The Best Gifts That Don’t Cost Money: How Giving Your Time Creates Deeper Connection

This year, I’m realizing that the most meaningful gifts aren’t wrapped in paper or delivered in two days with a tracking number. They’re quieter. Slower. And honestly, they feel a lot more generous. I’ve been thinking a lot about how stretched we all feel—overbooked calendars, endless group chats, and the constant hum of not quite enough time. So this season, I’m gifting something I actually have control over: my attention.

Instead of scrambling for the “perfect” present, I’m leaning into showing up more intentionally for the people I love. That looks like lingering a little longer on phone calls, planning one-on-one time instead of big group hangs, and being fully present—no multitasking, no half-listening, no checking my phone mid-sentence. It turns out that just being present is a present in itself. 

If you’re feeling the same pull toward simpler, more meaningful giving, here are a few gift ideas that don’t cost a thing but feel surprisingly luxurious:

• A scheduled walk date (bonus points if it’s already on the calendar)

• A handwritten letter or email sharing what you admire about them

• An “I’ve got you” day—childcare help, errands, or just being on call

• A tech-free coffee or meal where the only agenda is catching up

• Sharing a skill or passion—from cooking a favorite recipe together to teaching something you love

This year, I’m less interested in more stuff and more interested in a deeper connection. Because when everything feels noisy and fast, giving someone your time—and your full attention—might be the most generous gift of all. 

Ask Clara:

"How do I build more meaningful connections?"

Why Beauty Stores Are Expanding Wellness—and Why Sephora Just Stepped Back

Okay, so here’s the deal: beauty retailers like Sephora and Ulta have been all in on wellness supplements the past few years, and honestly, it makes total sense. Everyone’s been obsessed with the whole “beauty from within” thing—collagen powders, biotin gummies, sleep vitamins that promise glowing skin by morning. And because we’re already at these stores for skincare and makeup, tossing a wellness supplement into the basket feels…natural. Ulta especially has doubled down, building out full wellness sections packed with everything from stress-support chews to gut health capsules. It’s very “one-stop glow-up.”

But Sephora? They’re stepping back. Yep, Sephora recently announced they’re pulling supplements from their retail assortment. At first it felt surprising, but when you think about it, it tracks. Supplements are complicated. Between FDA regulations, murky health claims, and the constant wave of trendy-but-short-lived products, it’s a category that requires a ton of oversight. And Sephora’s whole vibe is immediate gratification: serums you can feel, scents you can swoon over, lip oils you can swipe on instantly. Supplements, on the other hand, take time—and consistency—which isn’t exactly the same kind of sensory moment Sephora is known for.

Ulta’s leaning in; Sephora’s tapping out. Honestly, as a beauty editor it’s been really fun watching each retailer carve out its own wellness personality. And it definitely proves one thing: beauty and wellness are so intertwined now that everyone’s trying to figure out what their version of “whole-body beauty” really looks like.

Ask Clara:

"What should I look for in a multivitamin? "

Why Somatic Movement Is the Best Way to Slow Down This Winter

When winter rolls in with its chilly mornings and early sunsets, our bodies start whispering (okay, sometimes yelling) for us to slow down. And honestly? Somatic movement might just be the coziest, most effective way to answer that call. It’s gentle, intuitive, and rooted in the idea that your body knows exactly what it needs—you just have to give it space to speak up.

Unlike a structured workout or a packed holiday schedule, somatic practices invite you to move at the pace of your breath, tune in to the micro-sensations you usually rush past, and release the tension you’ve been storing since… well, maybe September. Think slow, stretchy spirals, floor work that feels like melting, or small motions that help your nervous system drop out of “go-go-go” mode and into something softer.

Winter already encourages rest, but somatic movement makes it feel deliciously intentional. It’s a way to warm up from the inside out without chasing a sweat—a quiet ritual that reconnects you to your body at a time when we often disconnect. Even five minutes of gentle unwinding can shift your whole energy: shoulders lower, breath deepens, mind unclenches.

So as the world gets quieter and the days grow shorter, give yourself permission to match the season. Roll out a mat, dim the lights, and move in whatever way feels instinctively right. Somatic movement isn’t about performance; it’s about presence. And this winter, presence might just be the most nourishing gift you give yourself.

Ask Clara:

"How do I begin a somatic movement practice?"

Sensitive Eyes? How Clean Mascara Supports Eye Health and Delivers Serious Lash Length

If your eyes have ever felt itchy, watery, or just plain tired after a long day of wearing mascara, it might be time to take a closer look at what’s actually on your lashes. Choosing a cleaner mascara isn’t just a “clean beauty” flex—it can genuinely make a difference for eye health, especially if you have sensitive eyes, wear contacts, or find yourself rubbing your eyes by 3 p.m. (we’ve all been there).

