It's the most wonderful time of the year -- what I'm excited about
I’ve never been a fan of the holidays. In fact, when I lived in Las Vegas, NV I loved living there with no family close by so that I could ghost the world despite multiple, generous invitations. I could nestle into my cocoon of a condo doing my own thing. You see, despite the podcast, despite not being shy, and despite not being afraid to have difficult conversations, I am deeply introverted. I didn’t realize this until 8-9 years ago. I love solitude, peace, and quiet. I am highly sensitive to crowds and noise. It’s very anxiety producing for me.
I made a decision in December 2014 to stop shopping. I didn’t shop for about two years and I learned a lot. When I did or do need to dash to the mall for something, you know what time I go? At 930pm when everyone else is worn out and I can be in and out in less than 30 minutes. It’s a beautiful thing (and please don’t tell folks)!
This year, I’m going to share my conscious + aligned ethical roundup of brands and books I’m excited about this holiday season.
conscious + aligned fashion.
I love everything about my bestie Carisa, and her style.
Linen Duster in Olive by Sseko Designs paired with a cream and black statement tee that says GOOGLE IS YOUR FRIEND from my new line, black radical scholars, denim, and the Loafer Mule in Black by Sseko Designs. I would totally wear this outfit with the Loafer Mule in Black by Sseko Designs, my Two-Tone V Boots by Sseko Designs, or my Lizzie Boot in Olive by The Root Collective.
Folks comment daily on my style and my accessories. So Carisa’s wearing some Tenfold Collective earrings and she’s actually an artist in her own right! She’s the creative director and designer behind Made With Love, Carisa. She repurposes leather and makes earrings from them and she also does custom orders from time to time.
I love Myrtle&Flossie and how Nia, the creator and fashionista behind the line, came back into my life. She’s a model, mama, wife, and designer. Plus she’s a Michigan Wolverine, like me, and we went to undergrad together many moons ago! She has an ethical brand of personally designed pieces - sweatshirts, mugs, tees, and more. Personally, I love my Mama AF off the shoulder, ruched sweatshirt!
If you’re interested in combining your love of style + social justice, and you want a business in a box for an initial investment of $150, join my Sseko team.
conscious + aligned beauty/wellness.
I’m falling back in love with essential oils and have loved my dōTERRA holiday finds so far. Some items have sold out and yet, there’s still several more left. If you’re interested in a wholesale account which will save you money (you get 25% off retail), consider joining my team. This month, I’m giving you a free Lemon oil which is liquid sunshine! I’m also loving the new ADAPTIV Calming Blend which is perfect for the hustle and bustle of the weeks leading up to the new year.
Nobody can guess my age and to be honest that is mostly genes. My parents have handed my siblings and I awesome genetic material lol. And now that I’m no longer 25, the onus is on me to stop making poor choices (anyone else sometimes too lazy to wash their face?!) and do right by my skin and body especially when the FDA is not really on my side (all the side eyes). I’m loving Beautycounter’s Countertime. It’s not a magic pill and yet, it works slowly. And slow is real.
I finally got a Peleton indoor cycling bike. My life right now y’all is filled to the brim and it’s allowing me to chase tons of my passions. One thing that was getting squeezed out though was fitness. So I got a membership at a hot yoga studio in town and then I also got a Peleton. If you’ve been thinking about it, what’s getting in the way? The cost is a huge factor for sure. My bike was delivered on Friday, November 1, 2019 and I’ve ridden it daily sometimes as little as 10 minutes and sometimes as long as 45 minutes except for Friday, November 8, 2019. The community is fantastic and the instruction is beyond! And the digital content gives you more than indoor cycling coaching. It also includes workouts for treadmill running, outdoor running, strength training, yoga classes, meditation, stretching, bootcamp, walking, and cardio all for $40/month. And right now, provided your credit is right, they are doing 0% APR if you want to finance it. If you decide to take the plunge, tell them I sent you and give them my referral code: QYQPWE for $100 off your accessories.
conscious + aligned style + social justice.
Last year was the first year I participated in DRESSEMBER and I raised $650 for the organization, overshooting my goal by $400! This year, I’m heading up a team, style + social justice, with one of my favorite humans, Taylor who is an attorney by day, and a conscious + aligned businesswoman by night. Join us!
If you’re more interested in donating, you can do that here.
conscious + aligned books.
Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good by adrienne maree brown — I met adrienne and she’s everything!
THICK and other essays by Tressie McMillan Cottom — Tressie has been through some things and has faced racism and gender discrimination/sexism and still brings truth, vulnerability, and knowledge to her work.
Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller — Chanel’s experience and the experience of another person who was also sexually assaulted is the reason I started volunteering at a nonprofit devoted to providing free resources and support to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence (intimate partner violence).
May this holiday season be everything you need it to be. If you are mourning a loss and this is your first or 50th holiday season without a loved one, please know that I’m holding space with you. And if that is not the case for you, may you be able to create new and beautiful memories from now until the end of the year.
With you.
joyfully yours,
Chidimma