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.

Affirmations have become a staple in my morning routine. Not only do they help me keep a positive state of mind throughout the day, but they also remind me of the amazing blessings I have in my life. If you find yourself frequently waking up on the wrong side of the bed, I urge you to speak positivity into your world. It may seem silly or unsubstantial in the beginning, but over time, your subconscious will begin to internalize these words and you will notice a difference in the way you carry yourself and respond to negative situations.

Below are 20 of my favorite affirmations courtesy of the wonderful Louise Hay, a seasoned motivational author. Pick three of your favorite affirmations and say them to yourself in the mirror or on your drive to work. I promise you won’t regret it.

1.  “I express gratitude for all the good in my life. Each day brings wonderful, new surprises.”

2.  “I am worthy of the very best in life, and I now lovingly allow myself to accept it.”

3.  “Life supports me in every possible way.”

4.  “I lovingly allow joy to flow freely in my life. I love me.”

5.  “I lovingly do everything I can to assist my body in maintaining perfect health.”

6.  “As I say yes to life, life says yes to me.”

7.  “My body and mind are in perfect balance. I am a harmonious being.”

8.  “I only speak positively about those in my world. Negativity has no part in my life.”

9.  “I choose now to release all hurt and resentment.”

10.  “Life supports me in every possible way.”

11.  “I am worth loving. There is love all around me.”

12.  “My self-esteem is high because I honor who I am.”

13.  “I am divinely guided and protected at all times.”

14.  “All is well. Everything is working for my highest good. Out of this situation, only good will come. I am safe.”

15.  “Whatever I need to know is revealed to me at exactly the right time.”

16.  “My day begins and ends with gratitude and joy.”

17.  “I lovingly forgive and release all of the past. I choose to fill my life with joy. I love and approve of myself.”

18.  “Every decision I make is the right one for me.”

19.  “I experience love wherever I go. Loving people fill my life, and I find myself easily expressing love to others.”

20.  “I let go of all that no longer serves me.”

What affirmations keep you in the right state of mind?

The pelvic floor is a very important and often overlooked part of a woman’s body. It houses and supports the bladder, bowels, rectum, and uterus, and experiencing discomfort in this area of your body can be frustrating to deal with. Not to mention, your pelvic floor is also deeply connected to the root chakra, and it’s where we, as women, tend to hold most of stress and anxiety.

The root chakra is the first of the chakras of matter, and it’s responsible for your feelings of safety and security on your earthly journey, so it’s no wonder that a blocked or imbalanced root chakra can cause issues of abandonment and stress. Bringing balance to your root chakra creates a solid foundation for the rest of the chakras above and will provide you with the physical, mental, and emotional stability you need to live a prosperous and fulfilled life.

My journey with pelvic floor therapy began after my OBGYN noticed some tightness in my pelvic floor during my gynecology appointment. After talking with me about the possible causes, from heavy lifting to straining or stress, she recommended I start pelvic floor therapy to address those minor issues before they became something more significant. She seemed confident in her recommendation and reassured me that I should begin to see results within two visits.

Pelvic floor therapy session is performed by a physical therapist who specializes in performing both internal and external pelvic examinations. At your pelvic floor therapy appointment, your physical therapist will use their hands to perform an external massage of your pelvic region, most likely near the vagina or rectum. When necessary, your therapist may recommend internal massages, but of course, they will only do what is most comfortable for you; it’s never a requirement. Pelvic floor therapy sessions are not as intense as they sound; the gentle massages will allow your tight muscles to slowly relax over time, which can help alleviate pelvic pain and instabilities, such as urinary incontinence, painful intercourse, and sexual dysfunction.

If you’re experiencing any discomfort or tightness in your pelvic area, please don’t suffer in silence. Make an appointment with your OBGYN and ask them about pelvic floor therapy; they may be able to refer you to a licensed physical therapist who would be glad to help you heal your root chakra and effectively tackle the imbalances you’re experiencing.

Have you done pelvic floor therapy? If so, what was your experience like?

For centuries, meditation has been a key tool in “quieting the mind,” finding inner peace, and relieving stress and anxiety. When people hear the word “mediation,” however, they often think of someone sitting cross-legged in silence with their mind completely free of any thoughts. While that may be the case for some meditators, that’s not what’s required of you at all. Meditation in its purest essence focuses on deep breathing and staying present. The practice, over time, will help you to stop obsessing over the past or the future but, rather, focus your energy and efforts on what can be done in the present moment.

