4 Ways to Prepare Your Skin for Fall

As the vibrant days of summer give way to the cooler, crisper air of Fall, your skin’s needs start to shift. The change in seasons brings with it new challenges for your skin, making it the perfect time to update your skincare routine. Here are four compelling reasons to prepare your skin for fall:

1. Combatting Dryness

Fall's cooler temperatures and lower humidity can lead to dry, flaky skin. The moisture-rich summer air is replaced with drier conditions, making it essential to switch to a more hydrating skincare routine. Incorporating heavier moisturizers like our Marigold Mango Butter and hydrating serums like the Vita-Me, can help maintain your skin's moisture barrier, preventing the tight, uncomfortable feeling that often comes with the change in weather. 

2. Repairing Summer Damage

Even if you’ve been diligent with your sunscreen, the summer sun can leave behind some damage. Hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and sunspots may have developed over the summer months. Fall is the ideal time to incorporate treatments like exfoliating acids, retinoids, or vitamin C serums into your routine to help repair this damage and rejuvenate your skin. Also, it’s chemical peel season! Book an appointment with your local esthetician to get your skin back on track.

3. Adapting to Indoor Heating

As temperatures drop, we start relying on indoor heating, which can be harsh on the skin. Heated indoor environments can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to increased dryness and sensitivity. By preparing your skin with nourishing creams, protective balms, and hydrating masks, you can minimize the impact of these drying indoor conditions.

4. Preventing Seasonal Breakouts

The transition from summer to fall can disrupt your skin’s balance, potentially leading to breakouts. As you switch from lighter products to heavier ones, your pores might become clogged if your skincare routine isn't adjusted properly. Incorporating gentle exfoliation and balancing toners can help keep your skin clear and prevent the seasonal breakouts that often accompany this time of year.

Transitioning your skincare routine for fall isn’t just about keeping your skin looking good—it’s about maintaining its health through seasonal changes. By taking these steps now, you can ensure your skin stays hydrated, balanced, and resilient all season long. So, as you pull out your cozy sweaters and sip on pumpkin spice lattes, don’t forget to give your skin the attention it needs to thrive this fall.

How to Figure Out Your Skin Type

Some of us may observe that despite staying consistent with our skincare routines, our skin just doesn't care. That annoying skin concern you spent $$$$$ to treat has gone nowhere. At this point, we become frustrated and tired.

If this sounds like you, all hope is not yet lost. We can help you trace what's wrong. From experience, we've realized that many skin issues happen because we simply do not know our skin type and how to care for it.

If you know the type of skin you're born with, you're halfway on your journey to achieving your complexion goals.

Below are the major skin types and how to identify them.

• Normal skin

• Sensitive skin

• Oily skin

• Combination skin

• Dry skin

• Acne-prone skin

• Mature skin

Normal Skin

You have a normal skin if you notice:

• Your skin rarely develops breakouts. 

• Your pores are not visible.

• Your skin is supple, firm, and shows minimal signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagginess.

• Your skin does not develop terrible reactions when you try new products.

• Your skin is neither oily or dry.

• Your skin does not have flakiness, itchiness, or patches

Oily Skin

Your skin is oily if;

• It always appears shiny.

• You use mattifying makeup and blotting papers to achieve a flawless look.

• Your makeup gets sticky and out of place after a few hours.

• You develop acne occasionally.

• You have blemishes.

• Your skin is thick.

• You have enlarged pores. 

Dry/Dehydrated Skin

You have dry skin if you observe the following:

• Dryness, itchiness, flakiness, tightness, redness, and cracks.

• Skin concerns such as eczema and  dermatitis.

• Your makeup doesn't sit properly on your skin unless it contains super hydrating ingredients.

• Your skin feels like paper and quite rough.

• Your skin appears dull.

• Loss of elasticity.

Sensitive Skin

You have sensitive skin if you notice these signs;

• Your skin develops rashes, acne, and bumps quickly.

• Your skin flushes and turns red easily.

• Your skin stings or burns when you try out a new product.

• Your skin reacts badly to a product containing fragrance or allergens.

Combination Skin

Combination skin is quite difficult to identify because it is made of more than one skin type - mostly a mix of dry and oily skin.

Here's how to tell if you have combination skin.

• Oiliness in some parts of your face, especially your T-zone.

• Dryness in other areas of your face.

• Your pores are enlarged and more visible. 

Acne-Prone Skin

Your skin is acne-prone if your skin develops acne frequently. If you're battling acne that is stubborn, it might also indicate that your skin is acne-prone. 

Here's how to tell:

• Appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, pustules.

• Clogged pores

• Oily skin

• Dry skin

Mature Skin

Aging is a normal aspect of life but if your skin has developed numerous signs of aging, it is an indicator that your skin is mature.

These are some common indicators of a mature skin type:

• Wrinkles

• Fine lines

• Crepey skin

• Loss of elasticity

• Sun spots

• Dullness and uneven skin tone.

• Dehydration and dryness.

What product is suitable for these skin types?

We understand that each of our clients fall into one of the categories of skin types above. And to ensure that we meet the skincare needs of everyone, we carefully created our skin care line to be friendly to all skin types.

