Category: Lifestyle & Beauty Tips

  • 9 Damn Near Free V-Day Ideas (If You Don’t Have A Babysitter)

    9 Damn Near Free V-Day Ideas (If You Don’t Have A Babysitter)

    In a few weeks, Valentine’s Day will be here. It seems like we just kissed our boo for New Years, doesn’t it?

    No matter how quickly it arrived, it’s almost here so let’s celebrate! For me, V-Day is going to be alot different than in years past. I mean yes…there’s COVID. But I also have a 20 month old son who will be celebrating the day with my husband and I. Which to be honest…I’m totally happy with because he’s most definitely my valentine.

    This just means that we have to get creative when it comes to romance. But that’s BEEN a thing since he’s arrived. Sooo, if you find yourself planning a day for your SO and them babies, you might want to continue reading. Here are some ideas on how you and your bae can still share special moments on February 14th.

    Image of girl writing

    1. Each of you write out 10 questions you want to know about eachother that you don’t know. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been together. There’s always something new to learn.

    Couple cooking together

    2. Search for a recipe for a good item that neither of you have made before. And cook it together.

    Couple dancing

    3. Turn your living room into a nightclub. All you need is a playlist and cocktails. You can even dress up like you’re going out. Then dance the night away. (And there’s no need for a designated driver.)

    Couple adding face Masks

    4. Once the kids go to bed, turn your bedroom into a spa. Add soothing music, face masks, warm oil to give eachother a massage, and some candles.

    Playing a board game

    5. Turn it into family game day. Pick a board game that everyone can play. Don’t forget favored snacks, fruity drinks for the kids, and adult drinks for you.

    Doing a vision board

    6. Plan your future with a vision board. It might not sound romantic. But planning your year together can be very sexy!

    Watching Movies at Home

    7. Make it a movie night. Let each person pick a rom-com you want to see and spend the night binging on them.

    Filling a photo album

    8. Print out photos from your phone. Then spend the night putting the pictures in photo albums. How romantic would it be to reminisce on what was going on when you took the photos.

    Laying in the bed

    9. Create scavenger hunt with clues that your boo will find throughout the day. And make the “prize” YOU after the kids are in the bed.

    Any of these sound like something you would do?! Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • 5 Things 2021 Taught Me That I’m Elated To Take With Me Into 2022

    I can’t believe it’s 2022. It just sounds so futuristic. It makes me think of the times I would watch movies when I was younger. Cars were flying, robots were serving food, microchips were being implants and the time was 2022. It seems so crazy and far away at the time. Now that the year has finally arrived, it just sounds so crazy to say it aloud…2022!

    WTF?!

    Between COVID, politics, racial tensions, unemployment and beyond…these last two years have been quite eventful. And now with 2022s arrival, I decided to sit down, take a breath, and assess what I’ve actually learned this past year.

    Want to hear it?! Well, here it goes…

    #1. Mama Bear don’t play that shit.

    Picture of mama and son riding in Car

    Let me preface this by saying that I’ve always kind of been one to say what’s on my mind. But with that, I would always fall back off of expressing certain feelings because I didn’t want to ruffle any feathers. Since having my son, I’ve found that I don’t give a damn if the feathers get ruffled so much that they fall on the floor and wither away. This past year, I’ve been tested so much by people who tried to talk to me with disrespect and/or treat me with disrespect. Particularly family members. It’s funny how people treat you when they think they can get away with it. Then they turn into a victim when you call them out on it. 2021 taught me to say what I mean and mean what I say. Even if that means that people will stop wanting to associate with me. I give respect to all and demand respect from all. Its important for me to show my son that it’s okay to stand up for yourself. I no longer walk on egg shells for anyone.

    Stacks of Money

    #2. Don’t spend just to have shit.

