Hey Y'all,
Here we are at week 5, where I get to talk about all the shit I buy lol. For me, shopping can be therapeutic. Somewhat of a distraction from the rest of the world while you're either at the mall or my personal favorite, shopping online. Typically I shop online opposed to going into the store. I don't like to talk to people while I spend my money so it's more relaxing for me. Spending money just makes me feel better and calms my nerves in general, it doesn't really matter what I buy. A trait the my Mother says I picked up from my Dad. But give me a top and bottom and my day is complete.
It's such a fulfilling joy to buy yourself the things you want.
Here are a few purchases that I have made from a few black owned businesses. I have also included some additional items that I have purchased from other businesses for self-care needs just because they fit into the series. Enjoy!
Modern Behavior Boutique-
Just as Quarantine was ending, Modern Behavior Boutique started to get some new flava. As I started to prepare for traveling and summer fun I started to visit them more frequently. In August I had the pleasure of participating in the launch of their “The Black Affair” Collection. With the collaboration of some amazing friends, they were able to pull off an intimate all black affair, which showcased all of the owner’s friends in her new collection. The event was blessed by some personal sentiments which completed the love and collaboration that brought everyone together.
Here are just a few of the purchases that I have made since the summer. What I like about Modern Behavior is how AFFORDABLE their clothes are and how versatile some of the looks can be. For me I am pretty simple and like to just throw on some sandals or some sneakers with everything. BUT, I like the option to be able to dress my looks up sometimes. With majority of the looks that they sell, you can dress the looks up or down. This gives a variety of styling options to give a little more, yet still be within a budget if you pull items from your existing wardrobe. The clothing is of good value and can be washed and worn multiple times. So you get your monies worth. I am wearing a medium in 95% of the pictures below. I have included my measurements to assist readers in finding their size.
My Measurements:
Height: 5'3" Weight: 140 lbs
Bust: 34DD
Waist: 29"
Hips: 42"
Modern Behavior is special to me as it is owned by my dear friend Brittany. It has given me great joy to see her work hard at building her brand, establishing a steady clientele and working her way into her own boutique location. The boutique is located in Brooklyn Center, MN. See below for more information about this location.
The Glamourpuss-
Back in July I purchased a Glamorous Soulmate Frosting Body Butter Bundle (Say that 5 times fast lol) from The Glamourpuss. What attracted me to this company was the branding and marketing put into the launch. First of all, everything is cute and pretty in pink. All of the packaging is consistent in design and well executed. With this being a bundle, there are so decent sizes given for all of the products, which I thought was a good value. I was excited to get this bundle because of all the goodies that came in it. Here's everything that I received:
- Booty Scrub
- Body Butter Frosting
- Pineapple Coconut Kitty Scrub
- Watermelon Jelly Vagacial
- Under Arm/Bikini Detox Mask
- Pussy Power, Boric Acid Suppository
- Lip Mask
- Exfoliating Gloves
To date I have tried all of the products accept the Lip Mask and Underarm Detox Mask. My favorites are the Body Butter Frosting, Booty Scrub, and Pineapple Coconut Kitty Scrub.
The body butter is a whipped Shea Butter. With this, a little goes a long way with moisturizing your body. Not to mention, it smells like cake. The coconut kitty scrub was great for getting back into my bikini waxes post quarantine. It helps with the prevention of ingrown hairs, which we all know can be a B**ch. I use it with the exfoliating gloves which works really well.
Now this booty scrub is a lingerie wearers dream. It makes your skin feel sooo silky soft, almost like a new layer. In addition to using it on my booty, I like to use it on my legs as well. Especially after a fresh shave.
Another one of my favs is Pussy Power. Pussy Power = Boric Acid Suppositories. Now if you don’t know, there are many benefits to using Boric Acid Suppositories. Boric Acid promotes vaginal health by balancing the pH Balance of the Vagina. Ultimately, leaving you with a tighter, wetter vagina. Additionally, you'll feel Clean, smell natural and fresh.
Baby listen, just think WAP!!
PERIOD!!
Please click here to read some information that I found online about boric acid suppositories for educational purposes, for those that have never used it.