Whether your skin is dry, dehydrated, oily or combination, you can conveniently use the Polk Apothecary product range without any worries. Our range comprises:

• Turmeric Rose Face and Body Bar with Turmeric, Rose clay, goat’s milk, and oatmeal for mild cleansing.

• Give Me Suga Turmeric Scrub or Honey & Oats Coconut Sugar Scrub for gentle  exfoliation and brightening dark marks.

• Perfection Toner for toning and refreshing the skin.

• Marigold Mango Butter for moisturizing and intense hydration.

Other products we suggest are our Soothe & Brightening clay mask to help pick up dirt and unclog pores. The Milk & Honey cleanser is great for dry and sensitive skin to help moisturize and not dry out the skin even more, leaving it inflamed or irritated. With a healthy skincare routine that is dedicated to YOUR skin type, it can change over time to become more normal. Oily skin can become more normal when oils are applied to the skin, instead of it over-producing sebum (oil) itself. A dedicated Dry skincare routine, can get dry skin on the normal spectrum by using heavy oils and butters that keep the skin moisturized longer. Please keep in mind that your environment, stress level, daily activity, water intake, and skincare products play huge parts in appearance of your skin, so be good to it!

XOXO,

Morgan Polk

How to Overcome Your Fear of Intimacy

Sexual intimacy (or lack of it) is not a topic many people get excited about discussing in the open. While you may see many people seeking therapy for their addiction to sex, a few others at the opposite end are turned off by experiencing sexual love with their partner. Individuals who experience this are said to have fear of intimacy.

 Often treated as a taboo and stigma, the fear of intimacy occurs more often than we'd like to admit or accept. And it is more gut-wrenching on those it affects because they do not lead sexually fulfilling lives.

 The fear of intimacy, popularly referred to as intimacy avoidance, occurs in both males and females, affecting their relationships in the long run. While its exact cause remains unknown, it has several triggers. A widespread cause of this condition is anxiety.

 If you find yourself withdrawing when your partner tries to hold, kiss, or make love to you, you need to get into this post. But, first, we'll help walk you through the causes of sexual avoidance and how to deal.

What is intimacy avoidance?

Difficulty in engaging in loving sexual relations with your partner is dubbed

"intimacy avoidance."

 Although, individuals who avoid sex do as a defense mechanism. It is not uncommon to encounter physical and psychological distress when trying to have sexual intercourse.

 Common signs of physical distress associated with sexual avoidance are panic attacks, sweating, increased heart rate, nausea, and muscle aches. Psychological reactions to fear of intimacy include; guilt, shame, and low-self esteem.

 How do I know if I'm scared of intimacy?

To know if you are shying away from intimacy, observe the following patterns;

●      Short-lived relationships

●      Communication problems

●      You withdraw when people try to get close to you.

●      You recoil from physical and sexual contact

●      Low self-esteem

●      Lack of trust

●      Fear of commitment

●      Perfectionism

●      Fear of abandonment and rejection

Causes of intimacy issues

●      Abuse; physical, sexual, emotional, and drug abuse.

●      Neglect; physical or emotional

●      Death of a parent

●      Low self-confidence

●      Abandonment

●      Rape

●      History of anxiety and depression.

How can I deal with this?

●      Be raw with your emotions:

An excellent start to nipping the problem of sexual avoidance in the bud is to identify how you feel. It's okay not to feel okay. On days when you don't feel to good, open up to someone trustworthy and discuss your worries. Do not bottle anything in. With acceptance comes healing.

●      Stay emotionally present:

When dealing with sexual avoidance, it is tempting to be "body present, mind absent."

Being absent emotionally is what drives a wedge between you and your partner. The more you distance yourself from your lover, the more anxiety creeps in. It'll help if you focus on your emotions and express how you feel at all times.

●      Put your relationship first – It is easy to throw yourself into work and invest your time and energy into your career when you detest intimacy. However, being in a healthy relationship is a vital part of life, and it will be helpful if you can map out time for your love interest, no matter how busy you get.

●      Trace the roots

If you reminisce in retrospect, you may have an idea of the origin of your challenge. Did you have a good/bad relationship with your parents? How did your family handle issues? Acknowledging that the there were lapses in your childhood relationships and addressing them is a way to start your journey to a healthier relationship.

●      Avoid stress

Stress and pressure can worsen sexual tension. Engage in activities that can make you relax and unwind. You can start by doing simple exercises then engage in yoga and meditation. To enhance your relationship, you can do your routines with your partner.

●      Eat healthily

Although it plays a small role in combating intimacy avoidance, eating an adequate diet cannot be overlooked. Consume wholesome, fresh foods that will boost your mood instead of relying on empty carbs and sugar that can sap your energy.

●      See a therapist

If you've tried everything else to salvage your situation without success, then it's time to seek out professional help.

The fear of sexual intimacy affects a crowd of people. If you find yourself experiencing any of its related signs, we suggest you start seeking help right away to help you live a well-round life instead of suffering in silence.

 By. Caroline Okoh Nkoye

Fun First Date Ideas That Will Lead to Date #2!

So, after months of dedicating time to building yourself, hanging out with your pals, taking up a new hobby, binge-watching your favorite TV show, and immersing yourself in work, you want to get back into the dating cycle.

