Nubian Hueman

When I initially started looking to support black owned businesses some years ago it was a bit of a challenge. Either I had to do deep dives on social media, hope I’d run into a pop-up stand at the local market or rely on word of mouth. I’m beyond happy to say that those challenges are a thing of the past for me (and most of us).

I have a deep sense of gratitude when I’m able to casually go into a store and purchase a black owned product. It doesn’t feel like deep search or quest anymore and I can get used to this. Now finding some of my favorite brands in box stores is great, but when I can discover more in smaller black owned shops, I’m overjoyed. Who doesn’t get excited about supporting black owned businesses while at a black owned business?

I heard of the Nubian Hueman location in D.C. a while ago (can’t remember exactly when because life is crazy like that) and I was excited to learn of a store that featured products from black artisans. Not only do they feature black artisans, but that’s their entire focus. So whenever I set foot in their stores I know exactly what I’m walking into and can give my Google search bar a rest.

However, Nubian Hueman isn’t like the other shops that I’ve encountered over the years and will remain a go to ‘hub’ for me for a few reasons:

• I love the fact that they have two locations. Not only can I stop by the D.C. location when I’m in town, but I can also stay local and visit the Baltimore location.

• If you’re not in the area there’s no need to fear because their robust online store is here!

• Being able to go into the store and discover new brands or restock on my favorites is an enjoyable experience. Also, the variety of products that they have on hand is amazing.

• As if this store couldn’t be any more amazing, their events and pop-up schedules are worth following. Not only you connect with a new brand via a pop-up shop but you can also enjoy poetry and other events in the space.

So if you are looking to explore more black owned brands while shopping at a black owned store (in person or online), I recommend looking into Nubian Hueman.

The Spice Suite

When I started the passion project that is this blog, I wanted to explore cooking at home and more importantly incorporating flavor into every dish that I made. This obsession with all things flavorful came from countless restaurant trips to leave disappointed with empty pockets. I wanted to take matters into my own hands and add meaning to the idea of a “home cooked meal”.

Over the years, I’ve found great companies that produced spices, sauces, elixirs and more and have had a great time incorporating them into my cooking. So when I heard of a place called The Spice Suite, I had to check them out.

Before I talk about the products, I have to note the physical space. The shop itself is beautiful and swanky, yet inviting. From the music and store layout to the pop up shops in the middle, I felt right at home. As a huge fan of organizing, these wonderfully organized shelves made the space easy to navigate versus overwhelming like some of the other spice stores I’ve visited in the past.

The most difficult part about my trips to the Spice Suite is the decision making process because I’m not made out of money. So I do what anyone else would do, buy a little bit of everything. My first trip I walked with tea, honey sticks, bbq sauces, spice blends and more.

I will have to note that adding each unique product to my dishes at home has been an enjoyable experience. Not only were the meals delicious (I wish I had the pics) but more importantly my inspiration to play in the kitchen again was sparked after being in a ‘cooking’ rut.

As a lover of flavor, The Spice Suite will always have a place in my pantry and here’s why:

• The flavor combinations of all of the products are incredibly unique and you won’t find them anywhere else. I can’t say much more here because you have to experience it for yourself.

• Not only will you be able to stock your pantry with their spice blends but you can also bring their cleaning products and cookware into your kitchen.

• Don’t live in or near the DC area? No problem. You visit the online shop to order your own Spice Box to explore new products.

• The Spice Suite is the perfect place to discover other black female artisans via the Spice Girls Marketplace.

So if you are beyond tired of dull flavors or just want to explore something new, I recommend giving The Spice Suite a try today!

Zach & Zoe Sweet Bee Farm

Growing up I spent a lot of time drinking tea with my mother. It was our special time to chat and bond. A hot cup of tea and a little sugar and we were set. Yes, I said sugar, plain granulated sugar. It was the 90s, give us a break and no shade to those of you who only use sugar with our tea today. However, my mother later changed it up and used honey as the sweetener of choice. Long story short, a midday cup of tea with my mother was my introduction to the world of honey.

Sure, I’ve had honey before then in a number of dishes or drizzled on top of desserts, but I never paid it much mind. Once adding honey became a sure thing for me with my tea drinking, I invested more time and energy in exploring what was out there beside the bear shaped bottle of honey.

Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of honey, from manuka honey to spicy honey and everything in between. So when I first heard about Zach & Zoe honey, I was intrigued. Superfood infused honey and incredible flavor varieties? Umm, yes! By this point, I’ve expanded my honey consumption beyond the cup of tea. I’ve incorporated honey into a number of my dishes and cocktails, so having a variety of honeys on hand is needed.

After a few jars I’m completely hooked on Zach & Zoe honey at this point and here’s why:

• Their honey is all natural and 100% raw, free of added sugars, pesticides and wax. In this case, I can fully trust the quality of all of their honeys.

