Koya Webb Teaches Brit + Anj About Harnessing Positive Energy

Holistic health coach, master yoga teacher, and transformational specialist Koya Webb joins Brit and Anj to talk about the real meaning of positive energy and how to harness yours. Listen in as Koya teaches all things holistic health - from how you can use breathwork to reduce anxiety, to the power of sage, to the crystal plant test everyone is going to want to try!

"This life is all about balancing your energy, learning about how you can go through these challenges and the challenges in the end, even though they might be really hard and suck at some point and in they'll make you stronger."

We definitely left this conversation feeling totally enlightened, with a new interest in crystals, and an absolute appreciation for what simply breathing can do to life us up and spark positive energy.

To learn more about all the things with Brit and Anj, subscribe to Teach Me Something New on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

I thought my days of having painful period cramps were over after giving birth and getting an IUD, but last month proved me wrong. There was a time I could pinpoint the source of my bloating and other PMS symptoms, but I've stopped paying as much attention to what I eat lately...and things have gotten way off track.

Since I'm tired of suffering, I decided to reach out to Urologist Dr. Eric Margolis to how the food you eat can impact your period cramps. If you're wondering how Urologists can help with this issue, it's because they're trained to treat urinary and reproductive conditions (via Cleveland Clinic). Take it from someone whose had to see one before!

So let's get into all the top tips Dr. Margolis has to offer!

What causes cramps when someone is PMSing or on their period?

Polina Zimmerman

Consider yourself lucky if you don't struggle with PMS — I'd honestly love to trade places with you for a day. According to the Office on Women's Health, almost three in four women say they experience PMS, and the National Institutes of Healthnotes that one in ten women deal with painful period cramps every month. In other words, some of us are genuinely struggling to function without really understanding why we're in so much pain. What gives?

"Cramps, or dysmenorrhea, occur due to the release of chemicals called prostaglandins during menstruation. These chemicals cause the uterus to contract in order to shed its lining," Dr. Margolis says. What people tend to feel is the result of contractions" becoming "too intense," thus causing them to "cut off blood flow and oxygen to the surrounding muscle tissue, leading to pain." Dr. Margolis also wants you to know, "The higher the level of prostaglandins, the more severe the cramps are likely to be."

If that sounds painful, just know it is! I never thought about the actual process our bodies go through during menstruation, so understanding that better makes me want to be kinder to be my body. Still, does this mean cramps are normal?

Are period cramps normal?

MART PRODUCTION

Dr. Margolis says that period cramps are "a normal part of the menstrual cycle for many people." He explains that "mild to moderate cramps" typically occur towards the beginning of your period, as your uterus is contracting. IDK about you, but it's definitely nice to know that cramps are a part of the process and they don't necessarily mean anything's wrong. However, this doesn't mean you should ignore severe pain.

"If the pain is severe and disrupts daily life, it might indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention," Dr. Margolis says. Only you know the level of pain you're able to handle monthly, but there are definitely some key factors that can help you identify what is considered "abnormal" when it comes to your period cramps.

When are severe period cramps considered abnormal?

Freepik

"Severe cramps that are unmanageable with over-the-counter medications or last for an extended period may indicate underlying health issues," Dr. Margolis continues. Based on his experience, these conditions can be "fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)" which "often cause more intense pain."

Prior to my painful period cramps returning, I underwent Laparoscopy surgery in 2019 to rule out endometriosis as the culprit for unbearable cycles. My OBGYN didn't find that, but she discovered a large fibroid nestled in the side of one of my uterine walls which needed to be removed.

Some of the signs Dr. Margolis says you need to pay attention to are:

  • Heavy bleeding
  • Irregular periods
  • Pain during sex
  • Bleeding between periods

If you notice these symptoms, Dr. Margolis implores you to consult with your doctor about them. Truthfully, it took years for someone to take my pain seriously, so I also recommend you keep advocating for yourself if you're dealing with cramps that feel abnormal.

What's the worst thing to eat before your period?

Pavel Danilyuk

Here comes my favorite topic — food! I love eating all kinds of food, but I'm having to relearn how to balance hormones all over again. Between that and my digestive system, I know my undisciplined eating is the root cause of painful period cramps, but I've forgotten what I should be avoiding.

