FREE 7-Day MIND, BODY & {CREATIVE} SPIRIT WELLNESS RESET

The year is coming to a close and for the past couple of weeks I've been thinking a lot about the things that I want to do better or more of in the New Year. Not really one for resolutions, I prefer to think of the start of the year as an opportunity to reset my life--mind, body and {creative} spirit and set some attainable goals.

Transformation doesn’t just happen. It takes a plan and a support system. That's why I created this program. If you're like me and want to live life more fully-- with better health, feeling spiritually aligned with your purpose, have a sharpened mental focus, and brewing with creativity, renewing your commitment to yourself during this reset can help make every year the best ever!

Let's hit reset together, click HERE now!

I truly believe that in order to successfully accomplish our goals it's important to have a good foundation. And for me, that means moving forward with balance and purpose, hence the reason for this reset. Too much change at once-- as with say, lofty resolutions, can be overwhelming. Instead, approach the New Year as an opportunity to reflect on what is working in your life, and the habits or practices that have served you well in the past. Look for opportunities to add more of the rich things that you enjoy to your life rather than detoxing and completely cutting things out forever. When we start out building on a foundation of things that we already do, our chances for successfully implementing improvements increases exponentially.

By filling your life with more of the good stuff, the less desired habits and such won't have space to co-exist. Many of the tips and resources that you will learn are things that reflect The Sassy Nation's core values, and are resources you can use to power your personal transformation and create lasting lifestyle changes.

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I really hope that you'll join me on this total wellness journey. If you do, here's what you'll have to look forward to: 

1. I'll be doing a daily Facebook and IG Live (which you can access in the archives). Plus, be sure to check your email after signing up for your link to our private FB group. That's where we'll be broadcasting from daily so we can chat and share our wins face to face while I share daily actionable tips; plus, identify resources that will help you reset and super-charge your 2018. 

2. Also, each week I'll send out an email that'll outline the plan for the week, including your downloadable tools, and other goodies that I'll be sharing exclusively with my masterclass attendees: Including the 31 Days of Wellness Journal with daily to-dos and affirmations to support your journey.

If you want access to these extra assets, and I think that you will, you can enroll in the masterclass. OR, for a limited time, grab the 31 Days of Wellness Digital Journal for just $1.00 and follow along at your own pace!  

3. A whole new world of opportunity to get right for 2K18... with the whole squad of #Sassy supporters behind you. Together, we're gonna to ROCK this thang! 

Week 1:

Since health is a hot topic come Jan. 1, we'll be talking about ways that we can treat our BODY better, starting with the foods that we eat and our physical fitness habits.

Week 2: 

“Meditation: Because some questions can’t be answered by Google.”

— Someone Smart & Sassy, Obvi.

Getting down to business with Masterclass attendees... 

Get ready to get lifted-- in SPIRIT, that is. This week we'll be talking about various forms of meditation, plus using mantras, affirmations and manifestation journals to help you get balanced from the inside out. Good stuff.

Week 3:

Looking for some mental stimulation? This week is all about places you can go to get your MIND right. We'll be sharing resources to help you find FREE books, podcasts, documentaries, music, dope magazines, newsletters and all things #Smart&Sassy.

Week 4:

Work is such and integral part of all of our lives. This week we'll discuss how to not only bring more balance into your workspace, but also how to tap into the CREATIVE side of life so you can spark up connections and ignite your passions outside of work.

Bonus: Days 29-31

We'll be reviewing what we learned, taking inventory of the things we enjoyed exploring and what new tools we loved and plan to keep. It's time to get real about our goals, what we really hope to accomplish, and re-defining our life map to reflect a solid plan to create lasting change a reality. Learn and cultivate the power of morning and nightly rituals that will set you up for long-term success. So, if you're ready to seal the deal on your new life, just say YES and join the squad!

2K18, we're coming for you-- get ready!

Live mindfully...

Tap into a balanced, healthier and happier you.