• Raw honey is great, but superfood infused honey is amazing! Their flavor combinations are amazing and I’m planning on adding more flavors to my pantry soon.

• If you are a fan of sustainable products like I am then add that to another reason to love Zach & Zoe honey. All of their honey is sustainably sourced from their garden.

• They have more than just jars of delicious honey. They also have, bee pollen, beeswax candles, honeycomb and more on their site.

• Founded with the initial focus on combating allergies. Consuming raw honey can help with seasonal allergies and more. (Be sure to consult your doctor first.)

So if you are looking to upgrade your honey or even test out a few new products, I suggest giving Zach & Zoe honey a try!

Black Cotton

The devil is in the details is a motto that I live by, if that is even a motto (save your judgement for another time lol). As I’ve stated before on another post, I purchase items for my work and home spaces with intention. Every piece that I bring in both big and small have a meaning or story behind it and this vase of cotton is no different.

I first encountered Black Cotton a few years ago when visiting a local restaurant during it’s grand opening festivities. I’m one to take note of decor in spaces that I visit and seeing a bouquet of cotton beautifully arranged definitely caught my eye. Yes, you read that correctly, it wasn’t a bouquet of fresh flowers that caught my eye, it was cotton.

As an African American, my feelings on cotton, as the crop itself, are rather complex. Up until recently, I’ve only been exposed to images of my ancestors in cotton fields as slaves and not much more. I’ll have to be honest, seeing cotton in this way was both beautiful and also triggering initially.

Black Cotton stood out to me because the company was black owned. In fact the land has been owned and cared for by a black family for generations and their mission is to uplift the black community in the area surrounding the cotton fields of Northampton County, North Carolina. Their ability to create beautiful home decor and accessories is beyond the imagination of most.

After following their Instagram page for a while and causally seeing their products while out and about, I decided to order my own vase to add to my living room area. Although subtle, the vase that I have always catches the attention and curiosity of those who visit me.

So if you’re looking for some new and meaningful decor to add to your home, I highly recommend adding a piece from Black Cotton.

By Ms James

In the world of gift giving, I live for the moment when I find the perfect item for the person I have in mind. It’s a bit of a rush, if I have to be honest here. Once I claim my “prize”, I usually like to top it off with a card. Not just any ol greeting card that you’ll find a the dollar store, but one with meaning. Now this is the part that can get tricky from time to time.

Oh how I would dread getting a standard card because I wasn’t able to find something that ‘fit’. Not only do standard cards sometime miss the mark with their messages, but also I’d often feel disconnected to the artwork. So when I saw a greeting card on a social media post from By Ms James, I was sold!

As a quirky, black woman who has a killer sense of humor, I like for my greeting cards to reflect that. I have a few paper companies that I go to for my card selections for birthdays, holidays and just because but By Ms James stands out for for a few reasons:

• I feel like she gets me. I feel like I am seen with all of her greeting card options!

• I appreciate a company that has more in store than just one product. The posters, shirts, art prints and bookmarks are all amazing!

• I’ll let you go and take a look for yourself, but the artwork is what sold me first when looking at the products. I admired the craft while appreciated being truly seen.

• You can find their products both online and in stores. Be sure to see where you can find By Ms James products near you.

So if you’re like me and looking for the perfect great card or gift for someone, I recommend adding By Ms James to your list!

Chef Oya's The Trap

Oh the world wide web, so full of wonder and other times, a drag. I’ll be the first to admit that I have mixed feelings on social media. Somedays I love it and how it connects us to others and other days, I hate it. Well as it relates to my connection with Oya (and others), I appreciate it.

Back when I was just starting out in the world of food blogging, I made time to build connections with others both in the Baltimore area and elsewhere. I wish I could remember where exactly I began my social media friendship with Oya and Candance (FoodLoveTog) but I do know we ended up Facebook official a few years. Yes, I consider my connections and friendships with other legit once we are Facebook official and not just following each other on other platforms.

Being able to discuss food and goals with two other black women from Indiana was a special time for me. Although, I am no longer in the blogging world from a food standpoint, doesn’t mean I haven’t been cheering Oya and Candace as they both tackled their dreams. Watching Oya grow her dream from scratch to the success that it is now has been a joy, even if it’s only been online. But that was soon to change.

I don’t travel back to Indiana often. I might fly out once a year if I’m lucky and that is usually with a trip to my hometown, Gary, my main focus. Last month, I flew into Indiana with both Indianapolis and Gary being on my list to visit. Yes, I was going to have fun and catch up with family and friends, but I also wanted to make the effort to meet an online friend in person and grab a bite to eat. Up until that point, I’ve only been able to try Oya’s Trap Buttah via the bottle that I ordered online (which was BOMB). So yes, I was more than looking forward to trying a full meal.

