xoGift Guide 2019: Gifts For The Self-Care Enthusiast
Self-care looks different for everyone. Most importantly, self-care should include meeting your own needs, mentally and physically first, so that you can meet the needs of the outside world. It's less about self-indulgence and more about self-preservation. This catalog is dedicated to the self-care enthusiast AND the significant other who could use a little more self-care.
We decided to compile this list because no matter who you're gifting, they need some self-care items in their life. One can never have enough self-care. 2020 = self-full, not selfish. Shop on for some amazing recharging goodies!
Me Time: Dead Sea Soaking Salt
heritage1933
The benefits of scheduling me time are endless. Adding these bath salts to your scheduled bath will relax your body, ease stress, relieve pain and muscle cramps while also exfoliating dead skin. Prada's social media guru Candace Marie told us that she takes a bubble bath every single day as a form of self-care. "Because it makes me stop and say, 'This is my time.'"
Self-Care: A Day and Night Reflection Journal
Amazon
Tip: Self-reflecting three times a day makes for a happier soul. And this journal will keep you focused and aligned by jotting down your reflections. According to Insight Editions, "The journal offers a space to commit to your self-care routine with intention and dedication—helping you develop positive thinking, overcome challenging and stressful experiences and negative emotions, and cultivate a general sense of well-being and a healthy lifestyle." $13 sounds amazing for such a great product; talk about a good coin spent.
Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Treatment
Tata Harper's Aromatic Stress Treatment really creates a soothing feeling that promotes inner peace and serenity. A little goes a long way and it even aids troublesome migraines. With ingredients like bergamot, neroli, and sandalwood, it inspires a calming balance to soothe feelings of anxiety and stress.
The Gravity Blanket
I have added this item to my wish list because it's reminiscent of a forever hug. Many weighted blankets use Deep Touch Pressure (DTP) or Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) to improve relaxation with weighted materials like plastic pelts. Many consumers say that the beauty of the weighted blanket, or gravity blanket, is how it creates a comfortable cocoon that recreates the magic of getting a warm hug.
SELF CARE Candle for Self Love & Well-Being
Setting intentions are a major key in your self-care journey. ScentualGoddess.com is here to help you get it done with her Self-Care candle. The lid even reads inspirational affirmations to read aloud while burning the handmade soy candle.
Simple Pleasures Luxury Robe & Spa Set
Keep it simple with a luxury robe and spa set for that special loved one. This set has everything you need to create an at-home spa experience. From the body wash, bubble bath, bath soap, body scrub, body lotion to the plush bath robe, you can kick back, relax and ease your mind.
2020 Book'd & Black Planner
Book'd
Scheduling me time may sound extra but for most people, if you don't write it down, you can't make it plain. We are kind of obsessed with this specific planner because it's blackity-black-black. Not to mention, it also has pages devoted to Weekly Sections for: Call/Email/Follow-up, Sweat Plan, Prayer Target, Self-Care and Weekly Gratitude/Reflections Section. Planning daily practices of self-love and self-care while also maintaining a healthy work schedule can increase productivity and serenity.
Slip Pure Silk Pillow and Mask Travel Set
Slip
Whether you're on the road or in the sky, you'll need some help preventing bedhead and sleep creases. This set was made for travel but you can use the sleep mask for your daily night routine. We are sure the travel aficionado who uses trips around the globe as a self-care tool will love this gift.
Moon Essential Oil Diffuser
Urban Outfitters
Quickly transform your space, work or home, into a soothing zone of zen with a Moon Essential Oil Diffuser. It improves air quality, adding moisture to eliminate dryness while simultaneously enhancing the mood with the beautiful light to relieve fatigue and inspire creativity.
PLANT Apothecary GET HAPPY Bodywash
Don't worry, GET HAPPY or GET IT ON! Using geranium and peppermint, PLANT Apothecary created body washes to alleviate oiliness and dehydration. The luxurious lather and perfect scent wakes you up and covers you in pure happiness. It's perfect for the self-care babe that has sensitive skin as you can use this product from head to toe.
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here and check out the related reads below:
7 Home Decor Choices That Promote Wellness
What Self-Care Looks Like To Black Girl Beautiful Founder Nikia Phoenix
How This Business Owner Is Loving Herself Through Fibroids
Featured image by Shutterstock
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage