Shhh… Have You Seen Snapchat’s Latest Features?

Not to be outdone by the new group of apps looking to steal pieces of the self-destructing message pie, Snapchat is upping their game and adding text and video chat features. Aw, forget the cheeky photo swap app you knew and loved, our little Snapchat is growing up before our very eyes. Shucks, it feels like just six seconds ago we saw our first clock-ticking, painted-on picture…

Banter offers a disappearing chatroom, #Pop is an app that lets you send GIFs between friends, Selfie360 and Samba let you message buds in the app selfies and videos, but Snapchat ain’t scurred. And to prove it in their latest update, it looks like they wants to take more than just what’s rightfully “theirs” — they’re stepping into the What’s App arena with texting, plus joining the FaceTime game with video chats.

You’ll now be able to message your friends within the app in a setting that looks super similar to iMessage.

The Send button will light up blue to signal that the other person is reading what you’re writing. If they’re around, you can switch to video chat in real-time.

With new feature “Here,” you’ll see which of your friends are online and able to chat. Incredibly helpful when you’re on a fro-yo run (nice nail art btw!).

Watch out, FaceTime and Skype, even Grandpas Snapchat now! If a relative is missing out on your graduation IRL, you can summon them via the app and alternate between your front and rear-facing cameras to give him the cap-and-gown shot or the view of the crowd. PS: Good luck explaining spam Snapchat bots to your Pop Pop!

Big bonus for those of us who want to send snappier shots (haha or screengrabs of texts/ridiculous Tinder profiles?) — now you’ll be able to pull in photos from your camera roll to send to your fellow Snapchatters.

And of course, not everything has to change — text convos and videos won’t be saved, they’ll disappear every time you exit them and return to your inbox. The update should be rolling out to a Snapchat near you later today.

What do you use Snapchat for? Will these new features enhance the app for you? Dish with us below!

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 Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.

What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?

I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.

What's a recent small win for your business?

Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.

How did you start to collaborate with external partners?

Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.

Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?

I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.

How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?

All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces


The only thing I want to do with Halloween right around the corner, doesn't involve trick-or-treating, haunted houses, or going to parties. It involves me, a bag of popcorn, a movie, my couch, and a deliciously cozy loungewear set that I can keep on all day. Truly the picture-perfect evening, IMO!

Since I've become a couch potato, loungewear sets appear to be my specialty — and I've accumulated a lot as of late. They're just the best for laying around your house, doing chores, working from home, or even running errands! Here are all my favorite loungewear sets to shop right now, so you can also be a comfy, CUTE couch potato this fall!

Amazon

MEROKEETY Women's 2 Piece Lounge Sets

Starting off with the stitched Amazon fave that you'll be obsessed with — I know I am! This would look absolutely adorable paired with some comfy Ugg slippers or Birkenstock clogs! That way, you can be comfy while you run your errands like popping in to Trader Joe's for some pumpkin snacks or going to Target for the most perfect autumnal candle.

Target

Auden Cozy Rib Pullover

Target is my happy place during the fall (and always — let's be real). I look forward to every October where I can grab my PSL from Starbucks,and browse the aisles for endless autumnal home decor that I surely don't need, but will definitely buy anyway. This set from Target is just another perfect example of that. It screams ultimate coziness, and its the perfect neutral shade of brown that I love in fall.

Amazon

Gap Cash-Soft Sweater

Gap has just been absolutely killing it lately — and this loungewear set is no different! It's made out of a cashmere-like material called "cash-soft" that Gap uses, and I'm not joking when I say this stuff is heavenly. It's truly so luxurious, and makes you feel like you're wrapped up in a blanket all day. Who doesn't love that? Plus, it's in one of our trending colors for fall!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Sunday Sweatsuit

There hasn't been a single piece from Abercrombie lately that I haven't added to my cart...everything they're doing is just so good. This chic loungewear set will give you the ideal elevated and sporty streetwear look that would be amazing styled with some trending sneakers and a slouchy tote bag!

Target

Auden Cozy Sweater Set

A good short, sweater set is one of my favorite types of loungewear — it lets me get cozy without feeling too hot if I decide to leave the heater on. This one is perfect for me as a California gal, because it never gets too cold here in the fall! Can't you just picture this one with some tall socks, Uggs, reading glasses, and a book or a scary movie? I want it now!

Amazon

PRETTYGARDEN Women's 2 Piece Outfits

Another Amazon set, because they're just so convenient, cute, and affordable! This one has the stitch detailing again that I just love so much. It really makes the set look more elevated and high-end. It will have everyone saying, "It's from Amazon?! No way!" Pair with some chunky sneakers and a messy bun!

Nordstrom

Dippin Daisys Polka Dot Short Set

Do NOT try to tell me polka dots are just for the summer, because you're wrong! Wrong I say! Brown polka dots are especially perfect because they're just so darn cute and autumnal. I love this set for just gallivanting around the house, maybe working from home, or making some yummy pumpkin-themed treats. Too cute!

