With two toddlers running around, potty training and positivity are not two words that I have felt meshed together lately. However, it’s a new year, …
Coffee Talks: Potty Training Positivity
Coffee Talks: Potty Training Positivity
Category: Motherhood Motivation
Mother’s Day in Quarantine + Books About Motherhood
“To a parent, your child wasn’t just a person: your child was a place, a kind of Narnia, a vast eternal place where the present you were living and …
Mother’s Day in Quarantine + Books About Motherhood
What To Do When The Toilet Paper’s Gone?
Are you like the millions of people currently rationing toilet paper? Are you, too, down to your last rolls of the all-important bathroom tissue? Fret not because I’ve got you with this two-part series. Watch the vids for more info!
1 of 2
Click here for some Great Toilet Paper Alternatives
2 of 2
Click here to learn How to Make Reusable Bathroom Wipes
Be Calm, Yet Informed (COVID-19 Edition)
By now, I’m sure that you are familiar with COVID-19 which has been affectionately nicknamed “That ‘Rona.” For weeks, we have been inundated with minute-by-minute news updates that, at times, perpetuate more fear than fact. With the endless news cycle the questions, too, are endless: What are the symptoms, do I really need this much toilet paper, is it airborne, is ‘Rona going to affect my travel plans, why would people rather die of dehydration than to drink Dasani water? Like I said, the questions are endless.
Unfortunately, anxiety is often the byproduct of fear and the unknown, but it doesn’t have to be. Hopefully, after reading these six steps, you too will be able to manage your coronavirus anxiety.
1. Get outside
I’m not asking you to train for a marathon or to spend unholy amounts of time outside, but it has been proven that sunlight lifts mood and the coronavirus is sensitive to warmer environments. Getting outside and active also boosts your immune system which is a major benefit at this point. If you’re unable to get outside, opening a window and elevating your heart rate may help as well.
2. Create a to-do list
There’s nothing more fulfilling than being able to cross an item off of your to-do list and now more than ever, it’ll be especially significant. It doesn’t matter if the tasks include brushing your teeth, mopping the floor, or cleaning out the gutters. The purpose of this is to get a sense of accomplishment.
3. Limit social media/breaking news consumption
Believe it or not, social media can be extremely anxiety-producing. Sensory and information overload are real, especially during times of crisis. Step away from your phone or computer for a few hours a day to relieve some stress. This may also be a good time to pick up that hobby or learn that new task you’ve been putting off.
4. Call someone you love
This one seems to be pretty self-explanatory. Nothing like the comfort of a loved one to get you through a tough time.
5. Acknowledge your ruminating thoughts
Cut yourself some slack and acknowledge that what you’re feeling is real. It’s OK to feel scared, afraid, or worried about the present and the future. You’re human. Do the best you can to distract yourself with healthy activities. If at any point you feel that your anxiety is too much to manage on your own consider reaching out to a professional.
6. Know the facts
Remember that saying, “reading is fundamental”? It’s true, reading is fundamental and is especially helpful in combating anxiety. Information is key.
These are uncertain times and being anxious is proof we’re human. I am not a health care professional, just a person who manages her anxiety on a daily basis. For accurate, up-to-date information visit the CDC and WHO websites.
I’m Excited About My Period!
“I’m so looking forward to getting my period this month!” -No one, ever. Well, actually, that was me this. Yes, I’ll be the first to admit it. I actually looked forward to Aunt Flo’s visit this month, but not for obvious reasons. …Obvious reasons?? This month was the month I tried a period cup or a menstrual cup and naturally, I want to tell you all about it! This post does not contain any pictures of blood, but it does contain a whole lotta TMI! Continue reading “I’m Excited About My Period!”
An Interview With My Elders
Here’s Part I of the interview I did with my Uncle Joe and grandpa!
⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
Books on Books on Books
Have you read the book about hands? It’s a real page turner.
I’ve finally achieved a reading/listening goal! 🎉 In 2017, my New Year’s Resolution for 2018 was to complete at least 12 books. By the time December 2018 rolled around, I had only completed eight books, but I was determined to do better in 2019.
For 2019, the goal was to read or listen to 13 books, and I did that, with a few days to spare, which means I have time to squeeze in one more!
Of the books I read this year, my top three recommendations are, “We’re Going to Need More Wine” by Gabrielle Union, “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah, and “Free Cyntoia” by Cyntoia Brown-Long. I’m partial to memoirs and autobiographies if you couldn’t tell! 😝I also feel the need to mention that I started, stopped, and restarted 1984, but only managed to get halfway through. I’m not sure if it was because I already knew the outcome or because there were many parts of the book that seemed to lacked value or storyline progression. Either way, I didn’t finish it in high nor did I finish it in 2019. Maybe in 2020?
In order from the greatest emotional impact to the least, I present to you my 2019 reading review!
- We’re Going to Need More Wine x Gabrielle Union (audio)
- I listed this as numero uno because it felt “right on time.” Gabrielle Union spoke about the realities of following your dreams, being Black in America, and raising Black sons.
- Born a Crime x Trevor Noah (hybrid read)
- This is my number two choice because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN, literally. I read it in 25 hours. I STAN Trevor Noah, so maybe I’m a little biased; however, listening to his stories allowed me to connect with him that much more. I HIGHLY recommend listening to the audio of Born a Crime because simply reading the physical copy doesn’t do it justice.
- Free Cyntoia x Cyntoia Brown-Long (audio)
- “Free Cyntoia” secured the spot at number three because it was the ultimate redemption story! From the beginning, the odds were stacked against her, but Mrs. Brown-Long overcame every obstacle put in her way. ANNNNDDD it’s lowkey a love story. ❤️
- Black Privilege x Charlamagne tha God (audio)
- This book would be a really great gift for any entrepreneur.
- Hey Lil’ Black Girl… It’s Your World x Fredrecka McGlown (physical)
- Perfect of any millennial Black woman.
- Little Fires Everywhere x Celeste Ng (hybrid)
- The ending. Whew!
- Where’d You Go Bernadette x Maria Semple (hybrid)
- Any and all SAHM can relate perfectly with this one!
- Animal Farm x George Orwell (hybrid)
- I read this one in high school, but I wondered if my perspective would have changed. The only thing that changed is the fact that Animal Farm is more accurate than ever!
- The Hate U Give x Angie Thomas (hybrid)
- I really enjoyed this one, but reading about Black men and boys being gunned down is EXHAUSTING!
- If Beale Street Could Talk x James Baldwin (audio)
- See number nine, but this time instead of being killed, he was falsely accused and imprisoned.
- Girl, Wash Your Face x Rachel Hollis (audio)
- I enjoyed reading this, about as much as I enjoyed my number 12 read. My biggest issue with this self-help book was the privileged perspective through which the guide was written. That’s all I’ll say on the topic…
- Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck x Mark Manson (audio)
- If I’m being honest, I only read this one because of all of the hype surrounding it. I’m sure it was helpful for some readers, but if you already have a f*ck it attitude, then this was a redundant read.
- Crazy Rich Asians x Kevin Kwan (hybrid)
- I really enjoyed this story and it was nice to be dropped into the life of the rich and well-connected every time I picked up this book. It landed at number 13 simply because it didn’t move me like the other titles. I’d still 8/10 recommend.
What was your favorite book of 2019? What moved you or changed your way of thinking? Let me know!
Love,
Jae Mommma
Jae Mommma 