**I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you have questions or concerns, you should consult your Doctor (I recommend speaking with a Nurse Midwife) PRIOR to using this product.**
The Glamourpuss products are quality products and are definitely worth their value. I look forward to making another purchase soon, since I’m out of my Body Butter. Although this bundle is no longer available on the site, you can still purchase the products individually.
This fall I also purchased the Cater 2 U Box for my man. This bundle is still available for purchase on the website. Here is what all I received:
- African King Body Wash
- Sandalwood Body Butter
- Charcoal Scrub
- Glamouruss Beard Oil
- Big Daddy Luxury Candle
Luv Ummi-
The first thing that comes to mind when I hear Luv Ummi is RESULTS. A lot of these hair companies swear their products work but you never really SEE the results. Luv Ummi DELIVERS. The first picture below was taken in January 2020 just after receiving a haircut. I had my hair cut to my ears to remove a bad coloring job that I got bored and did myself back in 2018.
Strengthening Hair Rinse- This product smells refreshing and makes your scalp tingle. I use this product after washing my hair. I go through my entire head and spray the rinse on my scalp. Then I work the products down the hair shaft to make sure all of the curls are covered. I next I put a plastic cap on and let it sit for 15-20 mins as directed. I then rinse it out once the time has passed.
Next, I use Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque. I leave the masque on for 20 mins, with a cap on and sit under a hooded dryer. This acts as a deep conditioner. Next I rinse my hair and style as desired. If I'm doing this process on my hair, I will most likely stay natural for at least a week. I usually twist my hair for a twist out at this point.
Finally, I use the Stimulating Growth Oil to grease scalp in between my twist and to assist with taking down my twist the next day.
This oil is the truth. It smells of Tea Tree oil and has a nice consistency. A little goes a long way with this oil so, you don't need much. I use this product about 3 times a week.
The second picture was taken in June, just after a fresh wash and go.
The third picture was taken November 3rd, and my hairs still growing. It can now fit into a top knot bun. Unfortunately, I don't have a good picture to showcase the length BUT, get into the definition of my curls. If you're looking to grow stronger, longer, healthier, defined hair, You better get you some Luv Ummi. Either that or stay baldheaded. But Don't say I didn't put you on LOL.
Books-
To know me, is to know that I am a reader. I mostly read story type books or hood books, Street Literature. The older I get my interest in those things have declined and I find myself reading more intellectual books. I picked these books up from Tao Natural Foods last month. If you aren't familiar with the location, look them up. They have healthy food and a very nice wellness store attached.
These books have helped me with maintaining my balance and remaining true to myself. I think often times the world can have a negative effect on how we move or treat people. These books remind me to Be Kind and to Be here. I don't want to give away too much, but rather give you the parts that pulled me in.
"In the wide ranging discussion, the Dalai Lama talks about the nature of emptiness, compassion, and attachment -all toward the goal of telling us : "Be Here". When we are here, we can practice compassion in the present moment and focus on social justice now. When we are here, we are no longer attached to our past, no longer stressed about the future, no longer tethered to suffering. Being here means we find happiness, peace, and the fullness of life. "
"Whether we call it goodwill, affection care, concern or gentleness, the act of kindness has its roots in- and grows from -compassion. His holiness the Dalai Lama shares with us in this volume of his teaching on compassion. He presents a path of giving and receiving and shows us a practical way of directing love and kindness. In this little book, the Dalai Lama tells us, "Be Kind". Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
These books are great for someone that practicing yoga, meditation and mindfulness. They're really all the same thing but, y'all get it.
Bath & Body Works-
Candles- Palo Santo and Vanilla Sage.
I love these scents for times when I want to calm down and focus my energy. Combined with some guided meditation, a singing bowl and some crystals.... These candles are definitely my go to when needing calm down, focus and balance my energy.
All of their candles are on sale right now, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE. Be sure to stock up. These make great Secret Santa gifts.
Universal Hustle Apparel-
This hoodie came to me all the way from Atlanta. Universal Hustle Apparel is a new Clothing Line based in Atlanta, GA. These hoodies are just the first of what they have to come, so stay tuned. I just purchased and received this hoodie this week so I don't have a picture in it yet, but you'll see me in more of their items in the near future.
Journals and Planners-
I love to have a good journal or planner around to jot down ideas and thoughts that come to mind. I carry these with me almost daily for those spur of the moment ideas that come to me randomly or to plan out an idea and the way I want it executed. I have learned that if "you fail to plan, you plan to fail" so this helps keep me organized.
