So,here’s the thing: just like Memorial Day doesn’t mean that it is officially summertime (the summer season actually begins during the third week of June), Labor Day does not officially mark the end of it either (summer ends around the third week of September). This means that if this summer season has somehow gotten away from you, you’ve still got a few weeks to take a bit of a vacation — even if it’s a quick one.
And if what you plan to do is hit up a beach so that you can spend some time in the ocean, that can actually be rejuvenating on a few different levels. Not only has it been proven thatbeing around ocean water will de-stress you as it helps you to practice mindfulness, but some impressive health benefits come with drinking saltwater (not directly from the ocean, of course) and being in saltwater (because many oceans havea good amount of dissolved salts in them) as well.
So, as you’re in the process of confirming your reservations and packing your swimsuits, check out seven reasons that will have you wondering why you took so long to make some of your own saltwater (to consume) and get into somebody’s ocean (to rejuvenate in) before October rolls around.
The Healing Benefits of Saltwater
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1. Saltwater Benefits: Saltwater Replenishes Electrolytes
The easiest way to describe electrolytes is that they are the minerals (likecalcium, sodium, and potassium) thatyour body needs tokeep you properly hydrated, your nerves and muscles working well and your pH levels regulated. Keeping that in mind, some signs that your electrolyte levels are a little “off” are if you’re constantly feeling fatigued, your muscles are always cramping up (like a charley horse) or you have inexplicable headaches; it should also go on record that something that can cause you to lose electrolytes is if you happen to sweat a lot.
Although foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy green veggies can help you replenish your system of lost electrolytes,adding a bit of salt to your water can do the same thing. I’ve got some tips for how to make some of your own saltwaterhere. Also, if you want to attempt to turn ocean water into drinkable water, you can learn how to do sohere. Oh, and if you’re wondering if sea salt or table salt is better for you in the long run, it’s a semi-complex answer; you can read more about the pros and cons of bothhere.
2. Saltwater Benefits: Aids in Weight Loss
If you’re looking for a way to detox your system, you might want to look into the pros and cons of a saltwater flush. Since it has a reputation for doing things like helping to balance your hormones, keeping your metabolism working well, and removing fluid retention, that’s why it can also be used to help shed a few pounds (some say that it can help with constipation, too). Just make sure that you do thorough research before using saltwater in this fashion because, while many recipes call for two teaspoons in a quarter of water, that is actually double what’s recommended on a daily basis. This means that if you do this often, it could result in unwanted side effects like nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure.
3. Saltwater Benefits: Exfoliates Your Scalp
As far as ocean water goes, if you’re not planning on rocking a swim cap, you should definitely soak your hair in water from a shower before taking a swim.The reason why is the properties in saltwater can end up dehydrating your hair and, if your tresses are color-treated, stripping your hair of its applied hues as well. However, if you’re looking foranother saltwater trick, applying a mixture of sea salt and water to your scalp before washing your hair can be beneficial if you’re looking for an all-natural way to exfoliate your scalp — which can remove dead skin cells and product build-up — so that your hair follicles are able to flourish and you can end up with a head of strong and healthy hair. There is a quick and easy sea salt scalp scrub recipehere.
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4. Saltwater Benefits: Saltwater Is Great for Oral Health
Maintaining proper oral health is so important and doing periodic saltwater rinses is one way to keep your teeth and gums in good condition. That’s because saltwater has been proven to do things like remove the bacteria that ultimately leads to tooth decay, help restore the pH balance in your mouth, get rid of plaque, and speed up the healing process of various oral procedures (like extractions). Just make sure that you use warm water and no more than a teaspoon of salt in an eight-ounce glass to get the most effective results.
5. Saltwater Benefits: Detoxifies the Skin
Since it’s been said that ocean water has trace minerals in it, that’s part of the reason why swimming in it can be great when it comes to helping to heal skin irritation and itchiness, inflammation, soothing eczema, exfoliating your skin, reducing acne-causing bacteria, unclogging your pores and even increasing blood circulation in your skin. Some skincare specialists even say that saltwater can loosen up dandruff flakes; again, just make sure that your hair has been prepped with water and, if you plan to be in ocean water for a long period of time, you may want to apply a leave-in conditioner to your locks too.
