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    9 Books By Black Women Authors To Read Summer 2022

    9 Books By Black Women Authors To Read Summer 2022!

    I love to read in the summer and while I don’t always have the time during the school year as I’m busy orbiting around my three children’s lives during the school year, the summer is when I get to indulge in some good books. I was sick in bed this week so, I got a bit of a head start and, I enjoyed reading so much that I decided to put together a list of books by Black women authors that I plan to read and/or, re-read this summer. This list is a mix of new books and books I’ve read before that I loved that I believe will be perfect for your summer travel, vacations, etc.

    9 Books By Black Women Authors To Read Summer 2022

    You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

    So this is a double on the list because I still haven’t read The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi, it’s been on my book list for a while so I’m looking forward to reading both books this summer. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty will be released on May 24th but you can already pre-order it here. Here is the book’s synopsis:

    It’s been five years since the accident that killed the love of her life and she’s almost a new person now—an artist with her own studio, and sharing a brownstone apartment with her ride-or-die best friend, Joy, who insists it’s time for Feyi to ease back into the dating scene. Feyi isn’t ready for anything serious, but a steamy encounter at a rooftop party cascades into a whirlwind summer she could have never imagined: a luxury trip to a tropical island, decadent meals in the glamorous home of a celebrity chef, and a major curator who wants to launch her art career.

    She’s even started dating the perfect guy, but their new relationship might be sabotaged before it has a chance by the dangerous thrill Feyi feels every time she locks eyes with the one person in the house who is most definitely off-limits. This new life she asked for just got a lot more complicated, and Feyi must begin her search for real answers. Who is she ready to become? Can she release her past and honor her grief while still embracing her future? And, of course, there’s the biggest question of all—how far is she willing to go for a second chance at love? ​

    Even more exciting, Amazon Studios won an auction for the screen rights to You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty for Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society will develop it so I’m incredibly happy to have this book on my list.

    The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett

    I just finished this book yesterday and I miss reading it, it was such a good book that I found myself completely invested in the lives of the characters. I also enjoyed the journey along with the lives of one character in particular. Since I’ve been finished with this book, I’ve been thirsty to talk about it with anyone who would listen. The themes of this book are very interesting to me as a Black woman. One thing, the end was a bit abrupt but I was able to let that slide since I enjoyed the book so much. I did some research and learned that this book will be made into a television series on HBO by our girl Issa Rae, so I look forward to seeing how they would interpret the story and characters on screen.

    The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. But after growing up together in a small, Southern Black community and running away at age 16, it’s not just the shape of their daily lives that is different as adults, it’s everything: their families, their communities, their racial identities. Many years later, one sister lives with her Black daughter in the same Southern town she once tried to escape. The other secretly passes for White, and her White husband knows nothing of her past. Still, even separated by so many miles and just as many lies, the fates of the twins remain intertwined. What will happen to the next generation, when their own daughters’ storylines intersect?

    Weaving together multiple strands and generations of this family, from the Deep South to California, from the 1950s to the 1990s, Brit Bennett produces a story that is at once a riveting, emotional family story and a brilliant exploration of the American history of passing. Looking well beyond issues of race, The Vanishing Half considers the lasting influence of the past as it shapes a person’s decisions, desires, and expectations, and explores some of the multiple reasons and realms in which people sometimes feel pulled to live as something other than their origins. 

    Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

    If you’re like me, all of your friends read this book last summer and you just didn’t get the chance to read it yet. Seven Days in June didn’t disappoint the way that some books disappoint when everyone’s raved about it. This book’s rights have also been purchased for us to see it on-screen which is also very cool. I love that so many Black women authors are getting these incredible opportunities. 

    Eva Mercy is a single mom and bestselling erotica writer who is feeling pressed from all sides. Shane Hall is a reclusive, enigmatic, award‑winning novelist, who, to everyone’s surprise, shows up in New York.

    When Shane and Eva meet unexpectedly at a literary event, sparks fly, raising not only their buried traumas, but the eyebrows of the Black literati. What no one knows is that fifteen years earlier, teenage Eva and Shane spent one crazy, torrid week madly in love. While they may be pretending not to know each other, they can’t deny their chemistry—or the fact that they’ve been secretly writing to each other in their books through the years.

    Over the next seven days, amidst a steamy Brooklyn summer, Eva and Shane reconnect—but Eva’s wary of the man who broke her heart, and wants him out of the city so her life can return to normal. Before Shane disappears though, she needs a few questions answered…

    With its keen observations of creative life in America today, as well as the joys and complications of being a mother and a daughter, Seven Days in June is a hilarious, romantic, and sexy‑as‑hell story of two writers discovering their second chance at love.

    Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

    This book was another good read from last summer that I recommended to all of my friends and if you listen to my podcast, you know I shared my obsession with it there too. As an island girl, I couldn’t out this book down and I was happy to hear that it’s also been adapted into a television series. Here is the synopsis:

    Camino Rios lives for the summers when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic. But this time, on the day when his plane is supposed to land, Camino arrives at the airport to see crowds of crying people…

    In New York City, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal’s office, where her mother is waiting to tell her that her father, her hero, has died in a plane crash.

    Separated by distance—and Papi’s secrets—the two girls are forced to face a new reality in which their father is dead and their lives are forever altered.

    And then, when it seems like they’ve lost everything of their father, they learn of each other.

    Black Cake: A Novel by Charmaine Wilkerson

    I’ve been hearing so much good buzz around Black Cake: A Novel by Charmaine Wilkerson that I had to add it to my list. I’m a casual member of a few online reading groups and I’ve been seeing a lot of members raving this book. I plan to read it soon, so I will be sure to update this post with my personal review. In the meanwhile, below is the synopsis:

    We can’t choose what we inherit. But can we choose who we become?
    In present-day California, Eleanor Bennett’s death leaves behind a puzzling inheritance for her two children, Byron and Benny: a black cake, made from a family recipe with a long history, and a voice recording. In her message, Eleanor shares a tumultuous story about a headstrong young swimmer who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder. The heartbreaking tale Eleanor unfolds, the secrets she still holds back, and the mystery of a long-lost child challenge everything the siblings thought they knew about their lineage and themselves.

