I Gave Up Feminine Wash After My Go-To Was Sold Out For Months
Two years ago, I went all organic with my feminine products and it's made a world of difference. My cramps have subsided, and overall my experience with my monthly flow has been great. I went from the girl who could barely exercise on her period to swimming with organic tampons on the heaviest days of my flow monthly. And I was feeling really confident about my new relationship with my vagina until an herbalist suggested that I take the journey one step further and ditch my vaginal wash altogether. It wasn't my first time hearing this conversation before, anyone who's read The Queen V knows that according to Dr. Jackie, all the vagina needs is water. However, I wasn't having it.
Perhaps it was a habit, but I'd been using feminine wash since I got my period. And while swapping out my Always and turning to organic pads/liners wasn't as difficult, this was. I hated the idea of not using anything but water, but COVID-19 made it so that I had no choice but to get to know my vagina. Since quarantine, the company that I used was out of stock for months and it caused me to rely on myself to learn what my body needed. Months in, I'm adjusted and no longer rely on feminine wash.
Here's how I've managed to keep my WAP healthy during these past few months.
I upped my probiotic intake.
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Prior to this year, I'd taken probiotics, but not on a consistent basis. Back in college, I was first introduced to them after I perforated my eardrum and had to get on antibiotics, my mother suggested that I take a probiotic to counter the medication. I remembered that in my research that probiotics not only lead to good gut health but taking a probiotic with 1-2 billion CFU per day can help treat vaginal imbalance issues like bacterial vaginosis.
I clean my vagina with my hands as soon as I get in the shower.
As soon as I get in, I clean my hands, and then I clean my vagina. Not using soap has in many ways allowed for me to redefine self-care, because it's the first thing I tend to when I get in. I'm able to examine any ingrown hairs, the scent, and even how my hair on my vagina feels after I'm finished versus before.
I drink ACV water (yes and mind my business).
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One of the selling points that I hear most people express is that feminine wash balances your pH, and I get that. One of the most important ingredients in my plant-based feminine wash that I loved was ACV. That said, in order to not miss out on the alkalizing benefits, I add a small amount of apple cider vinegar with mother to my water daily. According to doconline.com, drinking ACV with mother is helpful because when the culture of bacteria is removed during filtration and refining, it results in clear and transparent apple cider vinegar. The healing properties of vinegar are due to acetic acid and other beneficial compounds present in it.
I shower as soon as I work out.
This has been my hardest habit to break, but staying in your workout clothes after you hit the gym is a huge no-no. Women's Health cites that skipping the shower after your body has perspired can result in fungus, and lead to potential yeast infections. Even if it's just a five-minute shower before you get ready for work, take it. Your vagina will thank you later.
While the idea of ditching what is a part of your daily regimen can be scary, the benefits of ditching your go-to feminine wash are filled with opportunities for empowerment and self-discovery so that if, by chance, you experience an issue with your vagina, you don't have anything covering up what you need to address.
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Dubbed one of the "21 Black Women Wellness Influencers You Should Follow" by Black + Well, Yasmine Jameelah continues to leave her digital footprint across platforms ranging from Forever 21 Plus, Vaseline, and R29 Unbothered discussing all things healing and body positivity. As a journalist, her writing can be found on sites such as Blavity, Blacklove.com, and xoNecole. Jameelah is also known for her work shattering unconventional stigmas surrounding wellness through her various mediums, including her company Transparent Black Girl. Find Yasmine @YasmineJameelah across all platforms.
Meet The Designer Behind This Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" Video Look
When Megan Thee Stallion dropped “Hiss,” a shift happened. From the audacious lyrics to the striking visuals, there was no doubt that the song and video would go viral. The opening of the video shows the H-town hottie rocking a barely there Shibari red dress, showing off her voluptuous frame. It was a sexy moment created by Timeekah Murphy of Alani Taylor. The designer exclusively tells us how the opportunity came about and what it was like seeing her design on Megan for the first time.
Timeekah Murphy
Photo courtesy
xoNecole: How did the opportunity to create such an iconic look for Megan Thee Stallion's "Hiss" video come about?
Timeekah Murphy: The opportunity came from a DM from celebrity stylist Zerina Akers. She asked for a unique Shibari piece for Megan, and I needed to get it done in two days. So, of course, I did everything in my power to make it happen. I've always wanted to design for Megan, so this was an awesome opportunity for me.
xoN: What was that initial feeling of seeing the dress on her for the first time?
