Wellness
4 Easy Ways to Make Your PSL Healthier
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Fall is officially here, and if you haven’t noticed, it’s pumpkin-spice-everything season. From scented candles to cookies and the infamously delicious pumpkin spice latte, it can be hard to escape autumn's favorite flavor. Let’s face it: there’s something comforting about sipping a PSL on a crisp, cold October day.
Pumpkin in its purest form has a bevy of health benefits, but when it’s in beverage form from your favorite coffee retailer, that can change. Did you know that a grande pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks has 50 grams of sugar? That’s more than a can of Coke! The next time you order that oh-so-seasonally satisfying drink, consider modifying it with these four easy tips. Don’t worry; you’ll still get all the pumpkin spice deliciousness!
Get nutty.
Opt for plant-based milk.
While we love all things dairy, swapping out cow’s milk for plant-based milk alternatives can help save fat and calories when it comes to your PSL. Our preference? Unsweetened almond milk. The almond flavor truly complements the savory tastes of cinnamon and pumpkin. But remember, whatever milk alternative you choose (almond, coconut, soy, rice, oat), make sure you ask for unsweetened.
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Get nutty.
Opt for plant-based milk.
While we love all things dairy, swapping out cow’s milk for plant-based milk alternatives can help save fat and calories when it comes to your PSL. Our preference? Unsweetened almond milk. The almond flavor truly complements the savory tastes of cinnamon and pumpkin. But remember, whatever milk alternative you choose (almond, coconut, soy, rice, oat), make sure you ask for unsweetened.
PSL 2.0
Order a hybrid version.
Caffeine and pumpkin? If you ask us, it’s the perfect combination—and it doesn’t always have to come in PSL form. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar but still embrace the taste of the season, order this “light” version: Black coffee with one pump (or dash) of pumpkin flavoring, plus ¼ steamed milk of your choice. Try a smooth, lighter roast and plant-based milk. Top with powdered cinnamon and voilà!
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PSL 2.0
Order a hybrid version.
Caffeine and pumpkin? If you ask us, it’s the perfect combination—and it doesn’t always have to come in PSL form. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar but still embrace the taste of the season, order this “light” version: Black coffee with one pump (or dash) of pumpkin flavoring, plus ¼ steamed milk of your choice. Try a smooth, lighter roast and plant-based milk. Top with powdered cinnamon and voilà!
Go halfsies.
Say no to syrup.
Sipping on something sweet and savory is satisfying, but you might be shocked by how many pumps of sugary syrup can go into a flavored drink. Next time you order a PSL, ask for “less sweet”—at least half of the suggested amount. We are talking two pumps, MAX. If you want to naturally add more flavor minus the syrupy sweetness, stir in powdered cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash (or two) of stevia into your latte.
3
Go halfsies.
Say no to syrup.
Sipping on something sweet and savory is satisfying, but you might be shocked by how many pumps of sugary syrup can go into a flavored drink. Next time you order a PSL, ask for “less sweet”—at least half of the suggested amount. We are talking two pumps, MAX. If you want to naturally add more flavor minus the syrupy sweetness, stir in powdered cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash (or two) of stevia into your latte.
DIY deliciousness.
Make your PSL at home.
Running out the door and grabbing a latte on your way to work might be part of your routine, but finding time to make your next PSL is worth it—and your body will thank you, especially after that killer workout. This keto-friendly pumpkin spice latte is worth every step, especially on a chilly Sunday morning. And if you want to add a little *extra* protein with your pumpkin drink, mix up this Pumpkin Protein Shake from Love Grows Wild. Try eliminating the banana and adding coffee for an extra boost!
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DIY deliciousness.
Make your PSL at home.
Running out the door and grabbing a latte on your way to work might be part of your routine, but finding time to make your next PSL is worth it—and your body will thank you, especially after that killer workout. This keto-friendly pumpkin spice latte is worth every step, especially on a chilly Sunday morning. And if you want to add a little *extra* protein with your pumpkin drink, mix up this Pumpkin Protein Shake from Love Grows Wild. Try eliminating the banana and adding coffee for an extra boost!