    Can Byron and Benny reclaim their once-close relationship, piece together Eleanor’s true history, and fulfill her final request to “share the black cake when the time is right”? Will their mother’s revelations bring them back together or leave them feeling more lost than ever?

    Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut novel is a story of how the inheritance of betrayals, secrets, memories, and even names can shape relationships and history. Deeply evocative and beautifully written, Black Cake is an extraordinary journey through the life of a family changed forever by the choices of its matriarch.

    9 Books By Black Women Authors To Read Summer 2022

    Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

    One of my best friends can’t stop talking about Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn so I had to add it to my summer list, I’m really excited to read it this summer. Below is the synopsis:

    Yinka’s Nigerian aunties frequently pray for her delivery from singledom, her work friends think she’s too traditional (she’s saving herself for marriage!), her girlfriends think she needs to get over her ex already, and the men in her life…well, that’s a whole other story. But Yinka herself has always believed that true love will find her when the time is right.
    Still, when her cousin gets engaged, Yinka commences Operation Find-A-Date for Rachel’s Wedding. Aided by a spreadsheet and her best friend, Yinka is determined to succeed. Will Yinka find herself a huzband? And what if the thing she really needs to find is herself?
    Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? is a fresh, uplifting story of an unconventional heroine who bravely asks the questions we all have about love. Wry, moving, irresistible, this is a love story that makes you smile but also makes you think–and explores what it means to find your way between two cultures, both of which are yours.

    Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a must-read book for every Black woman in my opinion, actually for every woman. It’s a book that found me, I had meant to read it for years and then one day I was walking to my car from lunch with friends in Brooklyn Heights when I saw a copy on a brownstone stoop, a gesture to pass it along to the next reader so I grabbed it. I couldn’t put the book the down and it’s by far on one of the best books I’ve ever read. Do yourself a favor and read it. Here is the synopsis of Americanah:

    Ifemelu and Obinze are young and in love when they depart military-ruled Nigeria for the West. Beautiful, self-assured Ifemelu heads for America, where despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple with what it means to be black for the first time. 

    Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Fifteen years later, they reunite in a newly democratic Nigeria, and reignite their passion—for each other and for their homeland. 

    Frying Plantains

    Frying Plantains is another one of my favorite recent reads, I read it last year and I fell in love with this book. It’s a quick read so perfect for a flight or poolside summer read.

    Kara Davis is a girl caught in the middle — of her North American identity and her desire to be a “true” Jamaican, of her mother and grandmother’s rages and life lessons, of having to avoid being thought of as too “faas” or too “quiet” or too “bold” or too “soft.” In these twelve interconnected stories, we see Kara on a visit to Jamaica, startled by the sight of a severed pig’s head in her great-aunt’s freezer; in junior high, the victim of a devastating prank by her closest friends; and as a teenager in and out of her grandmother’s house, trying to cope with ongoing battles of unyielding authority.

    A rich and unforgettable portrait of growing up between worlds, Frying Plantain shows how, in one charged moment, friendship and love can turn to enmity and hate, well-meaning protection can become control, and teasing play can turn to something much darker.

    The Mothers by Britt Bennett

    Since I enjoyed The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett so much, I’m looking forward to reading The Mothers too. I’ve read so many reviews that states this book was actually better than The Vanishing Half and since I enjoyed it so much, I’m looking forward to reading The Mothers.

    Set within a contemporary black community in Southern California, Brit Bennett’s mesmerizing first novel is an emotionally perceptive story about community, love, and ambition. It begins with a secret.

    “All good secrets have a taste before you tell them, and if we’d taken a moment to swish this one around our mouths, we might have noticed the sourness of an unripe secret, plucked too soon, stolen and passed around before its season.”

    It is the last season of high school life for Nadia Turner, a rebellious, grief-stricken, seventeen-year-old beauty. Mourning her own mother’s recent suicide, she takes up with the local pastor’s son. Luke Sheppard is twenty-one, a former football star whose injury has reduced him to waiting tables at a diner. They are young; it’s not serious. But the pregnancy that results from this teen romance—and the subsequent cover-up—will have an impact that goes far beyond their youth. As Nadia hides her secret from everyone, including Aubrey, her God-fearing best friend, the years move quickly. Soon, Nadia, Luke, and Aubrey are full-fledged adults and still living in debt to the choices they made that one seaside summer, caught in a love triangle they must carefully maneuver, and dogged by the constant, nagging question: What if they had chosen differently? The possibilities of the road not taken are a relentless haunt.

    In entrancing, lyrical prose, The Mothers asks whether a “what if” can be more powerful than an experience itself. If, as time passes, we must always live in servitude to the decisions of our younger selves, to the communities that have parented us, and to the decisions we make that shape our lives forever.

    I hope you enjoy these 9 Books By Black Women Authors To Read this Summer of 2022! Let me know your summer reading book recommendations in the comments below.

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  • Home Decor, Lifestyle, Motherhood, Printables

    Spring Cleaning Checklist Printable

    Let’s start cleaning with this Spring Cleaning Checklist Printable!

    Okay, so I have a confession! I am utterly obsessed with TikTok ASMR cleaning and organizing videos. I watch them every day, and they’re so satisfying. I’ve been doing a lot of cleaning (even broke my dishwasher in the process), but I’m excited to go with the seasons’ transition with some spring cleaning. 

    I don’t know about you, but after spending so much time indoors for the last few months, I think we’re all looking for ways to freshen up our homes and do some spring cleaning. Living in New York, it’s felt like we’ve been hibernating since last November, and I’m excited to reinvigorate the energy of our home. Spring cleaning sometimes feels overwhelming, so to ensure you’re prepared and have a plan to keep things manageable, I created this spring cleaning checklist printable to use as a guide. 

    You can use this printable custom to your needs; select the rooms you’re going to be working on and then mark them off as you go. I have covered just about every room in the home with tasks that will help us get our house in its cleanest state. You can use this printable to clean your home yourself, or if you’re hiring help or designating, you can give it to them, so they know exactly what you need them to do.

