The holidays are one of my favorite times of year. After the year we have all had, we deserve a little or a lot of Hallmark movies, cozy pajamas, decorating our homes and of course, exchanging gifts.

Whether you’re giving the gift of self-care or the latest tech gadget or something for the beauty lover in your life, my gift guide has something for everyone! 

1. Peloton Bike, $1900, Peloton

Take your cycling to the next level. Users describe this bike as smooth, quiet, user friendly, and sleek. Bonus gift: A Peloton subscription for videos.

2. Wellness Journal, $33, Papier

Start and end your day with a fresh mindset, set intentions, and take note of the things that make you feel good.

3. A Promised Land By Barack Obama, $24, Amazon

Obama takes readers on a compelling journey from his earliest political aspirations to the pivotal Iowa victory that demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to his run as the US President.

4. Black Pride Shirt, $24, Etsy

The buttery soft cotton tees are stylish, comfy, pair perfectly with jeans, and will be a new wardrobe favorite.

5. Black Owned Jewelry Brands, $16, Etsy

Buy Black this year without breaking the bank. Support Black designers like Forever Mahogany on Etsy.

6. Lululemon Velvet Leggings, $118, Lululemon

Lounge like a boss in this crushed velvet version of Lululemon’s wonderfully warm and soft Wunder Under-inspired pants.

7. Bath Caddy, $50, Amazon

Load up your caddy with your favorite wine, iPad booted with Netflix, and snacks for a relaxing bath. You can also add soaps and oils for easy access.

8. Sade Box Set, Free on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music with subscription or $500 for vinyl set, Sade.com

All of the band’s acclaimed albums: Diamond Life , Promise , Stronger Than Pride , Love Deluxe Lovers Rock , and Soldier Of Love are packaged into box.

9. Amazon Echo, $35, Amazon

Play music, take calls, send messages, and more. Compatible with other smart devices such as lights and thermostats with this new home must-have.

10. Juicer, $100, Amazon

Create healthy homemade juice in seconds. Juice a variety of fruits and vegetables. BPA-free pitcher with lid and froth separator.

11. Ulta Gift Card, Price Varies, Ulta

The gift that keeps on giving. Let the beauty lover in your life grab all of their favorites.

12. Young, Gifted and Black by Antwaun Sargent, $50, Amazon

This book is the perfect gift for woke bae as it surveys the work of a new generation of Black artists, and also features the voices of a diverse group of curators who are on the cutting edge of contemporary art.

13. Luxury Candles, $25, Blk Sunflower

With boss vibe names like “Per My Last Email”, “Pillow Talk”, and “All That Jazz”, this Black owned candle company not only creates fragrant candles but are a whole mood overall.

14. tgin Foundation donation, price various

Give the gift of support. The tgin Foundation’s mission is to combat and bring awareness to the health disparities in the Black community specific to breast cancer. Make a charitable donation in someone’s name.

15. Anxiety “On My Last Nerve” Tea, $15, Etsy

Reduce holiday stress by drinking away your worries – the healthy way. Notes from lemongrass, hibiscus, ginger, and orange peel shift your attention to the citrusy, tangy, warming experience of the tea.

16. Bath Salt, $18, Get Maude

This calming salt blend softens and rejuvenates the body. Filled with hand-harvested salt crystals from the Southern Dead Sea, soak contains nourishing vitamins and minerals.

17. Roomba, $180, Target

A new meaning to set it and forget it. Never sweep again with this new robot floor vacuum. Equipped with sensors, you can trust Roomba to get the job done.

18. Adidas Sneakers, $50, Amazon

These classic Cloudform running shoes have been described as the “softest shoes on the planet” due to the memory foam cushion.

19. Noise Cancelling Headphones, $60, Amazon

Block out all distractions to work from home, or just enjoy music/podcast in peace. Get 30 hours playtime per charge.

20. Hillman College T-shirt, $15, Amazon

Calling all A Different World fans! Rep your set as we are all alums of the fictional HBCU.

21. Fanny Pack, $30, Elly Vista

A small waist bag equipped with a zip compartment, a pocket at the front, a breathable material on the back, and an adjustable strap. Great for traveling!

22. Herb Garden, $25, Amazon

Easily grow your own herb garden at home. Four types of fresh herb seeds for planting indoors, biodegradable pots, soil pellets, plant labels, and a gardening guide.

23. Apple Watch , $200-$400, Apple

Basically a computer for your wrist. Manage your health, make calls, send texts, and much more.

