2025
The theme for this year’s Pick of the Month is, ‘Tried and True’. I’m getting back to the roots of my monthly picks featuring products I’ve personally used and that live up to their claims. As usual, I like to keep it cute with cost because spending a lot of money when you don’t have to, isn’t the flex people think it is. Let 2025 be your year of embracing something new, something tried, and something true.
January 2025: Dynamic Duo: Facial Cleansing — Yuka Rated Excellent and Good
Clean and clear skin is always in. Some people are blessed to have it by simply washing with water, while others, like myself, have to put in more effort. I have other favorite brands from Sephora and I’ll blog about those…
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Click HERE to keep reading2023
For my Pick of the Month, I’ve always shared something tangible. This year, I’d like to share something different with you. Healthy practices. Each month I will feature some exercise or technique that can enrich your mind or body. As I’ve embarked on this journey of well-being I’ve found myself challenged and surprisingly less stressed. A recurring theme I’ve noticed is that happiness and well-being are intentional.
January 2023: Self-Discipline | “It starts with you”
I kept going back and forth about what I wanted January’s Pick of The Month to be and I decided on self-discipline. Discipline is an activity, exercise, or regimen that develops or improves a skill. Self-discipline is when you apply that… Continue reading January 2023: Self-Discipline | “It starts with you”
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February 2023: Breath and Stretch | “It feels good”
Everyone knows you should stretch before and after your workout, right? But what about stretching just for the sake of stretching? Just stretching because it feels good. If you aren’t, you’re really missing out. General stretching is so underrated. It takes… Continue reading February 2023: Breath and Stretch | “It feels good”
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March 2023: Now, Walk It Out | “It’s time to move!”
This month I invite you join me in a challenge that I’m calling “Now, Walk It Out”. The weather will be warming up soon and there’s no time like the present to get out and walk it out! The rules of… Continue reading March 2023: Now, Walk It Out | “It’s time to move!”
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April 2023: Meditation | “It is what you think”
Meditation is a great way to connect and stay connected to your inner self. It can also help you to reduce stress, and anxiety, and increase your daily focus. So what is it, exactly? Dictionary.com describes meditation as, “1. to engage in thought or… Continue reading April 2023: Meditation | “It is what you think”
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May 2023: SMART Goals | “It’s the smart thing to do”
Do you know what one of the most common barriers cited for lack of exercise is? If you guessed ‘time’, you’d be correct. Others include unrealistic goals, lack of convenience and lack of social support. As my life situations change, so…
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June 2023: Drinking Buddies | “It’s time to turn up”
This month’s “Drinking Buddies” challenge is inspired by my party-girl past and, more recently, how kidney disease continues to affect family members.
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July 2023: Time Affluence | “It’s a matter of time”
Time affluence is a concept that’s as much about having more time as it is about how you use your time; how the use of your time can lead to greater happiness. You can create more time for yourself and the…
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August 2023: Upper Body Workout with Weights | “It’s a flex to be fit”
Resistance training is important to include in a well-rounded exercise program. Consistent weight-bearing exercises and resistance training encourage bone remodeling which is the process of old bone tissue being replaced with new bone tissues. It’s how our bones, over time and with a… Continue reading August 2023: Upper Body Workout with Weights | “It’s a flex to be fit”
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September 2023: The Social Media Diet | “It’s a surprise relief”
Social media can provide valuable information and support for those seeking to make healthier lifestyle choices. It can also perpetuate unhealthy dieting behaviors and contribute to negative mental health outcomes when approached without critical thinking and a balanced perspective. This particular… Continue reading September 2023: The Social Media Diet | “It’s a surprise relief”
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October 2023: Finding Your Personal Peace | “It’s okay to choose you”
Personal peace. What is it? It is a feeling of contentment and well-being that comes from within. It’s not the absence of conflict or stress, but rather the ability to cope with these challenges healthily. It’s what keeps you grounded and… Continue reading October 2023: Finding Your Personal Peace | “It’s okay to choose you”
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November 2023: Simple Exercises for a Stronger Core | “It’s more than aesthetics”
After birthing three children, I find myself grappling with the daily consequences of a weakened core. From compromised balance to persistent lower back and hip pain, I’ve taken steps, including consulting with a specialist, to regain my strength and vitality. Strengthening… Continue reading November 2023: Simple Exercises for a Stronger Core | “It’s more than aesthetics”
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December 2023: Celebratory Self-Assessment (Challenge) | “It’s been an experience”
This year of amazing strides concludes with a celebratory self-assessment challenge! Reflect on the incredible growth you’ve experienced since embarking on this journey of healthy practices. Who were you then, and who are you now? Which practices brought you the most… Continue reading December 2023: Celebratory Self-Assessment (Challenge) | “It’s been an experience”
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January 2022: The Iconic Art of Ernie Barnes Calendar | Shades of Color
Brian has gifted me Shades of Color wall calendars for the past three years. The calendars include Black History facts that celebrate African American history all year long, and the latest one I received features facts on the monthly artwork. This… Continue reading January 2022: The Iconic Art of Ernie Barnes Calendar | Shades of Color
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February 2022: Swivel Bridge Train Set | Melissa & Doug
This simple train and tracks set have been an instant hit with my two-year-old. The tracks are easy for little hands to put together on their own. The different sizes and shapes make for countless ways to play. This set includes… Continue reading February 2022: Swivel Bridge Train Set | Melissa & Doug
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March 2022: Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Herbal Pads with Wings | The Honey Pot Co.