At this time, you're giddy with excitement and probably worrying yourself to death about what best to wear, where to go, what could go wrong, and whatnot! Relax!

If you plan to have a date with that special somebody soon and you're seeking help to make it go seamless, you've come to the right place. We'll help you plan a remarkable first-time date.

Schedule the venue

The first step to achieving a perfect date night is planning it. And trust me, this step is usually the most daunting. You find yourself ( or your date interest) saying things like, "I have nothing in mind; whatever you pick is fine by me." 

Ensuring that everything on your first date works out well can be challenging but try not to stress yourself which can dampen your mood. What's important is that you spend ample time with your partner, learn new things, engage yourselves, and connect on different levels.

Depending on where your collective interests lie, you can pick out a restaurant, a cinema, a park, a museum, or a library. Also, put in mind your budget before selecting a venue.

Plan the date and time

Spontaneous dates are the best. The element of surprise that comes with experiencing them is always memorable. However, it is essential to map out the exact date and time to avoid disappointments.

Check-in with the venue you have chosen to know their availability for the date and time you have picked, make reservations if possible, and communicate all your plans with your significant other to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Finally, stay committed to your plans.

Showing up to a movie date late or appearing at a restaurant when they are closed or about closing is a quick way to ruin your first date. All of these are avoidable.

Dress classy

We understand that your better half might be so hot and sexy, and it might be tempting to upstage them by showing up looking sexy and exposing some skin. Save that for future dates. Dress smartly and classy in an outfit that you're comfortable wearing. Your date should feel comfortable with you, too. Imagine showing up with your cleavage spilling all over your outfit. You might send the wrong message and attract unwanted attention.

Make things flow naturally.

To have a successful date, it's best to leave things unforced. It's ideal to make plans but leave room for some spontaneous activities. For example, when visiting a restaurant, try to pick out a picturesque environment and head over for a fun photograph before your meals. Or engage in some karaoke if there's provision for that. No matter how bad the photos or song might beof, you'll relish those moments in the coming years.

Get to know each other.

The part of first dates that everyone dreads is "getting to know each other." This stage makes or breaks a relationship. Everyone is tired of the generic "tell me about yourself," "how are you?" and "what are your plans?" So cliche. Try something new this time.

For starters, ask puzzling and intriguing questions that will make your significant other rack their brain. Trust us; it'll be fun! For example, you can ask questions like, "summer, winter, and fall, which is your favorite for your business?" Or "if you find yourself in a desert, what are the three most important things you'd need for survival before help comes along?' "If it was the only thing left in the world, what food would make you starve to death?"

These questions are light, fun, and decent. They are a great way to engage one another without boring yourselves to death.

Keep technology away

Your phones, MacBooks, iPads, and computers should be banished when you have one-on-one time with a special someone for the first time. Technology has a way of interrupting dates. And they are unnecessary distractions.

Give yourself good memories.

Before you bid yourselves goodbye, you should leave a lasting impression on one another. You can either take a cute photo together or give each other small gifts to take home. This aims to remind yourselves of each other and create memories that will be etched in your memories.

What can we do on our first date?

These are some awesome ideas for your first date;

●      Cooking your favorite meals together

●      Visiting an amusement park

●      Bowling

●      Zip lining/Hiking

●      Strolling

●      Doing community service

●      Hitting up an arcade

●      Pottery making

●    Paint-balling or something active/competitive

Written By: Caroline Okoh Nykoe

6 SELF-CARE TIPS FOR YOUR MAN THIS FATHER'S DAY!

Father's day is around the corner. As with other years where we celebrate the father figures in our lives, this year will be no different - or maybe slightly different. We are focusing on our lover - the special man in our lives.

We are setting aside this year's Father's day to celebrate our men for being there for us 100%.

Men deserve some tender, loving care, too. So, if you have an amazing man in your life that is worth celebrating, stay glued to this post. One unforgettable gift you can offer your man is the gift of self-care; for recharging, rejuvenation, and refreshment.

Here are some fantastic ways you indulge your man in some self-care treats for the exceptional day;

Massages

A massage is a cure for many ailments. It can relieve sore muscles, loosen knots, ease aches, and relax your body. Also, massages help to cure hangovers and prevent heart diseases.

On that day, pamper your lover with an in-home massage using massage oil candles that will heighten the mood. If you want your man to experiece a memorable massage session, burn some sweet-smelling

incense to cast away negative energy.

 After a massage, you can run a warm bath for your man with aromatherapeutic bath salts. Scrub and wash him. You'd bond over such a simple sensual act.

Be his chef

For a stress-relieving Father's day for your man, transform into his chef

Instead of taking him to a fancy restaurant, ask him to chill while you cook his favorite meals. He would feel adequately catered to.

Get him his dream gift

If you are attentive to your man, you may have heard him rave about an item he's been wanting to get. It could be a gadget, a professional course, a vacation, or a piece of clothing. Surprise him with any item on his wish list.

Plan a game night.

Do something fun with your better half this father's day. If you haven't gotten time to spice up your fun life, planning a game night will be a great way to start. Set a prize for the winner to get your competitive sides pumped.

You can either play some board games such as chess, monopoly, or Jenga. Take things up a notch by racking your brains with brain teasers.

