Getting a good night's sleep has been difficult for me the past few years. I'd attribute that to my anxiety and the fact that I was using my room as my workspace. If you're a freelancer or someone who brings their work home, you probably know what it's like to work from bed or have a desk where you "do a little work" before turning the lights out, but it is statistically proven that separating your work from your bedroom is key for a restful night's sleep.
Since moving into my new place, I have made some significant adjustments to my bedroom and how I approach getting ready for bed. I plug in my phone away from my bed, I read, and I disconnect from social media. I haven't been able to give up screens completely, as I need my Golden Girls fix before I call it a night.
On top of lifestyle changes, I made some decor upgrades too. I bought a new bed frame and mattress, added a new pillow, sheets, and a new piece of technology. These changes have helped me get on a good night, seven hours of uninterrupted sleep when my average was about three in the past.
Here are a few items that will help set the tone for a good night of sleep and items that we're sure could help you too.
*This list is specially curated by the xoNecole team and some links are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, xoNecole might earn a small commission.
Anti-Wrinkle YourFacePillow
Shutterstock
Okay, this pillow looks a little like something out of an "I wanna eat your brain" horror film, but hear me out. Sleeping on your back will help combat wrinkles since getting your z's on your side can put pressure on your face and cause the skin to wrinkle.
Sebastian Rod Pocket Insulated 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panel
From 11 PM to 3 AM, our bodies produce melatonin (the hormone that helps us fall asleep), and light can disrupt the hormone's ability to help us have a restful sleep. Blackout curtains are a great option for keeping out the light, and also keeping rooms cool during the summer months.
Milemont Gel Mattress Topper
Shutterstock
Buying a new mattress is a big investment that takes a great deal of research, so instead of recommending a new mattress, I say add a topper. Amazon has many great options, but this two-inch foam topper has over 1,000 reviews and a 4.8 out of 5 rating with reviewers saying, "So comfortable! I haven't slept this good in ages."
ZonLi Adults Weighted Blanket 20 lbs
Amazon
With over 2,000 reviews, I'd say this weighted blanket is worth a try. If you're someone that deals with anxiety or chronic pain, research shows that weighted blankets can calm the body while sleeping.
MADETEC Cool Mist Humidifier With Aromatherapy Diffuser
Amazon
Dry air, no matter the time of year, wakes me up at night usually with a coughing fit, so I invested in a humidifier. But, what if I told you, you could have both a humidifier and diffuser to mist your favorite scents in the air while you sleep. MADETEC's duo stretches your coin and comes with a remote control and timer.
Threshold 300 Thread Count Organic Cotton Solid Sheet Set
Target
There was a time in my life I could have cared less about sheets. But, one day I woke up and became an adult. Good sheets from brands like Brooklinen costs upward of $100 (which I think is worth it), but Target has a set of sheets I keep purchasing over and over — their 300 Thread Count Organic Cotton Sheets. They're soft, durable, and wash well.
Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen
Amazon
Hi, my name is Bianca, and I'd like to introduce you to my new best friend — the Echo Dot. The Echo Dot has been a game-changer for me and my ability to sleep through the night. I either ask Alexa to play rain sounds or an Audible book, and I wake up the next morning without any interruption. You can take the Echo Dot a step further by adding smart bulbs and plugs to your home, so you never have to get out of bed to turn off a light or the television again.
Marpac Dohm Classic White Noise Sound Machine
Marpac
Marpac Dohm is an O.G. in the noise machine game, and they have over 14,000 reviews to prove it. Whether you're looking for more sound sleep for yourself or a new baby or both, you'll get more rest.
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Featured image by Shutterstock
When it comes to creating a healthy scalp routine, it helps to know exactly what you’re up against so you know how to specifically treat it. Two of the most common concerns are dandruff and dry scalp. It can be tough to decipher which is which, but here’s a quick breakdown: dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin, while dandruff is caused by an excess of oil and yeast buildup on the scalp. Knowing that both of these are big concerns, SheaMoisture released two separate product lines to address both issues: the Scalp Moisture collection and the Anti-Dandruff collection.
Needless to say, if you tend to experience dandruff then I’d recommend you try the Anti-Dandruff collection. However, my biggest concern has always been dry scalp. A lack of moisture on the scalp can be caused by several factors like weather, age, and hair products to name a few. I’ve noticed that when I use certain gels or skip out on a deep scalp cleanse, my roots feel itchy and dry nonstop, which is uncomfortable.
The only way to relieve the discomfort is to properly wash and moisturize my roots, so I tried the Scalp Moisture collection and this is what I thought.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
First, What’s In The Collection?
The Scalp Moisture collection is a four-product line that includes a pre-wash masque, a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and a moisturizing scalp cream. Each product uses moisturizing and strengthening ingredients like aloe butter and vitamin B3 as active ingredients to provide eight times the moisture. Together, aloe butter and vitamin B3 work to restore dry and brittle hair, as well as add relief to the scalp.
Now, let’s break down each product…
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque may actually be the all-star of the collection. Using this deep conditioning masque is one of the best ways to target your dry scalp, restore hydration, and nourish your strands before shampooing.
I started by completely saturating my hair and scalp with water, then making small sections to apply the masque directly to the root. For my girls who have experience with relaxers and perms, it helps to apply the masque to your roots just like you would do with a relaxer. This way you can make sure you’ve covered as much of your scalp as possible while minimizing any breakage.
Pro tip: you can also use a color application brush to make this step easier.
After I completely covered my scalp, I massaged the product into my roots, used any excess on my strands, then left the masque in for 30 minutes. I was shocked by how moisturizing and clarifying my scalp and hair felt. One of the things that I love about the masque is the slip and how much softer it made my hair. While this is marketed as a scalp care product, it can completely transform your hair from dry and parched to completely hydrated.
In my opinion, the downside of this masque is that the quantity is too small for my liking. Truth be told, naturals go through deep conditioners faster than any other product (especially when it’s this good.) So SheaMoisture, if you’re reading this, we’d love a bigger jar.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Shampoo
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Shampoo is a gentle cleanser packed with the same moisture as the masque. The pearl-colored shampoo is lightweight with a serum-like consistency and a light and clean scent. The smell is pleasant, subtle, and not overbearing. When I applied the shampoo, I noticed immediately that it foams and lathers up very quickly, so less is more.
After applying the shampoo, I parted my hair and started at the roots to target as much of my scalp as possible. I recommend really taking the time to work the product and massage your scalp as much as possible.
Pro tip: using a scalp massager makes it easier and it feels amazing.
Once you start to massage your hair you’ll feel the product start to work. There’s a tingling sensation that might catch you off guard if you’re not used to it, but it’s not nearly as strong as other scalp products I’ve tried. I know some may not appreciate the sensation, but I loved it! My scalp felt clean, light, and breathable.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Conditioner
Like the shampoo, the SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Conditioner shares that pearly color and serum-like feel. It applies very easily while softening and moisturizing your hair. When I applied it to my hand, it gave my hands a lotion-like feel, which speaks volumes about its hydration capabilities. I also loved that the conditioner comes with a pump, instead of having to squeeze the product out – to me, it makes application easier.
I typically apply my conditioner to the ends first but because this is a scalp care product I started at the root and worked my way down to my ends. I did leave the conditioner in for ten minutes, although the bottle recommends leaving it in for three. The conditioner also provides that same breathable feel to your scalp. I honestly loved the relief.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Cream
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Cream is more of a daily relief product for your roots rather than your overall hair. It’s great for providing moisture and immediate relief to a dry and itchy scalp. Just like most of the collection, it gives a light and breathable feel – without the tingle. The applicator bottle targets specific parts of your scalp and makes applying easier.
Pro tip: I typically just squeeze the bottle to wherever I need the relief and use the tip to massage it into my scalp so it doesn’t mess up the hairstyle.
Overall, SheaMoisture’s scalp care line lives up to its claims – it moisturizes, strengthens, and provides immediate scalp relief. I definitely recommend trying the Scalp Moisture collection for an affordable way to treat itchy and dry scalp.
Featured image by Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
In 2004, following their split, limited details about why Usher and Chilli broke up were released to the public. But as the years progressed, social media users developed their own assumptions because, coincidently, around the time Usher and Chilli went their separate ways, he had released his hit album Confessions, and the lead single with the same name talks about a man admitting to possibly fathering a child outside of his relationship.
Due to conflicting reports from past interviews and Usher's song, many believed that infidelity on the "Yeah" singer's part could have led to the demise of his union with Chilli. In a recent interview with People magazine, Chilli --who is currently dating actor Matthew Lawrence-- opened up about her ex, how their relationship didn't necessarily end in 2004 despite it being announced to the public, and why she officially severed ties with him in 2019.
Chilli (L) and Usher (R)
Photo by KMazur/WireImage
Chilli On Her Past Relationship With Usher
During the discussion that took place earlier this month, the 52-year-old revealed that she and Usher were initially attracted to each other because of their intense chemistry.
But over the years, as their union evolved, Chilli realized that the pair was "different" and that the initial chemistry they once shared only occurred when they were working.
"We definitely had some chemistry. But working chemistry does not mean it works in your personal life. If we were working, it was great. But outside of that, we're so different," she said.
Chilli would add that even though her relationship with Usher looked great to the public, it didn't work the first time around because the "Burn" vocalist failed to meet certain requirements.
"It looked great, but in real life ... he knew he had to be a certain way with me, and he couldn't," she continued.
Chilli also disclosed that Usher's album Confessions wasn't about her and that their split in 2004 was due to opposing values and trust issues.
Still, Usher and Chilli would rekindle their union privately on and off for years when they weren't exclusively seeing other people. The "Unpretty" songstress explained the reason behind it was because they couldn't "get over" each other.
"I love hard. I was like, 'God, why can't I get over this?' He couldn't either," she stated.
Chilli On Why She Cut Contact With Usher In 2019
But all that would change in 2019 when Chilli, guided by her faith, cut off all contact with Usher because she wanted to "focus on" herself.
In addition to no longer speaking to the "Glu" singer, the mother of one decided not to date temporarily because she didn't want her past relationship with Usher to ruin her chances with a potential suitor.
"I even stopped dating. Because before that I thought if I met the right guy during that time that I wasn't over [Usher] it wouldn't work. I would never want to straddle the fence, " she said.
Toward the end of the conversation, Chilli shares that she had "no hard feelings" against Usher, who is now with Jenn Goicoechea, a senior vice president of A&R and Epic Records.
Chilli's recent admission about Usher and having to cut ties with an ex to find her significant other could motivate others to follow the same steps or at least re-evaluate the situation.
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