    Click below to download your free spring cleaning checklist printable!

    Spring Cleaning Checklist Page 1! Download
    Spring Cleaning Checklist Printable
    Spring Cleaning Checklist Page 2Download
    [show_shopthepost_widget id=”4709159″]

    Scroll Down For Spring Cleaning Tips!

    As promised before are a few spring cleaning tips that I hope will help you get the desired results! 

    Focus on one thing at a time. 

    Focus on one thing at a time, whether it’s one room or one task; make sure you’re spring cleaning intentionally and focusing on one thing at a time so you can do it effectively. For instance, yesterday, I focused on our linen closet, and I removed everything, wiped the shelves, swept and dusted, and then organized it. There have been times when I’ve started working on one thing and got sidetracked by doing laundry or simultaneously beginning to work on another space, and I ended up not doing it well or not finishing at all. You can’t multitask when spring cleaning unless you’re designating another area to someone else. 

    Get help

    That leads me to my second tip, get help especially if you’re tacking a large square footage. You can hire a house cleaner or ask your friends and family to help you out. Spring cleaning in our house requires work from everyone who lives here even my 4-year-old who loves using the Swiffer duster and helping us unload the dishwasher.

    Move furniture to bring life to your space

    When I was growing up my grandmother would rearrange her living room whenever she did spring cleaning. I loved when she did that because it felt like a different home, a different experience. Moving furniture can change the energy of a room, improve the aesthetics and more importantly you can clean spaces that we hidden.

    Spring is all about bright and airy vibes so make sure you’re brining the energy of life into your home with fresh flowers and/or citrus like lemons, limes and oranges. You can also make floral arrangements that combine the two. As a Caribbean girl, I also use lemons for a lot of our cleaning. I also use them clean our garbage disposal, chopping boards and microwave. There is just something about lemon that makes me feel good.

    Declutter

    This should be the first thing you do before you start cleaning. Declutter and determine what you want to keep, donate and throw away. If you have kids you will find that you need to do this more often in their closets as they grow out of clothes and accumulate new clothes very quickly.

    Focus on organization systems for easier maintenance

    If you have a lot of things that need to be cleaned in your home and you don’t have a lot of space, consider investing in some organization while you spring clean. Not only will this make your home feel better and more manageable. You will be better able to maintain a clean home. You can invest in under sink organizers, kitchen cabinets organization, closets, garage and more. See some of my recommendations below.

    I hope you found this post and the spring cleaning checklist printable useful and you enjoy your spring. Drop a content below letting me know which room you plan to tackle first.

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  • Happiness, Lifestyle, Positive Thinking, Self-Care, Wellness

    Setting Healthy Boundaries

    It’s time for us to get better at setting healthy boundaries!

    I feel like I spent most of my thirties unlearning toxic habits and then learning to set healthy boundaries. It’s been challenging for me, but thanks to my therapist, I’m finally starting to notice my growth and how I’ve been showing up for myself by setting healthy boundaries and honoring them.

    Why is setting healthy boundaries so important?

    When I first started on my self-care journey, I realized that one of the main factors contributing to my stress was not having boundaries in place. I’ve been good at shutting people out or separating myself from them, but that was a toxic practice that would make me prematurely sever people from my life. Having relationships with people I love is important to me so I had to figure out how to set boundaries in those relationships.

    Setting boundaries forces me to have difficult conversations, share my feelings, and say no when something doesn’t work for me. It also helps me give people in my life to do the same and express what works for them. This even includes my children, who I encourage to set healthy boundaries too.

    Setting Healthy Boundaries
    Photo Credit: Adelaide Chantilly Photos

    Say what you mean and mean what you say!

    It’s hard to set boundaries when you don’t always speak your truth! I had a professor in grad school who always said, “Say what you mean, and mean what you say!” and he would follow that up with, “Most people don’t.” At the time, I understood what he meant, but until I started trying to establish my boundaries, I realize that this practice isn’t easy and most people really don’t. I found that people were happy when I didn’t establish boundaries with them but were quick to set their boundaries. This would cause me distress, but I’ve learned to express myself even when it feels weird so that I can be my full self.

    Boundaries on social media

    One of the things that I’ve realized over the years is that people are a bit more daring on social media than in real life. They will overstep your boundaries in ways that they would never in real life. Setting boundaries on social media for me includes unfollowing, blocking, deleting disrespectful comments, and letting people know I’m not seeking unsolicited advice (many people don’t understand the concept of venting), muting, or deleting the apps from my phones.

    Also, it’s important to keep your boundaries consistent in real life and online.

    Remember setting healthy boundaries will improve your life.

    Setting boundaries will be hard at times, especially with your loved ones but keep in mind that you will improve your life and overall happiness. Sometimes we have to do difficult things to get to live the way we desire.

    Healthy boundaries will make you a better mom, partner, friend and family member.

    Adanna Dill

    Also, don’t be one-sided! Encourage your friends and family to set boundaries too, so everyone will be happy.

    Make sure to follow me on Instagram for daily posts!

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  • Desserts, Lifestyle, Motherhood, Recipes

    Free Printable Meal Planner with Grocery List

    Free Printable Meal Planner

    ould you believe it’s only a whole year since we’ve been hit with the Covid-19 pandemic here in the US? There have been so many changes that’s happened over the last year that it feels like it’s been much, much longer. Although it’s been incredibly hard, there are a few good things that have come out of all of the additional time at home for me, and that’s meal planning. Before quarantine life, I tried and failed at meal planning many times. This time around, with my kids at home all of the time, I was able to understand exactly when and how much we eat and to shop specifically for those needs. I’ve even gotten the kids involved in the meal planning process, as I shared here. 

    Free meal planning planner

    I’m by no means perfect, and I still forget to add ingredients to the list, but I’ve come a long way. I even started the New Year with a healthy meal planning class from TiaVFitness to figure out a healthy eating meal plan for myself as self-care in addition to what I prepare for my family. Anyway, this post is all about sharing these free meal planning printables with you.

