NeoshaLoves

A Superior Remedy Oil For All Things Except Death

2020-04-04T11:03:00.000-04:00

If those who know me don't know anything else - you better believe they know that I will always choose nature over man-made anything when it comes to my health and wellness. The same for my family. The media got so many people scared of using the very things nature intended for use. With all the craziness going on regarding COVID and quarantines, I'm seeing how uneducated a lot of people truly choose to be. People should first understand what a virus is ... but that's a topic for some other day.

One herb that I enjoy is nigella sativa also known as the herb found in the powerful black cumin seed. This herb goes wayyyy back. Like, the Bible mentions it in Isaiah 28. Black seed oil, as many of us know can also be known as black caraway, black cumin, Roman coriander, and a few others. Here's why this remedy oil is great for so many things:

WHAT'S GOOD?

Black seed oil has a long history of being used towards the healing of many ailments, including:

Cancer
Cystic Fibrosis
Diabetes
Respiratory problems (i.e asthma)

It's also known to be great for:

Skin ailments/discoloration
Increasing the natural flow of breastmilk
Common cold symptoms
Headaches/Earaches
Hair Loss
Hypertension
Beard Growth
Gall/Kidney Stones
Eye Disease
Dry Cough

Literally, there are tons of things it can aid in. There are other great herbs that can be used to help heal you as well, of course. Build up your own herbal apothecary. I've tried various black seed oils but this oil has been the absolute best of them all. I attribute that to the 3.56% of Thymoquinon it has. The Amazon best-seller black seed oil from Amazing Herbs has only 0.56% of that same compound. Naturally, the potency is of the upmost best. They use some of the richest nigella sativa seeds on Earth, found in Ethiopia. The oil is never filtered but they do add 5% of the sediment (powdered seeds) back into the bottles.

I discovered the BioNatal Black Seed Oil via Instagram. Hashtags are your best friend! I reached out to inquire and asked if I could review their product. Super kind responses and before you know it, thee was a 16 oz bottle delivered to my doorstep. It comes with a cap for use with a liquid dosage syringe, which I prefer so I was excited about that.

I tested this oil for a week so I can form my own personal testimony. This oil is BOMB! Now, for people who aren't too familiar with herbal remedies - this oil may seem super overpowering in taste as this oil is POTENT potent. My mother says it tastes like motor oil (lol). Not sure how she knows that but it will shock you palette.

There is an aftertaste which can easily be eased by chasing the oil with a lemon, water, honey, or even juice. It's recommended to hold your nose when you take this to lessen it's intensity on your senses if you're not about that thug life.

Does this oil deliver on its promises? Hell yes it does! After testing this oil out for a week, naturally all the feel goods and noticeable improvements - especially with random dry coughs I had been having. I recommend this version of black seed oil to anyone who has already built a wellness regimen for their bodies and are open-minded to potent formulas. The taste is not horrible to me BUT to most people who may be looking to try this, you'd have to brace yourself lol. I love it!

UPDATED AS OF APRIL 16, 2020 - I continue to take this oil twice a day using a liquid dosage syringe. It's treating me very well. Once when I awaken and once before bed (or after a meal). BioNatal sells this 16 oz bottle for $89 (in glass), which they will soon be changing to matte black glass bottles - sexy! They also offer PETE bottles an smaller sizes along with options to purchase BSO soaps, lotions, scrubs, and face masks. If you're a DIYer, they also sell Ethiopian black seeds in 2 oz bottles.

'Clean'?? How To Read + Understand Beauty Labels

2020-03-31T13:25:00.001-04:00

Guest Post By Onicia Muller

Sometime after turning thirty, my makeup became less effective at making me look refreshed. Oh no, was it time to start slathering ten different concealers and baking my under-eye area?

Emily Sher, Today.com Style Editor, dropped two major beauty bombs that spurred me to get serious about reading and understanding makeup and skincare product labels.

Beauty products don’t have to be approved by the FDA before hitting store shelves.
The FDA does not have the power to recall beauty products. They can only request and assist with a recall.

This means that the responsibility is on us, the consumer, to do our research.

So, in my search to create a beauty routine that made my skin look better (with and without makeup), I discovered the clean beauty movement.

ASE Beauty, a black-owned clean beauty company, says, “Clean beauty is a growing movement for creating skincare and beauty products with ingredients scientifically assessed to ensure they do not pose a risk to human health or the environment.”

Black-owned clean beauty skincare creator Dr. Anne Beal clarifies that, “‘Clean beauty’ is a term used to describe products made without ingredients that have negative health effects. It is not the same as “organic,” “all-natural” or “plant-based.” Clean beauty specifically refers to using ingredients (both natural and man-made) that are safe, non-toxic, and do not cause harm.” (heart&soul, 2020)

How to be savvy about reading beauty labels?

First off, you need to turn the bottle around, sis. Everything on the front is marketing speak. “all-natural,” “synthetic-free,” and “eco-friendly” are non-regulated terms that don’t mean anything.

The back label is where all the product tea is spilled. This article covers fragrances, parabens, and phthalates.

Fragrances

You’re in the store looking for a new product and what’s one thing you do? Pop the cap and take a sniff. Sure, you want the product to work, but you also want to smell good. Companies know this, so they invest a lot into creating signature fragrances that you love and remember.

So you turn to the back of the label and you read ‘fragrance.’ One word. No explanation. That’s because ‘fragrance’ is not an ingredient; it is a trade secret. Companies are not required to disclose what those ingredients hiding behind one word are.

Leading clean beauty scientist Dr. Nicole Acevedo says, “Some common cosmetic ingredients, such as preservatives, antioxidants, chemical UV filters and even fragrance additives can disrupt our natural hormone system or release carcinogens that can unintentionally harm our health.” (ASE Beauty, 2018)

If you have allergies or sensitive skin, going for fragrance-free products is one easy way to be savvy about reading beauty labels.

Paraben and Phthalates

Parabens are preservatives that extend the product’s shelf life. Dr. Beal says exposure to parabens results in Black women having more uterine fibroids and more aggressive types of breast cancer. Black and Latin women have paraben levels 4-8 times higher than the general population.

Switching to clean beauty products is especially important to Black women because over 75% of products marketed to Black women have ingredients classified as toxic. (heart&soul, 2020)

Phthalates make products feel silky and smooth. However, phthalates may be endocrine disruptors. Meaning they might interfere with hormone levels.

The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) told Today.com that “At this time, the FDA doesn’t have any information showing that cosmetics containing phthalates and parabens are harmful to consumers when the products are used as intended.”

PCPC is the leading national trade association representing cosmetic and personal care products companies and serving as the voice on scientific, legal, regulatory, legislative and international issues for the $488 billion global industry.

Ingredient ranking

The last thing you need to know about the basics of understanding beauty product labels is that the ingredients are listed in order. So, if the front label reads “with cocoa butter” but cocoa butter is listed last, then it’s not a significant element in the product’s formulation.

NOTE FROM EDITOR: If you look at a bottle of Minute Maid Fruit Punch, it reads '100% Natural Flavors'. What the hell are these natural flavors? Surely, it's not the 5% juice blend they mention. lol. Sorry, it's not the natural flavors from the "fruit".

Free Resources To Keep Your Children Engaged While At Home

2020-03-17T13:00:00.000-04:00

With all that is being pushed across the world of media regarding this "scary viral pandemic", many working mothers and fathers have found themselves either displaced from their work, forced to work from home, and become their child's teacher for the remainder of the school year. I'm thankful for being able to work from and being able to homeschool so the recent climate of political events have not stopped our shine. I'm seeing a lot of people sharing that they are going crazy in self-quarantine with their kids. It's amazing how much you learn about the varying personalities and characteristics of your children when you're with them all day, everyday.

Unfortunately, not everyone is riding the same wave. If you're a mother or father learning how to find some balance while having your children home with you for who knows how much longer, give yourself some grace. As your child's first teacher, it's your duty to educate them properly. Reading, writing, and arithmetic is all you need. All the extras you can literally choose to implement. I'll get into that another day.

Until then, how do you get a handle on balancing work and ensuring your children are still being educated while at home. Start small and don't overwhelm yourself. Here are a few resources you can use that are FREE.99. Things you and the family can enjoy together or allow your children the opportunity to self-pace their learning so you can find some peace within.

LOVE AUDIOBOOKS?

Audible is giving your kiddos free access to keep their imaginations wild for "as long as schools are closed". All stories are free to stream instantly from your desktop, laptop, phone, and tablet. You can also download the Libby App, which connects to your library card allowing users to download hundreds of free books. If you don't have a card, the app will let you sign up for one.

Grab Your Audible Gift Here.

Got older children who love to read? I recently discovered a company called Abantu Audio. Black-owned and operated where they educate multicultural communities with classical and modern books.

Get free 30 Day Trial + a free audiobook!

MIND, BODY, AND SOUL.

There is an awesome, local yoga space near me that offers yoga instruction for children. Since a lot of children are having to stay home due to school closures, the owner of TinyYogis is giving a free yoga instruction online. This is exciting. She has more videos available on TinyYogis, LLC YouTube as well.

You have until Friday, March 27th to enjoy!

More to enjoy:

Muscle Relaxation for Kids (7 min)

Free Guided Meditations + Music

Bouncing Ball Mindfulness (12 min)

KNOWLEDGE.

There are a few great platforms that offer free learning tools for your littles and older children. All of which I've personally used and find quite helpful (as supplement) and enjoyable when working with my son and daughter. There are several options available, these are just a few.

ABC Mouse is free for 30 days! (Great for ages 2-8)

Khan Academy, totally free online education.

K12 Online Public School

Tynker is giving free access to premium coding courses! (Ages 5+)

Of course, don't keep your children starting at screens all day lol. Reading books, learning a new skill as a family, or even starting a food garden are also great things to add to your knowledge arsenal. Make sure you break the cabin fever too and get outside! Literally, sunlight is a great medicine. Don't sleep on Mother Nature.

BLACK-OWNED CLEANING PRODUCTS | PUR-HOME

2020-02-06T02:05:00.000-05:00

Back at it! This time I'm sharing with you products that I've been using heavily in the last year. Enter PUR HOME cleaning products. A black-owned brand that I stumbled across on Instagram. If you're not familiar with me or my blog - you will quickly learn that I am all for healthier alternatives. BETTER alternatives in the name of health and wellness AND I am an avid supporter of businesses that aren't commercialized in the mainstream.

What we choose to put on our skin and in our bodies can either elevate or hold back our lifestyle goals. The products you use in your home everyday are no different. Many of the products used to manufacture many of the products we see in stores today are loaded with ingredients that have been linked to things like cancer, women suffering from PCOS, and other health ailments. So, naturally, being discerning of the items you welcome into your world is a skill worth using.

Angela, the owner and creator of PUR HOME knows a thing or two about green cleaning. I was happy to find that she carries a line of products that can be used all throughout your home. From laundry care to cleaning your dirty mirrors.

Read: Quality Skin + Body Care Without the Sh*ts.

As a mother, making the best decisions for the future when it comes to everything is always a priority. It never made sense to make a decision that lacked consideration for "later on'. My first purchase from this brand was in February 2019. At the time I was using another black owned detergent mostly for my laundry but I needed more options. I was able to give PUR a go with these 4 items:

Organic Wool Dryer Balls - $18.00

Laundry Soap Power (32oz) - $15.95 (no longer available)

Multi-Surface Scour Powder - 9.99

All In One Concentrate - $29.00

Note, the prices may be less or more as of the writing of this post. They've made a few adjustments with the packaging and such. My first order was also mostly consisting of the liquids in glass bottles, which is a big reason why I initially purchased from them. Recycle, reuse. The new packaging is now plastic for reasons related to the business side of things.

Watch me dive into their products.