24. Glam Face Mask, $10, Etsy

We have to wear masks so why not add an element of glam! Double-layered with soft cotton and a filter pocket, this design is more than just fancy.

25. Savage Fenty Silk Robe, $40, Savage by Fenty

This must-have classic comes in silky satin and features a matching belt – and now updated for a good cause. Featuring a custom Savage X Fenty + CLF logo and in the brand’s signature color, a portion of the proceeds of this piece will benefit Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation.

Remember that gifts are a great way to show appreciate and love but the best gifts in life are free. Opting for virtual gatherings, wearing masks, social distancing, sending gifts via mail or giving the gift of a listening ear are great alternatives to traditional gifs. 

I pray that you and your family have a safe and lovely holiday season.

With a couple months of quarantine already in the books, you most likely struggling to find something to occupy your time. Over here at tgin, we are diving into our favorite black movies and TV shows and falling back in love with the couples who had us in our feels each and every time.

Here are 10 of our absolute favorite black TV and movie couples!

• Love Jones—Darius & Nina

The poetry and passionate drama throughout this movie had us in our feels from beginning to end. Nothing says unconditional love like Darius and Nina’s electric union.

• Queen and Slim—Queen & Slim

Even though Queen and Slim is relatively new compared to the other movies on this list, it showed black love in a light that we rarely ever see on the big screen. Queen and Slim are the black Bonnie and Clyde and the definition of true ride-or-dies!

• Love & Basketball—Monica & Quincy

From childhood friends to longtime lovers, Monica and Quincy take us on a wild ride through childlike innocence, challenges, and reconciliation, showing us that true love is always worth fighting (and playing) for.

• Living Single—Max & Kyle

These two powerful, headstrong characters surprised us all when they revealed their love for one another, and while some of us may not have agreed, you can’t help but feel their passion (and hate) in every scene.

• Moesha—Moesha & Q

Moesha and Q’s relationship was the stereotypical bad girl meets good girl, but the love they had for each other was real and showed us that teenage love affairs are always worth it.

• Brown Sugar—Sydney & Dre

Despite all of life’s twists and turns, hip-hop heads Sydney and Dre reminded us how important it is to find someone who’s both your lover and your best friend.

• Just Wright—Leslie & Scott

True, unconditional love often finds us when we least expect it or when we’ve just about given up on the fight. Leslie and Scott reminded us that sometimes the love of our life has been right in front of us all along.

• A Different World—Dwyane & Whitley

Although they’re from polar opposite worlds and it took them absolutely forever to finally get together, Dwyane and Whitley are one of those couples whose love gives you goosebumps and makes you want to doodle your crush’s initials in your journal.

• Martin— Gina & Martin

Loyalty and passion with a ton of goofy antics thrown in the mix? What else could you ask for in a relationship? Although Martin could be an absolute handful at times, his love for Gina (and vice versa) was enough to stand the test of time.

• Family Matters—Laura & Steve

Even though Laura pretty much rejected Steve for most of the show and he lowkey stalked her to get her attention, their eventual relationship was everything we could’ve hoped for and more. True love always prevails!

Who are some of your favorite on screen black couples? What shows are you rewatching?

If I were to describe my mom in one phrase, that phrase would be high maintenance. My Grandma Lolo, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. For most of my childhood, I can remember her sitting comfortably on the couch in the front room, wearing nothing but her bra and a pair of jogging pants. The phone was always pressed to her ear for hours while she caught up on Young & the Restless. When she wasn’t busy watching a house full of badass grandkids who were setting the carpet on fire (guilty as charged) or playing Cowboys and Indians with my grandad’s loaded shotgun (yeah…that happened), you could find her leading Bible study, ushering at a funeral, or doing missionary work in our community.

Over the years, she offered my cousins and me a lifetime of advice, often disguised in crazy sayings I like to call “black grandma-isms.” She’d say things, like “If you gon’ be something, be the best,” “You attract more flies with honey than you do with vinegar,” “Never tell a man everything,” and “If you sleep with a man, make him pay for it, even if it’s just a quarter.” Her advice, both solicited and unsolicited, always came from a place of love and played a major part in shaping me into the businesswoman I am today. She never hid her truth or tried to protect me from the harsh realities that came with being a black woman in America.

She not only inspired me to be the best version of myself possible but also pushed me to be authentically me. Grandma Lolo was always unapologetically herself, no matter who was around. This philosophy is still prevalent in my life today and in the way I manage my company.