Dr. Margolis says, "Highly processed foods, sugar, and salty snacks should be avoided. They can increase inflammation, contribute to bloating, and worsen cramps. Caffeine and alcohol can also dehydrate the body and lead to more discomfort during menstruation."

I feel like your jaw just dropped in disbelief because most of the things that make periods so painful taste so good. I mean, who doesn't love snacks, coffee, and yummy cocktails? Sigh...as much as we may love or crave them, they're not always the best things to indulge in when we're already going through so many bodily changes.

What foods should someone eat to lessen painful period cramps?

olia danilevich

But, there's things we can do to lessen our chances of suffering every month. Dr. Margolis says, "Anti-inflammatory foods are particularly helpful for reducing period cramps." He says these include the following:

  • Leafy greens like spinach and kale, which are high in magnesium and calcium
  • Fatty fish such as salmon or sardines, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation
  • Nuts and seeds that contain magnesium, which can relax muscles and reduce pain
  • Fruits like bananas and berries, which provide antioxidants and potassium, aiding in muscle relaxation and inflammation reduction
  • Whole grains that are a good source of fiber and help regulate blood sugar, preventing spikes that may worsen cramps
We have a ton of healthy dinner recipes and a clean eating grocery list here! Hopefully if you start incorporating these into your diet, you can part ways with painful period cramps for good.

Is it actually possible to avoid sugar before and during your period?

Tim Samuel

Sugar is in a lot of things we eat and drink so I asked Dr. Margolis if there's a way to avoid it altogether. He says, "It’s challenging, but not impossible to avoid sugar entirely. Cravings for sugary foods often increase due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle." I don't know about you, but I always crave specific things like sugary juice, muffins, or cupcakes right before and during my period. It's like my brain knows they're going to cause more harm than good, but my hormones demand them.

As a replacement, Dr. Margolis believes "reducing sugar intake by opting for natural sweeteners like fruits or healthier alternatives like dark chocolate can help curb cravings." Also, there's more benefits to putting down the artificial stuff. "Cutting back on sugar may also help in managing inflammation and stabilizing mood and energy levels during your period," says Dr. Margolis.

In short, painful period cramps don't have to rule my life or yours, but it does require us to make a few diet changes. I've done it before and it starts with being consistent on a daily basis. I've talked about it before, but the food diary I used to keep truly helped me stay on track and pinpoint my triggers. It's worth trying if you're tired of being doubled over in pain each month!

We have even more wellness tips to help you live your healthiest life, so make sure to bookmark them when you need a little extra help!

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Per menu leaks, Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more food news!

Social media's "hot girls have stomach problems" trend might just be a trend, but I'll gladly accept it. After all, I feel like I deserve some kind of redemption after ending up in the ER, and then again in urgent care, because of stomach pain. I've had stomach problems my entire life, but there was no way I was giving up pasta. Or cheese. What kind of 20-something do you think I am?! I'd decided my comfort foods were worth the discomfort they caused — until it got so bad I couldn't handle it.

I was constantly uncomfortable or in pain (to the point I couldn't pay attention to anything or anyone else), and I couldn't go a day without feeling like my insides were on fire. Apparently, this is not normal.

Now, after consulting with my doctor, I've changed my entire diet. And I'm shook to my core at how good I feel. Is this what all of y'all have been experiencing this whole time?! I am in no way a medical professional, nor am I claiming that these food swaps (plus eating smaller meals more slowly) is the only thing that's helped me. But if you're looking for recipes that will be easy on your tummy, or you're just looking to cut back on sweets, check out these healthy food ideas below. And check with your doctor if you're thinking of making some major swaps!

What foods are gentle on your stomach?

Brit + Co

Foods like toast, rice, bananas, eggs, applesauce, and oatmeal are known to be easy on your stomach. I had to do a lot of trial and error over the course of a few months, and have cut my diet back to safe foods I know will leave me feeling good.

I rarely drink alcohol (shout out to these delicious mocktail recipes!!!), and I have one coffee every six weeks or so, opting for a daily chai or matcha instead. Sugar's also proven to be a pain point, so I usually stick to dark chocolate. But the most surprising foods I've started to avoid are gluten and oats. All this to say, it's all about what works for you and your lifestyle.