Just a quick share that I've purchased at least 3-4 more times before 2019 ended. The soap powder is literally my favorite for my laundry. The citrus along with the sandalwood and patchouli scents are my favorites. I have the laundry powder in mint and lavender as well. I have them all in the 64 oz bag packaging which is also no longer available. It seems the laundry powder is now only available in a 100 oz size for $30.
The Green Home Bundle in scent lavender and lemon, was $35 at time of purchase, and includes a bathroom cleaner, multi-surface cleaner, and multi-surface scrub cleaner (works great in bath tubs). I can not get enough of this smell! I later ordered the rosemary and citrus scented products in the concentrated floor cleaner ($8.99) and glass/window cleaner ($6.99). I'm not sure if the floor cleaner is no longer available or not as it's not listed on the site as of this post. The castile soap ($18.00) is great if you like to experiment with making your own cleaners. Love the peppermint scent for this. I grabbed two dish soaps. One scent is in spearmint-peppermint-eucalyptus- and tea tree. The other I got with bergamot - sweet orange - and grapefruit.
Overall, I have yet to be disappointed with any of the products from PUR HOME. The scents are all lovely and well put together, the price point is fair, and the customer service is pretty great! Definitely looking forward to purchasing more in the future.

Delicious, Fried Jackfruit Nuggets

2019-10-06T21:46:00.000-04:00

I got another one for you. Jackfruit. The product of a tree that is related to the fig. This one staple in my home is literally the go-to for many who are looking to switch to an alternative to buying meat. If you haven't heard of it by now - well now you know. I was crazy enough to hit up a local Asian market in Atlanta to grab a whole jackfruit to cut up myself. They are huge and you may need some newspaper.

Jackfruit is infamous in the "vegan" community and is most notorious for being used in vegan "pulled pork" recipes, taco recipes, and stir-fry recipes. It can be used for SO many things. My favorites are bbq sandwiches, apart of stewed tomatoes and rice, and as of late - "chickn" nuggets. Yes, I spelled chicken incorrectly on purpose. As a mother of little people under the age of six - I am always looking for ways to incorporate good and tasty meals for my children to enjoy as well as meals that can easily prepped and cooked. These nuggets are a hit with the babies.

I thrived in my kitchen and decided to try homemade fried jackfruit. We've had fried jackfruit before from a local Black-owned vegan restaurant in my area. They were good. Since there isn't a decent Asian market near me that sell Jackfruit, I ordered two cases of six cans instead off Amazon.

GET COOKING.

I used 3 main ingredients to achieve this meal (along with a few seasonings). You can literally find all ingredients in your local area stores.

Ingredients:

- (2) Cans Young Jackfruit
- Unsweetened Coconut Milk
- Asian Garlic Chilli Sauce
- Garbanzo Bean Flour
- All Purpose Flour
- Grapeseed Oil

*Seasonings used: Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chilli Powder, Tumeric, dried Dill

1. Prep your jackfruit. I did so by draining and rinsing the jackfruit pieces under water. I then placed the jackfruit into a large zip lock bag - add a cup of unsweetened coconut milk, pepper, and garlic chiili sauce (depends on how much kick you desire) - I used maybe two teaspoons since the children would be eating this as well. Seal bag and shake to mix the "marinade" together and coat the jackfruit. Leave in fridge for 30min-1 hour.

2. Prep your dry batter. Take a bowl and mix garbanzo bean (chickpea) flour and all purpose flour together. Add your seasonings then mix. Begin to generously coat your jackfruit in the flour. Sidenote: I don't know about you all but this portion reminded me of my southern country family coating livers and gizards to fry -- OMG disgusting. lol.

3. You can use your preferred frying oil - I chose to use grapeseed oil. Add your jackfruit piece by piece the oil and allow to fry on both sides for 5-8 minutes depending on how golden you'd like your nuggets. I fried for about 5-6 minutes each side.

4. Remove from oil and sit on microfiber cloth or parchment paper to allow excess oil to drain off. sprinkle with lemon juice and if you're feeling bougie, dress it up with some parsley. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce. I used Organicville's Original BBQ Sauce.

Hit up the market and make this happen in your kitchens.

FAVES | ... IN WELLNESS + BEAUTY

2019-08-29T15:16:00.000-04:00

There is an arsenal of go-to products that many of us run to for very particular needs. These happen to be some of my favorites! From oral care to skincare. NOTE: A few links are affiliate links so if you make a purchase, I get a few pennies and what not lol

Here is a list of products I've been using faithfully since purchasing them. All known to either increase your health or help you feel "put together".

THE WELLNESS STUFF

Unrefined Sesame Seed Oil $7- known most for being used in hair health but I make use of this oil for my oral hygiene. If you've ever heard of oil pulling, then that's what I do. Most people use coconut oil but sesame is more of a breeze for me. I usually add tea tree oil to the sesame oil.

Ora Organics Probiotic Powder $16 - this is a vegan powder supplement with nothing but probiotics and prebiotic along with both organic apple and raspberry flavor. It includes 6 strains that aid in digestive health and immune function. My kiddos enjoy it and so do I so its a winner.

Wild Cape Manuka Honey $34 - if you know nothing of this amazing honey, you're missing out. Firstly, its potency and antimicrobial properties are wonderful. It can be consumed in teas or as is - and my favorite, on skin! I apply it to my daughter's skin for healing the skin of her eczema. Great for intestinal and other stomach issues. It's also a sore throat life-saver! Sidenote - this isn't the honey you buy at a Kroger as it can be a little pricey for some.

Nature's Gold Manuka Honey Ointment $14 - adding to my love of manuka honey is this ointment. No, it doesn't smell minty or like a lot of pharmacy-bought ointments either. Last year, my son was being a daredevil and ended up getting his neck caught in the pull strings of my window blinds - which left a huge fabric burn across his neck, ouch! I purchased this and applied twice daily + it literally healed it within 2 weeks. NO SCAR. NO NOTHING! It is now a staple in my first aid kit.

Lagunamoon Essential Oils $16 - I just really love essential oils. I began to dig deeper into them early 2018 so ever since, I've enjoyed using them for various things. I use tea tree, clove, and peppermint most for oral care, eucalyptus is GREAT when added to the washer (for laundry), and lemon smells amazing in the diffuser. This set of oils though smells amazing as soon as you open the box. Reminds me of bubblicious original bubble gum in the 90s or holiday potpourri lol

Amazing Grass Raw Reserve Powder $27 - I've used this since January and I love this stuff! I use the original vs the berry flavor because I prefer the most basic of green powders. This is mostly alkalizing ingredients like spirulina, chlorella, burdock root, dandelion, and more. I usually add this to my smoothies or to my water. It's not meant to taste "good" obviously - it's raw greens and probiotics, but it is amazing with teas and smoothies.

THE BEAUTY STUFF

Jackie Aina x ABH Eyeshadow Palette $45 - Yes, I finally got my share of this palette. The first palette I've bought in literally 4 years. It's beautiful aesthetically and the colors are lovely. You can watch the many youtube reviews on this but the colors stick! I would say money well spent. Faves: Zamn, Wiggalese, Pinker, Big Wig, Credit, and Ginger.

DTK Nail Polish $14 - This is not the first time I've mentioned DTK polish on my blog but it is still a go-to. Black-woman owned for the win! I always run to the "After 5" shade but as I write this post, I'm rocking their "Shattered Ceilings" shade.

Anastasia Beverly Hill Matte Lipstick (Rust) $18 - If you've seen me, chances are you've seen me with this beautiful shade of rich brown on my lips (also the color I'm wearing in my blog headshots). It's become my "signature statement" if you will. I love a good matte lippie so this is the goat.

Base Butter Body Love Cream $19 - Made my first purchase from this brand months ago and delivery issue aside, it's a great body butter. Smells good, locks in moisture into my skin, and gives a light glisten to mimic some serious sun-kissed melanin.

Base Butter Radiant Face Jelly $21 - I've basically put all my face oils on the back burner and have been using this face jelly like its my last on earth. It feels amazing on my skin - my skin loves it. Soaks into the skin nicely and leaves it feeling baby soft. Very happy that they switched the packaging for this too because the squeeze top wasn't great. Love the ease of just being able to dip, apply, and go.

That's it. That's the post. If any of these items tickle your fancy, you should definitely make moves to give them a try. I'll be following this post up with a video for a more in-depth review of the products mentioned. I stand by each one for my own personal use and enjoyment. Have you tried any of them before?

5 INGREDIENT RECIPE FOR DAMN GOOD BOK CHOY

2019-08-01T20:52:00.000-04:00

I'm back after a decent hiatus yet again, lol. I have tons to "share" since life has been happening - happening. Until then, I decided to share my newfound obsession. Bok Choy. I can literally eat these by themselves and be fully satisfied.

Let me just say, I don't know why I didn't add this staple to my produce list much sooner. I've only ever had it in Asian noodle soups whenever I decided to eat out. Bok Choy is a type of Chinese cabbage that is a key ingredient to many Asian dishes. It's FULL of benefits for the body according to Pinterest gurus. Like any leafy green though, of course there is something to love.

BENEFITS OF BOK CHOY

- Helps to prevent cancer
- It oxygenates the body
- Gives your immune system a boost
- Good for eyesight
- Hydrating (contains about 80% water)

... any many other benefits you can research yourself. Naturally, whenever I want to attempt to cook or add a new ingredient to a recipe, I always seek inspiration from places like Pinterest and food-stagram. I ran across a "garlicky" bok choy recipe that I figured I'd recreate to make it my own.

I used 5 ingredients to achieve what you see above. Pure delicious veggies. I first took 3 "heads" of bok choy, cleaned them under water, and cut them each in half. I placed them into a big stir fry pan - added some water and allowed them to steam for about 10 minutes or so.

Ingredients:

• Avocado oil (or oil of choice/water)
• Minced Garlic
• Asian Chilli Sauce
• Sesame Oil
• Tamari Sauce

For my specific use for 3 heads of bok choy, I added 2 small tbsps of minced garlic and 2 tbsps asian chilli sauce into the pan with about 2 tbsps of avocado oil. You can also use any cooking oil you desire, or simply use water if you're avoiding oils. I mixed and placed halved bok choy pieces into the pan, allowing them to gain a light sauté.

After about 5 minutes, I added a tbsp of tamari sauce ( I used a gluten free tamari which still wasn't ideal for me since it has some soy in it). I then added tsp of sesame seed oil. If you want to give it a subtle hint of sweet, you can optionally add a dash or two of coconut or brown sugar. I allowed the bok choy to cook on each side for about 5 minutes - coating in liquids from pan.

That's it. That's the post. Enjoy it alone or do what I did last and eat it along side leftover plant based/vegan "crab cakes". You can definitely alter the recipe to your liking, of course. If you give this recipe a try, be sure to tag me on Instagram or come back to show some love in the comments.

Well, Hello Savage x Fenty

2019-06-18T17:49:00.000-04:00

If you feel sexy inside and under your clothes... half-naked is the next best part.

In May 2018, Rihanna dropped yet another sister brand to her already popular Fenty empire. Enter Fenty x Savage - a lingerie line of intimates created to compliment a variety of shades and shapes. I wasn't surprised at this move based on her Fenty takeover alone. Her influence brings in big bucks.

Unlike many stan-crazed peeps who go out to buy any and everything their favorite celebrity puts out - I waited a long while. I love me some Fenty Beauty but even then I waited long before I made a purchase.

I was in cleaning mode in my space recently and was going through my underwear drawer. I have a lot of black and gray intimates. I like to keep things simple. I felt I needed a change so I took to my email. I remember signing up for their email list and they are forever having promotions. I love a deal. You can say this was a spur of the moment purchase... le sigh. But money flows to me baby!