    Like some of you, my finances have been unpredictable. Being an entrepreneur makes it even more important to make smart money moves. So spending just to have a crapload of inventory or because something was on sale is so 2021. I used to buy all of kinds of stuff just to have it. For instance, I would buy tons of fabric to make various looks for the handcrafted collection. Then make several pieces in different sizes and wait for them to sell. Sometimes they would sell and sometimes they would just sit in inventory forever!! But now, I make a sample and then make each piece when it is ordered. It helps to cut back on wasting money (and fabric). 2022 is about continuing to make smarter decisions.

    Smelling roses

    #3. Life is short, stop and smell the damn roses.

    I’m a very goal oriented, list making type of person. And I still am. But I don’t sulk when something isn’t completed exactly as planned. Like I did in 2021. I’ve found that my life won’t fall apart if I take a day off to binging on Netflix with my husband or playing with my baby. As long as I’m doing something it will get done. Plus, taking breaks is great for your mental health.

    Image of going on a journey

    #4. My entrepreneurial journey is mine and no one else’s.

    I’m a talker. And so there are times when I’m just having conversations with someone and before I know it, I’m spilling the beans on business things that I’m working on. 9 times out of 10, the person that I’m speaking with will throw some shade on my idea. But I had to realize that this is my journey not theirs. That’s why they are still working at a job that they hate. Because they are scared of failing or lack of ambition. That’s their problem. Not mine. I’m on my own journey. Soooo, 2021 (and years past if I’m being honest) has taught me to keep my damn mouth closed.

    #5. Shit, I Need To Wearing My Own Label More!

    I’ve basically been in the house for almost 3 years. Mid 2019, I was in the early stages of my pregnancy. So, I was scared to do anything. Then early 2020, COVID hit and I chose to stay in the house ‘til I had my baby. After his birth, I’ve definitely been in the house cause I didn’t want to risk him getting sick. So, wearing an oversized t-shirt has been my uniform for the last few years. But since we thought COVID was dying down, my husband and I decided to get out to attend our family holiday party. Of course, I needed something festive you wear. I searched high and low without finding even one thing that I really liked. Nothing seemed to suit my style. That’s when I decided that in 2022, I’m wearing Fashion Not Fear only. With the exception of jeans. I mean it is my brand. Plus, who knows what I like to wear more than me?! 🤷🏽‍♀️ Watch out for my posts here and IG showing what I’ve made myself.

    Soooo excited to see what 2022 has to offer. And not to see what comes my way. But to see what I MAKE happen. What are you taking into 2022? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Help! I Did My First IG Live And It Sucked! Any Tips?

    Help! I Did My First IG Live And It Sucked! Any Tips?

    Last weekend was the kickoff of a Holiday Guide that is hosted by The Front Market. It supports women-owned businesses, businesses owned by people of color, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses. I’m so excited to be featured in the guide!

    To kick off the event, I decided to do something different and go live on IG. It seemed like a fun way to show off some of the pieces that will be available in the guide.

    And let me tell you…it was interesting.

    I must’ve said,

    “Sorry guys, I’m having some technical difficulties .”

    At least 8 times. From my phone falling off of the tripod to the lighting, it was pretty terrible.

    I set up the clothes on a rack and gave details on each piece. I pulled at least 10 pieces. Yet, the entire live only went on for about 12 minutes. It is so crazy how I’m such a talker. Then when it’s time to talk, I’m stuck. I feel like I’m just rambling and not staying focused.

    People popped in an out. I tried to say hello to those who came it while still talking about the pieces. It just felt like it was sooo bad. I usually feel very confident in the things that I do, but this live this is another beast.

    Since doing it, I’ve realized that it is something that I want to get better at. Plus, i can definitely see how a “good live” can help my business.

    Image of Instagram likes going up

    Soooo, I need your help. Do you have any tips you can share with me that will help make my love more successful? Is there anything in particular that you would like to see in my IG live? Please share in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Fashion Gifts That Anyone Would Love

    Finding fashion gifts can be difficult, especially when the person you can buying for is particular about what they wear. There are many unisex items out there that everyone can appreciate. 

    Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay 

    Necklaces

    Necklaces are a great gender-neutral fashion accessory. You can find them in different styles and materials, to suit anyone’s taste and preferences. 

    They are a great gift that can commemorate a special occasion as well as act as a gift for a friend in grief. You can personalize necklaces with photo lockets, birthstones, or initials. You can even purchase urn necklaces for ashes that help a friend hold that special person that they have lost close to their heart forever. Necklaces come in so many varieties that will satisfy every person, occasion, and style.

    Sunglasses

    Glasses

    Not everyone needs prescription glasses. But, most people will need sunglasses for the warmer days. Not only does everyone need a pair, but they are a great accessory to springerize an outfit. 

    Although finding a style that person will love may prove difficult, sunglasses are a gift everyone will make use out of. To get the style right, it will be useful to take inspiration from their current style and collection of glasses. 

    Sweatshirts

    No matter who you are, you are bound to love loungewear. Whether you are cold or simply want to be comfortable, loungewear is the best go-to. 

    Sweatshirts are versatile. They can be worn to lounge in as well as style with some smart trousers or shorts. They are also an easy throw-on piece for warm days and cooler evenings. 

    To make it more personal to that person, you can find a sweatshirt in their favorite color, print, or with a fun logo on it.

    Bunny shaped handbag
    Studded Bunny Bag

    Tote bags

    Relaxed bags are always in style. They can be used to hold groceries or your laptop. They are an easy and convenient item to have in the wardrobe, which can be handy for any occasion. 

    Although tote bags do not scream fashion, they can easily be made into a bit of fun and as part of an outfit. 

    You can personalize them with fun colors, patterns, or prints. This means that you can find tote bags to suit anyone’s style and needs. 

    Bomber jackets

    Bomber jackets are a great gender-neutral piece that is suitable for any style. They are typically worn oversize, so men’s bomber jackets are often worn by women for that cool and relaxed look. 

    You can often find vintage bomber jackets in charity shops, which are ideal for those who love nostalgic fashion. 

    Scarves

    Speaking of vintage pieces, vintage scarves are easy to find in shops. Or, you can purchase brand new ones. It really depends on the gift receiver’s preference and style. 

    A scarf is a versatile piece for women, which can be worn to stay warm or as a top. For men, they are primarily worn to stay warm or as a fashion statement. No matter the person’s style, they will likely need a scarf at some point in their lives to stay warm and cozy during the colder months.

    What other fashion related gift ideas did we miss? Drop them in the comments…

    Contributed post

  • Clothes Storage Tips for People That Live In Hot and Humid Climates

    Clothes Storage Tips for People That Live In Hot and Humid Climates

    Contributed Post

    As we start moving into hotter weather, a new threat starts to emerge in our wardrobe; humidity. Hot and humid climates can eventually lead to a lot of moisture build-up in our homes. These conditions can eventually lead to mould in our living areas, but worst of all, they can actually start to affect our clothes and storage areas.

    Sweating

    Humid conditions aren’t helped by our home conditions and things can quickly spiral out of control. If you’re not prepared for these potential conditions, then it could cause major issues with your clothes storage. So in this post, we’re going to talk about a few ways how you can store your clothes and keep them safe from hot and humid conditions.

    Clothing flatlay

    Check your air conditioning or HVAC unit to see if it’s producing a lot of moisture

    It’s worth contacting a 24 hour AC repair to help them maintain your air conditioning unit before we get into warmer weather. The issue that a lot of people face is that they don’t properly store or maintain their air conditioning unit when they’re not actively using it. We’re starting to come out of a period of cold and wet weather, so there’s a chance that our HVAC units need a bit of maintenance in order to work correctly.

    Emoji sweating

    One of the biggest problems is that HVAC units can struggle to remove humidity depending on weather conditions. However, it can also be affected by fan speed and also the condition of the evaporator coils. If the air conditioning unit hasn’t been used much in the past few months, then there’s a chance that dust might be gathering on the coils or the air filter might be dusty enough that it’s failing to remove any moisture. A scheduled maintenance can ensure that your air conditioning unit is working correctly.