My go-to healthy foods for stomach problems are sweet potatoes, broccoli, Greek yogurt, eggs, chicken sausage or grilled chicken, bell peppers, and rice. I also love the occasional ginger ale.

Sweet Potatoes + Broccoli + Chicken Sausage

Brit + Co

I will never go without sweet potatoes, like, ever again. I used to find them disgusting but they have become my saving grace on days my stomach feels awful. Whether I'm making fries, mixing them with other veggies, or turning them into vegan mac and cheese (yes, really), they're sooo versatile. One of my favorite recipes is roasting sweet potatoes and broccoli in the oven (I do 325 degrees for around 20 minutes), then adding in some cooked chicken sausage. I even add some ketchup and mustard on top for a deconstructed hot dog and fries!

​Vegan Mac and Cheese

Taryn Elliott/Pexels

This has been one of my go-to dishes recently, and I promise it's way easier to make than it sounds. I was inspired by this recipe from @itslivb, but since making it the first time, I've started eyeballing every measurement and adjusting the flavors. As someone who love pasta, this is one comfort food recipe that I can indulge in without feeling sick. All I do is boil cubed sweet potatoes until they're soft, then add them to a blender with nutritional yeast, salt, spices like garlic powder and onion powder, and cashews for a creamy consistency.

Gluten-Free Pasta

Brit + Co

As someone whose comfort food is pasta, you can imagine how sad I was when I realized gluten makes me feel awful. I've been on the hunt for the best gluten-free pastas around, and after making some less-than-ideal chickpea pasta recipes, I'm totally obsessed with Trader Joe's rice pasta. Trust me on this. I can't wait to try it in this creamy avocado pasta recipe!

​Grilled Chicken

Salt & Lavender

My taste buds have always loved chicken, and now that I've realized grilled chicken makes me feel so much better than fried chicken, my stomach does too! I always buy a bag of frozen chicken tenders so I can keep them until I'm ready to cook 'em up. After they've defrosted for a couple hours, I use this hack to remove the tendon, and then I'm ready to grill it! I'll eat grilled chicken with literally everything: pasta, sweet potato fries, a bunch of vegetables. I could eat it every day. Here's our ultimate guide toHow To Stop Grilling Dry Chicken For Good.

​Seafood

HelloFresh

That being said, when I need to shake it up, salmon, shrimp, and other seafood are also great protein options. I just usually have to eat a little more to make sure I'm full. I'm dying to make These Flavorful Fish Tacos.

​Cooked Veggies

Brit + Co

Even though I definitely prefer raw vegetables, ever since I realized cooked veggies are easier to digest, I haven't gone back. Roasting a ton of peppers, sweet potatoes, and broccoli at the top of the week sets me up for a successful — and tummy ache-free — week of meals. This Vegetable Galette is calling my name (with a GF crust, of course).

Greek Yogurt & Strawberries

Life Of Pix/Pexels

I have the same breakfast every day: an egg and turkey bacon, either a chai latte or a matcha latte, and Greek yogurt and strawberries. I can't believe I never regularly ate Greek yogurt before, but now that I'm on the train, I'm never getting off. Sometimes when I want a little extra treat I add some chocolate chips, too! This dish helps fill me up without leaving me weighed down.

What's your go-to recipe on days you feel icky? Let us know in the comments and check out our Pinterest for more recipes!

Emily Henry fans rejoice! After the release of Funny Story on April 23, 2024, and all the news about the People We Meet On Vacation movie and Happy Place TV show, we finally have the title of Emily Henry's newest book: Great Big Beautiful Life. The author teased the novel in the September 6 installment of her Emily's Grocery List newsletter, revealing that the book is actually one of the most difficult ones she's written.

"This book poured out of me, back in the winter/spring after the longest writing break I’d taken in a full decade," she says in the email. "You might also have heard me in interviews talk about how hard this book has been since that first draft. (Very.) This book is different than anything I’ve written before but also feels like a really natural extension of what I’ve been doing the last few years."

Here's everything you need to know about Great Big Beautiful Life — including when you can read it.