    Download A Free Printable Meal Planner

    I started out using the notes app on my phone, a notebook or my planner but I’ve found that having the specific meal planner really helps me to stay on track so I decided to create this one and I’ve been loving it so far. Just download it and enjoy!

    Free meal planning planner
    Download Your Free Printable Meal Planner here! Download

    I like to plan all three meals to ensure we have enough groceries for everything we eat. One of my biggest mistakes when I first started was only meal planning for dinner and not the other meals so I love this brainstorm sheet.

    I used the checklist style grocery list so you can cross off the items as you find them at the supermarket.

    There is also a recipe card to keep handy while cooking.

    Free meal planning planner
    Again, you can download the meal planning planner bundle here!Download
  • Food - Recipes, Lifestyle, Motherhood, Recipes

    Chocolate and Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe

    Try this yummy Chocolate and Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe! This post may contain affiliate links.

    As the pandemic continues and we’re still spending the majority of our time indoors, the kids and I have been experimenting with different recipes. This weekend, I decided to make Chocolate and Peanut Butter Macarons with my son.

    Chocolate and Peanut Butter Macarons

    Ingredients 

    Macaron Shell 

    65 grams powdered sugar 

    75 grams almond flour 

    75 grams egg whites 

    10 grams cocoa powder 

    75 grams granulated sugar 

    Macaron Filling 

    1/4 cup creamy peanut butter 

    2 tablespoon butter, softened 

    3/4 cup powdered sugar 

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

    1 tablespoon heavy cream, if needed 

    Instructions 

    Instructions for making Macaron Shells.

    Start by lining two large sheet pans with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper lies flat so you can achieve perfectly round macarons. 

    Add the almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder to a fine mesh sieve set over a large bowl. Sift the dry ingredients into the bowl, discarding any large lumps that remain. Set aside. 

    Fill a small saucepan half way with water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. 

    In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the egg whites and granulated sugar. Remove the saucepan of water from the heat and place the bowl on top of the water. Whisk the egg whites until the sugar has dissolved— about 2 minutes. 

    Return the bowl to the stand mixer and whip on medium-high speed (Kitchenaid #6-8) using the wire whisk until stiff peaks form. 

    Once the meringue has reached a stiff peak, add half of the dry ingredients and fold it into the egg whites using a silicone spatula. 

    Once no large lumps remain, add the second half of the dry ingredients and repeat the folding until they are fully incorporated. 

    Next, deflate the meringue by smushing the batter against the sides of the bowl and then folding it back onto itself. Repeat until the meringue is at the “lava stage”.

    Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a round tip preferably the Wilton #10.. 

    Pipe 1” circles about 2” apart on the parchment-lined baking sheet. 

    Hold the tray a few inches off the counter and drop it straight down to release any air bubbles. Repeat 5 times, or until you don’t see any large air bubbles. 

    Allow the macarons to rest at room temperature for at least 20 minutes, or until they have developed a skin. While the macarons rest, preheat your oven to 315F. 

    When the macarons are ready to bake, you should be able to touch them without the batter sticking to your finger. Bake the macarons in a pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set and no longer wet in the center.

    Leave the macarons on the baking sheet until they’ve cooled to room temperature. 

    Instructions for making macaron filling.

    In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the peanut butter and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and mix until incorporated. 

    With the mixer on low, slowly add in the powdered sugar. When all of the powdered sugar has been added, turn the mixer to high and allow the icing to whip until light and soft— about 2 minutes. 

    If the mixture is dry and not coming together properly, add the heavy cream and whip on high again until light and fluffy. 

    Transfer the filling to a piping bag and set aside. 

    Assemble & Store 

    Once the macarons have cooled, place them in similar sized pairs. Pipe a small dollop of frosting in the center of one macaron. Then, place the seance shell on top and gently press down so the filling spreads to the edges. Repeat with the remaining macarons. 

    Store the macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator to age overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving. 

    Important!

    Be sure to to use Superfine Almond Flour preferably Bob’s Red Mill. Do not use Almond Meal.

    Use Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder. Note: This recipe was tested with Valrohna Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder and didn’t work.

    Your egg whites can, but do not have to be, at room temperature. 

    When your meringue is at the “lava stage”, it should flow smoothly like caramel. You should be able to draw a figure 8 in the batter without the stream of meringue breaking. 

    Knowing your oven is very important when making macarons. Most home ovens are not accurate so an oven thermometer is highly recommended. Keep an eye on your oven and adjust the temperature as needed to ensure it stays at 315F. 

    Nutrition Information (per 1 macaron, 24 macarons per batch) 

    Calories: 58

    Total Fat: 2.8 g

    Saturated Fat: 1 g

    Cholesterol: 3 mg

    Sodium: 23 mg

    Total Carbohydrate: 7.7 g

    Dietary Fiber: 0.4 g

    Total Sugars: 7 g

    Protein: 1.3 g

    I hope you enjoy the recipe!

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  • Lifestyle, Motherhood, Self-Care, Sponsored, Wellness

    Switching to a Non-Toxic Brentwood Home Hybrid Latex Mattress Improved My Sleep

    Switching to Non-Toxic Brentwood Home Hybrid Latex Mattress Improved My Sleep!

    When was the last time you upgraded your mattress? For me, it was eight years ago. We’re intentional about taking good care of our mattresses, and we had invested in a good quality mattress, so I didn’t realize so much time had gone. As stressful as everything has been lately, my sleep hygiene was starting to suffer, and I knew that stepping up my wellness practices would be helpful. Sleep is the best self-care practice in our toolbox, but our sleep quality is directly tied to our mattress. We did a lot of research and eventually settled on the non-toxic Brentwood Hybrid Latex mattress. We’ve been sleeping on this luxury mattress for a few weeks now, and it’s definitely improved my sleep. Here’s my full experience. 

    Brentwood Home Hybrid Latex Mattress Honest Review

    BUYING A MATTRESS ONLINE AND THE SHIPPING PROCESS.