    Use cloth bags for storing things and keep desiccant packs around

    Cloth bags are an excellent way to store things that you won’t be wearing for a while. For instance, if you’re switching away from your winter wardrobe and have a unique dress that you want to protect until next season, then you should ideally keep it in a clothing bag so that it’s protected from any potential moisture and it also takes up less space on your clothing rack. The clearer you keep your wardrobe, the easier it is for air to flow around which leads to less mould growth and more moisture release.

    Another great way to remove moisture from certain areas is to use desiccant packs. These are the little white packets that you might find in bags of food or cooking products. They’re excellent for sucking up excess moisture and we highly recommend putting a pack or two of them in your shoes, storage cupboards, and even in your wardrobe to help keep the moisture away. Desiccant packs are not edible and should be kept away from children, so make sure you’re aware of these potential dangers before you buy a load of them.

  • Here Is Why I Don’t Feel The Need To Make A Big Deal About Black History Month

    Here Is Why I Don’t Feel The Need To Make A Big Deal About Black History Month

    Pictures of black family

    I am a black woman. I have a black family. We educate those who are interested in our culture every chance we get. We celebrate and embrace who we are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Not just during the month of February. It’s just that simple.

    You don’t have to be black to appreciate other cultures. Let’s celebrate and respect eachother all of the time. How does that sound?

    Drop your thoughts in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Besides A Mask, This Is The Other Thing I Couldn’t Leave The House Without!

    Besides A Mask, This Is The Other Thing I Couldn’t Leave The House Without!

    Masks and sanitizer are always the two things I’m checking for when leaving the house. I never, ever leave home without either.

    But in addition to that, there’s another thing I’ve kept strapped to me as well. It’s the belt bag!

    Belt bag

    It’s been so convenient since I need to be hands free while in a store. I can stuff my real essentials in there like sanitizer, masks, money and keep it moving!

    It matches with everything while still being super stylish and comfy. Putting it around my waist and going out is just easy.

    Belt bag

    If you’re looking for a unique mask and sanitizer holder, look no further! Cop the Hands Off Belt Bag. 🤷🏽‍♀️

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Small Things That Can Make Your 2021 Better Than 2020

    Small Things That Can Make Your 2021 Better Than 2020

    Let’s be honest…we are all over it! 2020 that is. There’s no need to list the reasons. We all know why. With everything that happened in 2020, who hasn’t heard the chatter of people saying, “They can’t wait for 2021”. And although, I’m in that same boat, I can’t help but to think…how can 2021 better than 2020?!?! If we’ve learned one thing from 2020, it has to be that we now understand that there are soooo many things in life that we can’t control.

    Throwing away 2020

    Even though we can’t control what goes on in 2021, we can certainly small, simple things we can do to make the most of it.

    Here are some ideas…

    #1. Create a Vision Board of what you want your 2021 to look like.

    #2. Write down what your grateful for in a Gratitude diary.

    #3. Learn something new from a sport to new language and/or skill, etc.

    #4. Set a list of goals to slay.

    #5. Stay prayed up and positive.

    #6. Be ready to get outside. Since being outside creates less risk of the virus, find things to do that you can enjoy with those you love. Like a socially distant potluck, movie night in the backyard on blankets, etc.

    These simple tasks should help you start your 2021 smoothly. Remember to be safe, wash your hands and wear a damn mask! 😉

    Wear a damn mask

    Thoughts on how to make the best of 2021?? Drop them in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • How To Make The Day Count (It’s Easier Than You Might Think)

    How To Make The Day Count (It’s Easier Than You Might Think)

    It wasn’t until the end of my pregnancy that I started to realize how much I let my days go by aimlessly.