Reformation

Reformation Kiera Wide Leg Sweat Suit

What better loungewear set for the month of October than this super cute burnt orange option? It's the perfect set to get you in the mood for spooky season, while looking positively adorable. I love the simplistic styling of this one with flats and maybe a sweater thrown over the shoulder for another cozy addition.

Nordstrom

LIVD Plus Size 3-Piece Set

We love extensive sizing, and this one offers so many additional sizing options. This plus size set is one of my favorites because of all the pieces it comes with. The set includes pants, a crop top, and a long duster cardigan! We love the sound of that! Make sure to grab this one in the amazing dark blue color.

DONNI

DONNI Pointelle Knit Set

DONNI is one of my favorite new brands that's come out in the past couple of years, not only because of how high quality their pieces are, but also how timeless they are. This pointelle knit set only further proves that point! I love how it can be worn casually, but also dressed up for a sweet, brunch look. Absolutely adore this set!

Nordstrom

Free People Malibu Sweater Set

If your style leans more on the bohemian side à la Vanessa Hudgens, then we have the perfect set for you! Look no further than this set from Free People. It will give you that bohemian chic look but with a cozy twist of course. BRB adding this one to my cart for fall immediately!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Lace and Pointelle Matching Set

Every gal needs a cozy set that makes her feel sexy and cute, and this one will definitely do that for you! It's made of pointelle which is so cute and comfy, but also has a bit of a sexy touch with the lace. You can grab this set for less than $100 at Abercrombie & Fitch!

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If you've been struggling to get enough sleep, new TikTok viral wellness trend — 'sleepmaxxing' — wants to help. We'd give anything to stop dealing with insomnia, middle-of-the-night wakeup calls, and overall sleep anxiety. But does this trend work? And more importantly, are all these social media tips safe for you to try?

Dr. Ankur Bindal, MD, MPH, FAPA, FAASM can tell you better than we can given his board certification in psychiatry, from American Board of Psychiatry & neurology. In addition to being the founder of the KAB Medical Group Inc. in San Diego, he's also a board certified sleep medicine practitioner who's seen firsthand how a lack of rest can affect our overall wellbeing.

TL;DR

  • Sleepmaxxing is a TikTok trend that's focused on setting yourself up for the best night of sleep possible.
  • While sleep masks and other tangible efforts to get comfortable in bed are great, you mainly want to make sure you're making healthy choices before bed like avoiding your phone.
  • Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
  • Eliminate too much light in your bedroom, avoid screen time, and establish consistent sleeping and waking times.

What is sleepmaxxing?

KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

If you're confused about sleepmaxxing, you're not alone — it's really not a straightforward term. It reminds us of what Will Ferrell said in Blades of Glory: "No one knows what it means but it's provocative...gets the people going." However, it actually has a meaning, and Dr. Bindal succinctly breaks it down. "Sleepmaxxing is the art and science of optimizing one's sleep and achieving the best possible quality & quantity of sleep by addressing every factor that can disrupt sleep," he says. This can look like using ear plugs, sleep masks, establishing specific sleep rituals, or anything else that is soothing and helpful.

Mainly, if you actually want to maximize your sleep, then you need to focus on what you do before you go to bed. Unbeknownst to us at times, our bedtime habits can affect the kind of rest we get (or not) at night. Dr. Bindal says, "Optimal Sleep hygiene methodologies including limiting light and sound exposure to using the latest sleep gadgets so sleepmaxxing aims to enhance sleep quality to the fullest." Unfortunately this means our habit of binge watching shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok at night aren't helping us.

I mean, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 35% of those surveyed have their sleep interrupted by lights inside of their homes. That's just lights, sans repetitious social media sounds and compelling television plots. When you add those on top of it all...let's just say we really are not doing ourselves any favors.

How does getting the proper amount of rest aid in our overall wellbeing?

Ahmed ツ

Now that you have a better idea of what sleepmaxxing is, we have to talk about why it matters. Dr. Bindal says getting the "proper amount of sleep" helps support" the following "various bodily functions" including, but not limited to:

  • Brain health — Enhanced cognition in domains of learning, concentration and consolidating memory by promoting phenomenon of hippocampal plasticity
  • Immune system function — A production of essential immune cells, better equipped to fighting off infections
  • Hormone regulation — A regulation of mood and reduced stress and physical repair that promotes muscle recovery, tissue repair, and overall physical development

He further explains that hormone regulation eventually leads to "improved mood, concentration, energy levels, and reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes."

Basically, the health benefits of slowing down and going to sleep outweigh what society often pushes — staying up later, longer and hustling at all hours of the day and night.

On average, how many hours of sleep are recommended?

