Randi Donahue

WRITER & EDITOR

Good Gear •

7 Vibration Plates For Circulation And Recovery

If you’ve ever felt the curiosity and lure of those vibrating devices at the mall kiosk, but thought, nah, no way that thing is beneficial, please read on. At first glance, vibration plates seem a tad gimmicky; in reality, research suggests that when used regularly for even just 15 minutes a day, vibration plates or platforms can support muscle strength and bone density, improve blood circulation, and lymphatic drainage. They can also help boost flexibility, aid in recovery and weight loss, and...
The Good Trade •

How To Know If Your Libido Is Spontaneous Or Responsive

One day, while catching up on podcasts as I was folding laundry, a spicy topic piqued my interest. The host was interviewing sex educators and researchers Lauren Fogel Mersy, PsyD, LP and Jennifer A. Vencill, PHD, ABPP about the effect of the mental load on libido. As I listened, my eyes widened. I started to realize just how little I knew about the topic. One after another, my received truths about sexuality started to break down.


Prior to this listening sesh, my personal, limited, and mista...
The Good Trade •

Why I'm Pursuing Financial Wellness Over "Financial Freedom"

Keeping up with the Joneses has never been my motivation. I tend to either ignore or rebel against fleeting consumer trends. And regarding household spending, we aim to make highly researched, conscious purchases and splurge only when we know the result will last a lifetime or provide meaningful experiences. Of course, there are some sporadic impromptu expenses, but for the most part, our spending is, ahem, controlled.

Still, in the age of social media that floods us with photos of billionaires
Good Gear •

Bon Charge’s PEMF Mat Calmed My Inner Chaos (2024 Review)

Summary: After three weeks of using the Bon Charge PEMF Mat Max, I can confidently say it’s become a permanent tool in our family’s wellness arsenal. Not only did it offer warm, grounding vibes that eased me into a state of calm on the most stressful of days, but it also offered respite from menstrual cramps and exercise-induced soreness and assisted in recovery from an intense viral illness.
• The Bon Charge PEMF Mat Max’s noninvasive technology helped me to address many physical and mental con
The Good Trade •

Why Gentle Exercise Is Appropriate At Every Age

It wasn’t until recently, while walking with my dogs in the quiet of a nature preserve, that I recognized how valuable a slower-paced, gentler exercise could be — both physically and mentally. As a teen heavily into sports, I learned to value high-impact strength training and exercised for tangible results. The higher the intensity, the better the workout. My goal was to be sweaty, red in the face, and unbelievably sore the next day. Fast and hard was the name of the game.

I carried this type o
The Good Trade •

Should You Be Taking Probiotics With Antibiotics?

Since 1929, when scientist Alex Fleming discovered penicillin, antibiotics have saved millions of people from severe illnesses and infections. While there is no denying the necessity of antibiotic use in modern medicine, if you’re like me, you can’t help but shudder slightly when your doctor prescribes an antibiotic to resolve your health issue.

Having endured chronic ear infections as a child, I was on a constant dose of the bubble gum-flavored pink goo — aka amoxicillin. Because of this, I am
The Good Trade •

What Is Mental Load? (And Why Is It Important?)

My daughters were three and five when I learned there was a term for the exhausting running list I’d been carrying in my head since their births.

Although anxiety and sometimes paralyzing perfectionism were states I’ve struggled with my entire life, this felt different. It was the administrative steps I had to go through to replan my workday and provide care when one of the girls woke up sick. It was constantly anticipating both daughters’ needs and cognitively scrolling through all the options
Good Gear •

I Tried Roka's Performance Sunglasses For Sports (2024 Review)

Summary: After a month of testing ROKA performance sunglasses during various outdoor activities, I recommend them to anyone looking for stylish, sturdy, and durable sunglasses that stay put during exercise and everyday activities. These are especially good for adventurous people who need prescription sunglasses.
• These sunglasses don’t slip off your face when you sweat and can be worn for long periods without discomfort.
• ROKA has lots of fashionable unisex frames that are suitable for various
The Good Trade •

Is Birch Luxe Mattress Worthy Of Your Dreams? We Review

The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.

Summary: After one month of sleeping on the Birch Luxe mattress, I highly recommend it as an incredibly comfortable, nontoxic solution to sleep troubles. The layers of cashmere, wool, and steel coils relieved my aches and pains and offered temperature regulation that significantly improved my sleep. In short, it’s divine!
• The Birch Luxe is
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