    During my pregnancy, I spent so much time worrying about my health, the babies health, and COVID-19. Wondering if I’m gonna have a c-section or not, constantly researching every single symptom and reading tons of stories about pregnancies that ended terribly. Towards the end of my last trimester, I started to realize that I spent so much time focusing on bullshit that I didn’t just enjoy the process. Gaining weight, eating everything, feeling the baby move around, basking in the happiness with my husband etc.

    During that time, I began replaying the last few years of my life and noticed that I had been just going through the motions for a while. Helping to take care of my sick dad, doing everything my then fiancé wanted me to do (just because I thought it would make him happy), spending weekends at multiple family events when I really wanted to just stay home and watch a damn movie. It was just a lot of doing everything for everyone else. Not spending time with me and making the day count for me.

    Thank goodness those days are long gone. I snapped out of it. I really feel like my son helped me get there and he doesn’t even know it. He put perspective and focus in my life.

    Soooo, here are some tips that help me to seize the day and make it count. Hope it helps you…

    Your won schedule

    Work off your own schedule. Not anyone else’s.

    If you’re asked to do an activity and you don’t want to do it. Don’t. Only fill up your schedule with things you want to do. Not things others want you to do.

    Tell no lies Nipsey hustle

    Make it your business to be honest with others about your feelings.

    Lying just takes a lot of time. And can hurt a lot of feelings. Save yourself some time and keep it real.

    Show gratitude Beyoncé

    Take a few minutes (if not more) to show gratitude for things in your life that you’re grateful for.

    You might wake up in the morning and feel grateful for the sun to shine in your bedroom. Take a moment to soak it in and feel that gratitude. I am a night owl, so each night I find myself staring at my baby and husband; soaking in the love and how grateful I am to be blessed with them. It really just feels good.

    Make a daily goal list.

    Getting things accomplished can always make you feel like you kicked the days’ ass. So, make a list, check it twice, and knock off as many tasks as you can. It can be as small as watching something you have on DVR to creating a budget.

    Don’t let others put all of their bullshit on you.

    This is a big one for me! I’m the person everyone calls when they want to talk. But I can’t let their energy transfer to me. I’ve found a way to dodge it. Sometimes I’m straight up by telling them that I don’t want to hear any bullshit. But if you’re not ready to do that, change your tone to sound uninterested and hopefully they catch the hint. Or just say you have to go. Don’t waste your day worrying about someone else’s crap.

    Stick by what you decide.

    I had a habit of making a decision. I’d back and forth a million times pondering if I made the right decision. Now, I don’t do anything without giving it some thought. After I’ve done that, I make the decision and move forward with it. No use in wasting your day worrying about if you did the right thing. What’s done is done.

    Do what puts a smile on your face.

    Do something every day that makes you smile. Watching your favorite show, going for a run, eating something sweet…whatever it is…do it! You will never regret it.

    What are some of the things you do to make the day count? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Our First Tree As A Family

    Our First Tree As A Family

    My family always had an artificial tree growing up. Each year, we would dust off the previous years’ tree on the day after Thanksgiving. Then, spend the day decorating it.

    Things have changed since meeting my husband. He grew up with real trees. So, when he suggested it on our first Christmas together, I said yes with much anticipation. I quickly learned why I was happy to accept the change. The tradition of picking a new tree every year is the start of the holiday season for us and brings on some serious holiday cheer. The smell of the tree makes our home smell like a fresh air from a forest. Plus, they are so pretty to look at. Its certainly a tradition that I want to pass on to my son.

    We were so excited to share this tradition with our son that we just couldn’t wait until after Thanksgiving. Nevermind the fact that with everything going on in the world, it’s nice to do something that brings on the happiness. So, with that in mind, we headed to a Christmas Tree farm about 30 minutes away from where we live.

    It was a quick trip but lots of fun. Although my baby slept through the whole thing!

    Besides the topper, our tree seems to be missing something. I’m not sure what it is but it looks like I’m about to go online to search for more decor ideas.

    Have thoughts on how I can jazz up our tree? Do you prefer real or artificial? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