It sounds simple, but this can prove to be a challenging transition for some; you don’t really realize how much you aren’t in the present moment until you’re put in an environment where you’re required to do so. With that being said, meditation doesn’t have to be tricky; in fact, it can be one of the easiest practices you instill into your daily routine. All you need is five or ten minutes a day, a quiet space, and your breath.

If you’re interested in discovering the benefits of daily meditation, here are 10 ways you can kick-start your practice with ease.

• Release all expectations.

It can be incredibly easy to get overwhelmed by the seemingly daunting task of “clearing your mind of all thoughts,” but you must remember that is not the point of meditation. Before you begin your practice, release any expectations of what you think your meditation session is supposed to look or feel like. Allow your thoughts to come and go without judgement and let your body completely relax.

• Get comfortable.

An important aspect of a successful meditation session is comfort. If you’re wearing tight clothing or are sitting in an uncomfortable position, you will not be able to focus as much on your breathing or relaxation. Make sure you’re as comfortable as possible before beginning so you won’t have to interrupt your practice by repositioning yourself or your clothes.

• Same Time, Same Place

To make meditation a habit, you must acclimate yourself to a new routine. Practicing your meditation at the same time and in the same place every time will ingrain the habit into your mind, allowing you to relax and get into the groove of your meditation quicker and easier.

• Be kind to yourself.

Along the same lines of releasing expectations, it’s also important to treat yourself with kindness during this process. Meditation is most likely something new for you, and it’s not fair to place enormous expectations or high standards on your shoulders. Like every new skill, meditation takes practice. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to make mistakes; it’ll only deepen your practice and help you improve in the long run.

• Start small.

For most beginners, meditating for an hour or even thirty minutes is seemingly impossible. If sitting still and quietly is something you need to work on, that’s OK, and you’re not alone. Start small, with five or ten minute practices, and gradually work your way up to longer sessions. Even five or ten minutes of meditation each day can drastically improve your mental health and stress levels.

• Take note of your excuses/limiting beliefs.

If, after a few sessions, you find yourself making excuses for why you can’t practice or you’re having thoughts about how bad you are at meditating, take some time to reflect on why you may be thinking that way. Perhaps you’re holding onto too many unrealistic expectations of what your practice is supposed to look like, or maybe you’re not allowing yourself to simply be. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to meditating. Go with whatever helps to calm your mind and center your spirit.

• Get clear on your intentions.

Before you begin your meditation session each day, take a couple moments to get clear on your intentions. What do you want to get out of that day’s practice? What do you want to focus on the most? Understanding the “why” behind your daily practice will help you focus with more ease.

• Start with guided meditations.

If self-motivated meditations are a little too challenging for you, that’s completely normal. There are plenty of guided meditations online that will walk you through your breathing and visualizations to get you to that Zen and calm state. There are even some guided meditations with specific themes, like abundance manifesting, immune health, or improved sleep. Take some time to browse YouTube or Spotify to find a guided meditation that aligns with your goals or desires.

• Meditate with a friend.

Meditation doesn’t have to be a solo undertaking; you can absolutely take advantage of this quiet time with a friend, spouse, or roommate. Afterward, you can discuss what the session felt like for you and what you’d do differently to improve for next time.

• Stay consistent.

The best way to create a habit is to stay consistent. As stated before, meditation doesn’t have to be an hour-long session. A practice as simple as five or ten minutes can work wonders for your mental health and overall well-being. And once you start meditating consistently, it’ll become a staple in your daily routine!

Meditating has many benefits and is becoming less “taboo” than in years’ past. Take advantage of this extra time at home to develop and nurture a healthy meditation practice. Remember to start slow and allow yourself to be a beginner.

What does your meditation practice look like?