    It’s a bit more challenging to go into stores in the middle of a pandemic to lay on different mattresses to find a good fit as we did when we bought our previous mattresses. 

    However, the perk of shopping online is that we could read a lot of reviews and learn more about the mattress before making a selection. Once we selected the Brentwood Home Hybrid Latex Mattress, we felt confident that we wouldn’t have to deal with buyer’s remorse because of their one-year trial policy that lets you return the mattress if it’s not a fit for you. 

    Our mattress arrived about a week after it was shipped, and it was vacuumed sealed in a box. The delivery man left the box outside of our door, and I tried to bring it in myself while my husband was at work, and it was just too heavy. I didn’t realize it then, but our king-sized mattress weighs 120 pounds, so it was much easier for us to move it together. 

    Once we opened up the box and cut the packaging, the mattress quickly opens up, which my kids enjoyed watching. I would recommend that you do this in your bedroom as it was more challenging to move the mattress once it opens out. 

    OFF-GASSING OR SMELLS.

    Since the Brentwood Home Hybrid Latex mattress is non-toxic, it doesn’t off-gas the way traditional mattresses are treated with chemicals usually do, so there is no need to worry about harmful fumes. That said, our mattress did have a smell for about two hours after removing it from the box, but it was entirely gone by bedtime. 

    SLEEPING ON THE BRENTWOOD HOME HYBRID LATEX MATTRESS. 

    Okay, so here’s the tea on how my Brentwood Home Hybrid Latex Mattress improved my sleep. 

    Like most parents, we’re usually tired with achy bodies from work and caring for kids by the time we get into bed at night. I wanted a mattress that supported my body and yet felt comfortable but not too soft, so I settled on the medium mattress. 

    Thanks to the use of Brentwood’s Zoned Latex Foam, I got exactly what I wanted. The mattress is designed to reduce pressure points around your shoulders and hips and support the spine, making sleeping much more comfortable for us. I think this feature helped improve my sleep as I feel much better rested when I wake up in the morning. 

    This mattress also has 975 coils, which helps the memory foam to contour to your body. 

    Another feature that’s perfect for us as a couple is motion isolation. Thanks to this mattress’s design, we’re not roused out of our sleep whenever one of us moves or gets in or out of bed. I usually don’t even know when my husband gets up. 

    WHY WE SPECIFICALLY WANTED A NON-TOXIC MATTRESS. 

    You’re probably wondering why switching to a non-toxic mattress was so important to us. Well, during my last pregnancy, I did a lot of research before getting man organic crib mattress, and I learned that most traditional mattresses have chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, VOC, or even dyes. 

    I don’t want to sleep on a mattress that can be harmful to my body, especially after transitioning to safer products in our home. 

    We spend a significant portion of our life sleeping, and I believe mattresses might be the most overlooked yet important wellness product that can impact your overall quality of life and wellness. 

    If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what materials are used to make these non-toxic mattresses. The Brentwood Home Latex Hybrid mattress is made with both 100% certified organic cotton and natural latex. There are also non-toxic alternative materials used in this mattress like a 100% recycled denim base layer, 100% natural plush wool instead of chemical fire retardants, and durable outer panels made from REPREVE®, a fabric that repurposes plastic water bottles.

    Anyway, I hope that this review was helpful! The non-toxic Brentwood Home Hybrid Latex mattress is available in all sizes to get them for your entire family. I’m happy to sleep better during this pandemic and feel good to be using a mattress made in the United States. 

    Remember, you have a one-year guarantee, so if your sleep doesn’t improve as mine did, you can return it at any time during that one year free and get all of your money back. 

    You may also like:

    13 Ways to Improve Your Wellness Routine as a Working Mom

    https://adannadill.com/13-ways-to-improve-your-wellness-routine-as-a-working-mom/
  • Career Mom, Lifestyle, Motherhood

    How to Start Making Money as a Nano or Micro-Influencer

    One of the top questions I get in my DMs is, how do you start making money as a nano or micro-influencer? It’s a great question because influencer marketing is a relatively new industry, and there is no clear cut road map of how to start. Influencer marketing is expected to grow to approximately $9.7B industry in 2020. In this post, I’ll share a few tips to help you set up yourself to start attracting and working with brands based on my 6-year experience as an influencer.

    This post contains affiliate links.

    Determine your niche.

    The first step to making money as a nano or micro-influencer is finding your niche. Your niche can be anything from plant mom to home renovations, or it can even be your career—let’s say you’re a teacher, you can share resources for parents to supplement their child’s education.

    Whatever you choose, be sure to choose a niche that you’re passionate about. This is a HIGH TURNOVER industry. I’ve seen so many people start and give up. A niche you don’t enjoy may lead to you quitting out of frustration, so focus on things you enjoy.

    Storytelling

    Once you determine your niche, work on your storytelling skills. Your social media platforms and/or blog should tell a story. For instance, if you’re a Seattle mom who loves to go on road trips and works in tech, you should have photos of yourself at work, you and your children in the car, different places you’ve visited, apps you use to plan your trip, filling up your tank at the gas station, etc. Just one vital thing, make the story authentic, don’t pretend you’re someone you’re not because it will be a turn off for both your followers and brands.

    Post Consistently

    I’m not going to tell you to post daily at 8 am or to publish 365 days a year but post with some predictability. You can’t just disappear and reappear and expect brands to want to work with you; they’re going to think you’re unreliable.

    Post High-Quality Images.

    Photos aren’t everything, but good images help, especially on platforms like Instagram, that’s a visual platform. I take most of my pictures with my Canon Mark IV, but I also take some with my iPhone, especially now that we’re in quarantine. The most important thing is that they’re good quality and bright images that can attract clients. Most clients will want to repost your images on their social media or may buy the rights to use your images, so the better your images, the more earning potential you will have. You can hire a photographer (just be sure to give them credit when you post the photos they take) or purchase a ring light, a tripod for your camera or your phone (I use this one with it’s built in ring light) and take them yourself.
    Tag brands you use in your posts.

    Learn the FTC Guidelines.