Black-Owned, Woman-Owned | The Honey Pot Company has created something I never knew I wanted. Herbal infused pads. There are some who will argue against the use of essential oils near the sacared vajay-jay but for those who do not oppose,… Continue reading March 2022: Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Herbal Pads with Wings | The Honey Pot Co.
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April 2022: Cotton Teddie Sweater | J.Crew Factory
This sweater is a great transitional piece. It’s lightweight and ideal for laying in early spring when the temperature fluctuates drastically day-to-day. I’ve worn in it solo and I’ve worn it layered all within the span of a month. The color… Continue reading April 2022: Cotton Teddie Sweater | J.Crew Factory
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May 2022: Feeling Godly | The Chemistry of Zen Candle Co.
Black-Owned | Legit, this is my favorite candle right now. A friend of mine gifted us this candle and it has been the gift that keeps on giving. Feeling Godly is an invigorating fragranced soy candle created by The Chemistry of Zen. I… Continue reading May 2022: Feeling Godly | The Chemistry of Zen Candle Co.
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June 2022: Soy Polish Remover (UNSCENTED) | Ella + Mila
Vegan Cosmetics | I’ve been using natural nail polishes for a few years but it never occurred to me that I was still using harsh chemicals on my nails every time I removed my polish. I wasn’t even aware that there was… Continue reading June 2022: Soy Polish Remover (UNSCENTED) | Ella + Mila
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July 2022: Rainbath® Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel | Neutrogena
About a month ago, my mother gave me a 32 oz bottle of Neutrogena Rainbath® Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel in the Original scent. She asked, “Have you tried this? Your dad and I love it.” I had not, but believe… Continue reading July 2022: Rainbath® Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel | Neutrogena
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August 2022: good.kind.pure. | Sally Hansen
Sally Hansen’s vegan nail polish has entered the chat. It glides on smooth, has lasting power, and is better for the environment than standard nail polishes. My son picked out this surprisingly vibrant color, Blue Moonstone. In the bottle, it looks… Continue reading August 2022: good.kind.pure. | Sally Hansen
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September 2022: ENBLISS wireless bra | SOMA
I call this my grown-woman bra. Why? Because this was a purchase based solely on comfort. Not price and not sex appeal, just comfort. SOMA’s ENBLISS wireless bra felt so cool and soft against my sensitive skin. I’d never purchased a… Continue reading September 2022: ENBLISS wireless bra | SOMA
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October 2022: Wool Dryer Balls | Everspring
Wool dryer balls. I couldn’t wrap my mind around the idea that balls of wool could reduce the drying time of my clothes and fluff them simultaneously. What are these things?! They are reusable balls of wool, literally, that you toss… Continue reading October 2022: Wool Dryer Balls | Everspring
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November 2022: Nylon Handbags | Kate Spade
This month I’m going to shout nylon handbags. Specifically, Kate Spade nylon bags. Okay, in all fairness, I’ve never owned a nylon bag from another brand. I bought my first one six years ago. It’s been through everything. I used it… Continue reading November 2022: Nylon Handbags | Kate Spade
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December 2022: Quest For Knowledge of Self | L.B.
This month’s pick isn’t a tangible object. It took me some time to figure out how to express this in words so here it goes. My pick of the month is my desire to learn more about myself so I can… Continue reading December 2022: Quest For Knowledge of Self | L.B.
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L. Bradley 