On a brisk Friday afternoon, I grabbed my keys and cousins and headed across town to Chef Oya’s The Trap. Usually when I’m visiting a restaurant, I have an idea of what I’m looking to order, this time I showed up with seafood on the brain and that was about it. I ended up ordering the Loaded Salmon with Shrimp Tray, banana pudding and a bottle of Londo’s Watermelon Lemonade. My cousins ended up getting Lobster Tail, Crab Legs and lord knows what else. We were a busy bunch that day, lol.

I enjoyed my meal and will have to say that I have one regret. My only regret from the trip to Indianapolis was that I didn’t stay longer and give more meals on the menu a try. However, planes exist and I have a number of reasons to go again in the near future. Chef’s Oya The Trap will stay a “must visit” place for me for a few reasons:

• The platters are loaded with the flavor you can taste and see! I love the fact that you can select your Trap Buttah flavor ( I went with OG Garlic) and Bae seasoning to match whatever you’re in the mood for.

• There is something on the menu for everyone at this seafood restaurant. From shrimp, salmon to crab legs, you can go with the tray of your choice or opt for the protein of your choice.

• Trap isn’t some catchy phrase, it stands for: Towards Restoring food Access to the People and they are committed to collaborating with others in the area and supporting the community.

So if you are a seafood fan that is in the area or out of state and want to give the products a try, Chef Oya’s The Trap is worth it!

Bathe Brand

A few years ago, I started my journey with self-care. I didn’t start this because of my vision board or some inspiring article that I read. I started this journey out of necessity. Around that time, I experienced burnout. This was a bout of burnout that not only left me mentally exhausted, but physically in shambles as well. The journey of taking better care of myself since then has been full of ups, downs and winding roads.

You name it and I’ve probably tried it. From meditation, pilates, journaling, therapy to bodywork, I’ve dabbled in a number ‘self-care’ practices. My biggest takeaway and advice to others is to indulge in practices that replenish you and have a variety to pull from. For me that includes everything listed and long baths.

As a loud and proud water sign (Team Cancer), I’m all about a good bath to help me unwind and even process the events of the day. In order to make my baths as enjoyable as possible, I’ve invested in bath pillows, bath salts/soaks and bathing oils. With that being said, when I saw an ad for Bathe Brand on my social media, I had to see what they had to offer.

After doing a little digging on their website, I decided to give the Discovery Set a try. Not only was this a good buy, it was also an enjoyable way to get into the world of bathing oils. I plan on keeping a bottle of Bathe Brand oil on hand and here’s why:

• The Anointing Oil is fairly versatile in how you can use it. You can use it before a shower or bath. You can also use it as a face oil. Whatever your bathing ritual, you can find a way to incorporate it.

• The scent options are amazing. For me the scent combinations made selecting my favorite a challenging process. I do recommend giving the discovery set a try so you can sample the options before committing to a larger bottle. But if you already know what you want, go for that 8oz bottle.

• Yes, I love the ritual of bathing, however I have to note how amazing my skin feels after! This is important as winter is fast approaching and ashiness is a no-no! This will definitely be a major component of my skincare routine this winter.

So if you are looking for something to add to your self-care practice, bathing ritual or skin care regimen, I highly recommend giving the Bathe Brand a try.

Sunday II Sunday

I want to live in a world where I can have my cake and eat it too. Isn’t that the purpose of having the cake in the first place? To make it plain, I want to be able to maintain an active lifestyle while having great hair. Yes, I said it. I want to be able to have intense workouts and not sacrifice my twist out.

I have to admit, it’s been tricky to balance the two pursuits without resorting to a protective style. Somedays my hair would agree with every method that I presented it with and others was a complete struggle. On those days, I’d keep my hot mess hair to myself, and book an appointment with my stylist as soon as possible!

I came across Sunday II Sunday at the start of the pandemic while I was prepping for my boudoir photoshoot. With everything closed and my home workouts gaining momentum, I needed options for maintaining my hairstyles (yes, I did it myself) in between washes. I was not only excited, but relieved to finally find a brand that addressed a problem that I had for YEARS.

I ordered their Root Refresh spray and Soothe Me serum and have stuck with their products since and here’s why:

• Their products are specifically for an active lifestyle. Not only can you maintain your hairstyle, but you can also improve the health of your scalp in almost a month’s time.

• I’m a fan of their products primarily for their ingredients. The ingredients are formulated for textured hair and ensures that your hair and scalp are not only moisturized but also protected.

• I’ve gone back and forth from protective styles to my curly twist outs and they have products for both style types.

• Not only are their products available online, but you can also visit your local Ulta to pick up whatever you need or want to give a try.

So if you are both dedicated to your fitness routine and wonderful hair, it might be worth giving Sunday II Sunday a try!

Hustle Clean

Finding time to go to the gym while already juggling a ton of other responsibilities can seem daunting. In fact, it’s one of the top barriers to activity for a number of people. Sure we can feel inspired and go to the gym for a few days or weeks in a row, but that lovely thing called life can just as easily throw a monkey wrench into your health and fitness goals. With that being said, many of us have to get it in when and where we can fit it in.