What is the title of Emily Henry's new book?

Penguin Random House

Emily Henry's newest book is called Great Big Beautiful Life. When Henry offered clues in her newsletter (saying, "It’s more than two words long. I’ve already hidden it in a grocery list. It starts with an adjective."), readers started guessing it'd begin with "Great" — especially since she bolded the word at the start of the email!

What is the new Emily Henry book about?

Emily Henry/Instagram

Great Big Beautiful Life Plot

The new book follows Alice and Hayden, two writers competing to tell the story of Margaret Ives, a “tragic heiress, former tabloid princess and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century,” according to the official synopsis. Both writers get a month-long trail to prove themselves worthy of penning the story, and thanks to Alice's people skills and her determination, she's sure she'll get the job. But as time goes on, "it’s becoming abundantly clear that their story — just like the tale Margaret’s spinning — could be a mystery, tragedy or love ballad … depending on who’s telling it.”

This story totally reminds me of the star power and intrigue in Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and I can't wait to see how Emily Henry puts her spin on this! Before revealing the specifics about the Great Big Beautiful Life plot, Emily Henry offered email subscribers a teaser.

"There is, of course, a love story and a vacation and complicated family dynamic and all the things I’ve always found myself drawn toward," she says, "but there’s also something else, and I’m both overjoyed and terrified to be able to share it more about it with you so soon (!!!). Including which T. Swift song it most closely correlates to, since I know that some of you will ask." (As many fans guessed, it turned out to be "The Last Great American Dynasty").

"It’s very much a love story, and there is a romance in it. But it feels like a slight departure, but in a way that I think will be really exciting to the readers," Henry told TODAY in April. "It was the best first draft experience I’ve had since Beach Read, where writing the first draft, I felt so connected to the characters, and I was getting really emotional for them. And usually, I don’t really find that until later drafts."

If you love drawing parallels between Taylor Swift and Emily Henry as much as I do, check out Reading Emily Henry? There's A Taylor Swift Album For Every Book.

When is Great Big Beautiful Life coming out?

RDNE Stock project/Pexels

Great Big Beautiful Life Release Date

Great Big Beautiful Life will be published on April 22, 2025.

What has Emily Henry said about her new book?

Devyn Glista/St. Blanc Studios

In the October 16 issue of her newsletter, Emily Henry promises Great Big Beautiful Life has been one of the biggest challenges of her career.

"Like I’ve been telling you, this book is a little bit different, though still very much a love story (and a romance, to be clear), and I do know I say this every time, but I’ve genuinely never been more nervous to share something with you," she says. "Writing this book consumed me, tore me up, and challenged me like nothing has in years. It felt like the right book for me at the moment, and I hope that means that some of you reading this will feel the same way when the time comes."

What is the best Emily Henry book to start with?

ABC/Lorenzo Bevilaqua

You can read the Emily Henry books in any order you like, but I'd recommend starting with Beach Read. It's a great introduction to Henry's writing and it's unique and emotional while still having all the elements any romance reader will enjoy.

Emily Henry's other books include People We Meet on Vacation, Book Lovers (my personal favorite), Funny Story, and Happy Place.

Are Emily Henry books connected?

Amazon

Emily Henry's books aren't directly connected with one another (meaning you can read them in whichever order you like), but they do mention each other's characters, like how Book Lovers mentions a book published by Beach Read's January Andrews.

What do you think Emily Henry's new book Great Big Beautiful Life will be about? Let us know on Facebook and check out All The Emily Henry Books Being Turned Into Movies for the latest news on Henry's adaptations!

This post has been updated.

Brit B

Brit + Co

As hardcore word nerds, puns are a pretty essential part of the everyday here at Brit HQ. We cheer when someone makes what is unfairly referred to as a "dad joke," we battle over who gets to use which eggcellent reference during Easter, and we are always on the hunt for the punniest costume for Halloween. So for those of you like to keep it clever too, here are 30 amazing pun Halloween costumes to inspire this year's inevitable hilarity. They're great for every kind of costume lover, no matter whether you're dressing up with your friends or on your own!

Brit + Co

Hawaiian Punch Costume

How 'bout a nice Hawaiian punch? This punny couples costume is part Hula Girl, part Rocky Balboa.

