

If you come to check out our site on a semi-consistent basis, you might've caught an article I wrote, back when the weather was much warmer. It was entitled, "8 Summer-Themed Alcoholic Drinks That Can Boost Your Libido". Well, now that it's getting colder by the day, and also since the fall and winter seasons are apparently the best times to engage in some hot 'n steamy copulation (check out "Did You Know Fall & Winter Are The Best Times To Have Sex?"), it seemed only right that I share some warm drinks that can take your sex drive up a couple of notches too.
So, if you're ready to come in from the freezing weather, so that you can step into a warm room in order to participate in some of the best sex you've had yet, here are eight drinks that can get you to feeling like this truly is the most wonderful time of the year (if you catch my drift).
1. Cinnamon and Coconut Milk
If you're constantly on the hunt for milk alternatives, don't forget to put coconut milk on your list.
Not only is it loaded with antioxidants, it also has a good amount of protein, calcium and potassium in it as well. This is good to know because potassium plays a direct role in increasing male hormone production while regulating our thyroid. Cinnamon is awesome because it's got medicinal properties in it that can help to fight off bacterial and fungal infections. Not only that but, sex-wise, cinnamon is able to increase blood circulation, improve blood vessel dilation (both of those can intensify your orgasms) and increase one's sex drive.
Just add three teaspoons of freshly ground cinnamon to three cups of coconut milk, bring to a boil and then let cool down enough for you and your partner to sip. Feel free to add a little honey if you'd like your drink to taste, just a bit sweeter. This drink will help you to have great sex and some good sleep right after.
2. Blueberry Tea
If you like to snack on blueberries and there's rarely a time when you're not in the mood for sex, it may not be happenstance. The reality is blueberries are high in Vitamin B (which can give you more energy, stabilize your moods and make you more interested in coitus), Vitamin C (which is an antioxidant) and fiber to keep toxins out of your system. Also, when it comes to your libido, blueberries are awesome because they help your body to release the neurotransmitter dopamine, so that you're able to feel great while your partner is able to have longer and stronger erections during, well, you know. #wink
3. Warmed Up Kiwi Sangria
Sangria is a festive drink that hails from Spain and Portugal. While there are all kinds of variations of it, the "foundation" is almost always red wine, chopped fruit and spices of your choosing. Well, a particular fruit that's in season during this time of the year is kiwi. Kiwi contains vitamins C, E and K, as well as folate, potassium and fiber. Because Vitamin C has a great reputation for boosting one's libido and fertility, that's why I found it fitting that hot kiwi sangria would also go on this list. Click here to make your own white kiwi sangria, here to make some delicious strawberry kiwi sangria or here for a spicy sangria recipe. If you bring the ingredients in these recipes to a boil, let them simmer on warm heat and then serve them in a mug with some kiwi and/or orange garnish, you'll enjoy this drink, right down to the very last drop.
4. Hot Cocoa
I don't know a single soul who doesn't dig a cup of hot chocolate (if you're one of 'em, post a comment about why because…what in the world?). As if the taste of chocolate isn't a good enough reason to have some, at least a couple of times a week, during the fall and winter seasons, dark chocolate is pretty impressive when it comes to its health benefits too.
It's also packed with antioxidants as well as magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, fiber and selenium. Magnesium makes it easier for testosterone to hit our bloodstream. Zinc is good, when it comes to your sex drive, because it helps men to maintain their libido and, it can actually increase our testosterone levels which can, in turn, make us hornier too. Also, dark chocolate helps us to produce more serotonin (a brain chemical that's connected to sexual arousal) and phenylethylamine (a natural stimulant that actually causes people to feel like they're in love with each other).
All extra bonuses to having some hot cocoa tonight, don't you think?
(A recipe that intrigued me is one that contains vegan "sex dust". Check out the recipe here. Cop some of the all-natural sex dust to put in your cocoa here.)