6. Saltwater Benefits: Improves Your Breathing
When you get a chance, check out the article, “With Every Breath You Take, Thank the Ocean.” Apparently, over half of our oxygen comes from things in the ocean, like phytoplankton and seaweed. Not only that, but since you probably already know that saline can serve as a natural decongestant and saline is basically saltwater, it would make all of the sense in the world that taking in the air from ocean water would be good for your respiratory system too. I’ve even read that the salt, iodine, and magnesium that are found in the air that’s around the ocean can help to break up mucus that’s in your system. Plus, ocean air has very little air pollution in it which is always a major plus.
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7. Saltwater Benefits: Improves Your Quality of Rest/Sleep
If you’ve ever taken a vacation, got a hotel room that was right off of the beach, and realized that you have super fond memories of it being some of the best rest and sleep that you’ve ever experienced in your life — there is definitely a science to that. There is plenty of research out here to support the fact that chilling out around the ocean (or sea) can help to decrease anxiety and depression levels, increase your serotonin levels and, if you’ve got arthritis, a dip in the ocean before turning in can help to reduce bodily inflammation as well.
As a bonus, grounding (which is basically when you walk on the beach by the water) can help your bare feet absorb electrons from the earth and the water which also can help to reduce bodily discomfort. Just one more reason to get a beach weekend in before summer officially ends — and to pack up some salt (to consume) while you’re at it. Don’t cha think? Definitely.
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It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
A Cosmic Guide To Love In 2025: What The Stars Have In Store For Your Heart
The most important lesson we are learning about love in 2025 is change. Many major Astrological transits are happening this year, and these will last for years to come. As we walk through this new year, we are being asked to let go of the things we can’t control, and give more grace to the things we can. This is a year of a new perspective on love, finding gratitude in the little things, and watching as the universe supports us and the dreams we build for ourselves here.
At the beginning of the year, we are being shown how significant 2025 will be for love. From March 1, 2025, until April 12, 2025, Venus, the planet of love and relationships, will be retrograde. Venus goes retrograde approximately every 18 months and hasn’t been retrograde since the Summer of 2023. With love taking a step back at the beginning of the year, we move through a time of understanding the emotional world better and letting go of trying to control outcomes here.
What Does 2025 Have in Store for Love?
It’s time to refocus your relationship priorities overall, and with this retrograde happening in both Aries and Pisces, Aries being the first sign of the zodiac and Pisces being the last; there is a chapter we are closing and a new one we are walking into.
Another significant factor that is influencing relationships this year, is Jupiter’s entry into Cancer. Jupiter brings blessings, abundance, luck, and expansion, and in water sign Cancer, brings these gifts to your emotions. Cancer rules emotional safety, foundations, close loved ones, family, support, and emotional well-being, and with Jupiter in this sign from June 9, 2025, until June 30, 2026, we experience blessings in stability within love. This is a good year for building stronger foundations in love, aligning with those who are loyal and supportive, knowing what you need emotionally, and being a lot clearer on it.
Letting Go of the Past: The Astrological Theme of 2025
Overall, the guideline for the year when it comes to love is to focus on the bigger picture and let things work themselves out without forcing them to. Magic will come in for you this year when you can assess your needs and wants, let go of illusions or smoke and mirrors, and focus on the things you want for yourself rather than what you don’t. Your focus and beliefs on love are the priority right now, and things will be coming full circle for the better.
Read below to see your personal 2025 love forecast. Read for your sun, moon, and rising signs.
What Does Your Zodiac Sign Say About Your 2025 Love Life?
ARIES
2025 is one of the more significant years for you, Aries. A lot of the major transits are happening in your sign, which includes Venus retrograde in Aries at the beginning of the year, Neptune in Aries from March 2025 until 2039, and Saturn in Aries from May 2025 until 2028. Not to mention, Chiron, the wounded healer is currently in your sign until 2027.
