

I'm all about reclaiming my time and tapping into my inner peace. Yoga has a reputation for helping us accomplish a satisfying "woosah" we all need. But before you get ready to master the downward dog, the yoga mat you use can truly determine what type of yoga experience you'll have. The thickness, material, length, and even cell type of a yoga mat are all factors to consider when you're on the hunt for your perfect yoga accessory.
Whether you plan on taking a yoga class on the beach during a girls' trip or want to indulge in hot yoga to sweat off the stress, there's a mat for that -- you just have to select the right one.
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1.BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Mat
Walmart
While you're still perfecting your yoga poses, this mat is protecting your joints and body. It has a high-density foam that reduces the soreness you might experience once you're finished. It's water-resistant so feel free to wash it down with soap and water. It also touts a free yoga mat strap to secure in between classes.
2.Lululemon's The Reversible Mat 3mm
Lululemon
For those who have enough on their mind while practicing yoga, the Reversible Yoga Mat 3mm from Lululemon serves more than one purpose. It has an impressive grip to make sure you don't slip during those sweaty yoga classes. The top layer even absorbs sweat and moisture. Flip over the mat to the other side when you want more of a cushion.
3.The B MAT Everyday Mat
B Mat Everyday Mat
It's perfect if you want to indulge in a yoga session from the comfort of your own home. The B MAT Everyday Mat is long-lasting and has a solid grip. It has a superior cushion and was created to battle heat and sweat, making it ideal if you want to take on yoga on a daily basis.
4.Gaiam Yoga Mat
Gaiam
Whether you're a pro or just getting the hang of the yoga lifestyle, the Gaiam Yoga Mat is an overall option. There's lots of cushion, but the mat won't slide back and forth. It comes with a downloadable yoga workout, which will help you if you're just getting started.
5.Aurorae Synergy 2 In 1 Yoga Mat
Amazon
If hot yoga is calling you every day, the Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 mat might be calling you too. It comes with a mat and a towel for those extra sweaty sessions. In fact, this was created for hot yoga lovers in mind because the more you sweat, the better the grip.
6.Alo Yoga Warrior Mat
Neiman Marcus
Is having just one mat for all of your yoga needs ideal for you? The Alo Yoga Warrior Mat doesn't just come in an assortment of chic colors like Smoky Quartz and Eclipse, it's also an all-around mat that you can take to any type of course (and look cute doing it).
7.Heathyoga Eco-Friendly Non-Slip Yoga Mat
Heathyoga
If yoga is something new for you, the Heathyoga Eco-Friendly non-Slip mat caters to beginners. The top layer includes lines that help make sure your hands and feet are in place for each pose. A second layer serves as a tight grip to help your balance. And it's eco-friendly!
8.Suga Recycled Wetsuit Mat
Suga Yoga Mat
Suga took sustainability to another level when it released a yoga mat line made out of recycled wetsuits. They're nonslip and have an oversized option for the taller ladies. The product is made of natural rubber. Suga also plants a tree for each recycled yoga mat that it sells.
9.Manduka eKO Lite 4mm Yoga Mat
Manduka
The Manduka eKO Lite 4mm Yoga Mat is a top choice for those looking for a lightweight product. It's not extremely heavy or spongy, but also doesn't shift during a yoga session. It only weighs about five pounds, so it can easily be tucked into a suitcase for travel without taking up too much space.
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Charmaine Patterson is a journalist, lifestyle blogger, and a lover of all things pop culture. While she has much experience in covering top entertainment news stories, she aims to share her everyday life experiences, old and new, with other women who can relate, laugh, and love along with her. Follow Char on Twitter @charjpatterson, Instagram @charpatterson, and keep up with her journey at CharJPatterson.com .
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Calling All Lovers: October London, Tamar Braxton & Ro James Deliver A Soulful Serenade
If there was ever a night to pull out your best leather jacket, call up an old flame, and lean into your soft, sultry era, The October Nights: Calling All Lovers tour was it.
Presented by Black Promoters Collective, the show brought an evening of lush vocals, smooth grooves, and unapologetic grown-folks business to Atlanta—with Ro James, Tamar Braxton, and the man of the hour, October London, leading the charge. The energy? Sensual. The vibe? Intoxicating (literally and figuratively—more on that in a minute).
Ro James kicked off the night with his signature raspy vocals and a cool confidence that immediately set the tone. While “Permission” was the undeniable crowd favorite (with couples slow-dancing in their seats and people swaying with their phones in the air), he also dug deeper into his catalog, delivering seductive mid-tempos and moody ballads that reminded us he’s not a one-hit wonder—he’s a whole vibe.
Next up, Tamar Braxton took the stage with diva energy and vocal acrobatics that had the crowd on their feet. Her set was a perfect mix of emotion and edge—songs like “My Man,” “All the Way Home,” and “Love & War” hit every heartstring, but she didn’t stop there.
Tamar tapped into her earlier work, showing her full vocal range and reminding everyone that she’s one of the most powerful voices of her generation. Between tracks, she got personal with the audience, sharing laughs and stories like we were all cousins at the family reunion.
Oh—and in case you missed it: “Braxtons are coming back.” 👀 Consider that a soft launch if we’ve ever heard one.
Then came the velvet king himself: October London.
From the moment he stepped on stage, it felt like time slowed down. Backed by a silky live band and powerhouse background vocalists The Shindellas — Kaso, Stacy, and Tam, October’s set was pure R&B indulgence.
He opened with songs like “She Keeps Calling” and “Make Me Wanna,” blending retro soul with modern sensuality. Every note was intentional, every lyric soaked in emotion.
“Touch On Me” and “3rd Shift” had the crowd in a trance, while “Lovers Interlude” and “You Look Better” brought things to a tender, candlelit close.
And because this is October London we’re talking about—of course, he came with the charm. “If I come down there and sing with you,” he teased one woman in the front row, “you gon’ get pregnant.” The entire room screamed.
He also took a moment to introduce his newest venture—a signature whiskey that he’s currently promoting on tour. Smooth music, smooth vocals, smooth whiskey? A trifecta for the grown and sexy.
To top off the night, there was even a surprise pop-up from Tyrese, sending the crowd into full nostalgic overload.
By the end of the night, it was clear: this wasn’t just a concert—it was a love letter to R&B. The October Nights: Calling All Lovers tour captured the essence of grown-up intimacy, storytelling, and soul. No gimmicks. Just real voices, real feelings, and really good music.
If October London is the future of modern soul, we’re all in.
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