So, in honor of Grandma Lolo and the millions of incredible black grandmas offering up priceless wisdom and guidance, I took to Instagram and asked you, the tgin fam, to share some of your favorite black grandma-isms you grew up on. Here are 20 of my favorites!

• @luv.angelaxoxo: “Don’t give a man enough money to buy a mosquito a pair of stockings…Grandma Gracie Lee Robinson”

• @chasethewaist: “Every goodbye ain’t gone, every shut eye ain’t sleep.”

• @therealmonicaj: “You don’t believe fat meat greasy, huh?”

• @toya_saaa: “Show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are.

• @itslauren_89: “Every grin ain’t a friend.”

• @crystal_light827: “Every closed eye isn’t sleep.”

• @operation_phase2: “Idle hand is the devil work.”

• @au_naturale_hustle6: “Don’t let the right hand know what the left one is doing.”

• @arteaa23: “Every new broom sweeps clean.”

• @dopelikedasia: “All skin folk ain’t kinfolk.”

• @sknight39: “You made your bed, so lie in it!”

• @alf130: “Excuses are like butts. Everyone has then, and they all stink!”

• @jbrylander: “Everything good to ya ain’t good for ya.”

• @danigrl01: “I don’t care how flat you make a pancake, it still has two sides!”

• @the_titansclash: “If that man doesn’t treat you right, tell him to put two eggs in his shoes and beat it!”

• @rominabrown: “A hit dog will holler.”

• @ayyyyyy_shanti: “Never bite the hand that feeds you.”

• @lynnepoowhtitdooo: “Keep a prayer on your lips.”

• @krystlekleer: “If things don’t go your way, go the thing’s way.”

• @crownjewel21: “Everything that glitters ain’t gold.”

No matter how crazy our grandmas’ advice was, at least we knew they always had our back and our best interests at heart.

Who has inspired you to be your most authentic self?

As we go into 2020, I pray that this is the best decade of your life and that you make the decision to rest. In the past, I’ve made resolutions, but I chose not to do that this year. I just hope I can do simple things like laugh more, smile more, and not take life so seriously. I spent my thirties building my company and being laser-focused and working all the time, and now I’m looking to make a major shift. 

 
Right before the holidays, I was having a conversation with a Jewish gentleman in my CEO group, and he mentioned to me that every Friday at sundown he cuts off his phone and doesn’t turn it back on until Saturday at sundown. During this time, he said he focuses on fellowship with his wife and friends.  I thought wow, what an interesting concept. Maybe I’ll give it a try in 2020.

 
I had completely forgotten about this idea of observing the Sabbath, but then remembered I had said I would give it a shot this past Friday around 4:15 pm. I didn’t realize observing the Sabbath requires a little bit of preparation if you’re really trying to focus on God, relax, and reconnect with others. There’s no perfect way of doing this, but a good friend of mine who is a pastor who also observes the Sabbath told me that I can make it my own, but I should give myself time to get things together (e.g. get my groceries, plan my meals, figure out what I’m going to read, etc.) (Exodus 20:8-10)

 
Well, when 5pm hit, I put my phone on airplane mode. Because I had no idea what to do, I just sat there and by 6:30pm made the decision to call it a night and fall asleep. When I woke up the next morning, I felt extremely rested. I got up and mainly did nothing for the day but listen to gospel music, pray, read my bible, and do a few chores around the house. I won’t lie, by 2:00pm, I was itching to talk to someone other than God, but I soldiered on for the last three hours.

 
At 4:55 pm, nearly five minutes before I was scheduled to turn my phone back on, a song came on my Spotify called Miracle Worker by JJ Hairston that I never heard before, and it was like God speaking directly to me and my situation. I’m not sure if I would have ever heard Him this clearly if I was on my old routine. That sign was more than I ever needed, but it gave me reassurance and confidence in God’s promises like no other.

 
I can say that in observing the Sabbath, the results I experienced were miraculous and continued to reinforce the word that I need to surrender everything to God — my company, my heart, my health, my finances, my family (Phillipians 4:6-7). I’m starting to learn when you work constantly without resting it’s because you unconsciously believe that you are in control and that God cannot provide for your needs. I’m becoming more aware of my trust issues when it comes to Him and learning that rest is a part of being not only kind to myself but being a good Christian as well.