There was an email for a 50% off promotion going on. 50% off all bras and panties. This brought me back to the good ol' days of when I use to feel fancy for buying things out of Victoria's Secret as a teen. The way Savage operates feels a lot like VS. Anyway, I purchased 3 sets of intimates to lust in.

I do have to say that my initial reaction to her collection of intimates was a bit underwhelming. I mean its Rihanna ... modern day fashion icon. But then as someone who is also in business... I can understand especially as a new entity on the block. At the prices she's selling for, it's just too unrealistic to expect an elaborate Alexander McQueen meal with a Red Lobster budget.

I did manage to find a few items that caught my attention so I became a consumer. Here's what I've been wearing.

Set 1: High-Neck Microfiber Bralette // Micofiber Bikini | Candy Apple Red
Set 2: Unlined Lace Bra // Microfiber Bikini | Dessert
Set 3: Unlined Microfiber Bra // Microfiber Bikini | Caviar

The Material

The microfiber underwear are my favorite. The lining is thin, feels great on my skin, and is just an overall nice panty. If you don't know by now - ladies, this is not a panty you should be wearing during your periods lol - get cotton or bamboo for that.

The high-neck bralette is decent. I do love the back design of it and how it feels! The lace bra has been quite lovely - literally the only fully lace bra that I now own.

How Does It Hold Up?

It's been a few months since I've made my initial purchase with this company so I've been able to get a lot of wear and experience. For me, all the items have been holding up quite well. I was actually kind of shocked. I'm sure using an intimates bag for laundry has attributed this as well. Great way to keep your bras and such from knotting or getting entangled while being washed.

Any Update?

I've since made 4 more orders - lol. Mostly due to me forgetting that this service is automated so if you don't "skip the month" when you have no plans to buy, you'll be getting that nifty little email saying you have a store credit to use. Here I am. Don't worry ladies, I have video to follow up to this post so you can actually "see" the pieces.

Fishnet + Lace Bodysuit (Black Caviar) w/ Metallic Lace Teddy (White)

Unlined Microfiber Bra Trio (High-Neck Bralette, Hipster Panty, Unlined Bra) - Short Robe in Cold Blue, and High-leg Bikini Trio (Thong Panty, Bikini Panty, and Bralette)

3 Piece, Babydoll Lace Bikini Trio (White/Pinky Swear)

Have you all purchased and Savage x Fenty lately? What are your faves or dislikes?

QUALITY SKIN + BODY CARE WITHOUT THE SH*TS

2019-02-26T23:16:00.000-05:00

You ever wondered why you use certain products whenever it comes to caring for our skin? I mean, really why...

Is it because of social media? Is it because your doctor prescribed it to you? Is it because you're trying whatever promises to clear your skin issues up. I can attest to my own personal experiences that clear, radiant, and thriving skin starts from the inside. Cliche ... I know.

Growing up, I had some serious anxiety and embarrassment over the blemishes I had from chickenpox as a kid. I literally never wanted to wear shorts or short sleeves. Yes, wearing a jacket in the summer time was also me. I remember being told to soak in the questionable oatmeal baths, applying steroid creams, etc. All just to help my skin get clear again. Up until my teens years, my mom was the person buying whatever was cheap to do the job. Needless to say, not only did I experience skin ups and downs - but I became slightly obsessed with skincare.

Here is an accurate depiction of my 15 year old self.

Me: St.Ives makes my skin feel so good! I love apricot.
Me (the Kermit): But should it feel and smell good or actually work? You have a new rash.

Me: *reads ingredients* What is Cocamidopropyl Betaine? Oh well.
Me (the Kermit): Sounds hella shady Ne.

Here is an accurate depiction of my 17 year old self.

Me: I leveled up on you niccas! Got the whole line of Olay + I only bathe in the finest of Bath + Body Works. Love Spell is life!
Me (the Kermit): Yeeaahh... but those UTIs though? Summer's Eve isn't making it better.

Me: *reads ingredients* *gets curious, does research* Wtf?
Me (the Kermit): Welcome to the road less traveled sis.

The Rabbit Hole...

Ever since then, I've tried my best to research as much as I could about ingredients. I was still a teen so I didn't take the research as serious as I do now. I would find "healthier" versions of things when possible and use those. It wasn't until 2014 after I had my son that I started asking more questions and being even more curious. I even went full on vegan after I discovered my son had multiple food allergies - he was then breastfeeding + I ate all the dairy and meats under the sun. I went cold turkey.

It's amazing the things you learn after some research and run-ins with ill-informed doctors. Today, my skin and body care is probably 97% holistic and fully organic. I recently tried a new brand of skincare I discovered through the Hotep Twitter crew lol

Enter Lola + Doe, a small business that makes handmade, 100% organic, artisanal luxury goods for your skin. A bonus is that it's Black-owned - ya'll know I love supporting our own. The more I dug into learning about how corporate a-holes like Dove, Olay, and other mainstream brands are literally profiting by supplying poison - the more I pushed for using holistic products.

There are no guidelines for what's being used in these mainstream products. Fragrance is a popular ingredient that can literally be code name for anything (beetle piss, fetus flesh, etc). You just never know! 85% of the skin and body care products found in stores include things like:

Parabens
Phthalates
Triclosan
Formaldehyde
Benzophenone
BPA

...and more. All things that contribute to you having issues staying focused during the day, failing to lose the weight you continue to put on, and of course - contribute to serious illness (i.e - cancer). Yet, many people don't care because - lack of knowledge and lots of these products are "cheap" and market to their insecurities. Would you pass up a $3 face wash that promised to clear your skin in 10 days if you have acne (and can't afford to see a dermatologist)? Just saying...

We already have toxins in the air we breath and food we consume - why continue to willingly put it on our skin? The largest organ we own. Of course, things like detoxing, drinking more water, and eating a healthier diet can help folks' entire being evolve ... but if you want to start somewhere, start with everyday products in your home.

Prior to discovering Lola + Doe, I used Dr. Bronners products. Though there are a couple of ingredients they use that I'm still finicky over and their bath liquids are a bit drying, my search for a dope skin and body care brand was in heavy flow.

They just stood out to me. Even in the world of the hundreds of organic social media brands. I purchased from Lola + Doe on January 11, 2019. Since the products are basically made to order, I expected there to be a wait before shipping and delivery. They shipped my order out on January 28th and it was delivered to me on February 4th. Here's what I purchased (and yes, I'm a proud affiliate for their company):

You can obviously tell I have a love for hemp and mint. But I've used these products everyday since delivery. There was a mishap with packaging that caused some of the Sunshine wash to leak out. I was told to file a claim with USPS but later decided to just take an L. I wasn't gonna hold that issue against them. I know how it is dealing with customers as a small business myself. No big.

Every ingredient you can read and understand completely. The products are light, not heavy on the skin, and have visible results! I've seen some of their customers mention having success with clearing eczema and other skin ailments. My faves are the toner and mint face wash for sure - though they're all great!

Less is more when it comes to my skincare routine.

Check them out! They also offer body oils, scrubs, body wash (castile soaps), and products for your little ones. Take care of the babies. There is so much to learn and discover in this world. Don't allow the bliss of ignorance to set you up for a life you'll only want to talk about changing when sh*t hits the fan. Treat yourself and your health to some Lola + Doe.

5-FREE NAIL POLISH? BLACK-OWNED? YES PLEASE!

2019-02-20T15:14:00.000-05:00

Make time for you...

Literally words I have to constantly remind myself of.

As a stay at home mother of two humans under 5

A small business(es) owner

A newly trained doula

A soon to be certified childbirth educator

An ex-wife

A friend

A support system

Everything... - ya'll it can be a long shot with making time for just me.

I'm sure a lot of women can relate when I say the feeling of losing yourself after so many life changes never felt more real. Prior to becoming somebody's' mama, I was pretty deep into beauty and natural hair blogging and Youtube. I loved all things makeup and style, I even had a DIY wall full of nail polish that I either used or never opened. I was a nail technician lol ...

After having my son in 2014, I tried to keep the momentum but things slowed down for me. I was so invested in being this awesome mom and becoming a better wife even through the trials that I just stopped. I took a break from it all. A long break.

Fast forward 3 years and another kid later - I've learned to sort of make time to indulge in myself again. Though I still don't have free time unless its early mornings and late nights when the kiddos are asleep - I do enjoy when I'm away from home handling business. Though I'm still technically working, I'm without responsibilities for a short period.

I recently had the pleasure of being asked to be the photographer for an event in Atlanta last month. A networking mixer. It was during that time that I came across DKT Polish. I met the owner who is local to Atlanta - Shirlynn Brownell. Instantly fell in love with the beautiful nail colors she offered at her vendor table.

According to her website, her customer is:
"... conscious of what she puts into and on her body. She understands that in order to stay on top of the things this world demands from her, she must not only be physically active, she must allow herself access to quality ingredients not only on the inside, but on the outside as well."
She got me.
I normally stick to nudes and mauve pinks when using polish but I decided to live a little lol - so I purchased both After 5 and Shattered Ceilings. Definitely statement pieces for the nail beds. After 5 is my immediate go-to as of late. The red wine makes me feel bougie and blessed. I recently went to Iwi Fresh Garden Day Spa (another amazing Black owned biz) with farm to skin products - for the first time and had their nail tech Maya give me an organic manicure and apply After 5 as my color of choice. It was fly!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maya Johnson (@evelynn_nails) on Jan 30, 2019 at 8:38pm PST

Shattered Ceilings is a deep, regal blue polish in color and makes me feel as if it we were the very blue our royal ancestors rocked alongside that rich gold. It's beautiful. They both apply like liquid glass. Dries pretty quickly too but don't go digging in your purses too soon ... lol.
I love discovering great products such as this. I also love that as my journey to continue supporting both Black-owned and health-conscious brands, I'm able to still indulge in vanity every now and then.
See: Indulge In All The Things! Worth A Look.
Yes, I desire to be bad and bougie and still Badu my life, aight? With that said.. DKT polish is a 5-free nail polish, which means its free it's a polish that does not include:

Dibutyl Phthalate
Toluene
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde Resin
Camphor

Five toxins found in many mainstream nail polish brands. You gotta read this!

So next time you decide to hop into Sephora and purchase another OPI nail polish or grab an Essie at Walmart - buy black, support a Black woman, and spend $12 on a nail polish that's not out to poison your nail beds. You gotta eat with those fingers, sis.

Shop DKT Polish and give her a follow on Instagram.

Nope, this is not sponsored. *shrugs* - but tell her I sent you :)

You're welcome.

STICKY, VEGAN BBQ CAULIFLOWER WINGS

2018-01-27T13:39:00.000-05:00

“One to change a few. A few to change many. Many to change the world. Starts with one.” -Anonymous

It's 2018, okay. More and more people are trying to better their lifestyles and incorporating more plant-based foods and true soul food into their lives is one way they've been doing so. Vegan food doesn't have to be bland or rabbit food - you can legit create an alternative for every gluttonous carnivore meal you grew up loving. Believe it or not, there are people who actually grew up not loving the taste of meats, seafood, or dairy - all on their own free will. I was never a huge fan of beef or pork but would only eat those things growing up when my family had BBQs or holiday dinners.

Since being an adult and having to do adult things like cook for myself and my little ones, I see things a bit differently. One of my favorite indulgences before "going vegan" was chicken - lots of chicken. Hot wings, pasta with chicken, etc - but definitely buffalo chicken wings.

Thanks to the internet and the holy grail of recipe inspiration, Pinterest, I took to the kitchen to create my own version of wings for folks like me who chose the road less traveled. Yes, these "wings" are delicious and YES, they have been carnivore-approved by my sister, who LOVES her meats. Check it out.