Watch his favorite show.

Be a couch potato  by kicking back and watching your man's favorite show with him. If your man is a soccer fan or a basketball lover, create time and sit through gaming sessions with him. It'll make his day. You can order pizza and drinks while at it.

Put you on the menu.

We saved the best for the last. Re-ignite the passion in your relationship. Make your man's father's day a notable one by presenting yourself as a gift.

To wrap the whole festivity, turn your home into a sexually charged atmosphere and give your man some good, good loving.

 Beforehand, get somebody treatments to keep your body in tip-top shape; waxing, pedicure, manicure, and bath soaks. Perform some yoni steaming to keep your coochie ready. When things get spicy, take charge and give your man the best orgasms of his life - he'd look forward to more Fathers' day with you.

Happy Father's day, KINGS!

 BY: Caroline Okoh Nkoye

6 Amazing Ways to Boost Your Libido Naturally

We live in a world that has portrayed constant high libido as an everyday thing. Social media and societal pressure are not helping either, as they continue to idolize men and women whose sex drives are off the roof.

In reality, not everybody's libido is going to stay up at all times. At a time in your life, you may notice that your desire to have sex has reduced - it is normal, at least to an extent. We understand that a  decreased sex drive

can dent your confidence and put a strain on your relationship, especially if your partner has a high libido.

 If this sounds like you worry not. We'll help walk you through solutions to help get you hungry and steamy when it’s time to get laid.

Why is my libido low?

A wide array of factors can cause low libido. Mostly, these are either physical or psychological.

 Physical factors that can trigger a low sex drive are;

●      Hormonal imbalances

●      Drug use and abuse

●      Exercise (or lack of it).

●      Certain medications

●      Alcohol consumption

 Psychological factors that can cause your libido to dip include:

●      Stress

●      Anxiety

●      Depression

 If you have zeroed on the cause of your lack of enthusiasm to make love, you are halfway on your journey to your best sex life.

How can I increase my libido?

You can have an enjoyable and healthy sex life regardless of the concerns that are plaguing you. All you need is to modify a few habits, and your intimacy game will be on fire.

 Wondering how to deal? Here's how;

Rev up your diet

Junks and carbs are delicious to consume, but your sex drive will pay dearly if you constantly indulge in your dietary guilty pleasures. To ensure that you are always in the “mood,”  you'll have to include a healthful, wholesome diet in your personal care regimen.

Replace processed and sugary foods with our good mood foods: asparagus, chocolates, avocadoes, almonds, strawberries, walnuts, eggs, and peaches. These foods are natural aphrodisiacs that'll make you anticipate lovemaking.

Spice up your sex life

Sometimes, the reason why your sex drive wanes is that your sex life has gone cold. To ignite the spark of intimacy, you should consider spicing things up. Try new things and experiences. For a start, you do not have to go overboard. You can plan an intimate bedroom time with your partner by lighting candles and performing sensual massages with stimulating oils. Incorporate new sex styles that are you both comfortable with.

Create a sexual atmosphere by burning incenses that will put you in the mood for sex.

 For women who have just had babies, hormonal imbalances and change in the body can affect sex drive; you can keep things hot by practicing some yoni Steaming.

Worship your body

To worship your body means to treat it like a precious, sacred entity. The first step to pleasuring your partner is by learning how to pleasure yourself first. Like a maze, you have to discover every twist, turns, and corner that tick your G-spot. Find out what makes you aroused and the places that make you drip. From there, you can lead your partner on an adventure to getting your big "O."

Curb stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety can cause a setback in your sex life. De-stress by engaging in relaxing activities such as soaking in a warm bathtub with your partner. Warm bath soaks can help relax your body while bonding with your better half.

 If you are going through a rough patch, you can either sort it out by talking to your partner or anyone you are close to. You can go the extra mile to visit a therapist if you feel things have gotten out of hand.

Get ample sleep

Lack of regular sleep can make you cranky and irritable, and no one wants that. To enjoy your sex life, ensure you take some time off to rest. Abandon every activity that will interfere with your sleep cycle

; waking up refreshed and well-rested puts you in a state of pure bliss.

Do away with some ill habits

If you look forward to a pleasurable time between the sheets, you must be willing to go easy on the bottle and cigarettes. Smoking kills your sex drive by affecting your heart rate. On the other hand, if you are a binge drinker, you may get sexually aroused after drinking, but you'll notice that your sexual urge dies when the effects of the alcohol kick in.

Sex is fun and natural and should never be spoken about in hushed tones. If you are dealing with issues in your sex life, we advise you to feel free and speak up to get the help you need. Every human has a primal urge, and it is only fair that you enjoy the carnal desires you have. After all, life is too short for you to be having boring sex.

 BY: Caroline Okoh Nkoye

Vagina 101: The Culture of Vaginal Steaming & Why It May Be Beneficial to YOU!

Vaginal steaming is one of the latest trends to pop up in the health and wellness world. A-listers Chrissy Teigen and Gwyneth Paltrow, who have enjoyed a steamy session of this therapeutic ritual, have so many dripping reviews about it. You may hear vaginal steaming occasionally being referred to as yoni steaming. The term "Yoni" has Sanskrit origins, and it translates to “womb" or "vagina."