Over the years, I’ve had to adapt my exercise routine to my schedule, son’s schedule and a host of other circumstances. Sometimes I’d have the luxury of exercising on a weekend morning and going straight home to shower and carry on with my day. Other times I’d have to do a “mini” workout before running errands. And no, I didn’t always have time to do a full, luxurious shower before leaving. Don’t judge me, I’m sure we’ve all been there.

Whenever faced with that dreadful scenario of having to fit in an exercise session in the middle of errands, I’d sacrifice the intensity of the exercise in order to not get too sweaty or smelly. I don’t know about you, but I hate having to do this. So whenever I come across tips or products that can ease the chaos of it all, I’m game!

I heard of Hustle Clean last year and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. During that time, gyms were opening up but the showers were still closed. If I was going straight home, I was good. But if I had to run an errand or two after it, I wasn’t the happiest camper. Hustle Clean either heard my cry or a lot of us have the same issue. I’d like to think its the latter.

I got a box of 10 to test and see how I responded to the brand. Well, let’s just say, I keep a pouch in my gym bag ‘just in case’ and here’s why:

• For one, I love the fact that the Body Wipes are individually wrapped. This allows me to keep my gym bag light and it’s easy to stash. I make sure I’m stocked on the body wipes with the same level of care that I give to my other gym necessities.

• In addition to the Body Wipes, Hustle Clean also have Face Wipes. An unscented 25 pack of Face Wipes are enough to last for a month for me. I use these wipes whether I’m in between errands or not.

• I have to take a minute to go back to the Body Wipes. These body wipes aren’t the flimsy wipes that you typically see. They are extra thick and they are large enough to cleanse the body. They also kill 99.99% of germs, dry quickly and soothe the skin. This the perfect way to freshen up after a workout.

• When it comes to a product of this level, the ease of access matters a lot to me. You can order Hustle Clean products from their website or Amazon. You can also pick them up at Walmart or Target.

• And what’s a great brand and product without a mission? Their sports scholarship program provides opportunities for underserved youth to play sports.

So yes, we all will eventually get to the shower after a great workout session, but for that ‘in between’ period, I recommend having a Hustle Clean wipe in hand.

Reel

I don’t know about you, but I never gave much thought to toilet paper or paper towels prior until March 2020. My life went from casually thinking “I should probably get some more toilet paper since I’m running low” to fighting the TP hoarders in every store I entered. From that point on, toilet paper was like currency and hand sanitizer was like liquid gold.

As the shelves began to fill with toilet paper again, I was happy to grab whatever I could get my hands on. Sometimes I lucked out on a brand that I was familiar with and sometimes I used a brand that I never heard of and hated every second of it. Since the massive shortage of TP, things are back to ‘normal’ on the paper goods aisles. However, with the shock of a global pandemic, I became more selective in my product choices.

I’m naturally someone who cares about recycling and shopping for sustainable products (before it became the buzzword). But after the start of the pandemic, I became more purposeful with how I spent my dollar. Not only did I want to support quality brands, but I also wanted to support businesses in general that gave to a greater cause.

I discovered Reel, during a casual shopping trip. I had a list but I also had time to see the sights and add more things to my cart than needed. On that day, TP was on my list. I initially reached for my go to store brand pack, but a beautifully crafted box caught my eye. I had no intentions on picking it up because it looked far too fancy for my needs, if we’re being fully honest here. But the name did sound very familiar. So I did what anyone else would do, pulled out my phone and did some research. Lord and behold, I was right on hearing of the brand before. I read a few articles on sustainable products and it was listed. I put my go to TP back and decided to try something new.

So why Reel? I have a few reasons why I grab a box when I can:

• Each roll is 100% bamboo and sustainable. Not only can we not worry about the trees in this matter (just in case your anxiety takes you there), but we can also have faith in an item that we use daily is sustainable.

• They give back and in a big way. For every roll purchased, they buy a single-use biodegradable toilet bag for someone in need in Africa. This allows those without access to indoor toilets to use the restroom safely and privately.

• This is honestly my first time using a brand of TP that was individually wrapped and I have to say, I kind of love it. It makes storage easier and aesthetically pleasing.

If you are looking to explore new products (they also have paper towel) or be more intentional with the brands that you support, you should give Reel a try. You can find Reel at your local Target or online.

Partake

In the world of parenthood there is the sacred time(s) of day in which your child will request a snack. Now the method in which they go about requesting said snack can vary. Some give you their most adorable face and googly eyes while others will scream at the top of their lungs until they are pleased (which isn’t going to happen in my house). Like any other kid, Isaac is all about snack life, but not all snacks are for him.

A few years ago, we discovered that Isaac had a peanut allergy. Not only has this led to us carrying around an EpiPen, but it also tacked on time to my grocery shopping trips. Now for the most part selecting nut-free options for Isaac is easy, but there is always that underlying concern of an item containing nuts or traces of nuts. Add that to reading the label to select snacks that I approve of nutrition wise and it can make my store run into an adventure.

