I Tried a $20, Text-Only Personal Shopper and It Made Online Shopping Not Suck

I probably shouldnt admit this, seeing as Im SELFs style editor, but its the truth. I know Im not the only one out there who dreads buying clothesboth in stores and online. I have trouble finding things that fit my 5-foot-2-inch frame,curvy hips,thick thighs, andDD breasts. Cristina Cianci & Amber Venerable Usually I leave any shopping experience dejected, exhausted, and determined to lose a few pounds. I nixed that idea because stylists can be expensive, and Im living on aT....

December 8, 2017 · 3 min · 436 words · Collin Jones

No, Coffee Won't Cure My Hypersomnia

The need tosleepoverwhelms me. Currently,not much is known about the pathology of IH. But this “ability” isnt a blessingits a burden. JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images Sleep drunkenness is when patients have an extremely exaggerated difficulty waking up in the morning, says Dr. Trotti. Those episodes can be really problematic for patients. But thats certainly how I felt other people saw me. It was even suggestedby everyone from friends and family to doctorsthat losing weight would help ameliorate my sleep issues....

December 8, 2017 · 3 min · 485 words · David Jones

The Anatomy of a Breakup Playlist

When my college boyfriend sat me down for my first-everbreakupchat, I was cool as a friggin' cucumber. It was exhausting, though not debilitating. Breakups are a complex beast. Stephanie Indrajo / Wuppdidu And the mythical perfect breakup playlist is, perhaps, an even more complex one. Below weve listed the core components that must be addressed in a breakup playlist for holistic healing. Let’s be real: You havecried, you are crying, and you will absolutely cry some more....

December 8, 2017 · 3 min · 430 words · Carrie Thomas

Understanding Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a disorder that can lead to easy or excessive bruising and bleeding. The bleeding results from unusually low levels of plateletsthe cells that help blood clot. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, which is also called immune thrombocytopenia, affects children and adults. Children often develop ITP after a viral infection and usually recover fully without treatment. In adults, the disorder is often long term. In rare cases, the number of platelets may be so low that dangerous internal bleeding occurs....

December 8, 2017 · 2 min · 354 words · Alan Dawson

What I Learned About Myself (and My Vagina) Through Vaginismus Treatment

So why are you here today? It was a reasonable question for my physical therapists assistant to ask. After all, its his job to know whats wrong with me. Letizia McCall/Getty Images I was wondering that myself, in fact. Physical therapy was new to me. Especially this kind of physical therapy. Oh, Im here for pain stuff, I mumbled. I could feel my cheeks burning and turning red. Why was I so embarrassed?...

December 8, 2017 · 5 min · 1061 words · Scott Meyer

20 Winter Salad Recipes to Make This Holiday Season

And what feast couldnt benefit from a bit more balance and variety? Not to mention, theyre quite pretty to look at! Sliced almonds add a lovely, toasty crunch. Elizabeth Stark viaThe Brooklyn Supper What really makes them shine is the vinaigrette and unexpected toppings: fresh mint leaves and crushed pistachios. If you cant find Pink Lady, a similarly crisp variety will do. Similarly, feel free to swap out the Tuscan kale for curly....

December 7, 2017 · 1 min · 154 words · Chase Edwards

3 Women With Albinism Share Their Makeup Routines

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. And she definitely didn’t know she was about to go viral. Courtesy of Connie Chiu/Wet n Wild/Krystal Robertson The discovery was no small feat. Robertson has albinism and had never before found a makeup product that worked so well for her. “It’s a new world,” she added....

December 7, 2017 · 2 min · 332 words · Janice Dawson

How I Hosted a Traditional(ish) Thanksgiving in Berlin

Since I started hosting my own Thanksgiving celebrations three years ago, it’s become hands-down my favorite holiday. When I first started the tradition, I had absolutely no idea how to host Thanksgiving. I’ve since learned that it’s a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. Istetiana/Getty Images I also knew it wouldn’t be easy. In the end, I pulled off a pretty convincing American Thanksgiving in Berlin. Honestly, though, it was even more of a challenge than I expected....

December 7, 2017 · 3 min · 432 words · Thomas Larsen

What Happens When You Crack Your Back?

Theres nothing like a goodsnap,crackle,andpopfirst thing in the morning. (No, were not talking about those cute little elves with the cereal.) Were talking about the glorious feeling of cracking your backwell, for some people at least. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you crack your back, you might know it’s complicated. First, what does the spinal cord do? The star of the show is your spine, which is located down the center of your back....

December 7, 2017 · 2 min · 347 words · Mr. Marvin White

12 Reasons Why It Feels Like Your Heart Rate Won’t Go Down

But just going about your daily life shouldnt lead to a racing heartbeat. Your heart performs an incredible daily balancing act thats crucial to keeping you alive and healthy. No, not the pop in that keeps your lights on, although that would be interesting. There are many reasons why it might feel like your heart rate won’t go down. Sometimes, your body can signal your heart to beat faster, and the SA node responds....

December 6, 2017 · 3 min · 468 words · Janet Jackson

6 Registered Dietitians Share How Motherhood Changed Their Approach to Healthy Eating

One of the many new responsibilities that parenthood brings is learning how tofeed a family. That means feeding your kid(s) healthy food and teaching them healthy habits. All of this can be overwhelming, and its definitely not always easy. Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell I definitely spend more time cooking now, as a mom. Now, I stay acutely aware of providing healthy family meals. Jenny Beth Kroplin, R.D. Courtesy of Kath Younger...

December 6, 2017 · 2 min · 328 words · Aaron Dixon

My Cold Turned Out to Be Giant Salivary Stones

Without chewing, they slid down my throat one-by-one until the pain became unbearable. The mass had developed a couple of weeks prior and had been growing by the day. When I first noticed it, it was about the size of a shelled peanut. Letizia Le Fur/Getty Images But it grew and grew and was now very noticeably protruding from my neck. And although the mass was on my neck, my throat didnt hurt like a typical sore throat....

December 6, 2017 · 2 min · 393 words · Alexander Simmons

15 Delicious Ways to Eat Green Beans That Don't Involve Casserole

Like many otherThanksgiving favorites, green beans don’t get much attention outside of Turkey Day. If you’re anything like me, your green bean game is in dire need of some inspiration. They’re also excellent in a handful of unexpected recipesgreen bean tacos, anyone? http://dishingupthedirt.com Basically, there’s not a lot the crunchy veg can’t do. They make a great appetizer for a party, or an excellent snack when you need a treat....

December 5, 2017 · 1 min · 115 words · Robert Washington