    Brands want to work with influencers who follow FTC guidelines so if you haven’t done any collaborations yet, take some time to read and learn them. Study how other influencers disclose brand relationships with #ad #sponsored #paid when they share their content so when you land your collaboration you will post in accordance to the guidelines.

    Tag brands in your posts.

    Whenever you post, tag all of the brands you use in your posts to see your content. For instance, if you made a gluten-free cake, tag the flour brand or tag the cake stand maker.

    Pitch brands.

    Once you’re a bit comfortable with your content, your engagement rate, and your understanding of the FTC guidelines, you can start pitching brands to work with them. Pitch brands you use and love, don’t pitch a brand because you see them working with other influencers on a particular campaign. The brands usually select the influencers for campaigns and approve their work weeks before you see it live, so by the time it comes across your feed, it’s too late to join the campaign.

    YOU DO NOT NEED A PARTICULAR NUMBER OF FOLLOWERS TO WORK WITH BRANDS! This post is partially for nano and micro influencers. A nano influencer is anyone with 1000 to 10,0000 followers and a micro-influencer has 10,000 to 50,000 followers.You need followers who trust you, ask about products you’re using, takes your advice—people you influence.

    Some brands aren’t interested in working with nano-influencers, and they will tell you no, this is fine because there are also brands who understand that nano-influencers can bring a high ROI and will hire you, focus on those.

    When you pitch, show a few examples of your success in the past. Maybe you posted an Amazon Affiliate link in your IG bio for a book you got for your son, and 950 people purchased it. You can start testing out your influence and use those examples in your pitch deck.

    If you’re not sure you could deliver, work more on growing your influence before you pitch because you don’t ever want to disappoint a brand, word gets around the PR world, and your reputation is important. It’s also a good idea to develop long term relationships with brands; repeat work is excellent for business.

    Start Small.

    If you’ve never worked with a brand and want to test it out, start with a small pitch. I’m almost seven years in, so I rarely work in exchange for product (unless the product is my rate and I really want it), but when I was starting, I did accept products and services. When you get that first campaign, make sure to kill it, whether it’s paid or not, and create content that will blow the brand away. It will also serve as a sample of your potential to other brands, so give it your everything. You always want to overdeliver, and if they’re happy with your work, they might come back with a monetary offer, or you may attract other brands.

    Another option is to start with a product you already own, use it to create content, and send the link to the brand in a pitch if it’s well-received by your audience. For instance, if you’re a plant mo, a post showing off a plant stand you made with materials from a hardware store will be a good sample post. A post like this will show the products you purchased and how you used it practically to grab your audience’s interest. Send the brand a pitch, letting them know that you love their product, use it, and would love the opportunity to work with them if they have any upcoming campaigns.

    Join Influencer Networks.

    One of the ways to start making money as a nano or micro-influencer is to join influencer networks. When I first started out I got almost all of my work from Influencer Networks. These days I work mainly directly with my brand partners but I do work with networks ever so often still. Some of the ones I’ve worked with over the years are:

    Izea

    Massive Sway

    Linquia (Pay-per-click model not for everyone)

    Collective Bias (This is a really good network for nano influencers)

    Collectively

    Making Money as a Nano or Micro-Influencer

    I hope this post is helps you to start making money as a nano or micro-influencer. I wish you much success, and let me know below if you want more posts like this and what topic you’d like me to cover specifically in the comments.

    You may also like:

    Online Side Hustles for Moms: Work from Home in 2020

  • Lifestyle, Motherhood, New Born, Pregnancy, Product Reviews

    The Best Non-Toxic Feminine Care Products

    The Best Non-Toxic Feminine Care Products, I’ve tried! ps: I am not a medical professional, all information are based on my experience using products mentioned.

    This post contains affiliate links.

    I never considered feminine care products to be unsafe until a few years ago. I read an article in a magazine that made me question everything and inspired me to make some changes. According to the article, some feminine-care products had carcinogens, bleach, and chlorine plus other chemicals that could lead to fertility issues, heavier periods, and even cancer. This information was concerning to me, and I started to experiment with non-toxic feminine care products safer. I’ve tried a few products on the market, and I wanted to share the ones I liked the most — the best non-toxic feminine care products from tampons to menstrual cups, pads, and cleansers in my opinion.

    Best Non-Toxic Feminine Care Products: Menstrual Cup

    It took me a long time to get around to trying a menstrual cup; it sounded really messy and possibly uncomfortable. I finally gave in two years ago after a few friends in a group chat shared how much they like using them. I planned to try a few brands until I found one I preferred but ended up sticking to the first one, Diva Cup.

    Diva Cup

    Honestly, it took some trial and error to figure out how to properly insert the Diva Cup, but once I figured it out, it was a much better alternative. My favorite thing about it is I learn more about my flow; there are measurements, so I’m more informed when I go to the doctor. When I use the Diva Cup, I usually remove/clean it in the shower to avoid creating a mess. There are other popular brands like Lunette, Saalt and Lena menstrual cups that some of my friends prefer, but I’m happy with Diva Cup so far.

    Best Non-Toxic Feminine Care Products: Pads

    If you’re a pads kinda gal, I’ve tried a few different brands over the last few years. I’m not a big fan of pads (I have major trust issues), but they’re always great for backup to feel confident in the first few days of your period.

    L. Cotton Pads

    I’ve tried a few of the L. Cotton pads, and I like them all. They’re made of pure cotton and are comfortable. They have a wide range of sizes, and their overnight pads are like no other, I wish I has their overnight pads to use in the first few days post-partum after having my babies.

    The Honey Pot Herbal Pads

    I started using The Honey Pot cleanser and since I like it decided to try out their cotton pads. Their herbal pads are different from any other pads I’ve ever tried.

    Wearing them is a whole experience as they give a bit of a tingling sensation, which I must admit takes a bit of getting used to. These pads are designed for women with cramps and other discomforts, and since I rarely have cramps, so I can’t tell you if they help, but I think they’re definitely worth giving a trying if you need relief. I do think they would also be great for new moms, and I know that they have products designed just for pregnancy and post-partum.

