Pamper Yo' Self: The xoGift Guide To Self-Care
If there's anything we've learned from 2020, it's that self-care isn't just a buzz word; it's a necessary aspect of living for mental, physical, and emotional wellness, especially during tough times. This year also taught us the importance of having a self-care practice that doesn't require leaving home, as many of our go-to self-care activities, like massages, facials, and even going to the gym became inaccessible among COVID lockdowns and stay-at-home orders.
As we look to a new year which nobody knows what it will bring, it's important to make sure our self-care arsenal is strong. While some forms of self-care require nothing but a clear mind and deep, conscious breathing, for those who like their self-care with a strong side of pampering and introspection, we recommend these items.
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Angela Caglia Skincare Rose Quartz Self-Love Eye Mask
The name says it all when it comes to this eye mask made of rose quartz which promotes feelings of love and well-being. The multi-use mask can be used in meditation to promote relaxation while the coolness and heaviness of the crystal may also help relieve sinus issues, close pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness.
HUM Nutrition Big Chill Supplement
Reduce the signs of stress from the inside out with these "chill pills". Formulated with rhodiola root extract, these pills help calm your mind while reducing the physical signs of stress on your skin.
Ariana Ost Sound Crystal Kit
Tap into the power of sonic rituals with this kit featuring a BioSonics tuning fork and dish with a hand-wrapped crystal attached.
Sanitech Wand
The peace of mind that comes with having a clean home has taken on a whole new meaning since the onset of the pandemic. This wand eliminates the need for harsh chemical-containing sprays and cleansers by naturally eliminating germs that cause colds, infections, asthma and allergic reactions by simply holding the wand approximately 1-2 inches from the surface of the item you want to sanitize and gradually move it over the area.
Homedics Relax & Unwind Wellness Kit
Reap the benefits of sound and aroma therapy with this wellness kit. It features a SoundSpa® Mini to help you decompress to the sounds of white noise, a summer night, ocean waves, and rain along with a Travel Eye Mask with Vibration Massage and Built-in Headphones. Top off the experience with the Ellia Dream Away Essential Oil Roll-On for ultimate relaxation.
Mindfulness Card Packs
Mindful thinking takes practice and sometimes we need prompts. This pack of cards has more than 50 exercises to help users go deeper in five areas of mindfulness: Rest & Balance, Insight & Awareness, Curiosity & Joy, and Kindness.
Raw Crystal Ring + Earring Set
Many people who believe in the cleansing power of crystals like to wear their gems on their body. This earring and ring set from Pura Vida makes that easy to do. Raw Clear Quartz, aka the "Master Healer", which is known for its ability to balance and absorb energy, is the mineral used in this jewelry.
The Good Patch Hemp-Infused Hangover Patch
We've all made the mistake of having a few sips too many, but none of us has the luxury of losing a whole day behind it. Get on the mend sooner rather than later with this hemp-infused patch that helps replenish essential nutrients lost from a night of too much drinking.
Nighttime Self-Care Kit
Self-care is skincare and this set makes it easy to refresh skin overnight. The four-piece kit includes the Magic Gel-to-Milk Cleanser, 3-in-1 Detox Mud Mask, Deep Hydration Face Cream, and Beauty Sleep Resurfacing Serum.
Neo Tarot: A Fresh Approach to Self-Care, Healing & Empowerment
If you're into Tarot, take your practice to the next level with this guidebook that mixes explanations of the symbolism of the 78-card deck with practical wisdom and actionable exercises to increase self-love.
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This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Tubi has been gaining popularity due to its free sign-up and a vast selection of series and films. According to Deadline, the FAST (free ad-streaming television) service has seen a 14.7% growth from May and now has similar numbers to Disney+. So while many people have joked about Tubi having low-budget movies, the numbers don't lie.
In fact, I was one of those people who didn't get the appeal of Tubi, but the more I watched it, the more I enjoyed the content. They have some of our favorite TV series, such as Scandal and Star, as well as big films like the Fast and Furious franchise and cult classic Love & Basketball.
Tubi even has its own original movies and series that are just as entertaining. But while Tubi is on the come up, some of the low-budget movies and hood movies are still a must-watch. From Tubi originals to the hood movies, we've put together a list of shows and movies to add to your watchlist.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an original Tubi movie that stars Hailey Kilgore (Juke from Power Book III: Raising Kanan), Damon Wayans, and Pam Grier. It's a love story gone awry after a robbery turns deadly, and a young couple faces many challenges to make it out alive.
The Dirty D
The Dirty D is one of the first things I watched on Tubi, as many people highly recommended it. It's a series set in a Detroit club, and it has all the drama you can think of. Murder, drug dealing, cheating, greed, and more.
Black Men Don't Cheat
In this film, a young woman grapples with the death of her husband while also discovering his secret life, which puts her in danger.
Mother May I
This movie fully captivates the overbearing mother. However, the ending will shock you as she goes a little too far.
The Stepdaughter
When a young girl moves in with her dad and his new wife, a series of unfortunate events occurs. This Tubi original will keep your attention with every turn.
These Men For Everybody
These Men For Everybody is a film that highlights the tangled web of friendships and relationships and how you can't trust anybody.
Best Friend
What happens when your best friend is obsessed with you? This movie, which stars Serayah and Marques Houston, answers this very question and takes us on a ride in the process.
What's Done After Dark
What's Done After Dark shows us that everything isn't always what it seems. The twist at the end is a real doozy.
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