Fast meal ideas for Mamas on the GO

Girl... I'm tired of cooking! Do you wish you could have a personal chef to have all meals prepared all you have to do is sit down or grab it to go? Well, if you’re like the majority of tired mamas on the go we all wish we could have someone cater to us! NOT the other way around. Since I'm working from home with Ava, everything has gotten super tricky. Time passes by SO quickly. Before I know it, it's noon and lunch isn't close to being ready! I love super easy meals to be able to balance life. 

These are my favourite quick fixes... that Ava loves too!

Three Teas that you Should Add to your Pantry

I really LOVE tea! There are so many benefits and it’s such a easy beverage to make. You can drink it anytime of day and in any weather. May I add... for any ailment?? Maybe that's the Jamaican in me LOL. Tea is a great natural medicine. If I’m ever dealing with an annoying stomach ache or uncomfortable bloating, I drink tea to alleviate my pain.

Don't believe me?

Is it the middle of summer?  Make iced tea to cool you off.
Did you wake up to snow outside your window and the idea of leaving your toasty bed seems impossible? Get up and make yourself a comforting hot tea to get you ready to tackle your day.

Here are three of my favourites!

Four pieces of clothing that you need to add to your wardrobe this Summer

Summer is here! I’m super excited because it's Ava's birth month! Can you believe that she's going to be 2?!? It's almost 24 months since I gave birth to her. Getting back to my old self was a journey. I'm still not there yet.. HELLO extra 15 pounds.. but that doesn't mean that I can't try to look cute.

I’ve been on the internet hunt, looking for affordable clothing to rock in this Canadian HEAT and was able to snag some cute finds! I also realized that a lot of these fashion items can be used as Fall outfits, later on in the year! 

With that being said, here are four pieces of clothing that you need to add to your wardrobe!

Covid Summer Baby Bag Checklist

Lately, we have been taking Ava out on little excursions (obviously while social distancing). So far, we went to the zoo, a big park and to the splash pads. We're just trying to slowly add some normalcy to our life. 

One thing I've noticed is that I have add to add a few "extras" to diaper bag. 

I thought that it would be a perfect time to share them as I know some parents are now starting to ease up and go out.

Here is what's in our baby bag.

Tips on What to Do After an Eyebrow Disaster

I know I am not the only one in quarantine who has botched their eyebrows. My first attempt was flawless. I was super careful and I had the time to do it. The second time... The baby was crying and I attempted to get the stray hairs out of with a mini scissors?!?! 

I know! 

I took a really massive chunk out but thank GOD for brow pencils!

Today I will be sharing three tips on how to cope with a bad brow situation.

Three reasons why Natural Deodorant is good for you

Natural deodorant is slowly becoming the new norm in underarm care, mostly because of the fact that it’s safe! A lot of our deodorants contain high amounts of aluminum and other toxic ingredients that have been known to not only clog our skin but sometimes have bad after effects.

STOP! 

Before you read this post- 

Check out my How to detox your armpits for Natural Deodorant post.

How to Buy Your Next Pair of Walking Shoes

Let’s talk about shoes! And no, I don’t mean those 6 Inch heels you bought years ago that are collecting dust in your closet! Oh.. No- It is just me *sigh* I’m talking about comfortable, everyday shoes. They are an essential part of any wardrobe and they should most definitely be front and centre in yours! I used to be a flats/sandals girl but my husband totally changed that.

We’re on what- week 365 of quarantine here! I have done through every emotion there is.

I like to go on walks with my husband and daughter before dinner. I usually complain about going but end up loving it in the end. Last week, I left the house in my slides. Cute but definitely not for long distance. Wearing the wrong shoe can really put a damper on what you're doing! Like when Ava doesn’t want to get into her stroller and I’m literally running down the street to get her in. Our feet are such an important part of our bodies and we need to make sure we are really taking care of them.

So the next time you go shoe shopping remember to keep these tips in mind so that your next pair is comfy!

Deep Conditioning for Natural Hair

I will admit. This is the first time I've been extremely interested in Deep Conditioners. I have a post about my natural hair coming up soon but let's say- it's been a REAL journey. Deep Conditioners are among the hottest thing right now. I truly didn't seem the gem in them until I did major research.

Deep Conditioning for Natural Hair

How to detox your armpits for "Natural Deodorant"

If you are starting to feel more health conscious as you get older, you will love the idea of natural deodorant. There are many harmful chemicals that exist in traditional deodorants. I started my natural deodorant journey 5 years ago. It's been an interesting one. You sometimes have to hunt for one that will work for you. ANDDD when they do- sometimes a few months later they won't. Why? Did you know to improve your overall body odour and hygiene- you have to DETOX your armpits first?!?!?

Here are 5 ways to detox your armpits using natural deodorant.

Summer Skin Care

Let’s talk skin! Summer skin is my favourite because it’s always hydrated with very little effort. Don’t judge me! With a busy toddler- I have skipped a few steps in my skincare regimen time to time. BUT! I’m happy for products that don’t fail me.

Let me start this off by saying. It’s NOT easy to achieve a good skin care combo that works for EVERYONE. This works for me right now as of July 2, 2020. I’ve met with a few dermatologist who classified me with normal skin. But I’d say I have normal skin with an oily T-zone. If you totally identify with what I’m saying.

