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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
Cleanliness 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
How This New Bond Repair Line Transformed One Mother's Postpartum Shedding Into The Ultimate Curl Comeback
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
For Crystal Obasanya, her wash day woes came shortly after her son did. The beauty and lifestyle content creator had been natural for years, but during postpartum, she quickly learned about one reality many mothers can relate to experiencing: postpartum hair loss. “Sis had thinning hair. Sis had split ends,” she shared about her hair changes in a Reel via xoNecole.
Over a year into her postpartum journey, Crystal explained she also had dry, brittle hair, noting that keeping it hydrated before pregnancy had already been “a task.” The 4C natural recalled going from thick hair during pregnancy to a thin hairline due to postpartum shedding as “devastating.” When it came to strengthening and revitalizing her hair, the new SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection was just the thing she needed to elevate her damaged coils to revive and thrive status and get them poppin' again.
SheaMoisture is providing us with the cheat code for transforming dry and damaged strands into thriving and deeply nourished crowns. By unveiling their 4-step hair system, the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is equipping you with the tools to reverse signs of hair damage caused by protective styling, heat, and color and is uniquely formulated for Type 3 and 4 hair textures.
The haircare system revives damaged natural hair by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds through a game-changing combination of HydroPlex Technology and AminoBlend Complex, a unique blend of fortifying amino acids formulated specifically for curly and coily hair. Scientifically proven to reduce breakage by 84% and make your hair six times stronger (vs. non-conditioning shampoo), the collection infuses your hair with the nourishment it craves and the strength it deserves.
All five products of the SheaMoisture Bond Collection are infused with natural strengthening ingredients like Amla Oil and fair-trade shea butter. The collection consists of the 4-step breakage-fighting Bond Repair system, as well as the Bonding Oil.
“When trying it out, I quickly noticed that my hair felt revived and renewed, and my curls were so hydrated,” Crystal said while using the Amla-infused Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. “I also felt my hair strands were stronger.” So much so that the influencer felt brave enough to get her hair braided shortly thereafter. “I can definitely say that I will be keeping it in my hair wash routine,” she added in the caption of her Reel about her positive experience using the products.
SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is making bond-building a key player in your wash day routines and the purveyor of life for thirsty manes. Because who doesn't want stronger, shinier, happier hair?
Step One: Bond Repair Collection Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Collection Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are powered by the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, SheaMoisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Collection Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Collection Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Featured image courtesy
Shaunie Henderson On Being A Nontraditional Pastor Wife
Shaunie Henderson, the creator and executive producer of Basketball Wives, redefines traditional expectations as a pastor's spouse and first lady of The Lighthouse Church.
The star's journey began with a whirlwind romance with Pastor Keion Henderson in 2020, which led to their marriage years later. Since then, Shaunie has embraced many typical first lady roles, including supporting her husband, engaging in ministry responsibilities, providing spiritual leadership, and conducting community outreach.
Yet, the 49-year-old's background sets her apart from other first ladies. Shaunie brings a unique perspective as a public figure, which stems from her previous marriage to NBA star Shaquille O'Neal and her experience in reality television.
In an interview with xoNecole, while promoting her memoir Undefeated, the Basketball Wives creator discussed what being a first lady means to her and how she has lived her life non-traditionally.
When asked if she had always been nontraditional, Shaunie revealed that throughout her life, she has made it her mission to better herself by learning from experiences and breaking harmful cycles.
Shaunie Henderson and Pastor Keion Henderson
Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images
“I think that's just who I am. I can’t say I intentionally go against the grain. In the book, I talk about things from my childhood, like my dad being late all the time. I was totally opposite with my kids when they were in school. I was always there early. My mother is not affectionate, and she doesn't verbally say, ‘I love you,’ but she does things to let you know. That's the way she shows her love,” she said when describing her relationship with her parents.
“But because I missed that 'I love you' and hugging and kissing, I do that with my kids. I try to always give what I needed myself. There were basketball wives who weren’t very nice to me, so I went out of my way to make sure that once I was a wife that I didn't treat anybody else like that. No one was going to feel like that on my watch.”
Toward the end of the conversation, when discussing her first lady responsibilities and the pressures of upholding that image, the mother of five explained she isn't too hard on herself to fit the mold, given her significantly different background from most first ladies and her relatively new role.
“As far as being first lady, now, I'm not knocking how any first ladies decide to operate but I just knew that the idea of what that usually is was not me. And, to be honest, rightfully so. I'm probably the only first lady that created a reality show that has been on television since 2010. My life is not remotely close to that of most first ladies. We've experienced completely different things. Most of them have been pastor’s wives for a long time, this is all new for me. I come with an entirely different journey; that wouldn’t lend itself to being a traditional first lady,” she stated.
Shaunie's nontraditional approach appears to work in her favor, as she has been welcomed with open arms just as she is.
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Feature image by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images