Sign-up to stream daily tips + get exclusive access to our private FB group and weekly resource emails to help you bring more MIND, BODY & SPIRIT balance into your life.

How to Diet During the Holidays: Don't

Got #BodyGoals?

The holiday season is upon us, and every other day there seems to be another potential eating extravaganza lurking around the corner. And IDK about y'all, but the way MY diet is set up, I'm gonna eat.

However, the way my 2018 body goals are set up, I've got plans to live as strong and healthfully as possible. But one thing I don't believe in is depriving myself along the way. I believe in living the fullness of life, so there's no way that I'm going to deprive myself of the things that love, and I don't think you should have to either.

But hoooow can you have the best of both worlds, you ask? How can you slay your health goals, eat whatever and look like a living goddess? Well, the first thing I can tell you is that you have to shift your mindset and your way of thinking about your overall wellness. And that starts with believing that you deserve everything that you want-- whether that's a 6 pack or a snack. 

You have to believe that you have the intuition and inner wisdom to listen to your body, and know your limits when treating yourself. There's nothing inherently wrong with eating and loving delicious flavor combinations on your palette. Enjoying tf out of food is one of your reatest tools to help you eat more intuitively.

Get access to our private FB group and join us in January for the FREE 7-Day reset.

When you really enjoy and appreciate food that is healthy for you, saying no and limiting your intake of other stuff becomes easier. Or, if you can't or don't want to say no outright, you can become strengthened in your resolve not to go overboard.

Trust me, I have many food vices and indulgences that I love. And I allow myself to have them. Just not everyday, or even every week. Do I beat myself up for loving pumpkin pie and alcoholic egg nog during the holidays? Hell no! But do I eat these things on the regular? That's also a no. If you're wanting to eat more mindfully this holiday season, go ahead and grab your FREE copy of my Holiday Eating Survival Guide to get more tips on anti-dieting. As a bonus, you'll get a reserved spot in my upcoming 7-Day Wellness Reset starting January 1, when you sign-up below.

A diet, after all, is just a fling. Let's go steady. 

What are your tried and true tips for eating mindfully and avoiding fad diets? Share in the comments or on @TheSassyNation IG .

31 Days of Wellness: The Digital Journal Download

Glow Getter + Goal Digger 2018 Blank Journal

Gold Lettered #GlowGetter Women's Tee & Mug

31 Day Mind, Body, {CREATIVE} Spirit Master Class

 

 

 

 

Want access to wellness on demand? Honor the space you're in and go at your own pace when you download the 31 Days of Wellness Journal.  +  Check out The Sassy Little Things Gift Shoppe for all the tools you need to set it off in 2018!

 

 

Weekend Getaway: Isla Mujeres

Personally, I am not one for Cancun... it's a little too fast and hype for my taste, but a weekend on Isla Mujeres is something magical. From the first time I stepped foot off the ferry, I was smitten. It is a place that I will always return to, and if were any closer to Playa del Carmen, I'd probably be there every week. From PDC you have to take the ADO bus to Cancun (68-130 pesos), then a colectivo (8 pesos) or cab (30-40 pesos)  to the ferry (300 pesos, roundtrip), and then boat across to the island. A small adventure just to get there-- but boy is it worth your time.

What to do:

Golf cart the island. Get there early, like 9-10 am and just rent a cart for the day. it's 700-750 pesos and the fastest way to get around and see the most that this beautiful island has to offer. The best thing about it is that you can stop all up and down the back streets and discover beautiful, locally created murals or have an impromptu photo shoot literally anyplace along the shore. Instant IG gold.

Visit the ruins. You can bike there, or golf cart. I've done both, and I definitely recommend the latter. Biking will take you about 30-45 minutes if you pedal vigorously with out stopping to catch the views. However, on my last visit, we bought a bottle of champagne and vodka and mixed it with mango nectar and cruised to the south end in about 10-15 minutes. We had a bit of a detour for about 20-30 minutes, which we spent watching some local kids skateboarding (dangerously fast down a hill) because our cart wouldn't start and we had to call the shop for a replacement. But even that was a pleasure and bought us some extra time with the cart that we ended up not having to pay for. (We'd only planned to have our cart for 2 hours (@500 pesos).