The recipe is pretty simple and I'll even be sharing my recipe for the vegan ranch dip you see in the photos. Tastes JUST like ranch - no lies here. If you love sticky wings that melt in your mouth, you'll enjoy it for sure. No use of processed, vegan meat alternatives - only cauliflower. This recipe is gluten and dairy free. Grab this super easy recipe and see for yourself.

STICKY, VEGAN BBQ CAUIFLOWER WINGS

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

1 Head of Cauliflower

Panko Bread Crumbs - Gluten Free

Almond Milk

All-Purpose Flour - Gluten-Free

Garlic Powder

Chilli Powder

Himalayan Salt

Ground Pepper

BBQ Sauce

Sesame Seeds

PIN IT

How To Make Homemade Vegan Ranch Dip:

Easy stuff. Take a small bowl and add 4-5 scoops of vegan mayonnaise. Add garlic powder, chilli powder, ground black pepper, and less than half cup of almond milk - mix together. Add tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and mix again. Take a couple of fingers full of parsley and to chop up then add to mixture - stir into dip .

NOTE: You can use any plant milk you desire or even water. I just love almond milk. You can also use regular vinegar but the apple cider is way better.

Instructions:

Begin by prepping your batter for your cauliflower wings by cutting head in half, then cutting into florets. You can make them look however you please. You will need one bowl for your batter and one bowl for your bread crumbs. You can choose to pre-heat your over to 350 degrees but I didn't turn my oven on until I finished battering. To make your batter: Take two cups of all-purpose flour, add garlic powder, onion powder, himalayan salt, ground pepper, and almond milk to mix together. If batter is too think, add more milk. You want it to be a pancake batter-like consistency. Set aside.

Dip cauliflower florets into batter, coating them evenly then dip into panko bread crumbs, coating evenly. I used the Ian's Bread Crumbs here. You can do this process in one sweep or a few florets at a time. Add coated florets to baking pan and let bake for 25 minutes. Tossing in between, half way through. Remove after 25 minutes and coke the "wings" in your desired BBQ sauce. I used the Heinz Hawaiian Sweet + Smoky sauce here since I ran out of Organicville Tangy. Place back in oven for another 10-15 minutes.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped parsley - for aesthetic, ya know. Enjoy the warm, sticky and flavorful goodness your body will thank you for later!

What's a dope recipe you've tried lately?

CONSUMING MY PLACENTA + THE WHY

2018-01-19T16:25:00.000-05:00

It's been close to 5 whole months since I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl, Nala. Now that she's growing, things are starting to get a bit better as far as breastfeeding and routine goes. During this pregnancy, I was able to revisit the idea of placenta encapsulation - something I knew I wanted to learn more about and make happen if I was ever blessed with new motherhood again, and I was.

To some, consuming your own placenta is questionable and not fully understood. To me, it's sacred in a sense. For starters, my interest sparked when I unknowingly signed away my rights to my son's placenta before he was born. Like, does any woman ever question what they REALLY do with your placenta in those hospitals? I did. After such a bad birthing experience along with crappy nurses, I knew the second time around that I didn't want people like that caring for me or something as precious as my baby or the placenta. So... in good ol' non-mainstream fashion, I chose to keep my placenta.

Read: My Home Labor + Natural Birth Story

WHY EAT IT?

Well, unlike some crunchy mamas who actually worked the nerve to grind or fry up and eat their placentas like a lasagna meal, I knew off the bat that I wanted to encapsulate. If you know anything about mammals, they're notorious for consuming their placentas after birth - only humans aren't, which I found interesting. Plus, the thought of having strangers "discard" a part of me and my baby without actually talking with us about it, made me nervous.

The process of encapsulating was actually pretty simple. Of course, I did tons of research, made note of both views of placenta consumption - good and bad, and ultimately came to the conclusion that more women should probably look into this if they're pregnant and/or plan to be.

If you're the type to need a scientific study or proof of effects, you won't find much. Most people that have consumed their placenta tend to embrace natural processes over always needing a periodic table of formulas, ya know. To each her own.

WHY DO IT ON MY OWN?

Yes, they have people who actually run businesses that handle placenta services like encapsulation but again, total stranger to me. I wanted this experience to be one I learned from so when doing my research I noticed that paying a "professional" to encapsulate for you would cost anywhere from $250-$500. Of course, adding tincture and such could add to the price.

I was able to do it on my own for less than $130. Not bad, right? I didn't know of many black moms who consumed their placenta until I discovered that one of my favorite YouTubers, Ambrosia, decided to share her experience doing so with her first born. It inspired me to definitely give it a go.

The whole experience from beginning to end felt like my own personal ritual. I cared for the placenta so gently, treating it as if it were an actual life-form, when in a sense it still was to me. From drying out the placenta to encapsulating, it took me 2 days (only because I work from home and was still figuring out a better schedule at the time) but I'm sure it could have all been done within a day.

DOES IT HELP?

I can only speak for myself so yes. After birth, I had a case of the baby blues. I would get easily frustrated, go from happy to sad, and even felt defeated most days. I began taking the placenta pills daily - two a day - and the 73 capsules I made lasted less than 3 months. I didn't really notice a change in myself until maybe 3 days after. I'd feel optimistic about the day ahead and slowly started to feel like myself again. It's helped me and I've noticed the change.

I'll share a video of the process and end result of my placenta encapsulation on my YouTube channel soon! Go subscribe to stay in the loop!

If you've been curious or have thought about keeping your placenta - to bury or consume, share your thoughts in the comments below.

EASY, RAW VEGAN CHICKPEA + PEA SHOOT SALAD

2017-12-19T14:46:00.006-05:00

To some people eating a salad is just this boring way of trying to be healthy. For others, it could be the thought of eating rabbit food with no flavor. For people like me who love the power of greens, there's nothing you can't do without a little imagination, curiosity, and creativity.

I like to enjoy a delicious salad bowl quite often and this is no exception - and it includes some of my favorite ingredients. Pea shoots, garbanzo beans, red cabbage, sprouts, and delicious avocado, of course.

DOPE BENEFITS:

Pea shoots are these edible leaves of the traditional Garden pea plant. They're super versatile and bring a lot to the table when raw or cooked. The tender leaves can be used as a substitute for traditional salad greens or as a compliment to other recipes or side dishes.
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Garbanzo beans or chickpeas are legumes known for having great protein, iron, and fiber content. They can be eating raw, roasted, or cooked. If you're trying out plant-based alternatives, they're great for making vegan "tuna" and used in a meatless Burger recipe.

To prep, I soak them in water overnight to allow them to expand. If I'm not near a farmers market, I purchase mines raw from here.
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Sprouts are germinated seeds of legumes or grains. Lots of people love them because of their high nutritional value. They ensure blood purification and strengthen the immune system to protect against several diseases. They're also great for helping you to digest food detox, increase nutrient absorption, and if you love wheat gluten, it helps to break down gluten for easier digestion because we all know that human body can't properly digest gluten on its own.
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Red cabbage, also known as purple cabbage, is a veggie that contains 10 times more vitamin than green cabbage. It's beautiful hue makes it great for eye, bone, and immune health. It also strengthens your gut and supports fighting off cancer.
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Avocado one of my all-time favorite superfoods. Is best known for its benefits of heart health. Plus, my toddler and I totally LOVE eating it alone with a bit of pepper and himalayan salt. SO GOOD!

TRY THIS DELISH SALAD AT HOME

Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas) - use canned if you prefer
2 Handfuls of Pea Shoots
1 Handful of Sprouts
1 half of Red Cabbage
1 Avocado

Optional Toppings:

Diced Jalepeno (for a little spice)
Hemp Seeds

Season with pepper and a bit of Himalayan salt to taste and enjoy!

MY GO-TO MAKEUP PRODUCTS FOR A NEAR FLAWLESS FACE

2017-12-12T16:15:00.000-05:00

"Be a classy woman with a little bit of hood and a lot of universe in you."

- Unknown

It's been a long time but I've been slowly making my way back to loving makeup. I use to own TONS of makeup just because... then I became a mom and my new look became au naturale over everything, no matter what. I would only wear makeup on occasions where I'd be at an event or wanting to dress up just to doll up - so "getting glam" wasn't a consistent thing for me.

BUT... BUT... when Rihanna announced a line of makeup with over 40 shades for all women, I figured I'd re-evaluate my beauty life. I hadn't been so excited to dive back into playing in new looks since my mom gave me my first dark lip color yearrrrsss ago. (It was a deep burgundy lipstick by Fashion Fair Cosmetics).

I've dabbled in a few moments of sharing a light slay in the past few months - all thanks to the makeup products that I run to whenever I want to dress my face up just a little bit. I like to keep it simple, usually always neutral, and slightly bold.

MY WEAPONS OF BEAUTIFICATION

Face: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Primer + Foundation

I don't have to add to all the rave reviews about these two products do I? I will anyway. I LOVE them both! Before, I was using a BB Cream by Black Radiance as my foundation. It did the job but the Fenty foundation is doing the job and then some. The Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Primer has a lovely smooth/silky texture to it and is super light.

The Fenty Pro Filt'r Foundation is literally a second skin for me. I use shade 400, but I could getaway with wearing 410 as well. Light, covers just enough to keep it naturally flawless, and stays put on me all day. I have "normal" skin.

Face: LA Girl HD Pro Concealer - GC984 Toffee

I use this mostly under my eyes and as a primer for my eyeshadow. Never had any issue with creasing and it keeps my eyeshadow put - so I like it. I may give the Fenty concealer a try in the future though just to see if I like it better or not.

Eyes: Coastal Scents GO Palette - Cairo

This has been my favorite palette for over 3 years now. I no longer hoard eyeshadow palettes filled with colorsI'd likely never use so when I narrowed down my makeup, I kept it simple. I love Egyptian colors so the mix of matte and metallic in this palette is just perfect. I can do a killer smokey eye with it too!

Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick - Rust

This is my new favorite! I love a good deep lip color. It's perfect for Fall/Winter but I'll definitely be wearing this all year-round. It lasts all day and doesn't eave my lips feeling dry or cracked. I also wear a bold red lippie when I'm feeling fierce. I love and recommend Cherry Blossom by Coloured Raine Cosmetics.

Face: Black Radiance True Complexion Finishing Powder - Creamy Bronze

I don't always use a finishing powder but when I do, it's always this one. I've been enjoying it for a few years now and still going strong. It feels nice and gives a nice-looking "set" to my makeup.

What are some of your favorite products to use and why? Make sure to take a random day and do nothing but look fabulous doing it - that's my little tidbit of advance to you for some added self-care, fyi.

MY HOME LABOR + NATURAL BIRTH STORY - BABY NALA

2017-12-06T12:35:00.000-05:00

"I believe the choice to become a mother is the choice to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers there is."

- Oprah Winfrey

It's been 3 months since I gave birth. As I'm nearing the end of the dreaded 4th trimester, I wanted to share this experience as one I will never forget. I gave birth to a lovely baby girl on September 6th at the Atlanta Birth Center - hello full moon baby! There are so many things I remember that it tops my first birthing experience in regards to it being a lot quicker and seamlessly easier to go through.

THE WEEK OF...

I had been experiencing a lot of lower right hip pain. When you have a toddler that wants to always play, pull you up and down the stairs, and be carried close in your arms, you definitely feel it. Getting a prenatal massage helped me a bit. I didn't complain much because I wanted to make sure he felt as loved as possible. It being our last few days together with just he and I was bittersweet.

During this pregnancy, there were symptoms I had that I didn't have with my first born. From nausea to constipation to the hip pain. I knew she was close to arriving as my belly continued to feel as though it wanted to live right between my legs. Not to mention the Braxton-Hicks contractions that began to come more throughout the day.

THE DAY I KNEW...

