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Why Alicia Keys Says Intention-Setting Is The Most Important Step In Her Self-Care Routine
Old folks always say that joy comes in the morning, but I, for one, cannot relate. As a creative with a never-ending to-do list, waking up can be stressful AF, but according to Alicia Keys, the secret to seizing the day is setting intentions in the morning. In a recent interview with Vogue, the singer shared the details on the wellness-inspired self-care routine and dished on how she starts every day by lighting a candle and getting her thoughts all the way together.
She explained:
"I usually get up pretty early. My husband's usually a little bit mad because I'm out of bed so early. He's like, where are you going? I might do a meditation. I might do an early workout. I might just sit in some silence."
"Once all of that's done, I come into my bathroom and I love candles. I'm a candle fanatic. I light my candle and I believe in setting an intention, there's something about lighting something––something burning that's very sacred. And I will think about what it is that I would like for myself for the day."
Alicia explained that women, especially during this time, should delegate more time to pour into themselves, even if that just means taking a few moments in the bathroom to breathe.
"Take that time for yourself and if you feel overwhelmed...escape to your bathroom and just take some breaths in, exhale—do that about 10 times."
For the 8 wellness-inspired self-care must-haves that Alicia can't live without, scroll below!
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, xoNecole may earn a small commission.
Osmosis +MD Deep Clean Detox Cleanser
Amazon
"I've always cared about skincare but…I didn't always have good skin. Everybody's different. You have to keep trying to find what's good for you. Sometimes it takes a minute. My favorite thing to use right now is Osmosis +MD Deep Clean Detox Cleanser. My skin kind of requires a little bit more strength when cleansing."
Sacred Rose Water Spray Body Mist & Aromatherapy
Sacred Rose Water
"Basically, just spray your whole body, like around a thousand times, as much as you need it. And you take it in, breathe it in, you smell it in. What I love about Rose is that it's literally a heart opener, which is why, you know, one would give another person that they love roses. It really does open your heart and don't we all need that? We just need to open your heart, open yourself, just be ready to receive all the good intentions."
X-Treme Cream Propolis Sunscreen SPF 45+
Walmart
"It really smells quite good. And it's also a sunscreen. Well, for me, like I said, my skin is very, very sensitive. So I go very light, very light because cream sometimes can be a little bit heavy. We like to make sure our face has sunscreen on it. It's so good for you."
Gotukola Natural Spring Pure Keratin Hair Mask ($37)
Amazon
"I definitely noticed the haircare treatment is definitely super important. First of all, to give it a break and also just to really put some good nutrients in there. So yes, my hair has taken its share of beatings and right now, it could use a trim, a cut. It could use a lot of stuff right now, but you know what, here we are and we're going to do what we can do in our own little bathroom. And that's also good. So I'm going to go ahead and leave this in all day because it's cool. And then at night, I'll wash it out or in a couple of hours."
Watch Alicia Keys' Guide to Wellness-Inspired Beauty | Beauty Secrets below:
Featured image via Vogue/Beauty Secrets
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Tubi has been gaining popularity due to its free sign-up and a vast selection of series and films. According to Deadline, the FAST (free ad-streaming television) service has seen a 14.7% growth from May and now has similar numbers to Disney+. So while many people have joked about Tubi having low-budget movies, the numbers don't lie.
In fact, I was one of those people who didn't get the appeal of Tubi, but the more I watched it, the more I enjoyed the content. They have some of our favorite TV series, such as Scandal and Star, as well as big films like the Fast and Furious franchise and cult classic Love & Basketball.
Tubi even has its own original movies and series that are just as entertaining. But while Tubi is on the come up, some of the low-budget movies and hood movies are still a must-watch. From Tubi originals to the hood movies, we've put together a list of shows and movies to add to your watchlist.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an original Tubi movie that stars Hailey Kilgore (Juke from Power Book III: Raising Kanan), Damon Wayans, and Pam Grier. It's a love story gone awry after a robbery turns deadly, and a young couple faces many challenges to make it out alive.
The Dirty D
The Dirty D is one of the first things I watched on Tubi, as many people highly recommended it. It's a series set in a Detroit club, and it has all the drama you can think of. Murder, drug dealing, cheating, greed, and more.
Black Men Don't Cheat
In this film, a young woman grapples with the death of her husband while also discovering his secret life, which puts her in danger.
Mother May I
This movie fully captivates the overbearing mother. However, the ending will shock you as she goes a little too far.
The Stepdaughter
When a young girl moves in with her dad and his new wife, a series of unfortunate events occurs. This Tubi original will keep your attention with every turn.
These Men For Everybody
These Men For Everybody is a film that highlights the tangled web of friendships and relationships and how you can't trust anybody.
Best Friend
What happens when your best friend is obsessed with you? This movie, which stars Serayah and Marques Houston, answers this very question and takes us on a ride in the process.
What's Done After Dark
What's Done After Dark shows us that everything isn't always what it seems. The twist at the end is a real doozy.
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Feature image by rez-art/ Getty Images