In my search for the perfect nut free and nutrition ‘friendly’ sweet treat for Isaac, I came across Partake. I wish I could remember where I first heard of Partake, but I decided to give it a try once I found it at my local Target (yes I shop there a lot). I read the label, approved of the ingredients and opted for a few flavors. Now the true test came in waiting for Isaac’s reaction.

A few cookies in and a grin from Isaac, Partake made it’s way as a go to snack. Here’s why:

• Any product that can calm my nerves and make shopping a breeze is a winner in my book. With it being free of the Top 8 allergens, I’m confident when recommending it to others and him bringing treats to school.

• It passed the taste test with kid who holds nothing back in the world of critiques. He loved both the crunchy cookies and soft backed options.

• Not only is this product a winner with his palate, but the nutrition label isn’t looking too shabby either. Compared to most cookies out there, the nutrient content is far better. Give it a read for yourself.

So if you are in search of a new snack for you little one (or yourself) that is both yummy and on the healthier side, give Partake a try.

BLK & BOLD

For those of you who have been following me for the past few years know that I’m a big coffee drinker, hence the other posts about coffee. I’ve calmed down a bit on the amount that I drink each day (down to just one cup), but I do indulge almost daily. Sure, I appreciate the caffeine, but I’m also a fan of the aroma, taste and ritual of my morning cup of coffee.

With that being said, I’m not entirely “picky” on how I take my coffee as long as the quality is good. I can skip the French press and other fancy methods, as long as momma gets her coffee.

Haha, yes I was sipping coffee as I was taking pictures.

I’ll be the first to admit that I drink a variety of coffee roasts and brands. However, I won’t necessary write about them unless they stand out from the crowd. Yes, BLK & Bold is a specialty coffee with a cause, but they are also coffee brand that sticks to my brain for a few reasons.

A few years ago, an old classmate of mine from college (University of Northern Iowa) reached out to me asking if I’d try a few samples of coffee from their new company, BLK & Bold. At that time I was food blogger fully invested in my craft and very active in all things Flavor & Soul. However, in that same moment, I was entering one of the most challenging periods of my life and biggest lulls in my blogging altogether.

I remember wanting with all my might to test the coffee, invest in the photography and craft the perfect post, but it didn’t go as planned. I sampled the coffee and loved every drop of it. I took some photos and crafted a simple post for social media. This wasn’t my finest blogging moment, nor did it do the coffee any justice.

Fast forward to today, lets just say things have changed all around. For one, they are a much larger company with brand spanking new packaging and collaborations. I can even access it at my local Target. On my end, I’ve settled down, created space to tap into my blog again and have ample time to give a solid review.

BLK & Bold has been my go to coffee for well over a year now and here’s why:

• The coffee actually tastes good. I’m usually a gal that sticks to her dark roast coffees due to the bold flavor. But with this brand, I can honestly say that I’ve enjoyed each variety. I’m currently a fan of the Rise & Grind not only because of it’s catchy name but also because of the notes of caramel and lemon and the smooth finish.

• I love options because the way my life is set up…….I need them. You can purchase their coffee however you desire, whole beans, ground or steeped. I typically ground my coffee when my life is together and I have time. I grab the steeped coffee if I’m literally running out of the door. Either way, I have my coffee in hand.

• Yes, they make coffee, but don’t sleep on the loose leaf tea. I love tea just as much as I love coffee and I’m sure we all know that one person that only drinks tea. The variety of teas that they have available are amazing and worth giving a try.

• They are a brand that gives back and is bold enough to place it on every package. Not only are they passionate about the coffee that they produce, they are also passionate about the next generation. 5% of all profits go to initiatives across the country to assist disadvantage youth.

• The Ben & Jerry’s ice cream collaboration is BOMB. That’s all I can say about that here. If you find it, buy it and give it a go.

BLK & Bold is a coffee brand that gives you both quality and purpose in every sip. So, the next time you find yourself needed to reup on your coffee, move past your normal go to and give BLK & Bold a try. Who knows, you might become a new fan.

Movita

At the tender age of 7, one of the highlights of my mornings was munching my Flintstone vitamins after my cereal. I can’t be the only kid that enjoyed that. Right? After my flavored chewable vitamin phase, I graduated to my “big girl” multivitamin that was sort of like a horse pill. I felt adult enough to move on to pills but dreaded the awkward “did I drink enough water” phase of getting the sucker down.

I wish I could say that my diet was perfect and there was no need for a vitamin, but that’s not the case. I need to cover my bases. Over the years, I’ve tried a number of vitamins (and other supplements) some great, some not so great and others downright trash. Who knew finding a solid vitamin would be such a trial and error experience?! I eventually settled on one for a few years but eventually found Movita while window shopping on BLK + GRN.