What this means for you when it comes to love, is that you have learned a lot about where you want to be here, and it’s the year to implement more of these tools and knowledge of the heart.
This year for love is about honoring your integrity and what you need personally to thrive in life and creating that space to let it in. You need someone who will be there for you through whatever you are experiencing in life and not someone who adds to these challenges. This year is a time of rising above, and choosing better for yourself.
TAURUS
2025 for you when it comes to love, is all about perspective and taking better care of your heart, Taurus. Uranus, the planet of change, rebellion, progress, and upheaval, has been in your sign since 2019, and this year you get a break from all of the surprises. From Jul. 7, 2025, until Nov. 7, 2025, Uranus leaves your sign and enters Gemini, giving your mind and your heart some time to breathe.
This year you are being given the opportunity to see things for what they are, rather than what you fear them to be. You are able to see your relationship dynamics clearer, allowing you to feel more confident in what you are building and creating for yourself in this area of your life. What you are working on this year is letting go of overthinking, and allowing things to play out the way they are meant to in love.
GEMINI
This year you are feeling in balance when it comes to love, Gemini. Relationships are important to you in life overall, as you are a relationship-oriented sign, but it can be difficult at times to keep the balance and perspective here. This year, with lucky Jupiter in your sign until June, you have the opportunity to be blessed with some fortunate circumstances personally and within romance.
You are feeling yourself this year, and this is attracting you success and new opportunities within love.
Uranus will also be in your sign this year from Jul. 7 until Nov. 7, and some surprises are in store for you. Pay attention to what happens in your love life during this period, as similar themes will be coming back around for you when Uranus officially enters its Gemini transit from 2026 - 2032. Overall, this year is about balancing what’s coming and going in love, and finding your peace within your inner confidence for it all.
CANCER
2025 for you, Cancer, is about stability in love. You are growing emotionally from the ground up, and are feeling a sense of support, confidence, romance, and receptivity in your love life this year. You are one of the lucky signs of 2025, and this is due to Jupiter, the planet of blessings, entering your sign from June 9, 2025, until June 30, 2026. While Jupiter is in your sign, your life expands and you are able to see the gifts of your world that may have been harder to come by previously.
This is a year of spending more time with your loved ones and feeling more heard and supported emotionally. Safety and security are especially important to you this year, and you are only entertaining the people who feel that way about you and provide that. Many Cancers will be expanding their families this year or developing a long-term relationship, and overall this is a year of feeling stronger when it comes to love.
LEO
When it comes to love this year for you, Leo, it’s about trusting your intuition and listening more to what your heart is telling you. There are not many major transits happening in Leo in 2025, which means there is a lot of room to grow, but you may be feeling a lack of support or encouragement to do so. A lot of Leos are taking a step back to look at where they are currently in love, and yearning for some change and a new direction here.
Neptune will be in your 9th house of adventure for most of this year, and you are being asked to get inspired and do things differently, but don’t take unnecessary risks in love that may not serve you in the long run.
It can be easy to get lost in the fantasy of love rather than the actual reality you’ll live in here, and taking more time to understand yourself, your relationships, and the dynamics in your love life will be necessary. Overall, your heart is healing this year and you are moving away from the past and creating your new future.
VIRGO
This year when it comes to love, you are going through changes that are aligning you closer to your goals and dreams here, Virgo. You are focused on making things work that you want to see bloom, and also letting go of putting effort into people that aren’t reciprocating the same energy. With the North Node entering your sister sign Pisces and the South Node moving into your sign from Jan. 11, 2025, until Jul. 26, 2026, you are doing a lot of letting go over the next year.
However, with the North Node being in your 7th house of love, new doors and gifts are also opening up for you and your partnerships. The more you can let go of perfection and overworking your mind and your heart, the more blessings you will experience when it comes to love this year. In 2025, you also have two Eclipses in your sign, and there are overall a lot of changes Virgos are moving through this year. Your main guidance for love is to stand by the things that serve your heart and release yourself from what burdens it.