The concept of the “inner child” is foreign to many people—and unsurprisingly so. It’s a relatively new concept based on the archetype created by psychoanalyst Carl Jung. Contrary to what its name suggests, your inner child doesn’t refer to the part of your brain that thinks childish thoughts, but rather, it’s the accumulation of your unmet needs and suppressed emotions from childhood, as well as your childlike innocence, natural enthusiasm, and boundless creativity. These suppressed emotions and unmet needs are hidden deep within you; so deep you may not even be aware of some of them. But to put it briefly, your inner child refers to all of the built up traumas you’ve accumulated and ineffectively dealt with throughout your life.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t simply stop being a child and magically turn into an adult once you reach a certain age; the child you once were is still buried deep inside of you, and those childlike tendencies and behaviors (temper tantrums, mood swings, irrational sense of abandonment) come out all the time, whether you realize it or not. All of your experiences—both bad and good—are within you and make up who you are, what you believe, and how you operate in this world.

For many of us, the things we learned as a child from our parents, schools, and society in general had a profound effect in shaping our current belief systems, both in regards to how we view ourselves and how we see the world around us. Being told things like, “Good girls don’t dress that way,” “Sex is bad,” “You need a man to be happy,” etc. may not seem like a big deal at face value, but these phrases, although well-intentioned, ultimately shape the way we perceive our bodies and our purpose on this earth, and they’ve caused us to hold in some of our wants, needs, and emotions for fear of rejection by those closest to us.

Connecting with your inner child allows you to bring your true challenges to light so you can finally start to address the root of your phobias, fears, insecurities, and self-sabotaging tendencies instead of simply treating the symptoms.

Here are a few signs it may be time for you to heal your inner child.

·  You feel there is something wrong with you in the deepest parts of yourself.

·  You experience anxiety when going out of your comfort zone.

·  You enjoy being in conflict with people around you.

·  You have a hard time letting go of things, emotions, or people.

·  You feel inadequate as a man or woman.

·  You constantly criticize yourself for your supposed inadequacy.

·  You have a hard time committing and trusting.

·  You have deep abandonment issues and often cling to toxic relationships.

So what does inner child work involve? Well, it involves getting intimate and vulnerable with yourself. It involves being honest about what your triggers are and what kinds of rules and standards were ingrained in you by your parents, the education system, and society to help you become a “functioning” adult. As mentioned, these boundaries and rules are often well-intentioned and can potentially be beneficial because growth cannot happen without some kind of moral restraint; however, in the case of your inner child, there are still some emotions—sadness, anger, resentment, abandonment—that have resulted from feeling rejected in some way.

Connecting with your inner child is by no means an easy task. It requires deep internal reflection, and it may even require the guidance of a coach, therapist, or energy worker to facilitate digging deep, as it’s typically not something we’re accustomed to doing. Regardless, it’s an important step in becoming a more peaceful, well-connected version of yourself, and it’s absolutely possible to start diving into it on your own.

Here are some ways you can begin to connect with your inner child:

·  Journal from the voice of your inner child.

·  Talk to your inner child and reassure that their needs and emotions are valued.

·  Meditate to get in touch with those deep, subconscious thoughts/traumas you’ve been avoiding.

·  Allow yourself to play carefree and do the things you used to love doing as a child.

·  Talk with a therapist either in the voice of your inner child or about the emotions your inner child is holding onto.

·  Learn to re-parent yourself by nurturing and taking care of your mind, body, and spirit (cook yourself healthy meals, drink more water, set boundaries, take a healing bath).

This may all sound odd, but healing your inner child is one of the most important things you can do to mend your mental, emotional, and spiritual wounds. There are true, powerful benefits of getting in tune with your inner child, including:

·  Releasing the feeling of emotional numbness you may have felt for years

·  Gaining or regaining your personal power and the ability to set clear boundaries

·  Learning how to take better care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually

·  Embracing self-compassion and liking yourself more regardless of your flaws

·  Being able to enjoy life and have fun

·  Gaining self-confidence in all aspects

Although inner child work is challenging and requires brutal honesty on your part, you’ll have a renewed sense of self-belief and self-worth once you’re able to truly tap in and address the parts of yourself you’ve hidden for so long. Inner child work has the ability to help you tackle seemingly impossible psychological issues, like depression, anxiety, passive aggression, low self-esteem, anger or abandonment issues, emotional numbness, self-sabotage, and many more.

You deserve to feel light and free; you deserve to feel the ebbs and flows of all your emotions, and you deserve to love yourself totally and completely. Give your inner child the love he or she deserves!

What’s a self-love affirmation you connect with on a deep level?