Beauty
Gratuity Guide: How to Tip a Hair Stylist (and Show You Care)
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Tipping. While it can be a taboo topic that no one really wants to talk about publicly, the fact is, it’s a very important one that shouldn’t (and can’t) be avoided. This is all too true, especially now, when it comes to beauty services. Even before, “all of this” happened, there appeared to be some ambiguity about exactly how much to tip, when, what’s a respectable amount, and why. Now that we’ve tried our best at #homebeauty, it’s time to head back to the salons, spas, and other boutique beauty businesses (if you haven’t already). We’re here to guide you through gratuity in the new normal and why tipping a little extra to show your stylists and service providers you care during this tough time is the right thing to do.
To make sure we get you all the right answers, we asked around about it (so you don’t have to). Turns out, our Instagram followers had a lot to say about how to tip your stylists and show them some extra love right now.
Here’s what you think:
You’ve already been tipping more
79% of you said you’ve been tipping more for beauty services recently. We’re all so grateful for our stylists—with split ends, grown-out roots, out-of-control brows, and terrible home-cut bangs to prove it. And now that many of us can return to our salons and spas, we’re appreciating the ones who help us feel beautiful even more right now.
But, how much more?
We got a range of responses to this question. Some said they tip 5% more than they previously did, and many said 25%-35% total! Not only are these stylists actual artists, but they’re providing services we just can’t do ourselves. On top of that, many had to close their doors for several months, many were displaced as their salons shut down for good, and all of them are trying their best to get back to a sense of normalcy and do what they do best—help us look and feel beautiful. So, take this as a guide. Tip what you can but remember how much these wonderful people do for us.
New services are not top priority (yet)
When it comes to trying new services, 69% of you gave it a big fat NO, while 31% remain intrigued. It makes sense that many would stick to their go-tos right now, as salons are just starting to reopen in some areas or may not be open yet at all.
Depending on where you live and your overall health, you might be sticking with the bare minimum for now. But if your city has put in place safe reopening guidelines and measures, and you feel ready to head back out there, you can do so safely at a Mindbody salon. And you may be interested in trying out some new services right now as a way to show your local salons some extra support. If that’s you, browse beauty on the Mindbody app—and filter your categories to find out what’s out there.
Why retail therapy is important
Another way you can support your stylists right now? Shopping. It’s the safest way to show them some love without actually going in for a treatment. Many salons offer pre-payment on the Mindbody app and curbside pickup or a plethora of shipping methods, so you can keep contact to a minimum as much as possible. Plus, they have some pretty great stuff. If you need to invest in a good shampoo—especially because you haven’t gotten your hair done in months—so why not buy it from your stylist? According to our poll, it’s a pretty even split. 55% of you haven’t bought any products yet, while the other 45% have been shopping away. If you’re part of that 55, consider checking out your salon’s product offerings (you might see something you like).
Anything else?
Finally, we asked you all open-endedly how else you’re supporting your stylists right now. We got a lot of great answers. There was a lot of overlap, but we thought you might like to see some of the ones that stood out. So, if we didn’t cover it all so far, we’re about to—because you all are awesome and you did it for us. Here are some of the great ideas you had:
• “Paying in advance!”
• “Being more diligent about scheduling appointments versus letting my hair grow out”
• “Referring friends!”
• “Being flexible” (this is a good one—check out the 5 things your stylist wants you to know before you book)
• “Scheduling my next cut before I leave!”
• “Sharing their photos on Instagram and telling friends!”
So, if you’re a stylist reading this, thank you. We all want to continue showing you support during this time and beyond. And if you’re a regular person like me who really needs her highlights done, just schedule the damn appointment already (if you feel comfortable) or buy some purple shampoo from your favorite salon.