Image by: Nerissa Nefeteri

To some of us, the vaginal steaming practice may be new, but the act of heating the vagina is an age-long rite that has been performed for centuries by women in different corners of the world.

What is Vaginal Steaming?

Vaginal steaming entails sitting in a pot-like stool that contains flavorful herbs.

 The herbs are heated to make their vapor permeate the tissues of the vagina. Yoni steaming aims to enhance the female reproductive organs; vagina, cervix, and uterus. Also, applying heat to the vagina claims to boost sexual pleasure by tightening the muscles and alleviating dryness.

What are the benefits of Vaginal Steaming?

Contrary to popular belief, vaginal steaming will not cause any problems.

You'll only need to regulate the heat to avoid burning. Other than that, the experience is fun and hassle-free. Here are a few reasons why you'll love this healing therapy in your lady parts.

@loveprettip

●      It helps to ease menstrual cramps.

●      It cleanses your lady parts of infections such as yeast and bacterial infections.

●      It narrows your vagina after childbirth

●      It boosts fertility

●      It strengthens your femininity and makes you feel powerful being a woman.

●      It treats reproductive concerns such as uterine fibroids and hemorrhoids.

●      It makes your sex life more fun.

●      It is a great way to rejuvenate, unwind, and relax your system.

Why is Vaginal Steaming popular?

As stated earlier, this powerful custom of treating and healing female sexual organs has been in practice since time immemorial.

In places such as Korea, Asia, vaginal steaming is known as Chai Yok, and women have been performing if for years to boost their sexual health. The popular herbs employed for a session of Chai Yok are wormwood and mugwort. You may notice some variations in the herbs depending on the conditions being addressed.

Dukhan steaming with woods and bark

In Sudan, Africa, women undergo the centuries-old Dukhan ritual after giving birth to tighten their birth canal and massage their reproductive organs. The practice involves slathering scented oil on a woman's body, then allowing her to sit on a pot/stool with scented woods that have been heated. To trap in the "flavorful smoke," the woman is covered with a thick blanket that encourages the smoke to saturate her yoni for a deep treatment. Commonly used herbs for Dukhhan are Shaff, tahl wood, and Karkar oil.

In Central America, the practice of Bajo is quite popular among midwives, traditional doctors, and Doulas. The ritual involves using steam from healing oils, herbs, and moisture to treat the tissues of the vaginal walls after childbirth. Bajo therapy boosts blood circulation while speeding up the rate at which the uterus sheds mucosal tissues. Some of the herbs used for Bajo treatment are Yarrow, motherwort, calendula, and rosemary.

Where can I get a natural Yoni steam?

Yoni steam has shot to wide popularity in recent years, and this means you no longer have to travel to Asia or Africa to treat your private regions to some Tender Loving Care.

We offer a wide array of herbal blends for yoni steaming alongside the treatment. If you are looking for a place to boost your intimate areas' health, we are at your beck and call.

 By. Caroline Okoh Nkoye

6 EASY WAYS TO DE-CLUTTER YOUR LIFE THIS SPRING!

As we bid winter goodbye, we should do away with some habits/things that are no longer serving us. Spring signifies new beginnings. And now is the perfect time to say "out with the gloom, in with the bloom."

The burden of the Corona Virus, coupled with an economic crisis and the dynamic nature of our fast-paced lives, can have debilitating effects on our mental and physical health. It is easy to get swallowed into the cycle of hustling and bustling, but have you thought of letting your hair down for a minute?

This season is a perfect time for spring cleaning, so we're proposing that you go the extra mile to spring clean your life. See it as a much-needed detox for your body, mind, and spirit.

How to spring clean your life.     

For a fresh start this period, you'll need an all-around clean-up, from your personal space to your beauty stash.

Here's how to deal;

Rev up your Beauty stash:

Skincare

If you have not made a switch from products filled with chemicals that you can hardly pronounce to products with natural ingredients, you have to start now. Ditch any chemical-laden product that can damage your skin barrier and cause skin irritations. Replace with a gentle, effective, and safe brand with an organic line up like ours.

Makeup

Makeup products that have been sitting on the shelf for more than six months should be discarded.

Beauty Tools

Clean your beauty tools regularly to stop the breeding of bacteria that can cause acne: makeup brushes, sponges, containers, cloths, and any facial equipment.

Spruce Up your personal space

If there's anything you don't use occasionally, that's taking up too much space, and you'll have to let it go. Mess and clutter in your immediate environment can trigger stress. Sanitize your personal space for optimum wellness. Recycle materials such as bottles, jars, and containers to reduce wastes that can affect the environment.

Rearrange your wardrobe, and give away clothing and shoes that you no longer need.

Settle for some "Me" time.

We know it sounds cliche and maybe selfish to say put yourself first. Real talk - you need to take care of yourself. Escape from the rigors of your career, business, and lifestyle to clean up your mind. Engage in yoga or meditation. Immersing in a tub with bath salts is also a great mood booster.

 Take a break from technology.

Technology has its gains and its pains. It's easy to get addicted to using your mobile phones and laptops. Springtime is an ideal time to curb distractions and seek fun in offline activities. Start your digital detox by participating in sports to keep your heart healthy.

