Dear Black Man, you should be prioritizing self-care too! Whether you need a drink or hours in front of your new PS5, treat yourself to some alone time with YOU.
It's time to start shopping for gifts and I wanted to start with self-care because, well...we all need it now more than ever! Whether you're in need of a self-care night or you know someone who is, this self-care gift guide is perfect for a night of intentional self-care.
Shop the links below and take care of yourself!
If we're being honest, it's been a hectic and slightly rough year for most of us. 2020 came in like a wrecking ball and tried to take us out -- but here we are, 32 days until Christmas and the Holiday Cheer is all around us!
It's time to start shopping for gifts and I wanted to start with self-care because, well...we all need it now more than ever! Whether you're in need of a self-care night or you know someone who is, this self-care gift guide is perfect for a night of loving on the most important person in your life; YOU.
Shop the links below and take care of yourself!
As much as we've been through this year, we all deserve a lil dranky drank at our upcoming [small and safe] Holiday gatherings! I have to give credit to my "Soulmate / Pink Starburst," Mrs. Nia Cannady, for this spiked cider recipe. Nia made this cider for everyone at our housewarming party (her surprise engagement party) last year and I've been hooked ever since! If you're planning to have this at your Holiday parties this year, head out and get your ingredients ASAP because the two most important items are seasonal.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
*serving size is for ~12.*
INGREDIENTS:
2 bottles of Captain Morgan Gingerbread Rum, 2-3 bottles of Trader Joe's Spiced Cider, Oranges, Apples, Cinnamon Sticks, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves (optional)
STEPS TO MAKE IT:
Pour Spiced Cider into crockpot and turn on low.
Slice your apples and oranges (as many as you want). Add them into the cider.
Add 3-4 Cinnamon Sticks, 1 tbs of Ground Cinnamon and 1 tsp of Ground Cloves.
DO NOT ADD LIQUOR YET. Give your cider time to mull (at least 30-45 minutes).
Add a full bottle of rum + 1/4 of second bottle to cider after 30-45 minutes and let all of your flavors blend together for at least 30 more minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy!
*I hope yall read that title in your best Brady Brunch voice*
I’m back with another #FallMustHave! This time we’re talking skin.
If you live in North Carolina then you know how unpredictable the weather has been....one day it’s cold and the tire pressure light is on, next day it’s 80 degrees and we’re blasting the A/C again!
On top of WEARING YOUR MASK (which I HOPE you're all doing), all of these changes can be so harsh on your skin. So I’ve added a few new items to my routine to make sure I'm keeping as much moisture in as possible during the seasonal transitions.
Soothing CBD Facial Oil x GlassSkinCo.
With 100mg of CBD/fl oz., it’s ideal for all skin types and helps regulate oil production in the skin, while also acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. Vitamins B & E promote soft skin and help deliver the much needed hydration into your skin as we endure the most unpredictable Fall ever!
My Wax Guru, Jade Aiken put me on to this STAPLE item! Exfoliating gloves promote healthy skin by removing dead skin cells, stimulating blood circulation and leaving your skin smooth. I no longer have to spend money on expensive exfoliating products because all I need are these gloves and my favorite body wash (currently, that is this Dove Glowing Mango + Almond Butter Body Wash). You can purchase exfoliating gloves at Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.
After you exfoliate, it's time to replenish the moisture. I am a huge fan of handmade body butters! They are packed with essential oils, they leave my skin feeling smooth and smelling delightful. yurbody is a Black owned company that makes butters that cater to folks who deal with hyperpigmentation and other skin conditions like eczema. I like to hydrate my skin in luxury and your skin deserves the same!
What are your skincare must haves for the colder months?
I've been really hesitant to admit it, but I think I'm ready...Fall is now my favorite season. THERE I SAID IT! I love the weather and the activities of summer, but Fall fashion is a clear winner here.
One thing I love about the fashion of this season, is that staple items get to come out of the closet and make a lot of noise! My favorite staple item for the fall is a jean jacket. Distressed, oversized, dark or light; denim jackets are the perfect compliment to any outfit!
Click this link to see how I styled my oversized denim jacket FOUR different ways.
Whether you dress it up with boots, or keep it casual with sneakers, jean jackets are perfect for any occasion! I've snagged 3 jean jackets this season and paired them with a little black dress, printed pants, graphic tees and 2-piece sweatsuits.
Like I said, with this staple item, the possibilities are endless! Follow me on LIKEtoKNOW.it for links to some cute and affordable denim jackets that you can add to your wardrobe!
If you're not sure what look to try first, create a Pinterest board with all of your favorite denim jacket 'fits! Then get to shopping!
During the Holidays, family traditions are so important and exciting for me! My favorite traditions involve food (surprise, surprise!) and one of my favorite girls, my Mama. She can do no wrong in the kitchen! I asked her to teach me how to make her delicious sweet potato jacks so I could share the recipe with y’all — I hope you enjoy!
*Disclaimer: I asked her to type out the recipe and she said (and I quote), “I really don’t measure my ingredients anymore, but here’s a little of how I might do it.” Lol sooo...do with that information as you please!
Ingredients:
Sweet potato filling: 1 pound of sweet potatoes (boiled and peeled), 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of evaporated milk, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar (add more as needed), 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, pinch of salt
"Jack:" Pillsbury Rolled Pie Crust (premade) or Biscuits
Cooking Instructions:
Mix all of the ingredients together for sweet potato filling.
Unroll piecrust and use a rolling pin to flatten (not too thin).
Use a coffee mug or a bowl to carve out piece of pie crust (size depends on how big or small you want your jacks to be).
Heat oil in a skillet (medium heat).
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of the circle of dough.
Fold dough in half (Use water or butter on receiving edge of dough as a sealant) and use a fork to make the pie indentions on edge of jack.
Repeat for as many as you want to make.
Check to make sure your oil is hot enough.
Place jacks in oil and cook until golden on each side.
