January 2024 edition!
Welcome to my new series MONTHLY BLISS. The B.L.I.S.S stands for:
B – Books (for reading recommendations and literary discussions)
L – Lifestyle (for wellness, cooking, and self-care)
I – Iona (I will share an antidote of how the last month went for me)
S – Skincare (for skincare tips and beauty)
S – Savor (for delicious recipes and cooking inspiration)
BOOKS
This year, I am taking my financial literacy seriously. So what better book to start the year off with than “The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom” by Paris Woods? The topic of finance is extremely daunting to me, but this book made it digestible. Woods explains a myriad of topics (401ks, buying a car, loans, etc.) through her own personal anecdotes. Her personal trials and tribulations made me feel less alone in my financial ignorance because it can be learned! If you are like me and need a great introduction to the world of finance, this is the book for you!
LIFESTYLE
Coconut Oil/Tea Tree Oil: I’m really into my teeth right now. You could say I’m in my tooth fairy era. So the first thing I am including in this category is oil pulling. I am going to be real with you oil pulling really grossed me out, I simply do not like the texture or taste of coconut oil, and could not get myself to complete the full fifteen minutes you are supposed to swish. That all changed when my friend Rodney told me to try putting two dots of tea tree oil on my spoon. This not only makes the taste a bit better but Tea tree oil has many of benefits. Use unrefined virgin coconut oil for swishing, always swish in the morning on an empty stomach for 15 minutes.
Benefits of Oil Pulling/Tea Tree Oil:
reduces bacteria
keeps gums healthy
benefits your gut health as the mouth and gut are connected
keeps your breath fresh
tea tree oil us a natural antiseptic that combats bacteria and viruses in the mouth.
Rainbow Mushroom 11:11 and Lion’s Mane: I love these because I can really feel the effect and they are so easy to incorporate in your everyday. I used to take lion’s mane powder, but I found it impractical for my everyday routine. You can throw these in anything you drink throughout the day, as they have no taste. Lion’s mane is great for my cognitive function and eliminating my brain fog. 11:11 acts as a multivitamin and is packed with 11 different mushrooms that benefit your immune system and mind.
Copper Tongue Scraper: When I was in yoga teacher training we did a series of cleansing exercises called kriyas (I can talk about this another time), and one of them was tongue scraping (Jihva Dhauti). We were told to always use one made of copper because it is naturally antibacterial and provides enzymes needed for the health of our mouths. If you can’t get your hands on a copper tongue scraper I also have a stainless steel one which is just as good!
Iona
First as a note of self to whomever is reading this: do not get you wisdom teeth out when you are 25. Please get them out earlier because the earlier the easier.
I was frightened to get mine out and honestly rightfully so because I am still feeling the effects to this day. The hardest part of all of this is feeling out of control. Control is something I am always trying to work on and it’s comical I started off this year so out of control (aka my biggest fear). I thought I was going to get a ton of work done while I was recovering but I instead was in so much pain I didn’t have much time for anything.
I have learned from this whole ordeal how much my health means to me, I want to make sure I make it a priority this year.
SKINCARE
Westman Atlier’s Liquid Super Loaded All-Over Illuminator Drops with Vitamin C: I cannot live without this, I love the way it makes my skin look. I don’t dislike the Drunk Elephant drops but these are just on another level, I truly look sun kissed & they have Vitamin C! I am so excited to wear this all summer.
Living Libations Best Skin Ever – Sea buckthorn: If you get anything from this list let it be this. I have wanted to try Living Libations for some time now, and it did not disappoint. This cleanser is amazing because it not only cleanses your face but it also moisturizes it. In the morning I will use this on its own because it takes the place of my moisturizer but it’s just one product. I love it, you should go get it!
Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush- In high school, I was a big Nars orgasm blush girl so when I learned they recently made a liquid version I had to jump on it. This color is just gorgeous and has stood the test of time for a reason.
SAVOR
Petit Pot Chocolate- So, we earlier talked about how I got my wisdom teeth out, which means the majority of Jan was spent basically eating baby food. I have always seen Petit Pots in the grocery store, and bought them for a post surgery treat. I ate like three a day. I love both flavors but the chocolate is so reminiscent of the chocolate pudding I ate as a child. I am now desperately in search for the pistachio flavor.
Ghee- I love ghee, it was on sale at Whole Foods and I stocked up because it is a little on pricer side. In India ghee is apart of Ayurveda, meaning it is used as medicine. Ghee also has a super high smoke point so I am excited to use it in a ton of different recipes.
I hope you all enjoyed! I am excited to share even more in the next months!
The post MONTHLY BLISS appeared first on Everything in Moderation.