It’s been a few years since I’ve given Movita a try and well let’s just say, I have a subscription and haven’t looked back since. Here’s why:

• I know this is going to sound simple, but I greatly appreciate a vitamin that I can take on an empty stomach and they are easy to get down (no horse pill vibes haha). This prompts me to start my day with a glass of water and my Movita Multivitamin and Beauty Supplement. The first step in incorporating vitamins into your routine is actually taking them!

• Besides ease, quality is big for me when selecting dietary supplements. Not all brands are created equal. I learned that from experience and my days in working in a vitamin store myself. With that being said the quality of this product and ingredients intrigued me to give it a try and eventually fall in love with it. Did I mention that this is an organic, vegan and a whole-food supplement?

• I actually FEEL a difference when I take these on a regular basis (I go through rough patches…..I’m human). When my life is in order (aka my pill case is organized), I feel the natural boost in my energy levels.

• For everything that is offered in this product convenience and quality, the cost and subscription for this is a super win!

Now before I make any final recommendations, I’m one for safety first. Please have a chat with your doctor first, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or allergies before trying any new supplements. Once you have the green light, I recommend giving it a try.

8 Myles

When my son was a baby, I wanted to be the type of mom that would make all of his baby food from scratch and only buy organic. Well let’s just say that idea lasted only for a hot second. I learned fairly quickly that I needed to be practical and do what made sense for us and not to worry about being ‘Pinterest Perfect’. As my baby grew into a toddler and now a full fledged 8 year old boy, I’ve been able to provide him with healthy meals while still maintaining my sanity.

Yes, I do cook, hence the food blog origin of this very blog, but sometimes, life gets in the way and having a backup plan can be a big help. With that being said my trips to the supermarket go a little something like this: fresh produce, ingredients for meal prep, snacks for on the go and frozen meals for when s**t hits the fan.

Like any other kid, Isaac is a Mac & Cheese fan. I don’t blame him, it’s one of my favorite comfort foods and side dishes for holiday meals (along with greens and sweet potatoes). Over the years, we’ve found a few brands that we’ve enjoyed but once I discovered 8 Myles in the frozen aisle at my local Mom’s Organic a few years ago, its been our go to ever since.

Now in the case of this discovery and random purchase, I made a key mistake in throwing away the box and forgetting the name (or at least remembering something other than the correct name- insert face palm ). It also didn’t help that I couldn’t find it at the same store again for a while. So when I saw an ad for it on my social media and later discovered it fully stocked in my local Target, my kid and I were beyond excited.

8 Myles is a winner with Isaac and I for a few reasons:

• I feel confident in the ingredients used in this product from a healthy standpoint. It has fewer calories and sodium compared to other popular frozen mac and cheese products. It also has 14-16g of protein and made of whole grain elbow pasta.

• When trying to satisfy a kid and especially my kid, taste matters. My son enjoys the flavor and texture of each variety for this brand. As a buffalo fan in general, the buffalo mac and cheese is his favorite. He also loved the fact that it was “creamy and not mushy” (a direct quote from my little guy).

• When I first discovered this brand a few years ago, it wasn’t the easiest to find. I’d like to say now that I can go to my local Target (5 min away) or Whole Foods to grab one or a few at a time. 8 Myles is also available a number of stores in the area. The ease of finding this item keeps me and more importantly my son’s tummy happy.

So to all of my Mac & Cheese fans or parents, if you see 8 Myles in the frozen aisle at your local market, grab one or a few and give it a try. I’m confident you’ll enjoy it.

Golde

For those of you who have been following me for a while or have the luxury of knowing me in real life (lol), know that I’m in the health and fitness field. Yes, I’m in the health and fitness field and enjoy beer, steak, sweets and all that jazz. The key to it all is BALANCE. Well that’s the key for me at least.

In my humble opinion, leading a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be boring, full of sacrifice and sadness (let’s be real about the sad Facebook posts we make about those diet plans lol). From the foods that I cook, products that I buy and eateries that I visit, I love variety. My love for variety, black owned businesses and general curiosity led me to spending an evening on BLK + GRN (which will have their own dedicated post later) in 2018 looking for new products to try.

On that evening, that I remember for some reason (but can’t remember where I left my keys), I discovered Golde.

Now before I talk about the product and how it’s impacted me, I need to pause briefly to praise whoever was responsible for this packaging. The packaging alone grabbed my attention but was also inviting enough for me to want to learn more about the product. So a massive round of applause is owed for that alone.

But beyond the beautifully crafted packaging, is GOLD or GOLDE. If you are new to the world of turmeric lattes, don’t fret because I’m pretty certain that GOLDE is a great place to start. I started with their original blend and eventually ventured over to the matcha and cacao blends. Not only were they amazing (with some coconut milk), but I also noticed a difference overtime. My skin cleared up while drinking it daily (yay adult acne) along with my joint pain(#teambackandkneepain).