    Always Pure

    Always has been my go-to brand for years, and I believe they’ve mastered making pads. Always Infinity, for instance, keeps you so dry it’s lifechanging so when they debuted their cotton, chlorine-free pads, Always Pure I had to try them. These pads are great; they offer good protection and are comfortable.

    Best Non-Toxic Feminine Care Products: Tampons

    Tampax Pure

    I’ve been a die-hard Tampax user since my late teens. It’s a brand that I trust enough that I would wear white and light colors without worrying, so I was thrilled to discover Tampax Pure. I read on Consumer Reports that natural tampons are less likely to cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS is still a worry with menstrual cups). Tampax Pure works just like the products I’ve used all these years, and I always keep one in my bags in case of an emergency.

    Best Non-Toxic Feminine Care Products: Cleansers

    The Honey Pot Cleanser & Wipes

    I discovered The Honey Pot at Target and became such a big fan that I always keep their wipes and cleanser on hand. In the past, I’ve never been a huge fan of feminine care cleansers as my skin is sensitive, but The Honey Pot cleanser and wipes are really gentle, and I’ve no reactions or issues using them.

    Anyways, these are some of the best products non-toxic feminine care products I’ve tried over the last few years. There are other products that I tried that didn’t make this list because I strongly disliked them, and I will be happy to update this list as I try out more brands. Also, if you would like me to try a particular product, let me know in the comment section below.

    You may also like:

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  • Career Mom, Motherhood, New Year, New Year

    Online Side Hustles for Moms: Work from Home in 2021

    Online Side Hustles for Moms 2021!

    It’s 2021, and if one of your goals is to make more money this year, this post should help you achieve that goal. As moms, it can be hard to make extra money or start a side hustle. It’s even harder now that we’re in a pandemic. When we consider spending extra time away from our kids or the cost of childcare while we’re hustling, especially when may not even be worth it. Fortunately, the internet has opened up lots of opportunities for us to make money from our homes. Here are some online side hustles for moms in 2021. Don’t worry; none of these include blogging or anything you would need to do on social media, but if you’re interested in blogging read this post to learn how to monetize your blog or social media platforms.

    Online Side Hustles for Moms: Work from Home in 2021

    Online Customer Service Associate.

    I think all of us know someone who works as an online customer service associate. You would need a quiet space where you can work undisturbed for this position, but besides some privacy, all you will need would be an internet connection.

    Start a Dropshipping Business.

    I first heard about dropshipping a few years ago on a podcast, and it immediately piqued my interest. It’s an excellent option for anyone interested in starting an online retail business without inventory. You can learn all about dropshipping on YouTube and it’s the type of business that you don’t have to even tell others you’re doing so you can maintain your privacy. Dropshipping does require some time investment for starting up but it can turn into passive income sources which is always good for us moms. Most people use Shopify but you can use other platforms that can be used, just do your research first.

    Online Side Hustles for Moms: Work from Home in 2020
    Photo by Christina Morillo

    Sell an Online Course.

    If you have an area of specialty that people are always asking you to teach them, then you can create a course teaching it. This can also be a passive income source although you can choose to do them in real time as well. It gives you the flexibility to spend time with your family. You can use Udemy to set up your course.

    Online transcriptionist.

    You can both train and find work as a transcriptionist online. You will have to take a typing test to determine your proficiency, and pay is usually based on that, the faster you type, the more you can earn.

    Virtual Assistant.

    With many businesses now online-based, and people needing more help during the pandemic, virtual assistants are in demand. As a virtual assistant, you will do similar roles to an executive or administrative assistant—search job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn for virtual assistant jobs. You can also reach out to small business owners who you think would benefit from your help. Many of us bloggers hire virtual assistants to help us with administrative tasks.

    Audiobook Narrator

    You’ve probably realized that audiobooks are getting increasingly popular. Many of these books aren’t read by the actual author but by a narrator so they hire audiobook narrators. You can make money working as a voice-over audiobook narrator.

    Create and sell printables and downloadable products.

    If you have a knack for design, you can sell printables and other downloadable digital products on Etsy or your website. You can sell anything from meal planning sheets to photography presets and planner inserts. 

    Become an online English teacher.

    You can become an English teacher to kids in China (and other countries) if you enjoy teaching. You can apply on sites like VIPKIDS for these positions, they’re great for moms because you’re able to create your schedule.

    I hope these are all helpful ideas, and you’re able to find a side hustle that suits your interests and needs in 2021. Remember to vet out any company you decide to work with on the Glassdoor website to ensure they’re legitimate and hear what other people’s experience was working with them. Any company asking you to pay upfront is usually a scam. Good luck and send me a matcha latte when you start making all that extra money.

    Download free updated planner sheets here!

    You may also like: Five Goal Setting Techniques That Saved Me From a Cycle of Failing

  • Lifestyle, Motherhood, New Year, Self-Care

    Harmony over Balance: Why I Stopped Trying to Balance it all

    Harmony over Balance: Why I Stopped Trying to Balance it all

    If you’re already following me over on Instagram, I shared that my theme for the year is Harmony. Harmony came to me about a week ago, I was taking a shower and thinking about all of the things I was considering doing this year, along with all of my commitments both personal and professional. If I do everything, I’m sure to be overwhelmed and if I don’t—well, I’m sure to be unhappy. So what’s the middle ground? I have to strive for harmony.

    If I do everything, I’m sure to be overwhelmed and if I don’t—well, I’m sure to be unhappy.

    Harmony over Balance: Why I Stopped Trying to Balance in all

    How about just balancing it all?

    Years, ago I would have strived for balance instead of harmony. I could work hard, mom hard, wife hard—women have done that for centuries. Well, that’s what it looked like when I was younger and what I thought when I first became a mom. A few years ago, I discovered it just doesn’t work that easily. Some of you may even remember when I wrote this post about balancing it all, but with more motherhood experience, my thoughts have changed, although the tips I shared can still make a big difference in your life. I found that it just took one small life issue (which is bound to happen) to upset that system. 

    Balance is a unicorn.