—Grandma Lolo

March marks the start of Women’s History Month, which is a month-long celebration of the many contributions women have made throughout history and in modern society. Although I regularly make it a point to highlight the women in my life who inspire me and make waves in the world, Women’s Month gives us the opportunity to take the time to learn more about the impact women have made throughout time. For me, one of the most impactful women in my life has been my Grandma Lolo. In my book, This Is Only a Test, I talked about the wisdom and guidance she instilled in me over the years and how important her presence has been in my life, both personally and in business. Like many black grandmas, she was quite direct when she spoke with me and always offered some crazy yet insightful advice, something I like to call “grandma-isms”. 

On Instagram, I asked my lovely followers to share some of their favorite grandma-isms, and ya’ll definitely delivered. Here are some of my favorites!

@luv.angelaxoxo: “Don’t give a man enough money to buy a mosquito a pair of stockings…Grandma Gracie Lee Robinson”

@chasethewaist: “Every goodbye ain’t gone, every shut eye ain’t sleep.”

@therealmonicaj: “You don’t believe fat meat greasy, huh?”

@toya_saaa: “Show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are.”

@itslauren_89: “Every grin ain’t a friend.”

For most of our lives, our grandmas worked to raise, nurture, and guide us into the adults we are today. I know for a fact that without my Grandma Lolo’s guidance and wisdom pushing me in the right direction, I would not be in the position I am today. She taught me to fight for what I wanted and to never settle for less than I deserve. She, along with my mother, molded me into the powerful, capable woman I am today, and I’m forever grateful for her love and support, no matter how crazy she seemed when I was younger!

This Women’s History Month, I want to salute all of the black grandmas out there and thank them for all of the love and wisdom they so graciously offer us as we traverse through life and its many challenges. With so many things distracting us from embracing the important people in our lives, let’s take the time to honor and highlight the influential women who continue to make our world a better, more peaceful place.

Here are a few photos of my amazing Grandma-Lolo!

We’re nearly three months into the New Year, which means it’s time to do a

My team had so much fun planning our first Galentine’s Self-Care mixer at the tgin Beauty Lab.

After eight straight days of being told by hospital staff that you can likely go home tomorrow, only to have that change, I gradually gave up my plans of escape and accepted my fate. I made the decision to look at the good side of things, sat back, and started to enjoy having my nurses fluff my pillows, bring me warm blankets, and ask me if I needed anything. By the time I was discharged, I had developed a weird form of Stockholm syndrome that had me questioning whether I wanted to leave my lovely captors and newfound patient friends and return to the real world of hustle n grind.

Now that I’m back on the outside, I’m headed to New York for the Roads to Billions conference, meeting with Ulta about new projects, gearing up for my book tour, and having conversations with donors about helping us raise money for the tgin Foundation Waiting Room Project. Like most of you, I used to have a hard time taking off my cape, which I talk a lot about in my new book, This is Only a Test: What Breast Cancer Taught Me About Faith, Love, Hair and Business. Taking the time to slow down when you’re running a company, working in Corporate America, being a mom, going to school- takes work. It’s like we’re on this never-ending treadmill to get to the next stop instead of enjoying the journey and all the beauty that life brings. 

Don’t get me wrong, it took a while to get to this point, so I just thought I would send you a friendly reminder, too. If you haven’t checked in with yourself recently, here are a few questions to think about:

Am I checking my phone as soon as I wake up in the morning?

Am I running on caffeine and not allowing time for proper rest?

Do I make time for meditation and prayer or do I always feel like I’m running out of time?

How are my dietary habits?

Am I keeping in touch with my family members, girlfriends, loved ones who give me joy?

Am I taking care of my mind, body, soul?

Do I make time for things I enjoy?

Remember, self-love and self-care are not about being selfish; they’re about recognizing that you cannot pour from an empty cup. To help you along your way, I’ve created a self-care checklist that can help you stay on track with your self-development goals, even when your day-to-day life seems crazy and hectic. You can download your self-care checklist for free right now by clicking here! I hope you take advantage of this great tool and begin to prioritize your inner happiness, so you can be the best person you can be. So here’s hoping a bubble bath, some essential oils, and a little me-time are on the list for the weekend.

When people think of Chicago, they often think of the Cubs, the Willis (Sears) Tower, and Michigan Ave. But when

• Sweet Maple Cafe

Sweet Maple Café owner Laurene Hynson knows a thing or two about breakfast. Located just south of the West Loop, Sweet Maple has been serving up delectable French toast and warm buttermilk biscuits since 1999. Laurene’s passion for cooking and love for her role as a mother is what made opening a brunch spot the perfect choice; not only could she follow her dream, but she could do it while making it home before the kids do. So, using her mother’s recipes and a few she developed herself, Laurene set off into the restaurant world with the goal of serving up delicious food each and every day. And she did that! The food at Sweet Maple Café is everything, but it’s Laurene’s love for the process that makes the entire experience so special and worthwhile.