Healthy Lifestyle

A deep cleanse this season isn't complete without a lifestyle overhaul. Consume healthy diets, exercise regularly and go to bed early. Practice cooking at home - it is therapeutic, healthier, and cost-effective. Walk for 30 minutes daily to get your feel-good hormones, endorphins pumping.

Kick Negativity and Bad energy to the curb

If you are in any form of relationship that isn't making you happy or feel fulfilled, cut ties with them. Hit the unfriend or unfollow button immediately. The same applies to emails, updates, and messages that are not beneficial to your well-being. Delete messages or Unsubscribe from the mailing lists.

Many areas of our lives could use a facelift right now and in the coming months. Take little steps to shape up your life, and you'd be proud of the positive changes you see in a little while.

 BY: Caroline Okoh Nkoye

5 Small Upgrades to Your Morning Routine That Will Give You Your Best Day Ever!

Photo by: Anthony Jordan// Muse: Kiara Bibens

A unique morning habit is the foundation of any self-care activity. It's no surprise that how you plan your day when you wake up sets the tone for the entire day. Adulting is challenging, and we've spent many mornings stressing and worrying. How about changing things for the better? 

We've seen the morning routines of popular figures, from President Obama to Cristiano Ronaldo, and that’s why you need a positive morning routine guide to face the world every day. 

What are your morning routine goals?

It's stale news to ask you to drown yourself in lemon juice first thing in the morning. We want to know what you want when you open your eyes every morning. Is it enhanced health? Improved wellness? To become fit? Or just happy?

Whatever it is, we are focused on your overall well-being. If you are looking for a means to improve wellness and your quality of life, you're in luck. Please take a seat as we take you through this joyous ride of the best morning routine practices.

Morning Routine self-care practices

Invest in uplifting scents

You cannot overlook the importance of an uplifting scent for your health and wellness. Fragrances can influence your mood by relaxing your muscles, improving your sleep patterns, reducing stress, alleviating fatigue, and boosting your brain functions. 

To start your morning on your best foot, light up a tip-top scent such as the Sage and Palo Santo incense when you wake up. The divine-smelling incense is a potent trio comprising White Sage, Blue Sage, and Palo Santo. White sage cleanses your energy and decongests bad energy, while blue sage welcomes blessings. Palo Santo detoxifies the atmosphere while kicking you into relaxation mode.

Exercise

Photo by: Anthony Jordan

Break into a sweat when you wake up to get your happy hormones (endorphins) running. If yoga is your thing, do some stretches, and don't forget to get one of our Character Tees to go with your yoga pants. 

Immerse in a bath soak

Bath salt soaks in as an age-long ritual that offers therapeutic benefits. Before you rush out of your home, take a few minutes to kick back and let your hair down in a warm bathtub. Pour in a sweet-smelling bath salt such as our "Vitamin Me" bath salt and catapult yourself into heaven.

Mineral-rich Celtic sea salt in this bath salts hydrates your skin while alleviating your sore muscles. Bamboo salt renews the skin while detoxifying your body. A fusion of calendula flower and organic oranges calms and soothes aches around your body.

Moisturize your skin

To keep your skin super happy during the day, you'll need a supply of skin-loving ingredients. And that's why you should cop a bottle or more of our Venus Nectar.

Organic Aloe Vera in this body oil traps in moisture to make your skin plump, while the herbal mixture of rosehip, lavender, calendula, slippery elm feeds your skin most of the nutrients it needs. The Venus Nectar is a multipurpose blend that you can use on your body and nether regions.

Throw in a massage

They say, "Morning sex is the best sex' but have you tried a morning massage before anything else? The feeling is out of this world. To loosen the knots around your body, we suggest you use our Morning Sex Massage Oil Candles.

The sweet orange and lemon flavor of this oil candle will get you heated up down below. After burning the candle, feel free to slather it on your body. No worries, your skin won't feel waxy. The candle is made of organic ingredients such as soy wax, shea butter, almond oil, and cocoa butter that melt upon contact with your skin. 

Kick-starting your day with little, positive habits is always a rewarding experience. We welcome you to try out these wellness rituals even if you are not a "Morning Person."You’ll be fascinated at how much you’ll look forward to mornings after a trial.

Written by: Caroline Okoh Nkoye (Nigeria)

Pictures by: Anthony Jordan (Portland, OR)

The Elephant in the Room

Lately my life has been chaotic with business, other things, but business is beginning to take a front seat. Me and my circle have started the plans we’d curated right before the new year and we aren’t letting up. When your business starts to take off and gain some volume, as we all know, people that we know for sure wasn’t worried about us or even supportive of the idea, are now calling us and interested in what we’re up to. Granted, many of those people may have had things going on in their own lives, where it was impossible to focus on others, but we’re aware of who those people are. When it comes to business and trying to separate it from your personal life, a common, uncomfortable conversation usually arises…FAMILY. To be honest, I’ve never been the most family oriented person, but I love family dynamics and seeing how others interact who are close to their family. I consider anyone family that I have a true love for and we’ve possibly been through some shit. Many of us can recall times we’ve called on our friends before blood relatives because those are the people we trust and confide in. I never understood why people would get so upset at the fact that family isn’t always on your side. But that's because those same people misconstrue the terms “Family” and “Love”. Just because I may not trust, talk to, or hang with my cousin, doesn't mean I don’t love them. Shit, I have blood siblings that will lie on me to get what they want or just try to paint a different picture of me to get the heat off of them. Thats what PEOPLE do; their relation to you has nothing to do with their morals.