Cleaner mascaras are typically formulated without common irritants like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and certain preservatives that can trigger irritation around the delicate eye area. Since the skin around your eyes is thinner and more absorbent than the rest of your face, what you put there matters, a lot. Cleaner formulas often include nourishing ingredients like castor oil, shea butter, or vitamin E, which help condition lashes rather than dry them out or make them brittle over time.

And let’s clear something up: opting for a cleaner mascara does not mean sacrificing results. Today’s clean beauty brands have seriously stepped it up, offering mascaras that deliver length, volume, and definition that rival (and sometimes outperform) their conventional counterparts. Think fluttery lashes, buildable drama, and smudge-resistant wear—minus the sting when you accidentally rub your eye.

Another bonus? Cleaner mascaras tend to be easier to remove, which means less tugging at your lashes at night (your future lashes will thank you). A cleaner mascara is a small swap that can lead to happier eyes, healthier lashes, and still give you that “did you get lash extensions?” kind of look. Clean, comfy, and cute—what more could you want?

Ask Clara:

"How do I take better care of my eye health?"

Embracing the Art of Wintering and Why I'm Slowing Down This Season

I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of wintering lately. That gentle, necessary pause we’re invited into when the temperatures drop, the evenings arrive a little earlier, and life naturally slows itself down. For years, I pushed straight through winter as if it were something to “get over,” filling my schedule, staying busy, and pretending the darker days didn’t affect me. But this year, I’m trying something different: I’m embracing the wintering mindset, and honestly, it feels like a quiet exhale I didn’t realize I needed.

To me, wintering isn’t about hibernation or checking out from the world. It’s about giving myself permission to soften. To take the long way home because the holiday lights look pretty, to stay in on a Friday night without guilt, to trade loud plans for long baths, warm soups, stretchy clothes, and early bedtimes. It’s noticing what my body asks for: the warmth, slower mornings, deeper thoughts, more grounding habits.

There’s something comforting about letting winter be what it is instead of fighting it. A season for nourishing yourself, tending to the small things, and making room for whatever wants to bloom when spring eventually comes back around.

So in this week, I’m leaning into all the little rituals and cozy discoveries that are helping me winter well — from skincare to self-care to some hotter workout options, maybe? If you’ve been craving a slower rhythm too, consider this your permission slip to chill out and warm up.

Ask Clara:

"How do I practice more restorative rest?"

Ready for a Cozier Home? Here’s How I’m Scentscaping My Space This Holiday Season

There’s a cozy new ritual catching on this holiday season, “scentscaping”, and it’s all about using fragrance to turn your home into a warm, festive, welcoming retreat. So this year Instead of just decorating with lights and ornaments, I’m focused on layering seasonal scents throughout different rooms, creating subtle “scent stories” that match the holiday mood. 

Why does this matter? Because scent isn’t just about smell, it influences your mood and emotions. Certain home aromas can help reduce stress, evoke feelings of comfort or nostalgia, and generally make time at home feel more restful and joyful. 

With that in mind, here are five clean, well-loved holiday home fragrance products to help you scent-scape your space this season:

Holiday Fragrance Picks

• L'AVANT Winter Fir Candle — A cozy soy-coconut wax candle blending cedar, fir, balsam, and sandalwood for a classic winter-forest ambiance.

• Christmas Morning Soy Candle — Warm holiday vibes with notes of cinnamon, cranberry, clove, and orange zest.  Perfect for recreating that nostalgic holiday-morning feel.

• Aromatique The Smell of Christmas Aerosol Room Spray — A quick spray that fills any room with clove, orange, cinnamon, and wood — great for instant festive atmosphere.

• Sand + Fog Cinnamon Noel Room Spray — Combines cinnamon and spices with a hint of vanilla for a warm, cozy scent that evokes holiday baking and cozy gatherings.

• Holiday Simmer Pots — A richer fragrance with cinnamon, vanilla, and gingerbread notes, ideal for evenings by the fire or festive dinners.

Whether you prefer evergreen woods, spiced baking, or cozy amber and vanilla notes — layering a few of these scents throughout your home is a simple but powerful way to deepen the holiday atmosphere. It’s not just about smell; it’s about creating a mood, triggering warm memories, and making your space feel like a season-long celebration.

Ask Clara:

"How do I start using cleaner products around my home?"