5. Pumpkin Latte
Pumpkin contains quite a few goodies—protein, fiber, vitamins B2, C and E, potassium, copper and iron too. Where pumpkin is really off the charts is when it comes to Vitamin A; it's got around 245 percent of the Reference Daily Intake that your body needs. That's important to know because Vitamin A is what male and female sex hormones both need in order to remain healthy and strong. Another great thing about pumpkin is it's full of zinc. So, if you want to entice your partner with some homemade pumpkin spice latte, there's an easy to make recipe here.
6. Warm Canelazo
Whenever I pen a food or drink article, I try and throw in something that makes you say "what is that?", just to bring something new into the content. Today, it's a traditionally spicy hot drink from Ecuador called Canelazo. While the name might sound super exotic, this is a drink that's really easy to make. All you need is some sugar (preferably panela which is a form of organic raw cane sugar), some cinnamon sticks, some Aguardiente (which is anise-flavored liqueur) and some water. We already touched on what cinnamon does and if you add liquor to that? How can Canelazo not be a sex party in a mug? (Click here for an alcoholic and non-alcoholic recipe. To warm it up, apply the same tips that I offered in the sangria recipe).
7. Mulled Wine
If you've heard of mulled wine before but you're not exactly sure what it is, it's red wine that has spices in it. This alcoholic drink makes this particular list because you're able to serve it warm or cold (it really is very good when it's hot, by the way).
Red wine is a fan favorite on this platform because it contains antioxidants that are able to lower cholesterol levels, strengthen the heart, regulate blood sugar levels, reduce depression-related symptoms—all of which play a significant role in keeping our libidos intact. Plus, it's proven to be able to significantly increase our sex drive after just one glass.
All you need is some red wine, cinnamon and a few cloves (they are nerve stimulants that can also give you more energy) and you're all set (check out a great recipe for mulled wine here).
8. Coffee
I'm not sure if there will ever be a less controversial hot drink than coffee. The reason why I say that is because it comes with about as many risks as benefits. Today, let's just focus on the benefits, though. Reportedly, coffee is able to burn fat, increase energy levels, improve physical performance, fight depression-related symptoms and even reduce death risks by almost 30 percent (in women; 20 percent in men). As far as sex goes, there are solid studies citing that the caffeine in coffee not only provides us with stamina to have sex but it can make females specifically crave more coitus too. So, if java on a snowy day is your thing, make sure to make an extra cup tonight. Umm, you already know why, right? Exactly.
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It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
Luxury Hairstylist On Viral 'Hey Boo' Texts & Professionalism In The Hair Industry
As Black women, our hair is our crowning glory - whether we paid for it or not. We take pride in how we wear and take care of our hair. As with everything, hair care and hair styling have evolved over the years. Long gone are the days of Blue Magic (although I hear it’s making a comeback).
Now, we have a plethora of creams, oils, conditioners, shampoos, and stylists to choose from. Beyond wearing our natural curls, we have a range of options, from wigs and sew-ins to tape-ins, I-tips, and K-tips. So much choice! But you know what they say about too much of a good thing...
The Black hair industry has definitely blossomed in the last decade with a wave of new stylists and salons popping up all over the place. As much as I love that for us, many of these stylists have become the subjects of viral TikTok and Instagram tirades because of their alleged questionable behavior and bizarre rules.
Excessive policies, strange fees, long wait times, poor performance, and the infamous “Hey boo” texts. Beauty is pain, they say… xoNecole got to the root of these issues with luxury hair extensionist Dee Michelle, who’s been in the hair game for 20 years and runs a seven-figure business - all while being a mom of four.
Antonio Livingston
“I started my business with my career in the hair industry [at] very, very young age when I was maybe like eight...So, over the years, I've just built a very successful seven-figure business very quickly just by offering high-end services and creating great experiences for my clients, many of whom are high-profile professionals,” she said. “I'm also a mother of four, including a set of triplets, which inspires me daily to show what's possible with my hard work and focus.”
Dee’s business has gone viral on social media because of what many call outrageous prices for her invisible K-Tip installs.