Kaboompics.com

How much rest are you truly getting at night? If you ask America's Health Rankings, 35% of adults are getting less than seven hours of sleep. Dr. Bindal says that while adults should sleep between seven and nine hours every night, and there are health risks for those who don't. "Research corroborates that adults who sleep less than seven hours a night may have more health issues than those who do," he explains. Johns Hopkins Medicinefound that sleep deprivation can lead to a "36% increased risk for colorectal cancer," propensity for developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and an overall lower immune system.

Saying "I'll sleep when I'm dead," may sound like a joke, but there's nothing funny about not letting your body get the rest it needs to function.

Should people with sleep difficulties try sleepmaxxing?

Marcus Aurelius

There are several reasons why your sleep could be negatively impacted right now. You may be dealing with insomnia due to stress, depression, or being a new parent. According to the American Psychological Association, 43% of people believe being stressed contributes to their lack of sleep. Furthermore, these same people have noticed their mood has shifted. The same reports shows that 45% of people who are getting less than the recommended hours of sleep have shared they feel on edge more than others while 52% have noticed they've been taking their frustrations out on those in their household.

Dr. Bindal agrees that sleepmaxxing can greatly benefit you if you're struggling because it can "enhance sleep quality to the fullest and emphasizes the importance of optimal sleep health."

How does sleepmaxxing benefit us?

Pavel Danilyuk

Clearly, you need a certain amount of sleep to function properly and achieve all those goals you've so intentionally set recently (hello, October Theory!). That's where sleepmaxxing can come in. Dr. Bindal says, "Improved sleep quality can lead to enhanced mental clarity and emotional stability, making it easier to navigate daily challenges."

If you're planning to change a few habits, you're going to need all the strength and focus you can access because change isn't always easy — even if you welcome it! So when you're implementing these new nighttime routines, be sure to stick to them. Turn your phone on Do Not Disturb, avoid the itch to scroll socials, and make sure you're able to properly relax. It can make all the difference in the world!

How can we incorporate sleepmaxxing in our bedtime routines?

KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

If you don't know how to make sleepmaxxing work for you, Dr. Bindal has great suggestions! "Key techniques include optimizing your sleep environment, establishing a consistent sleep schedule, and managing stress and anxiety," he suggests.

One of the key ways you can make sure your room will promote a good night's sleep is by "adjusting the temperature" or "practicing a relaxation exercises before bed," he says. While meditation and mindfulness may be relaxation exercises that take practice over time, choosing the correct temperature is an easy way to set yourself up for success. Everyone's different, but he truly believes your room should be between 65 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit, too.

As Dr. Bindal mentioned before, eliminating sources of light can also aid in the rest you get. Personally, I can't sleep with the TV or lights on anymore because I just know it interrupts my sleep. My room is usually pitch black when it's time to go to sleep — to the point my three-year-old knows what it means when I turn everything off.

Besides these things, Dr. Bindal encourages you to maintain "consistent sleep and wake times" along with a "balanced diet and regular physical activity." Whether that means you start making your own Cava bowls inspired by the blue zone diet or doing workouts at home, they can aid in helping your body repair itself which then promotes the sleep you need.

Can we become too hyper-focused on our quality of sleep?

Kevin Malik

As with anything, too much of something can have adverse affects which rules out any benefits. Though sleepmaxxing can be a good thing for you, becoming fixated on it is likely going to make you even more stressed. "One of the primary concerns with sleepmaxxing is the development of orthosomnia, a condition caused by an obsession with tracking sleep metrics, with devices or apps, which increases anxiety and can further disrupt sleep, called paradoxical insomnia," Dr. Bindal warns.

If you become too obsessed with tracking every little thing, he says all this will do is "disrupt sleep cycles and limit the efficacy of insomnia treatments." But, he has an idea of what you can do to lessen the chance that'll happen. "Instead of over-analyzing how much sleep you’re getting, it’s important to understand that insomnia is a common and treatable condition, by incorporating healthy sleep hygiene routines organically and focusing on addressing the root causes of insomnia symptoms," he shares.

How can we optimize our sleep without getting sucked into wellness trends?

Niels from Slaapwijsheid.nl

Whether you want to call it sleepmaxxing or not, all you have to do is normalize the tips Dr. Bindal mentioned above. "Some of the ways can include established a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, managing light exposure, and limiting screen time before you want to go to sleep," he reiterates. Social media isn't going anywhere so don't let your FOMO convince you that potential scandals or tutorials are more important than getting seven to nine hours of sleep.

Also, don't forget to "maintain a comfortable sleep environment" while being aware of your "caffeine and alcohol intake throughout the day," Dr. Bindal points out. Something tells us that we're going to have to be intentional about breaking up with our daily coffee runs and desires to unwind with a nice glass of wine. But if it means we'll sleep better, we'll add that to our list of habits to change!

Need an extra dose of positivity in your life? We have even more lifestyle tips to share to help you end the year on a healthy and wholesome note!