Why Every Workout Is Going “Hot”: The Surprising Fitness Trend Taking Over Studios

I’ve noticed an influx of “hot” workout classes creeping across my ClassPass app lately, and what began as Hot Yoga has evolved into a wave of warm-room classes — from hot Pilates and hot cycling to heated HIIT, barre, and strength training.

One reason this trend is catching on is the sense that heat intensifies a workout. Many people find the added sweat, the rise in heart rate, and the deep muscle loosening satisfyingly “real.” And some experts suggest that hot workouts boost flexibility and circulation and might even help with recovery or stress relief.

There is some research supporting potential benefits: a systematic review of hot yoga found that repeated practice may lead to improvements in flexibility, balance, strength, and even bone density over time in healthy individuals.  Still, scientists caution that many claims around hot workouts are overblown. For instance, a heated yoga class doesn’t necessarily burn more calories or offer substantially better fitness gains than a standard room-temperature session.

What many people interpret as an “intense workout” in a heated room may simply be the body reacting to external temperature — sweating more to cool down, not because they’re exerting extra effort.

So, the “heat everything up” fitness trend is booming, riding on the appeal of sweat, intensity, and novelty. And while there are some real benefits — especially for flexibility, mobility, and mental refreshment — heat doesn’t automatically make a workout better. That said, if you love the sensation and stay hydrated and safe, a hot-workout class can be a fun, effective addition to your winter workout routine.

Ask Clara:

"What are the best ways to stay hydrated while working out?"

How to Fix Dry Winter Skin: Hydrating Products Your Skin Will Love

Winter skin doesn’t play around. The cold air outside, the toasty (read: moisture-sucking) heat inside, and the constant switch between the two can leave your face feeling tight, flaky, and just… irritated. But with a few smart tweaks, you can survive dry-skin season and keep that barrier happy all winter long.

Think of your skin barrier like your favorite cozy sweater: when it’s strong, you feel protected and comfortable. When it's worn down, everything feels scratchy and uncomfortable. This time of year, the key is to give your skin more support than usual—with hydration, nourishment, and gentler products that don’t strip away your natural oils.

Here’s your cold-weather survival kit:

Swap to a creamy, non-foaming cleanser
Try: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser or Mediheal Hyaluronate Ultra Hydration Cleanser

Pro Tip: Look for hyaluronic acid and glycerin on the ingredient list!
Try: SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier or COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence

Use a barrier-repair moisturizer
Pro Tip: Ceramides, squalane, and fatty acids are your winter MVPs.
Try: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, The Inkey List Omega Water Cream , or cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream

Seal in moisture with an oil
Pro Tip: Use especially at night.
Try: The Ordinary Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Mist throughout the day
Pro Tip: Your skin will thank you.
Try: Personal Day Trust Me On This Hypochlorous Acid Spray or Beekman 1802 Milk Shake Facial Toner Mist

Don’t forget body care
Try: OSEA Collagen Body Lotion or Kopari Ultra Restore Body Butter

Ask Clara:

"How do I keep my skin hydrated during the winter?"

Wellness Editor–Approved Cyber Monday Deals: The Best Beauty & Self-Care Finds of 2025

What Is the 5-3-1 Rule? The Simple Social-Wellness Habit Everyone’s Talking About

Have you hear of the 5-3-1 Rule? It's a simple and sweet social-wellness framework from social scientist Kasley Killam argues our social life, yes, the people we talk to, hang with, connect to, is as essential to our health as skin care or workouts.

Here's how it works:

• 5 stands for spending time each week with five different people or social groups, not just your inner circle, but acquaintances, co-workers, neighbors, casual friends.
• 3 means nurturing at least three close relationships every month, those people you trust deeply, who really see you for you.
• 1 stands for aiming for one hour of social interaction every day. It doesn't have to be a big, planned hangout, even a brief call, a quick chat while doing errands, or a walk with a friend can count.

The gist is that our "social muscles" need training, not just occasional sprint sessions but consistent, intentional connection.

Why bother? Because strong social ties both broad and deep — have been shown to boost emotional and overall well-being, reduce loneliness and stress, and even support more resilience in life's ups and downs.

Importantly, the 5-3-1 Rule isn't meant to be a rigid checklist or a source of guilt. It's more like a baseline guideline, some people may need more or fewer connections depending on their personality or lifestyle.

Think of social wellness like skin care for the soul — a little intentional care here, and there goes a long way. If you ever feel lonely or "out of rhythm," this could be a gentle, realistic way to reconnect.

Ask Clara:

"What are some ways to connect with long distance friends?"