Check out a few of my current favourites.

Best Way to Dry your 4C TWA Natural Hair

If you’re anything like me, you recently went natural and are rocking your cute lil’ TWA, or “Teeny Weeny Afro”. My hair type is 4C and for me that means it’s DRY and shrinks like nobody's business! I always have to make sure it's moisturized and I try to keep it as stretched as possible. This can be tough because my hair has a mind of its own, but overtime I’ve found ways to keep it in that state without too much effort. I’m a self proclaimed “lazy natural” and I just don’t have the energy or care to be worried about my hair all the time. I make it a point to keep my 4c hair in a moisturized, stretched state with the least amount of effort possible!

For this to happen, one of the most important days is wash day because of the drying process. 

When I dry my hair I keep these four steps in mind: Conditioning Comb Out, Damp Drying, Damp Moisturizing, and Stretch Styling.

Three Home Crafting DIYs to do During the Time that you’re Home

With quarantine being the new normal in so many of our lives, a lot of us are finding that we have way more time on our hands than we’re used to. If you find yourself bored in your house- wishing you had something interesting to do, consider using the extra time to create a better atmosphere for yourself and revamping your space! 

This is the perfect time to get in touch with your environment and create an ambiance that fuels your creativity and gives you a newfound appreciation for your home.

I’ve come up with three easy home crafting DIYs that you can do during your time at home. You’ll be able to get your imagination to work and create beautiful pieces for your place in no time!

Decluttering 101: Tips for New Moms

As a first time mom, I accumulated a lot of stuff. A lot of gifts - mixed in with a few purchases. Now that Ava Rose is almost two. We decided to get rid of half of the stuff and keep the best ones for baby #2 *Whenever we are ready for that* 

When it comes to decluttering your space, there is honestly no right or wrong way to go about it. Everyone has their own routine that works for them but for someone like me who is extremely sentimental... it takes forever for me to start. Best outlook to have - It all comes down to simplicity and minimizing unnecessary things in your space!

Meet Aminata: Spiced Beauty Contributor

Meet Aminata!

She's a recent College graduate who will be writing on the blog for the next 3 months!

Three Protective Hairstyles For Natural Hair To Do At Home

Bantu knots, box braids, weaves, cornrows, you name it, we’re constantly rocking these looks with style and grace! My personal favourite are box braids because they are so convenient. You can get them installed and not have to worry about doing your hair for some weeks! What a relief eh? Especially with the weather we have in Canada, black protective hair care is a must! Plus, it can be an affordable way of protecting your hair. If you’re a naturalista like myself, then you are probably quite familiar with the hairstyles mentioned. I mean, it’s basically a part of our DNA! I thought I would list three black hair care styles that you can try this year to keep your curls healthy and growing smoothly!

3 Hair Oils That Work For Natural Hair

Editor note: There will be a few more posts coming out about Natural hair coming up shortly. Shoot me an email or comment below if there is anything that you want me to cover!

When it comes to our natural hair, we have to be very careful when it comes to choosing the right products. We have to ensure that we are protecting our royal manes every day. I like to add hair pomade and oils to my hair in order to maintain its moisture and promote the hair growth process. My personal favourites are avocado butter, which contains avocado, shea butter and coconut oil. It smells really great and works well too! Usually when I apply the product 2 days back to back, I’m able to keep my hair moisturized until the end of the week. 

All of this depends on the type of natural hair you have of course!

Four simple ways to fall asleep quick!

During this time the hardest thing for me has been sleep. Yes... I do have a one-year-old who sleeps extremely well! But currently the main questions in my mind is... When will this Quarantine be over? Will I be spending my birthday in quarantine? When will my husband have to go back to work? I could go on and on but we don't have the time. I know I’m not the only one who has all these questions. If you really sit down and think about it- it will keep you up all night.

Bored? Five things to do while in quarantine!

It's May! 

We want to go out, play, eat, travel ... see family. Should I keep on going? 

Don't laugh at me but I miss walking the aisles of Winners/Home Sense. 

Man.. we're going stir crazy. I get it! We ALL want this virus gone. 

Are you looking for things to do while in quarantine?

Here are some ideas!

Homemade Skin Care Remedies in your Fridge: Fruits and Vegetables

EDITOR NOTE:
I know that during this quarantine we have all been guilty of buying to much of something. Mine was bananas and thank God for banana bread! Just incase you have some extra fruit in your fridge- check this out!

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Ever wondered about other skin care remedy options that are not only cost effective but can be found just about anywhere? What if I told you that your next skin care remedy is in the comfort of your own home? I am going to be giving you the tea on skin care options in your fridge that will whip your skin back to shape for the low low!

Here are 5 natural skin care remedies 

you can find in your fridge:

21 Mommy bloggers share their toddler routines and activities

It’s crazy how things change so quickly. I am grateful to stay home and have my family safe... But I’m not gonna lie- I can tell how bored she is. There’s not much I can do to change the boredom especially with me working but I decided to give her her own space in our living room.

Most of the stuff we already had! The only thing that I purchased was a table set from IKEA which was extremely affordable at $30 CAN. My husband purchased the toy box plus she made me that lovely art in the background for Mother’s Day. I thought it would be a perfect addition to her space. I love that she has a place that she can go when she feels like she wants to sit down and eat or quietly play.