traditional red and green are killing me! But of course, there's a time and place for tacky Christmas decorations and bringing a little joy to the season. Happy holidays!

Find holiday decor on our Pinterestand check out our email newsletter for more holiday inspiration!

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