It was a long morning. I kept waking up on and off, tossing and turning due to what I thought were just more random BH contractions. Finally, a little after 3AM, I woke up and rushed to the bathroom feeling as though I had to (explicit). lol - I was feeling constipated. Ugh! I attempted to go back to bed but those contractions kept coming and making it slightly uncomfortable to rest.

For the next few hours, I was up pacing back and forth, up and down the stairs trying to allow my body to do what it needed to. I still just thought "oh, it's just fake contractions, it'll pass." Around 5AM, I started timing them. Then comes 6AM and by then, they were beginning to come back to back. Since I wanted to birth naturally, I made use of breathing techniques, movement, and my beloved birthing ball to get me through the contractions. There was no pain, just what felt like intense period cramps that I knew wouldn't kill me.

Once they started to time 3-5 minutes apart, I gave bae a call and basically said, "sooo, I think today is the day." He went to rent a bigger car while I continued to breathe, bounce, and swirl through the feels. I also called my midwife to let her know what was going on and she recommended a hot shower and if possible, rest. I knew rest was not going to happen. My son woke up and while laboring, I went about making sure he was fed, started packing my bag, and prepped my shower. I ended up in my bedroom, on all fours breathing and vocalizing moans through several contractions coming 2-3 minutes apart.

Once daddy arrived, he went to help finish packing as I made my way to the shower. The shower was great. Things were definitely picking up because I was now moaning more than breathing through at this stage. He helped me out of the shower and we were getting ready to make a less than 2 hour drive to Atlanta. While he filled the car, I was trying to remember the important stuff. I had about 4-6 contractions I had to stop for as I made it from my bedroom to the staircase to the living room couch.

It was around 11ish when we left. I was on my knees, laboring in the back of the car while my toddler paid me no mind. The nerve. My midwife called maybe 3 times during the ride to make sure I was okay and getting close. I was a champ, knocking out those contractions like it was nothing. I was also pretty sure I had dilated to 8-9 centimeters. We arrived at the birth center close to 1PM. The midwives were outside waiting for me and were like, "you go girl! Laboring like this."

HEY BABY!

After arriving, I was triaged. I was already at 9 centimeters. Contractions kept coming as one of the midwives tried checking me out and getting me squared away. I was suppose to be treated with antibiotics for BStrep but baby girl said hell to the no, she was coming and coming fast. I got on the bed, on all fours, of course and started to push. LET ME TELL YA... THE "RING OF FIRE" WAS NOT WHAT I EXPECTED. It didn't feel like agony or anything. Just a short period of time where I told my unborn kid hurry it up already.

After her head was freed, the rest was just smooth sailing then she slid right on out - lol. Thus my little one was finally here... 10 days early and all. According to Western Astrology, I have a Virgo baby. According to the more accurate 13 Astrology, she's a fierce Leo. She literally arrived 20 minutes after we made it to the birthing center. That was fast. I also kept my placenta.

We all were able to relax afterwards. Since I was positive for BStrep, I was given a shot in the thigh after delivery and for the next few hours, we were both checked on every few hours. Delivering in a birth center has its perks. I was able to leave that night/super early morning once some paperwork and what not was taken care of.

Overall, this experience was definitely not what I expected. When most people hear that you plan to birth unmedicated, they look at you crazy and give all kinds of scare tactics. The nurses I had during my first birthing experience definitely laughed at me for even thinking that. I was glad to have the support and awesome midwife staff that I did this go around. Everyone's pain threshold is different i guess. I'd definitely do it all over again, changing nothing.

My toddler decided to fall asleep in my arms while I tried to nurse, He had a long morning. // Still taking it all in.

After baby decided to poop on me (hooray initiation, lol) - the midwife assistants gave her first clean-up.

Daddy with his baby girl. First born so he was basking in this new reality.

I've experienced both sides of birthing - medicated and not and doing so naturally for me, was pretty empowering. If you want to learn of my experience with the Atlanta Birth Center, I'll be sure to share along with the process of becoming a patient there. I'll also share what I did with my placenta.

What was your birthing experience(s) like? How were they different and are you team epidural or nah?

6 REAL THINGS NEW + EXPECTING MAMAS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BREASTFEEDING IN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS

2017-09-29T14:03:00.000-04:00

Hey! Congrats mama on the pending arrival of your little bundle of joy. If you're reading this, it's likely that you're at the point where you may be considering if you plan to breastfeed your baby or not. I may be biased but I've always been a fan of liquid gold for fresh out the womb little ones for various reasons - one being that I'm a crunchy mommy + I enjoy the road less traveled. However, if you also feel you may not breastfeed, IT IS OKAY! There can be many reasons why a woman chooses to not breastfeed as well. One good reason...

THAT SH*T HURTS!!

Well, for most of us it does in the first couple of weeks. Teehee.

Other than that, with baby comes LOTS of changes within and outside of bodies. Thumbs up for bigger boobs though, right? If you're planning to breastfeed for the "recommended" 6 months to a year or if you plan to do so exclusively, here are 6 things you'll need to know - or better yet, expect.

AGAIN, IT JUST MAY HURT YA!

... in the beginning. No one ever told me this when I had my first born. Then again, it may also not hurt you - it depends, I'm sure. But for most new moms, once our "real milk" begins to come in a few days after baby is born, you should prepare for some engorgement. No woman enjoys pain but the things we do for our babies...

Yes, your boobs will feel full, swollen, and with a newborn sucking on your bosom, a terrible latch along with other things can create a disaster. From sore boobs to cracked and hurting nipples. Ouch! I'll be the first to say that I don't remember having this pain with my first kid but with my newborn daughter... O M G! I literally have to re-learn how to breastfeed because of the pain I've experienced. After week 2, for many of us - it'll get better. Like they say, "you gotta push through it - if you can."

MOISTURIZE! PRACTICE! MOISTURIZE AGAIN!

With cracked and hurting nipples, comes the need to get them healing. You'll hear time and time again that you should continue to feed through the pain. After all baby still has to learn how to properly latch on without hurting you. Practice makes perfect. For some women, it's just not worth it and that's totally understandable. Some mamas try while using nipple shields. You could also pump instead of putting baby to breast for a short time to encourage healing.

If you want, nipple creams such as what hospitals give can be used but there is nothing better than freebies - your own breastmilk. You can express some of your own milk to apply to your nipples to get them back to normal. Almond or olive oil are good too.

BECOMING A NUDIST MAY BE AN OPTION

Don't worry - only do this in the comfort of your own home if you choose. When breastfeeding, you will be partially naked a lot of the time. In my opinion, it's better this way because you never know with your breastfed baby - they could eat around the clock!

Invest in tank tops and comfy nursing bras too. Those will be your new best friends. Specifically because they will have detachable straps and such to make accessing the boob much easier without you having to destroy your good non-nursing bras. I'm loving these.

PUMP FOR CONVENIENCE, NOT FOR SHOW.

So, there seems to be some mommy who-can-pump-the-most-milk cult going on. I've seen quite a few women be obsessed with pumping huge supplies of milk to store and show-off. Don't be that mom. Then again, there are also women concerned with whether they have enough milk for their baby. To me, what you produce is more than enough (unless you're not caring for yourself properly and drying up).

I think it's great to be able to breastfeed but to also be able to pump milk when needed for days where you want to get away for a few hours and interact with actual adults or allow daddy to do some extra bonding through bottle feeding. If your insurance won't cover a pump, this double, electric pump has been the bees knees for me and doesn't break the bank either!

STAY HYDRATED MAMA!

It's quite obvious, okay. You want to make sure you're taking care of yourself too. Drink PLENTY of water and always be sure to eat. I drank a lot of water during my pregnancy but slowed down after baby arrived so I had to fix that feeling of dehydration quick.

You can feel a bit woosy after giving away so much to feed baby so keep hydrated at all times and your belly satisfied, even if you choose to eat one big meal a day and snack in between.

FREE THE NIPPLE!

Don't be ashamed to breastfeed in public. You'll be surprised at how quick you end up not caring what others think when you find yourself in a situation where you either forgot a bottle or baby refuses to wait. Do what makes you comfortable though, so although your nipple may be free, it's okay to cover up if you wish.

I would find it quite rejuvenating to breastfeed in public without a cover-up most times. No one would be foolish enough to say something out of line to your face, right? If they are, this just gives you a great opportunity to burn off some good old post baby stress with shutting them up.

Affordable Eyewear 2017 w/ Firmoo Glasses

2017-09-05T17:30:00.000-04:00

If you're in the market for finding affordable eyewear, then Firmoo Online Optical Store is the place to be. Firmoo is an online optical retailer offering prescription and non-prescription eyewear for men, women, and children. They have super chic and classic styles starting as low as $19 and nothing over $39. Now compared to most optical stores, this is a steal for anyone not wanting to donate a kidney for a pair of good-looking frames!

I love Firmoo for many reasons. They have new styles everyday, 90 day warranties, and a 30 day refund/exchange policy in place. Any eyewear lover is sure to find a style they love on their website - whether you're rocking a look for fun or as a staple wardrobe + accessories piece.

READ: [Eye Got It] Firmoo Review - 2014

READ: A Purple Holiday With Firmoo - 2014

I reached out to Firmoo recently regarding a quick collaboration recently. Not only did I want to reconnect with them as a brand but I also wanted to share some insight into what they offer by aiming for trends I've noticed. As of late, clear frames seem to be the GOAT.

I actually find clear frames quite attractive. Due to my love for minimal and easy breezy aesthetic, my choice of eyewear just fits what I'm all about. Out of all available options, this style stole my attention. I'm rocking style #S1416 Medium in C6 - clear. Last I checked, it's also available in black and tortoise.

Now, the great thing about Firmoo is that you can easily customize your style of frames. Mines are straight-forward with no prescription but if desired, you can opt for prescription lens, bifocals, etc. You can even choose the thickness of your frames or lens color. I will likely need a prescription lens so once I see an optometrist, I'll take these babies to get the lens replaced.

If you're really fancy, you can also choose to upgrade your packaging and eyewear accessories if you don't want the standard packaging shown above. Only if you're really fancy...

If you're like me and love a good promotion, they currently have a BOGO going on so hop on it if you're in the market for something new to dress your face. They also have several promo codes available on their site so you can actually choose what you'd like to take advantage of. I surely plan to.

A VERY MINIMAL MAKEUP COLLECTION FOR NATURAL BEAUTY LOVERS

2017-07-20T18:17:00.000-04:00

This post has been a long time coming. Outside of holistic beauty tricks, I try to make sure my makeup purchases are always cruelty-free and vegan if I'm lucky. For starters, my makeup collection NEVER use to be this small. I was someone who once loved spending money on clothes, shoes, accessories, and makeup.

Like seriously, I hoarded some of everything!

SEE: Flirty+ Fabulous Beauty Haul (2013)

A few years ago when I was heavy into purchasing various makeup and beauty products, I literally had a collection that could have me looking like a legit MUA. This was before I had kids, of course.

After becoming a mom, I really just wanted to purge and get rid of the overwhelm I felt when going through piles of my things. So, I got rid of a lot, including makeup over the years - hence, my love for the more minimal and simple things in life now. I love having the more natural look and glow. Keep it simple.

Not only does my keep it simple mantra really reflect how I purchase and collect things, everything I have now all merge with each other. From a specific set of colors in my wardrobe to my jewelry to my makeup. I stick to the basics, which allows me to not have to worry about whether I have clothes to wear that I won't have to take hours piecing together alongside going through an entire forever makeup application, and so forth.

Looking back now on the amount of money I spent and wasted - I'm glad I grew out of that phase entirely because.... ridiculous. Let's get into what I use now.

I don't wear makeup often at all but when I do it's for things such as events, photos, my birthday, or date nights. Any other day, it's au natural baby! I always say there's no point in wearing makeup if your skincare routine doesn't exist - I definitely like to make sure my skin is cared for properly before, during, and after.

