2020 has been a difficult year for many and given the number of ways our identities and long-held beliefs are challenged, reconsidered, and questioned, it is critical that we also show ourselves some kindness. From meditation to self-care purchases, we think they are all important. Here are a few of our favorite self-care purchases that have lifted our spirits, reminded us that someone cares, and support local artisans, small businesses, and people of color.
Made in Martinique, these candles are not only luxurious, but also come in vessels that can live on as art pieces, useful containers, or repurposed bowls. Made with natural soy, bee, and coconut oils and waxes, these luxury candles are fragranced with essential oils. Our favorite purchase from their line is the Bougie Coui, but there are many other stunning pieces to explore.
Selene Utility Biker Shorts by La Botica
For most of us, work from home has translated to pajama bottoms all day since the video calls don’t show our clothing choices beyond our tops. But comfort and leisure do not have to translate to ill-fitting or unkempt outfit choices – in fact, feeling put together while working from home can actually make you more productive and alert. That is just one reason why we love these biker shorts. They are comfortable, on trend, summer-friendly, made in Los Angeles, and channel owner Dawn Marie’s black and Afro-Dominican culture.
If you have avoided the pandemic puzzle craze thus far, consider us impressed. But the truth is, puzzles can be a cathartic and calming activity to wind down after high-stress days. They also help stimulate the problem-solving part of your brain and can help you think outside the box to come to solutions that you may not have considered otherwise. As a plus, these puzzles are made in the USA in Asheville by a women-led company.
Celebrate Responsibly with Bonjour Fête
From birthdays to weddings and everything in between, there are still so many reasons to celebrate despite social distancing needs. While it may be easy to skip celebrating this year, during difficult times it is all the more important to pause and create space for positive moments. Balloon installations is one way to make our physical space more festive and bring some joy to our everyday. Local to Southern California, Bonjour Fête will do a contactless installation that is not only stunning, but brings eco-consciousness to an otherwise ‘dirty’ industry so you can feel good about it, while supporting a small business!
Wine and a Virtual Tasting from Breathless Wines
Whether you are celebrating a happy occasion or closing a challenging week, a glass of wine shared with other wine lovers virtually can be the perfect activity. Virtual tasting can help combat social isolation and add some levity to the week. The winery sends out the list of wines in advance and depending on how large your pandemic-pod is, you can decide how much wine to purchase. As a bonus, the winery is women-led and women-owned by three sisters.
Meal Delivery from Post and Beam
After a week of video conferencing, making dinner can be the last thing on our mind. Getting a meal delivered from a local restaurant can be both a self-care practice, and a wonderful way to support small businesses. Post and Beam, a black-owned restaurant in the traditional black neighborhood of Baldwin Hills provides farm to table meals from their own garden, and the opportunity to add on a donated senior meal through the Emergency Meal Program.
Los Angeles local and women-owned nail salon, Olive and June, has pivoted and now offers a variety of products and services tailored to an at-home manicure. Take a look at their Nailfie Ready Box and sign on for the Mani Bootcamp to enjoy a little at-home hand pampering.
Designed with the busy go-getter in mind, The Now provides a sanctuary to escape the grind as well as a variety of products to recharge in the comfort of your own home. From their Crystal Healing Chakra Balancing Mix to the Rose Quartz Gua Sha, you can nourish your soul as well as your body. We are particularly fans of their Self-Care Kit which donates 50% of proceeds to Black Women for Wellness.
What are your favorite self-care purchases?
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