Nevertheless, the Ruins of Ixchel are a must see. She was the goddess of fertility and the energy on the site is definitely palpable.  Pictures really don't do it justice. But, I tried my best...   

Hit up a beach club. My personal fave is the Mayan Beach Club, which has a great Afro-Caribbean band that place on Sundays. Get there early (12-ish) if you want to to snag a beach chair and umbrella. The fee is just 150 pesos, which you can completely apply to your food and beverage bill. The tacos and margaritas are my go-tos, pretty much everywhere. And they did not disappoint. Honestly, I haven't had any bad food or drinks anywhere on the island, so that's a full plus in my book.

Watch the sunset. The sunset on Isla the second time I saw it was pretty epic. The first time I was kinda confused about what all the hype was. But vantage point is relative. Where you are during the golden hour definitely makes a difference. We took in the best one right in front of the aforementioned Mayan Beach Club.   

Where to stay:

I don't have a lot of suggestions here, as I'm still figuring out the best options. However, because the island is rather small the best I can tell you for now is to head to the South end for seclusion and romance. Or stay on the North beach to be close by the action. Where to stay is really relative to you budget. There is no shortage of AirBnBs and hotels to choose from.

Where to eat:

Like I said previously, I haven't eaten one thing that I disliked on Isla. The portion sizes are larger and the drinks are much stronger than what you're going to get in PDC. But here are a few of my faves:

Mogagua & Rooster for breakfast.

Ballyhoos for lunch and working seaside.

Fénix to chill out for a respite, eat and drink. Their ceviche, I remember was pretty epic and come as a small or large portion-- which is plenty big enough to share. 

Other places of interest:

Garrafon Park: If zip lining is your thing, be sure to check out this seaside park to zip across the ocean. You can also snorkel or chill at the beach for the day. It's literally right down the road from the Ruins; so, if you're on the south end, you can't miss it. 

Other beaches: There are a number of beach clubs on the way to the south end that you can explore. While the names escape me, they are un-missable from the main road.

King's Bath: This is one spot that I'll admit I haven't been able to get to. I always seem to run out of time, but it is high up on my to-do list for Isla. King's Bath is a public space, but it's behind a resort property. So, you'd kinda have to trespass (or pretend to be checking in or going to the front desk to ask for a tour, maybe) to get back there. Here's a quick video of what you're looking for as you creep around to the back. Also, please forget about trying to swim there, the waves behind the resort are no joke since there is not break in the water.

What to pack:

Yo patience... like I said, from Playa it's a mini journey to get to Isla. But if you happen to be in Cancun, there's really no excuse to miss out since only a quick 10 minute ferry ride away. It's the perfect day trip to get your chill on.

Yo sunscreen. I mean, like anywhere in Mexico. It's not advisable to even step outside without it. I mean, I don't recommend it. 

An umbrella. Pop up storms happen, don't get caught out there. But also it's great protection from the sun. Ayyyye... double duty!

Water proof camera or at least some protection for your cell phone. God forbid you drop your $1000 iPhone in the ocean trying to get the perfect shot. I'm certain they haven't water-proofed them just yet.

Bring a friend. Isla is the type of place you can explore solo-dolo, but is also fun with a crew. I suggest both.

Have you been to Isla Mujeres? If so what were some of your highlights and favorites. Leave a comment below or on social.

 

 

 

 

Want access to wellness on demand? Honor the space you're in and go at your own pace when you download the 31 Days of Wellness Journal.  +  Check out The Sassy Little Things Gift Shoppe for all the tools you need to set it off in 2018!

31 Days of Wellness: The Digital Journal Download

Gold Lettered #GlowGetter Women's Tee + Mug

Glow Getter + Goal Digger 2018 Blank Journal

31 Day Mind, Body, {CREATIVE} Spirit Master Class

Getting Baked: Safe Tanning for Brown Girls

Summer may be over, but for those of us who travel, anytime we can get away, even for a weekend in Miami, is a good time to activate our beautiful melanin.

