Self-Care Finds That'll Transform Your Space Into A Sanctuary
Self-care comes in many forms. For some, it's exercise and meditating that helps them feel centered. For others, it's eating well or the act of cooking that nourishes their mind and body. Sometimes it can be something as simple as taking a bath. Whatever activity works for you is great and you should absolutely keep doing it. But what if you could take self-care from being less about what you do and more of a space in which you live.
The reason most of us don't regularly indulge in self-care -- and it's considered a treat when we do -- is because it takes time. It's extra effort many of us, quite frankly, don't always feel like putting in, even when we should. That's why we're taking the focus off of things to do and placing it on things to have in your home so that it's always a space of self-care. With the majority of us spending more time in the house for the foreseeable future, it's more important than ever to keep the place in which you now work, eat, sleep, and live your own personal sanctuary 24/7. Here are a few things to add to your space to do just that.
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Salt Table Lamp Natural - Himalayan Glow
Target
Salt Table Lamp Natural - Himalayan GlowIf you're into crystals, then you're familiar with the fact that Himalayan Glow Salt lamps are known for their soothing and calming effects. Each of these lamps is hand-carved, making it uniquely individual to your space. And the dimmer feature is great for those who want to keep this lamp on their nightstands.
Just Because Flowers
1-800-Flowers
Just Because Flowers
The very presence of flowers has been shown to not only brighten a room but also brighten one's mood and decrease feelings of agitation and anxiousness. Set yourself up to receive a flower delivery every two weeks to ensure you always have at least one bouquet of these natural mood-boosters in your home. 1-800-Flowers literally has a category of Just Because flowers to choose from, which is perfect because that's exactly why you should add them to your space.
Rose Clay Zabuton
Crate and Barrel
Rose Clay Zabuton
If meditation is a part of your self-care, be even more intentional about it by incorporating a zabuton into your bedroom or living room to signal it as the space for your wellness practice. This Japanese-style linen pillow provides cushion for your knees and ankles as you meditate to aid in better focus.
SpaRoom® Mysto™ Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser
Bed Bath & Beyond
SpaRoom® Mysto™ Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser
Allow good vibes and calming aromatic scents to continuously flow throughout your home with this essential oil diffuser whose marble design fits nicely into any home decor. The option of bright or warm white lighting adds an additional mood-setting element
BlanQuil Essence Aromatherapy Pillow
Macy's
BlanQuil Essence Aromatherapy Pillow
This pillow embodies everything you need to consistently get a good night's rest which is self-care 101. Soft memory foam allows the pillow to cradle your head, neck, and shoulders for ultimate comfort, while built-in ActivAir technology diffuses heat and encourages the flow of cool air, making this a great buy for those who suffer from allergies and asthma or have sensitive skin. The cherry on top is that the pillow is infused with calming essential oils to help you relax at bedtime and reduce restlessness.
The FLIP Double Sided Hybrid
Nest Bedding
The FLIP Double Sided Hybrid
While we're talking about sleep, this is a good time to assess whether your mattress is what's standing between you and a peaceful night of sleep and a productive day of work. Our sleep needs are constantly changing and what's great about this FLIP mattress is that it's double sided so can choose how you sleep any given month, week, or even night if you'd like. Ideal for side, back and stomach sleepers, this hybrid dual-comfort mattress should have you counting Zzzs in no time.
Sonos Move
Target
Sonos Move
Have you ever wished you could just sit out on your patio or balcony at night listening to tunes as you watch the stars, but your current sound system wouldn't let you be great? We all know music is healing and that's why you need Sonos Move. The battery-powered portable smart speaker from Sonos is perfect for outdoor and indoor listening, allowing you to stream music via Bluetooth when WiFi isn't available. Its durable structure is also weather-proof so you can keep it by your side when doing some of those other self-care activities you love, like gardening.
Cuisinart Cordless Kettle
Target
Cuisinart Cordless Kettle
Tea has incredible medicinal properties for the body and mind and this cordless kettle, with its six preset heat settings and one-touch controls, makes it easy to get your daily dose.
Handy Cleaning Service
Getty ImagesCleanliness is next to Godliness and peacefulness. A simple way to ensure your home is a true sanctuary is by keeping it clean. Your spirit will feel even better if you're not the one who has to do the work. Handy allows you to set up weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleaning plans to keep your house in a constant state of order.
Featured image by Shutterstock
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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Feature image screenshot/YouTube