TM: I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
xoN: Did you meet her? If so, how was that moment?
TM: I didn't meet Megan during the shoot, but during my time in LA, I got the opportunity to meet her at LA Pride with Tiffany Haddish, Common, and EJ King (stylist). Megan is such an amazing person, so it made it even better to know that my designs were going to be worn by her. I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
"I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her."
Photo courtesy
xoN: Walk us through the creation of the dress. How did you come up with the look, and how long did it take to make it?
TM: I was the co-designer for a brand called Deviant in 2018-2020, and we used to make custom Shibari pieces. That's how Zerina knew me. So I'm very familiar with making these types of pieces. We made plenty for Beyoncé, Cardi B, Tiffany Haddish, Tyra Banks, and so many others. So Zerina knew exactly what she wanted.
To get it done, it took me a day and a half. It's very intricate and time-consuming, so I spent about six hours making it then I sent an image of it to Zerina, and she didn't approve the first one, so I had to start from scratch again after getting my guidance and understanding of what was needed. The next day, I went to The Lab and created another version, and she approved it. I had to get it shipped overnight so that she would get it in time and fast forward to seeing it on the big screen.
xoN: What's next for you?
TM: Everything. The sky is not my limit, so the Alani Taylor brand is expanding into so many different avenues. We are getting involved in the community more, offering sewing classes to the youth. I've opened up a store for my brand in Atlanta and now preparing for fall/winter Fashion Week.
Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" video/ YouTube
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Grab Your Girls For These Galentine's Day Date Ideas
The season of love is here, and when we think about true, unconditional love, one thing comes to mind: our girlfriends. Through breakups, life transitions, and every milestone in between, our homegirls have a way of showing up like no other. When we think about the friends that make our lives sweeter, we can’t help but get butterflies. They make us laugh, they’ve seen us cry, and most of all, they remind us that romantic love isn’t the only valuable form of care there is.
With Galentine's Day soon approaching, what better way to commemorate the bonds that brighten up our lives than to show love to the women in our circle? To our chosen sisters everywhere, we’re helping to make the day a little sweeter by providing a few gal-pal-approved date ideas to show our appreciation for the women who bring joy and understanding and make life richer.
Siri, play “Best Friend” by Brandy.
Pasta and Wine Night
It’s time to bring your culinary skills to the table. For the girls who are looking to host an intimate dinner party from the comfort of their home, a pasta and wine night just might be the plan for you. No matter the level of your cooking expertise, pasta is a no-brainer cuisine that’s going to hit every time. Grab your favorite pasta sauce, pick up the fanciest wine on the shelf, and drizzle over some extra olive oil, and your girlfriends will be in awe of your cheffing skills.
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DIY Matching Charm Necklaces
If you’ve been anywhere on TikTok these days, charm necklaces are the latest hot, nostalgic accessory that the girls can’t get enough of. This trendy statement piece has become a crafty DIY project that makes jewelry-making that much more meaningful. Go for a personalized charms arrangement that you can create as your own personal treasure or lock in a matching piece so you and your bestie can twin together.
Host a Floral Arrangement Party
Flowers are truly a girl's best friend. And there’s just something about putting your hands to work to create the perfect arrangement of lilies, hydrangeas, daisies, and roses. The art of crafting flowers in a thoughtfully arranged manner holds a universal language for expressing love, and if your friends are anything like you, they definitely deserve to be given their flowers. Go to Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or your local flower market and gather a few different flower styles for you and your friends to get crafty and share in the beauty of your blooms together.
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Get Permanent Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets have gotten a whole new upgrade with permanent bracelets. These permanent jewelry pieces are the perfect, low-stake representation of long-term commitment without the pain or pressure of regular tattoos. You and your bestie can seal the deal on your friendship with the permanent reminder of your love and commitment to one another. Plus, we can’t get over how cute they are.
Cocktail and Mocktail Drink-Off
We all know that a good time with the girls is not complete without the right libations. And if you’re looking to host a party of more than four of your favorite ladies, they can bring their personalities and flavors to life by whipping up their very own cocktails or mocktails. No matter if you’re a lemon drop kind of girl or a margarita lover, give your friends the task of concocting their own drink recipes and bringing them to the party. Bonus points for the competitive type: vote on whose drink was the tastiest.
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