After a few months of living my best and most beautiful life, Golde became a staple item in my pantry. When more products were released online and at my local Target, I had to try them all. So let’s do a little review.

• Golde-Original Turmeric Superfood Latte Blend: What I love the most about this product is its versatility. I can mix this with hot water or coconut milk and anything else that sparks my interest. Although, I love to make a Golden Latte with this product, I do occasionally add it to smoothies.

• Golde Shroom Shield: Whenever I’m not drinking the latte blends, I’m drinking Shroom Shield as my midday “hot” beverage. I’ve blended it with coconut milk to make the fanciest “Hot Chocolate” ever and I’ve also added to my smoothies. Either way it is a great blend and tastes amazing.

• Golde Coconut Collagen Boost: I’ll be honest and note that I use this the most as of late. I add a scoop of this to my morning coffee to replace my creamer. This creamy coconut flavor is a joy with coffee. Not only is it beneficial, but it also tastes amazing. I’ve had other collagen products and either the consistency was off or the aftertaste ruined the drink. I experienced neither with this.

• Golde- Ades: For one, I love the fact that they are packed by the serving. It’s great if you are on the go or traveling. Also, I love the fact that it dissolves easily and doesn’t have to be blended in or stirred to avoid clumps. I enjoyed the taste of each ade. The taste is fresh and lacks the yucky after taste that you will get from most dietary supplements. My personal favorite is the Skin Hydration Ade.

So if you have read this entire blog post without exploring the site for yourself, ran to Target or placed an order by now, I’m going to need you to promptly log off and get to it! It’s worth it, trust me.

McBride Sisters Collection

Okay folks, full disclaimer, I’m no sommelier…but I’ve graduated a few notches from my super sweet wine drinking days in college (no shade to those who still indulge). Now that we have that out of the way..this busy momma loves to pour a good glass of wine after a long day or maybe just anytime during these wild and crazy pandemic times. Although COVID is giving real…”This is the song that never ends” energy, but that’s another post for another day.

In my journey of discovering more black owned food and beverage businesses over the years, I came across the McBride Sisters and did what any other busy, responsible, super forgetful adult did… SCREENSHOT the heck out of their page and followed them on good ol Instagram to keep them in mind.

Well…that screenshot and snooping on their social media account situation went on for a lot longer than I’m proud to admit. It does take me a while to jump on things these days. Anywho, I was over just simply hearting their posts and decided to finally grab a bottle (or two) and give them a try. So let’s chat about a some wine, shall we?

Black Girl Magic-Red Blend: 13.5%- I truly enjoy a dry red wine and this red blend did not disappoint. With notes of mocha, cherry and dark berries, this wine pairs great with steak dinner, chocolate, Olivia Pope sized bowl of popcorn or whatever you want.

Black Girl Magic Bubbly Red: 12.5%- Compared to the red blend, this wine is slightly sweeter. So if you are transitioning from super sweet red wines to dryer wines, this is a good place to start. Also, the bubbly aspect of this wine brings fun to the experience. With the wonderful scents and notes of cherries, blackberries and violet, I’d grab a few of things and bring to any ladies movie night event.

She Can- Fresh White: 12.5%-I’ve had the joy of testing all of the She Can wines (that my local liquor store had to offer) and I have to admit that the Fresh White was my favorite. However, they all have a few things in common. For one, it is slightly sweet but the notes of pear and floral aroma makes it a true delight. I will say this wine makes me think of spring and summer instead of the season we’re in, but I do what I want and will drink it anyway.

Sparkling Brut Rose: 12.5%- I think I’m going to make this my NYE drink of choice, so let’s just say I have 2 bottles. Heck, I might have to get another one for brunch, because why not? This sparkling wine has aromas of cherry and strawberry and floral notes. Not too dry and not too sweet. It’s a well balanced Brut Rose.

If you are a wine drinker, supporter of black owned business and possibly a wine bottle collector (I’m keeping this Black Girl Magic bottle and filling it with lights for a little decor razzle dazzle) McBride Sisters is worth adding to your collection (cellar, pantry……wherever you keep it in your home).

Dogfish Head

Well hello there! Happy New Year (if we’re still doing that, lol). Ok, before I even BEGIN to start this post, I know that I have a LOT of explaining to do. Yes, I skipped a year of blogging, but I do have a solid excuse and good story (well depends on how you spin it). So most of us like to enjoy a nice (alcoholic) beverage after a long, stressful day at work. Yes, WORK! That’s my excuse. In 2017, I landed a new job and although very demanding it was an opportunity that I absolutely couldn’t walk away from. I walked into a new job and temporarily from my precious blog. Now that you are up to speed and oh so sympathetic to my new demanding lifestyle, let’s move on to more important things…….beer.