Moisture is my personal friend so I make sure to moisturize and prep my face before using makeup. I'm a fan of the Black Radiance BB creams so that is all I use to lightly apply to my face along with a concealer that I mostly use for my under-eyes and eyelids.

Pictured:

• Black Radiance BB Cream - 8917 Cafe (or 8921 Coffee Glaze), whichever is available.

• L.A Colors Pro Conceal HD Concealer - GC984 Toffee

SEE: A Tale of Black Radiance (2015)

I own three small and compact makeup palettes these days but this one is my go-to every single time. All the colors reflect the taste of my wardrobe and love for neutrals. I usually rock browns and golds on my eyes. I don't use a primer on my eyes - only the LA Colors concealer. My liner of choice has been a liquid liner as of late. When I have more time, I may use my cream liner and angled brush to get my wing on - both in the color black.

My other two palettes feature one with 5 colors on the smoky + shimmery side (blacks, silvers, coppers, etc) and the other features 4 more "colorful" shades (Indigo, Red, Deep Purple, and Magenta Pink)...just for when I'm feeling fun and wanting to play with my look.

Pictured:

• Coastal Scents Go Palette - Cairo

• Coastal Scents Liquid Eyeliner - Jet

My favorite part of wearing makeup when I do - lip color. I am head over heels with matte lips. I own three matte liquid lip colors that I love - the red being my ultimate go-to usually for just a pop of color. I have a color for a different type of look I go for - sultry, vamped, and laid back. Make sure you prep those lips and make sure they're nice and smooth before rocking a matte lip - or any lip color for that matter.

Pictured:

Coloured Raine Cosmetics - Cherry Blossom

Coloured Raine Cosmetics - Roulette

Coloured Raine Cosmetics - Mars

Of course I have tools - one set of makeup brushes, my favorite mascara, and even a finishing spray. That's the bulk of it, literally.

STAY AT HOME MOM-LIFE + RIWBOX HEADPHONES [VIDEO]

2017-06-27T13:03:00.004-04:00

My everyday life often consists of a daily routine that either stays the same most of the week or takes a few shortcuts throughout the day - lets say both on a regular basis. I get up every morning and usually have a nice cup of tea, then read chapter or so of any book I'm enjoying. My biggest task to meet on a regular however is being a mom. The greatest and sometimes hardest position ever! Especially doing it alone. I've been handling single parenting quite fine this year also - so I'm quite proud of myself.

Single mom? Not quite. I have a pretty great partner in my life now that does A LOT for me that's made things just a bit easier. From taking initiative to clean my entire kitchen effortlessly when I'm too tired to or giving my pregnant behind much-needed breaks and enjoying quality time with my super active (sun)shine Channing. It's the little things.

So in between running behind a carefree two year old to running multiple online businesses, work/life balance is something I don't even think exists because so much requires attention from me. The balance for me comes in the form of a "gut feeling". In my world, it's just much easier to go with the flow of things and not get so hung up on having such a strict "schedule". This is what works best for me.... just saying.

Two things that allow me to get work done and still juggle playtime with my firstborn - creative thinking and LOTS of music. Gotta keep the vibrations high.

I do all of my work from the comforts of my laptop and as of late, on the floor. What's the point of owning a office desk right? - to easily say yes to the seat at the carpet level, duh? With my beverage of choice, playlists, and tasks awaiting my attention - I get to work.

I bought my son this super affordable art easel from Ikea last month along with a couple of other things meant for his upcoming birthday to enjoy. So while he's being an artist or mechanic, I can actually accomplish some things. Lately, I've been vibing to my playlists on SoundCloud and Spotify using my new RiwBox Foldable Headphones. I LOVE THEM!

The brand sent me a discount code to give them a try. They're foldable, comfortable, noise cancelling, and definitely nice to look at. Plus the packaging wasn't bad either - the leather pouch that protects the headphones are a nice touch. My music sounds pretty good through them and I can work without getting annoyed by them. My last pair of headphones were too "itchy" and left me with questions. So if you're in the market for a new pair of headphones, you have my blessing on checking these out for sure.

If you're curious, yes they work with all devices (with 3.5mm jack) - Apple, Android, Tablets, etc. The audio cord that's attached can control both your microphone and volumes. The cushy earpads are a lovely comfort too. You can see how I rock these and juggle mom-life in my latest YouTube video. I'M BACK... so subscribe if you enjoy!!!

FTC Disclaimer: I was not compensated with monetary offerings to share this product, but given a discount to purchase and review. All imagery and opinions are 100% mine.

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RED LENTIL TACOS + HOMEMADE DILL SAUCE

2017-06-15T19:57:00.002-04:00

Another delicious recipe from my go-to arsenal of good eats and yes, it's completely vegan. My journey with eating a plant-based diet has definitely not been easy as slicing pie. I took a few corners in my time - craving things I wanted to avoid and such- then ultimately giving into temptation. If you're looking to improve your eating habits, definitely start off slow and replace your faves with healthier alternatives as you go along. The more you read up on and learn about, the better chance you have to find your happy place again with food that won't kill ya.

I am a HUGE lover of tacos. Any Mexican-inspired dish really so naturally, instead of wasting your money on crappy Taco Bell, give these red lentil tacos a try. What the hell are lentils you ask? They're a type of bean or what I know as a legume. They also come in various colors - like green, brown, and yellow. Super easy to cook and has a delicious nutty/earthy flavor. There are some pretty cool benefits to them too. They also contain more protein than most other beans and legumes.

I love using lentils in recipes like tacos, vegan sloppy joes, soups, burgers, and more. Follow my food diary on UhOhVegan for more food ideas to get your body a little lighter on the deathbed spectrum (lol) - too dramatic? Eh, sorry. Moving on.

RED LENTIL TACOS + HOMEMADE DILL SAUCE

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Red Lentils - (recently tried these )

White Onion

Chopped Mushrooms

Taco Salsa

Hemp Seeds - ( I Use These )

Avocado Oil

PIN IT

Spices:

Chilli Powder | Garlic Powder | Red Pepper Flakes (optional if you want some extra spiciness)

How To Make Homemade Vegan Dill Sauce: (dill is great for digestion)

You will need mayonnaise (vegan, of course), a lemon, ground black pepper, and fresh dill. I'm not the measure your stuff out type of girl, I simply use enough for what I'm making (for seconds, thirds,and fourths). Take a small bowl and add the mayo (I used 1 cup), the juice of half a lemon, some black pepper, and finely chopped dill, then mix altogether. Add a bit of water if you desire a more fluid consistency.

NOTE: There are several ways to make a vegan dill sauce - you can add avocado, ground cashews, etc. It's all preference.

Instructions:

Begin by prepping your ingredients for the dressing of your tacos by taking your chopping up your onions and mushrooms. Give your lentils a nice soak in water while you prep. Grab a saucepan and add your lentils along with 2-3 cups of water. This depends on amount of lentils being cooked. Bring to a boil then turn heat down and allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain any excess water when done. While lentils cook, lightly sauté your onions and mushrooms in avocado oil - add 1 tsp chilli powder and 1 tbsp garlic powder for some extra flavor if you like.

Grab your taco wraps (here's a vegan option or simply use lettuce), add choice of lettuce (I used romaine) and some cooked lentils. Top off with your veggies, some delicious salsa, and sprinkle with hemp seeds. Enjoy!

What's a dope recipe you've tried lately?

3 SIMPLE HABITS TO A CLUTTER-FREE HOME WITH SMALL CHILDREN

2016-12-09T13:55:00.000-05:00

Over the past 2 years I’ve learned to master the art of living clutter-free (for the most part). Aside from my biggest battle with having a small child - the toy collection that seems to always grow thanks to family who truly believe children need every eye-catching thing in store, living clutter-free has become the ultimate way of life for many people.

Keeping a clutter-free space of course takes a lot of discipline and does require those who tend to be more attached to their belongings to have a bit of motivation to let go one step at a time. In this case, if you have small children, clutter seems never-ending alongside your own personal belongings so here are 3 habits you can start to create to a more simplified, clutter-free home with small children in the midst.

1. GET RID OF WHAT IS NEVER USED

This is the find, sell, donate, and recycle stage of de-cluttering. As a mom, my biggest mountain and first order of operation was getting rid of toys that according to my son’s playtime, found useless. Old toys from his infant stage to random gadgets have all been donated or given away to children in my family.

My son is pretty heavy on racing cars, trucks, and trains nowadays so those are his daily go-tos which I kept. Golden rule, if it hasn’t been used or played with in 3-6 months, let it go. Great way to avoid things just taking up space in your home. That goes for old clothing your children may have hiding in the backs of their closets and yours, etc.

2. IF YOU MOVE IT, PUT IT BACK

If you’re one of those people who knows exactly where you place something and if it’s moved, you notice immediately? Well, I am a firm believer in giving things in my space a “home”. Children have a wild habit of freely picking up and dropping things off wherever they lay so this is a quick way clutter builds. Make it a habit to pick up toys and other items and put them back in their proper places. I do this throughout the day. Also, storing things where you’re more than likely to house them is a good hack to making sure returning items to their space is much easier.

3. DON’T HESITATE THE TASK

I know as parents, we usually have pretty busy lives. Sometimes it may feel impossible to get things done in a day’s time so we tend to put off doing things that could easily be done and out of the way.

Things like finally taking out the trash, making beds, or folding up the clean laundry that’s lying around on the floor are just a few of things that can be done in good timing. This leads to a less messy space overall.

I know after a long day of running behind a toddler boy, I’m beat but these simple habits do allow my end of the day routine to be a lot less stressful and gives me the time to relax and enjoy the evening. When the kids are down for bed and your home is clean, grab yourself a glass of wine, slip into something comfortable (my latest has been these awesome "Bubbles" Yoga leggings you've been seeing in this post from Chic n Geeks - they feel great and hug in all the right places. You can grab a pair here.) - then show yourself some love.

How do you try to manage your clutter at home, whether you have small children or not?

6 CONSCIOUS WAYS YOU CAN GIVE BACK TO MOTHER NATURE

2016-10-01T18:45:00.000-04:00

By now, it should be no secret that our world's current state is in a massive shift and juggling panic simultaneously. Although, many of our everyday lives may not seem affected by the "outside world" - it's being affected everyday.

I've been getting a lot more into being more conscious about how I've contributed to Earth's destruction in the past and even today. From thoughtless loitering to how much water that is possibly being wasted on a daily basis. As someone who has a young child, I began to question the future even more. It's not often that adults of any age tend to think about how they'll leave the world - or the people who'll be left behind to deal with it. It's also safe to say that aside from myself, it's nice to know that others (and even big businesses) are actually making the effort to "go green" or at least be more aware of how we attribute to things such as global warming, landfill overflow, and outrageous consumerism that eat up our natural resources.

So, I wanted to share a few ways that you, me, your mama, your papa, your friends, and life can begin to step into the right direction and start giving Mother Nature some tender-loving care once again. Earth Day shouldn't be the only day we want to suddenly save the planet.

1. LOWER THE SCREEN LIGHTS
Believe it or not, there is a greener alternative to your everyday routine. When it comes to our laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones - these things are really brightly-lit, energy-sucking vampires. To help you reduce the energy being poured from your daily usage (and allow your devices battery to live a little longer) try making use of the power-saving options for once.

Start to dim the brightness of your screens as low as possible but to where you can still comfortably see without straining your eyes. On my smartphone, I have a battery saver icon I can tap to automatically dim my screen light and save on energy either automatically or as soon as my battery hits a certain percentage. The same goes for our personal computers and tablets - you can make use of sleep modes and be sure to power them down completely when not in use for long periods of time.