Brit + Co

Takeout Night Costume

A T-shirt that doubles as a costume? This is every lazy girl’s dream!

Brit + Co

Funny Pumpkin Costume

How cute is she?! We love how our very own Brit made her own creative and *very* punny costume.

Brit + Co

Party Animal Costumes

Go the Breakfast at Tiffany's route with this take on party animals.

Brit + Co

Spice Girls Costumes

Though we're all about bringing back Sporty, Scary, Baby, Posh, and Ginger, go the clever route and simply dress up as your favorite spices.

Brit + Co

Prego Costume

Whip up this winner and let everyone savor your pun-tastic presence on All Hallows' Eve.

Brit + Co

Netflix & Chill Costumes

As far as couples costumes go, this one takes the cake. Or should we say “Netflix subscription package”?

Brit + Co

Anna Wintour Costume

Our very own Brit Morin donned this take on a wintery Anna Wintour at a Brit + Co Halloween party a few years back. Fake snow and an ice-cold attitude are musts.

Brit + Co

A Halloween Hangover Pun Halloween Costume

Beat your actual hangover with this T-shirt/costume. Sunglasses and a large bottle of Gatorade are also musts.

Brit + Co

Bun in the Oven Costume

Maternity costume FTW! Dress your bump up as an actual bun in the oven.

Kelly Bryden

Blue Ivy Costume

Our very own Kelly apologizes for the low-quality iPhone photos, but this hilarious Blue Ivy costume is too good not to include.

Aww Sam

Starry-Eyed Costume

Are you seeing stars? We sure are.

Amazon

Pickle Halloween Costume Shirt

Skip the full-blown costume for this cheeky shirt!

Halloween Costumes

Chick Magnet Costume

Punny and adorable — a dangerous combination. This costume is not only easy, it's a great conversation starter. Even if it’s not totally true.

Studio DIY

Fries (Before Guys!) Costume

No matter the potato product, we're always partial to it. We love this costume because it's just SO TRUE.

Aww Sam

Pretty Please With a Cherry on Top Costume

May all your Halloween wishes come true when you ask — or dress — this nicely.

Studio DIY

Raining Men Costume

Finally, your giant stack of Tiger Beat, tabloid, and Cosmo magazines will come in handy. Remember, everyone owns an umbrella and rain boots.

Etsy

Chip on Your Shoulder Costume

An actual CHIP on your shoulder? So good.

Aww Sam

Party Pooper Costume

You don’t want to take this one too literally, so some poop emojis on your party hat is the perfect way to put together the look.

Aww Sam

Bird-Brained Costume

You'll have an excuse to act silly when you dress up as this feathery bird-brain.

Studio DIY

The Burn Book Costume

You are full of sass and some sick burns. Make sure you’re ready to dish it out and get some in return.

Aww Sam

Tough Cookie Costume

Nothing says “come flirt with me, but watch out because I’ll punch you” like a milk mustache and boxing gloves.

Etsy

Ivy League Costume

Whether or not you're actually a Yale or Harvard alum, we think this costume is a fitting play on words for the smarty pants in your life.

Studio DIY

Chill Pill Costume

Be the good kind of pill this Halloween when you dress up in a DIY that's sure to make everyone laugh and feel relaxed.

The House Lars Built

She Sells Seashells by the Seashore Costume

This tongue-tying costume is guaranteed to have everyone giggling all night. Good luck telling everyone your costume name 10 times fast.

Studio DIY

Queen Bee Costume

Run the contest like the KWEEN you are in this simple Halloween get-up.

A Kailo Chic Life

#Basic Coffee Mug Costume

Next to the PSL Starbucks cups, the pink lid travel mug is as trendy as it comes.

Aww Sam

Head in the Clouds Costume

Whether you find yourself distracted in daily life or not, this cute play on words is just the pun costume for you.

Club Crafted

When Life Gives You Lemons Costume

Just make sure there are enough lemons left for your gin and tonic.

Etsy

Horn Dog Costume

This pun Halloween costume might require some money, but your friends' reactions? Priceless.

Follow us on Pinterest for more Halloween inspiration!

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