• Taste 222

In the Fulton River District, just north of Union Station, Taste 222 boasts an intimate dining experience in an upscale, chic, and comfortable space. Specializing in New American cuisine and delicious cocktails, Taste 222’s seasonal menu has everything you’re looking for, from delectable breakfast items to hearty lunch and dinner options. Chili-glazed salmon, braised brisket, and chicken and biscuit sandwiches are just a few of the modern, tasty dishes you can expect from this unique establishment. If you’re in the market for classic flavors with an upscale twist, Taste 222 is the restaurant for you. 

• Soul Shack

This Hyde Park gem owned and operated by Rico Nance is one of those places that just screams “soulful cooking”. From fried okra to barbecue short ribs, Soul Shack offers what anyone craving soul food would want. The BYOB, comfortable dine-in environment gives food lovers everywhere a healthy mix of casual and fine dining, with a comforting yet eclectic menu that excites.

• 5 Loaves Eatery

This low-key, family-owned and operated breakfast joint is serving up some delicious, Southern-style comfort food. With a menu packed with classic favorites, like thick pancakes, chicken and waffles, and creamy grits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 5 Loaves Eatery owner Constance Simms-Kincaid opened the Chatham restaurant with the intention of introducing something different to the South Chicago neighborhood, and she’s definitely succeeded in that goal! With packed tables and long waits each weekend, 5 Loaves is establishing itself as the place to be for amazing breakfast at a great price.

• Virtue

When Erick Williams, owner and operator of Virtue, opened his chic Southern American joint, he did so with the intention of leading with a culture of hospitality and kindness. While boasting some familiar Southern flavors, like green tomatoes, red beans & rice, and blackened catfish, this Hyde Park eatery boasts a fine dining feel with an eclectic open-kitchen layout that will surely impress. If you’re in the mood for classic dishes with a modern twist, Virtue is the place to be.

• Frontier

When Frontier opened its doors in 2010, the goal for owner Mark Domitrovich and executive chef Brian Jupiter was to help food lovers on their journey from comfortable restaurant routines to the “frontier of culinary adventure.” Whether you’re in the mood for something simple, like chicken wings and burgers, or want to try something new, like braised rabbit and wild boar, Frontier has everything a food-obsessed person could ever want. This unique restaurant nestled in West Town just off Milwaukee Avenue definitely pushes the envelope and redefines what it means to serve “restaurant food”.

While Chicago’s culture can be defined in terms of baseball games, incredible architecture, and upscale shopping, food will always be at the heart of the city’s cultural expression. Break away from your usual restaurant routine and discover new, unique dining experiences that will surely impress you while also supporting and uplifting the Black community. Who knows? Your new favorite restaurant may be on this list!

What’s your favorite black-owned restaurant in the Chicago area?

If you haven’t seen the Google commercial that aired during the Grammys, everyone is talking about it! It’s a celebration of all things black culture. Google did a really great job of highlighting how Black history is ever evolving. It is about historical figures and events like the March on Selma and Jackie Robinson, but it is also about modern day history makers such as the legendary Chance The Rapper, Oprah Winfrey, and LeBron James. Black people are doing great things every day! Which inspired me to think about the ways I can celebrate Black History in my hometown of Chicago. Chicago has a rich and extensive black culture from soulful restaurants to annual block parties to a slew of black-owned businesses. There’s so many cool things going on in the city but I’ve listed my top 5 events plus a bonus black-owned restaurant. 

1. Pop-up R&B Yoga
When: Sunday, Feb. 9
Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: 1320 Beer Wine Spirits, 1340 W. Madison St., Chicago
Link: eventbrite.com/e/unwine-sunday-funday-rb-soul-flow-tickets-90905612133

2. “This Is Only a Test,” Beauty & Bubbles Galentine’s Day Book Signing
When: Thursday, Feb. 13
Hours: 6-8 p.m.
Where: 2021 W. Fulton St., Chicago

Link: eventbrite.com/e/beauty-bubbles-galentines-day-mixer-tickets-92212561253

3. “The Photograph” Movie Screening
When: Sunday, Feb. 9
Hours: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Roosevelt Collection, 150 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago

4. Girl Power Songs
When: Sunday, Feb. 23
Hours: noon-2 p.m.
Where: The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West, Chicago

Link: eventbrite.com/e/black-women-black-history-a-childrens-black-history-month-celebration-tickets-86589897715

5. The March VR Exhibit
When: Friday, Feb. 28 through November 2020
Where: DuSable Museum of African American History
Link: dusablemuseum.org

6. Brunch at Taste 222
Where: 222 N. Canal St., Chicago
Link: taste222chicago.com

Do you celebrate Black History Month? What events are you attending?