- I use the purple planner to assign deadlines to the things that I need to do for my businesses, as well as make task list.
- I use the pink one to journal before and after my meditation. This is great for dealing with your sh*t. I find that somethings are easier to overcome when you write about it, Meditate, then write about it post meditation. The post mediation writing acts as a release for me to decide what's next. Which usually ends it a "f*ck him", "f*ck this", "f*ck that shit". LOL sometimes after I ponder and ponder on something for a while, meditation brings forth the realization that the person/situation/issue just doesn't serve me and doesn't serve my spirit to deal with it. I think often times I get caught up on how I think I should feel, versus how I actually feel. By putting it into writing, I'm able to look at it, think on it, then resolve.
Idk if this is how meditation and journaling is supposed to work, but it works for me. Once I attach f*ck to anything, I HAVE COME TO TERMS WITH THE SITUATION AND CAN LET GO AND LET GOD.
Doing this blog was a lot of fun. I like talking about the things I like. If this blog does well I will make this a monthly thing where I buy BLACK AND PROMOTE BLACK. I enjoy all of the products mentioned and I hope that when you try them, you have the same experience, if not better. Come back and tell me about it.
Before you go,
I want to also take some time to point out that I purchased MANY products from black owned businesses for this blog HOWEVER, many of those items did not make this blog because of lack of branding, lack of website, or lack of presentation, or arrived damaged. I encourage everyone starting a business to take your time. Get a journal, jot down some ideas and PLAN. PLAN PLAN PLAN!!
Beyoncé once said "If I can think it, it can happen".
If you can think it baby, make that sh*t happen. Think about exactly what you want your brand to look like and plan the execution. IT CAN HAPPEN. IT WILL HAPPEN. TAKE YOUR TIME!! Selling something half assed can only get you so far. And the extra effort will pay off in the long run and guarantee the return of your customers. Additionally, include business cards, flyers, etc. to remind your buyers where they purchased from. I did buy some good stuff but there were no cards for me to provide a link. Unfortunately, I did not have time to figure it out. RESPECTFULLY.
I'll talk to y'all later. Thanks for reading....
As always, you can find purchasing information for each business below.
Question: What are some of your favorite purchases that you have made in the last few months?
P.S. I VOTED BIDEN !!!
Modern Behavior Boutique-
Owned by Brittany Jackson
763-343-2700
3260 County Rd. 10 Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
Website: www.modernbhaviorboutique.com
Instagram: Modern_Behavior_Boutique
The Glamourpuss
Owned by Chistina Quinn
Website: www.TheGlamourpusscollection.com
Instagram: TheGlamourpuss
Luv Ummi
Owned by Tiara Durant
Website: www.luvummi.com
Instagram: _luvummi_
Universal Hustle Apparel
Owned by Trysa Jackson
Based in Atlanta, GA
Instagram: Universal_hustleapparel
Have Recommendations for companies that I should add to this series?
Comment below places and things that I should try, that will pair well with the Self Care list. Click here to see the self care list: 10 Ways to Self Care with K. Cole
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Contact us by email info@kcolextensions.com
**No Skin care or waxing lines please. Respectfully. I have found what works for me.**
(If you have been personally contacted about your Business being featured in this blog, please do not email me. I have already purchased your product/service for the discussed feature.)
Disclaimer: IF YOU REQUEST TO BE FEATURED, ALL ITEMS AND OR SERVICES MUST BE GIVEN FOR FREE. I have already purchased products/services/classes for these blogs. HOWEVER, the more the merrier. These blogs will be used as a platform to give good reviews on good products/services from Black Owned Businesses and Small Businesses. All blogs will be shared across social media to spread the love of the good experiences.
*FEATURES ARE LIMITED*
Disclaimer: While this is what works for me, I cannot guarantee that any of this will work personally for any individual. Please use caution when trying any new recommendations. K. Cole Xtensions, K. Cole Swimwear and Jamecia Smith have NO affiliation with any of the companies or individuals mentioned in this blog. This blog is not in collaboration with any of the mentioned businesses, but a review of PAID services rendered.
1 comment
I really enjoy reading your blogs they are to the point and so informative. Keep up the good work boo;)