    Balance is a unicorn; it will never happen. We will be forever trying to find it but never quite getting it right. So that’s where harmony comes into play.

    Why I Stopped Trying to Balance in all!

    Striving for harmony is less stressful.

    Harmony, to me, represents a beautiful & peaceful combination of all aspects of myself in alignment with my creator through my intuition. Balance is a unicorn—it’s not worth the stress &/or anxiety. Harmony is a different energy; it’s release.

    I want to live in harmony with everything that encompasses my life! I want to always focus on finding ways to ensure my life doesn’t feel chaotic or stressful. I think many of us are struggling with anxiety because we are constantly trying our best to balance it all (and prove that we can). When I read former First Lady Michelle Obama’s book Becoming, I realize that if she couldn’t do it, then no one in the world was balancing it all. No matter how good it looked from the outside because *even* Mrs. Obama had some really tough days as a mom. 

    I hope this post takes a little of the stress off of your shoulders to try to achieve balance. Let me know your thoughts below.

  • Lifestyle, Sponsored

    My Lifelong Struggle with Excessive Sweating

    This post is brought to you in partnership with Dermira. All opinions are my own.

    #DearHyperhidrosis,

    I’m determined to find out if you’re the reason I’m always sweaty and why I feel held back from living my best life sometimes.

    I’ve struggled with excessive sweating my entire life, and I never realized this issue could potentially be a real medical condition known as hyperhidrosis. My earliest memory of my sweating was the first time I realized I was embarrassed by it. I was 5 years old and one of my friends told a few other kids that my hands were always slimy and they all laughed that day. I remember how much I felt like something was wrong with me. My grandma bought me antiperspirant shortly after that because she noticed I was sweaty all the time. I felt ashamed for years and it wasn’t until I became an adult that I learned that there are lots of people with the same issue.

    My Lifelong Struggle with Excessive Sweating

    I’ve found some ways to cope with the excessive sweating over the years. Just this summer, I went to a wellness event with plans to meditate and exercise. I found myself sweating before I even started to exercise and at the end of the session, I had to excuse myself to the bathroom immediately, so I could change my shirt and sports bra. I was so embarrassed by all of my sweat I never posted the selfies I took that day – but I’m bravely posting these photos today in honor of November being #HyperhidrosisAwarenessMonth.

    I want to ensure that I share that hyperhidrosis is a real medical condition that affects over 15 million Americans and 10 million Americans experience hyperhidrosis in their underarms.Both men and women struggle equally with this issue. I hope we can remove the stigma and make it less shameful to talk about, and I ask those of you with a loved one or friend who struggles with hyperhidrosis to be compassionate and supportive.

    If you sweat excessively like me and think you may have hyperhidrosis, talk to a dermatologist to address it and check out resources on CheckYourSweat.com. You can also share your own #DearHyperhidrosis story there, as well as in the comment section below.

  • Home Decor, Lifestyle, Motherhood, Sponsored

    Six Ways to Save Money During the Holidays

    This post is sponsored by BJ’s Wholesale Club. As always, all opinions are my own. 

    Believe it or not, you can save money during the holidays and have a fabulous time!  

    I love everything about the holiday season, especially making memories with my family and spoiling them with gifts. Gifting and entertaining can be expensive, though, and as a mom of three, I’m conscious of my holiday spending to make the most of our family’s budget. Here are a few ways I save money during the holidays and you can too.  

    Save Money During the Holidays

    Shop in bulk.

    I’m not sure why I didn’t think of doing this when I was in my 20’s, but I’m so happy to know better now. The holidays are the perfect time to start shopping in bulk if you don’t already do so. 

    When it comes to entertaining, I know that I can pull off a fabulous soiree with the help of my BJ’s Membership Card. I’m a long-time BJ’s Wholesale Club Member, and I head directly there when I’m entertaining because I know I will find everything I need, and I love that I can save 25% off grocery store prices. 

    But food isn’t the only thing I buy in bulk! I love that BJ’s has a fantastic selection of gift bags, wrapping paper, gift sets and greeting cards that I can buy in bulk. I’ve found everything from spa sets to assorted chocolate gifts.

    Save Money During the Holidays

    Host at home.

    Instead of going out to restaurants or ordering take-out, save by inviting friends and family over and entertaining them in your home. You can find party food, fresh baked goods from the bakery, and even Wellsley Farms Wines, exclusively at BJ’s! My go-to is the frozen section for all of the Wellsley Farm frozen appetizers. 

    Stick to your list. 

    Make a list, check it twice, and stick to it! It’s really tempting while shopping to buy one extra thing or a bigger or more expensive gift than the one we planned to get, but that type of impulsive behavior can destroy our holiday budget. Instead, think of ways to make the gift more attractive and create an experience that includes the gift. 

    Shop BJs.com for more convenience.

    This a great option if you’re very busy or you get tempted to spend more when you’re shopping during the holidays. It’s so convenient and easy that BJ’s offers a variety of digital services, so you can get everything you need from groceries and gifts to decorations without ever leaving the house. Plus, the holidays are so busy that you might not have the time to shop. You can even buy online to pick-up in-club, order with same-day delivery or get two-day delivery on BJ’s essentials at BJ’s Stocked. 

    Use coupons. 

    Every dollar counts if you’re on a very tight budget, so use coupons to save. I love BJ’s Wholesale Club because you can use both manufacturers and in-club add-to-Card coupons for even more savings. It’s effortless to clip coupons using the BJ’s mobile app, too. BJ’s seamlessly deducts the savings at the register, so no extra steps necessary.

    Look for discounted products. 

    As most of you know by now, my kids love reading and have a big collection of books. BJ’s carries the new children’s book releases at low prices, so I usually get them as gifts for my kids and the other children on my list. I love their matching pajama sets, holiday sweaters, and even leggings. I’m always blown away by the prices at BJ’s. 

    Anyway, I hope these tips help you to save money during the holidays and still have fun. 

    Are you on a tight budget this holiday season?

    Do you have a baby too? Check out 5 hacks for shopping for a baby on a budget here.