While safe tanning may sound a bit like a misnomer, hear me out. We all can agree that due to the deteriorating ozone and the, let's face it, the sheer magnitude of the sun-- tanning on a regular basis is not advisable. But if you're on vacation someplace warm, it's bound to happen. In fact, I can't say that I know anyone who plans to go on a holiday and NOT get tanned. So, you may as well be smart about by showing the sun the respect it deserves and slather yourself properly.

To this point, let's talk about some myths as it relates to tanning while brown.

Myth #1 Black and brown people do not need sunscreen. 

Just go ahead and throw that whole theory in the trash. I'll wait. Some of us mistakenly think that just because you've been blessed with the melanin that you don't need to use sunscreen at all. We protest that our color will protect us from the sun, so why bother. Ok-- but consider the fact that decades ago, we had much more protection from the sun's UV and UVB rays because of the natural shield that was the ozone layer. Due to our rampant use of aerosols and general air pollution, that divinely created layer of protection is not nearly what it used to be. So, while your grandma and them didn't have to worry as much about protecting their skin, you should be a little more concerned and diligent about it. And just because melanated skin is able to withstand the sun better than fairer skin doesn't imply invincibility. Automatically assuming that we don't need protection, too, is reckless and a complete farce.

The rate at which Black people are getting skin cancer has dramatically increased in recent years (go ahead and look it up). One could pontificate that this is because of the toxic products that we are all using, but we'll save that conversation for another day. But would you really want to roll the dice on this one?

Myth #2 Sunscreen will keep you from getting tanned or burned.

As much as I'd like to tell you that sunscreen is the antidote to all of your sun related woes, I can assure you that using sunscreen, no matter the brand, will NOT keep you from getting tanned or burned. Especially if you are exposed to it for a prolonged amount of time. Only staying indoors can prevent sunburn. Sunscreen is meant to protect your skin from damage while out in the sun. That's it. 

Myth #3 If you wear a hat or sit in the shade, etc., you don't need sunscreen.

While you can keep from getting tanned in the shade, yes-- but, did you know that UVA and UVB rays can dance and bounce off of surfaces and hit you right in your pretty little face? It's true. This is the reason why sunscreen usage is advised, even when it is cloudy outside. Even though you may not be able to see the sun and its rays, they still see you.

Myth #4 Your makeup has enough sunscreen, so you're set fo' life!

Loved one, I am so sorry to tell you that the sunscreen under that beautiful, beat face of yours is only going to withstand about 2 good hours of sun. Sunscreen is like deodorant, if it's sunny out, chances are you're gonna need to reapply it at some point. Plus, what about your beautiful goddess body? Just because you've got your face covered, does that mean you're gonna skip the other 95%? Does that even make sense? IJS.

Myth #5 Sunscreen makes me look ashy or ghostly.

Piggybacking on #4, in the past, formulations for sunscreen were limited. But the market has opened up vastly, and introduced a slew of melanin-friendly options that blend on your face and body superbly, regardless of whether you use it with heavy makeup, powder or simply on a fresh face. Don't let this be your excuse. We've got options. Let Jackie Aina break it down for ya.

Myth #6 Black Don't crack

Keep going out without your sunscreen and you'll soon find out that's just not the case. Let me just say that I'm old enough to see the obvious difference between how my skin is aging compared to many of my peers, men and women, of an array of skin hues. And other people who I know that religiously use sunscreen will testify to the same noticeable differences.  If you want to keep flexin' in your complexion, there are some precautions to consider.

I live in a tropical climate part-time, and like to do what I call a gradual tan. But even if you're only vacationing and working on your tan for a couple of days, you can adopt a similar method. 

