A new month, a new start! I’m so excited to share some of my September must haves! All of these favs have given me so much joy in a relatively bleak time. From accessories to novels to drinks to Netflix recs, this list of ten favorites has it all. If you’re interested in any of these items, I have placed links for you to access them. I can’t be the only one with fly products!

1.Gold Chain and Pendant Set from TheViewsandCo

I’ve never been much of a necklace girl, but after seeing so much outfit inspiration featuring dainty gold pieces, I knew I wanted to join in on the fun. I found a small Etsy shop that sells exactly the layering effect I want. The best thing about dainty jewelry is that it adds something extra without overpowering the outfit. This set in particular feels very quality and I see myself wearing it for a long time to come. If you like supporting small, female-owned businesses, then I recommend you snatch up this set or any of the other beautiful pieces they sell. Click here to go to the Etsy shop!

2. “Rodhman” by Curtis Sittenfeld

This book is such a terrific read. Forget everything you know about the woman who inspired this book because this book is about Hillary Rodham, a woman who dated, but never married Bill Clinton. It masterfully details an alternate universe in which Hillary Rodham navigates her life unmarked by her famous spouse and sees her striking out on her own. While they continue to be intertwined, Hillary sees Bill as a small period of her life and explores what it means to be an ambitious woman in public service. Naturally, even without the stain of her husband’s scandal, Hillary encounters sexist challenges along the way and surprisingly, deals with her own racism in her bid to become the most important woman in the country. Curtis Sittenfeld is the queen of words and I feel lucky to read anything she publishes. Click here to get this book ASAP!

3. Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue

During quarantine, I’ve been giving my hair a nice break from heat. Miss Jessie’s products have been a life-saver in helping to tame my curls. I specifically love the Curly Meringue, which not only smells terrific, but gives my hair much-needed moisture. This black female-owned business has products for all curly hair types. All of the products have pretty packaging and wonderful smells, so I definitely recommend you grab your first bottle right now! Click here to grab a bottle!

4. ThredUp Online Thrift Store

So y’all know I LOVE ThredUp. This isn’t my first post about the online thrift store, but most recently, I purchased a blue sweater that is to die for! I have a vintage aesthetic, so finding this sweater was like Christmas Day. I mostly love the collar detail and the muted blue color. If you like finding unique clothes, while also benefitting the environment, I suggest you look into thrifting and specifically, ThredUp. It’s worth mentioning that the jeans I’m wearing in this photo were also a ThredUp find. I can’t get enough! Click here to head to the ThredUp website.

5. This Desk Lamp I Just Got

So now that I’ve moved towards mostly virtual learning, I’ve had to fix up my desk space. One thing I wanted was a bright lamp that didn’t look too “office executive”. I wanted to maintain the vintage, worldly look of my room and this lamp more than does the job! I’m seriously in love with it and when I want a more chill mood, I switch out the bright bulb for a more subdued golden bulb. If you’re looking to update your desk space, this is the perfect way to do it! Click here to buy this lamp!

6. Sunglasses from FUSSY

Another black female-owned business, FUSSY has the best accessories. I have a pair of their amazing sunglasses, named the “Bougie”—of course lol. All of their sunglasses have cute names, but they also sell handbags and jewelry. I’ve been looking for a pair of quality sunglasses for a while now and it felt great to give my money to a black woman! If you’re looking for some new acccessories to spice up your wardrobe, FUSSY is the place for you. Click here to access their site.

7. Stickers for Bible Journaling from ShinePixelStudio

Maybe I’ll write a post soon about the impact bible journaling has had on my faith life, but man these stickers have definitely made it more fun. Whether you keep a journal or you study your planner religiously, these stickers can go in both! Not only are they beautiful, they’re so inspiring and remind me that faith is a fun, exciting journey. Another Etsy female-owned shop, ShinePixelStudio does amazing work! Click here to access their store.

8. New Youtube Subscription: Ruby Granger

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I love Youtube! I especially love YouTubers who create calming, aesthetically pleasing videos that I can watch after a long day of school. Ruby Granger, an English Lit major like me, makes the most calming videos. Maybe it’s her obsession with office supplies or it’s her British accent and lovely home, but something about her channel just gets me in the feels. Click here to subscribe to her channel!

9. Moesha on Netflix

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I was too young to watch this show when it originally aired, but ever since Netflix added it to their site, I have been watching it nonstop! This coming of age family sitcom is about a high schooler, Moesha, navigating school, romance, and friendship as a young black woman in California. I love how funny the show is while tackling some major issues in the black community. Please go add this show to your queue right now. Click here to watch the show!

10. Dark Hot Chocolate from Cafe Escapes

I love warm drinks and now that Fall is approaching, I’m looking forward to snuggling up with all the teas and hot chocolates I can. My mom most recently introduced me to this brand of dark hot chocolate and I can’t stop drinking it. It’s so tasty and less calories than the typical milk hot chocolate! If you’re looking for a new drink this season, grab a cup of this hot chocolate! Click here to purchase some.

I hope these products give you as much life as they gave me! Let me know if you decide to try any of the September must haves. Also, let me know in the comments what some of your September favorites are. Happy September, sister!

Now That My Frontal Lobe Has Developed....

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As a self-proclaimed fearless woman, I thought for 2023, I could talk about the tools that have helped me become a better, more self-aware person. I should preface that I am not a perfect person and I do not strive to be. To me, becoming “THAT GIRL” as Tiktok likes to call any self-assured woman, is about finding peace in solitude, practicing mental and physical wellness, and building healthy relationships with others. It is not about reaching perfection or becoming someone without basic human emotions.

If You Have to Beg, It's Not For You

So, the other day I had a major breakthrough in therapy. I discovered that for most of my life, I have felt the intense need to prove myself to everyone around me. The more distant and disapproving someone was, the more I felt the need to win them over. So much so that I felt annoyed with people who loved me for me, no strings attached.

10 Shows/Movies That Ooze Summer

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Girl, Get Out of That Small Town

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A New Year, A New You!

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When Being the Main Character Goes Wrong

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6 Ways to Incorporate Sustainability Into Your Summer

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Choosing People Who Choose You

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