I use to suck at turning my laptop off before bed. Needless to say, that laptop died a slow death. I've grown since - thankfully.

2. SHOP LOCALLY
There's nothing better than supporting the growth of your own community - whether you like it or not. Shopping your local farmer's markets or neighborhood gardens is a great way to help sustain growth and local business.

I love that Atlanta has several farmer's markets for purchasing the produce and delicious home-grown items that I love. Not to mention that you can save money and buy in bulk with most items. Great way to "go green" to avoid eating out creating more takeover trash or excess cleanup for the hardworking restaurant folk.

3. EAT LESS MEAT
When the livestock industry generates wayyy more greenhouse gas emissions that cars do across the planet ... you got to wonder what the hell is really going on. In order to keep this industry thriving, forests have to be terminated and annihilated. Not really a good look for the long-term. I'm all for enjoying a nice hot meal but try consuming less meat and adding more fruits and veggies in your diet. Trust, you'll be doing yourself and your future a huge favor.

Want a meatless alternative to DIY at home? Check this out.

4. OPT TO CARPOOL
This is a good one! I could practically be an Uber or Lyft brand ambassador - I use them interchangeably often. Also, living in the city, I have access to the local transit of buses, trains, and street cars so naturally, if I'm ready to explore, I carpool and discover the city for the day. You'll be lessening your personal carbon footprint and giving the atmosphere just an ounce more of breathing room. Plus, taking a quick 15 minute walk up the street to the store instead of driving doesn't hurt.

Cars alone cost a nice piece a change considering gas, emergency finds for damages, yearly tag renewals, etc. Save the driving for when you absolutely have to and try carpooling a day or two out of the week. If you're lucky, you could even make use of a ZipCar if you don't have a car or simply need an alternative to renting one. Give yourself a break and learn to enjoy what's around you for a change. I've discovered some pretty amazing things (and encountered a few weirdos in the process) but it all is apart of living more intentionally.

5. SAVE SOME ENERGY
My absolute favorite way to save on cashflow mostly. I am VERY strict in my household when it comes to energy. Because utility bills in my neighborhood are worthy of a "you ain't sh*t" award. In addition to lowering device screen lights - it's only right that you unplug chargers, TVs, and other devices plus lights when they're not in use.

My apartment gets a ton of natural light so during the day, literally no lights are turned on. I go as far as turning them all off completely from the circuit breaker box. Yep. Things like the dishwasher and other appliances I never use, always stay switched off. Basically, all electricity in rooms I don't use except the bedroom and sometimes the living area are off. I turn them back on once it gets dark and off again in the afternoons for the rest of the day.

You can also save energy by knowing the peak usage times within your area. The utility companies can usually give you this info if you ask for it. Helps to know when people use the most energy during whatever peak hours and when they don't during more quiet hours. You may also save by doing things like washing laundry during non peak hours instead of busy ones. FYI - cold water instead of hot is just as great with cleaning cycles.

6. RUPURPOSE AND REUSE
You know how there are cat-ladies? Well, I could be a glass-lady. I purchase quite a few things that come in either glass or cardboard. I'll use glass bottles or mason jars to store bulk spices and cereals. I try my best to avoid plastic BUT ... the struggle. I'm doing way better than I was 2 years ago.

Be disposable conscious. To decrease waste, purchase long-lasting products that can be reused, refilled or recharged. If you do use disposables, choose those made with recycled or recyclable materials. Say, if you buy mushrooms, get the ones in the recyclable cardboard instead of the plastic. I do. Or using muslin bags instead of plastic produce bags for veggies and grains.

When I was growing up, plastic bags in the household were literally trash bags, doggy bags for leftovers after the family bbq, and everything. It was a silent rule in the house to never throw them away after mom went grocery shopping. Needless to say, many of you know what I'm talking about. Nowadays, whenever possible - bring your own reusable bags when you go grocery shopping or retail shopping. Places like Target, Kroger, and the Dollar Tree all have reusable bags you can purchase instead of using plastic. Dirt cheap too. I own quite a few.

By taking small steps like those shared above, you're making moves to live a more green lifestyle, becoming more sustainable, and reducing your carbon footprint to help the planet you live and breath on a bit easier to inhabit.

5 BLACK-OWNED VEGAN RESTAURANTS TO TRY IN ATLANTA

2016-08-24T19:23:00.000-04:00

I have a huge love for food. Even before "going vegan", I was literally the the girl who everyone thought had a tapeworm. I'd eat a lot and never really gained a pound. This started maybe before high school when I noticed my body began to drop weight - thus having to learn to embrace my so-called new figure. Nowadays, I still eat as much as I want without the worry of getting the itis or feeling extra crappy afterwards. Eating the way I do now has its benefits.

Since moving to Atlanta full-time last year, I've discovered some pretty dope places to spend my cash. All are Black-Owned businesses that I would recommend anyone to try out when you want to feed your face with something good. I also share my favorite menu items for each so if you want to check them out, you'll at least walk in knowing what you're looking for.

1. TASSILI'S RAW REALITY - Menu Here / Directions

Located in the historic West End District, this place was one of the very first that I gave a shot. The location is literally a 2 minute walk from West End Park and is in what looks to be an old Duplex - turned business. The atmosphere is very relaxed and "energy-spirited" with Bob Marley or some other vibe out tune playing over the radio. The people are very sweet too - welcoming.

They have a lot of raw choices, including drinks, popcorn, kale chips, and desserts. Some of their menu item names may shock you at first but I found it to be interesting. I've already been more than 5 times and my faves include:

Alapoopoolala Wrap (try it with 50/50 mix kale, Black Love Stew, and hemp seeds - and be sure to ask for half size (9.99) if you don't want the monster size, which is about $20)
Curried Plantains
Collard Salad
Drinks To Try: Melanin Magic and Mango Aloe

2. GO VEGETARIAN - Menu Here / Directions

My family and I stopped by here during our new home search last year. It's located in a plaza alongside a couple other restaurants and I believe a bar/club. Seems to be a secret hotspot for some health-conscious celebs.

The atmosphere is nice, employees are nice too. We had a few menu items during our visit just to splurge and enjoy the evening.

Black Bean Burger (I asked for gluten-free bun)
Grilled Vegetable Medley (grabbed this instead of onion rings that come with burger)
Strawberry Cake (so good!)
Caramel Cake
Cashew-Based "Orange" Ice cream (avoid if you have a nut allergy, ok?)

3. HEALTHFUL ESSENCE - Menu Here / Directions

Strolled into this spot one day when I was having one of my baby-free, self-care days alone. Since I had free time on my hands I wanted to try a new place and I've heard a few good things about this Caribbean location (they also have a food truck) - which is also in the West End. You meet many different people here - from GA Tech students to world travelers - (great for conversations with strangers).

The menu was pretty easy to follow and the prices, decent. I grabbed a combo plate that was about $10 or so. It was a good meal to end my day. They do have a selection of drinks and desserts that seemed to look delectable. What you see:

Curried "Un-Goat"
Black Beans + Brown Rice
Plantains
Cabbage
Alkaline Water

4. VIVA LA VEGAN - Menu Here / Directions

This place is literally my go-to next to Tassili's. You may pass by it on your first visit because my family and I did. It's located to what some may call "the hood" and looks like an old, closed storefront sitting between two convenience stores so I was surprised we actually found it. SO it may look a little sketchy from outside but don't judge a book by its cover - the gems be in the cuts ... most times lol.

When you walk in the art and lime green walls definitely pull you in. The locals that visit there are very conversational so it's nice chatting with others who share similar like-minded thoughts on food. I've been a few times so soon I'll be expecting to see my face on the Favorite Customers wall of fame or something sometime soon lol ... no seriously. I've tried:

Philly Sub (made with jackfruit! This is my ULTIMATE choice every time.)
Dill Fries
Tacos (decent but not super amazing)
Chilli Cheese Fries (looove them!)
Big Kale Wrap - (good if you don't want to just make your own)

I also hear the buffalo cauliflower sub and cheesecakes are the bomb! I'll be going back on my next visit to try a dessert for sure.

5. VEGAN DREAM DOUGHNUTS - Items Change Daily / Directions

Another spot I've heard great things about - homemade donuts free of sugars, gluten, soy, and dairy. It's about 5 minutes by car from Viva La vegan and located right across the street from the West End Mall on the corner of a building plaza with Afro Centric network (African shop), a nail salon, hookah bar, and a Jamaican food spot. You can't the miss the front of the store since the outside is painted with traditional Jamaican colors.

The inside looks pretty un-done so aesthetically, it's not much to see. There was a table where the donuts were displayed so according to the guy that was there when I went - the items change up on a daily basis. I was told the cinnamon rolls are super good but he was already sold out when I got there It's first come, first served in this case. Doughnuts made fresh everyday. I bought about 6 or 8 for about $22. The doughnuts I tried were exactly as others described - a guilty pleasure I'd keep around. Try out:

Caramel Banana (my favorite!)
French Vanilla
Blueberry Cinnamon
Drink to try: Pineapple Lemon Ginger (hella strong/potent taste!)

** If getting anything with organic fruit on it, be sure to ask how long they've had it sitting out at room temp before buying. Just FYI.**

Have you ever visited these places? If not, what would you want to try most?

ANOTHER EPIC LIST OF 100+ MORE BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT

2016-08-11T01:58:00.001-04:00

Image / CreateHER Stock

August is coined as BOB month and I'm back with another list of amazing Black Owned Businesses you can check out, share, and support. Just last year, Black buying power was estimated at $1.1 Trillion and is currently at $1.2 TRILLION this year. By year 2020, our spending power will be at a whopping $1.4 Trillion according to the 2016 Nielsen report! I've put together a list of over 100 black businesses and services you can support this month and every month after. Many of them I've purchased from and many I plan to support in any way I can. We literally control the buying culture since we are the ones spending the most money.

The question that comes up when it comes to these numbers is, how will Black America leverage this to create wealth? To effectively create Black economics, we have to first get in the habit of supporting our own as much as we can - just like every other race already does. Challenge yourself to outsource and support a BOB for your everyday essentials in beauty, hair, biz, and more! In case you missed it, check out last years epic list here.