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.

The holiday season is finally upon us—where did the time go?! If you’re anything like me, you’re probably up to your ears in holiday shopping, and the pressure of it all is starting to get to you. It can be difficult to know what to get for a friend or loved one in a time where everyone already has the things they want. But as many of you know, my goal for this year has been working smarter, not harder with less stress. 2019 has been all about balancing my work and home lives and prioritizing my self-care. That’s why I have officially become my own Chief Self-Care Officer, or CSCO. As CSCO, my job is to spread the message of how important self-care is in maintaining our sanity and a high level of health. From business life to personal affairs, nothing can truly be sustainable if we don’t start taking care of ourselves first. So, this holiday season, I urge you to prioritize your well-being and the well-being of those around you by giving the gift of stress relief.

Below are 25 holiday gift ideas that are sure to reduce stress. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

• 1.CSCO Mug 

Being my own personal CSCO means having my best interest at heart at all times, and what better way to ease into the practice of self-care than with a warm, soothing cup of tea. This self-care mug is the perfect addition to any boss lady’s desk and can get the ball rolling on their path toward ultimate self-care.

• 2.Rosa Parks Nah Shirt

Say ‘No” without having to speak. Channel the Rosa Parks energy beyond black history month in the name of self-care.

• 3.  Weighted Blanket

One of the most important aspects of self-care is getting enough sleep, which is something that a lot of us struggle with. This 25-lb weighted blanket will lull you to sleep in no time, leaving you feeling rested, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle your day.

• 4.The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

This international bestseller has helped millions of men and women around the world transform their thinking and achieve fulfillment through Peales’ powerful message of faith and inspiration. The techniques outlined in this book will help you “achieve a happy, satisfying, and worthwhile life.” This book is the perfect gift for that person in your life who is striving to become the best version of themselves possible.

• 5. This Is Only a Test: What Breast Cancer Taught Me About Faith, Love, Hair, and Business by Chris-Tia Donaldson

In my newest release, This Is Only a Test, I reflect on my journey as a Black woman in Corporate America and share the lessons that life has taught me. From battling cancer to embracing my gifts and dreams, my hope is to show readers that life is always worth living and fighting for, no matter what’s thrown your way.

• 6.Adult Coloring Book

Coloring isn’t just for kids! With this coloring book, a few colored pencils, and a quiet space, you can be on your way to less stress and calming vibes in no time. 

• 7. Chakra Stones

Chakra stones are believed by many to give off positive energy and cleanse the aura of the user. This aesthetically pleasing four-stone set is the perfect gift for that friend or family member who needs a little chakra pick-me-up.

• 8.Lavender Pillow Spray

There’s no more calming, stress-relieving scent than lavender. With its soft, floral essence, lavender has a way of turning any space into a room specifically made for peace and relaxation. Spray this on your pillow 30 minutes before bedtime and be transported to dreamland in minutes.

• 9.Paolo Santo Wood and White Sage

Sage and burning wood are synonymous with relaxation and warding off bad energy. Cleanse the negativity from your space with this affordable and calming tactic. The hand crafted sage  and paolo santo wood leave a smooth aroma that can only host good vibes only.

• 10.Fuzzy House Slippers

In the winter months, there’s nothing worse than cold feet to match the dreary weather outside. Invest in these full-fur slippers and experience the warmth and luxury of walking on clouds (even if you’re just going from your bed to the kitchen).

• 11.Sleeping Mask

An essential part of practicing self-care is keeping up with a skin routine. This sleeping mask is great for all skin types and will rehydrate, refresh, and soften your skin during these frigid winter months.

• 12.Succulents/Live Plants

Live plants are a great way to freshen and brighten a living space. Decorate your room with these small plants to add a bit of color and experience the clean air they provide.

• 13.Foot Spa

Enjoy the benefits of a nice foot soak or pedicure in the comfort of your own home. This portable foot spa features 4 pairs of massage rollers that are dotted following sole reflexology for deep massage. Great after a long day or a nice way to relax anytime. For an added dose of calm add your favorite essential oils. No worries of the temperature dropping as it maintains water at selected temperature (95-118°F) efficiently, without hassle of filling hot water. 