LIBRA
Love is coming to fruition for you this year, Libra. You have been through a lot in your personal life these past few years, and walking into 2025, you are ready for some positive change. This is a year of feeling in balance with your personal goals and dreams, and what you are experiencing romantically and financially as well. Relationship dynamics are serving you and your sense of abundance, and many gifts are coming your way in love this year.
With Neptune, Chiron, and Saturn all being in your 7th house of love, your love life and partnerships are the main focus for you in 2025.
You are moving through changes, overcoming previous obstacles, and bringing back the dreamy energy here. With Chiron in the 7th, you are still doing some healing of the heart, but with Neptune now entering, it all feels a little more romantic and spiritual at the same time. This year is about believing in the impossible in love, taking care of yourself, and allowing someone else to take care of you as well.
SCORPIO
This year is all about opportunity when it comes to love, Scorpio. You have your eyes on the prize and are focused on what you want for yourself, but also how you want to show up for love as well. You have goals and intentions that you are setting for your love life this year, and a lot of them reflect the passion and strength you are feeling as you enter the year. Vesta is in your sign this year until September, and you have a spark within you that is a magnet for success and love. You are walking forward confidently and are feeling inspired, sexy, and magical this year.
This is a very sensual and powerful year for you, and this energy is being reflected in the relationship experiences you are having. Jupiter also enters your 9th house of adventure halfway through the year, and there is something special about the trips you are taking and the risks you are taking in love. Overall, this is a year of doing things your way and attracting love to you through your inner confidence and charisma.
SAGITTARIUS
This is a beautiful year of feeling balanced and abundant in love, Sagittarius. There is a lot of energy coming in and you are giving a lot of love as well. This sense of synergy you are feeling within your love life this year has a lot to do with Juno, the asteroid of soulmates, in your sign from Feb. 19 - Apr. 15. Your people are coming in and you have options this year, Sag.
This is a year of feeling loved for the inspiring, outgoing, and unique being you are, and meeting more people who match your energy.
Saturn also enters your 5th house of romance this year, and you are learning a lot through your experiences with others. You are learning how to be more confident in who you are and what you want for yourself and also recognizing the importance of making more time for fun and playful experiences. This is the year to see love as a more light-hearted experience and to not take yourself too seriously.
CAPRICORN
You are letting things come to you when it comes to love this year, Capricorn. You are feeling beautiful, capable, and worthy, and you are receiving the gifts that come from this sense of confidence and patience. This past year, you were setting a lot of new goals for yourself and your relationships, and in 2025, you are experiencing the results of these efforts.
Jupiter moves into your sister sign Cancer from June 9, 2025, until June 30, 2026, and enters your 7th house of love, partnerships, romance, marriage, and harmony. Your love life and experience of it all are expanding this year, and benevolent Jupiter is sending blessings to this area of your life. This is a year of things coming full circle for you in love, and you feel less confused about it all and more sure of yourself and what is becoming for you here.
AQUARIUS
Love is a highlight for you this year, Aquarius. You are coming together with another, and many Aquarius’ will be forming new relationships or growing within a strong relationship. You are experiencing the fruition of your dreams in love, and are also able to heal and let go of past emotional experiences that have been overwhelming for you in the past.
The North Node enters your 12th house of closure this year, and you are motivated towards change, cleaning house, and releasing the cobwebs of the past.
You are walking into new emotional experiences with less baggage and self-doubt, and are experiencing a fresh start in love. This is a year of asking for what you need emotionally and receiving it. Love is coming in for you in harmonious and magical ways, and you are rewriting your story in love in 2025.
PISCES
You are moving through a lot of changes when it comes to love in 2025, Pisces. This is a year of closure, healing, and giving yourself a fresh start, and the way you enter the year will be a lot different than the way you end it. The North Node of Destiny enters your sign this year, and the South Node of Karma enters your 7th house of love. So, a lot of your focus this year is on your personal goals and path, and there may be some neglect or lack of focus on your relationships.