ANOTHER EPIC LIST OF 100+ BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT

FOOD - HEALTH - WELLNESS

Well Fit Curves - Website | Facebook | Twitter
Food Before Love - Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Charleston Crunch Co - Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Food Love Tog - Website | Twitter | Instagram
Divas In Transition - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Run/Walk Beginners Program - Website
Femme Fitale Fit Club - Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Faces of Kidney Disease - Website
Kye Tea House - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Sow Much Good - Website | Twitter
Master Peace Coffee - Website | Twitter
Nspiyahd Life - Website
Daily Fitness Zone - Website | Facebook | Instagram
Golden Sage Homemade - Website

COSMETICS - NAILCARE

Moni B Cosmetics - Website | Twitter
Nuria Talori Cosmetics - Website | Instagram
Juvia's Place - Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Cheap Cheeks - Website | Instagram
Alpha Male Nailcare - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Lai D. Nails - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Gold Label Cosmetics - Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Coloured Raine - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Fashion Fair - Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Dirty Beauty - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Tajj Cosmetics - Website | Instagram | Facebook

FASHION - APPAREL - SHOES - ACCESSORIES

HUMAN Collection - Website | Instagram
KuratedByKE - Website | Facebook
ChryssVI - Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Adorned By Chi - Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Custom Kicks By MiMi - Website | Instagram
Essence Murjani - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Coloring Pins - Website | Instagram
Ekineyo Basics - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Live Life Well - Website | Instagram
Wifey N Training - Website | Instagram
Seriously Natural Tees - Website
Authentically Made - Website
Slay Culture - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Ayanna Listenbee Collection - Website | Instagram
Aphrodite Kinks - Website
Nefer Vibe - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Bottle Blonde - Website
Global Couture - Website
House of Moruka - Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Miss Rockwells Racks - Website
In A Beautiful World - Website
She Shes Closet - Website
Tees In The Trap - Website | Instagram
Heather Hightower - Website
I'm Tailored Boutique - Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Rock Your Faith - Website
I'm Beauty Inspired - Website
Inteelligence - Website
Audacity Tees - Website | Facebook
Yani Co - Website
Differently Clothing - Website
Maya D Style -Website
Another Pair of Shoes - Website | Instagram
Brown Girls Are Dope - Website
Carry Africa Artisan Marketplace - Website | Instagram
Shop Nspiyahd - Website | Instagram
Fearlessly Faithful Co - Website | Instagram
The She Shop - Website | Instagram
EthiniqRoots - Website
The Art of Chanel Christoff Davis - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Ven + Rose - Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Political Pins - Website
Mess In A Bottle - Website
Unapologetically Us - Website
Naturally You - Website | Facebook | Instagram
Akilah Itan - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Pin Vibes LA - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Chic N Geeks - Website | Instagram
Tiffantasy - Website | Facebook | Instagram

MEDIA - RADIO - NEWS - PODCASTS - DIRECTORIES

HoneyBe Natural Magazine | Website | Instagram
The Black Mall - Website | Facebook
Bronze Magazine - Website | Instagram | Facebook
CRWN Magazine - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Black Girl Magic Mag - Website
Southern Impact Mag - Website
Cherished Flight Podcast - Website
Joblogues - Website
One Mo Minute - Website
TMOS / Take Me Off Speakerphone - Website
The Colored Boy - Website
The Extraordinary Negroes - Website
Artistic Standard TV - Instagram
The Coco Gawdess - Website / More
SwagHer Magazine - Website

SUBSCRIPTION BOXES

Planner Bits - Website
The Self Care Box - Website | Instagram
(Kids) Scrumpt Box - Website | Twitter | Facebook
(Men's) Harrison Blake Apparel - Website | Instagram
(Men's) J Cooper Neckwear - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Cheap Cheeks - Website | Instagram
My Best Box - Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Brown Girl Box - Website
Essentials Boxx - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Natural Hair Bride Box - Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

INTIMATES - BEAUTY - SKINCARE

Blyss Body - Website | Facebook | Twitter
Rodan + Fields - Website
Shop LaVadge - Website
Skin Im In - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Naturally Me + You - Website | Instagram
Maya India Spa - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Pooka Pure + Simple - Website
Waist Language Inc - Website
MsSadeNicole - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Selah, Be - Website | Instagram
Beauty School Scarlet - Website
KoKo D Swimwear - Website | Instagram
(Men's) Eyegasmic Brand - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Nakimuli - Website | Instagram
(Men's) Master Shave, LLC - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Ilera Apothecary - Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Clara Bea Essentials - Website | Instagram
Fountain of You Therapy - Website
(Men's) HIM by DNA - Website

MOM - BABY - CHILDREN - TEENS

CoCo Pie Clothing - Website
Makys Bows - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Happy Mango - Website
Wesley Lerans To Invest - Website
Your Queens Costumes - Website
Mom 2 Be Maternity - Website | Instagram
Sunshine Fabric + Designs - Website | Twitter | Facebook
Zyrobotics - Website | Twitter | Facebook
Nelson Beats The Odds - Website
WorldSmart - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Two Brooklyn Babes - Website
Lilinash - Website
K-Write - Website

HAIRCARE

Textures Natural Haircare - Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
XOXO Virgin Hair - Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Flor Bella Boutique - Website | Facebook | Instagram
Naturally Happy - Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Lace Wig Straps - Website
Curlkalon - Website | Instagram
Bask + Bloom Essentials - Website | Instagram
Curly In College - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Egghead Soques - Website
XoXo Hair - Website | Facebook | Instagram
Tree Naturals - Website | Twitter | Facebook
It's Yours Hair Co. - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Kim Kimble - Website | Instagram
Lached + Hooked - Website | Instagram | Facebook

LIFESTYLE - HOME GOODS - PARTIES

Hip Hop Homemaking - Website
Pretty Plus Pep - Website
Innclusive - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Saving These Coins - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Slim Crafts - Website
LivLovely - Website
House of Marley - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Whitney J Decor - Website | Instagram
Tanikia - Website
BeBlogolicious Shop - Website
The Confetti Collective - Website
Black Card Revoked Set - Website
LooHoo Wool Dyer Balls - Website | Instagram | Twitter
The Vintage Vogue - Website | Instagram
NiLu - Facebook

DESIGN + FINANCE + CONSULTING

Pinterest Marketing Strategy - Website
Lady Judah Enterprises - Website | Facebook
AV Does What - Website
Digital Doyenne - Website
ChryssVI - Website | Facebook | Instagram
Divno Je - Website
The Rosario Group - Website
HUNCreative Design + Photography - Website | Instagram | Twitter
The Glamour Effect - Website
Positive Influences - Website
Brand Luxe - Website
Ana Lorian - Website
Narsha Design Co - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Sights Set - Website
Live Life Well Travel - Website
Fresh Medley Designs - Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Macon Designs - Website
Saidia Financial - Website | Instagram
Brandy Butler Online - Website
Nicole Williams Collective - Website
Talent Think Innovations - Website
Common Cents - Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
TamikaInk - Website
Content Marketing Geek - Website
Aisha Adams Media - Website
Vashti A. Joseph - Website
A Strong Visual - Website
Riot Customs - Website | Instagram
Virtual Projects - Website
Kriss Did It - Website | Instagram | Twitter
The Bronze Hustle Agency - Website

BEVERAGES - WINES - SPIRITS - SMOKES

Charles WIne Company - Website | Instagram
Destiny Moscato - Website | Instagram
Rivulet Liqueur - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Earl Stevens Selection - Website | Instagram
Fou-Dre Vodka - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Cajun Fire Brewing Company - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Harlem Blue - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Brooklyn Brewery - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Simply Pure - Website | Instagram
SoRen Tea - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Jin + Ja - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Mofaya Energy Drinks - Website | Instagram | Twitter

FINE ARTS - STATIONARY - CRAFTS - PHOTOGRAPHY - VIDEO

Potent Quotes - Website
I'sha Gaines Photography - Website | Instagram
The Art of Chanel Christoff Davis - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Narsha Design Co - Website | Instagram | Twitter
LeSha Brewer Photography + Designs - Website | Facebook
Photography By Valerie - Website
HUNCreative Design + Photography - Website | Instagram | Twitter
Voulez Boudoir - Website | Instagram | Facebook
Silver Iris Ent - Website | Facebook
Studio 404 - Website
Photo Story Collections - Website
SCM Films - Website | Facebook | Instagram
Timely Grace - Website | Facebook | Instagram
Cosmic Medium - Website

WHO WILL YOU BE SUPPORTING THIS MONTH? SHARE ANY BUSINESS YOU'D LIKE TO ADD TO THIS LIST IN THE COMMENTS! LET'S SPREAD THE WORD!

More Resources:

RAISING A PLANT-BASED EATING TODDLER

2016-05-26T12:02:00.002-04:00

You know, life is pretty care-free when you're without child. There is no having to think about whether you'll get enough sleep, no having to worry about making sure you're making the best choices - you can just live life, have fun, and do whatever to reach your goals. Then when you have children, IT. ALL. CHANGES.

See Read: Dear Sun, Sincerely Motherhood

When I was growing up, life wasn't all silver spoons and cash money. If mom was struggling, we never knew it. I was raised well but as I got older, I began to question a ton of stuff. Things like why we were expected to eat, learn, and grow in the same way. I was always "different" and I guess it showed. When I became a mom, I knew three things: I didn't want to fall into the same cycle as my family, I wanted to be a mother who respected the future she carried, and I wanted to do more than just say "I love you".

Fast forward 22 months later - my son will be turning 2 in July. When he was born, my choice to breastfeed him was nothing to think about. I knew the liquid gold was always going to be my first choice, especially if I was able to do so. According to society, I should have stopped and started to wean him at 6 months. Of course, I dismissed that foolishness. My toddler still supplements with breastmilk (from the boob only - he never was a fan of bottles or pacifiers, hallelou!) - Trust me when I say extended breastfeeding benefits definitely outweigh the awkward stares and lack of knowledge others project with their opinions. I'll save that for another post.

When my son was "old enough to start eating real food", the first thing my mom and others would tell me were to:

Add real milk to his diet (cow milk is not meant for humans, yo!)
Let him eat on a chicken bone (is he a dog?)
He can have cheetos, it won't hurt him
He needs to eat more than fruit and veggies Neosha... he needs meat too. (yeah, maybe if it wasn't lying around dead and dormant at Walmart)
If he doesn't get his shots on time, he'll get sick -__- (insert huge laughs)

Imagine the looks on their faces when I refused to feed my child cow pus, processed and karma-filled meats, not follow a vaccine schedule, eat hot cheetos at 8 months, and sugar-loaded koolaid. You would've thought I was a damn foreign object. As a mother, I realized I had to make better choices all around. It was no longer just me I had to worry about, but a child as well - plus, society has been lying to us for too long already so at some point we have to take FULL responsibility for ourselves. Of course, with my family and maybe even strangers, I'm sure their concerns came from genuine places but I also knew that majority of society lacks true understanding of their own selves, let alone their own health. Like, how is McDonald's healthy because they offer salads?

Anyway, my choice for adopting plant-based eating came from the day I was eating a can of soup. I gave my little one a few of the noodles to eat. One hour later when he woke from his nap in tears - his face was covered in risen warts. *insert concerned mama face* - it got to the point where I had no clue what to do and my child was falling asleep in a way that made him limp. My family called 911 and I ended up taking him to the emergency room.

Note that it was a true waste of time. The DOCTORS had no clue what really caused the problem and quickly said "maybe a spider bit him" (what the hell you mean "maybe") and they gave him a small dose of meds to stop the itching and bring him back to normal - but I already knew it was the noodles (that were made using wheat/gluten). From that day on, I vowed to kill off dairy, meats, and go gluten-free and to further avoid over the counter medications completely.

It was hard for my family to understand my choices - his father was supportive though even if he didn't fully "get it" yet. My mom is a huge advocate for running to Tylenol, doctors, or any medication for that matter for everything from a runny nose to an itch. My quest to heal my son of his eczema and handle his food allergies was my goal so the day I set the record straight there was no changing my mind. Our health mattered and suppressing it was not on my agenda in any way. After eliminating dairy, meats, and gluten out of my own diet, I began to see drastic changes in my son's health and his skin. If I backslid and ate a peanut butter cookie, he'd itch up a storm - if I stuck to plant-based, he was as fresh as his newborn flesh. Back to 22 months later, he's one of the happiest, healthiest, most friendly and loving children I know. All because I stuck to my gut and ignored the naysayers and the opinions of others on how I should raise MY child.

See Read: Don't Avoid The Love of Your Black Son

Fighting to keep myself focused on why I started was a struggle but today - watching him and seeing him thrive is all that matters. Aside from my family still believing he's spoiled and "too attached" to his own mama - they see how loved he is and respect the choices I chose to make. Gone are the days of asking me when he's going to go see a doctor or if he can have koolaid and hot cheetos for a snack. Sidenote: He saw a doctor after his second birthday (just to say so) - confirming his health as I already knew it to be.

I'm not saying every parent should follow my example but this is what has worked for me and my household. If being self-sufficient is something we should all strive for, no better place to start than with your own health - because at the end of the day, the healthcare system in America is a business (money comes first). I allow myself to trust my gut and that I know better and do not have to take every single word from others as gospel.

NeoshaLoves

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RAISING A PLANT-BASED EATING TODDLER