• 14.Shower Steamer Tabs

These fast-acting cubes work like bath bombs to fill your shower with soothing scents and relaxing vibes. Take your steamy showers to the next level with these lavender, eucalyptus, mint, lemongrass, or grapefruit tabs.

• 15.Essential Oils

Essential oils are widely used to induce relaxation and alleviate aches and pains. This 14-oil starter pack is a great way to experiment with new scents and experience their various benefits.

• 16.Gratitude Journal

This 52-week guide to gratitude includes weekly inspirational quotes, spaces to write out your thoughts, and a weekly check-in for personal accountability. Utilizing this guided journal will help you begin each day on the right foot and create habits that manifest blessings.

• 17.Relaxation Teas1

These herbal blends are packed full of antioxidants that have been proven to reduce inflammation, induce relaxation, and deliver a smooth, soothing taste. Indulge in either chamomile with mint or lemon tea for a refreshing, low-calorie drink. 

• 18.Voluspa Candle

Nothing says relaxation like a slow-burning, scented candle. With four soothing scents ranging from woodsy to floral, these Voluspa candles have something for everyone. Try one today and experience their signature coconut wax blends for yourself.

• 19.Indoor Swing

Revitalize your couch surfing with this ultra-cozy indoor swing. With a stylish design and plushy cushions, you may never want to stop cuddling with your book, magazine, or tablet. 

• 20.Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Improve your productivity and drown out the outside world with these comfortable noise-cancelling headphones. Allow these headphones to transport you to another space where all that matters is the work in front of you and whatever it is you’re bumping.

• 21.Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential oils bring a sense of relaxation to any room they’re used in. Use this diffuser with your favorite essential oil to transform your space into a zen sanctuary.

• 22.White Noise Sound Machine

This sound machine is designed to mimic natural environments to lull you into a deep, restful sleep. In addition to having six different sound settings, it’s also lightweight and portable, so you’ll never have to be without it.

• 23.Silk Eye mask

The skin around our eyes is super sensitive and can easily become damaged by aggressive tugging or rubbing. Sleeping with a silky eyemask protects that delicate skin from friction damage against sheets and unintentional rubbing. Plus, it helps to create a dark environment for you to rest peacefully.

• 24.U-Shaped Body Pillow

Snuggle up with this comfy, body-conforming pillow. Designed to hug every curve of your body, this pillow is great for those with back issues or other aches and pains that make sleeping difficult.

• 25.Massage Stones

These small, smooth stones are a great tool to use to deliver high-quality relaxation and stress relief. Heat these to a skin-appropriate temperature and glide them across the body for optimum tension and pain relief. 

Holiday shopping for your friends and family doesn’t have to be stressful or difficult. Join me in prioritizing stress relief and self-care for the people in your life, and you may just be crowned the best gift-giver in the world!

What’s your go-to stress relief tool?

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Work-life balance has recently become a common priority among most people. Families want to spend more time together, and people in general are yearning for a way to have a distinct separation between their work and home life. In recent years, I’ve begun to prioritize the same thing, wanting nothing more than to be a successful businesswoman without losing myself in the process. As a CEO, somedays it feels seemingly impossible for me to have a life outside of my business. On one hand, it’s a good thing because it means that my business is doing great things that require my attention, but on the other hand, it’s less than desirable because I have virtually no time for myself. I know many of you can relate to this catch-22.

So, whether you want to make it to all of your kids’ recitals or soccer games, or you simply don’t want to take conference calls before 10 a.m., I completely understand. It’s important, though, that you do the work to establish the appropriate boundaries that work for your specific situation and stick with them! 

With the launch of my new book, This Is Only a Test: What Breast Cancer Taught Me About Faith, Love, Hair, and Business, and the spotlight I’ve been shining on self-care, I’ve taken it upon myself to implement new habits that allow me to be proactive about my work-life balance. My motto as of late has been, “Work smarter, not harder!” In my book, I talk about how difficult it was for me to let go of my workaholic ways. I was 110% invested in my business, which is great, but it left very little time for me to take care of myself the way I needed to. Without even realizing it, I was drained, and my body ended up suffering the consequences.

Since I’ve discovered my tendency to overwork and the toll it can take on my health, I’ve made it a mission to prioritize a healthy work-life balance and have even gone so far as to talk with my TGIN team to come up with the following boundaries and expectations that I have going forward around my events, meetings, and shows. Perhaps seeing the boundaries I set up for my work life will inspire you to take action in making your personal life more of a priority, too!