First things first, get you a good tanning oil. I'm an advocate for coconut oil or something natural-based. Coconut oil has a natural SPF of 5... not nearly enough to be considered full coverage, but it's better than nothing, eh? Plus, many tanning oils on the market average an SPf of 5-8. So, you mine as well go natural, in my opinion.

However, if you're like me and tend to get splotchy, I'd suggest going with at least 30-80 SPF. Also, consider only "baking" yourself gradually in 10-15 minute intervals per day. Trust me, this is PLENTY of sun to get the desired results. Also, I've found that using a higher SPF will result in a more even browning. 

ALSO-- this is super important... be sure to apply extra (meaning a thick white layer that you will not rub all the way in) on the areas where you may be hyper-pigmented-- i.e., knees, elbows, scars, even tattoos. This will lessen the likelihood of darkening your parts that are already dark. 

So there you have it girls... that's what I know about safely tanning while melanated.

What are your tried and true tips for safely activating your melanin? Share in the comments or on IG.

How to Protect Your Hair from Damage When Rocking Braids & Twists

Goddess Braids & Beads. SHOP THE LOOK!

No matter the season, a protective style, like braids, can be the perfect solution for your busy life-- as long as you maintain them and treat them right. I've been LOVING rockin' my Goddess Braids all summer long! I get compliments on them nearly everyday.

I only seldom wore braids in the past, so I consulted with my #StylistBae, Atlanta-based master stylist and owner of Amoré Salon, Shannon Henry to get tips on best practices and staple products to consider when caring for braids and twists.

If you're looking for an edgy look you can opt for cornrows or some sleek and sophisticated Goddess braids. Henry explains that to install this style, one should always "start with hair [that] has been shampooed, conditioned and blow dried. I always use a leave-in conditioner [and] any kind of oil, [like] coconut, jojoba or a pomade. This can be [used] on the hair as well as the scalp. Also important, you don't need to use a lot of oil or pomade, just enough on the finger tips while you are braiding." 

If box braids are more your style Henry suggests: "Use a spray leave-in conditioner on the scalp (near the roots) When I had [this style] I actually shampooed & conditioned my braids every two weeks in the shower, which made it much easier. It's a plus if you have a hooded dryer. I would sit under the dryer to dry my hair (braids), or just towel them very well and let [them] air dry. I applied jojoba oil by using a few drops all over and massaging my head. This keeps the scalp [and hair] clean and hydrated by removing oils, products and pollution, while refreshing the braids. Another way to revive old braids [is to] re-do them around the hairline and nape for an additional couple of weeks of wear. 

Senegalese, Marley and Havana twists have recently become widely popular. As far as difference between the styles and methods of care, Henry explains, "The difference between Senegalese, Marley and Havana twists are the size. Senegalese twists are actually very small. If you are familiar with micro braids, Senegalese twists are about the [same] size, and are twisted instead of braided. Marley and Havana twists are larger, and their names are from the [type] of the hair used." Henry doesn't recommend shampooing or conditioning Marley and Havana twists. Instead, use an astringent to cleanse the scalp and braid spray or a leave-in spray to re-hydrate the strands.

When asked what type of products are recommended for Crochet braids? Henry explains, "Depending on the type of hair you use, you can treat this [style] just like your own hair." She suggests using coconut oil, jojoba or other oils for shine. Also, perm rods and flexirods are good tools to maintain the curl or a twisted style with crochet braids.    

Overall, Henry says that maintaining braids and twists is a whole process. All of the steps and products-- hydrating (moisturizing) shampoos and conditioners, a liquid or creamy leave-in conditioner based on one's hair texture and type needs, plus light oils and pomades are all relevant to complete care. Also investing in silk or satin pillowcase to sleep on at night will help to extend a braided protective style. Henry's parting advice is not to put too much tension on the hairline and nape in order to preserve edges and avoid keeping protective styles in for longer than two months. "I do recommend getting hydration and protein treatments before and after braid services. A healthy scalp equals healthy hair," she says. "And always ask your stylist for their recommendations for maintaining your protective styles."

Goddess Braids & Beads. SHOP THE LOOK!

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