Having a loved one diagnosed with cancer can be a big hit in the gut for anyone. You may feel like it’s now your duty to be that person’s support system and rock as they go through this challenging time. Kudos to you for deciding to be someone’s shoulder to lean on; it can be empowering to them to know that someone has their back through it all. However, fighting cancer is draining, and a lot of the treatments to combat it are tough on the body. It’s important that you’re there to comfort and soothe your loved one without adding to their stress. 

Here are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to supporting someone with cancer.

Dos:

Do respect their boundaries and ask for permission. Honor everyone’s journey; everyone is different. Some people want a lot of support, and some people are perfectly okay with a card and a text message. Before you visit, give advice, or ask questions, ask your loved one if it’s okay for you to do so. If someone says they’re good, respect their need for space and privacy, and if they ask for help, it’s okay to check in, but try not to take over.  

Do bring up people who have survived to keep people encouraged. Crazy statistics and unreliable information are always floating around the internet, and it can be very easy for someone to research everything about their specific type of cancer and get discouraged. Sometimes doctor’s appointments aren’t any help either because doctors are obligated to tell the whole truth, no matter how brutal it may be. Help your loved one out by keeping them positive and encouraged with real success stories.

Do ask how you can help. Again, cancer is an exhausting, uphill battle. Many people find themselves struggling to keep up with daily tasks and chores. Lend a helping hand to your friend with some of these tasks or, if your time is limited, give a gift that can help them along their journey. Some suggestions include positive cards, a gift card for food, a warm, soft blanket, an uplifting text message, accompanying them to their chemo appointments, helping their kids get to school, making dinner, or helping with household chores. Anything that helps take the stress off of your loved one so they can continue to rest and recover is perfect and welcomed.

Do allow them to express sadness. A cancer diagnosis comes with a barrage of emotions. Many times, people are confused and in a state of shock. As a friend or family member, allow them to feel these emotions. Although they are “negative” emotions, it is not a negative thing to feel such emotions. In fact, sitting with them and processing them is what will allow your loved one to move on and gain the strength they need to fight and heal. Support them through these feelings and express empathy as much as possible.

Don’ts:

Don’t bring up people who have died, whether they were a family member, a friend, or an acquaintance. In the same vein, don’t mention someone’s recurrence. The point of being there is to help support your loved one and uplift them. Trust me, they’re terrified enough and have probably read tons of articles they wish they hadn’t. Be a source of positivity and encouragement.

Don’t ask what stage of cancer someone has. This is a very personal and invasive question to ask someone who is deep in the throes of accepting what they’ve just been told by their doctors. Instead of asking, simply be there for them and allow them to provide the information they feel comfortable enough to share.

Don’t ask if they’re in remission. Talks of remission or recurrence are often touchy subjects and can be a cause of great anxiety and stress. For example, if you ask someone if they’re in remission and they’re not, they could end up feeling terrible, like their treatment isn’t working or is taking too long. Again, your job is to support them and offer positivity and encouragement. Allow the person to share the information they’d like and don’t pry for information they’d rather keep private.

Don’t Give flowers as “get well” gift, if the person is undergoing treatment and is sensitive to smells. Cards, blankets, hand-made trinkets, or other personal items are better “get well” options that will definitely be appreciated.

Don’t be forceful when giving hugs. While gentle hugs are a great way to show your love and support, be mindful of the fact that people may have just had surgery and, therefore, are a bit sore. There’s no need to avoid hugs altogether, but big bear hugs can probably cause more harm than good.

What are some of your favorite ways to show support for a loved one battling an illness?

Guests wrote encouraging messages for patients currently undergoing treatment at our card station, and received complimentary signed copies of my latest book, This Is Only A Test: What Breast Cancer Taught Me About Faith, Love, Hair + Business.

We also raised money for the tgin Foundation’s Waiting Room Renovation Project. Last but not least, special thanks to our sponsors, Wintrust and Tito’s Vodka for making the evening a night to remember!