1. Limit the number of monthly events I attend: Events, specifically conferences and trade shows, are generally pretty draining. They often involve hours upon hours of interacting with customers and business partners, actively participating in meet and greets, and even engaging in deep discussions/interviews. I love attending these events, but at this point, I am only willing to go to four to six of them per month, so I can interact with my fellow businesspeople and customers and still maintain some semblance of sanity. In addition, I’d prefer to only attend events in Chicago, as I’d like to keep travel to a minimum or do a better job of managing it, so it does not become overwhelming with my other business obligations for the company. 
2. Limit my number of out-of-town trips: Similar to huge events, traveling is very draining, especially if I’m expected to travel into a different time zone; jet lag is no joke! So, I’ve decided to limit myself to only one out-of-town trip per month, two if it is absolutely necessary. Out-of-town trips can easily become overwhelming for both myself and my team with all of the many pieces that go into making them run smoothly (airfare, hotel, rental cars, itinerary, etc.).

1. Avoid weekend engagements if possible: I like to reserve my weekends for some much needed R&R, so I can show up in the best way possible for my team during the workweek. So while I prefer not to work on weekends at all, especially Saturdays, I am open to attend some weekend engagements if my attendance is truly necessary. To preserve my sanity and maintain a somewhat decent sleep schedule, I would prefer not to attend any early morning events (e.g. 8 a.m. start times).  
2. Share/plan my schedule well in advance: I’ve asked my team to share my schedule for the next 30 to 90 days with business partners and other team members, so out-of-state events can be planned efficiently according to my schedule. For instance, if I have a business trip in New York in September, my team could include a New York consumer event in my schedule or maybe a meeting with a company headquartered in the city since I’d already be in town. I want to work smarter, not harder and would prefer to not zip back and forth across the country when things can be coordinated more efficiently. 
3. Delegate tasks when possible: Finally, I’ve asked my team to be creative and think about how they can chip in with marketing and publicity. Perhaps there are panels they can serve on in my place to talk about their role at tgin, what they’ve learned working in the beauty biz, what they’ve learned working at a startup, etc. Having other faces representing the business can be great for our marketing strategy and can also lessen my load in the long-term.

At this point in my professional career, a healthy work-life balance is of the utmost importance to me. It ensures that I stay as healthy as possible and preserves my energy, so I can show up as the productive, clear-minded leader my team and company need me to be. By setting clear boundaries and sticking with them, I’m creating a better environment that will allow me to work smarter, not harder. I hope you’ll join me in creating the work-life balance you deserve!

What boundaries do you need to set? What are your tips for maintaining a healthy work life balance?

With so much going on in our lives—work, family, kids, bills, etc.—it can be incredibly easy to forget about taking care of ourselves in the madness of it all. And even if we do recognize that something needs to be done, we often don’t know where to start. I get it; I’ve been there myself. In my new book, This Is a Test, I talk about how difficult it was for me to truly practice self-care, and I also touch on the earth-shaking news I received that finally made it all click; without implementing a proper self-care routine, there’s no way we can show up for others the way we really need to, and we end up doing ourselves a disservice in the process.

So, I’ve compiled 20 easy ways you can begin to practice self-care! Hopefully, you can include a few of these into your daily routine and reap the benefits.

1.Gratitude list

Create a list of five to ten things or people you are grateful for. You can make this a daily, weekly, or monthly activity, but it’s a great way to change your perspective of the world and express your admiration for those closest to you.

2. Unplug from social media

Take a break from social media for the sake of your mental clarity, and quiet the outside world. With so many distractions, it’s become difficult for us to tap into our inner voice and creative spirit. Taking a break from superficial social interactions can give you more time to reflect on your personal growth and develop new ideas.

3.  Take a day off

Contrary to “hustle and grind” culture, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking a day off every now and then. In fact, it could be one of the best things you do for yourself and your business. Rest days give your mind and body a chance to recuperate, so you can come back rested and better than ever!

4. Meditate/yoga

Set aside five to ten minutes a day to relax, unwind, and focus on deep breathing. Both of these practices will help you quiet your busy mind and re-center yourself either before or after a busy day.