I’m pretty sure that I’m not the only one who thought 2018 went by rather quickly. Although swift, last year came with pretty significant moments for me as a foodie. Prior to 2018, I was NOT a beer fan in the slightest. I was pretty sure that beer was the absolute WORST drink out there and that those who consumed it were only braving its horrendous taste to look cool. Now keep in mind I developed this lousy thesis based on my college experiences with cheap, low-budget beer.

I will have to say that in less than a year I went from gagging at the thought of a cold brew to being a slightly obsessed fan of the oh so beloved beverage. So what brought on the transformation? Peer pressure. I’m not one to back down from a challenge and after reconnecting with an old friend who thought I would back down, I took on the challenge of adapting my taste buds head on.

Walking into my local Total Wine & More with a pep in my step and a bit of determination, I grabbed the nearest clerk (because as a rookie I needed all the help I could get) and my first bottle of craft beer. The clerk placed a bottle of beer by Dogfish Head in my hand and said that would be a good place for me to start. My new found love of all things beer started with a bottle of Midas Touch. Although I am now deeper into my journey of exploring beer, I had to craft a love letter to Dogfish Head.

I won’t pretend to talk like a craft beer snob or know-it-all, because I’m not. I’m still new to this whole beer world and now that I’ve experienced a wider variety of beer, my appreciation for this brewery has only grown. To be as to the point as I can (in an already long post)…they rock! They take risks, dare to be different and will blow your mind. The level of genius and creativity that they put into each variety is absolutely astonishing. As an advocate and fan of all things FLAVOR, they definitely hit all of the points and have won me over. If you are a lover of beer, bored of the same old variety, I strongly recommend you check out what’s new at Dogfish Head!

So cheers to the New Year and go grab a beer!

You’re Welcome!

Food.Love.Tog.

As a fan and lover of all things full of Flavor and made from the Soul, it was only a matter of time before I would come across the amazing FoodLoveTog. Thanks to the world of social media and blogging groups, I linked up with Candace (the mastermind behind FoodLoveTog) who just so happened to have quite a few things in common with me. Just to name a few:

• Also an Indiana native
• Produces amazing recipes and blog posts
• Passionate about food access and security
• Mother and wife
• A creative spirit (as you can see I think highly of myself, lol)
• Lover of food and most importantly FLAVORFUL food

Awesome, right? Sounds like the best pen pal, blogging relationship ever right? Yes, BUT there was one thing that took it to the next level.........her custom spices. Yes, on top of everything she does, she also creates her own spice blends and they are beyond amazing.

Visit her site to see (order and then taste) the full line:

• Signature House Seasoning/Salt Free Signature House Seasoning
• Spicy Cayenne Signature Seasoning/Salt Free Spicy Cayenne
• Garlic Goodness Signature Seasoning
• YoungBae Signature Seasoning
• LemonPeppa Signature Seasoning

Once you try it, you'll never look back.

You're Welcome!

Flavor & Soul Christmas Giveaway

It's the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEARRRRRRRRR!! As you can tell, I am BEYOND excited for both this holiday season and FIRST EVER Flavor and Soul Christmas Giveaway. As a firm believer of the concept 'Sharing is Caring', I've decided to share a few of the amazing brands that I've come across with you.

So who are the Fab Five for this year's giveaway?

*You will get to learn about each company throughout the entire giveaway. *

• Woot Granola
• FoodLoveTog
• Tomahawk Design Co.
• Open Eyes Press
• Wight Tea Co.

[12/15/16 12AM EST - 12/19/16 11:59PM EST]

THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

How?

1. Subscribe to the blog! (Let's take our relationship to the next level)

2. Visit the Facebook Page

*Good Luck*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hatchery

As a person who thoroughly enjoys cooking and creating new dishes (or adding interesting twists to common meals) I HAVE to get my hands on unique, small batch ingredients. I usually turn to local brands and specialty stores to find that NEXT great ingredient that will bring my dish to life. But my local Whole Foods can only carry so much. After realizing that there were a NUMBER of small businesses around the country that specialized in artisan ingredients that I was not able to access, I turned to the almighty power of Google to find solutions.

After a brief search, I came across Hatchery. I guess that I was not the first person to face this issue and they perfectly mastered the solution. If you are a home cook looking to add new and exciting ingredients to your dishes? Hatchery is for you!

Now I will let you visit their website for the official run down on how it works, but here are 3 quick reasons why they changed the cooking game for me:

1. The Monthly Tasting Box. With a subscription you will receive a box of samples from various small batch food companies from all over the country. In the box you get information on the makers and recipes to get you started.

2. The Marketplace. Find a product/brand that you absolutely love? You can purchase standard sized products directly from the site.

3. Quality/Variety........without even leaving your house. I've been able to get my hands on products that I would never be able to find here in Baltimore. From hot sauce to honey, I've been able to be more creative with my dishes both new and old.

If you are tired of using the same old boring ingredients, visit Hatchery today and take your cooking to the next level. You won't regret it!

You're Welcome!