“When I developed my invisible K-tip extensions technique, I made sure that it wasn't just about the hair or the style, but about providing a high-end experience from start to finish. So, my clients just aren't paying for the extensions or just the style itself, but they're investing into my meticulous, seamless craft and premium hair sourced from the best suppliers…I've spent so many hours mastering my craft, creating this seamless method that gives my clients long-lasting natural results, and my pricing just reflects that - the value of my expertise and the exclusivity of the service.”
The K-tip specialist stands on business when it comes to catering to her clients and giving them an experience worth the cost.
“And it's just important for me to also say that my clients are high-profile individuals who value quality, their privacy, and their time. They want a service that fits into their lifestyle and their time. They want things that deliver perfection. And I deliver that every single time.”
I’m sure we’ve all seen the various TikTok rants about people’s nightmare experiences with stylists and uttered a silent “FELT!” We asked Dee her opinion on a few nightmare scenarios that beg the response, “please be so forreal."
On stylists charging extra to wash clients’ hair:
“I think they should just include it in the price, to be honest. Because I feel like when clients go to a stylist, they're expecting you to wash their hair. Personally, if I see that washing is extra, I just wouldn't go to the salon because it just shows a lack of professionalism, in my opinion, and a lack of experience.”
“I think they should just include it in the price, to be honest. Because I feel like when clients go to a stylist, they're expecting you to wash their hair. Personally, if I see that washing is extra, I just wouldn't go to the salon because it just shows a lack of professionalism, in my opinion, and a lack of experience.”
On ‘deposits’ that don’t go towards the cost of the service:
“I think that's kind of weird, too, for deposits to not be like a part of the service. I've seen people have booking fees and I just don't understand it, to be honest. I disagree with that kind of policy…By all means, people should do what works for them, but to me, it doesn't make sense. Why does somebody have to pay a fee just to book an appointment with you? I don't get it. It feels like exploitation.”
On stylists charging extra to style (straighten/curl) wigs, sew-ins etc., after installing:
“I don't get it. Clients come to us to get their hair done, to get it styled. So why is it extra for you to style it? If you're going to charge extra, just increase your price. I feel like it could be just a lack of confidence in those stylists, feeling like people won't pay a certain price for certain things, or just their lack of professionalism as well, because people are coming to us to get styled.”
On the infamous “Hey boo” text stylists send to clients when they need to cancel/reschedule:
“Professionalism in any industry, especially the beauty industry, is everything. So texting a client the, “Hey boo” is so unprofessional, and it's damaging to the client-stylist relationship. Clients book their appointments expecting a level of respect and care, especially when they're investing their time and money and a service. And I get it, emergencies happen, we're all humans. However, it should be done with a formal apology and a clear explanation.”
“Professionalism in any industry, especially the beauty industry, is everything. So texting a client the, “Hey boo” is so unprofessional, and it's damaging to the client-stylist relationship. Clients book their appointments expecting a level of respect and care, especially when they're investing their time and money and a service. And I get it, emergencies happen, we're all humans. However, it should be done with a formal apology and a clear explanation.”
We know all too well what kinds of things will keep us from ever gracing certain hairstylists’ chairs with our butts again. So, what should hairstylists do to provide a good service to their clients? What is good hairstylist etiquette?
“For one, being on time is an important rule for stylist etiquette. It's just not okay to require your clients to be on time, and you're not on time. Also, communication. Being able to communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally, whether that's in person, via text, or on social media. Style is etiquette. Appearance matters. So just maintaining a clean, polished, and professional look. Clients respect you more whenever your appearance reflects your work. There's just so many things, but another thing I would say is active listening. So, being able to pay close attention to what your client wants and also clarifying any questions that they might have. Just to ensure that they feel heard and to minimize any misunderstandings.”
Dee also shared some red flags to look out for when considering a new stylist.
“Even me as a client, if I'm booking somebody and they have a long list of rules, I don't even book with them. That's, for one, just such a huge turn-off. Also, stylists who have inconsistent or unclear pricing, that's a red flag. People who change their rates too much without an explanation. Poor communication. So, if a stylist is responding very slow or responding unprofessionally, or giving vague answers to questions, that can make clients question whether or not they are respecting their time and their needs.