I see many people inside and outside of my circle, that slow themselves down due to the fact that people they love can’t catch up or are begging them to wait up. Sorry not sorry, I’m not for it this year and neither should you. There comes times where your family may grow mad at you for being selfish for your future. People will always comeback with what they’ve sacrificed and let go of to have to get things done, and we have to have that same mentality. Anyone that isn’t able to say' ‘NO’, chances are, they haven’t gotten any further than the last time you’ve spoken to them. People use your common sense as you’re reading this. Of course being there for major family events, births and deaths are automatic and shouldn't be second guessed when it comes to your participation. As for handling things that aren’t your responsibility just for  the fact that you’re young and they feel like they've paid their dues, we all choose to pay differently, as well as use our time differently.

I’ve learned to keep my moves to myself, to avoid criticism and just to have your shit together before you present someone with an idea. The questions are always coming and you can tell who’s prepared by the way they respond. I remember getting defensive because most of the time I hadn't fully figured out my plan before people came with questions, and you have to confident in your decision making when it comes to your future. I’m the type of person that thinks of every possible situation that can happen and plan for it because as we know, most people around us are negative and wants to know how we will handle something negatively impacting our grind. Family in this case will remind you of your previous plan and when plans change, they grow concerned if you have the discipline to finish the task. All in all, your family wants what’s best for you, but their way. After years of trying to make people happy, I grew drained and unhappy. How was it that someone else’s happiness about my accomplishment was more important. Many of my accomplishments started to feel like failures because it wasn’t working towards the future I now wanted.

A lot of times, we let our family dictate our future, knowing that they've already lived their lives and made the decisions they thought were best for them. Now it’s our turn. Take your dreams, keep them close to you, and don't let anyone alter your plan but you. Everyone is going to have an opinion and seldom take their own advice. You can’t seek guidance from someone who has no idea where you want to go, only you can decide that.

Protect Your Peace, Invest In Your Mental

If you watch Brittany Renner’s car rant videos, you know she is constantly encouraging her followers to invest in their mental health. Many people don’t even know that mental care is part of their healthcare plan and that they are already paying for it in their monthly premium. Seeing a therapist may be your cure to lack of sleep, stress, and depression. When me and my mom would get into huge arguments, she’d tell me that I needed anger management and that I was covered by my insurance, not even trying to be condescending or rude. Of course I told myself I didn’t need help, just a breather and to change my surroundings, which was true, but more steps had to happen before I moved on to another space without attacking the issues at hand. Once I left Jackson State, my friends no longer had as much time to help me talk out my problems (vice versa) and over- the-phone conversations just didn’t give me the same satisfaction. One night I met up with an old friend and as we were catching up, I just let it loose. I was lost. I had just left college after 5 years still not satisfied, accomplished, nor did I have any idea of where I was headed career wise. For so long I focused on what others’ wanted for me and I was headed into self-destruction.

We were out all night exchanging stories and it seemed that we had both lost ourselves and were trying to find a way back to our sanity. Both of us had always been known as the life of the party and quite friendly, but we had become anti social and dark. I think I said, verbatim, that I needed someone to talk to that I could open up to and understand the issues I was actually taking on. She referred me to a woman that she felt had her on the track to being healthy again. I booked my first session immediately because everyday I was experiencing a mental breakdown. She had an open appointment for me the next day, but the whole time driving there I wasn’t sure of how it was going to start; was I ever going to get better or feel better? When I walked in, I immediately felt safe, and we dove right in. She first told me to describe myself, and I responded, “I have a wall built up, I don’t like people, and I’m called cold hearted”. Many of the people that referred to me as these things didn’t know I was hurt by it because it seemed like I owned it. She said nothing. After you hear yourself say these once hurtful things about yourself, you have to reflect.

Our first meeting was the beginning of my healing journey. I attended sessions twice a month, and sometimes missed because I tried to tell myself I was okay, until I’d wake up uneasy or start showing signs of depression. We started from my childhood, and there were things I hadn’t accepted or people I had forgiven. Most of our talks stemmed from my “daddy issues” and feeling abandoned, never having those “daddy’s girl” moments, and we were so much alike I couldn’t stand it/him.  We went through everything and healed by the layers. There were things from my childhood I had carried into adulthood, she helped me see through certain people’s toxicity, feel better about letting them go, and she helped me to welcome new people into my life. Some ask me if I talked about Dom throughout my sessions, and yes, he came up a few times. There were a few men that came up during my sessions and Dom was the only one that didn’t bring pain to my life; He was a lover and friend. I call the other men before, “stuffers”, they were just there as placeholders until Dom and I took a chance on each other.