5. Exercise

It’s been scientifically proven that moving your body at least twenty minutes every day can assist in boosting your mood and fueling creative energy. Not only can exercising strengthen your body physically, but it can also help you release some negative energy and refocus your mind on more positive thoughts.

6. Pamper yourself with a massage or mani/pedi

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with treating yourself to a spa day every now and then. Whether you’re into manicures, pedicures, or massages, putting in the effort to take care of yourself will make you feel more confident and at ease.

7. Journal/reflect

Journaling is a great way to release any negativity or make sense of the jumbled thoughts bouncing around in your head. Start your journaling practice with writing down what you hope to achieve on your self-care journey and who you want to become along the way.

8. Spend time outside

Spending time in nature is so important for the human psyche. Nature helps us to stay grounded and look at the world in a different light. We spend so much time in the confines of our office and home that we sometimes overlook the vast amount of creative energy that’s constantly surging in the outside world.

9. Cook yourself a nice meal

Nothing hits home quite like a nice, warm, home-cooked meal. Nourish your mind, body, and soul with your favorite meal, and allow yourself to indulge in whatever yummy treats you’d like.

10. Speak positively about yourself/think positive thoughts

It’s easier said than done, but thinking and speaking positively about yourself and your current situation can do wonders for improving your mood. It’s so easy to get caught up in a negative thought pattern, especially when we’ve become so accustomed to comparing our lives to what we see on social media or television, but seeing the beauty within is probably the biggest act of self-love and self-care you can ever implement into your life.

11. Affirmations list

Similar to the gratitude list, an affirmations list is a great way to change your overall perspective of life and the world around you. Take the time to jot down three to five positive affirmations you can repeat to yourself every day. They can be something like, “I deserve abundance in all aspects of life,” or “I am smart; I am beautiful; I am worthy.” Go with whatever gives you that boost of confidence you need to take on the day in a positive way.

12. Drink more water

Water has such a powerful role in the way we function on a daily basis. On those days where you feel drained, tired, and down for no reason, a glass or two of water can have a much bigger impact than you realize. When your insides are functioning at their best, your outsides usually follow suit.

13. Establish a good sleeping pattern

Similar to drinking water, sleep is crucial in functioning at your best each and every day. Make sure to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Doing so gives your mind and body enough time to recover from your hectic days.

14. Start a new hobby

It’s important to find an activity or two that you enjoy to do outside of work. It’s so easy to become completely consumed by work and family life, but there are times when you need to release your tension and channel it into something positive. Join a book club, start painting, or take a cooking class. Whatever it is, embrace it, and make time for it on a regular basis.

15. Declutter your personal space

Some people thrive in seemingly disorganized spaces, but for most of us, too much clutter can really suffocate us, making us feel like the walls are slowly closing in. Take some time out of your week to get rid of the things that no longer serve a purpose in your life. Even if you’re not the type to throw things away, clearing your work area and organizing your belongings can do wonders for your mental clarity.

16. Take a walk

After sitting in an office for eight or more hours, it’s normal to feel anxious or antsy. Every now and then, it’s important to get up, stretch, and take a walk. Whether it’s around the office or around your neighborhood, it’s good to get up and get moving to get those creative juices flowing.

17. Listen to your favorite music

There’s no better way to unwind than to the sound of your favorite jams. Crank them loud, and vibe to the positive energy they exude.

18. Set clear boundaries for yourself

It can feel absolutely terrible to say no to family, friends, or coworkers, but if you’re feeling overworked and overwhelmed, it’s important that you take some time for yourself and set some very necessary boundaries. Everyone deserves a break, including you.

19. Simplify your schedule

With meetings, dinner dates, and family functions taking up each and every minute of your schedule, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. Look through your schedule and simplify it if necessary. Delegate less important tasks to another team member or reschedule a dinner reservation if it will cause too much stress on your end.

20. Spend time with quality friends and family

Surrounding yourself with quality people is key to maintaining good mental and emotional health. When you make time for family and friends, you have the opportunity to release the pressures of your week and spend time in the moment with the ones you love.

