EDITORS NOTE 9.13

There Is Always A Better Way!

The mantra this month is, "There Is Always A Better Way". Before I began writing out this month's Editor's Note I started my morning off writing in my prayer journal, reading a meditation from "The Daily Stoic", and a page from Iyanla Vanzant's book, "Until Today!", where I received the message of being devoted to choosing the mental, emotional, and spiritual high road in all situations and experiences! 

To be able to choose the high road, it helps to be spiritually grounded. I've found it challenging the past two months to take the emotional high road witnessing heavy amounts of racial injustices being displayed on social media and the ignorant comments and opinions that accompany it. To protect my energy when enjoying the content on social media I now unfollow, mute, and/or block pages and accounts that do not serve me or my emotions. Read my tips on how to spiritually ground yourself here. 

September's Business 

I can't believe we're in September already, more than halfway through the year! With all that's happening in our world, I still have so much hope, so much gratitude, and so much reassurance that everything is going to be okay. August ended with me being the recipient of a yoga teacher training scholarship from one of my favorite yoga studios. September Ist was my first day of teacher training and it felt amazing to start the month off embarking on a new journey. I also started an IG Live series, "What's The Tea Tuesdays" where I have a different guest on Live with me from their platform discussing different topics that relate to the guest's niche. I have been receiving great feedback about the series and would love suggestions on more topics/guests you all would like to see!

My 30th birthday is approaching in November and I'd be lying if I said my goal isn't to get into better shape (not only physically but also mentally and emotionally)  by my birthday. I decided to remove dairy and meat from my diet for the month of September. We're almost two weeks into the month and I already see a difference in my body (midsection to be specific), my skin's texture, and overall appearance has improved, "Won't He Do It!". I also purchased a scale for the first time ever to hold myself accountable, I love my Body Analyzer scale from Vanity Planet (it keeps track of your bone density, water weight that your body is holding, bone density, as well as muscle mass). If you're interested in purchasing the Body Analyzer scale click here for 25% off (link can be used with additional discounts for extra savings)!

What I'm Currently Loving 

Hair, Face, Body: 

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro- exfoliating scalp scrub shampoo (I like to use this shampoo twice a month - I part my hair into 4 sections and put the scrub directly onto my scalp and use regular shampoo throughout the rest of my hair) ** I also love that it's a Black-owned business! 

Olaplex Hair Perfector No.3 This is to be used BEFORE you shampoo your hair. I recommend sectioning your hair into 4 parts, spray hair with water to dampen, and then apply a generous amount from root to ends, leave on for 15 minutes, and THEN shampoo & condition as you usually would. I use this treatment twice a month. The purpose of this product is to strengthen and repair the hair. I especially love using this before I do a style that requires head and on a wash day that happens after I straightened my hair. 

Caudalie Instant Detox Mask I have been using this mask for about a year now and I love it! A true face mask staple for detoxifying the skin and a key product for a home facial. I also love that Caudalie is a clean beauty brand! 

MURAD Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum This is an item I will never doubt, let go of, or not recommend! I have hyperpigmentation on the side of my cheeks (one side is more apparent than the other). I remember using this product two years ago and it got rid of about 85-90% of my hyperpigmentation. I recently "splurged" on this product during Sephora's "Welcome Back Sale" and it was so worth it! The hyperpigmentation on my cheeks that has been driving me crazy all quarantine is disappearing just have one-week thanks to this product!

Currently Inspired By 

With Fall approaching I'm ready to switch up my meal recipes and cocktail choices! I live in Los Angeles so technically we don't experience "seasons", but that doesn't mean we have to miss out on the excitement of seasonal bites and beverages. I am an East Coast girl and a November baby so I live for Fall! I am excited to play around with creating pumpkin spice lattes, warm fall-inspired breakfast bowls, and switching out my Rosé for crafted cocktails that involve spices and maybe even a spirit of choice that heats the body up (bourbon or whiskey anyone)! I'm excited to wear cozy and soft knit sweaters, boots/booties, and of course, bringing out a cute coat (yes, even in LA). Fall is my current inspiration to release the dead weight in all areas of my life, preparing myself for what I have harvested over the past few months (including the last few months of 2019), and find the warmth in all that is around me. 

I hope you all have a prosperous month and release what no longer serves you going into a new season!

xx, 

Jackie