We attacked my relationships first because I am the type of person where I go off of vibes and how I connect with people and who I allow into my life is very important to me. I have a very hard time with change, especially when it comes to letting go of people in my life that I thought I loved and trusted. Once we uncovered my strongest allies and support system, we moved on to my career (or lack there of). My job situation at the time had me depressed, feeling mediocre, and knowing that I wasn’t completely happy with the major I studied for five years, I was scared I would never be successful. In my sessions we’d talk about nursing school, which I always gave a solemn response, and when she’d ask me to tell her where I saw myself in 5-10 years, it included owning BUSINESSES, and nursing school became a second choice in my heart. I was excited when I could come to her and tell her I had started Fish Fusion and I was finally being the entrepreneur I had been telling her I wanted to be, but soon even that became a sore subject. I felt like a minimum wage employee at my own business. Although I had found something I loved, I still needed to fill a void.

I began doing things outside of the food cart that made me happy and that I could do on my own, but now I ran into the problem of always trying to include my friends into my dreams. I tried starting a podcast with two of my best friends, but it’s hard to do a group project by yourself and have uneven momentum within the group. I gave up. I had to stop wanting to strive with people that didn't have the same drive. One day, she pulled out the dry erase board and a marker and we made a timeline of what I expected my life to be in the next 5 years and 10 years and even broke it down into months when I wanted to make an accomplishment. (example: start working out by May) That was the biggest blessing she could've given me; stability. It’s one thing to have a plan in your head, but to see it, is another.

After over a year of seeing her, I started going further apart, and we would recap on the last sessions. The growth I saw and heard her repeat made me emotional as fuck. I went from calling myself a cold hearted bitch to someone who was able to love, be open, let go, and do things without the acceptance of others. I am now able to identify how I am feeling and articulate it to the person I am feeling it with, without feeling ashamed or weak. Because of the timeline, it taught me to set realistic goals and conquer them. I started a weight loss journey that kept me in high spirits, and finally took the plunge to move. I keep her updated on things that I know were on the timeline and just to check-in. It was never the fact that I felt alone and couldn’t talk to anyone about my struggles but it was easier to talk to someone who had no emotional attachment to me and didn’t expect more out of me than I did myself. Most of the time she just let me talk because I needed someone to listen and not respond. Therapists aren't for the insane, but for those who are scared to reach a point of self-destruction. With all of the financial problems I had, she was the best investment I’ve made. Take time out for yourself to heal and grow.

Failure is Your Restart Button

We all have fears, and although some seem scarier than others’, how can you tell someone their fear isn’t big enough? I’m going to cut straight to it, I’m scared of failing. Why? Well, I think my family made me that way. If you know me, you know I have what my mother calls “a stank ass attitude” and I was truly a spoiled brat. I was always told that I better be something that made a lot of money because I liked too many nice things and love having the leisure to do and go where I want. I feared of letting my family down and I feared not having a luxurious life, but I was willing to struggle for what I wanted, just scared that failure would be the end result.

At an early age I knew that a typical job wasn’t for me, but who am I to think I don’t have to work a basic 9-5 job? I felt like I was missing something because I was never in love with it and I was always scared to tell my parents how I was feeling or to quit because I simply didn’t like it. Even in school my grades were average but I tried to compensate by being skilled in other ways to seem exceptional. So when asked about my grades I still had a bit of excellence to pride myself on. All of my flaws have always made me scared if I’d find someone who truly loved me and could deal with my moodiness, if I would find a career that didn’t feel so much like a job, if I will be a good parent or even be successful at having kids.

Like I’ve said before, when I moved to California, I was in debt to the moon. For the last few years I have been traveling and “living my best life” knowing that I needed to be saving and paying back my debt. I had covered up my money problems with trips and during that time I could barely sleep due to knowing that one day it would all catch up to me. Years ago I wanted instant gratification, when now I’m at home, watching all of my friends travel and doing things I should’ve waited to do when I had the means and my account wasn’t at risk of going negative. I kept this to myself in fear of hearing that I had ruined my future in buying a home, cars, or just owning anything. But have I failed…NO!

Being honest about my flaws and stupid mistakes helped me realize that if I didn’t change my spending habits, I would fail and everything Dom and I are trying to build would be at a halt trying to clean up a mess he wasn’t in my life for. I had to make one of the toughest and embarrassing decisions of my life, which was filing for bankruptcy. At this point, I had credit card debt being garnished from my check, and soon I would owe on the car accident from February of last year. I’d wake up nearly every morning disgusted with myself and knowing I dragged this man into my bullshit. I was roughly $16,000 in debt at 27 (not including school loans). Talk about failure. But once I filed, we both found a sense of relief. I could start over, and sleep peacefully now. Granted I can’t have any form of credit for a while but it showed Dom first hand what debt looks like. I’ve pretty much made all of the life mistakes for him.

When I started my business, I decided to take things slow this time because in my experience when I’ve tried to start projects, they failed because I was so pumped about the idea that I didn’t take my time figuring out the specifics. As you all know, 2019, is my clean slate, the cleanest it’s going to get. Dreams die fast when there’s no foundation to build the reality. I have learned that instant gratification has always ended up FAILING me. The sense of feeling behind, stagnant, or less than is just part of the process. Change your actions and the results have no choice to fall in line. I am blessed to have taken action on my faults before they were irreversible. Think of failure as a restart button because it’s never the end.