This can create some discord with those close to you, and your guidance for this year is to try to balance the personal successes and wins you are experiencing, with the love changes that also need your attention right now. Know that what leaves your life this year is being replaced by something better, and also know that your healing doesn’t need to have a timeline and you can take as much time as you need to grow. Overall, you are turning a new page in love in 2025.
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How Therapy And Faith Helped Karrueche Tran Navigate Grief And Purpose
In an honest and transformative conversation with Natalie Manuel Lee of Now with Natalie, Karrueche Tran opens up about her journey of growth, faith, and resilience. Known for her evolution from rising star to Emmy-winning actress, the Claws star’s story resonates deeply with fans who admire her ability to expand her identity beyond her past and into her purpose.
Learning to Surrender
At the core of Karrueche's transformation is the concept of surrender. She describes it as a mental and emotional release—a trust in God and the universe to guide her steps. “Surrendering is hard,” she admitted. “It’s like turning off a switch in your mind. But I’ve learned that everything always works out. Regardless of what happens, it’s going to be okay.”
She shared how letting go of overthinking has allowed her to embrace the unpredictability of life. “I’m so calculated sometimes—I like structure. But life doesn’t always work like that. Releasing and taking things one step at a time has been a game-changer.”
The Beauty of Healing
Karrueche’s healing journey has been a process of self-revelation, aided by therapy. “I had to unravel so much—insecurities, trust issues, feelings of not being good enough,” she shared. Therapy helped her trace these struggles back to her childhood and begin breaking those cycles.
“It’s hard to face yourself and the ugly parts of your truth, but it’s necessary to grow,” she explained. For Karrueche, healing also meant asking herself profound questions: “Who do I want to be in this world? What do I want to show up as? What are the bricks in my foundation, and how can I strengthen them?”
Faith as a Cornerstone
God has played an essential role in the L.A. native’s journey. “I didn’t have a relationship with Him before, but now I talk to Him all the time,” she said. She highlighted how moments of gratitude and prayer ground her, especially during times of uncertainty. “Even when I’m scared or anxious, I trust Him. I know He hears me and has the right plan for me.”
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Perhaps the most poignant part of Karrueche’s story is how she navigated the loss of her father while standing in the middle of an answered prayer. In the same week, she received news of her Sundance film premiere, she got the devastating call that her father had passed.
“It was the call I always feared,” Karrueche said, reflecting on the overwhelming responsibility of making funeral arrangements while grieving. “I didn’t know what to do, but I had to figure it out. It was a whirlwind.”
Despite her pain, she chose to honor her father’s spirit by attending Sundance. “I asked myself, ‘What would my dad want?’ And I knew he’d say, ‘Girl, get to Salt Lake City.’” While grappling with her emotions, she celebrated her accomplishments and premiered a film she knew her father would have loved.
“I was living out my purpose and navigating grief at the same time. It was numbing, but I knew it was all for a reason,” she said.
In 2015, she revealed that her father was gay. "I don't think I've ever told anyone this, but my father is gay,” she told MadameNoire. "I knew from like middle school. Even in elementary school, I knew something was different. And I don't know how I knew or how I even knew what gay was being so young, but I think when you're younger, you catch onto things and you watch TV, so I've always kind of known. As I grew older, we had certain talks, or I talked with my mom, and it just is what it was."
A Season of Transition
Now, Karrueche finds herself in what she calls a season of transition. “I’m shedding old habits and stepping into the new me. Growth is uncomfortable, but it’s necessary,” she shared.
This phase of her life is about embracing the unknown and leaning into her faith more than ever. “I’m learning to let go of perfection and negative thinking. I’m realizing it’s okay to make mistakes. Those moments help you grow.”
Legacy Beyond Fame
As she continues to evolve, Karrueche’s focus is on the impact she has on others. “Accolades are amazing, but I want people to remember how I made them feel. I want to maintain my light, my energy, and spread kindness. That’s the legacy I hope to leave.”
With unwavering determination and a heart full of purpose, Karrueche Tran is an inspiring example of resilience. Her story reminds us that even in the face of pain, there is strength in surrender and beauty in transformation.
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