Another red flag - an inconsistent or low quality portfolio. And I feel like, I see this a lot with stylists stealing other people's work, and their portfolio on social media is just very inconsistent.”
We couldn’t let Dee go without getting the tea on what styles she predicts will trend in 2025.
“I feel like people are going back to natural-looking styles. So, a lot of people are ditching the wigs, the lace fronts, things like that. People are still wearing them, of course, but it is becoming more of a trend to embrace your natural hair and something that's not looking too fake. That’s one thing that we're going to be seeing a lot. I would say a lot of layers are coming back, heavy layers. Those are becoming really, really trendy. And people are leaning more towards platinum-colored hair. I've been seeing lots of like blondes coming out. Also, jet black is always going to be a trend. But I would say more like natural colors, but natural colors that are still making a statement.”
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Feature image by Antonio Livingston.
Dry January may be over for some, but for others, sobriety is a lifestyle. Non-alcoholic spirits like Ritual and Free AF are becoming more popular and even temperance bars (dry bars, sober bars) are popping up around the world. Resorts are also taking note as many are putting wellness front and center by offering mocktails and incorporating yoga and other mindfulness practices.
The Expedia Group reported that more than 40% of travelers have said they're likely to book a detox trip within the next year. If you're one of the travelers looking for a wellness vacation, check out these 10 spots below.
Bimini, Bahamas
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Resorts World Bimini recently introduced its Wellness Weekends with Shay Williams, a local Pilates Instructor, and Sound Healer. Guests can enjoy a private pilates class and sound healing session for $269 per person.
Aruba
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Aruba Marriott Resort offers soothing aloe-based treatments at the island's largest spa. Their Lobby Bar also has a signature mocktail menu with options like the Strawberry Cooler.
Curaçao
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Curaçao is located near Earth's main vortexes, which are considered the world's chakras and/or portals making the island a strong energetic hub. Speak with one of the local gurus or enjoy a blissful spa day, at the captivating 8, The Experience. The spa features services like chakra-balancing, stress-fixing massages, and more.
Bellevue, Washington
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Bellevue is a quaint and charming city surrounded by nature's beauty. Travelers can kayak on Lake Washington or hike the snow-capped mountains of the North Cascades. It's also home to the iconic Bellevue Club Hotel, which features an athletic club and spa.
Adairsville, Georgia
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Barnsley Resort is the perfect escape from city life. It's located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and guests can enjoy horseback riding, hiking trails, golfing, and canoeing with a mocktail in hand.
Cape Cod, MA
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Holistic health lovers may want to visit Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, which introduced new year-round wellness retreats, helmed by wellness expert and Retreat Sales Manager Liza Bertini. The retreat offers a range of fitness classes like yoga and pilates as well as programs catered to sober-curious people, grief and other health issues.
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
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Lake Atitlán is recognized as one of the most spiritual places in the world and Casa Palopó is located right on the edge. The luxury boutique is one of the only two Relais & Chateaux hotels in Guatemala. With only 15 rooms and a 3-bedroom villa, guests can roam the lush grounds and take-in panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding three volcanoes. Some of the resorts' activities include a Maya blessing ceremony, yoga, or volunteering at nearby villages.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta recently underwent a huge renovation that includes a refreshed treatment menu and facilities like cold pools, steam room, and sauna. Guests can enjoy oceanfront yoga, running and walking paths, tennis, and a flora-inspired mocktail menu at Bar Flora.
Baja California, Mexico
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At Kimpton Mas Olas Resort & Spa in Todos Santos, guests can create their own custom essential oils and scrubs at the resort's apothecary workshops or they can indulge in holistic treatments in the spa. Other wellness-focused activities include daily yoga, meditation, and fitness classes.
Punta Mina, Mexico
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Detox and reset at W Punta de Mita, which is a located on Mexico's most iconic surf breaks. There's holistic remedy-inspired mocktails, ice bath therapy, and spiritual Cacao Ceremonies designed to reconnect mind, body, and spirit. And, of course, surfing is a must.
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