Being the CEO of a steadily growing beauty company in 2019 means that a large part of my marketing strategy is dependent upon social media. Whether I like it or not, it’s my job to at least be up to date on what’s happening on these apps. I have to watch what the company is doing on our social media platforms, think about what I’m going to talk about with my customers, and keep my eyes peeled for new trends. But instead of spending my time on social media being productive or connecting with customers, I often found myself mindlessly scrolling for entertainment purposes. Don’t we all find ourselves looking up from our phones and thinking, where have the last two hours gone. Social media is not all bad, but there’s definitely a part of me that yearns for the simpler days when our phones were only used to call or text. 

My social media journey started with Facebook when I was a student at Harvard, and I’ve been plugged in ever since, never really thinking twice about the hold these apps had on me. Recently, I realized my connection with my phone was developing into an unhealthy addiction, and I knew I needed to get my life back on track and set clear boundaries about how I spent my time on it. Some things, like phone calls, instant messages, and emails, can’t be avoided, but mindlessly scrolling on Instagram for 30 minutes at a time definitely hinders me from doing what needs to be done in a timely manner.

Recently,  I decided to give myself a mental health break by deleting the troublesome apps on Friday and not logging back on until Monday morning. These breaks from distracting social media apps have allowed me to spend my time doing more positive, productive things, like organizing, planning my week ahead, or tending to my self-care needs. 

I know I’m not the only one who can benefit from a little less screen time so I’m sharing 6 positive things that I experienced during my social media break with hopes that you’ll join me next weekend!

• I was more productive.

By spending less time aimlessly scrolling through social media apps, I found I had more time to get important things done. I didn’t realize how much time I wasted scrolling my life away until I replaced it with something more productive. I was able to quickly knock out quite a few items on my to-do list that usually take more time than necessary. With no distractions, my workflow was well-paced and efficient.  I also found time to catch up on a couple of books on my Kindle. (Which has become my new go to app instead of Instagram.)

• My relationships with family and friends improved.

My weekends are usually reserved for spending time with family and friends. However, as a business owner, work hours aren’t always limited to Monday through Friday. More often than not, some type of work needs to be addressed on the weekend as well. Because I eliminated the need to check my business and my personal social media accounts, I also eliminated any unnecessary screen time. In doing so, I was able to engage with family and friends, sans phones, and establish better, stronger, deeper connections. I truly believe that brunch, drinks and dinners felt that much richer, because I was fully engaged and didn’t fall victim to the need to check out and check back in during these moments. 

• I had a new appreciation for the world around me.

Without having my eyes glued to my phone, I had more time to actually look at the world around me and find beauty in the smallest details. I became more aware of my surroundings and even spent more time in nature to get back to my center, quiet the outside world, and clear my mind. I was able to return from my social media break relaxed and level-headed.

• I was more deliberate with my self-care routine.

By deleting my apps, I found I spent significantly less time on my phone in general. Inadvertently, I had begun to set boundaries for myself by not being available at all times. It was like I had put my entire life on airplane mode; I was finally able to breathe and take time for myself without feeling like I had to be connected to others all day. With more time on my hands to do what I wanted, falling into my self-care routine happened naturally.

• I was relieved from social pressures.

With my social media apps gone from my phone, I was relieved from the pressures of constantly being connected and engaging with my followers. While I love interacting with my customers and posting inspiring messages, there’s quite a bit of pressure on the shoulders of content producers to be “on” 100% of the time. During my breaks, this pressure was gone, and I had ease of mind once again.

• I stopped comparing myself to others.

When we’re active on social media websites, it’s almost impossible to avoid comparing our lives to what we see on others’ profiles. Everyone on social media is showing the fabulous 10% of their life, and we’re often left comparing that to our not-so-glamorous 100%. Social media never shows reality, only a highlight reel. So when I finally loosened my grip on my apps, I was able to take a step back and realize just how much I was comparing my personal life, business life, and more to what was on my newsfeed.

The idea of taking social media breaks are becoming more and more appealing, as people are beginning to grasp how hours upon hours of scrolling can affect our minds and spirits. I’m not going to lie; when I first started separating myself from social media, it was challenging. I was so used to grabbing my phone whenever I had a second of downtime, and without it, I had to quickly find something to replace it. But over time, those breaks started to become easier, to the point where I hardly ever reach for those apps even during the workweek. It’s possible! Trust me; if I can do it, you can do it!

So, what do you think? Would you be up for a social media detox?